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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. November//December 2013
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nov // dec 2013 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com
from the editor
Advertising Sales Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com
“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”
Graphic Designer
“Yes, Avery?”
Taylor West
“Hi.”
taylor@owensboroparent.com
“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”
Distribution Manager
“Yes, Avery?”
Steven Morris
“Banana.”
Contributors
“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”
Dr. Brian Gannon
“Yes, Avery?”
Gail E. Kirkland
“Toes.” Being a parent can require so much of us. We don’t always get it right, but we try our best every day. And I love that this magazine can bring us all together. We all share a common goal: to successfully raise healthy, well-behaved, faithful, smart, thriving children. Parenting can be overwhelming at times… downright exhausting at other times. But, as I have said many times, we are in this together. Avery was born the second month we published this magazine, so I have truly taken your advice from the time I became a mom. For Thanksgiving, we borrowed an idea from ParentTalk to create a special tradition of our own. So when she was a baby, just shy of three months old, I painted Avery’s little hand and smushed it on a crisp, new tablecloth. Much to their confusion, I made our whole family do the same, adding adult-sized hands to surround Avery’s tiny imprint. Now, for our family, Thanksgiving is a little more special when we pull out our handprint tablecloth and place it on the dinner table. Although it only has two years of handprints on it, we see the empty space remaining on the cloth and look forward to filling it with memories to come. If I may, can I now offer you some advice? Relax this holiday season. Your house does not need to be perfectly decorated with Pinterest projects. You can have a restaurant cook the turkey this year. And so what if you don’t get all of your Christmas shopping done early like you promised yourself? Choose your family and making memories over to do lists and perfection. The holidays are meant to be about those you love. Happy Holidays from Owensboro Parent!
Christina Dalton Elaine Martin Danny May Jaime Rafferty Melody Wallace Lora Wimsatt Printing Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky Contact Information 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 Photo Captured Moments Photography Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Parent is available by visiting owensboroparent.com/subscribe Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.
Thank you, If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work
Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com
to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro.
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november // december FAMILY LIFE
no matter what [06] halfway around the world [08] beautiful chaos [10] DISCOVE R
parental control [14] beyond the checkup [16]
CO MMU N I T Y
[24] one sweet girl
[24]
[26] love wins [30] facebook photos [32] our faves [34] kids eat free list [36] calendar
[06]
christmas letters [22]
[26] [08]
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[10] [32]
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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family life
they go together
no matter what
{ by: lora wimsatt }
P
apaw spends hours – and way too much money – arranging
the turkey, who has time to shop and thaw a turkey and toast bread
haybales, corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds on the front lawn.
and run to the store at the last minute for eggs, and no sooner do
Never mind that for years, he has ridiculed those displays
you get back from that madhouse than you realize you are also out
while driving down the neighborhood streets. This year, he has a
of sage.
granddaughter who likes autumn decorations. You know he really
would do anything for “his little princess” when he stuffs his
any attention because there’s not a store-bought turkey in the world
favorite pair of jeans (the old ones with the frayed hem, patched
that can make up for the pride and joy you see on her face when
knee and ripped pocket) with wadded-up newspapers to make a
everyone oohs and ahhs as the turkey is carried in (on that ivory
scarecrow to complete the presentation.
Papaw also drives to the store to buy trick-or-
treat candy, something he never gave a thought to doing in all the years gone by, but this year, his little granddaughter is coming to his house dressed as a puppy or a gerbil or, well, he’s not really sure what she’s supposed to be, but she’s a cute one.
From Halloween, it’s a fast ride to Thanksgiving.
That’s when we see Granma rummaging around the attic, basement and/or storage building in the back
But she makes these same threats every year and nobody pays
The house gets smaller and smaller every year, just as the family gets bigger and bigger
platter with gold trim) and it is pronounced, year after year, as the biggest, prettiest, most perfect turkey there ever was. The house gets smaller and smaller every year, just as the family gets bigger and bigger, and if nobody remembers your niece’s boyfriend’s name, that’s okay because he hasn’t taken his eyes off his iPhone screen since he got here. No sooner does the echo of “Amen” fade away but it’s off to the races – reindeer or otherwise –
yard to find the salt and pepper shakers that look like
toward Christmas.
the pilgrim boy and the pilgrim girl; the placemats
If the grocery store was a zoo on the day before
shaped like autumn leaves; and the giant turkey platter, ivory with
Thanksgiving, that’s nothing compared to south Frederica and
gold trim around the edges that matches nothing, but it’s, well, it’s
Highway 54 on the day after.
the turkey platter, and Granma has always used it, and her mother
before her, and her mother before her.
to maximize success with the early bird specials and is barking
Mom is in the kitchen fussing over the turkey and the dressing,
assignments like a drill sergeant to privates: Who goes for the
and she says again that next year she’s going to let Old Hickory do
flatscreen TV, who makes a beeline for the GPS, who grabs the
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Your sister-in-law has mapped out a plan of attack designed
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Kindle and who nabs the PS4. Your suggestion of starting the day with breakfast is met with hoots of hilarity, although your aunt is merciful enough to suggest bringing a thermos filled with coffee. Strong coffee.
There’s also significant negotiation required in planning who
will be where and when on Christmas morning. Now that there are grandchildren, there are two sets of grandparents eager to see the little ones open their stockings first thing … but although you believe in Christmas miracles, there is only one dawn even on this magical day.
Compromise wins the day, with stockings at one house and
dinner at the other, but diplomacy is still required to maintain the appropriate holiday spirit.
Even though Aunt Mittie and Aunt Emily aren’t speaking to
one another (again), they are both invited and they will both come, and it’s a simple matter of putting them at opposite ends of the table and being sure to rave equally over Mittie’s seven-bean salad and Em’s chocolate chess pie.
Because these are the holidays … this is family … and they go
together, no matter what.
