Owensboro Parent - November 2012 by Tanner Publishing

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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. November 2012

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november 2012 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com

from the editor I recently spent a day living a life completely different than my own. I gave up the keys to my car and access to my iPhone and debit card. As a part of a leadership course, I played the role, along with two other women, one a banker and the other an office manager, of a family needing to apply for welfare. With just a couple bucks in our pockets, we set out to find the welfare officeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without a car. After walking more than 15 city blocks, we finally arrived at the state building, only to find that it had been moved from its previous location downtown to a new location off Carter Road. Walking took more time than we thought and it was almost lunchtime. We voted to eat lunch first and attempt the welfare office later. We walked to the Daniel Pitino Shelter, another five or so blocks. There, volunteers served us a full meal, as we sat among the homeless of our community. We heard stories of hard times, of drugs, of teen pregnancy, of medical problems, of hope for better, of dreams for stability. For the people surrounding us, lunch was just a meal. But the three of us received much more than a plate of food. After lunch it was time to find the welfare office. Another ten blocks to the purple line bus stop. With the few dollars in our pockets we each bought a bus ticket and caught a ride on the purple line to the yellow line, which would take us out Carter Road. When we got to the transfer stop, the next bus driver informed us the yellow line would not arrive for another half hour and it would take another 45 minutes to get to our destination. With our class reconvening to end the day, we had to give up on our attempt to apply for welfare. We rode the purple line back to where we came from and then waited an hour for the green line to take us to our ending point for the day. We walked 30 blocks, wasted five hours and had nothing to show for all our efforts. We were exhausted and beaten down. We did not accomplish our goal. We went to a closed building. We got lost. Our feet hurt. Our heads hurt from planning a bus route. But we were thankful. Thankful for our families, our homes, our cars, our jobs, our food... our lives. Maybe we ended our day with nothing accomplished, but we went home that night thankful for the lives we have.

Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com 4 OWENSBORO PARENT

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Account Executives Jeff Sorce jeff@owensboroparent.com Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com Jonathan Tanner jonathan@owensboroparent.com Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Graphic Designer Taylor West taylor@owensboroparent.com Distribution Manager Steven Morris Contributors Dr. Brian Gannon Christina Dalton Christy Ramey Danny May Gail E. Kirkland Lora Wimsatt Jaime Rafferty 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 Photography Jason Tanner Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us. If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro. www.OwensboroParent.com

november features parent talk [6] untraditional thanksgiving [8] according to kids [10] living the thanksgiving life [12] when should parents worry [14] free and legal downloads [16]

[28]

[20] this stress is unbearable [22] coverkids photos [28] the transformer [32] finishing the race

[12]

[34] the road to a simple path [36] i wanted more

[10] [34]

[32]

[22] [14]

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

november 2012

parent talk There is a lot to look forward to in November -- an election, time with family, great shopping deals and of course, turkey. We asked you to tell us your favorite part of November and here are some of our favorite answers. Black Friday! We get my 82-year-old mom, all of my four children with

Thanksgiving with my extended family is my favorite! We still tell a

their significant others, two grandbabies and away we go...really early!

story of my grandfather talking about the little ones throwing peas at

We love the family time and also the deals! I am so proud that my

the table! My sweet twins will be 18 months old this Thanksgiving...the

mom (82) can still go and shop!

- Mary Wathen Keller

perfect pea throwing age!

- Katy Evans Harrison

Thanksgiving week! I love cooking on ‘Thanksgiving Eve,’ family time

Election Day! I am going to take my daughter with me to vote, and

and eating on Thanksgiving day, and of course, shopping with family

then we are going to Trunnell’s!

on Black Friday!

- Krystal Hill

- Rebecca Brothers-Hopkins

This Thanksgiving we are hosting a fundraiser for my little brother and Thanksmus! Our family lives so far apart that we celebrate Thanksgiving

his fight against cancer. Every November is a celebration of family but

on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas the next day. I love the fun

this November is a celebration of the strength of love and the fight to

traditions we have!

- Kelly Kelly Bo-Belly

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live.

- Lori Quinn

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

untraditional

thanksgiving { by: lora wimsatt }

radition, defined in absolutely the loosest term possible, would

into a soupy mess.

be something that is done the same way at least twice in a row.

But even within these wide-open parameters, my family really

Other than that, however, I have no idea what my Grandmother’s

Thanksgiving traditions might have been. As a child, I suppose I

doesn’t have much of a Thanksgiving tradition.

The closest we’ve come was back when I was

a kid, when we usually – but not always – went over the river and through the woods to my Grandmother’s house in Indiana. She always had turkey, and always served it on what we called “the

assumed she spent the day with the Pilgrims.

We had turkey once in awhile, sometimes even with “all the trimmings”

Nor did I ever ask my Mom about how she had celebrated Thanksgiving before we kids came along. It was difficult, if not impossible, to imagine Mom had ever been or done anything before she was, well, Mom.

turkey dishes.” I didn’t care for the dishes but liked

Mom did have one quirky Thanksgiving practice.

the story behind them, which was that she had

She always bought a can of cranberry sauce, which

admired the dishes in the store window for weeks

she sliced neatly and arranged on a plate on our

but couldn’t afford them. Finally, after Thanksgiving, they were

dining room table. Nobody ever ate it, including her. But she thought

marked down, and she bought them.

it looked pretty.

We kids didn’t use the turkey dishes – and didn’t get turkey

I never really thought about the concept of “Thanksgiving

either. We got paper plates (fine with us) and had a bucket of

traditions” when my kids were young. We were pretty flexible about

Kentucky Fried Chicken, which was really fine with us. We sat at

the whole thing. We had turkey once in awhile, sometimes even with

the card table in the kitchen, where my cousin put kernels of corn in

“all the trimmings,” although more often just with mashed potatoes,

the gaps where her teeth were missing and my little brother grossed

corn and rolls. It makes for a pretty colorless plate but that’s what

us out by pouring gravy on his plate and stirring everything together

everyone liked.

