Owensboro Parent - February 2013 by Tanner Publishing

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February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

3 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

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february 2013 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com

from the publisher If you’ve ever wanted to have Owensboro Parent Magazine

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delivered to your home or business, here’s your chance. This

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Owensboro Parent Magazine is committed to providing a FREE

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and restaurants throughout Owensboro each month. This service

Contributors

will continue as usual. But we’ve heard from many parents who

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aren’t able to find a magazine or simply forgot to pick one up each

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month. We think we’ve found the solution.

Christina Dalton Danny May Gail E. Kirkland Jaime Rafferty

For $12 each year we will send a magazine to your home or

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business. That breaks down to $1 delivery cost for each issue. This

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Owensboro, Kentucky Contact Information Owensboro Parent Magazine

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Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.

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If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro.

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. February 2013

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february features parental control [8] itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love [10] butterfly on the windshield [12] the rhythm of love [14] valentine party for a cause [16]

[16]

[18] family fun date [20] itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small world [26] being a good citizen

[14]

[28] freeze the day [31] february calendar

[28] [20]

[26]

www.OwensboroParent.com

[08]

[12]

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

february 2013

parent talk Ah, Valentine’s Day, the day of love! For your kids, this Valentine’s Day may be their first since entering the dating world. How did you handle when your kids started dating or will start dating? Have you established a dating policy? Curfew? Forbid dating until they’re 30? That’s what we asked with this month’s ParentTalk, and here are a few of our favorite answers from Facebook. When our girls were young Wendell would always ask the young men if

When I was a teen, I had a youth minister that instilled into us one

they would like to see his gun cabinet. They seemed to get the message.

truth...”Your date may be your mate” meaning never to date anyone

- Wendell and Marilyn Yeckering

that you wouldn’t want to be married to. Choose your dates wisely with the same character and values that you would want in a husband/

My daughters will be joining the convent at age 12. Just kidding, but

wife. If you wouldn’t want them for a spouse, you don’t need to be

they can’t date til 30.

dating them. And with this in mind, think about and make a list of the

- Drew Hardesty

values that you want in a mate, hold out for that special person. They are out there waiting for you. When you find him/her, honor them &

As a parent to twin 17-year-old boys, I personally am not ready. But

respect them and strive to become a better person for them.

ready or not... puppy love and mature love have arrived. We are just

- Karen Katchuk

awaiting the unveiling of which is which. I have learned that children mature differently and life unfolds for each child differently. Solid rules don’t work for our family. Basically we are living on a prayer. We take

I have two kids-- a girl and a boy. They will not GO on a date until

each new situation and talk a lot about what’s wise, Godly, and how

they have their license, that way if anything happens they can drive

they truly feel about the other person. One thing we have tried to

themselves home. They are only 9 and 5 now, but that was my parents

teach our children is that dating is not a game. If played like one we

rule for me and it came in handy more than once. If the person you

tend to hurt people unintentionally and walk through much undo hurt

go with feels the stupid desire to drink you are able to drive home. And

ourselves. Our teenagers are encouraged to think and slow down.

I am building a relationship with my kids like the one I have with my

There is plenty of time, and friendships are always a good option until

parents. I can tell them anything. They may not be thrilled about what I

they can sort through feelings. I won’t just get out of the way, I am

tell them, but they listen and talk it over honestly and always thank me

committed to helping my kids balance out healthy feelings, while

for being open and honest. You have to give them the values and the

holding my breath while letting them spread their wings and fly.

chance to use them on their own.

- Joanie Merritt Hagan

- Summer Pearl Doughty

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February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

parental control { Q&A with christina dalton,

Q: Q

Reading to your baby, interacting with other children and showing them new things will help them become ready to enter school.

M S S W, C S W

}

Is there anything I can be doing now for

time to start looking at picture books with

my daughter at 15 months old to prepare her

them. They are so curious and whether you

for school?

can see it or not they are absorbing everything

A: A

This is a great question. There are so

and learning daily. Reading to your baby,

many things parents can do to prepare their

interacting with other children and showing

children for school, especially at such a young

them new things each and every day will help

age. Children at this age have a tendency to

them become ready to enter school. When

be shy, not like strangers and cling to their

children are screened for kindergarten they

parents. I think it is a good idea to make sure

look for things like color recognition, numbers,

that they are able to be around other children.

letters and sequencing. I can promise you

This is the age when they are starting pretend

though whether your child knows all of these

play, for example, like feeding a baby doll

things before kindergarten or not they will

and pointing to things that interest them. It

learn them in school. Keep in mind that 90%

is also a time when temper tantrums are the

of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain develops in the first five

latest and greatest skill they have mastered. A

years of life. Important factors include daily

child as young as 6-months-old comprehends

experiences, parent involvement, nutrition,

that when they throw an item on the floor, you

physical activity and most importantly...

will pick it up. We have all seen this scenario

LOVE!

a million times, a baby throws a toy on the

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. February 2013

floor and we pick it up over and over. It can

Q: Q

make you feel like the baby is training you. A

of me and others. I feel like I am at a total

15-month-old normally has a vocabulary of

loss. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so embarrassing, especially out in

about 3 to 6 words. At this age it is a great

public. Is there anything you can suggest?