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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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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family life
christmas halfway around the world { by: gail e. kirkland }
P
arents are accustomed to going the extra mile for their children. The Lee family is taking that to a whole new level—and a whole new country. Daughter Kaitlyn, 22, is teaching English in Bulgaria as a Fulbright Fellow and will be in Vidin, Bulgaria, for 10 months as part of her commission. That time frame encompasses Christmas, a time when the Lee family (mom Joetta, dad Denny, Kaitlyn and brother Colin) have always been together. Yet, the Lees have never travelled beyond the United States . . . until now. “I am so excited, so excited! All of the other ETAs, the teaching assistants, here think it’s really cool that my parents are going to travel—for the very first time—to Bulgaria,” Kaitlyn said with
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an immeasurable amount of enthusiasm. Having been abroad since early August, Kaitlyn was tuning in to the family interview via Skype, offering her perspective. “I don’t think Mom can go 10 months without seeing me,” Kaitlyn said with a slight chuckle. Her mom quickly affirmed that emotion. “It’s huge to me; it’s very huge,” Joetta said. Denny interjected, “She (Kaitlyn) is the world traveler.” Kaitlyn had previously gone to Strasbourg, France, for three months, as part of Centre College’s study abroad program. That opportunity helped ease her into a travelling abroad mindset, since it was with a larger group of fellow students transplanted abroad. Now this world travel experience is attracting the rest of
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her family. The Lees’ giant leap from having never left the States to going halfway around the world began quickly. “I think we talked about it from the time we knew she was going,” said Denny, who confirmed that Kaitlyn initiated the whole idea. The more than 20-hour travel plan will mimic the same route Kaitlyn took to get there: Louisville to Chicago to London to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Although their itinerary is still in the works, they will tour Sofia before going on to Vidin, which is near the Romanian border. Vidin is a 4-hour tour bus ride from Sofia, 5 hours via the Communist-era train system. The city of Vidin is primarily pedestrian, with shops, schools and groceries all within a15-20 minute walk. Once they arrive, the family will stay at Kaitlyn’s apartment, which is provided as part of her Fulbright Fellowship. The Lees are excited to see where she lives and teaches, as well as meet her mentor teacher face-to-face. “What’s still up in the air is what we do after that, whether we stay in Bulgaria and go to a ski resort, or whether we travel to Prague (Czech Republic)…or Thessaloniki (Greece),” Joetta explained. They may opt for hostels as they travel throughout the countryside. The plans matter little. The being together matters most. “We’ve never travelled. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. . . “ Joetta said. The added touring and travelling will occur before and /or after Christmas. On Christmas Day, the family plans to be at the apartment, simply celebrating the joy of being together, albeit 5,000 miles from home. “I just want to wake up on Christmas morning
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at Kaitlyn’s apartment and enjoy having all the family there together,” Joetta said. Kaitlyn hopes to have a small Christmas tree; she lives on the fifth floor with no elevator in the building. Small is the operative word. Joetta envisions the family cooking their traditional Christmas meal (including baked ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables or what’s available at the market) and just hanging out together that day. Christmas cookies, banitsa (a pastry filled with Bulgarian white cheese) and baklava are on the sweets list. Other family traditions include reading Luke 2, opening a few gifts, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and playing cards—especially Euchre. Since they wouldn’t understand the language, Joetta said it’s unlikely the family will be attending a Christmas Eve service. If it were any other Christmas, the family would be travelling to Illinois, where Joetta’s family lives. Kaitlyn had jokingly said the whole family needed to come to Bulgaria so they all could be together for Christmas. Three are doing just that. “It’s just been so cool listening to Kaitlyn, hearing about all her experiences, and seeing all her pictures. I’m just so thrilled that she’s having that experience, but I’m also a little envious. Gosh, I want to have some fun, too . . . plus, it’s Christmas and this would be the first time we would not be together, so we’ve got to be together,” said Joetta, whose voice trailed at the very mention of being apart at Christmas. OP
Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and English. She is a mother of twins, a Meme, and sports enthusiast.
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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family life
beautiful { article by: jaime rafferty
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|
photo by: jason tanner }
chaos
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A
ccording to The Twins Foundation, “A woman’s chance of having twins is approximately one in 90 in
the United States. Of these, one third are identical, one third are same-sex fraternal and one third are opposite-sex fraternal.” Rebecca Haines grew up as the fifth child in her family. However, she and child four were born on the same day in the same year. She’s a fraternal twin. Her mother thought she was having one child and was surprised when her obstetrician told her she was not finished delivering; there was another child to birth. Rebecca loves being a twin. She had a built-in best friend. Growing up, she prayed for twins of her own someday. In college, Rebecca met and fell in love with Branden Haines. Her dreams of parenthood were shared with her beau throughout their courtship.
Just after their one-year anniversary, the Haines’ discovered they were pregnant. As if that weren’t great news, the doctor heard two little hearts beating. They were elated…over the moon…pleasantly shocked. Rebecca’s prayer had been answered…TWINS! Jack and Ben, identical twins, were welcomed to the Haines family in February 2010.
Rebecca and Branden trudged through sleepless nights
and learned to function on an hour and a half of sleep all the while smiling.
Just as a normal routine began, Rebecca’s learned she
was pregnant again. Branden says his wife felt as if she were having twins, AGAIN!
As she spoke to her obstetrician, Rebecca said she was
told it was highly unlikely. However, Rebecca’s intuition was correct, again they would have twins.
Branden, a local insurance agent, works daily helping
individuals/families plan for the future, regardless of circumstances. Feeling this same urgency, Rebecca says he told her after the second announcement, “I have to go to work and make more money.” Being a planner, Branden now had to feed a family of six. In June of 2012 Rebecca, Branden, Jack and Ben welcomed two bundles of joy, Henry and Oliver, who, like their older brothers, were identical twins. The Haines family grew by four babies in less than 18 months. Mom admits it’s chaos, but it’s a beautiful chaos! www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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family life
Though they look alike, Rebecca and Branden say that each boy
her energy level is high and she addresses what the day brings with
is uniquely his own.
an impressive schedule that makes everyone, especially their boys,
successful in their home.
Jack is the “ham,” life is very exciting to him and he never meets
a stranger.
Ben recently came out of his shell and his vocabulary has
schedule humor. It presents itself frequently. For example, the older
expanded vastly. He has no fear!
boys say, “Good Morning!” in the evening just so they don’t have to
go to bed. That’s genius!
Henry knows what he wants and goes after it. He enjoys being a
The boys are now 3.5 and 2 year old and they don’t have to
big boy with his older brothers.
to coach and said of the 8 children, his two boys were the challenge.