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We’ve also had meatloaf, chicken or even pizza. Whatever.

As unconventional – untraditional – as it was, it worked for us.

And now, my kids are all grown up and living on their own. Three

are married and two have children of their own – my granddaughters. They have adapted seamlessly into their in-laws’ holiday traditions. I guess being flexible all those years paid off. I’m left to wonder, what will my kids remember about our family’s Thanksgivings? There were no special dishes, no special recipes. Is there anything at all for my children to pass down to my grandchildren? Anything about which they might say, “When I was

Nearly 88 percent of Americans surveyed by

little, my family always …”

I think about this for a long time.

the National Turkey Federation eat turkey at

And then I smile … realizing that yes, even a family as untraditional as mine does have a Thanksgiving tradition.

tradition of turkey Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 16 pounds and

Years from now – generations from now – my grandchildren

are comprised of 70 percent white meat and 30

and their children and their grandchildren can all say, “My family

percent dark meat. Approximately 736 million

always, always, gave thanks for our blessings.

pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving in 2011.

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 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

thanksgiving

according to kids

{by: jaime rafferty }

What do you know about the Thanksgiving story?

According to history, Thanksgiving began as a three-day feast by the Pilgrims to thank God for helping them make it to the new world safely.

Here are a few insights from our kindergarten friends: Because I love my moma. (MF) We have ham to eat. (JMH) It’s somebody’s birthday. (SG)

Why do we, personally celebrate

It’s a party. (LH)

Thanksgiving? I know why, do you?

Your family can come see you because it’s a happy spirit day. (ZJ)

It just seemed natural to ask some of

It’s for your parents. (MH)

Owensboro’s finest kids to tell us what

I don’t know. (CS)

they know about the thankful holiday.

Because It’s Thanksgiving. (EJ) For the candy. (ED)

So with a little help from the students at

To ride on an airplane. (PW)

Burns Elementary School, we bring you

I love my Grandma, (AM)

their perspective. The spelling has been

To thank the people for turkey (CK)

corrected and names replaced with

For Jesus (GT)

initials to protect the innocent. However, the word turkey saw many unique

Let’s see what our first and second graders had to say. But this time we will share the

spellings from the students such as, tirky,

phrase just as the students shared them. We are thankful for their cute responses.

terkey, twerky, teerky, tarkay, torke.

Because you get to “spin” time with your family (LM)

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“Peple” get turkeys for “peple”. (JW) We eat turkey with mashed “tatos”. (CE) Because it’s fun. Don’t you know its fun. Just it’s just fun. (AS) Well I know that there are turkeys. (MC) Because you can eat a lot and it’s a “haladay”. (ID) It’s all about the turkey. (BL) Because “Jeasas” and God wants us to. (KT) That “theers chicking” and giving from other “pepol” and you get “presints”. (AR) Because that is a “holudae” and I love that “holudae”! (LJ) It is good and you can eat meat and you can eat “vegals” and you have have cookies and play fun games (AM) If I had to pick a favorite quote I would say it would have to be JB. I don’t think I could have said it any better myself: We see leaves falling from the trees then we celebrate thanksgiving for the stuff we have. May you not take yourself so seriously this Thanksgiving holiday. Take time to share with your kids the Thanksgiving story. Perhaps you can talk about giving thanks for our many blessings and freedoms as Americans, but like JB don’t forget the other “stuff ” we have to be thankful for.

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

“thanksgiving life”

living the

{ by: christy ramey }

few years ago we had the opportunity to invite one of my

optimism, less stress and less depression than the population as a

son’s friends to our Thanksgiving meal. He was so excited to

whole. Isn’t that a wonderful legacy to leave our children? Teaching

come because he had never had “Thanksgiving” at his house. His

them to be thankful can make them happier and healthier!

grandparents lived out of town and his mother, a waitress, always

worked on Thanksgiving. This child who was nine years old ate so

children?

many helpings of corn and potatoes; I lost count! Of course, I wasn’t

counting, but it was exciting to see his enthusiasm for the meal. Can

you accentuate the positive; see your glass as half full rather than half

you imagine life without Thanksgiving? Think of all the memories

empty? Using thankfulness terms like grateful, blessed, appreciative

we have stored, the blessings we have shared and the food we have

and thankful, allow children to develop a “thankfulness” vocabulary.

eaten on this one holiday. So how do we make it possible for those

A family meal routine allows us the opportunity to talk about what

memories, blessings and food to be shared with others? How do

we are thankful for on a regular basis. Keeping a thankful spirit in

we give our children the blessings that come from being thankful?

the home can produce a peaceful environment.

Research shows that thankful people have higher vitality, more

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So where do we start in leaving this all important legacy to our First, look at your own example. Are you a thankful person? Do

While you are talking, explain to children everything that

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someone (mom, grandma, or dad) has to do to prepare a big meal. It doesn’t have to be the Thanksgiving meal.

army, but it could make a difference in someone’s day or life!

Fix a meal for a shut-in or neighbor who can’t get out. Children

The planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning all take

can bake cookies, or make a cake and deliver it. The prep is a

time. Calling attention to the amount of time, energy,

learning experience, but the giving involved is an unforgettable

and effort it takes to put a meal on the table will help

experience. Then make a special effort to show your appreciation

them be observant on other occasions and in other

to your child or children for their willingness to help others. Ask

peoples’ homes. Saying “thank you” to the person

them how it made them feel?

who is responsible for the food preparation should

be a habit.

give all the guests a slip of paper to record for what they are most

Get kids in the kitchen!

