Owensboro Parent - March / April 2016

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march // april 2016 FAMILY LIFE

time for you to let go [10] parental control [12] sports photos from facebook [14] DISABILIT Y AWARE NE SS

smash the stereotypes [25] gift of God [28] with faith comes hope [32] i’m a normal teenage girl with dreams [34] special connections [38] no limitations [42]

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DISCOVE R

[ 47 ] OW E N S B O R O PA R E N T P L AY B O O K [ 6 2 ] 2 0 16 P R E S C H O O L G U I D E [68] medicine matters [70] kids eat free list [72] march/april calendar

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march // april 2016

from the editor I hope you were all able to join us for the extreme fun at Arctic Adventure at the Owensboro Convention Center in January! Our staff and volunteers had a blast… especially me! My assignment was at the top of Snowzilla, the giant inflatable slide, where I got to see the sheer excitement on kids’ (and adults’) faces as they took the plunge.

I know I counted one little blonde, pig-tailed girl going down the slide over 50 times. But probably most memorable was Nick.

Despite an obvious disability affecting his legs, Nick, I’m guessing about 12 years old, conquered the 20 or so steps it took to climb the 90 ft. slide. Even as excited as he was to fly down the slope, he graciously let others in front of him who wanted to race in pairs. And when others were hesitant when he asked them to join him in a race, he brushed it off and continued to have fun. He greeted me each time at the summit of the slide with an infectious smile and a high five.

It’s kids like Nick that make the March issue of Owensboro Parent so special. This is now the fourth year we have dedicated our March issue to disability awareness, or as we like to call it, disABILITY awareness. In these pages you will find inspirational stories about… …an athlete who has succeeded despite the odds stacked against him, …a local teenage girl with cerebral palsy who writes in her own words that she is normal just like you, …a boy who has found true companionship and safety in his new service dog, the first of his kind in Kentucky, …advice on how to help your own children interact with others that are different from themselves, and much more.

To say this is one of my favorite issues is an understatement. I love that we get to share these stories with you and hope that you find as much inspiration in them as we do.

Ashley Sorce, Editor ashley@owensboroparent.com P.S. Be sure to check out our highly requested Preschool Guide, providing information on all local preschool options, both public and private, and our Owensboro Parent Playbook, highlighting all local sports opportunities for your kids!

Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Advertising Sales Brock Quinton brock@tannerwest.com Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Graphic Designers Taylor West taylor@tannerwest.com Andrea Roberson andrea@tannerwest.com Photographer David Grinnell david@tannerwest.com Contributors Leah Abell Christina Dalton Sara Duke Gail Kirkland Danny May Dr. Shanna McGinnis Brandy Ulmer Melody Ann Wallace Lora Wimsatt Contact Information Owensboro Parent Magazine PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 (888) 304-5414 www.owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent issuu.com/owensboroparent Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Parent is available by visiting owensboroparent.com/subscribe Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support.

Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.

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.

Cover Kid Avasia Brandle, daughter of Damon & Tricia Brandle

TA N N E R PUB L I SH I N G CO.

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family life

{ by: lora wimsatt }

time for you to

F

rom the very first moment your baby was born, he

your precious little one snuggles contentedly into your

began to learn about the world around him.

arms, and you know, somewhere in the back of your mind,

The first thing he learned is that Mommy is soft

that the pathway to making your dreams for your child

and warm, that Daddy is strong and safe.

come true will lead through the classroom.

“Instinct,” the books say; “reflex,” the websites say, as

The years flew by even as you cherished your role

your little child begins to nurse, to cry when she is wet or

as your child’s first teacher, although you sometimes

hungry. That may be … but what she quickly learns is that

despaired that your main lessons consisted of “pick up

someone will hurry to her side to provide the things she

your toys” and “no cookies until after dinner.”

needs, to care for her, to love her.

But finally, the day you always knew would arrive,

And you are learning too.

arrived.

You never knew before how someone so very tiny could

It is time to register your little one for school.

fill your heart so completely, overflowing with love. You

Whether preschool or kindergarten, the first day of

never knew before how great your hopes and dreams could

school is now on the horizon.

be for another person, greater even than your hopes and

dreams for yourself ever were.

You look at the calendar one more time to add up

the dates and years and ages; yes, your child really is old

You think about these things as you whisper words of

comfort and promise into the dark hours of the night as

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“Someday” is “now.”

enough to go to school.

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So you gather the required documents – birth

bus, their school. The school is clean, the bus is safe, the

certificate, Social Security card, immunization certificate

classroom is attractive; it is everything you could have

– and you say bright, cheery things to your child about how

hoped for, and more.

much fun he will have, how much he will learn, how many

friends he will make.

into the lunch account and everything is ready to go.

You talk about the joy of reading and writing and

learning to add. You talk about eating lunch in the cafeteria and about riding the school bus like a big boy or girl.

You remind her there will be a new backpack and clean,

shiny crayons and a special outfit for the first day.

You smile and do your best to sound encouraging when

your child asks, “How long?”

“Soon,” you say.

Very soon.

You drive by the school and point out the playground.

All the paperwork is in order, money has been deposited Your child is certainly ready to go, chattering excitedly

all the way home as she talks about all the books in the media center and the helpful custodian who promises to mop up milk in the cafeteria if there is an accidental spill and the promise of learning how far away the moon is and aren’t you proud that she can already print her name and there is a music class with real keyboards you can learn to play and how exciting to see the desk by the window with her name on it and the little boy who sits at the next desk

You mark the calendar for orientation day and back-to-

says we can be best friends.

school picnics. You smile and shake hands with your child’s

Everything is ready to go.

teacher and bus driver and principal as you introduce your

Now it’s time for you to let go, and keep the promise

child.

you whispered in the dark all those years ago.

You are relieved at how nice they all are, how excited

they are to welcome your child to their classroom, their

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OP

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

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family life

{ Q&A with christina dalton,

M S S W, C S W

parental

control Q: I have an almost 4-year-

}

A: This is such a difficult one. It’s

Q: I am a mom of four children all

right up there with the bottle and

under the age of seven. I know when

sleeping in their bed. I hate to tell

my family walks into a restaurant

you that I don’t know a magic secret.

that I can feel people staring and

I wish I did for you. I remember

people not wanting us to be seated

how hard it was to get my child off of the pacifier. And you are right, I loved that thing as much as she

old son and he still takes a

did. I will tell you what I did. She

pacifier. I know as I write this

was about to turn three and it was

how bad that sounds. I think

right before Christmas. I took all

near them. I’m not the type of person that thinks my children are perfect.

They aren’t and will usually show it when we go out to eat. Does that mean we can never go out and eat like normal people?

the pacifiers and put them up and

A:

explained to her that Santa Claus

reading this has a child then they

had taken her pacifiers because he

know exactly what you are talking

tried and tried. It’s so bad

knew she was such a big girl now and

about and it’s not any fun. I’ve talked

that he won’t sleep, cries all

he needed them to give to the new

before about people in restaurants

babies that were just born. It sounds

doing the double shift, switching

pretty good but she still didn’t take

off with the kids only to slurp down

it great and not to mention there are

your meal and get out as soon as

he might still have it when he goes to kindergarten. I have

the time and I think I’m the one that can’t give it up right now. Help!

probably still pacifiers somewhere in my house. We would find one every now and then and she would look at it like an old friend. It’s just a hard thing to do, but if you know it’s time then you just have to push forward.

It’s very difficult to do because we

Bless your heart!

If anyone

possible. Kids love going out to eat, but they also hate being left out. You need to use that to your advantage.

This will take work on your part if you really want it to change your children’s behavior without going to the bathroom in every restaurant and having a serious “talk” with them.

know that they get great comfort

Tell them, “I’ll be glad to take you

out of that little thing and

all out to your favorite restaurant

we get valuable silence. You

when I feel like I don’t have to

can do it!

worry about you misbehaving and not listening.” Keep in mind this will probably work with 3-year-olds and up. Go out without them a few times. Make a big deal about how much fun you had. Then give them another chance. I was a believer in the DVD player with headphones –

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anything to get out and it go well. If it

A: This is a new one for me too and I

understand this being a foreign concept

doesn’t work out just have someone on

actually had to do a little research to

to you and to myself. I had heard about

standby to come get them when it goes

answer this question. Research on this

south. I know that sounds difficult to

topic shows that children under the

do, but if you do it right, you won’t have

age of two learn better from the real

to do it again and family dinners can

world than they do any screen that they

watched television, and even though

commence without dish clean-up!

could watch. It appears that television

that was 12 years ago, she’s fine. But I

has a negative effect on language

think what we can take from this is that

Q: I am a new grandmother. I have a

development, reading skills and short-

as a society we are constantly learning

7-month-old grandson. My question

term memory. They basically called

might be silly to you but I don’t

it mental junk food for babies and

understand all this new stuff about

toddlers. I feel like the biggest piece I

not watching television until they are

took from my research was that when

I hope this helps a little. Thanks for the

two years old. I babysit quite a bit and

a baby is watching television is takes

question!

every time I turn around the poor baby

away time and interaction with you.

is trying to watch TV and I just don’t get

They are able to learn so much more

it? What is wrong with that?

from their interactions with people. I

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it, but never really looked into it. And at first I thought to myself, well my child

and growing and it means the way we do everything will always be changing.

OP

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

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sports photos from facebook

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sports photos from facebook

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sports photos from facebook

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{ paid advertorial }

DIY baby food { by: sarah osborne } o n e h e a l t h m e d i c a l g ro u p

E

very parent of a new baby has thoughts on how they plan to feed their new bundle of joy.

Knowing what and how to feed your baby are things all parents must consider, and there’s no shortage of options. But how do you know what is best for your baby?

My husband and I have faced those questions for each of our five children.

Fortunately for us, and for all parents who are wondering and worrying, there are great resources available to help. So congratulations on the newest member of your family, and read on for some basics on feeding options for your little one.

breast is best

For the first six months of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast-feeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby. Breast milk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs, plus some components that reduce your baby’s risk for certain illnesses.

Follow these basic guidelines when breast-feeding: • Feed your baby whenever they’re hungry, about every one to three hours in the beginning. Allow them to nurse until they stop and then offer the other breast. If you are feeding baby expressed breast milk, feed them about one ounce of breast milk for each hour that it’s been between feedings.

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• Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, so don’t feel badly if it takes time for you or your baby to get the hang of it.

You should ask your healthcare provider if you have questions, or ask for a referral to a lactation specialist.

• If you supplement with formula to feed your baby, make sure to choose one fortified with iron. If you are uncertain which to choose, your provider can help give you some options.

• Don’t put cereal in your baby’s bottle (unless recommended by your pediatrician). It just adds empty, unnecessary calories and can lead to weight problems.

• Make sure you are eating and drinking enough. A pregnant mother needs an extra 300 calories a day for her developing baby, but a nursing mother needs an extra 500 calories a day to produce breast milk for her baby.

Breast-feeding also has benefits for moms, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis, helping mom burn additional calories and causing beneficial hormonal and physical changes. You can continue breastfeeding after you start introducing solid foods until your baby is a year old, or even beyond that. The World Health Organization recommends breast-feeding until at least a year and as long as mutually desirable after that.

If you are unable to breast-feed, there are many good formulas available to feed your baby. You can discuss with

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{ paid advertorial }

your healthcare provider which one may be best, and it may take trying more than one to find out which one works best for your baby. Just as with breast-feeding, feed your baby when they show signs of hunger.

build your baby’s diet When your baby reaches six months of age, you can start introducing them to “solid” foods. It’s important to note that this shouldn’t be the only source of nutrition for your baby. Breast milk or formula should continue as their main source of nutrition until they’re close to a year old. For now, solid food is just practice.

What you feed your baby now will help build their nutrition habits for the rest of their lives, so it’s important to start them out right.

Here are some tips that can help you along the way: • Keep it simple: Making your own baby food with steamed vegetables (either fresh or frozen) is a perfect place to start.

Simply mash them up very well or puree them in a blender.

Don’t feel like you need to add any seasonings to them. Your baby doesn’t need them. Beware of canned foods too, because of high levels of sodium. Baby food (in jars at the store) is also available in stages, with different consistencies depending on your child’s age and eating ability. Pick and choose which is best for your baby.

• Take it slow: Don’t be frustrated if food mostly ends up on your baby’s bib at first. Babies have to get the hang of everything, including eating. And if your baby wants to grab the spoon, let them have one of their own. It gives them practice with feeding themselves and coordination.

• Baby steps: Certain foods should be postponed until your baby is ready for them. Meats, nuts and eggs should wait until your baby has some teeth. Cow’s milk dairy and honey should not be introduced until your baby is at least one year old.

• If at first you don’t succeed: Don’t give up on a food just because your baby doesn’t seem to like it once or twice. It can take a dozen or more times over several months for your baby to develop a taste for something. This can help them develop a taste for things like veggies.

• Teach healthy eating habits: Help your baby learn to take their time eating, slow down between bites and stop when they’re full. Learning these habits now will help them for the rest of their life.

danger zone

When it comes to food, there are some things every parent needs to know. These include how to approach allergies, choking hazards and warning signs to watch for in your child.

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To prevent your child from choking, make sure food items are soft, easy to swallow and cut up to be small enough to swallow.

Spherical or round foods, like peas or blueberries, should be popped before giving them to your child.

Certain food items shouldn’t be given to children younger than 4 years old because of the risk of choking.