My 13-year-old son is so disrespectful

www.OwensboroParent.com

A: A

I completely agree with you about

we learn to respect others. It’s hard and

know what the right answer is and they don’t

teenagers, young adults and all the way to

sometimes we treat our children as if they

believe you. Never tell a stubborn child what

little children. I have seen it in restaurants,

are the center of our world. There has to be a

to do either. When you tell a stubborn child

grocery stores, and just about anywhere you

balance in our relationship with our children.

what to do it alerts some part of their brain to

go. There is an air of entitlement in today’s

We need to go back and make it a point to

disengage and do the opposite. Instead you

children. I think that we have to go back to

teach our children thoughtfulness, courtesy,

describe what you’re willing to do or allow. In

the basics of good ole fashioned manners. We

consideration, kindness, politeness and basic

the Love and Logic Program® they call this

are somewhat in a society that wants to blame

etiquette. When we do that then the respect

enforceable statements. Here is an example,

others for our problems. Sometimes as parents

will follow.

“I’ll be happy to do the things I do for you

we go to great lengths so that our children

when I feel treated with respect,” or “You may

do not have to experience disappointment,

Q: Q I have a 9-year-old daughter that is so

go online as long as I’m around to supervise.”

struggle, or any form of delayed gratification.

stubborn. I can say the sky is blue and she

By using these types of statements you can

I know there are people, myself included,

will argue with me all day long that it’s not.

take the arguing out of the equation. One

that have had moments of entitlement with

How can I effectively talk to her when she

thing I want you to remember is the only

our children. I have had my child tell me

is like this instead of yelling and screaming

thing you can control is yourself. I know it’s

it’s time for me to get off the phone. That

because that gets me no where?

hard and can be so frustrating at times. Stop

is entitlement. When a teenager has a closet

A: A My child can be stubborn sometimes and

telling them what to do and start telling them

full of clothes and says I have nothing to wear.

my first piece of advice is to pick your battles.

what you are going to do.

That is entitlement. Manners are directly

Sometimes it is just not worth the fight to

related to respect.

Manners are our first

argue over something that is not important.

Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family

introduction to respect. More importantly

But they suck you in and before you know it,

Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County

we can only learn to respect ourselves when

you are arguing over a math problem that you

Public Schools.

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

it’s love. { by: lora wimsatt }

rom the time you saw the little blue “plus sign” on the

pregnancy test stick, it was love.

was love.

From the time you heard the watery “ththump” of the heartbeat at the doctor’s office, it was love.

From the time you saw that shadowy outline

on the sonogram, it was love. From the time you felt something like butterflies fluttering in your tummy, it was love. From the time you pushed and cried and

From the time the baby first said “Ma-ma” and “Da-da,” it

When playful little hands unravel a whole roll of bathroom tissue, it’s still love.

From the time those chubby arms went around your neck and a wet kiss was planted on your cheek, it was love. And – When the baby cries … and cries … and cries … all night, it’s still love. When the diaper leaks on your best outfit, it’s still love.

sweated and squeezed your husband’s hand, it

When you go back to work and your boss

was love.

discretely inquires about the spit-up stain on the

shoulder of your blouse, it’s still love.

From the time you held that damp, wrinkled,

squawling baby, it was love.

DVD player, it’s still love.

From the time you watched in fascination as those rosebud

When exploring little hands shove a puzzle piece into the

lips nursed, it was love.

When you juggle baby and purse and diaper bag and

groceries and keys, and binky falls to the ground and you have

From the time you dressed your baby in those impossibly

tiny, awesomely adorable outfits, it was love.

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. February 2013

to figure out a way to bend over and pick it up without dropping

www.OwensboroParent.com

everything else, it’s still love.

When playful little hands unravel a whole roll of bathroom

tissue, it’s still love.

When everyone in the restaurant stares as you slink away to

the restroom with your tantrum-throwing child, it’s still love. When curious little hands delete all the apps on your smartphone, it’s still love.

When you listen to the adventures of Dora the Explorer

so many times you find yourself humming “Do-do-do-do-doDora!” while standing in line at the bank, it’s still love.

When you stand at the corner and wave good-bye until the

big yellow school bus disappears from sight even though your child is “too cool” now to wave back, it’s still love.

From the very beginning, it was love.

And somewhere along the way, you realize there is no ending.

It will always be love.

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

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

butterfly on the windshield { by: melody wallace }

s I was headed to work the other day I saw the most beautiful

the view, the surroundings begin to change, and before we know

monarch butterfly. Unfortunately, I was not in a country

it…SMACK! We hit face first into a windshield. Each of us has

field or a nearby park, I was on Highway 60. Before I ever had

our own “windshield” to contend with. For some of us it is divorce

a chance to appreciate how exquisite this creature was, it hit my

or a failed relationship, for others it is the sudden loss of a job or

windshield with a SMACK! and bounced off into the unknown.

a loved one. Sometimes the descent is long and frightening, while

I spent the rest of the morning worrying about what had become

other times it is more of a quick shock to the system. Initially we

of that butterfly, and then I found myself starting to identify

may feel stunned and disoriented, as though we may never take

with it. When you think about it, we are not that much different

flight again. Often times we are left feeling damaged, scarred, or

than the butterfly. We start off our lives in the comfort and safety

as if we are carrying the world’s baggage. These are the marks that

of a warm cocoon then stretch out our wings to explore new

should not define us, but should help to strengthen and build our

surroundings. As some of us are soaring through life, enjoying

character.