Oliver is the peacemaker, the sensitive one who is trusting and
Branden recounts Jack and Ben’s first soccer season. He elected
watches his brothers on the sidelines.
They would kick around the ball a couple of times then head to the
The Haines frequent local shopping, restaurants and
sideline to introduce themselves to parents. It was hard for him not
community events. Sometimes they are met with opinions or
to laugh as he reflected on his coaching experience. Two laughs for
misunderstandings, but greet others with grace and kindness and
the price of one!
feel blessed by their boys.
Branden likewise is a blessing to Rebecca. She told him during
otherwise), certainly poses its challenges, but takes help as offered,
their courtship, though graduating college, that it was her heart’s
making life in the Haines house more enjoyable. She and Branden
desire to be stay-at-home mom. He told her he would do his best
encourage others to do as they do, embrace each moment, because
to make that happen. Rebecca beams, “He made my dreams come
they go by so fast, even in the midst of beautiful chaos!
Rebecca knows being the mother of multiple children (twins or
OP
true!”
Rebecca is honored to be Branden’s wife, but he confidently
boasts of his bride, “I could NOT do what my wife does.” He says
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Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her husband, Paul and their two children.
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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
{ Q&A with christina dalton,
M S S W, C S W
parental
control
}
A: Kindergarten can be a very difficult
Q: I have an 11-year-old girl and I find
transition for any child.
There is
myself arguing with her constantly. I
nothing that you did wrong. Some kids
am wondering if you think this is a
transition very well and for others it is
phase? Am I being tested? Because if
harder. The first thing I would advise
I am being tested, then I am failing! I
Q: My child just started kindergarten this year and it has not been a pleasant
you to do is talk to his teacher and see
don’t know how to stay a parent and
what he or she might suggest first. I
not quit worrying if she is mad at me.
have worked in elementary schools for
Help?!
experience. I feel like I did not prepare him or I did something wrong. The teachers say that he cries, acts out and it has not really gotten better yet. Do you have any suggestions?
14 years and I have seen many children have a difficult time starting school.
A: I think we are being tested all the
It could be that they don’t want to be
time! And I think we all fail every
away from mom or dad, they are not
now and again. If you are a parent
used to such a structured schedule or
then you are being tested. It’s nice to
even as simple as they are very tired
think that it’s “just a phase” because it
and have not adjusted to the demands
makes us feel like there is an end to it.
required of them.
I would suggest
I do agree that kids go through lots of
trying to entice your child with some
phases in their lives. I’m not so sure
type of reward system. You could put
on the arguing being a phase though.
up a chart and make it fun. Let him
I feel like it is kind of like eczema, it
put up a sticker or draw a smiley face
comes and goes and has flare ups. You
for every day that he does well in school
have to pick your battles and take on
and at the end of a week he gets to go to
the issues that are of most importance
his favorite place. It might be that you
to you. It is so easy to get mad at your
need to make the goals even smaller
child and then worry that they are mad
and just go day by day. But please
at you. It’s never a good feeling when
don’t feel that it is something you
someone is mad at us. I think that it
have done because it’s a very
is important as parent you stand your
common problem. I think if you
ground on certain issues and try not
and the teacher work together that
to worry about your child being mad
things will eventually get better for
because they won’t stay mad. That’s
both you and your son. Best of luck!
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the important thing to remember--
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they don’t stay mad. It may feel like they are going to be mad
it was crazy. Do you agree with this style of parenting?
forever because they are very good at it and their skills probably
A: This is a delicate question to answer because I do not judge
only improve as the teenage years approach. Please keep in mind
other parents because no one knows what another person has to
that if you give in or try to make it up to your child the ground
live with and what they go through on a daily basis. I am glad to
that you are losing will take twice as long to regain if not longer.
give advice and hopefully someone reads something that might
You want to be the parent that says what you mean and does what
help them in some small way. I will, however, agree with you in
you say. Not the parent that gets mad and then takes your child
that I am seeing more and more parents who alter situations to
out for ice cream afterwards. Like I said, pick your battles and
fit the child’s needs. It is something to think about as a parent
the ones that really matter need to be taken seriously.
because it teaches children that when something is not going their way, then we will fix it. Life does not work like this and the
Q: I am writing in as a complete bystander and this may seem like
younger a child can figure out how the real world works the better
a silly question. What is your opinion on parents that never want
prepared they will be for life.
OP
their children to misbehave? I am talking about small children. I saw a couple that took turns eating in a restaurant, one would take the child and leave while that parent ate and vice versa. I thought
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Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover Q: My child is a poor eater. She eats about one good meal a week. People keep telling me she will eat when she is hungry. Is this ok? A: The answer depends to some degree on the age of the child. Babies get most of their calories from milk during the first year, generally taking about 25-30 ounces a day, and other food is just extra. But after the first birthday, children gain weight much more slowly. They usually cut their milk intake roughly in half when they switch to whole milk, to about 15-20 ounces a day. After the first year, children should get more than half their calories from other foods, and less than half from milk. The most important issue for the child, however, is not variety, but rather control. Children between about 15 months and 5 years old crave control. And eating is one of only three things children can control completely, the other two being sleep and toileting. Everything else parents can “force” the child to do, but nobody can make a child fall asleep, go in the potty, or actually swallow the food.
So, once parents realize the issue is not nutrition, but rather
control, then it helps to reframe the problem. Let the child have control in a restrained but appropriate way, and she is less likely to demand control inappropriately. Make sure that at least one meal every day includes foods the child usually eats. Let her help you prepare or design the meals (for example, “We are having chicken tonight. Would you like green beans or carrots with that?”) And when introducing foods, do it gradually, maybe one new food a week. And only expect a few bites, maybe even put the new food on the parents’ plates and not the child’s. That
{ by : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }
beyond the checkup
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makes the new item more alluring. Many children who appear to eat poorly are often snacking all day, so they are simply not hungry at meal times. One way to manage this is to tell the child (not in the middle of an argument over food during a meal) that if she chooses not to eat what you offer at the meal, then there will be no snacks until the next scheduled meal, even if that means an overnight fast for the child. If you stick to this plan, the child will only refuse to eat for a few nights, usually not more than 3 or 4.