These include: • Whole grapes (Cut them into quarters if you give them to your child) • Hot dogs (also should be cut into smaller pieces) • Nuts and seeds • Chunks of meat or cheese • Hard or sticky candy • Popcorn • Chunks of peanut butter • Chunks of raw vegetables • Chewing gum

When introducing a baby to new foods, only try one food at a time over three to five days. This makes it easy to identify foods that cause any kind of allergic reaction. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends introducing your baby to any of the typical allergy-causing foods around six months of age, after other less-allergenic foods have been introduced.

The most common causes of food allergies include: • Cow’s milk • Eggs • Soy • Wheat • Tree nuts (walnuts, pistachios, pecans and cashews) • Fish • Shellfish (shrimp or lobster) • Peanuts (which aren’t actually nuts, but are legumes, similar to peas or beans)

For mild allergy symptoms, call your healthcare provider and ask for advice. They can also advise you on dosages for over-thecounter medications to treat allergy symptoms.

The following allergy symptoms are usually not severe, but you should contact your provider for guidance: • Hives (red bumps, similar to a mosquito bite) • Skin rashes (may be itchy) • Swelling (especially around the face or mouth) • Sneezing • Nausea www.OwensboroParent.com

• Vomiting • Diarrhea These allergy symptoms are very serious and you should call 911 if your child has any of these: • Loss of consciousness • Wheezing • Throat tightness or breathing problems The good news about food allergies is that many children eventually grow out of them. Talk to your provider about allergy testing for your child and how to handle any allergies that appear.

It’s also important to remember

certain

fresh

vegetables

contain

nitrates,

which

can your

baby can’t easily process and can become sick from. Stick with commercially prepared versions of these, which are tested to ensure they have limited nitrate levels,

other foodrelated tips Be careful of the temperature of foods you are giving your baby. Microwaves can heat unevenly, so be sure there are no hotspots by stirring thoroughly and letting hot items cool.

and ask your provider when these become safer to feed to your baby.

Don’t forget to make sure your baby is getting enough of certain nutrients like Vitamin D. Talk to your provider about what your baby needs.

These include: • Spinach • Beets • Green beans • Squash • Carrots

If you want more information on the wide world of baby nutrition, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics information website, www.healthychildren.org, or simply talk to your primary care provider.

Happy feeding!

OP

Sarah Osborne is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP) with Owensboro Health’s One Health medical group.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a provider, call 844-44-MY-ONE (844-446-9663).

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disability awareness

smash the

stereotypes { by: sara duke }

S

itting in her chair listening to her teacher read the next chapter of Junie B Jones, your daughter is surrounded by her classmates. While some

if you take time to talk to that student and get to know the

classmates will sit quietly just like her, others may shout in

pizza. As individuals, we need to put more of an emphasis

excitement, flap their hands as they process the story, use

on our ABILITIES and focus less on disabilities.

a book with larger print, or have an assistant helping him/

her to understand the story. Some are like her and some

feelings, squash the stereotypes, and educate all to be more

are different. In life she is going to encounter all different

accepting of others’ differences and abilities? It starts with

kinds of people with and without disabilities at school, the

our children. We talk about it. We talk about the hard

mall, church, work, etc. It is our differences that make us

things. We talk about the easy things. We talk to those

unique. Who would want to live in a world where we are

with disabilities. Every year I always follow the Wendall

all the same? However, it’s those same differences that

Foster Center’s No R Word Campaign, and do something

often times make us uncomfortable. Weird, odd, strange,

at my school to go along with it. I remember my oldest

stupid….those are all stereotypical words society uses to

son being in preschool and signing the school wide pledge.

describe others with special needs. Those words need to be

I’m not sure he really grasped the concept, but he knew it

replaced with unique, talented, determined, capable, etc.

was important to be kind to others. Several weeks later

Parents and teachers alike can help smash these stereotypes,

he witnessed me crying. I can’t even remember what I

and help our world become a more compassionate place.

was upset about now, but I remember Brayden asking me,

Some disabilities are obvious, like a physical disability

“Momma, did someone say the R word to you?” Even as a

– such as a wheelchair. While others can’t be seen by the

toddler, he knew that the R word is hurtful and can elicit

eye – like a learning disability. In my career I have been

very real emotions for people. It is my mission as a mother

a sponsor of the Everybody Counts Council at Burns

to teach my children compassion and acceptance.

Elementary, and the Council for Exceptional Children

at Apollo High School. With both of these clubs, I have

become more compassionate and educated people. Here

pushed the mission that we are more alike than different.

are some tips to share with your kids:

For example, a student may struggle to be in class because

• If you see or know someone with a disability, talk

he or she is overstimulated by all the people and noises, but

to them. I think we fear that we will say something

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person maybe you have more in common than you think.

Perhaps, both of you love Minecraft or both love pepperoni

The question is how do we get past those uncomfortable

As parents we can help children and others around us

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wrong, but you talk to someone with a disability just like

• Lastly, always be kind. You wouldn’t want someone to

you talk to someone without a disability. “Hi, my name

call you a name, so don’t do that to others. If you always

is _____________. What’s your name?” or “I really like

practice the golden rule in life, do unto others as you would

your (insert band name) shirt. That’s my favorite band,

have them do unto you, then you are going to leave a legacy

too.” Look past the disability and see them as the amazing

of love for all. Remember, not all disabilities can be seen

person they are.

by all, but kindness can be felt by all.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about his/her disability,

While you are busy teaching your children all the ins

but also be aware that they may not be comfortable talking

and outs of life, spend meaningful time teaching them about

about it. Shelly, one of my friends in a wheelchair, spoke

respecting each and every person that they meet. The days of

to my class several years in a row. She said something to

students with special needs being taught in the trailer behind

the extent of, “If you have a question about why I’m in a

the school never seen by others are thankfully over. This

wheelchair, why don’t you just ask me? I’d love to tell you

means your child will more than likely have students of all

about it.” As I said earlier, the fear of the unknown is a big

ABILITIES in his/her class at school. Teach them that it is

part of the lack of understanding in society. It’s easy. Just

okay for people to be different from you, and remind them that

ask. And if they don’t want to talk about it that’s OK, too.

there are things that are easier and harder for every person to

• Speaking of talking, talk normally and talk to the person

do. A smile can go a long way. Go ahead, smile and start up a

with the disability. Don’t talk louder or use baby talk.

conversation. You won’t regret it. I know some really amazing

They’re people too, and deserve the same respect as

people with disABILITIES, and they bless my life every single

anyone else. Also, if they are with an assistant, parent, or

day!

OP

caregiver of any sort, it is still important to talk directly to the person. They have their own voice or ways they want to be heard and acknowledged.

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Sara and husband, Dwayne, are proud parents of Brayden, Grayson, and Addie Beth. She is living her dream as a special education teacher at Apollo High School.

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disability awareness

T

{ by: gail e. kirkland }

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wirling Mateo’s blonde Labradoodle curls and whispering gently into his ear, this adorable little man has climbed great mountains to reach a pinnacle in his young 10-year-old life. Handsome, articulate and ever-so-sweet, Jackson Tillman introduces Mateo: “This is my new buddy, Mateo. He’s a service dog, and he loves to play ball with you . . . loves to cuddle with me, and I love to pet him every day.” Melt my heart.

Jackson has autism. In simple terms, autism is a condition or disorder that begins in childhood and that causes problems in forming relationships and in communicating with other people. As his mom Berly Tillman Sullivan (executive director of MentorKids) said, Jackson was non-verbal and a runner. Faced with ‘fight or flight,’ he chooses to flee. “I believe that with autism, genetics loads the gun and the environment pulls the trigger,” Berly said.

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Z

From the moment Berly’s intuition told her that

Facilitates and encourages communication and eye contact;

something was not right, that she was losing her son by

4. Increases confidence and allows for greater independence;

degrees, she began documenting and researching—

5. Teaches the child how to build social relationships;

immersing every fiber of her being into discovering what

6. Provides deep pressure to help regulate sensory needs;

interventions (traditional, dietary, medical) could be

7. Uses nudging to reduce behavioral or emotional

tapped to rescue Jackson from the grips of autism. “It

outbursts; and 8. Allows the child to participate in family

was like daily going to the gates of Hell and fighting with

activities.

everything I had to pull my son out of himself,” Berly said.

It has been a wild, emotional rollercoaster ride, to say the

yet not all are created equal. Again, Berly implores parents

least. As a post on her Facebook page says, “A worried

to research thoroughly. “This is where you have to be

mother does better research than the FBI.” That research

careful, and I cannot stress that enough,” Berly said. An

has led Berly down many paths, but perhaps none that have

improperly trained dog could be a disaster, as they are

benefitted Jackson more than his autism-trained service

dealing with tremendous amounts of anxiety daily. Mateo

dog, Mateo.

was in training for two years—literally, 24 hours a day. In

A friend (Jennifer Kent) from Evansville, who has an

Berly’s opinion, the safety component of a service dog is

autistic son the same age as Jackson, introduced the idea

first and foremost. In public, Jackson is tethered to Mateo,

of a service dog. Jennifer was at an airport and saw those

who can go into a ‘down’ on command and prevent ‘flight.’

all-important words on the dog’s vest: Autism Service Dog.

The social component is secondary, yet extraordinary.

The catch-phrase of Autism Service Dogs of America

Mateo can detect if Jackson is becoming anxious long

says, “A child who connects to a dog connects to the world.”

before any adult would notice. Mateo gently nuzzles him,

They cite eight attributes of an autism service dog: 1. Helps

which provides a calming effect—even lowering Jackson’s

keep the child safe through the use of a tether system; 2.

heart rate and cortisol levels. When Mateo looks up or

Reduces anxiety at home, school, and in the community; 3.

raises his head, he is doing that for a reason; he is conveying

www.OwensboroParent.com

Online searches reveal a variety of service dog agencies,

March // April 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT

29

a message about Jackson.

Getting a service dog does not happen quickly. It took

having a service dog: “We had TONS! Would Jackson allow the

Berly and Darin had plenty of concerns/reservations about

three years from the initial idea to actual receipt of Mateo.

service dog to help him? Would he bond with the dog? Was I

The Sullivans were responsible for raising $13,500 to be put

setting Jackson and/or our family up for failure and/or another

on the wait list. They paid for their flight to Portland, Oregon,

disappointment? How would the community react? How would

for a weeklong training, as well as any additional expenses for

the school district react? I can barely keep our heads above

food, lodging, and transportation. They were also responsible

water – will the extra responsibility be the thing that drowns us?”

for the trainer’s flight to Owensboro.

The answers to those questions have been overwhelmingly

Training the dog’s family is key. Consistency in commands

profound and positive. Testimony of this continues to flood

and expectations are paramount. Berly and her husband

Berly’s Facebook page: “While in the car this afternoon coming

Darin had to read three books before they flew to Oregon

back from picking up my kids, my son began talking about

for training. They had eight pages of homework and real-life

Jackson and Mateo. He is also in Mrs. Horn’s homeroom (at

‘field training’ from the moment they got up until they went

East View Elementary). Anyway, he was telling us how good

to bed, Monday through Friday. Then, they were tested. The

Mateo was and how he just stays right with Jackson. He went

Sullivans continue to train with Mateo in some manner daily.

on to tell me how Mateo has been good for Jackson! He said

So how did Jackson react to his first meeting with Mateo?

Jackson used to get upset in Math and now he doesn’t. Mateo

“We envisioned this grandiose, Hallmark-like moment, and

calms him down! Wow!!! That is coming from an 8-year-old!

it didn’t happen. We got home and Jackson sat down (it’s on

It’s amazing to me how even my child can observe this! I just

family video) and said, ‘Oh, hi, Mateo,’ and then left. That’s

thought you’d want to hear what a fellow student thinks. God

autism. That’s Jackson,” Berly said. Later that day, Jackson and

definitely put those two together,” wrote a parent whose son

Mateo played ball. That night, Mateo was lying on the floor in

is in Jackson’s class. Jackson is now mainstreaming in third

Jackson’s bedroom. Jackson said, “Hey, you’re not supposed to

grade.

be down there; you’re supposed to be up here with me.” There’s

Berly also posted school notes from Jackson’s aide. They

your Hallmark moment.

confirmed Mateo’s impact. Jackson spent more time in class

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. March // April 2016

www.OwensboroParent.com

than in the self-regulation room. “For the first time (as long as I

Darin reaffirmed Berly’s tireless devotion as Jackson’s

can remember), Jackson did not go to his room to recover from

voice, protector, and advocate. She is equally passionate about

a meltdown . . . and no adult had to call for one,” Berly wrote.

educating and helping other parents of autistic children. “With

His teachers have noted a significant decrease in meltdowns,

so many parents who have a child with a special need, (it’s so

improvement in behavior, and greater participation in class.

important) to have hope and to step out in faith whenever the

A service dog presents a few challenges, nonetheless. “He’s

odds are that it’s probably not going to work out the way you

another person to take care of, to exercise in the morning and

wanted it to, but you still have to do that – step out!” Berly said.

evening. Mateo needs constant training (reinforcement), and

“Dealing with autism can be overwhelming, but knowledge is

our morning routine has increased by 20-25 minutes,” Berly

power.”

said. Jackson is now participating in Mateo’s care. “They started

a ‘workout’ every morning together before school. Jackson is on

Research. Research,” Berly said. Check the credentials and

the elliptical and Mateo is on the treadmill. It’s super cute.”

references of any agency before applying for a dog. “Remember

If interested in getting an Autism Service Dog, “Research.

Jackson’s sister, Katherine, age 8½, also has her brother’s

that getting a service dog is a life-time commitment. To do it

back. Once when they were playing at the park, another child

properly, you need be prepared to train, train, and then train

called Jackson a freak. “He’s not a freak; he’s my bubby,”

some more; set aside one hour a day to exercise the dog.”