Before the actual Thanksgiving dinner, ask your children to

Maybe not on

thankful for. Then right after the meal have someone read what was

Thanksgiving Day, but the day or week before they

written. Google a “Thanksgiving Tree” to find all kinds of creative

could help with shopping (pick up extra food for

ways to do this activity. One year, I spray painted a branch gold, put

Thanksgiving baskets at school or church). In the

it in a pot filled with flowers, then tied each strip of paper on the

kitchen let them chop, crush, mix, toss, or just open

branches. Your children may want to make this a family tradition!

bags and containers to get things started. They can

However you celebrate the Thanksgiving season, remember

also set the table, which is a fun activity and can be done

that thankfulness is more a state of being, not just a single day

ahead of time.

of the year. Encouraging children to be thankful is a year-round

Invite a friend or co-worker who would not have an opportunity to participate in their own Thanksgiving dinner.

challenge. Remember that teaching the trait of thankfulness leaves a legacy of good health and happiness for your child’s future.

Discuss this as a family; you will probably be able to think of someone that would enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving with you. Remember to be open to your child’s suggestions. You can’t feed an

Christy Ramey is the Daviess County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She has been married for 38 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

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

when should

parents

worried My child has a knot in her neck. Is it cancer, or am I overreacting? Many parents have these fears, and understandably. Cancer is scary, and we have all heard of people who were diagnosed “too late” for treatment. What are some early warning signs and reasons to see your doctor? Cancer in children tends to fall into three broad categories: unexplained masses, enlarged lymph nodes or leukemia. Here are some things to look for and discuss with your doctor if you are concerned.

1. Any swelling or mass that does not make sense for your child

Reactive nodes (which is what we call them) will grow quickly, over

should be evaluated by the doctor. This could include swelling

a few days to a week, then stabilize and shrink very slowly over

in one leg not related to an injury; mass in the belly without any

6-8 weeks. If the node is larger, rock-hard, with unclear margins

symptoms; or even a white spot in the eye noted on family photos.

or fixed to underlying bone, non-tender or lasting more than two

These may seem clear, but when a child lives with you, it is easy to

months and still growing, then your doctor should see it. It still

explain things away for a long time, or until there are symptoms of

may not be a tumor or lymphoma, but it certainly justifies a visit

something pushing on neighboring organs.

to the office.

2. Enlarged lymph nodes are extremely common in children,

3. Leukemia is scary. The problem is that most children do not

especially toddlers and teenagers. Luckily toddlers rarely get

show any specific symptom that says, “I have leukemia.” We hear

tumors in the lymph nodes, but adolescents definitely do. The

about easy bleeding or bruising, or pale skin. Sure, these could be

vast majority of children seen in the office for this complaint will

signs of a problem, but they are not usually what lead to diagnosis.

have an innocent explanation: a cold, a bug bite or a toothache.

Most kids with leukemia are diagnosed by accident, when we do lab

The signs of an innocent lymph node (usually a mild infection or

work for some other reason. I have seen teenagers with crazy white

inflammation fighting off other illness) would be tenderness, size

counts when we did screening labs to start acne medicine!

less than 1 inch, rubbery texture, and clear margins, meaning you can easily find all the edges and get your fingers around the lump. 14 OWENSBORO PARENT

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4. If you are worried about cancer of any type in your child, www.OwensboroParent.com

especially if your concern is related to a family history of cancer or leukemia, then please mention it to your pediatrician directly. If we do not understand your agenda, we may not be able to address our concerns adequately, even if you are just a “worried parent.” The take-home message is that your concerns are still valid, simply because they are your concerns. Our job is to address those concerns on some level. If it turns out that there is no medical issue to explain your anxieties, then so be it. At least the pediatrician did the appropriate testing and listened to you as a parent. 5. I would like to close with a message of hope. Over the past 50 years, amazing advances

childhood

cancer BY THE

numbers

1% of cancer in the U.S. is in children under the age of 15.

have reduced the likelihood of death in many childhood cancers, notably certain types of leukemia, genetically-determined tumors and retinoblastoma.

We have great treatments

available and children are wonderfully resilient in dealing with both the medical and emotional

12,060 children will be diagnosed with cancer in this year in the U.S.

trauma of a chronic illness. Not all cancer is curable, but the news is getting more positive every day. Once again, remember that you as a parent know

83% of children with cancer survive 5 or more years.

your child better than anyone on this earth. If you think something is wrong, tell your child’s doctor. The more he understands the reasons for your concern, the better he can develop a plan to figure out the answer to the question you are asking. If you think it’s an infection, tell us. If you think it’s arthritis because your

80% of teenagers with cancer survive 5 or more years.

mom had lupus, tell us. And by all means, if your grandfather had leukemia before St. Jude’s came up with a cure, please let us know. We want to help you and hear you, but the best we can do is answer the questions presented by you and your child’s symptoms.

We at Pediatric Partners are praying for the family of Lane Goodwin, as well as all the families we know who have been touched by cancer. We are so grateful for the success stories and the strength we have seen in the children, even when they do not survive their struggle. www.OwensboroParent.com

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

free and legal downloads =

freegal

You can search songs by artist, genre, or most popular downloads. When you find the songs you want, you double click them to download and they load right in to iTunes automatically. { by: danny may }

“W

ait, so you’re telling me I can download three songs

When Freegal opens, enter in the number on the back of your

every week for free, just by having a library card?”

library card and the wonderful world of Freegal instantly opens

“Yes. Three songs per library card.”

in front of your eyes. (The password is grayed out when you enter

I didn’t actually think my long time friend and library

through the library website. If you just Google search Freegal you

employee Jarrod would be lying to me. I just thought it was one of

need a password, so I always go through the library website.)

those too-good-to-be-true moments. It took a minute to register.