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And remember, many children are so busy snacking all day and
so exhausted from their daily routine, that by 6:30 or 7 pm, they are just not hungry, no matter what you offer. So they may not be trying to be difficult, but simply have already met their caloric needs from snacking at daycare or preschool. If you try all these strategies and your child still does not eat, please consult your child’s doctor. It may be helpful to offer a chewable vitamin every day to take the place of the variety she is not getting. But she also needs a weight check, detailed dietary history, and exam, to be sure she is not having medical problems that either decrease her appetite, or lead to problems with certain foods.
In the teenager, eating only once a week would be a sign of a
serious eating disorder, requiring evaluation by a mental health professional or eating disorders clinic, particularly if the child is very thin, losing weight, or not having a regular period. Some of these girls need to be in the hospital for feeding therapy and counseling.
Q: My child’s doctor seems to discourage me from giving water to my child. I am both nursing and giving solid food, and do not want to introduce whole milk until after he is a year old. Is water OK to give? A: Water is great, if the child is taking adequate calories from other sources. Most babies and toddlers only need about 2-4 ounces of water a day. They need calorie-dense feedings, so if they are to be fed something other than milk, we prefer food and drink with some calories, like regular foods and juices or milk products. Water is fine for children who are older and better able to self-regulate. But the younger child (less than a year) has less control over his intake, only taking what the parent chooses to offer. So we prefer that parents offer items that have more calories or other nutritional value, rather than large amounts of water.
OP
I expect this to be my last column for Owensboro Parent, since I will be starting a job with the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in December. I have greatly enjoyed my time in Owensboro and contributing to the Parent magazine, and I will sorely miss the lovely people of Owensboro who have supported my practice. Thank you for a wonderful seven years.
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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
{ paid advertorial }
fafsa tips
Some documents to gather with your student beforehand include: Their Social Security number (it’s important to enter it correctly on the FAFSA!) You and your spouse’s Social Security Numbers if your child is dependent student (guidelines to what makes your student Independent or Dependent can be found on the FAFSA website.) Your student’s driver’s license number if you have one
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application
T
he Free Application For Federal Student Aid application, commonly known as the FAFSA, can be done entirely online by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to type the
address in correctly and don’t be scammed by companies that claim to be able to file your application more quickly or get you more grant money by paying them a fee. The official FAFSA application is ALWAYS free and when filled out properly can give you estimates of what federal money you qualify for immediately upon completion. To be prepared to do your FAFSA on January 1, which is the earliest a student can fill the form out for the aid year they plan on attending college, it is important to have all your documents lined up and ready to go. You will most likely as a parent want to sit down with your child and help them to complete the FAFSA at least for the first time.
It is also a good idea to go ahead and apply for your FAFSA pin numbers, which you
will use to sign your documents, before you actually sit down on January 1 to complete the application. You can apply for these by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. Once you are issued this number be sure to write it down for safe keeping as you will use it multiple times through your student’s time in college. If you still feel uncertain about completing the FAFSA on your own, talk to the local high school guidance counselor to see if there are any events where FAFSA application help is available or if the school has any additional resources to help your student with the process. Many times, once people get through having completed their very first application, they realize that it is much easier than what they thought. In fact FAFSA has made many strides to streamline the process including IRS data retrieval online, which eliminates many errors on the front end of entering tax information.
OP
Alien Registration Number if your student is not a U.S. citizen Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for the student and for your spouse and yourself if you have a dependent student. If filling out your FAFSA before you have completed your taxes for the year it is acceptable to enter in the information as estimates and picking the option of “will file.” This will place your student in line for any “first come, first serve” money that they qualify for should it run out before you officially have your taxes complete. Just keep in mind if you do this, you will need to return to the FAFSA form later and make corrections based on the final tax return information. Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans noneducation benefits. Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for the student, and for you if you have a dependent student.
Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.
Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro 18 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
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OP
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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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{ b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }
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. November//December 2013
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discover
in the quick! { paid advertorial }
Parents can help prevent a common and painful foot problem in children by following a few simple tips:
A
n ingrown toenail is defined as a condition where the
Dr. Block’s Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
toenail impinges on the soft tissue either on the side
• Teach older children how to trim their nails properly.
or at the end of the toe. This condition is primarily defined
Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them
by symptoms. A curled toenail does not necessarily mean
too short.
one has an ingrown nail. Only if the nail digs into the skin and causes pain and/or infection does it constitute an
• Make sure children’s shoes fit. Shoe width is more
ingrown toenail. Ouch!
important than length. The widest part of the shoe
Parents can help prevent a common and painful
should match the widest part of your child’s foot.
foot problem in children by following a few simple tips. Ingrown toenails are a common condition we treat in
• If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, you can
children. Tight shoes, tight socks, and incorrect nail
reduce the inflammation by soaking the child’s foot in
trimming are to blame for most cases. In other cases,
room-temperature water and gently massaging the side
children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve.
of the nail fold.
Sometimes kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant
• The only proper way to treat a child’s ingrown toenail
pain. Over time, the nail may break the skin and lead to
is with a minor surgical procedure at our office. Parents
dangerous infections. Here are my recommendations to
should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These
help parents prevent ingrown toenails in their children.
dangerous “at home surgeries” carry a high risk for
Always remember...its not normal nor neccessary for your
infection. Antibiotics may be percribed to children with
feet to hurt. Bluegrass Foot Centers is here to help!
infected ingrown toenails.
OP
The Bluegrass Foot Centers in Owensboro & Henderson
Visit online: www.bluegrassfootcenter.com or call: 866-570-FEET www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
21
community
{ by: elaine martin }
christmas letters
It’s the magical time of year when the mail carrier will soon be loaded down{ with b y : dar .heavy b r i a n bag! gannon
S
oon mailboxes will be spilling with red and green envelopes,
have any desire to read the latest about that perfect neighbor
complete with photos of siblings and their pets, all donned in
from your childhood that has now spawned 4.5 pristine children?
their matching argyle sweaters. My refrigerator will be just like
You know the one – she will give details about her offsprings’
yours, covered with smiles and Christmas tree clip art.
accomplishments, from their award winning interpretive dance
about Jell-o, to their vast knowledge of the Latin, Spanish, and
Pictures and wishes for a happy New Year are awesome, but
let’s agree that it is time to address something rather serious.