Katherine said. The unintentional unkindness of people

prompted Berly to stay home more than to go out in public.

Dog, remember the 3T’s: 1. No talking; 2. No touching; and

That has dramatically changed with Mateo’s arrival. Their goal

3. No teasing.

is to enjoy at least two outings weekly.

him maneuver his way into adulthood. In that role, Mateo is

“Mateo has given me confidence and given me peace . . . he’s

helped me as much as he has Jackson,” Berly said. “I love him.

I love him for allowing me the freedom to breathe by knowing

Above all, when you encounter a working Autism Service

The long-term hope for Mateo in Jackson’s life is to help

living up to his name: a gift of God.

OP

that Jackson will always have someone with him that loves him

Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and

– especially when I cannot be there.”

English. She is a mother of twins, a Meme, and sports enthusiast.

www.OwensboroParent.com

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disability awareness

This month, our sweet Jayden would have been ten years old. March 11, 2006 was one of the absolute hardest days of our life, but also one of the most beautiful.

N

ever will we forget the little spit bubbles, those long legs, his head full of strawberry

blonde hair, his sweet smell. Wrapping his little fingers around ours. Staring at him in complete awe, but also sadness.

Never will we forget the amount of love that was present in the room. Never will I forget the nurse coming to check on him, as he’s lying in my arms, and telling me the words I thought I’d be prepared for.

I was about 19 weeks pregnant when we were told our baby boy had “severe abnormalities” and we were sent to Louisville to see a doctor who would then perform an amniocentesis to determine the diagnosis.

Trisomy 13: a genetic condition that often causes death either in utero or shortly after birth. The doctor then says three words that would replay in my head over and over: “incompatible with life.”

The doctor’s immediate recommendation was abortion. I had heard all the talk before about being “pro-choice” or “pro-life,” but never did I expect to be faced with the decision myself.

Spending countless hours researching this chromosomal disorder had proved that the three words the doctor stated (those 3 words that were replaying over and over in my head) were the “norm.”

But, there was no way that we could terminate this precious baby. We heard his sweet heartbeat, we saw him being so active and cooperative on the ultrasound screen, and I was starting to even feel flutters. Whether he would be “compatible with life” or not, we trusted that God would take him from us when He was ready for his life to end, not when a doctor was.

{ by: brandy ulmer }

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www.OwensboroParent.com

“Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst” became our motto the entire pregnancy. We both knew, deep down, that the results were real, but we were still hopeful that all the abnormalities would disappear.

We had decided after our researching, and after our many prayers asking for strength and guidance, that we would not have any surgeries performed on Jayden, and we would instead spend as much time with him as God allowed.

The induction was scheduled at U of L Hospital; I was 37 weeks pregnant.

After about 13 hours of back labor pains and trying to rest, it was time for him to arrive. It was such an easy delivery. I pushed for less than 10 minutes.

Hello to Jayden Clark Ulmer. He was breathing and his tiny heart was beating. He was 4 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 in. long.

He made the facial expressions of crying when he was being wrapped up, but there was no sound. This beautiful life we created was finally here, and alive. Hallelujah!

The room was full of so many tears, but also full of so much love. Jayden was passed around the room and was held by each family member and friend who was there to support us.

We were so blessed to have had so many wonderful people surrounding us that day, and so happy that we were able to share his presence with everyone there.

His heart stopped beating less than two hours after he entered the world.

We had him bathed, and placed in an outfit we had purchased for him, and had him blessed shortly after his passing.

The next few days were even harder. Leaving the hospital, without a baby, and coming home to plan a funeral was never a thought that crossed our minds when we saw the positive pregnancy test.

His time here on Earth may have been short, but the impact he left on us all wasn’t. He has shown us the meaning of unconditional love and acceptance, and to never take anything in this life for granted. We both can smile when we think about him, knowing that his beautiful little soul is living on through his younger brothers. And, that one day, we will be able to reunite with him again.

OP

Brandy and her husband Nathan have been together for over 11 years. They both thank God every day for blessing them with 3 beautiful boys- their Angel-baby Jayden, Maddox (age 7) and Grayson (age 5).

www.OwensboroParent.com

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33

disability awareness

{ by: leah abell }

Hi my name is Leah. I am 18 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy. I’m a senior at Apollo High School. Having a disability is not a big deal to me. If you look at me and not my wheelchair you will see I’m a normal person, but just a little different.

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hat I would like people to know about me is that I like the same things as other teenagers.

I like going to concerts, texting my friends, going out to eat, going to the movies, posting pictures on Instagram and Facebook, Snap-Chatting and hanging out with my friends.

When I see someone else with a disability that is doing something no one thought they could ever do it really motivates me. It gets me excited and I want to work hard to do things people think that I could never do. Like right now I have two friends in wheelchairs that are going to college and they have inspired me to want to go to college. So I am looking at all kinds of potential options that might be available for me after high school.

I’ve had several personal triumphs. Talking is one of those. My parents thought I may never be able to talk and now I can carry on a conversation just like everyone else.

Learning to drive a power wheelchair was very life changing. It is not as easy as people might think, especially when your vision isn’t as good as others. My vision is described as trying to look through a piece of Swiss cheese, so that makes driving a chair a little more challenging, but I was able to figure out a way.

www.OwensboroParent.com

I have also had the opportunity to participate in a lot of 5K races and several triathlons with Team Karlie where I am pushed in a jogger stroller by a runner and that makes me feel amazing because I feel like I’m really running. Like when Andrew Lee, my good friend, pushes me really fast I actually feel like I’m the one running and it feels really good. Or in the triathlon, my dad pulls me in a trailer on his bicycle. I love the way that feels. It’s so relaxing. He goes really fast and I just sit back, listen to music and cheer him on. I love it!

I have overcome a lot of medical struggles-- just to name a few, cortical visual impairment, hip surgery and scoliosis. One of my biggest surgeries was a 10hour surgery to put rods in my back to help straighten out the curve.

I also have social struggles; I can’t hang out or go with friends whenever I want. It takes a lot of planning in advance just to hang out with some friends. I can only go places in my wheelchair accessible van. This is the part of having a disability that can really stink at times. There are very few of my friends that are capable and comfortable taking me out without my parents and where I can feel just like a regular teenager. I just want to be with people that

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are comfortable with me and just treat me like one of them.

When we go out we have a blast! However, sometimes a friend might end up not being able to go last minute and it really upsets me. I understand it happens though, but for me, I just can’t pick up and plan something else last minute and then I get sad when I’m at home with nothing to do. But it’s just part of it and I try not to let it get me down very long.

Living in Owensboro with a disability is mostly good because there are a lot of people like me with disabilities. We have great programs. Owensboro has an awesome community of places or groups that work with people with disabilities.

My favorite is Puzzle Pieces, but we also have Wendell Foster’s Campus, Dream Riders, Team Karlie, Special Olympics and some others that I am not involved with directly such as GRADSA. One thing about living in Owensboro that can be challenging is that I have to travel to Louisville for most of my medical care. Also, the wheelchair ramps on sidewalk curbs are not standardized for the most part. They need to be brighter and look the same. For instance some are painted yellow, some are blue, some aren’t painted and some have yellow painted just where the curb drops off the side of the ramp. It’s very confusing to someone with a visual impairment. They are very hard to see and all of them are different depending on where you are. I’ve had many close calls when attempting to navigate out in public. When I drive

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off a curb it takes several people to help me get unstuck as my chair weighs around 350 pounds!

I love that Owensboro supports The Color Blast because it supports many of the organizations that I have directly benefited from such as Puzzle Pieces, Team Karlie, Dream Riders and Wendell Foster. I have several friends that benefit from GRADSA. For instance, Puzzle Pieces gives people with different disabilities, including me, an opportunity to go out in the community and hang out with friends during the day or after school. It also keeps me from having to be home all the time after school and be bored with no one to talk to.

Team Karlie gives me the opportunity to compete in races by being a rider in a jogging stroller. I never thought I would get to be on a team! I also used to go ride horses at Dream Riders and I loved it. Bandit was my favorite horse. I would get so much relief from riding on the horse. My muscles would all relax. It really helped my muscle stiffness with my cerebral palsy. I have received therapies from Wendell Foster Campus and someday I may live there. I have several friends that live there now. Our community is so lucky to have these places.

OP

Leah is a senior at Apollo High School. Although diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she does not let this slow her down in her life’s dreams.

After graduation she hopes to attend college for journalism and aspires to write articles for a newspaper or magazine as well as writing short stories.

www.OwensboroParent.com

inspired by leah?

What better way to show your support than by participating or helping with the Color Blast 5K on March 19, 2016! Amanda Owen, Puzzle Pieces Executive Director, provided Owensboro Parent with more details.

WHAT IS THE COLOR BLAST 5K? A 5K run/walk color celebration to recognize the positive impact individuals with special needs have on our lives, to acknowledge their abilities, and help spread awareness from families to friends to individuals!

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE COLOR BLAST 5K EVENT: Participants wear anything and everything white and along the run/walk route, participants will be “BLASTED” with a safe and non-toxic colored powder at each mile marker and the finish line. The color fun continues to the After Party for music, food, crazy fun, and a group color shower! We are encouraging families, schools, church groups, friends, and business groups to get involved in this non-competitive 5K event to have fun and support a great cause!

Don’t miss the opportunity to have fun with us! The proceeds raised will directly benefit the six organizations who are contributing a portion to the WHAS Crusade for Children. The WHAS Crusade for Children, an organization based at WHAS TV studios in Louisville, KY, raise and distributes millions of dollars in Kentucky and Indiana each year for special needs children; last year they raised and distributed over 5 million dollars.

We average raising around $60,000 each year and all organizations benefit financially from this event. We all are excited about the community connection and support we receive.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We love for our community to be involved in this event however they want whether that is through volunteering, running, walking, or just simply coming to cheer along others. To find out more information visit our website www.colorblast5K.org.

Contact Amanda Owen at Puzzle Pieces, amanda.owen@puzzle-pieces.org if you are interested in volunteering. The next best thing to participating is VOLUNTEERING. You can register online or pick up a paper registration at any of the five organizations.

This is the largest 5K in Owensboro, and the only collaborative fundraiser that you can do which supports five local nonprofit organizations! www.OwensboroParent.com

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disability awareness

JUNIE AND HER BUDDY KIM JOHNSON

{ by: danny may }

I

magine a high school student upset because they couldn’t get to church.

Imagine an adult with intellectual disabilities involved in a group where they felt comfortable participating in service projects and Bible studies on their level.

Imagine 5-year-olds befriending and including a classmate with multiple disabilities as if it was the most normal thing in the world to do.

Imagine being a parent of a child with special needs and having the confidence of knowing trained volunteers were caring for your child while you grab a couple hours of respite to take care of shopping, running errands, or simply relaxing - with no worries.

Imagine that same family being able to worship together for the first time because their special needs child can now be included in programming that meets their needs during the service.

All of these have become reality because of Special Connections, a new ministry at Owensboro Christian Church serving those with special needs.

THE BEG INNING Special Connections began as a result of a prayer request, says Russ Smith, Next Gen Team Leader at Owensboro Christian. “We had a mom with a special needs daughter who asked our church to pray about what it might look like to have a special needs ministry.” Smith connected with that mother and the two of them put together a committee

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comprised of professionals in the field and parents who are raising children with special needs.

Together, the committee started realizing that families in the community often have a hard time finding a place to worship that allows for their child to be a part of programming at the same time.

“To be able to help families in this way is not just ministering to the child, but also to the entire family. That’s why I think Special Connections is so important,” says Kim Johnson, who was the first person Smith invited on the committee because of her background in special needs as Director of Special Education for Owensboro Public Schools. “Sometimes it’s not just a challenge for parents and the child, it’s also a challenge for siblings. The same could be said for adults with intellectual disabilities, sometimes they need their own place to go and participate while their families worship. And some do both, it just depends on their individual needs,” Johnson continued.

To start the new ministry, the committee researched on the Internet and looked to other churches. “We spoke with several churches who have ministries for those with special needs, then built our program from bits and pieces of what we’d gathered from all those other places,” Johnson explained.

BUD DY P RO GR A M With a plan in place, Special Connections launched the Buddy Program within the context of Owensboro Christian’s www.OwensboroParent.com

Kids Ministry in April of 2015. Johnson explained, “With our Buddy Program, kids with special needs are partnered with a buddy to help them with activities in Next Gen small groups.

We started primarily with preschool and younger children, but we have the ability to expand the program to include older children as we grow our volunteer base.”

The Buddy Program takes place every Sunday during the 9:15 and 10:45 services.

Buddies can be an adult or high school student. After signing up online and completing a training, buddies are then paired with a special needs partner, sitting side by side with them in their small group classroom.

“For example, we have one little guy that just needs help staying on task, so his buddy helps him with that. The young lady I buddy with gets over-stimulated, so we’ll take breaks or walk down the hallway and back,” Johnson said.

Another benefit of the Buddy Program is it helps the comfort level of other kids in the Kids Ministry small group classrooms. “There’s one boy in preschool who has several disabilities and has trouble communicating, so he has a buddy sit with him. Since his buddy has been helping him, the other preschool kids are interacting with him better now because they see how his buddy has learned to communicate with him,” Smith said. “There have been a couple other kids who have now come along side him because of the buddy’s example.”

RESP ITE PROGR A M In January of 2016, Special Connections added the Respite Program, which will continue the second Saturday of every other month from 9 a.m. – noon.