You can search songs by artist, genre, or most popular

Freegal; it’s free and legal. And apparently the Daviess County

downloads. When you find the songs you want, you double click

Library pays a pretty hefty sum in order to offer the service free

them to download and they load right in to iTunes automatically.

to its patrons. That’s why they are promoting it so heavily so that

(Although I have to double click them from my “downloaded”

more people use it to make it worth their investment.

folder because apparently my laptop is a dinosaur. Oh well. It

I use it like crazy, that’s for sure! Here’s how it works: you

still works.)

simply log in to dcpl.org, click on “online services” on the top

At first I was afraid that since it was free there would only

toolbar, then click on “freegal” when the drop down box appears.

be bands nobody’s ever heard of. So when I found Foo Fighters,

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discover

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band I was like a kid at Christmas! Then I logged in with my wife’s library card (since she and I share an iTunes account) and loaded her up with Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson and other stuff she likes to run to. Freegal is on it! Every week they’re adding new artists, so it’s always fun to check back and see what’s new. Just recently, they added Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen. But you can also find new artists like One Direction, Adele, and Jason Aldean. Now, before I ever buy a song in the iTunes store, I always check Freegal first. So if it’s been a while, dig that library card out of your wallet or purse and go get your free songs! If you’ve never gotten a library card, it’s very simple and the staff would be more than happy to get you set up. It only takes a minute and you’re good to go. Our family has always been a big fan of the library. Freegal is just another reason why I love our Daviess County Library so much.

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discover

this stress is unbearable { by: christy ramey }

{by: christina dalton,

M S S W, C S W }

ince I started teaching parenting classes back in the spring of

oceanarium section and we pass a man, probably mid 30s. He’s

2007, I often find myself observing parent/child interactions

struggling a little and he’s holding a young child-- bareley holding

whenever possible. My goal as a teacher is to help parents and

a young child. He also has a child attached to either side of him.

make life easier for them and their child. What are the struggles?

I would guess all under the age of five. As he passes or squeezes

As your child gets older, you forget the terrible twos and sometimes

by us he looks deep into my cousin’s eyes and says, “This stress

you try to remember the days before they could talk. The stories I

is unbearable!” and he continues on. You could hear faint little

am about to tell are from Chicago, so sit back, take a deep sigh of

voices saying, “Daddy I’m hungry, Daddy I need to poop, Daddy

relief as we talk about people we don’t know. LOL

I’m tired.”

I need to paint a picture for you. A picture so vivid that your

We are now in the oceanarium and for those of you who have

muscles start to tighten and your hand goes over your mouth while

been before you know it looks like a forest with big, green trees and

you’re thinking, “No he did not!” I recently went to Chicago for

huge rocks surrounding a giant pool in the middle. BOOM! BOOM!

Labor Day weekend with my daughter and my cousin. It was a

Everyone freezes. I look up and a decent size boulder is rolling

rainy Sunday and we decided to take it indoors and head to the

down one of the steep hills and at the top of that hill is a little boy

Shedd Aquarium. It was hot, humid, my hair getting bigger by

with a mighty big grin. He is wearing the Urkel expression, “Did I

the minute and people were sticky. I know that because that’s how

do that?!” and an eerie silence comes over the crowd as every parent

crowded it was in there. We were trying to make our way to the

in the room checks to make sure their child was not part of this

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avalanche. You could actually see the relief flood their faces when

specific technique to share with you or a quick fix this time. I just

they were assured their little ones were in check. Then you see him,

wanted you all to know that sometimes the stress is unbearable but

DAD, panic stricken, deciding what to do… save the boy, stop the

we will all get through it together.

boulder, too late the boulder is picking up momentum and he goes

And when all else fails, post it on Facebook.

for the little boy. No one was hurt during the process of this story,

except for maybe the boulder. It was all over in a matter of minutes

a fake boulder down into a crowd full of people. Don’t you wish

and I thought, “This stress is unbearable!”

your baby was strong like mine?!

If you are a parent, you are not alone. Sometimes in life the stress

Status Update: My three year old just climbed a wall and pushed

Or, you can ask us at Owensboro Parent! We would like to hear

can seem unbearable. So why then do we put ourselves through it all,

from you! If you have a specific parenting “issue” that you would

when your two-year-old won’t even remember? I will tell you why--

like addressed or just a question you might need advice on we want

because we all love our children. No matter what age, how little or

to help!

big, we want them to experience everything life has to offer. We want pictures of it all. We want to share those moments with our friends and family on Facebook

Please email your questions to me at christina.dalton@daviess.kyschools.us. Your question just might be answered in the next issue.

and Twitter. We want to talk about it at their wedding. I don’t have any

www.OwensboroParent.com www.O

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

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

coverkids

Chrystal and Josh Corum moved to Owensboro last August from Richmond, Kentucky. They welcomed son, Zane, in early October. Being new to the area, the young family used Owensboro Parent as a guide for learning about the community. Now one year later, Owensboro Parent is happy to feature Zane as our CoverKid winner! Zane is full of energy, never sitting down and walking and running. He loves playing ball, saying ball, watching ball... basically anything involving a ball, especially UK. He and his Teddy Bear, Hubert, are best of friends and he enjoys driving his Cozy Coupe. Meet Zane, the Owensboro Parent 2012 CoverKid Winner!

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coverkids

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

coverkids

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November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

the transformer aidan saved his mother’s life with an incredible, clever - simply miraculous - response.

{ by: gail e. kirkland } AIDAN AND MINDY SALSI

his energetic, somewhat shy, bright-eyed toddler, with thick,

Aidan has a rare condition called neuropathic small intestinal

dark eyelashes (the total envy of any girl) has become a hero

dysmotility. He requires regular injections via a feeding tube. From

larger than life—larger than the Transformer Super Powers with

that point forward, Mindy has no recollection about the incredible,

which he plays. Aidan Salsi, a lovable four-year-old, literally saved

clever—simply miraculous—response from her son. Aidan got his

his mother’s life.

doctor’s kit from the toy chest and began helping his mom. He even

His mom, Mindy, is a Type I diabetic and extremely conscientious

brought Optimus Prime, the mightiest of his Transformers, to help

about the need to regularly check her blood sugar, to measure her

lift her from the hardwood floor where she had collapsed, just outside

carbohydrates accurately, to enter the information into her glucose

his room. “I was trying to get you up and it didn’t work,” Aidan told

meter. This particular Sunday morning in late September, Mindy

his mom, as we sat in the living room, piecing together this amazing

had followed her typical morning routine: Check the glucose meter

story of an even more amazing young boy.