Turkish languages.
Yes, it is time for us to be honest about a very touchy subject….
Christmas letters. Wait, I see that smile on your face because
same effect on you. For me, after I read about the ideal life of
you know exactly what I’m talking about. You are not looking
a third cousin who helped deliver Princess Kate’s royal baby, I
forward to reading about Cousin Gertrude and her year-long
look around and see my reality…forgotten towels in the washing
detailed search for a new eggplant recipe, are you? Do you truly
machine that now smell funny, a cracked iPod screen, all while I
22 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
I may be wrong to assume that holiday updates have the
www.OwensboroParent.com
}
discover receive a One Call from my child’s school that she has a negative
others to smile and enjoy the daily adventures of their own family.
lunch balance. I can actually be disappointed with my cozy
little life if I allow myself to compare it with the unreachable
favorite quotes:
accomplishments of others. I strive for contentment, but it can
be a struggle when it appears everyone who has me on their
everything else…that means I’m obnoxious.” Sally, tooting her
mailing list has won the lottery of life events.
own horn about her “amazing” dexterity.
About six years ago, I decided to do something about this
To give you a sense of our holiday tradition, here are a few “I use my left hand for basketball and my right hand for
“Once you lose your first tooth, you get a whole lot more spit.”
chaos in my mind. I LOVED my peanut butter fingerprinted
Hattie, making a most obvious observation after losing her first
car windows, and I was going to be proud of it! I read an article
tooth in a gummy worm.
that recommended various twists on traditional Christmas
letters. One suggestion caught my eye. It was a Family Top Ten
melt them down and make a car!” Greg, after picking up the
List, and I was instantly SO excited. I got to work, trying to
umpteenth pin all of us girls drop or leave behind.
remember some of the highlights from the previous year. The
funny thing is that the most important memories for me may
self-appointed yet misinformed Saftey Monitor one sunny day.
not be exciting to someone else, but they meant the world to me.
One particular year, my daughter did not win a Preschool Nobel
claim that her elementary school is haunted by ghosts.
Prize, but she did learn to use the potty. To a parent, those two
accomplishments are both pretty close to awesomeness.
in heaven for this!” Me, as Greg and I head to Daytona, leaving
his parents with our girls for an entire week.
I took those life events and turned them into quotes, thereby
“If I collected all the bobby pins in our carpet, I could
“Don’t look right at the sun – you’ll go blonde.” Lily, as the “I know it is true – I asked a 5th grader!” Sally, validating her “Your parents are surely going to earn jewels in their crowns
creating a yearly Top Ten Things Heard in the Martin Household
letter. I added explanations to the sayings, so that my extended
food like this every night.” Hattie, slurping up her spaghetti at
family would have a better understanding of how my little family
Fazoli’s and revealing her growing geography knowledge.
unit did life together. My intent was not to boast about my life, but hopefully to let the quirkiness of our everyday happenings allow
www.OwensboroParent.com
“When I grow up, I want to live in France so I can eat Italian OP
Martin views each day as an adventure in her roles as wife, mom, owner of Pigtails and Cowlicks, and writing coach at Meadow Lands Elementary School.
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community
one sweet girl
T
he holidays bring several months that offer an abundance of sweet candy treats, large indulgent meals, and homemade
baked goods. These temptations are difficult for even the most disciplined of individuals to resist. The circumstances are even more difficult for someone living with diabetes. Once someone has been diagnosed with diabetes; every carb, every ounce of
sugar,
every bit of insulin, matters to their overall health and wellness on a daily basis. Doctors Michael Fowler and Andrew Bremer, both endocrinologists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, see and diagnose hundreds of patients a year. Recently a patient wrote of her journey with diabetes in such an inspiring way that the doctors
{ by: melody wallace }
felt inclined to request that it be published in the monthly medical annals. The response to the published article was such a positive and powerful one that they have now asked the patient to speak to families at the upcoming Diabetes Family Fun Day event at the end of October, and to medical students at the university in November. These events would be exciting opportunities to educate others for any adult dealing with diabetes, but what makes this story even more remarkable is that the patient who wrote the article was a 12-year-old girl.
Sydney Speed is a beautiful, athletic seventh grader at Daviess
County Middle School that was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of seven. Her parents first noticed that something was wrong when she complained of constant thirst, headaches, and being tired often. She recalls times where she “came home, got a water bottle, and laid on my bed.” On sunny days, when she would typically want to go outside and enjoy the weather, she found that all she wanted to do was sit inside and watch television. Sydney said sometimes she would drink a Dr. Pepper or eat some Skittles in an effort to try and relieve the symptoms, when in reality the increase in sugar actually made the symptoms worse. In the midst of Sydney’s symptoms, her mother had a conversation with another mother whose child had diabetes. It was then that the pieces started to come together so that they could finally find a solution. After a short hospital stay in Owensboro, and a trip to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Sydney’s family began the journey of a family with a child diagnosed with diabetes. Vanderbilt gave Sydney a bear named “Rufus” so that she could practice giving him the injections that she would soon need to self-inject. From there, she and her family established habits and routines to help control her sugar levels. At age 13, diabetes has become such a routine part of Sydney’s life that she makes each step look effortless. During the school day she routinely checks her blood sugar levels, calculates the carbohydrates of each meal, recognizes when she feels low, knows when to take a few glucose tablets, and when to visit the school nurse. After school, she is an active member of both the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams, as she has been 24 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
for several years. She is also part of the Student Technology Leadership Program, a writer for the school Panther Press newspaper, a member of
what to look for
the Elite Panthers, Student Council, and Academic Team.