The Respite Program is designed to give parents of a child with special needs a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities. Each respite includes a 3-hour program with a variety of physical activities, crafts, stories and sensory activities. “We really try to make it fun and engaging so they’ll want to come back,” Johnson said. At the first respite, one of the favorite activities was the parachute game in the gym.

www.OwensboroParent.com

The Respite Program is open to participants 21 and younger - and siblings if they’d like to join them. Everyone in the community is welcome, it’s not just for church members.

Anyone in the community can also volunteer to serve in that ministry. “We’re always in need of more volunteers,” Smith added.

Special Connections has even bigger plans for the future: an adult prom is being planned for next February, which gives them a full year to plan and prepare. “We’ve already been in conversations with three churches who have done adult proms before. Most recommend at least a one-on-one ratio, so we’re going to need lots more volunteers to make it run smoothly,” Smith said.

Registration for participants and volunteers for the Buddy Program or Respite Program is ongoing at www.owensboro.cc/special-connections. Kim holds regular volunteer training for buddies as they register.

OP

Danny May is a staff writer at Tanner+West and a regular contributor to Owensboro Parent Magazine. He and his wife Kelly are raising two very active boys, 6 and 8.

IN SEPTEMBER, SPECIAL CONNECTIONS ALSO STARTED AN ADULT GROWTH GROUP FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES DURING THE 10:45 SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDES BIBLE STUDY, SERVICE PROJECTS AND SOCIAL INTERACTION.

March // April 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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www.OwensboroParent.com

{ paid advertorial }

our family helping your family L

ynn Occupational Therapy, LLC is a family-owned pediatric facility providing Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Services to Owensboro and the surrounding areas. Owners Dale Lynn, OTR/L, CKTP and Jessica Lynn, MS, OTR/L, CKTP have created an environment where children learn and families are supported. We see children of all ability levels: from children with severe physical challenges to children who just need a little extra help to optimize their learning.

What is OT? Occupational Therapists (OTs) enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by engaging in their daily life tasks. We look at the whole picture - a client’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social make up - and assist to achieve goals, function at the highest possible level, become independent, and participate in the everyday activities of life. So what does that mean for a child? We help your child to maximize school performance, use their hands better, follow

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directions, learn faster, brush teeth, tie shoes, pay attention, try new foods, cope with emotions, integrate their senses, overcome fears and more!

Speech Therapy Can do WHAT? Speech

DOES MY CHILD NEED THERAPY? Occupational Red flags: • • • • • • • •

Clumsy / Uncoordinated Poor Attention Picky Eater Messy Handwriting Dressing self Difficult to Calm Down Walks on Toes Can’t Follow Directions

Language Pathologists (SLPs) can do more than

Speech Red Flags

teach your child how to pronounce words. SLPs

• Doesn’t Interact with Others • Trouble Putting Words Together • Struggles to Say Sounds/ Words • Uses Sounds Incorrectly in Words • Long Pauses When Talking

help with communicating; whether it’s through pictures, sign language, communication devices, or words. SLPs teach language, which is made up of socially shared rules. This includes what words mean, how to change words (friendly vs. unfriendly), and putting words together. SLPs also help with stuttering and of course speech sound disorders (pronouncing words). Jill Menser, MS, CCC-SLP has completed extensive training, specializing in identifying and treating dyslexia. If you think your child could benefit from therapy services, please call us today! Children who receive services early on are more “put together,” happier and perform better later in life.

OP

Dyslexia Red Flags • Confuses Left and Right • Slow, Choppy, Inaccurate Reading • Often Can’t “Find the Right Words” • Trouble with Math or Telling Time See more specific red flags on our website.

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disability awareness

no limitations { by: melody ann wallace }

W

hen Stephanie McDuffee Hodskins was expecting her third child, Zach, there was no indication that anything about Zach’s development was abnormal.

When their son arrived, the doctor told his parents that there was a problem. Stephanie’s first concern was whether or not Zach was breathing or had major health defects.

When she was informed that he had a limb deficiency and was missing his left hand, although she was a bit shocked, she seemed to handle the news fairly well. If you have seen any footage of Zach playing basketball, you will notice that it doesn’t seem to faze him either. So, how does a parent raise a child to believe that they can play sports at an elite level when they only have one hand to play with?

Zach’s parents, Bob and Stephanie, were both born and raised in Owensboro. Stephanie is a graduate of Apollo High School, while Bob graduated from Daviess County High School, and went on to play baseball for Kentucky Wesleyan College. The two met while Stephanie was a senior at Apollo and Bob was a senior at Wesleyan. They later married and soon found themselves in pursuit of employment opportunities in Lexington, where they would stay for fifteen years and start a family. All three of their children were born in Lexington: Lauren, now twenty-seven, their daughter FLORIDA GUARD ZACH HODSKINS DURING NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL MEDIA DAY, TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2015, IN GAINESVILLE, FLA. (AP PHOTO/JOHN RAOUX)

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www.OwensboroParent.com

Logan, now twenty-one, and Zach, currently nineteen. After giving birth to, and raising two healthy girls, Stephanie says, initially, the thought of Zach “not having a hand was a shock, but I knew everything was going to be okay.”

When Zach was just four years old, Bob and Stephanie were referred to Shriners Hospital, where Zach was fitted with a working prosthesis. Stephanie says that, “it lasted about a week, and then he realized he could do so much more without it.” The family learned to adapt to different situations and make accommodations as necessary. As a mother, naturally, Stephanie says that there were times she felt bad for Zach, “but I wouldn’t tell him that.” Her feelings were never those of pity, but of an unconditional love and desire for her son to believe in himself and what he could achieve. “I could probably count on one hand how many times he has felt sorry for himself.” It was very important to Bob and Stephanie that they raise Zach to realize and appreciate the skills he had, rather than focus on what he didn’t have. His mother says, “I don’t ever look at him and think, ‘He doesn’t have a hand.’ We just never have.”

Up until the time Zach was about six years old, he had never gone to school with anyone else like him. One day, Stephanie found a glimmer of hope for Zach’s future while sitting in a church pew. She recalls, “The lady sitting behind me tapped me on my shoulder and handed me a picture of her son in a football uniform.” He looked just like Zach. “That’s when I thought, oh, my gosh. Zach’s going to be okay.” From that point forward Stephanie says, “I can’t think of anything he couldn’t do—he just did it differently.” While Shriners Hospital does offer a “one hand tie method” for tying shoes, Stephanie grew frustrated, as she was unable to teach Zach how to do it. After worrying that Zach may have to wear slip on shoes for the rest of his life, Stephanie says that Zach watched the little boy that wore the football uniform tie his shoes over and over again until he was able to teach himself how to do it. She now recalls that, even when he was in high school, people would stop Zach in the hallways to show them how he tied his shoes.

As a child, Zach played baseball, soccer, basketball, and

www.OwensboroParent.com

WHAT GOD DIDN’T GIVE HIM IN HIS HAND, HE GAVE HIM IN DETERMINATION. eventually learned to surf. His dad, Bob, used his baseball knowledge and experience to work with Zach on and off the field. They even took Zach to Cincinnati to watch one-handed Yankees pitcher, Jim Abbott play. Zach saw how he pitched, and learned how to hold his glove and throw in a similar manner, as well as hit both ways. While Zach appeared to have natural athletic ability in many different areas, it was basketball that became his true love. His mom recalls, “He was so dedicated that he would practice like crazy because he had to work twice as hard at it.”

When Zach was in high school, Bob and Stephanie relocated their family to Atlanta, Georgia so that they could nurture his love and passion for the game. It was important to Zach’s parents that he have an opportunity to improve his level of competition and play. He made his high school team, and played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) travel ball as well. One particular day during AAU camp, one of the few days that Bob and Stephanie were not present, several college coaches were in attendance. Someone mentioned to Zach that the University of Florida may have an interest in him. His parents quickly contacted his high school coach, who verified the fact that Florida indeed was interested. It was not long before the family received a call from the assistant coach at Florida, former Kentucky Wildcats player and Kentucky Mr. Basketball honoree, John Pelphrey. Pelphrey invited Zach to come to Florida for a visit. Stephanie says that, although “he had some offers from some smaller schools…after visiting Florida, he fell in love with it and there were no other options to him.”

Zach welcomed the challenge to be a Florida Gator and made the team as a preferred walk-on. Stephanie recalls what a big deal this was, “His whole life he has had to prove himself

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FLORIDA GUARD ZACH HODSKINS (24) TRIES FOR THE BASKET BUT IS HAMPERED BY WILLIAM & MARY FORWARD JACK WHITMAN (41) DURING THE SECOND HALF OF NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL IN GAINESVILLE, FLA., FRIDAY, NOV., 14, 2014. FLORIDA DEFEATED WILLIAM & MARY 68-45. (AP PHOTO/PHIL SANDLIN)

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because the first time any coach looks at him, they think, ‘He can’t do that!’ He is determined to show them, “Hey! Look! I can do it like everybody else.” And he has shown them, while lifting in the weight room, by insisting on pulling a car on his own during conditioning, and by showing up on the court. On December 22, Zach made his first career basket for Florida while playing against Jacksonville. The video was viewed and shared thousands of times across social media as ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt proudly announced Zach as “The Best thing I Saw Today.”

As for his future beyond college basketball, Zach has been inspired by Nubability, an organization in Illinois that offers children without limbs the opportunity to play sports with coaches who also have limb deficiencies. Last year, Zach had the chance to coach basketball, and he came away with a new appreciation and pursuit in life. His other inspiration is that of Division One Manhattan College basketball player, Kevin Laue. Zach found Kevin on YouTube a few years ago and noticed that Kevin’s limb deficiency was exactly the same as his. He told his mother, “He’s just like me, Mom.” Zach contacted Kevin, and eventually they met and became good friends. Kevin has become a mentor to Zach as a basketball player and as a human being. Last year, the two traveled to China to visit and speak at area churches, prisons, and schools. They provided a message of hope, as well as teaching some of the children how to tie their shoes. Zach has since switched his major to public relations and hopes to eventually pursue a career

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in motivational public speaking, where he can travel and continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Confident in his abilities to do so, Stephanie says, “I don’t think he realized he was having such an impact on people.”

Bob and Stephanie have raised all three of their children to be strong, independent individuals whom others could say they were proud to know. They have learned a lot over the last nineteen years, like how to react when others stare, and what to say when people ask what happened to Zach’s hand. Zach sometimes has fun with this one, although his usual response is, “God made me this way.” Stephanie’s advice to other parents is not to be so hard on yourself or feel guilty when things don’t go as expected. She says that so many parents are afraid to let their differently-abled children try things “because they are afraid that they are going to fail and they don’t want to see them get hurt.” The best thing that you can do for your child is to “let them get involved in things, and don’t hold them back.”

Most importantly, regardless of what the day brings, remember that, “It’s not always okay, but it’s going to be okay.”

OP

Melody Ann Wallace is a 6th grade language arts teacher at Daviess County Middle School who finds new blessings each day in her roles as teacher, wife, mom, and stepmom.

www.OwensboroParent.com

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{ by: ashley sorce }

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www.OwensboroParent.com

A

vasia Brandle, a 6th grade student at Burns Elementary School, has always been sporty according to her mom, Tricia Brandle. So when Avasia decided to sign up for hockey, it was really no surprise.

“She’s always up for something new,” Tricia said.

With five children, Tricia and husband Damon, are busier than the typical parent transporting their kids to and from sports events. Between all five children, the Brandles play just about every sport Owensboro has to offer. It was when Tricia read a small line about Owensboro Youth Hockey in an Owensboro Parks and Recreation flyer that she decided to take one son for sign ups. She left that day with not one son signed up, but two sons and Avasia, her then 7-year-old daughter.

Eventually Avasia played travel hockey for the Puckhog Squirts (ages 9-10) and the Puckhog Peewees (ages 11-12), during which she was the only girl playing for her age division.

Avasia is not new to typically boy-associated sports.

She has participated in jiu jitsu and baseball without any concerns of being too girly for the sport.

“I hate it when people say girls can’t play ‘boys’ sports,’” Avasia said. “I play one of the toughest sports there is.”

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And despite it being ‘tough,’ hockey will always be

her favorite. “Hockey means everything to me,” Avasia said. “It is fun to hit someone and when I score a goal or assist a goal, I feel like I have accomplished something.”

Tricia and Damon couldn’t be more proud of their

strong daughter. “She’s so comfortable,” Tricia said.

“And being the only girl on her team has helped her build friendships in middle school and helped her confidence.”

Tricia is also very quick to give credit to Avasia’s team

and coaches. “They have never treated her different or like a fragile little girl,’ Tricia said. “They all treat her like another one of the boys.”

This year Avasia is now playing basketball and volleyball for her school, which has limited her travel hockey. To allow time for her other sports, she is now playing for the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association house league.

It is evident that no matter what this girl does, she is

going to give it her all. As for future plans, sports are a definite. Beyond that, Avasia takes it day by day, thinking right now she may want to be a dentist. One thing is for sure: she isn’t going to let anything get in her way.

OP

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The team that cares PROGRESSIVE REHAB

Progressive Rehab and Sports Therapy is

weight onto a treadmill until the patient is walking

the team that cares.

properly with the help of the machine.

We provide inpatient care,

outpatient care and home health care with services encompassing occupational, speech and physical

Women’s Health:

therapy.

Progressive Sports Therapy is dedicated to improving

Locally owned and operated since 1992, with

women’s health at any age. We specialize in pre- and

outpatient services added in 2009, the professionals

post-pregnancy and surgery rehabilitation, bladder

at Progressive Rehab and Sports Therapy carefully

therapy for incontinence, pelvic pain treatment and

customize treatments to meet each patient’s therapy

chronic joint pain.

needs.