(high), drink 2 cups of coffee with breakfast, check Facebook, read

emails, reply “OK” to husband Paul’s text at 8:22. “After that ‘OK,’ I

to his toys. He climbed up on the soft recliner that gave him access

don’t remember a thing,” Mindy explained.

to Momma’s cell phone, which was atop a 5-ft.-tall antique pie safe.

He realized that he had “to get Daddy.” He did just that. He called

The remainder of this remarkable story unfolds through what

Aidan didn’t stop there. He didn’t become distracted or return

her son told his dad, the paramedics, his classmates and teachers at

Daddy. Daddy missed the call. Aidan called back.

Hager Preschool. The hand of God was palpable as Mindy, Paul and

Aidan collectively replayed their story.

something Aidan liked to do when Daddy was away at work. Yet,

As with any other normal day, Mindy recalls standing outside

Aidan had never been taught how to call Daddy. He had seen

Aidan’s room, asking him to pick up his toys before his 9 a.m. feeding.

Momma call Daddy. Those little brown eyes had seen and learned

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

When Paul answered, he thought his son just wanted to talk,

www.OwensboroParent.com

much more than either parent realized. Aidan

talking to him as he kicked in the sturdy

had full command of the iPhone: Hit the On

wooden door of the home where Mindy’s

button, swipe the window to open, hit the green

grandparents once lived.

phone icon, choose favorites, touch Daddy’s

name—except Aiden does not know how to

Then he lost it. He began screaming, “Daddy,

read, does not know his numbers.

you’re breaking the door!”

Mindy was still convulsing when Paul

“Daddy, Momma’s sleeping.”

Up to this point, Aidan had remained calm.

“Where?”

reached her. He immediately called 911. He

“On the floor.”

checked her glucose meter. It said, “Too low to

“Try to wake her up.”

read.” This had never happened before. Fire

“I am sitting next to Momma, rubbing her

fighters arrived first, but not without minor

Teach your child when to call 911.

head.”

confusion: Two homes on 20th Street have

Use basic concepts like when an

Paul instantly knew Mindy would never

the same number, one 115 E. 20th and the

adult can’t wake up, any fire that

take a nap and leave their son unattended.

other 115 W. 20th. Aidan to the rescue again:

Something was wrong, really wrong.

“Daddy, why are they driving down the street?”

Paul ran outside to redirect the fire fighters.

Paul kept Aidan on the phone, talking to

happens without an adult, or an intruder in the home. Kids get the number down (it’s only three digits after all), but they sometimes get

him continually, as he hurriedly drove home

As the first responders began asking

confused with when to call. Don’t

from his workplace—Domtar on Ragu Drive.

questions, Paul politely pointed to his son.

be discouraged if your child can’t

When he arrived, the front door was security

“You need to ask him.” Aidan sat there and

locked and the only key was in the house. From

told paramedics exactly how mommy fell, hit

the front porch, Paul could see Aidan peeking

her head, started shaking. He gave them every

out the big living room window and continued

detail.

www.OwensboroParent.com

explain the right situations to you. They often understand intuitively even when they can’t explain it. Encourage them to trust their “gut” feelings, and if in doubt, to call.

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

Paul stretched out alongside Mindy on the floor as the paramedics

began an IV. That way she saw him before she saw the strangers in her home. That added comfort and calm as her blood sugar moved back toward more normal levels.

Once admitted to the hospital, Mindy, still barely coherent, was

checked thoroughly—x-rays, blood work. Nothing was out of the norm. “It cannot be explained,” Mindy said. “I could be in a dead sleep and wake up at 2 a.m. if I feel my sugar dropping.” With this life-threatening episode, she had no forewarning, no symptoms.

What she did have was one amazing son—a son who received a

standing ovation from the nurses and doctors at the hospital, a son who garnered praise and high fives from the fire fighters for his heroic action, a son who now has a new fireman’s hat and extra doctor’s supplies for his medical kit compliments of the hospital staff.

Mindy and Paul are careful with what they tell Aidan about this

episode. They do not want to scare him. He still thinks his momma was sleeping on the floor. He does know her sugar was so low that his momma could not wake up. He does not know that the paramedics estimate Mindy had only 30-45 minutes before she would have died.

In his sweet, animated child’s voice, Aidan readily tells everyone,

“I saved Momma’s life.” Then he bounces off to play with one of his Transformers.

Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and English. She is a mother of twins, a Meme, and sports enthusiast.

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

www.OwensboroParent.com

31 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

www.OwensboroParent.com

community

finishing the race SETH HOWARD

EMILY MULLIKIN

{ by:jaime rafferty }

s different as they are, Emily Mullikin and Seth Howard are

whispering to one another. The family wasn’t sure what to expect.

that much alike.

When the doctor returned they were told that 2-year-old Emily

They both attend local elementary schools. Emily is in the 5th

had Cerebral Palsy (CP). This was a shock to the family. CP hadn’t

grade at Tamarack, while Seth attends West Louisville, where he is

crossed their minds. However they found comfort in encouragement

a 2nd grader.

given to them that she would walk some day, though she may have a

limp.

Emily was 8 months old when she was adopted from Siberia and

brought to the United States. Those early years were not without

turmoil. She was plagued with one health issue after another, much

of his family farm in St. Joseph.

Seth was a lively 6-year-old boy who enjoyed the great outdoors

attributed to her premature birth at 32 weeks gestation.

His parents didn’t have any immediate concerns about his

Unlike Emily, Seth’s infancy was quite unremarkable. He was

development or health. The Howards seemed to have little in

healthy, he was happy. His mom says he has always been a “caring

common with the Mullikin family at that time because Seth had

and sweet little boy.”

little need in the way of medical care until after school one day

during his 1st grade year.