When asked if she has ever had a bad day or a day where she wishes
she had never been diagnosed, Sydney says that when she is sick or has a stomach bug, her blood sugar will get low and stay low. In the past some of those moments have caused her to briefly think, “I don’t ever want to see another piece of sugar in my life.” Aside from those infrequent times, Sydney handles her diagnosis with grace. When others ask questions about her daily routine or some of the things that she has to deal with, she will usually tell anyone anything they want to know. She is honest and forthright about her feelings while still maintaining a positive outlook. As she stated in her article in the June 2013 edition of the Pediatric Annals, “Diabetes is a blessing in some cases, such as mine, because it gives me ambitions, dreams, and goals in life…Diabetes is like a pit bull. It gets a bad reputation that it doesn’t always deserve. Having diabetes doesn’t make you any different than anyone else. In fact, it makes you extraordinary. With diabetes, I do all the things that all my friends and family do. It never holds me back and never will. It has helped shape me
Every day approximately 80 children and adults are diagnosed with Type I diabetes. The symptoms may present themselves differently in adults than children, and are often mistaken in the early stages for common illnesses such as the flu. Signs and Symptoms · Increased thirst · Frequent urination · Extreme hunger · Weight loss · Fatigue, drowsiness, or lethargy · Sudden change in vision, or blurry vision If your child presents with more than one of any of the above symptoms you may want to consult your pediatrician. Additional information can be found through the following resources:
into who I am today and it has helped to sculpt who I want to be when I’m an adult.”
OP
Melody Wallace is a teacher at DCMS who finds new blessings each day in her roles as teacher, wife, mom, and stepmom.
MayoClinic.com – Type I diabetes in children Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Sydney’s article can be found by searching: Pediatric Annals A Fresh Perspective
OP
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
25
community
love { by: danny may }
wins O
wensboro Parent strives to share stories of families in our
To you, this is mom and dad. It’s all you’ve ever known; it’s all
community. At the same time, we respect the families
that’s ever been real.
that share their stories with our magazine. This story is true
and based on Jason, a teenager from our city. Per the family’s
life was that you even survived at all. By the time you were
request, we are keeping this story anonymous. Now, Jason
removed from your biological mother at three months old, you
lives a life that seems like a Hallmark Holiday Movie. But it
still weighed your exact birth weight and still suffered from
could have just as easily been a tragedy. This story is one of a
withdrawal symptoms like sleep irregularity, malnutrition,
hundred and fifty similar cases of foster families here in the
and other complications. Your first placement to foster care
Owensboro/Daviess County area.
was more than the couple could handle, so at seven months old
you were placed in your second foster home.
By now, you’re old enough to know what people think: that
Born heavily addicted to drugs, the first miracle of your
“foster” means temporary. As in, “not your real family.” But
to you, the word “foster” doesn’t come before the word “son” or
older girls had already gone off to college. The youngest was a
“home” or “family” or “parents” anymore. Not in your mind.
sophomore in high school. As your parents would later explain,
26 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
It was a nice home. A working farm actually. The two
www.OwensboroParent.com
they just felt like they had more love to give and lots
two year old.
to offer other children. Your mom says fostering is
a calling, and “once you have it you can’t not do it.”
or going. Growing up you never knew any other
So after 30 hours of training, home visits, extensive
way. Over the years you’ve had more than 100 foster
background checks, and all the references were
brothers and sisters. Some lived in your home for
written and checked, your parents were approved to
several years. Others were just there overnight until
foster.
an aunt or uncle or other family member could be
You were too young to remember it now, but you
notified to come take them. Sometimes your house
had visits with your biological mother when you were
was full of kids. Sometimes you got the whole room
a baby. She would come to your house and visit with
to yourself.
you and your parents. Eventually, the visits became
fewer and further between. Then she terminated
reasons your parents began fostering and continue
her rights when you were two years old because she
even after adopting you. Your mom believes that
realized she couldn’t care for you properly. After all
foster care is her mission in life. “Others feel called
the paperwork was finalized, your parents adopted
to Africa,” she says, “but this is the mission the Lord
you and your house officially became your forever
has for me.”
home-- a four-year process from start to finish. So
now that your parents’ first three children were
for you and for your mom and dad. You love a little
grown and out of the house, they started over with a
brother or sister for years but then you have to watch
www.OwensboroParent.com
In your house, there were always kids coming
As a teenager, you understand more fully the
It’s not always easy, though. It hurts sometimes;
the numbers 7,355 children were placed in out-of-home care in Kentucky Average age:
7 years old Average number of months in foster care:
22.5
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
27
them go. Now that you’re older you realize how awful some kids’ situations are and just what kind of abuse and neglect other kids your age have to suffer. It makes you realize just
learn more
how blessed you truly are. One of your foster siblings who was just placed in your home is 7 years old and this is her fifth home. Fifth! How did you get so lucky?
How it works:
Next year you will graduate. And although your parents joke
Foster parents receive a monthly stipend as reimbursement for
about showing up with their wheelchairs and walkers because
food, basic needs, and other expenditures. But it shouldn’t be
they’re so old, they wouldn’t change it for the world. They don’t
looked at as a “job” or a supplemental income. It’s about the
regret for a single second spending the last 18 years raising you.
welfare of kids.
They simply cannot imagine their lives without you.
You’ve lived a special definition of love. And sacrifice.
You’ve watched it heal the brokenness in the world that you have definitely not been immune to or shielded from.
As the holidays approach once again, you’re reminded of
family. Your forever family. And the traditions you can’t wait to pass on to your kids – one day. But for now, it’s Christmas
The need: According to DCBS, more parents are always needed in the foster care program because the need is so great, especially for families who are willing to accept sibling groups (so they don’t get split apart.)
and your junior year. And 2014 will ring in your senior year. Your life is an open book and it’s yours to write. As the chapter
Contact:
of your childhood comes to a close, it’s a wonderfully happy
If you are feeling “called” to be a foster parent, please contact the
ending.
Department of Community Based Services at 687-7491.
OP
Danny May is a husband and father of two boys (3 and almost 5). He is also the Director of Family Life at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
28 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
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www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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community
photos from facebook
30 OWENSBORO PARENT
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www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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our faves Elf on the Shelf
Adapted by many families as a fun Christmas tradition, Elf on the Shelf can be fun for both kids and parents. Elf on the Shelf is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists. The premise behind this magical elf is simple: a family adopts the elf, gives it a name, the elf receives its Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole each night to tell Santa Claus about all of the day’s adventures. Each morning, the elf returns to its family and perches in a different place to watch the fun. Children love to wake up and race around the house looking for their elf each morning. There are two simple rules that every child knows when it comes to having an elf. First, an elf cannot be touched; Christmas magic is very fragile and if an elf is touched it may lose that magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole. Second, an elf cannot speak or move while anyone in the house is awake! An elf ’s job is to watch and listen. Elves typically appear in their families’ homes at the beginning of the holiday season (around Thanksgiving). On Christmas Eve, the elves return to the North Pole with Santa Claus--until next year! Facebook and Pinterest are full of clever ideas of elves and their nightly adventures. These are a few of our favorites.