To insure the best quality of care, our state

Talk to your doctor today about scheduling an

certified and licensed therapists communicate

appointment with one of our highly trained therapists

regularly with their patient’s physicians and case

to get started on a plan toward a happier and more

managers.

functional life.

Our caring and compassionate staff goes the

extra mile to make each patient feel comfortable

JEFF’S STORY

and confident in our services. Our approach at

Progressive Rehab is to treat everyone; no one is

effects of childhood polio, I hurt every step I took.

turned away because of insurance reasons.

But after just two dry needling treatments and active

After two successful back surgeries and lingering

release techniques, I am now pain free.

SOME OF OUR SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

Pain Management:

are compassionate because they love their job – and

Our therapists use Visceral Manipulation and

it shows. They keep it light and make it fun.

There’s a different atmosphere at Progressive

Rehab. The therapists take their time with you. They

Functional Dry Needling to treat low back pain, shoulder pain, and muscle strains.

KAYLEE’S STORY

When a doctor recommended surgery for

Sports/Physical Therapy:

shoulder pain, I went to Progressive Rehab to treat

We use Active Release Techniques (ART), an effective,

thoracic outlet syndrome.

hands-on approach to therapy. ART can be adapted

to meet each patient’s limitations and age range to

I was before my injury, but they also kept my spirits

produce amazing results. Our Repex table is very

high throughout my whole recovery process.

effective in preventing bulging disc back surgeries.

avoided surgery on my shoulder and I haven’t had

Not only did the therapists get me back to where I

any issues since being treated at Progressive.

Rehab:

Progressive Rehab utlizes an AlterG anti-gravity

groups, male or female. After going to other physical

machine to specifically target and treat muscle

therapy offices in the past, in my opinion, Progressive

groups involved in walking. This technology allows

Rehab is the best place to go in Owensboro for any

the machine to incrementally load the patient’s body

physical or occupational therapy needs.

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I would recommend Progressive Rehab to all age

OP

www.OwensboroParent.com

Whatever sport your little athlete is involved in, Academy has all your equipment needs ACADEMY SPORTS+OUTDOORS

Community involvement is a priority at Academy Sports+Outdoors. That’s why our stores work hard to form partnerships with local sports leagues and organizations.

In-Store Registration

Many Owensboro/Daviess County youth leagues hold registration days at Academy Sports+Outdoors, including Daviess County Youth Soccer, T-Ball leagues, and KFL (Kids Football League).

This is a convenient option for coaches because the store serves as a centralized location. It’s also convenient for parents because they can see different product options and ask questions about the equipment. “For soccer signups, we’ll have a display with shin guards and cleats by the sign-up table so parents can look and ask questions while they wait in line. For softball, we’ll set out face shields that infielders wear,” says Chad Davis, Store Manager. “We always have staff on hand to help parents find what they need in the store. We want parents feeling comfortable with their purchases.”

www.OwensboroParent.com

League Days Hosting a League Day is another way Academy Sports+Outdoors partners with area youth leagues. “To set up a League Day, we work with the league to choose a date where families receive discounts not offered to the public on equipment they need for their sport - up to $30 off their purchase!” says Amy Blevins-Morgan, Regional Marketing Director.

Sponsorships

In the year and a half the Owensboro store has been open, community partnerships have gotten stronger.

“We try to get involved in the whole gamut of sports and outdoor life,” Davis explained. “Soccer and baseball are very popular in Owensboro, but we also sponsor high school fishing tournaments and archery programs. We’re also partnering with Owensboro Family YMCA and Crossfit Rugrats.”

Coaches interested in sponsorships, League Days, or In-Store Registration, please contact: Amy BlevinsMorgan, Regional Marketing Specialist at 502-966-1677, or email Amy.Morgan@Academy.com.

OP

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an athlete’s guide to dental emergencies PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF OWENSBORO

Y

our child’s risk for dental injuries can be greatly reduced by following a few simple rules. First, make sure your children wear helmets when skating or riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards. Second, always wear mouthguards and facemasks when playing contact sports.

In the event of a dental injury, you should contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Listed below, we have provided a guide for handling dental injuries.

•

•

Knocked out baby tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The tooth should not be reimplanted because of subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Knocked out permanent tooth: Find the tooth and gently rinse with water. Do not scrub or use soap. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately. If not, place the tooth in a container of milk, saliva or water. Get to the pediatric dental

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•

•

•

office immediately.

Fractured or chipped tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for more extensive dental treatment. If you can find the broken fragment, place it in milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

Severe blow to the head with possible jaw fracture: You should seek immediate medical attention. A head injury can be life threatening.

Remember a medical team may reach you faster than you can get to the hospital.

Finally, be prepared. The success of dental treatment after trauma is often dependent on timely action. When your child needs urgent dental treatment, your pediatric dentist stands ready to help. Please keep the emergency number available and convenient.

OP

www.OwensboroParent.com

Same name, same doctors, same great care.

Now a division of Tri-State Orthopaedics.

OSMO

A

s a result of a merger effective January 1, 2016, Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro (OSMO) is now a division of Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons, but patients will notice no change in quality or convenience of care.

Since 1962, OSMO has served the residents of Owensboro/Daviess County and southern Indiana. The recent addition of OSMO to Tri-State Orthopaedics has created the largest independent orthopaedic specialty practice in the region.

OSMO’s team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered orthopaedic care. Our doctors and staff are dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing sports-related injuries. We offer onsite diagnostics and rehabilitation services, general orthopaedic care, as well as joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery – all in one convenient location.

We continue a rich tradition of community involvement by proudly supporting all local high school athletic programs and numerous other community

www.OwensboroParent.com

organizations.

“Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro takes its mission to provide outstanding, patientcentered care to our community seriously. We believe that the merger with Tri-State Orthopaedics will continue to allow us to provide best-in-class care to our patients by combining the strengths of both organizations. We have served our community for decades and combining the resources of two likeminded organizations will only improve our ability to satisfy our main focus: providing top notch care to our region,” said Dr. Charles Milem, President of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro.

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Owensboro appointments can be requested online osmomd.com or by phone at 270-926-4100.

For walk-in care, visit OSMO Express Care, located at 2831 New Hartford Road. Hours: Mon- Fri 8:30 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.; Sat 8:30 – 11 a.m.

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This Playbook is meant to serve as a handbook for youth sports and league registration information spanning March ‘16 - February ‘17. Some leagues with February registrations have already passed for ‘16. Some leagues later in the year haven’t set dates yet. Dates and times subject to change. For revisions and additions please contact danny@owensboroliving.com.

Baseball OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA T-BALL Location: All practices and games take place at Kentucky Wesleyan Contact: 270-926-9622 Ages: 3-5 Fees: Members - $45 / Non-Members - $70 Dates: April-May (Registration ends April 1st) Practices are Tuesday & Thursday at 5:30 or 6:30. Games are played on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.

“LI’L SLUGGERS” T-BALL Location: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (5664 KY-56) Contact: Registration opens June 13th at www.pgbchurch.com and closes July 3rd (or when max capacity is reached) Ages: 3-6 (by August 1st) Dates: Season spans 8 weeks from July 18th - September 10th. Our season includes 6 games and 8 practices.

Lil’ Sluggers T-ball League is an exciting sports experience for young children that develops skills for the game and Christian values for life. The Christcentered environment of friends, family, and healthy competition allows children to learn sportsmanship, self-confidence, athletic skill, and grasp more of Jesus’ love for all of us.

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OWENSBORO PARKS AND REC T-BALL LEAGUE Location: All games will be played at the Owensboro Softball Complex at Jack C. Fisher Park Contact: 270-687-8700 Ages: 3-4 league & 5-6 league Fees: $55 per child (includes t-shirt and hat) $10 sibling discount Dates: Registration deadline is March 31st. Season begins week of May 2nd.

Call for parent meeting dates and times.

OWENSBORO PARKS & REC FALL BASEBALL LEAGUE Location: Owensboro Softball Complex at Jack C. Fisher Park Contact: 270-687-8700 Ages: 2016 Age Groups (Age as of May 1st, 2017): Rookie (7-8 yrs), Minor (9-10 yrs), Major (11-12 yrs) Fees: $52 Dates: Registration Deadline is August 12th. Season begins August 22nd.

Designed for t-ball players moving up to machine pitch, machine pitch moving up to live pitch, or players just wanting to improve.

WESTERN CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL Location: Moreland Park (1215 Hickman Ave) Contact: President-Greg Wathen 270-929-3870, Vice President-Sean Fay 270-993-7274, Secretary-Angie Riggs 270-315-7573, Treasurer-Brandie

Ashley 270-315-8615 Ages: Boys and girls, ages 4 through 12 Major Division 11, 12 yr. olds 50/70 Division (New for 2016) Minor Division 9, 10 yr. olds 46/60 Division Rookie Division 7, 8 yr. olds 46/60 Division Tee Ball Division 4, 5 & 6 yr. olds 46/60 Division (May 1st, 2016 Determine Playing Age/ Division) Dates: Registration Saturdays in February

EASTERN CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL Location: Chautauqua Park (Bluff Avenue/Parrish) Contact: Amy Espinosa, Vice-President, 270-314-3108 Ages: Boys and girls, ages 3 through 12 Dates: Registration Saturdays in February at O’boro Parks & Rec Tryouts March 12th at 10 a.m. for ages 6+

SOUTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE Location: Southern Park (2815 South Griffith Avenue) Registration Location: Owensboro Middle School North Campus, 1300 Booth Avenue Contact: Information and online registration at www.southernlittleleague.org Ages: Boys and girls, ages 5 through 12 Fees: $120 per child and $50 for

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each sibling. Included in the fees are uniforms, hats, and the coaches’ equipment.

THE NEXT LEVEL WOODEN BAT LEAGUE

Contact: Register online at

Location: All games played in a local park Contact: 270-683-1354 or tnlsportsfacility@gmail.com for more info about pricing and sign-ups.

Ages: Boys & Girls 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, High School Dates: Registration starts July 14th

www.odcyouthsports.com (and then

Each participant gets a wooden bat

Dates: Registration/Tryouts in February

OWENSBORO DAVIESS COUNTY BABE RUTH BASEBALL Location: Panther Creek Park

hit ODC BABE RUTH LEAGUE).

Ages: ODC offers three Divisions of League play (middle school Prep Division for 13-14yr, 13-16 yr High School Division- for players who play for high school teams , and 14-18 prep Division- for play that don’t play for high school teams). League Tournament, and National all-star competition in each age division.

Age Cutoff date is April 30th, 2016.

Fees: $60 ODC Babe Ruth is open to all Daviess Co. & Owensboro residents.

www.OwensboroParent.com

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE Contact: info@owensborocatholicleague.com, chip.pride@live.com or Murphy_404@yahoo.com www.owensborocatholicleague.com Ages: Pee Wee, Rookie Baseball, Minor Baseball, Major Baseball Fee: $85 one child, $130 two children same family, $165 three or more children from the same family. *Late fee of $10 per player for those that register after February

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL BASEBALL SUMMER YOUTH CAMP Location: Shifley Park Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or email randy.bryant@owensboro. kyschools.us Ages: 8-12 Dates: July 11th-13th from 9 a.m.12 p.m.

Basketball UPWARD BASKETBALL Dates: Registration opens in September.

Practice starts first week of December.

Games are January and February.

Fee: $65 Ages: Kindergarten (boys & girls) Location: Settle Memorial Contact: Aimee Keith 270-684-4226 (Basketball only, no cheer) Ages: 1st – 6th grade (boys & girls) Location: Bellevue Contact: 270-685-5103

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(Basketball and cheerleading) Ages: 1st – 8th grade (boys & girls) Location: Owensboro Christian Contact: Josh Lambert 270-852-2612 (Basketball and cheerleading)

4-HIM BASKETBALL Location: Lewis Lane Baptist Church (2600 Lewis Lane) Contact: 270-684-4266 or david@lewislanebc.org Ages: Boys and girls ages 5yr-5th grade Dates: Sign-ups start in October 2016.

The season will be played on Saturdays in January & February of 2017.

THE NEXT LEVEL BASKETBALL ACADEMY Contact: 270-683-1354 or tnlsportsfacility@gmail.com for more info about pricing and sign-ups Ages: Boys and girls, 1st-8th grades (2nd-3rd grade division, 4th-5th grade division, middle school division) Fees: $75 per person (subject to change) Dates: Seasonal leagues (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) 8-10 weeks long, 2 nights a week. Summer Session 1 Basketball registration opens in April.

APOLLO HIGH SCHOOL EAGLE BOY’S BASKETBALL CAMP Contact: Steve Barker 270-852-7100 or steve.barker@daviess.kyschools.us Ages: 3rd – 7th Grade Fees: $50.00 per camper (2nd Child $40, 3rd Child $30) Dates: June 6th-8th from 9 a.m.12 p.m.

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVILS CAMP Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or email randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL “BIDDY” CAMP Contact: 270-993-8237 or 56 OWENSBORO PARENT

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natalie.payne@daviess.kyschools.us Ages: Girls entering grades 2-8 Fees: $50 Date: July 11th-14th from 9 a.m.11 a.m.

bowling DIAMOND LANES YOUTH BOWLING LEAGUES Locations: Diamond Lanes South (410 Carlton Dr) and Diamond Lanes Midtown (1901 Triplett St) Contact: 270-685-2695 Ages: Youth leagues for all age divisions ranging from 3-20. Boys and girls play together.

Dates: Leagues start in May and September at both our locations.