Nothing could prepare these families for the trek that would

await them. But as two determined children, Emily and Seth leaped

each hurdle set before them and continued to RUN towards dreams

their son limp on the ground needing immediate medical attention.

that others thought might be impossible given their circumstances.

Seth’s injuries were so significant that he was placed in a full body

cast for three months and was unable to attend school as he healed

During Emily’s toddler years, mom Sandi said, there wasn’t

Through a terrible incident Seth’s mom, Rita, says they found

much toddling going on. She was taken to a child development

and received therapies to recovery.

center in Louisville and was evaluated in a clinical setting, where

they anticipated receiving information of why Emily was delayed.

would have. As fate would have it, each child seemed to know their

While there, staff began working with her legs. Something

need better than therapists, doctors and concerned family members.

just wasn’t right. After a few moments the staff exited the room

32 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

It is hard to fathom the needs that that each Emily and Seth

Emily is involved in many activities: Girl Scouts, Buddy Ball, www.OwensboroParent.com

swimming, church and choir just to name a few. She’s fearless.

relegated to sit or lay for three long months.

When asked one word to describe herself, she said with kindness

and exuberance, “AWESOME!” Indeed, she is awesome!

the house in circles and asking at every opportunity to go to a track

Emily says, “I am just like all the other kids, and they tell me I am.”

and just run, run, run.

Seth is a country boy at heart. His hobbies include shooting his

Seth began training at home. Rita recalls him running around

Though it was a hard decision for Sandi and Rita, they both

new bow and arrow, riding his 4-wheeler as well as the family golf

recall thoughts about their children.

cart around the farm but also has an affinity for magic.

Sandi, while driving to church one night, was particularly

touched by LeAnn Womack’s hit, “I Hope You Dance.” She couldn’t

Even with all these activities there was one thing that both of

these kids wanted to do and that was RUN. Yes, RUN!

help but think of Emily and the dreams she has for her future

Though Emily was told she would always walk with a limp and

through the words of the song. Sandi shared, “I didn’t just want

Seth was immobile for three months, the can-do attitude of each lead

her to walk, I wanted her to dance!” Cerebral Palsy wasn’t going to

them on a journey to participate in cross-country, at their respective

disable her daughter’s life. So why not let her RUN track?!

school, where they were free to chase their dreams, alongside their

Rita has been repeatedly inspired by Seth’s ability to never

peers.

give up and says, “He just overcomes.” How could she not let him

Sandi, Emily’s mom, felt like cross-country was a defining

further overcome by allowing him to participate in cross-country?

moment for Emily. However she admits this desire her daughter had

was scary for her, but wanted to encourage her daughter and allow

Their mother’s admit they have never been the first to cross the

Emily to feel included in any activity she desired to participate.

finish line but they are always smiling and greeted with cheers from

After speaking to the school, Sandi knew she must let Emily do this.

the crowd.

Both Emily and Seth began running cross-country in August.

Rita says that Seth actually began telling her “I’m going to run.” As soon as the opportunity presented itself, Seth came home insisting she sign him up. She felt like she had no choice but to give her little boy the desire of his heart to run again, after being

www.OwensboroParent.com

Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her husband, Paul and their two children.

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

the road to a

simple

path KIM JAGOE

{by: danny may}

wensboro is a small enough town that we don’t see

Keith Lawrence with the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

homelessness as obviously as they do in bigger cities.

interviewed Kim just a few days after she completed the

But the sad truth is that Owensboro does have a large homeless

program. Kim was hesitant.

population. In fact, the Daniel Pitino Shelter has a waiting

“I didn’t really want him to do the article at first because

list so long that they turn away almost 100 families a month.

I wanted to get some more things in order before it went

The Boulware Center also has a waiting list and St. Benedict’s

public,” Kim said. “But as it turned out, it was all in God’s

Shelter is nearing capacity as the nights get colder.

plan because the day after the article ran, Michele Ison

It has become Kim Jagoe’s personal mission to help our

called and told me that Crossroads just received a grant to

homeless community. After years of volunteering at the Help

completely upgrade their kitchen and they needed someone

Office and St. Benedict’s Shelter (where she was actually the

to run it.”

director for three years), Jagoe has a vision to open a women’s

shelter, resource center and a reverse soup kitchen called A

network of volunteers, programs and resources aimed at

Simple Path.

ending homelessness in Owensboro, so it made perfect sense

to partner with A Simple Path.

If you’re like me, you are asking yourself “What in the

world is a reverse soup kitchen?” It starts by training some of the homeless community in culinary skills, nutrition and sanitation so they can prepare and serve meals. Customers

Already established as a 501c3, Crossroads is a grassroots

Adrienne’s House

Adrienne’s House is named after Adrienne Courtney Dantin,

come and eat, but instead of paying for a “bill,” they make a

a young woman who had a heart for the poor and worked

donation, which goes straight to the shelter.

for justice until she succumbed to cancer. Once the house

Jagoe says the road to A Simple Path lead her to step

is completed it will serve as both an emergency shelter and

down as director of St. Benedicts to enroll in the culinary

a transitional program to help residents get accepted into

arts program at Sullivan University in Louisville, where she

public housing. During the day Adrienne’s House will also

received her certification as a personal private chef with the

serve as a resource center providing food, clothes and baby

intention of opening the reverse soup kitchen.

items to homeless and impoverished women and children.

34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

www.OwensboroParent.com

Success Story In all of Kim Jagoe’s years of working with the homeless community, one of her favorite success stories is about a young lady she met at St. Benedict’s Shelter that we’ll call “Karen.” The youngest of seven, Karen lost her mother when she was just two so she never really had the guidance of a maternal figure in her life. When Karen came to St. Benedict’s she was working at a fast food restaurant but she did not have a place of her own. She was also struggling with an addiction and did not attend church. Jagoe recalls, “I would

homelessness in

bring her to church with

owensboro

us and I would take her shopping or running errands with me during the day. She always wanted to do those things because she never really had those experiences growing up.” Eventually the staff at

BY THE

numbers

241

homeless individuals in daviess county

beds at boulware mission

beds at the daniel pitino shelter

beds at st. benedict’s homeless shelter

St. Benedicts was able to help Karen get into public housing.