32 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
DIY Ornament Wreath What you will need: Glue gun and glue stick stick Wire coat hange Pair of pliers Ornaments (plastic/shatterproof) Hint: You will need about 75-100 depending on desired size of wreath. You will want varied sizes of ornaments. Buy in bulk at the Dollar Tree or use this as an excuse to buy new ornaments for your tree and use your old ornaments for this project!
Steps: 1. Bend wire hanger into a circle -- doesn’t have to be perfect. Use pliers to help. 2. Untwist the top for the hanger to allow for ornaments to slide on. 3. Secure the tops of the ornaments with hot glue. 4. Slide ornaments onto hanger, varying sizes and colors. 5. Once the hanger is full, re-twist the top of the hanger. 6. Use the pliers to bend the top the of hanger into a nice hook.
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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the kids eat free list *The Kids Eat Free list is
subject to change. Please
Mondays
Tuesdays
Catfish Willy’s - $1.99 kids meal with the
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – free kids meal with the
purchase of adult meal
purchase of adult entrée from 4 – 8 p.m. for kids 12 years and younger
Grandy’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of regular adult meal
purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and Mirko Pasta – 2 free kids meals per adult
younger; kids get a special treat of icing
entrée purchase
their own cookie
Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon
Denny’s – 2 free kids meals per adult meal
available on website or Facebook page
purchase
Shoney’s – 2 free kids meals per adult
Fazoli’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase
entrée purchase from 3 – 9 p.m. for kids 10
of adult meal
years and younger Pizza Hut – 1 free child buffet with the
contact restuarants to ensure their participation. If there is a discrepancy please contact Owensboro Parent Magazine.
Bob Evans – free kids meals with the
TGI Fridays – free kids meal with the
purchase of adult buffet from 5 – 8 p.m. at
purchase of adult entrée for kids 12 years
the South Frederica location.
and younger Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon Zaxby’s – 2 free kids meals per adult entrée
34 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
available on website or Facebook page
www.OwensboroParent.com
Salsarita’s – free kids meal with the purchase
Saturday
of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only
Maloney’s – free kids meals from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday Ole South Barbeque – 2 free kids meals per
Texas Roadhouse – 2 free kids meals per
adult meal purchase for kids 12 and younger
adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon
Sunday
available on website or Facebook page
Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée for kids 10 and younger
Thursday Bee Bop’s – free kids meal with the purchase of
Maloney’s – free kids meals from
adult meal after 5 p.m. for kids 12 and younger
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Captain D’s – 2 free kids meals with adult
Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill – free kids meal
meal purchase; dine in only
with purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and younger
Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon available on website or Facebook page
Texas Roadhouse – 2 free kids meals per adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ryan’s - 99¢ kids buffet for children 11 years and younger
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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november 2013 Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price. Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
more “Absolutely Farmtastic Fun”! 11 a.m. – 6
“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” TWO presents “Steel
GREAT PUMPKIN SMASH Don’t trash ‘em,
p.m.; Trunnells Farm Market, 9255 US Hwy
Magnolias” - A story of friendship and trust
smash ‘em! It’ll be a smash’em, bash’em
431; For more information, contact (270) 733-
set in a southern beauty salon where women
kind of day at Trunnell’s! Come assist in the
2222 or visit www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com.
come together to share their secrets, fears
destruction of any unsold pumpkins or bring
and love for one another; 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.;
your own! If you’ve always wondered what to
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the
TWO, Trinity Center, 407 W Fifth Street; For
do with your old pumpkins once Halloween
library every Saturday morning from 10:00—
more information contact TWO (270) 683-5333.
has come and gone, this is the answer! Join
12:00 for self guided fun and educational
us for our First-Annual Pumpkin Smash and
activities with a focus on literacy and school
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
bring them ol’ pumpkins with ya! Watch
readiness; Daviess County Public Library,
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
for more details on all the ooey gooeyfFun
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
we’ll be having with activities ranging from
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
a Giant Pumpkin Smash, Pumpkin Bowling,
“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” See event information on
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Farm Scene Investigation, getting lost in the
Friday, November 1.
Interactive Corn Maze, face painting and
36 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
calendar SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
veterans for the Annual Veterans Day Parade
“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” See event information
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
along Second Street. Following the parade
on Friday, November 1. Sunday feature will be
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
this year, the city of Owensboro will have a
from 2 – 4 p.m.
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
fireworks display from the Ohio River. The
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
VFW will also host a Korean War Veterans Appreciation Dinner.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum
FREE OWENSBORO FIREWORKS DISPLAY
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for
To honor our veterans who preserve our
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m.
independence, the City of Owensboro
For more information, contact the Museum
fireworks display originally scheduled for
at (270) 926-7891 or visit their their website at
July 4 has been rescheduled for Saturday,
www.bluegrassmuseum.org.
November 9. Please check local media
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
sources for more information about the
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
FREE VETERANS DAY PARADE Come honor our
www.OwensboroParent.com
celebration closer to the date; 8 -9 p.m.; For more information about the City of Owensboro go to www.owensboro.org.
BROADWAY AT RIVERPARK “ELF THE MUSICAL” ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar
38 OWENSBORO PARENT
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poor toy-making abilities cause him to face
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,”
the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
the women give their workplace a dream
embarks on a journey to New York City to
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
makeover, taking control of the company
find his birth father, discover his true identity,
that had always kept them down. 7:30 – 10
and help New York remember the true
FREE SIT DOWN WITH SAYLOR Meet and
p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street;
meaning of Christmas; 7 – 10 p.m.; For more
talk with Daviess County Public Schools
For more information, visit http://www.
information, call (270) 687-2787 or visit www.