Sign up year round at www.diamondlanes.net

cheerleading UPWARDS CHEERLEADING Locations: 1st – 6th grade games played at Bellevue 1st – 8th grade games played at Owensboro Christian Contact: Amy Keith 270-684-4226 Fee: $70 Dates: Registration opens in September.

Practice starts first week of December.

Games are January and February.

DAVIESS COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING Contact: Sarah Price 270-929-0681

CHEER ZONE Location: 3644 Edna Ct Contact: 270-683-0202 Dates: Tryouts are in late April/early May for each season. The season runs from May to late March.

Ages: Competitive all-star traveling teams for ages 5 years - 18 years.

Cheer Zone also offers tumbling classes for kids starting at age 3, they learn beginning tumbling skills, cheerleading jumps, motion placement and chants.

We have a large viewing area for parents

and classes last an hour in length.

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL CHEER CLINIC Contact: Sign up on first day of clinic or Make checks payable to: DCHS Cheer Mail To: Tammy Morgan, DCHS Cheer Coach 4532 Bridle Ridge Ct. Owensboro, Ky. 42303 Ages: 3 -12 Years Dates: July 21st-24th

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL CHEER CAMP Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or email randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us

dance JOHNSONS DANCE STUDIO Location: 2705 Breckenridge Street Contact: For more info about pricing, weekly class times, audition dates, and info about participation in the Owensboro Dance Theatre, go to: www.johnsonsdancestudio.com.

Ages: 2 and up Year round dance classes including ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop

WIGGLE, GIGGLE AND PRETEND DISNEY ROYAL CELEBRATION Location: Owensboro Dance Theatre, Inc. (2705 Breckenridge Street) Contact: 270-684-9580 or odt1982@gmail.com. For more info visit www.owensborodancetheatre.org Ages: 3-7 year olds Dates: July 11th-15th and July 18th22nd from 9 a.m. - noon.

ODT is the only 501c3 dance company in western Kentucky.

SPA LA LA CAMP Location: Owensboro Dance Theatre, Inc. (2705 Breckenridge Street) Contact: 270-684-9580 or odt1982@gmail.com. For more info visit www.OwensboroParent.com

www.owensborodancetheatre.org Ages: 8-10 year olds Dates: July 11th-15th from 1-4 p.m.

ODT is the only 501c3 dance company in western Kentucky.

RISING STARS: SPECIAL NEEDS DANCE THERAPY CAMP Location: Owensboro Dance Theatre, Inc. (2705 Breckenridge Street) Contact: 270-684-9580 or odt1982@gmail.com. For more info visit www.owensborodancetheatre.org Dates: June 27th-July 1st from 10-11:30 a.m.

ODT is the only 501c3 dance company in western Kentucky.

MUSICK STUDIOS Location: 411 East 2nd Street Contact: 270-688-8908 Ages: 2/3 through Adults.

Dates: The dance season runs from August to May, culminating in an allstudio Showcase at the RiverPark Center in May. Open registration runs May through July.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Registration forms are found on website at www.musickstudios.com.

Hip-Hop, Ballet, Lyrical Hip-Hop, Boys Street, and Step.

Upcoming events include dancing at Mavericks games in March, “Arts for All” at RiverPark Center, and “Musick Studios Gets Animated” cartoon show.

figure skating THE EDGE ICE CENTER SKATING SCHOOL Location: 1400 Hickman Avenue Contact: Register in person at the Edge or by calling 270-687-8720. Class levels and descriptions available at www.owensboroparks.org.

Fees: $25, includes 1 hour of ice time (30 minutes of instruction plus 30 minutes of practice ice), skate rental, 2 free pool passes, and 2 free rink passes.

Dates: March 1st-30th, Deadline: February 26th June 4th-25th, Deadline: May 27th July 9th-30th, Deadline: July 8th

EDGE ICE CENTER SUMMER FREESTYLE ICE Location: 1400 Hickman Avenue Fees: $6 per 1-hour session. $6 per person.

Dates: May 16th - August 3rd Mondays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Need extra ice time to practice your crossovers, spins and jumps? Come out to Freestyle ice and perfect your skills. Times may change or vary due to events taking place at the Edge. Pass cards available. 12 visits for the price of 10!

football OWENSBORO DAVIESS COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE Location: Waymond Morris Park (5200 Todd Bridge Road) Contact: Register online at www.ODCYOUTHSPORTS.COM (and then hit REGISTER LINK) Ages: Open to all residents of Owensboro and Daviess County ages

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4-12. Instructional league – 4 yrs old Flag League – 5 & 6 yrs old Rookie League – 7, 8, 9 yrs old JV League – 9, 10, 11 yrs old Varsity – (middle school) 11, 12, 13 yr old before August 1st.

Fees/Dates: March 1st to July 1st for ONLY $25 Dollars. Regular cost after July 1st $35.00

KIDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE (KFL) Contact: Todd Humphreys at 270-929-1236.

Dates: Online registration begins March 7th at www.kidsfootballleague.com.

Live registrations will be July 16th & 17th and July 23rd & 24th at Academy Sports.

KWC YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP (IN COOPERATION WITH KFL) Contact: Coach Brent Holsclaw @ 270-302-8373 Dates: July 11th-14th, 2016 Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Fee: $80 for each participant.

Early bird Cost - $70 if registered before June 1st, 2016 NON-CONTACT Fundamental Camp.

All participants will receive Camp T-Shirt and season pass to all KWC Football Home Games.

APOLLO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CAMP Contact: Daniel Crume 270-852-7100 or daniel.crume@daviess.kyschools.us Ages: Grades K-8 Fees: $40 per camper ($20 for each additional child from the same immediate family) Registration will be at the front office of AHS Dates: June 13th-16th, 2016 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVILS SUMMER YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP Location: Rash Stadium 58 OWENSBORO PARENT

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Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or email randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us Dates: June 6th-9th from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP Location: DCHS Practice/Game Field Contact: Chris Renfrow 270-929-7500 or chris.renfrow@daviess.kyschools.us Ages: 2nd grade to 8th grade Fees: Pre-registration $30 / Walk-up registration $40 Dates: June 13th-15th from 8 a.m.11 a.m.

Online Registration available March 1st – www.daviesscountyfootball.com Camp will include a free T-shirt for all campers. Other prizes will be awarded on a daily basis.

golf OWENSBORO JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION (FORMERLY THE FIRST TEE OF OWENSBORO) Location: Ben Hawes Golf Course Contact: Charles Whelan, PGA, Program Director, 270-302-8402 Dates: Spring Session – April 11th-May 23rd Summer Session – June 13th-July 25th Fall Session – August 15th-September 26th Ages: Ages 5-6, Mondays, 5-6 p.m.

Ages 7-8, Mondays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Ages 9-12, Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Ages 13-18, Tuesdays 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Advance Class – Ages 12-18, Wednesdays 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Saturdays open play on Par 3 Fees: Annual Fee per Family – $50 Session Fee – $40 (7 week classes) Tuition assistance available for families in need.

The Owensboro Junior Golf Foundation is a First Tee Life Skill Provider, it’s mission is to impact the lives of young people in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana by providing a learning

facility and educational programs that promote character-development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

OWENSBORO PARKS & REC JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS INTRO TO GOLF Location: Session 1 – Hillcrest Golf Course Session 2 – Ben Hawes Golf Course Contact: 270-687-8700 Call for times.

Fee: $40 per person, includes range balls, gifts and prizes Instructors: Dale Rouse – 17th year as Golf Instructor and former golf coach Dates: Session 1 – June 6th-10th (Registration Deadline May 27th) Session 2 – June 13th-17th (Registration Deadline June 3)

gymnastics OWENSBORO GYMNAST Location: 3239 Alvey Park Dr E Contact: 270-926-3491 Ages: Pre-School – age 2 (pottytrained) to 6 years; for beginners, learning structured gymnastics with lots of fun.

Recreational Gymnastics – age 6 to high school; for those looking to gain experience in floor gymnastics, balance beam, vault and bars.

Tumbling – age 8 to high school; for those interested in floor gymnastics.

Owensboro Gymnast offers monthly gymnastic sessions for a variety of skill levels and ages. These sessions are offered year round and you can sign up any time. The sessions last for 1 month; meeting once weekly for 1 hour. (*all classes meet during the week in the afternoon and evening)

hockey THE EDGE ICE CENTER SUMMER HOCKEY LEAGUE Location: 1400 Hickman Avenue Contact: Register through www.owensborohockey.com Ages: 7-17 www.OwensboroParent.com

Dates: Season consists of 10 games.

Mondays and Wednesdays, June 1st July 29th, from 6-9 p.m.

The Edge also offers Learn to Skate Hockey sessions. Register in person at the Edge (1400 Hickman Avenue) or by calling 270-687-8720.

multi-sport training THE NEXT LEVEL SPEED & AGILITY: STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Location: The Next Level Indoor Sports Facility, 105 Carlton Drive Contact: 270-683-1354 or tnlsportsfacility@gmail.com for more info about pricing and sign-ups Ages: Boys and girls ages 8-18 Fees: Individual and/or groups pricing available Dates: 6 week course offered year round (meets twice a week) Pre and post testing included

GREEN RIVER TRIATHLON Contact: Jan Ward 270-315-9898 or Karen Hobelmann 410-961-4432 or email greenrivertriclub@gmail.com Ages: 8 and up Dates: Parent/athlete meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd at 6 p.m. at Legend’s (325 Park Plaza D) Green River Tri is a kids’ triathlon team/ club. This year, GRT is expanding to families.

www.OwensboroParent.com

DYNASTY SPORTS PERFORMANCE Location: Salvation Army gym located at 2nd Street & South Ewing Rd Contact: info@dspsportstraining.com or contact DaMarcus at (904) 400-8096 Dspsportstraining.com Specializing in Speed, agility, quickness and more! Sport Specific training in Football, Basketball, Soccer. Group sessions & privates available. Age groups, training session schedules, and other information can be found on the DSP website.

E2 (EDGE ELITE) PERFORMANCE TRAINING Location: 4617 Sutherland Rd Contact: facebook.com/edgeelite Edge Elite is a 6 week sports performance program that works with athletes to help them excel in their sport or desired area of athletic performance.

OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA KIDS TRIATHLON Dates: Coming summer 2016.

soccer OWENSBORO UNITED SOCCER CLUB Location: Thompson-Berry Soccer Complex (1 Carter Road/60W) Contact: On-line Registration is NOW open via the link at www.owensborounited.com or pick up a form at Legend’s.

Fee: $30 for U4-U6 and $70 for U7-U10 Dates: U4 and U6 play games on Saturdays. U7 to U12 Academy practices on Mondays and Thursdays and plays

matches on Saturdays.

EAST COUNTY SOCCER LEAGUE Location: Heritage Christian Field 3585 Thurston Dermont Road Contact: Email eastcountysoccerleague@gmail.com to register, call 270-314-4555 for more info.

Ages: 5-13 Fee: $30/player Dates: ECSL Spring 2016 Season March 19th-May 21st. One game and one practice per week.

DAVIESS COUNTY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Location: Horse Fork Creek Park Contact: www.dcysa.com Ages: U4-U19 Fees: U4 $40 / U6+ $60 Dates: Spring season – After spring break through Memorial Day Fall season – End of August through mid-October

OWENSBORO PARKS AND REC CHALLENGER SPORTS BRITISH SOCCER CAMP Location: Thompson Berry Park Contact: 270-687-8700 Register online at www.challengersports.com Dates: June 20th-24th Camp includes FREE ball & T-shirt

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BOY’S AND GIRL’S SOCCER CAMP Location: Deer Park Soccer Complex Contact: David.sandifer@daviess.kyschools.us

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Ages: 4-12 years Fee: $60 per camper (Players will receive a ball and t-shirt as part of camp.)

Dates: August 1st-5th @ 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Sign-up and registration through July 27; registration form can be downloaded from www.dchs.dcps.org

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL YOUTH SOCCER CAMPS Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us Dates: Boys Soccer: Spring Skills Camp – April 20th-23rd Summer Youth Camp – June 15th-18th Girls Soccer: Spring Skills Camp – April 20th-23rd Summer Youth Camp – June 15th-18th

softball THE NEXT LEVEL FAST PITCH TRAVEL SOFTBALL TEAM: Contact: 270-683-1354 or tnlsportsfacility@gmail.com for more info about pricing and sign-ups Ages: 6 & Under, 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under (Space is limited) Dates: Open try-outs in late fall; team travels regionally in the Winter, Spring & Summer.

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FASTPITCH CAMP Contact: Updates and registration information will be posted on the DCHS softball website.

Ages: For grades 2-8

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC YOUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUE Contact: info@owensborocatholicleague.com, chip.pride@live.com or Murphy_404@yahoo.com or www.owensborocatholicleague.com Ages: 8U Softball, 10U Softball, 13U Softball Fee: $85 one child, $130 two children same family, $165 three or more 60 OWENSBORO PARENT

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children from the same family.

Dates: Player evaluations for Softball -March 5th, 2016. *Late fee of $10 per player for those that register after February.

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL YOUTH SOFTBALL CAMP Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us Dates: Defensive Camp and Hitting Camp in November

swimming OWENSBORO PARKS & REC LEARN TO SWIM CLASSES Location: Cravens and Combest pool Contact: 270-687-8700 Ages: 5 and above Fee: $45 (Includes 45 minutes of instruction, 15 minutes of free swim, 2 free Edge Ice Center passes and free swimming on Saturdays at either pool location.)

Dates: 4 sessions through June & July, Monday-Friday Min/Max: 4/20 Preschool aquatics and Parent/Tot free swims also available.