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Interestingly, when scientists want to learn about the life

in comparison to the butterfly, even though it feels as though we

and travels of a butterfly they find they can learn a great deal by

have so much to accomplish and so little time to accomplish it.

examining its wings. Brand new butterflies have nearly perfect

The average lifespan of a butterfly is just a few weeks. In this

wings, while more experienced butterflies’ wings may appear

time the butterfly must find a mate, generate offspring, provide

old and tattered. What truly amazes these scientists is that some

for that offspring, and avoid predators, while still maintaining

butterflies whose wings display scratches, tears, worn spots, or

to care for and feed itself. It really puts into perspective our own

are even missing over half of a wing still manage to find a way to

lives. Some of us have an entire lifetime--decades to find and

fly. Losing a job that brought you joy and security may leave your

share with a mate and care for our children. We have friends and

wings scratched and torn, or losing a loved one through death or

family members that can provide branches of support and shelter

divorce may leave you feeling as though part of you is missing.

when predators attack. As humans we are lucky that we do not

have to explore and experience this world alone.

One of the most indelible pictures of the monarch displayed a

“v” shaped imprint on one of its wings. Incredibly a bird that was

Contemplating all of these comparisons just further instills in

trying to capture and eat the butterfly made this mark. I think of

me that each day is a blessing. Although there will be inclement

some of the people I have met in this life who have been attacked

weather to dampen our wings, predators to avoid, and the

by “predators” or have been hit by the proverbial windshields of

occasional unforeseen windshield, we must remember this…We

cancer, the loss of a spouse, or the death of a child. These people

are all beautiful butterflies, with our own unique scratches and

seem to have dealt with more than their share of burdens, yet

tears and we need to brush off our wings each day and see how

they are the ultimate picture of grace. These are the people that

high we can soar.

wear the scars on their wings as character building beauty marks, rather than blemishes of defeat.

Melody Wallace is a teacher in the Daviess County School district who has

wife, mom, and stepmom.

The encouraging news is that we really are at an advantage

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recently remarried, and finds new happiness each day in her roles as teacher,

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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

children and the rhythm of love

n honor of the month of love, which is also heart disease

Most murmurs are “innocent,” meaning the sound is produced

awareness month, I would like to review some common fears

by a normal, healthy heart with blood flowing through it correctly.

parents may have about children and heart diseases.

The murmur occurs because there is more flow than usual for

some reason, or it is flowing more rapidly. This may happen with a

Your big, strapping seventh grader is seeing the pediatrician for

a sports physical, and the doctor tells you he has a heart murmur.

nervous teenager (as in the example above), after exercise, or during

Suddenly your own heart skips a beat, and you worry about your

a fever. The first evaluation for this type of murmur, especially if

son’s future in athletics and his general health, with scary visions of

discovered by an urgent care doctor or provider that does not know

open heart surgery in your mind. But should you really be worried?

your child well, is for your regular doctor to listen to the child at a

time that he is not sick. If the murmur is gone, then it is very likely

First, what is a murmur anyway? With each heartbeat, your

doctor hears a sound like “lub-dub,” which represents the closing

innocent, requiring no further testing. A murmur that comes and

of the valves between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.

goes is generally not dangerous.

Any sound other than the typical “lub-dub” would be defined as a

murmur.

Parents or providers may notice that the beats are not evenly

Sometimes the rhythm of the heart is not completely regular.

spaced: “lub-dub…lub-dub……..lub—dub…lub-dub.” This can

be a problem with the heart’s internal pacemaker, which is a little

area within the heart that triggers the beats in rhythm. But most commonly, at least in children between 5 and 15, it is normal variation with breathing. Your pediatrician can tell when the beats are closer as the lungs fill with air, and get further apart when the lungs empty and the heart has more space to beat. This is really true in all of us, but since children are usually healthy and their chest wall is thinner, the variation from beat to beat is easier to hear.

An abnormal rhythm will often cause symptoms in the child,

like passing out or feeling like the heart is racing, even when at rest. If these symptoms are noted, it is important to have your child evaluated by her regular pediatrician. Often we will find a simple explanation that does not require surgery, but a full exam and heart tracing is needed in these situations. If there is a family history of heart rhythm disturbances, especially sudden death in a person younger than 50 years old, we really need to be made aware of it, so we can look further. 14 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

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I would like to take this time to make a special note about

the pre-participation sports physical. Any student planning to participate in school-sponsored sports will be required to have a screening physical. It is very important for parents to be aware of this and plan well ahead of the season of the child’s sport. If the physical or evaluation turns up an issue that must be addressed, it could delay your child’s clearance to play or even practice with the team, so it is best to schedule the sports physical a month or so before you need it. And the most important question on the KHSAA form is about the heart: Is there a family member who died suddenly before age 50? I cannot stress enough how vital it is for parents to fill out the questionnaire before bringing the student to the doctor, so we have all the information we need to state clearly that your child may be allowed to play.

The testing is fairly simple, a 12-lead ECG or tracing

of the electrical activity of the heart. But getting the ECG interpreted and evaluated may take valuable time, which would be time well spent if it prevents a catastrophe on the basketball court. There are a few rhythm problems that run in families, such as Long QT and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndromes, so if you know about these, definitely let the doctor know.

So be reassured that most of these extra sounds or

irregular rhythms in children and teenagers are harmless, but if your child has significant fatigue, chest pain, or passing out, keep your doctor in the loop!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Dr Gannon and the staff at Pediatric Partners!!!

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

alentine’s Day is a perfect time to show some love for other people, animals, or a favorite charity. So throw a

party for a cause and show kids how to have fun and help others at the same time. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of

valentine’s party for a cause!

service for your child and their friends.

Decide on a cause. With your child, choose a charity or group that will benefit from the party. Do some research on the Internet before you decide on what group to select.

Ideas for your party might include: •

Making valentines for our troops serving overseas. Including small items in a care package with the cards would be a nice touch. According to the website anysoldier.com, it’s the cards that are the most meaningful.