Today,

five

years later, she still lives in that house, still has a job, regularly attends the same church she was baptized in and is drug free.

“When you’re helping the homeless community it’s all about

consistency,” Jagoe explains. “When you show them a constant, non-judgmental, Christ-like environment then they learn to trust. They learn to change. At St. Benedicts our motto was ‘we want to love you like Jesus loves you.’ At A Simple Path we will have that same approach.”

With the help of many volunteers and a network of supporters,

Kim Jagoe’s dream is that there will be many more people with success stories like Karen’s that have found a better life through A Simple Path.

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

www.OwensboroParent.com

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

i wanted more

{ paid advertorial }

shannon ross on going back to school at WKU-O Can you describe your background?

and it definitely takes a lot of sacrifice and commitment. Everyone

I am blessed with a healthy family: my husband of eight years,

has to make improvisations along the way, and learning how to

Josh and two awesome kids: SkylaGrace, 8 and Abram Wyatt, 6.

adapt and overcome that which presents itself as an obstacle or

Being asked to deliver the valedictorian speech at WKU-O’s first

a challenge is rewarding. My advice for other parents would be

graduation commencement was such an honor. Having my children

to take time and whatever you are doing, try to make it count.

in the audience was very special and I consider that night one of my

Though one must be organized and diligent to be a parent

most extraordinary experiences in terms of influencing my children.

seeking a degree and trying to do both really well, we are not designed to multitask our time away. Trying to be superhuman

I decided to pursue higher education when my first child was nearing her first birthday. I was working in a factory, going through the motions, and helping pay the mortgage. I simply wanted more from my existence and for my family. I started out at OCTC and it is really hard to absorb the fact that I will soon have my Master’s degree. I really could not have done it without the sacrifice and support of my husband and the child caregiving contributions of my children’s paternal Grandmother, Marquetta Ross. How has your experience at WKU-Owensboro been? WKU-Owensboro holds a special place in my heart and has played an integral role in helping me reach my educational goals. For me, driving to Bowling Green would have been a real struggle if not an impossibility, so having this regional campus close to home has

is not within our grasp and is simply counterproductive and selfdestructive.

“Keep your priorities in line” may sound cliché,

but it is key to balance. Thus, that would be my ultimate advice to parents balancing school and life, to prioritize what is important to you and strive not to deviate from the hierarchy of importance. For me, my relationship with Jesus and thenmy family had to come first, and though I fail all the time, if you are striving everything falls into place.

been a blessing and has been more conducive to my non-traditional student preferences. I earned my BA in Sociology with a Certificate in Leadership Studies and I’ll have my MPA with a Certificate in Aging Studies in December. I enjoy social research, which was the basis for my undergrad degreechoice and I chose my graduate degree because of the versatility it offers. My husband jokes with me all the time and says, “Go on ahead and get that doctorate hun,” and while that may be a future possibility, I am certain I need a break at this point! I am currently career searching and I hope to find something that enables me to use my strengths. How do you maintain balance? Balancing life as a parent in school was not easy to say the least

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

Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro 36 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

www.OwensboroParent.com

37 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar

november 2012 Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price. Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 FREE THE NINTENDO WARP ZONE POWER UP ON THURSDAYS IN NOVEMBER! Come to the Programming Room for Nintendo fun! We’ll play Wii games such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros. Recommended for ages 8-12 and their families; 2:30-4:30; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE DON & DAISY’S PHARMACY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE; 720 West Byers Ave; (270) 683-2400. STORY LAB DAIRY OF A WORM Listen to the life of a worm as told by a worm, investigate real worms up close, learn how to make a worm home and even earn Wormologist certificate. Sessions will be held in the Museum of Science and History’s 3rd Floor Budding Biotech Lab. Program is included in the price of admission, which is $3 per person for non-members, two years and under are free. FREE TO MUSEUM MEMBERS! Please visit www. owensboromuseum.org or call (270) 687-2732.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 FREE KITTY KIZER BENEFIT EVENT All proceeds go to Kitty’s medical expenses. There will be a silent auction and musical performances to be announced later. Free to enter, donations accepted. Food available for purchase, cash bar provided by The Miller House; 6:30 p.m.; Reid’s Orchard. U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE DON & DAISY’S PHARMACY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE; 720 West Byers Ave; (270) 683-2400.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

38 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012

they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FREE THE NINTENDO WARP ZONE POWER UP ON THURSDAYS IN NOVEMBER! Come to the Programming Room for Nintendo fun! We’ll play Wii games such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros. Recommended for ages 8-12 and their families; 2:30-4:30; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. STORY LAB DAIRY OF A WORM See event description on Tuesday, November 3.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 ELECTION DAY

FREE WHERE’S WALDO? Waldo has invaded the library and we need help finding him! Wear your red and white shirts and help us celebrate Waldo’s 25th Anniversary. For ages 12 and younger; event will be held all day; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 FREE MKK 5K The MentorKids 5K is more than just a FREE run/walk, it’s a chance to give back to our community, by supporting the work of mentoring and the service we provide to single parent families. Understand what Christian mentoring looks like and give everyone the opportunity to change a life through being a mentor; Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 10th. Participants can check-in at the Owensboro Christian Church

www.OwensboroParent.com

Recreation Center (Entrance F). The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp; Contact mattwoodfall@ mentorkidsky.org (270) 926-6893.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE THE ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE gives all people the opportunity to honor those who have served and those who still serve and defend our country. The Parade consists of units from area veterans groups, local school bands, military units, and various local organizations. The route this year will be straight down Second Street downtown and end with a ceremony at Mitch McConnell Plaza; 2-4 p.m. THE MAGIC OF TOSCA The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra The Kentucky Opera returns to RiverPark Center to perform with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra featuring Puccini’s “Tosca;” 7:30 p.m.; 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF “Tradition” will ring out on RiverPark’s Cannon Hall stage with the classic musical of survival!; 7 p.m.;101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 VETERAN’S DAY