Superintendent Owens Saylor; 6:00-7:30
backalleymusicals.com
riverparkcenter.org.
p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
for self guided fun and educational activities
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
with a focus on literacy and school readiness;
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
St.; dcplibrary.org
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” This show will feature
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
a brand-new score by seven-time Grammy
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Award® winner Dolly Parton that includes the
“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event
blockbuster title song. In a hilarious turn of
information on Thursday, November 14.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
wildest fantasy - giving their boss the boot!
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
39
calendar SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
KWC FALL OPEN HOUSE Tour campus, get
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
information on scholarship opportunities
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
and financial aid, meet with KWC Faculty to
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
discuss majors you might pursue, student life,
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
NCAA Division II athletics and more. Register
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
online at kwc.edu/visit or call the KWC
FREE HOLIDAY CARDS FOR VETERANS Help us
Admissions Office at (270) 852-3120.
spread some Christmas cheer by decorating
FREE TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Come
Holiday cards to be delivered to local
join the Teen Advisory Board, where we talk
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the
veterans; Ages 12 and younger; all day drop
about Ages 12 - 18; 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Daviess
library every Saturday morning from 10:00—
in; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;
12:00 for self guided fun and educational
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
dcplibrary.org.
readiness; Daviess County Public Library,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
activities with a focus on literacy and school
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
information on Thursday, November 14.
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY Build, Play, and
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event
Learn with LEGO! Ages 6-12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
information on Thursday, November 14. This
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica
show will be 2 – 4:30 p.m.
St.; dcplibrary.org.
40 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults
www.OwensboroParent.com
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
for self guided fun and educational activities
FREE TURKEY SCAVENGER HUNT Ages 12
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
with a focus on literacy and school readiness;
and younger; all day; Daviess County Public
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
St.; dcplibrary.org
FREE 77TH ANNUAL OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS
PARADE “Where Kentucky Starts Christmas!” This special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area. 2013 will be the 77th year for the parade! Bands, lighted floats, an historic calliope, and
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
St. Nick himself will entertain all ages. The theme for 2013 is “It’s All About the Child.”
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
park are also available. Display will be open
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
through January 2; 5160 Wayne Bridge Road;
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
SANTA AT GATTITOWN Come enjoy some
Open from 6-9 p.m. each night.
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
delicious food and fun games and even get
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
to visit with Santa; Gattitown, 316 N. Green
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
River Road, Evansville; (812) 473-3800 or visit
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
GattiTownEvansville.com.
www.ChristmasParade.net
CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK An outdoor driving lighted tour with 400,000+ lights winding through Panther Creek Park. $3.00 charge per carload. Wagon rides through the
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library
every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
41
calendar HOLIDAY EMPORIUM HOLIDAY MART CRAFT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
SHOW; pictures with Santa; Santa’s Sweet
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of
Shop; Petting Zoo; Healthy Living Seminar
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum
plus Healthy Cooking Seminar with Pam
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for
Simon. A shopping extravaganza for all ages;
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; For more information, contact RiverPark Center at 270-687-2770.
For more information, contact the Museum
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
at (270) 926-7891 or visit their their website at
RIVERPARK EYECARE ANNUAL HOLIDAY FRAME
www.bluegrassmuseum.org.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!
SHOW 15 – 75 % off frames; 221 Allen St;
Visit the library every Saturday morning
(270) 685-4968 or riverparkeyecare.com.
from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
educational activities with a focus on literacy
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
and school readiness; Daviess County Public
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 HOLIDAY EMPORIUM HOLIDAY MART CRAFT SHOW; pictures with Santa; Santa’s Sweet Shop; Petting Zoo; Healthy Living Seminar plus Healthy Cooking Seminar with Pam Simon. A shopping extravaganza for all ages; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; For more information,
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 SANTA IN THE PLAYHOUSE Santa will visit
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
the Western KY Botanical Garden in the
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Playhouse from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Visit with
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
Santa and get a great photo! Call the Garden
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
for reservations and more information at (270)
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
852-8925 or visit www.wkbg.org.
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
contact RiverPark Center at 270-687-2770.
42 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
43
calendar SOUP DAY FOR KIDS “Celebrity” Chefs will prepare some delicious homemade soups and sweets to benefit the Goodfellows Club of Owensboro. Come to the Garden and have lunch and help children who are in need. A gift of $5 is requested, but more will be accepted! For more information, please call (270) 852-8925 or visit www.wkbg.org.
Contact Patti Acquisto at 684-9679. HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K RUN/WALK 5K RUN/ WALK sponsored by the Owensboro Parks
Center, 101 Daviess Street; For more information, call (270) 684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com.
and Recreation Department. Beginning at
APPLE ARCTIC EXPRESS Presented by Maggie’s
the Dairy Queen on New Hartford Road and
Cakes & More and Reid’s Orchard, Come
continuing on the Horse Fork Creek Trail.
take a ride on the Arctic Express Train,
OWENSBORO DANCE TEHATRE’S NUTCRACKER SWEET CHARACTER BRUNCH
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Have brunch with some of the Owensboro
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
Dance Theatre’s characters from The
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
Nutcracker on the Cannon Hall Stage at
always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
RiverPark Center; 10 – 11:30 a.m.; For more
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
information, call (270) 684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
decorate ornaments and sugar cookies from Maggie’s, and watch The Polar Express on a projector screen; $10 per child, adults free; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday at Reid’s Orchard; For more information, call Maggie’s Cakes & More (270) 222-2201 or Reid’s Orchard (270) 685-2444.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library
OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE’S “THE
every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00
streets to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling
NUTCRACKER” The Owensboro Dance
for self guided fun and educational activities
carolers, storefront decorations, and
Theatre presents a Christmas classic with
with a focus on literacy and school readiness;
indoor performers will make this evening
elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and the
Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica
a reminder of the good old days of being
talents of over 100 community members as
St.; dcplibrary.org
downtown at Christmas. Second and Third
well as the theatre company and guest artists
streets from Daviess to St. Ann; 5 - 8 p.m.;
from KY Ballet Theatre; 7 p.m.; RiverPark
FREE HOLIDAY STROLL Stroll the downtown
44 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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calendar
46 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November//December 2013
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
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www.OwensboroParent.com
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