•

Help some animals in need. Have the party attendees bring a bag of food for a dog or a cat. The activity at your event could be to make catnip toys. Include the delivery of these items to the local shelter as a part of the party.

•

Throw a fleece party! Make easy scarves, mittens, hats, and blankets from fleece for the homeless or take them to the HELP Office on 4th Street here in Owensboro. Each attendee brings 1 yard of colorful fleece. Find easy patterns and no-sew patterns online at About.com - family crafts.

•

Serenade Seniors. When kids arrive at the party, practice the songs you have decided to sing. Choose favorites with which the children are already familiar.

Make

some valentines to take with you to distribute. Provide transportation to a local nursing home for a “singspiration” { by: christy ramey }

16 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

with the residents. Don’t forget to give plenty of hugs.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Invitations and decorations: •

Make your invitations from hearts with accordion arms to show you are reaching out to others. Include the ‘cause’ the party will benefit, time, place, and any special supplies or gifts the kids will need to bring.

•

Decorate your room with appropriately themed items that match the cause.

•

Use hearts and streamers with camouflage for the troops party, musical notes and sheet music for the serenading party, mittens on a clothesline for the fleece party, and dog bones for the animal shelter party.

Mementos: Take plenty of pictures and prepare a small scrapbook for each guest. These can be digital and sent to a parent’s e-mail address. The memories made at a Valentine’s Party for a cause will last a lifetime. The lessons learned from this experience will never be forgotten!

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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February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

plan a family fun date

{ by: jessica weafer }

ere’s the scene that’s probably all too familiar for most

We had all been very sick with horrible colds, bronchitis, and

parents: In a matter of eye blinks the house transformed

croup. Needless to say, our usually happy, positive demeanors

from clean to someone-call-ServPro-it’s-so-dirty after the kid(s)

had dwindled to easily frustrated, exhausted, and grumpy. My

played for about five minutes; dirty dishes multiplied on their

husband and I were growing easily agitated with our two-year-

own in the kitchen sink; your spouse came home in a mood

old, who was also growing easily agitated with us. We were just

and now everyone is in a mood; and you’re exhausted, asking

feeding off of each other’s negative attitudes and perpetuating

yourself, “Didn’t we just do this yesterday?”

the problem.

It happens to every family from time to time. Your family’s

So we decided that a date night, just the two of us (a rare

rhythm, for whatever reason, gets off track, and all you want is a

occurrence), is what we needed to cure our attitudes. We arranged

break.

for a sitter, decided where we were going, then, while we were all

sitting on the couch waiting for the sitter and watching a movie,

There are hundreds of articles and Web sites stressing the

importance of a husband and wife making the time to take dates

an idea struck us. The three of us should go out together!

once children come into the picture to help mend and maintain

What a great idea, we thought.

a positive relationship. But less common is the suggestion for a

If we all had bad attitudes, then we all needed to work it out

family date night — not just skipping cooking for an evening

together! We are one unit, and when we are all down, we should

and going out for dinner, but consciously making the decision

fix it as one.

to take a fun-filled-we’re-not-going-to-sweat-the-small-stuff

This revelation reminded me of a scene in the movie

family date.

“Spanglish,” with Adam Sandler and Paz Vega (Flor). In the

scene, Flor’s daughter, Christina, is mad at Flor. Christina tells

A few weeks ago my little family was having a rough time.

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. February 2013

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her mother that she needs distance from her until she cools

personal favorite), walking around the mall, going to dinner at

down. Then Flor leans over, nose to nose with Christina and says

one the many local restaurants, visiting our wonderful parks, or

emphatically, “There is no distance between us!”

going to the movies. You could even just go for a walk or bike

ride around the neighborhood.

How true is that? There is no distance between family. If

there is a problem, you don’t run away from it, you embrace it

and make it better together!

have alone time. Don’t forget about Thursday night’s Downtown

On our family date, we did a little shopping, ate some yummy

Date Night for when you and your mate are ready for a date!

food, complete with dessert, and visited the children’s section

Owensboro’s Downtown is a perfect place for a grown-up date,

of the bookstore. We set out on our date with positive attitudes.

from the great restaurants, laid-back coffee shop, and the best

We knew there may be fits. Our son is two; there are always fits.

place in town to get an adult beverage.

But our renewed attitude made it OK, and actually, our little guy

did great and never got upset. I know it’s because he was able to

family unit is a relationship just like your marriage. That

sense our new positive attitudes.

relationship needs to be nurtured. When life starts to get hectic,

Since our family date, things have been great. We’ve all been

and you find yourselves on the brink of agitation or checking

our usual, easy-going selves, full of of fun, laughter, and positive

prices for one ticket to Florida, make the conscious decision to

energy!

let go of the negativity and have a little fun together.

When you’re ready for your family date, there are a lot of

options in town to help your family let loose: ice skating, laser tag, the local art and science museums, the bookstore (my

www.OwensboroParent.com

Of course, I think it’s important for a mother and father to

But it is equally important to have time as a family. Your

FIX IT TOGETHER!

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

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

it’s a small

world

{ by: gail e. kirkland } photo by: jason tanner

he petite, soft-spoken, Cinderella-look-alike with big,

fluttering hazel green eyes, porcelain skin, and luscious

8th-grade year, Jennifer found a knot on the left side of her neck,

blonde curls cascading to her mid-back is more than your average

slightly below her jawbone. Within days she saw her pediatrician,

Disney World enthusiast—much more. She is a cancer survivor.