OWENSBORO MARLINS Location: Owensboro Health Healthpark (1006 Ford Avenue) Contact: Patsy Duke at 270 302-6469 or pduke@gmail.com. Registration forms can be found on the website www.owensboromarlins.com under “contact us” tab.

Owensboro Marlins is a USA Swimming year round competitive swim team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. Children are welcome to join at any time during the season, but please be aware that the other children will have been practicing since September.

OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA PROGRESSIVE GROUP SWIM LESSONS (AGES 3 AND UP)

Location: 900 Kentucky Parkway Contact: 270-926-9622 Fees: Members - $30 / Non-Members - $60 Dates: (continuing year-round) March 8th-April 7th April 12th-May 5th May 10th-June 2nd Class times are either 4:30-5:15 p.m. or 5:30-6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays

OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA EXCEPTIONAL SWIMMERS Contact: 270-926-9622 Private swim lessons for special needs.

By appointment only. Call for details.

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL “DEVILFISH” SWIM CAMP Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us

tae kwon do/martial arts HIDDEN SAMURAI Location: 1741 Scherm Rd Contact: 270-925-2688 Ages/Fees: 2-5 yr - $60/month for two 30-min sessions: Mon/Thur 4:45-5:15 p.m.; 6-12 yr -$70/month for two 45min sessions: Mon/Thur 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Teaching “Lil Samurais” focus and discipline, mental and physical fitness, self-confidence, strength, and flexibility through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

JONES ATA MARTIAL ARTS Location: 1020 Halifax Dr Ste 103 Contact: 270-691-0508 or www.kickwithjonesata.com Ages: Tigers (3-6 year olds), Karate for Kids (6-14 year olds), and the Teen/ Adult (15 and up) At Jones’ ATA Martial Arts, our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, agespecific martial arts training programs available on the market today.

OWENSBORO PARKS AND REC JUNIOR TAE KWON DO Location: Owensboro Parks and www.OwensboroParent.com

Recreation Administrative Center (1530 McJohnson Avenue) Contact: 270-687-8700 Ages: 5-8: 8-8:45 a.m. or 9-9:45 a.m.

9-12: 10-10:45 a.m.

Fee: $25 Dates: Saturdays, April 25th - May 30th (Registration deadline April 17) Instructor: Angela Smith, 1st Degree Black Belt Class Min/Max: 12/25 This program will help your child develop flexibility, stamina, motor skills, strength, energy, self-confidence, and balance.

Classes are once per week for six weeks for ages 5-8 and 9-12.

tennis OWENSBORO DAVIESS COUNTY TENNIS ASSOCIATION JUNIOR CLINICS Location: 2901 Bittel Road Contact: 270-240-4213 or odcta@outlook.com Ages: 10 and Under, middle school, JV/ Varsity

www.OwensboroParent.com

CENTRE COURT, OWENSBORO TENNIS COMPLEX

$100 Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Location: 2901 Bittel Road Contact: 270-240-4213. Visit www.owensborotennis.net for information.

Ages: Individual & group lesson programs available for all ages.

Youth league play and junior tournaments.

Open year round with 6 indoor courts and 9 outdoor courts.

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH WRESTLING CAMP/LEAGUE

volleyball OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Contact: Randy Bryant 270-686-1130 or randy.bryant@owensboro.kyschools.us

wrestling OWENSBORO FAMILY YMCA YOUTH WRESTLING Locations: 900 Kentucky Parkway Contact: 270-926-9622 Ages: Grades 2-5 Season runs February – April Fees: Members $80 / Non-Members -

Contact: Curtis Martinson, DCHS Head Coach 270-316-7670 Ages: For all ages Pre-K through 6th grade that attend one of the following schools: Meadow Lands Elem, East View Elem, Country Heights Elem, Deer Park Elem, Highland Elem, Whitesville Elem and Daviess County Middle. Also any 6th grader that goes to College View Middle who will be attending Daviess County High.

Fee: $60 Dates: March 8th-June 1st (late signups will be taken)

DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER WRESTLING CAMP Contact: Curtis Martinson, DCHS Head Coach 270-316-7670 Ages: Pre-K through 12 Fee: $75 (Includes lunch Sat) Dates: July 22 - July 23 Camp is put on by college coaches to help you become a more polished wrestler.

OP

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www.OwensboroParent.com

FYI: For the 2016-2017 school year, a student is eligible for Kindergarten if he or she is 5 years old on or before October 1, 2016.

Audubon Area (Head Start) Registration: All programs take applications at all times.

Age: 6 weeks – pre-kindergarten Classes & Cost: Working parents pay according to a sliding scale based on income, otherwise programs are free.

Head Start has two models: partnership programs with local school districts and stand-alone, full-year, full-day learning facilities. These curriculum-based programs serve low-income families and/or children with disabilities or state foster children.

They include: • Dar-Nek Family Development Center 4800 New Hartford Road | 270-683-6377 • Helen Sears Family Development Center at the Villa 2225 E. 18th Street | 270-691-8000 • Leola Hayden Family Development Center 1306 East 8th Street | 270-689-9387 • West End Family Development Center 800 W. 5th Street | 270-685-3231 • Killian Migrant Center 900 Walnut Street | 270-852-6534

Blissful Beginnings 2611 Sunrise Dr. | 270-314-2394 Registration: Open year round Age: 2 – Kindergarten Classes & Cost: • Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. for $125 per week; 3 days for $85 per week; 2 days for $65 per week.

• Monday – Friday preschool from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for $100 per week; 3 days for $70 per week; 2 days for $50 per week.

www.OwensboroParent.com

For the 2017-2018 school year, a student is eligible for Kindergarten if he or she is 5 years old on or before August 1, 2017.

Brey’s Early Learning School 1945 Tamarack Rd. | 270-926-0202 or 270-314-4673 Registration: Open now!

Age: 2 – 6 years old Classes & Cost: • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $230 per month • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $460 per month • Toddler Session Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $23 per day Faith-Based Program? No

Cathedral Preschool 600 Locust Street | 270-926-1652 Registration: Open Now! Age: Age: 3 – 5 years old Must 3 or 4 or 5 by August 1, 2016 and must be potty trained.

Classes & Cost: • 3-year-old class is held Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8 – 10:50 a.m. for $125 per month or Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. for $160 per month.

• 4-year-old class is held Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $160 per month or Tuesday/ Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $125 per month or Monday through Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $170 per month.

• 5-year-old class is held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for $175 per month.

Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.

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Daviess County Public Schools Preschool Registration: Ongoing through the year.

Ages: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: • A student is eligible for preschool in the Daviess County Public Schools system if he or she is 3 or 4 years old with a delay or disability; 4 years old and income eligible; or 3 or 4 years old and in the feebased program, which costs $175 per month.

• Students are served in their home elementary school, with the exception of the fee-based program. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Time can vary slightly on individual schools schedule. One meal is served and transportation is provided.

• Must be 3 or 4 by August 1.

Heritage Christian School Preschool 3585 Thruston Dermont Rd. | 270-685-4002 Registration: Open now!

Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: • 3-year-old class held Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. for $142 per month.

• 4-year-old class held Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. for $166 per month.

• $200 Registration and Material Fee Faith-Based Program? Yes. Preschool is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church, but 70% of students come from outside the church.

Heritage Park Preschool 3802 Legacy Run | 270-683-0611 Registration: Open year round.

Age: 6 weeks – 5 years Classes & Cost: • Full day, full year program for 6 weeks – 1 year old is

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$120 per week.

Full day, full year program for 2 through 5 year olds is $115 per week.

Faith-Based Program? No. •

Maximilian Montessori Academy Preschool 1401 Spring Bank Drive, Suite 4 | 270-689-1402 Registration: Open now!

Age: 3 – 5 years old Classes & Cost: • 3 – 5-year-olds are in a blended class held in halfday or full-day programs Monday – Friday. Half-day is $385 per month and full-day is $500 per month.

Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.

Owensboro Church of Christ Preschool 3300 East U.S. Highway 60 | 270-684-3406 Registration: Open now!

Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: • 3-year-old class held Tuesday/Thursday from 8:15 – 11:15 a.m. for $90 per month.

• 4-year-old and Pre-Kindergarten classes held Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:15 – 11:15 a.m. for $110 per month.

• 7:30 a.m. early drop off available.

• Must be 3 or 4 by October 1. Must be potty trained.

Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.

Owensboro Public Schools Hager Preschool 1701 West 7th Street | 270-686-1125 Registration: Begins March 7.

Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: • This program is a blended partner with Head Start.

There is no cost for attendance, but students must

www.OwensboroParent.com

•

be income eligible or have a developmental delay.

There is a sliding scale for working parents. If student does not qualify for either of these criteria, parents may elect to pay tuition of $175 per month.

Classes are 3-year-old and 4-year-old blended and are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12-3:30 p.m. Owensboro Public School provides transportation for the east side of Frederica Street for the morning class and the west side of Frederica Street for the afternoon program. If parents choose to provide transportation, child can attend either class.

Peace Lutheran Preschool 2200 Carter Road | 270-685-2211 Registration: Open now!

Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: • 3-year-old class held Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 10:45 a.m. for $100 per month.

• 4-year-old class held Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $100 per month or Monday/ Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $115 per month.

• Must be 3 or 4 by October 1 and must be potty trained.

Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Settle Memorial Preschool 201 E. 4th Street | 270-684-7005 Registration: Open now!

Age: 3 – 5 years old Classes & Cost: • Young 3-year-old class held Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $110 per month. Must be 3 by December 1, 2016.

• Older 3-year-old class held Monday/Wednesday/ Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $130 per month or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $110 per month. Must be 3 by April 1, 2016.

• Young 4-year-old class held Monday/Wednesday/ Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $130 per month or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $110 per month. Must be 4 by September 1, 2016.

• Pre-Kindergarten (older 4-year-old to young 5-yearold) class held Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $130 per month or Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $150 per month or Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $165 per month.

• After School program available from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for children enrolled in preschool and are 3 years old by April 1, 2016. Cost for one day per week is $40 per month; 2 days per week is $80 per month; 3 days per week is $125 per month; 4 days per week is $165 per month; 5 days per week is $195 per month.

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being ready for school:

does it matter?

Parents sometimes wonder what a typical 5-year-old knows, or should know, on the first day of school. There are some “ready for school” skills called “Kindergarten Targets” that are goals for learning. Children who learn these skills with their families have a great start at school. They start ahead and stay ahead, year after year!

Letters and Sounds

Sample Kindergarten Literacy Skills

•

Enjoy being read to and can re-tell a story

To help your child be ready for school, ask these questions,

•

Recognize and name 10-15 alphabet letters and their

and then practice letter skills with them for a few minutes

sounds

every day.

•

Repeat beginning and ending sounds in words

•

Speak in complete sentences

•

Print his or her first name

Knowing Upper-Case Letters (Capital or Big Letters)

•

Math

Point to one letter and ask what it is. If the child does not

•

Count in order from 1 to 20

say it, just go on to the next letter. It helps to cover the

•

Recognize numbers and quantities to 10

other letters with your hand or a piece of paper. Flashcards

•

Name and sort items by color, shape and size

also work well.

•

Understand concepts such as more, less, same, above, below, big and small

•

Social

•

Adjust to new groups or situations

•

Can concentrate on a task for 5 minutes

•

Follow simple directions

•

Show kindness and concern for others

D F C B A P S Q T Z R E J G M U X H W I K N V O Y L Knowing Lower Case Letters (Little Letters)

Vocabulary Matters, Too

Point to a letter and ask what it is. If the child does not say

Children who know only 1,000 words when they start

d f c b a p s q t z r e j g m u x h w i k n v o y l

school have trouble catching up with children who know 5,000 words. Vocabulary is an essential pre-reading skill because it links directly with reading comprehension.

Reading many stories and talking about them helps little children build strong vocabularies.

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it, go on to the next letter.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Recognizing Letter Sounds

Making Rhymes

Ask the child to say the letters below the way they would

Give an example of words that rhyme, such as cat/mat.

sound at the beginning of a word. For example, for the letter “d,” the child would make the sound heard at the

Ask the child to think of another word that rhymes with

beginning of “dog” or “duck.”

cat. Next, ask for a few rhyming words to go with each of

d f c b a p s q t z r e j g m u x h w i k n v o y l

the words below. “Made-up” words are fine.

run / sing / fill / let / mop Saying the First Sound of a Word Name the first object in the picture below (bed) and then

Recognizing Rhymes Explain to your child that two words rhyme when the end

the three objects on the rest of the line. Ask the child to

of the words sound the same. Give an example: cat/hat.

point to the picture in the row that starts with the same

Give an example that does not rhyme: bed/rug.

beginning sound as the first picture (bed, bird).

Ask if these word sets rhyme:

lip / sip boy / duck can / van

tell / sell sick / desk

Saying the First Letter of a Word Name the object in the picture and ask the child to tell you the first letter of the word.

Printing Ask the child to print his or her first name. www.OwensboroParent.com

OP

March // April 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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discover

W

hen it comes to measuring liquid medication, it is best to use a medicine cup or syringe. Never

use a regular kitchen spoon used for eating. A device designed to measure medication is most accurate. If you don’t have one, ask the pharmacist if they can provide one or purchase one at the drugstore. Ideally, medication doses should be given in milliliters rather than teaspoons or tablespoons to allow for more accurate dosing.

To ensure that medication is given on a proper schedule, it is a good idea to write it down. This is especially helpful when more than one parent or caregiver is responsible for administering the drug.

Placing a schedule on the refrigerator or using a sticky note on the bottle is a simple, yet effective system to avoid errors.