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VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM Hospice of Western Kentucky and Haley McGinnis Funeral Home present a Veteran’s Day Program at the new National Guard Armory in Mid America Air Park next to the Owensboro Regional Airport. The ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors and will be followed by presentations and speeches all to honor our U.S. Veterans. For more information, contact Hospice of Western Kentucky at 270-926-7565; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; National Guard Armory, Mid America Air Park, Owensboro.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FREE EREADER PETTING ZOO Visit the library and try out some of the most popular eReaders to decide which one you would like to buy! A DCPL adult program;10:00-11:00 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 FREE THE NINTENDO WARP ZONE POWER UP ON THURSDAYS IN NOVEMBER! Come to the Programming Room for Nintendo fun! We’ll play Wii games such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros. Recommended for ages 8-12 and their families; 2:30-4:30; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 HAPPY HOLIDAY TO YOU An evening of song and dance to usher in the Christmas Season. The show features a stellar community cast of singers, dancers and choirs. Tickets available though the RiverPark Center box office. Adults $10.50, Children under 10, $5 (RiverPark ticketing fees not included); 7 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787. U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 FREE 76TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE This special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area. 2012 will be the 76th year for the parade! This year’s theme is “River Front

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar Christmas” to celebrate the new riverfront park. Bands, lighted floats, an historic calliope, and St. Nick himself will entertain all ages; 4:30 p.m.; Second Street in Downtown Owensboro. STORY LAB DAIRY OF A WORM See event description on Tuesday, November 3. HOLIDAY MART RiverPark Center will be hosting its 2nd Annual Holiday Mart. Holiday Mart 2012 will feature over 60 direct sales companies and homebased businesses. Vendors will offer great products from Scentsy, Mary Kay, Thirty-One, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Just Jewelry and many more. The Holiday Mart also features artisans and craftsmen. Items such as embroidery, hand-painted pieces, and blown glass will be available for purchase; 101 Daviess Street; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or www.riverparkcenter.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 HOLIDAY MART See event description on Saturday, November 17.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

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. November 2012

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 FREE 27TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY IN THE PARK LIGHTING CEREMONY Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, not to mention Santa in his sleigh, line Legion’s half-mile walking path; Sponsored by Independence Bank, displays will be up through January 2; Lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Enjoy a train ride around the park, visit with Santa and free hot chocolate for one night only; Byers Avenue & JR Miller Boulevard; 270-687-8700. U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY Build, Play, and Learn with LEGO! For Ages 6-12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE EREADER PETTING ZOO Visit the library and try out some of the most popular eReaders to decide which one you would like to buy! A DCPL adult program;10:00-11:00 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 THANKSGIVING DAY

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK An outdoor driving lighted tour with 300,000+ lights winding through Panther Creek Park; $3.00 charge per carload; Panther Creek Park, 5160 Wayne Bridge Road. U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description

FREE HOLIDAY CARDS FOR VETERANS Help us

on Tuesday, November 20.

decorate cards to be delivered to local veterans. For ages 12 and younger; Event will be all day, drop in anytime; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless

www.OwensboroParent.com

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

their families; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See

FREE EREADER PETTING ZOO Visit the library

event description on Friday, November 23.

and try out some of the most popular eReaders to decide which one you would like to buy! A DCPL adult program;10:00-11:00 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description

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

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23. STORY LAB DAIRY OF A WORM See event description on Tuesday, November 3.

on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING Stop by the programming room to hear the United Daughters of the Confederacy talk about how pioneers celebrated the holidays. Then help us decorate our tree the old-fashioned way. For ages 12 and younger and

www.OwensboroParent.com

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 FREE THE NINTENDO WARP ZONE POWER UP ON THURSDAYS IN NOVEMBER! Come to the Programming Room for Nintendo fun! We’ll play Wii games such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros. Recommended for ages 8-12 and their families; 2:30-4:30; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20. FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 FREE HOLIDAY STROLL Stroll the downtown

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar streets to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling carolers, storefront decorations, and indoor performers will make this evening a reminder of the good old days of being downtown at Christmas; 5 - 8 p.m.; Second and Third streets from Daviess to St. Ann; Contact Patti Acquisto at 684-9679.

ODT’S THE NUTCRACKER The Owensboro Dance Theatre presents a Christmas classic with elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and the talents of over 100 community members as well as the theatre company and guest artists from KY Ballet Theatre; 7 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787. HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K RUN/WALK The Owensboro Parks Department is hosting a run/walk. Check in from 7:15 – 7:45 a.m. at Dairy Queen on HWY 231. Race begins at 8 a.m., awards ceremony 9:30 a.m.; Register before November 16, $20/person; Register after November 16, $25/person; For more information (270) 687-8700 or owensboroparks.org.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

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. November 2012

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description

on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See

event description on Friday, November 23.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 FREE SANTA CALLS Santa has set aside a couple

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

of days during his busy December schedule to make personal phone calls to children here in our community. This activity is free to children under the age of 9 and the only restriction is that all phone calls must be local. Calls will be placed between 6 and 8 p.m. on December 11th-13th. Forms are available on the website. Santa will do his best to call on the night and time requested, but placing a call from the North Pole can sometimes take longer than expected, especially during the holiday season! Register by December 3; For more information (270) 687-8700 or owensboroparks.org.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description

on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 BROADWAY AT RIVERPARK CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE Even Scrooge would exit with a smile on his face.” Come see the talented Cirque Dreams troupe for their stunning holiday performance; 7 p.m.; 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

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.

on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See

on Tuesday, November 20.

event description on Friday, November 23.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

www.OwensboroParent.com

November 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK See event description on Tuesday, November 20.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on Friday, November 23.

44 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November 2012