Dr. Don Neel, and an ear-nose-throat specialist, Dr. Matthew

Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Rudd, a junior at Daviess County High

Taylor, who did a biopsy the next day. The doctors’ suspicions

School, exudes maturity and wisdom well beyond her years. “She’s

were confirmed. In tandem, they moved swiftly to contact St. Jude

pretty tough,” said her dad, Keith Rudd, an assessment eagerly

Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., whose mission

acknowledged by her mom, Anna, and her two older sisters, Traci

is “to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric

and Michelle, as we sat huddled together in their living room one

catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

rainy Sunday afternoon.

Jennifer summarized her feelings upon hearing the C-word from

her dad: “Scared.”

That same dad was the one who tearfully told his then-14-year-

While in the Smoky Mountains during Spring Break of her

old daughter the biopsy results: “Well, it’s not good news.”

However, from Day One at St. Jude, the family affirmed their

His next words were those of reassurance that Hodgkin’s

outright surprise at the smiling, friendly, uplifting atmosphere

lymphoma can be treated and cured. In fact, the cure rate is now

surrounding them. They could not help but wonder, “Why is

an impressive 96 percent. Nonetheless, the remaining 4 percent

everybody so happy here?” Granted, they soon discovered it is not

weighed heavily upon the family. Traci admitted having an internal

always a happy place. The unavoidable recognition that many of the

tug of war, all the while knowing that she had to be strong for

cancer patients were indeed babies and youngsters fighting for their

everyone else. “It was all difficult,” Michelle said.

lives cut the Rudd family to the core. Yet, the first week confirmed

20 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

discover that the positives outweighed the negatives at St. Jude.

Wood, associate director of the ALSAC office in Louisville,

confirmed that 75 percent of St. Jude’s revenue comes from

During that week, Jennifer underwent extensive tests: chest

X-rays, PET scans, CAT scans, echograms, EKGs, in addition

individual donors. As she emphasized, “Every dollar counts,”

to blood work. “It was weird,” Jennifer said in regard to going

considering that operating costs equal a whopping $1.8 million—

through the scanning tubes. In addition to the mass in her neck,

DAILY. An estimated $?? million is raised annually in Kentucky

tests revealed smaller tumors scattered throughout her chest cavity.

alone. The hidden benefit of the many and varied fundraising

Jennifer’s parents agreed for her to participate in an ongoing

efforts is an increased awareness of St. Jude’s mission to help any

research study to benefit other children with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

child needing treatment.

Amazingly, Jennifer never had to stay overnight in the hospital. At

the conclusion of each day’s scans and tests, she was allowed to stay

a PICC-line, she travelled back and forth to Memphis, staying

with her family at Grizzlies House, a short-term, dorm-like facility

overnight only as needed. She said the biggest challenge she faced

provided at no cost to St. Jude patients and their families. There

was “my hair failing out.” Ironically, Jennifer is a 3-time donor to

they had most of the comforts of home, including two bedrooms,

Locks of Love, first cutting off her waist-length hair at age seven

a living room, a kitchen, laundry area—plus pool tables in the

and cutting it a third time just before her chemo treatment. At the

commons area. By the time Jennifer left St. Jude, she had become

onset of her freshman year, she missed several days of school while

quite a pool shark worthy of her own cue stick, according to her dad.

undergoing five-day radiation treatments for a month. When she

“No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance,

did walk through the doors of DCHS, Jennifer donned a headband

and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is

and a ponytail—albeit a severely thinned, miniscule ponytail. She

financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization,”

did not want a wig or a hat, opting instead for what remained of her

according to the St. Jude web site.

once beautiful ponytail.

To that point, fundraising is an essential, crucial component

of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s overall success. Emily

www.OwensboroParent.com

During Jennifer’s 12-week chemotherapy administered via

Jennifer has been in remission since October of 2010. She still

travels to St. Jude annually for a major checkup, and goes every four

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

facebook

22 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

community months for follow-up X-rays and blood work.

extravaganza, February 1, at the Theatre Workshop venue (once

Goldie’s). The event involves local musicians and St. Jude

Some trips have been for more than medical treatment or

checkups. One was an all-expense paid week-long trip to Disney

patients joining together to entertain, to inform, and to inspire the

World, provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and coordinated

community about this all-important fundraising effort. The $10

by the nursing staff at Owensboro’s Mitchell Memorial Cancer

admission goes directly toward the St. Jude Radiothon.

Center. Jennifer beamed as she described each of her seven days

Not only great individuals, but also original lyrics have evolved

there. A Princess star with her name on it hangs in the ceiling at

from this fundraising effort. Chad is writing his fourth song, which

Give Kids the World, a castle-like structure there. Another dream-

will debut during the WBKR radiothon. His first song, “Saints and

come-true trip landed her front and center at a Justin Bieber concert

Angels,” was inspired by a 4-year-old cancer patient, who deeply

in Nashville, again compliments of the Mitchell nursing staff.

touched his heart.

Her entire family, along with an array of friends and neighbors,

WBKR will dedicate 13 hours each day, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.,

has become involved with WBKR’s St. Jude Radiothon, held

in an effort to exceed the $124,000 raised last year. Cancer survivors

February 21-22. In its 10th anniversary, the radiothon hopes to

like Jennifer will be there lending their time, telling their story,

surpass the $124,000 raised in 2012. WBKR’s Chad Benefield,

sharing their talent to benefit St. Jude.

radiothon coordinator, said Owensboro’s fundraiser is unique in

that “we throw St. Jude’s playbook to the side and do our own

“You’re Gonna Miss Me,” which is beyond pitch perfect, even

thing.” That ‘thing’ has been quite successful, with donations

magical.

jumping exponentially from $65,000 in 2009 and $81,000 in 2010.

abundant love, compassion, and expert care at St. Jude Children’s

WBKR is one of hundreds of radio stations across the nation

who participates in this fundraising network entitled Country Cares, an idea spawned by Randy Owen—front man for “Alabama.” This year’s local effort kicks off with a “Denim and Diamonds”

Those who listen carefully may hear Jennifer’s rendition of

Jennifer’s small world certainly became brighter through the

Research Hospital.

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

ST. JUDE

The 10th Annual WBKR St. Jude Radiothon, presented by Poole’s Pharmacy Care Hosted by Chad Benefield, Jaclyn Graves, Barb Birgy and Dave Spencer Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22 on The Country Station, 92.5 WBKR. 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Featuring stories of hope and inspiration from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and live performances by Rollie Pike, Brian Hart, Kyle Whitaker, Heath & Molly, The West Louisville Elementary School Choir, Emily Clark, Ryan Himes, Tara and Travis Estes, Latasha Shemwell, Kennedy McCollam, Mudd River Union and more! Become a St. Jude Partner-In-Hope by calling 1-800-201-8883 DURING the radiothon!

23 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

children’s hospital B Y T H E numbers

268

patients are cents of every treated each day dollar raised at St. Jude. goes towards treatment.

7,800

active patients The amount visit St. Jude families pay for each year. treatment!

www.OwensboroParent.com

discover

24 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

being a model citizen { by: jaime rafferty }

reston Wilson is not just any 8-year-old

The school project could have been

boy. He is a boy on a mission-- a mission

achieved by simply writing a letter to the

to be a helpful citizen of Owensboro!

mayor. However, this young man didn’t stop

From the surface he’s a strawberry blonde boy,

there. He not only had Leslie send the letter, he

with glasses and a sense of humor that would

also informed Mayor Payne that he had mailed

have boded well on “Kids Say the Darndest

the city council members letters and that his

Things.”

Mom would be bringing him to the November

20th council meeting.

Apart from his humor, Preston

loves football, four-wheeler riding and

Preston decided, after talking to his Mom,

Taekwondo, in which he currently holds a

he would raise money for the Daviess County

brown belt.

Senior Services, Senior Christmas Wish project.

He is son to proud parents, Kevin and

This money would help all homebound seniors

Leslie Wilson. Preston is also big brother to

enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program to

sister Lauren, 2, who, he is quick to point out,

receive a Christmas goodie bag.

“stole his thunder” when entering the family.

With all joking aside, Preston is a young man

to help the project, but also challenged the

who has a heart for people. Not just the people

Mayor and council members to do the same.

in his family or those he knows, but even

people he has never met.

concluded, several folks came up to Preston

It was in Mrs. Paula Naas’ third grade

handing him five and ten dollar bills for the

class at Deer Park Elementary, during a local

project.

government project, that this little boy did

something many men and women have never

Janie, a hairdresser, posted the information

done: he saw a need and decided to help.

at her station and clients began to give small

Each student was given the task to show

donations. Other family and friends also heard

branches of local government and what it

what this young man was doing and gave.

meant to be a good citizen. This could be

In less than a month, 8-year-old Preston raised

accomplished in a few ways – making a mobile,

nearly $1,000 to give to the Senior Christmas

a poster, or write a letter to local government on

Wish Project.

an issue.

Director of the Elizabeth Munday Center,

Preston knew what he wanted to do. Write

a letter to Mayor Ron Payne.

Preston pledged to give $25 of his allowance

Leslie said, after the council meeting had

It didn’t end there, Preston’s grandmother

He presented the money to Tom Vittitow,

prior to Christmas so that the items could be

photo by: jason tanner

26 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

purchased. He told his Mom, “Man that sure

daily his answers vary

felt good!”

from enlisting in the

Air Force, to becoming

Leslie said she was speechless at Preston’s

initiative to exceed the school project and

an architect or even

actually demonstrate being a good citizen. She

working with his dad

said, “To watch your child want to help others

as a brick mason.

is the most rewarding gift I have ever felt. It’s

absolutely indescribable. I can only hope this

at the city council

is just one of many things he will do to help

meeting,

others.”

assume he has aspirations

Preston was to aid staff in delivering the

in politics. He smiled and

Christmas goodie bags, but was unable because

said, “Hey, that just gave me a

he became ill. He said not being able to help

good idea! Maybe I could be the

made him, “sadder than when someone tells

president or the person who protects

me I am going to get donuts and the next day I

the president!”

don’t.” That’s a pretty sad day for an 8-year-old!

However he did say that giving the money to

perhaps we adults could be challenged by his

Mr. Vittitow felt like, “I was getting my donuts!”

determination and look at how we too can be

This young man has a bright future and we

better citizens of our great community.

After his attendance one

might

Preston is already an example to peers, but

Preston handing the donations to Tom Vittitow, Executive Director of the Munday Activity Center/ Daviess County Senior Services.

can only hope he remains in Owensboro and continues to help others. Though Preston changes his mind about what he wants to be when he grows up, almost

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

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

freeze

{by: danny may}

“F

reezin for a reason”- that’s how the Special

raised more than $54,000.

The upcoming event is

Olympics website describes the Polar Plunge.

scheduled for February 9th with opening ceremonies at

And they’re not kidding! Every February, people brave

11 a.m.

enough to take the Polar Plunge jump into the lake at

But this year, for the first time, kids ages 5-12 can take

the Hines Center in extremely chilly temperatures, all

part in the “Pee Wee Plunge,” which will take place just

in the name of raising money for Special Olympics.

before the Polar Plunge. “Some parents are reluctant

Participants must raise at least $75 in donations to be

to let their children jump in a freezing cold lake. So we

eligible to plunge.

decided to start the Pee Wee Plunge so that kids can still

“This is the ninth year we’ve done the Polar Plunge

be involved and parents would feel much safer about

at the Hines Center,” says event director Candace

it,” Thompson explained. “It’s been successful in other

Thompson. Last year 233 people took the plunge and

places, so we’re trying it here.”

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

The Pee Wee Plunge is less intense than jumping in the

According to Owensboro Special Olympics coach Jeff

lake. It entails slipping down a giant inflatable slide into a

Johnson, one of the major benefits of being involved in Special

small pool filled with cold water.

Olympics is learning to follow rules and working together

There are five other Polar Plunges happening in several

as a team. Johnson continued, “These athletes may have

other cities in Kentucky, which have collectively contributed

some cognitive shortcomings, but they want to compete and

over $5 million for Special Olympics Kentucky programs.

compete well. They get after it! And they want to improve

Money generated from the Polar Plunge is used to put on

and get better at their skills.”

the various sports programs and competitions throughout the

In 2010, Johnson coached a women’s basketball team

state.

made up of participants from Owensboro and Bowling Green

The Special Olympics program is more extensive than

who won the gold medal at the national Special Olympics

most people realize. Thompson explains, “A lot of people

competition.

ask ‘when is the Special Olympics?’ Well, Special Olympics

basketball team that won the silver medal in the national

is actually 15 different sports, which take place both on the

competition.

local and statewide level.” The summer games are in June

and the winter games start in January. There are different

The socialization that comes along from being on a team is

divisions according to the athletes’ skill level.

also a great reason to be involved. I saw this firsthand when

Children with special needs can begin competing in

I witnessed my first Special Olympics event last May: the

Special Olympics at age nine.

There is an introductory

weightlifting competition at Apollo High School. It truly was

program for children under nine to learn the basics of each

one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever seen. For me,

activity and learn the foundations of the game.

the camaraderie of the Special Olympics community is what

www.OwensboroParent.com

In 2006, he coached the Owensboro men’s

But some of the rewards are even better than the medals.

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community makes it so meaningful. It’s the smiles on the athletes and the joy on their parents’ faces. It’s the coaches, volunteers, friends, family and other athletes all cheering them on. Because for that moment it’s not about their disabilities; it’s about their abilities. They are doing their best and reaching their goals and smiling all the way. What’s better than that?

That’s what those brave, shivering souls are supporting

with the Polar Plunge.

Everyone who lines up on the

docks at the Hines Center will be helping Kentucky Special

For more information about the Polar Plunge or Pee Wee Plunge, visit www.kentuckyplunge.com

Olympics carry on our local tradition that has benefited hundreds of families in Owensboro over the years. Their bodies might be cold, but they’ll be warming some hearts.

So if you or your young ones are up for it, come to the

Parents, if you have a special needs child that would love to be involved in Special Olympics, please contact Kim Johnson, the Area Director for Special Olympics at 6845605 or email kim.johnson@owensboro.kyschools.us

Hines Center on February 9th to take the plunge. They say it’s quite a shock!

If you’d like to coach a team or volunteer at an event, please contact Kim Johnson at the number above.

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.

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar

february 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, FEBRUARY 1

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

ZAX KIDZ NIGHT Get a Zax Kidz Meal for 99¢

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

when you purchase an adult meal. Kids under 12

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

for self guided fun and educational activities

only. 5 – 8 p.m.; Zaxby’s, 5030 Frederica St.; (270)

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

691-6166.

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

dcplibrary.org

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event description on Friday, February 1.

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS For ages 12 and

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

younger; Vote for your favorite Juvenile book

description on Friday, February 1.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

published in 2012. The book that receives the most votes will win the title of Mock Newbery

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Award Winner; Daviess County Public Library,

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

description on Friday, February 1.

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4

STORYLAB AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM How Tall

STONES & BONES 2013, the major fundraiser

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS “THE

Was Milton? by Lawrence F. Lowery and Actual

for the Science & History Museum. Dress up

WIZARD OF OZ” Auditions for students grades

Size by Steve Jenkins; Lab: Measurement and

according to the theme and enjoy an evening of

K-12. Be a part of the story is as familiar as it is

comparing sizes; Imagine a real eye bigger than

great music, incredible food and drinks; 6:30 – 10

beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and

your head, a two-foot long tongue, or a three-

p.m.; Owensboro Museum of Science & History,

her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines of

foot long frog! Measure your hand against the

122 E. 2nd Street, Owensboro; For tickets and

her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery

handprint of a gorilla. Create your own actual size

information, contact Sherrie Lee at

and magic in the Land of OZ; RiverPark Center, 101

booklet; 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.; Owensboro Museum

(270) 687-2732.

Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

of Science and History, 122 East 2nd St.; (270)

See Saturday, February 9 for event description.

687-2738 or owensboromuseum.org.

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

commercial, and 2009 & 2010 Soul Train Awards.

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

description on Friday, February 1.

She will teach beginning through advanced Hip

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

Hop; For information email odt1982@gmail.com BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of

or call 270-684-9580.

each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

description on Friday, February 1.

musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m. For

description on Friday, February 1.

more information, contact the Museum at (270)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

926-7891 or visit their their website at www.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9

bluegrassmuseum.org.

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS “THE WIZARD OF OZ” The story is as familiar as it is

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8

beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

mystery and magic in the Land of OZ; Auditions

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

for students grades K-12 will be held Monday

description on Friday, February 1.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

February 4, at 4 p.m.; Show will be at 2 p.m.; Adults $10, Children $5; RiverPark Center, 101

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 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.

32 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787 or

LIZ MARTIN Liz Martin is a triple threat with

riverparkcenter.com.

extensive experience in dancing, modeling, and acting. While living in L.A., she was a member

“BEE MINE” & ORCHID SHOW Opening Celebrate

on the Swagger Crew on MTV’s America’s Best

Valentine’s Day with the Western KY Botanical

Dance Crew season 5, Bing commercial, TLC

Garden. Children’s activities in the Education

www.OwensboroParent.com

Building include card making, orchid flower

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

making, bumble bee craft and more; Western

STORYLAB AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM How Tall

description on Friday, February 1.

Kentucky Botanical Garden, 25 Carter Road,

Was Milton? by Lawrence F. Lowery and Actual

Owensboro; For more information, contact the

Size by Steve Jenkins; Lab: Measurement and

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Garden. (270) 852-8925 or www.wkbg.org.

comparing sizes; Imagine a real eye bigger than

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

your head, a two-foot long tongue, or a three-

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

POLAR PLUNGE Teams brave the freezing waters

foot long frog! Measure your hand against the

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

in the ponds at The Hines Center to raise money

handprint of a gorilla. Create your own actual size

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

for Special Olympics. For more information on

booklet; 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.; Owensboro Museum

how to compete or just attend, contact Candace

of Science and History, 122 East 2nd St.; (270)

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

Thompson at (502) 326-5002 or www.soky.org.

687-2738 or owensboromuseum.org.

description on Friday, February 1.

OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS LIZ MARTIN See event description on Friday,

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event description on Friday, February 1.

February 8.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

Visit the library every Saturday morning from

ZAX KIDZ NIGHT Get a Zax Kidz Meal for 99¢

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and educational

when you purchase an adult meal. Kids under 12

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

activities with a focus on literacy and

only. 5 – 8 p.m.; Zaxby’s, 5030 Frederica St.; (270)

school readiness; Daviess County Public Library,

691-6166.

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event description on Friday, February 1.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30

description on Friday, February 1.

a.m.; Daviess County Public Library

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 VALENTINE’S DAY ST. VALENTINE’S CANDLELITE DINNER Make a date for a special dinner at

the Western KY Botanical Garden; Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, 25 Carter Road, Owensboro; Call for reservations and more information. 270-852-8925 www.wkbg.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 MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event description on Friday, February 1.

FREE VALENTINE’S DAY DROP-IN CRAFT FOR AGES 12 AND YOUNGER; Drop in and create a heart butterfly magnet craft; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child,

children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE MOCK NEWBERY AWARDS See event description on Friday, February 1.

34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. February 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

a howling good time!”; Adults $15, children $7.50;

registration is required! Daviess County Public

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

3 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270)

Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

687-2787 or riverparkcenter.com.

for self guided fun and educational activities

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

ZAX KIDZ Night Get a Zax Kidz Meal for 99¢ when

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

dcplibrary.org

you purchase an adult meal. Kids under 12 only.

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

5 – 8 p.m.; Zaxby’s, 5030 Frederica St.; (270)

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

691-6166.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

TOUR Have you ever met a talking dog, a real

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

talking dog? Get ready when comedian and

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

ventriloquist Todd Oliver takes the stage -- he

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020

will introduce you to 3 of them: Irving, Lucy

Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 TODD OLIVER & FRIENDS: DOGS GONE WILD

and Elvis. These little dogs are making crowds across the country howl for more! Says Todd, “Along with my canine friends – Irving, Lucy, and Elvis – I’ll be joined by a ‘real’ cast of characters like Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey, and my outstanding Smiling Eyes Band. We’ve got a lot of audience

“We’re gonna turn everyday K-9 experiences into

www.OwensboroParent.com

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 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.

participation segments, original music, and outrageous comedy.” Irving the talking dog adds,

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY For ages 6-12; Build,

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

play, and learn with LEGO! Seating is limited--Pre-

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

www.OwensboroParent.com

February 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

mountains of Bohemia; 7:30 p.m.; RiverPark

3415 Buckland Square, Owensboro; (270) 315-

STORYLAB AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM How Tall

Center, 101 Daviess St.; (270) 687-2787 or visit

5747 or (270) 686-8401.

Was Milton? by Lawrence F. Lowery and Actual

TheOSO.com. FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

Size by Steve Jenkins; Lab: Measurement and comparing sizes; Imagine a real eye bigger than

FIRST TECH CHALLENGE Volunteers and

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

your head, a two-foot long tongue, or a three-

spectators are welcome for this exciting robotic

for self guided fun and educational activities

foot long frog! Measure your hand against the

event; Owensboro Community & Technical

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

handprint of a gorilla. Create your own actual size

College, 4800 New Hartford Rd.; (270) 686-4400

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

booklet; 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.; Owensboro Museum

or Owensboro.kctcs.edu.

dcplibrary.org

MEN WHO COOK Celebrate Mardi Gras and

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

of Science and History, 122 East 2nd St.; (270) 687-2738 or owensboromuseum.org.

dance the night away with live music by joining HERE’S TO YOUR HEART DAY A free event

us at Men Who Cook, Owensboro’s Premier