If you feel that a medicine is not working properly

or are concerned about side effects, contact your child’s doctor before discontinuing. Some drugs must be tapered slowly. Stopping them abruptly may lead to more complications. Also, it may be necessary to prescribe an alternative treatment. Unless otherwise instructed, always complete the entire course of antibiotic therapy. Saving some for the next illness is not advised for several reasons. The medicine could

medicine

expire, there will likely not be enough to treat that

matters { by: shanna mcginnis,

MD, FAAP

}

Questions about medication are common, especially for first-time parents. “What do I give, how much, and how often?” “Can this medicine be taken with that medicine?” “This medicine tastes awful. How do I get my kid to take it?” “I don’t think this medicine is working. Can we stop giving it?” These are just a few questions this article will address in regards to giving medicine to children.

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illness, and it may not even be the correct medication for next time.

If a prescription medicine tastes yucky, ask your pharmacist to add flavoring to it. You can also ask the pharmacist whether it is okay to mix the medicine with foods or beverages. In my experience, chocolate milk is great at masking icky flavors. When talking to your children, refer to medicine as medicine, not candy.

Also, keep all medication out of their reach. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends locking up medicine. Although most bottles have child-resistant caps, they are not totally child-proof. Most children will eventually figure out how to open the container.

www.OwensboroParent.com

When choosing over-the-counter medicines, read the labels for ingredients, not just symptoms. Sometimes a medicine that is labeled for “cough” and one that is labeled for “runny nose” can contain the same active ingredients. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about this. Also be sure to include herbal or natural remedies when asked to provide a medication list. These can sometimes interact with over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

Occasionally check the expiration dates on your medications and discard them as needed. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sometimes hosts “drug take back” events where people can safely disposed of unused, unwanted, or expired medicine. If you need to dispose of medicine at another time, the DEA recommends placing the medicine into a plastic bag with dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds and throwing away in your household trash. Names and other personal information should be scratched off of the empty containers. You can visit fda. gov or dea.gov to get a list of medicines that can be safely flushed down the sink or toilet. These sites are great resources for general medication information.

Finally, if you have an adolescent who struggles with depression or other mental health concerns, it is important to keep medications in a secure location. Sometimes parents get more relaxed about securing medicines as kids get older. One of the most potentially lethal medications in our homes is acetaminophen or Tylenol. I encourage families to buy smaller, rather than larger, containers of medicine. The less that is around, the less likely someone is to be injured in the event of an overdose. This is one scenario where it may be worth skipping the “buy it in bulk bargain.”

The week of March 20th is National Poison Prevention

Week. This would be a great time to review some “medication matters” in your home to ensure you are administering and storing your medications safely.

OP

Dr. Shanna McGinnis is a pediatrician at the One Health Pediatrics. She is also the mother of 3 children.

www.OwensboroParent.com

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discover

the kids eat free list

Monday Catfish Willy’s - $1.99 kids meal with the purchase of adult meal

Grandy’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of regular adult meal

TGI Fridays – free kids meal with the purchase of adult entrée for kids 12 years and younger

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Kids 10 and under eat free on Monday night at Moonlite from 4-9 p.m. (limit 2 free kids buffets per adult buffet purchase)

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Tuesday Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – free kids meal with the purchase of adult entrée from 4 – 8 p.m. for kids 12 years and younger Denny’s – 2 free kids meals per adult meal purchase Fazoli’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of adult meal up to 3 meals with the purchase one entrée.

Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet for kids 10 and under with adult purchase with a drink from 5 p.m.

– 8 p.m.

Pizza Hut – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of adult buffet from 5 – 8 p.m. at the South Frederica location

www.OwensboroParent.com

Salsarita’s – free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Boogalou BBQ – free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal

Thursday Bee Bop’s – free kids meal with the purchase of adult meal after 5 p.m. for kids 12 and younger Captain D’s – 2 kids meals for 99¢ with purchase of 1 adult entrée all day and night for children 8 and younger Ryan’s - $1.99 kids buffet for children 11 years and younger from 3:30 p.m. to close

Saturday Maloney’s – free kids meals from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Texas Roadhouse – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lure Seafood & Grille – free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée Wheatgrass Juice Bar – free kids smoothie with adult purchase

Sunday Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée for kids 10 and younger Maloney’s – free kids meals from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Salsarita’s – free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Texas Roadhouse – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet for kids 10 and under with adult purchase with a drink from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

*The Kids Eat Free list is subject to change. Please contact restaurants to ensure their participation.

www.OwensboroParent.com

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march // april 2016 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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 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, MARCH 2 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, MARCH 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 OWENSBORO HOME & GARDEN SHOW Features over 40,00 square feet of exhibitors showing the newest innovations in home design and remodeling ideas. The 2016 show will feature outdoor living displays and a bathroom remodel giveaway! The Home Builders Association of Owensboro is looking forward to shaking-off the cold of winter and helping homeowners plan their spring and summer projects! Friday, March 4 from 5 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m.

– 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 6 from 12 – 4 p.m.; Owensboro Convention Center.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD PRESENTED

BY TWO We’ve all seen fractured fairy tales before, but never quite like this one, which takes a hilarious detour through Robin Hood’s Nottingham and Sherwood Forest!

Little Red Robin Hood must deal with the Big Bad Sheriff of the Naughty Hams (the Three Little Pigs, that is!), who do the bidding of Prince John, the vain Emperor who is eager to try on his magic new suit being woven

by Cinderella’s deceitful stepsisters. With Humpty Dumpty, Black Sheep, Rose Red, and Simple Simon acting as her Merry Men, Little Red Robin Hood must save all the village grannies of Sherwood Forest, including her own, an old woman who lives in a shoe, Mother Hubbard, and Mother Goose herself.

Along the way, she also wins the heart of the Pied Piper — aka Marion — who’s a touring celebrity musician with an armload of different Mary’s as groupies; Friday, March 4 and Saturday March 5 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m.; Trinity 72 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March // April 2016

Centre, 407 W. 5th St.; 270-683-5333.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 FREE ARTS4ALLDAY! A FREE community wide

collaboration of arts, music, dance and more!

The day will include ticketed performances

by Mark Nizer, Juggler & Comedian at 2:00 p.m. and The Willis Clan at 7:00 p.m. Free performances, events, and demonstrations will be going on throughout RiverPark Center as well as other venues downtown such as the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the Owensboro Symphony and the Museum of Science and History. Some of the free events will include a Magician, Visual Art, dance performances, musicians, the Sutton Elementary School Percussion Club, Owensboro Middle School Vocal Academy, Barry Lanham’s Foot Stompin’ Express and Randy Lanham’s bluegrass student concert at the Bluegrass Museum, Diane Earle and much more! 12 – 7 p.m. at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 270-687-2770.

MARK NIZER – KIDSTUFF SERIES Don’t miss the combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding evening. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth, or even juggling a burning propane tank, running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you’ll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer truly is “the juggler your mother warned you about”. Or if she didn’t, she should have! 2 p.m. at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 270-687-2770.

THE WILLIS CLAN AT RIVERPARK CENTER The Willis Clan is a family of amazing musicians, dancers, athletes, writers, and artists. Since becoming well known by the show America’s Got Talent, this musical family consisting of twelve children can be found touring the country performing at places like the Grand Ole Opry and recording their TLC reality show “The Willis Clan”. Living near Nashville Tennessee, they merge their Irish roots with other music and dance genres to create a unique blend of the old and new; 7 p.m. at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 270687-2770.

PRESERVATION STATION Preservation Station Market Days are held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and

Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. with over 80 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique items, live music, and food. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to www.visitpreservationstation.com, or find us on Facebook.

MULLINS & FRIENDS AT PRESERVATION STATION Join Tommy and Cathy Mullins as they take the stage along with Strings & Ivory, Skylar Cain, Justin Holbrook and Laura Ramburger. All donations will benefit the SPC Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org FIRST SATURDAY “HIBERNATION STATION” Join the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden for their fun learning activities on hibernation!

Recommended age 5 – 11 years old; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; WKBG, 25 Carter Rd; 270-852-8925.

FIRST WEEKEND WONDERS VOLUNTEER WORK SESSION This is a time for volunteers getting together to maintain the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. It’s a great opportunity for high school students to get volunteer hours too! We need you! Come help the Garden with various chores! Lite lunch for those who volunteer! 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; WKBG, 25 Carter Rd; 270-852-8925.

OWENSBORO HOME & GARDEN SHOW See event description on Friday, March 4.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD PRESENTED BY TWO See event description on Friday, March 4.

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 FREE DATE NIGHT AT RIVER CITY CHURCH

Join RCC for a worship experience that give you a date! Place your child in the care of background checked professionals at 5 p.m., attend RCC’s one-hour worship experience www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar followed by childcare until 8:30 p.m. A police officer is on duty. Saturday nights through March 26; River City Church, 4810 Frederica St.; 270-926-6009 or rivercitychurch.cc

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 PRESERVATION STATION See event description on Saturday, March 5.

OWENSBORO HOME & GARDEN SHOW See event description on Friday, March 4.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD PRESENTED BY TWO See event description on Friday, March 4.

MONDAY, MARCH 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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8 DESTINY TOUR: CELTIC WOMEN Global music sensation Celtic Woman presents DESTINY, an enchanting new show and world concert tour. The 2016 Destiny Tour features music from their brand new album and DVD, Destiny, including timeless Irish traditional and contemporary standards wrapped in the group’s celebrated style. Four sublimely gifted Irish women- three glorious vocalists and a brilliant Celtic violinist –are accompanied by a group of equally talented musicians and dancers whose exceptional skills and high energy bring a fresh fusion to centuries of musical and cultural tradition.

This unforgettable live concert experience features all new stage designs, stunning wardrobes and magnificent arrangements with superb choreography. On the heels of their successful 10th Anniversary World Tour that captivated millions of fans, come join Celtic Woman as they begin the next chapter of their musical journey – a true destiny to be shared by all! 7 p.m. at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 270-687-2770.

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.

www.OwensboroParent.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 SPRING 2016 BENEFIT CONCERT International Bluegrass Museum presents Jon Stickley Trio With roots in gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and hip-hop, Jon Stickley Trio combines Jon Stickley’s rapid-fire flatpicking guitar with the sultry and wild, yet refined, melodies of Lyndsay Pruett on violin, set over the deep groove of Patrick Armitage on drums. The three have fused their collective styles into a repertoire of exciting and innovative original music along with some captivating covers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. – Concert begins at 7 p.m.; $15 per person; 117 Daviess St.; 270-926-7891.

OWENSBORO’S GOT TALENT Think you have what it takes to be Owensboro’s next celebrated talent?! Open to all ages; compete at one of three preliminary events for chance to compete at grand finale on March 12th!

Features celebrity judges and cash prizes up to $1,000. To register for the contest, log onto theatreworkshop.org/talent. No entry fee required. The Empress Theater, 418 Frederica Street, in downtown Owensboro. Tickets are $15 for adults/$10 for Students; For tickets, call 270.683.5333 or go to tickets@ theatreworkshop.org FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

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

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org FREE DATE NIGHT AT RIVER CITY CHURCH

Join RCC for a worship experience that give you a date! Place your child in the care of background checked professionals at 5 p.m., attend RCC’s one-hour worship experience followed by childcare until 8:30 p.m. A police officer is on duty. Saturday nights through March 26; River City Church, 4810 Frederica St.; 270-926-6009 or rivercitychurch.cc

MONDAY, MARCH 14 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, MARCH 15 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.

WALK & TALK LUNCHEON – 10th Anniversary Season at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden “All The World’s A Garden” – Germany With Tom Roidl, Dusseldorf’s Very Own! By Reservation at 11:30 a.m. @ 270-852-8925; Come and enjoy a wonderful lunch with some very special food!

HOUSTON HOGG MAGAZINE SIGNING Sunrise Children’s Services is honored to hold a “Magazine Signing” in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Houston Hogg at Lewis Lane Baptist Church from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Featured in the February edition of Owensboro Living about football, racism, and reconciliation, Houston and Deborah Hogg are true examples of Christian servanthood that have humbled the hearts of the Sunrise staff where they served as therapeutic foster parents to over 200 children in the last 25 years. Sunrise invites you to our open house event honoring the Hoggs in order to give you the opportunity to meet and thank the Hoggs for how they have changed the hearts of a community and brought opportunity to many deserving young people.

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calendar WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 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 Movie Matinee at DCPL 2 -4 p.m.

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PIGTAILS & COWLICKS CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE brings Owensboro and surrounding counties a one weekend EASTER “EGG”STRAVAGANZA AT DIAMOND sale event where over 300 families will be selling more than 30,000 kids’ items, from LAKE RESORT Come help celebrate with the Easter Bunny! Enjoy games, face painting, pony newborn to teen! No admission fee! Friday, THURSDAY, MARCH 17 rides, lunch and photos with the Easter Bunny. March 25 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and a.m. – 1 p.m. (most items 50% off); Owensboro End the day with a fun Easter egg hunt for all younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – Convention Center, 270-687-8800. ages! Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Rd.; 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 270-229-4900.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the FREE DATE NIGHT AT RIVER CITY CHURCH library every Saturday morning from 10:00— KENTUCKY MAVERICKS VS. GRAND RAPIDS Join RCC for a worship experience that give 12:00 for self guided fun and educational Cyclones at 7 p.m. at Owensboro Sportscenter you a date! Place your child in the care of activities with a focus on literacy and school background checked professionals at 5 p.m., SATURDAY, MARCH 19 readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 attend RCC’s one-hour worship experience COLOR BLAST 5K The Color Blast 5k is a run/ Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org followed by childcare until 8:30 p.m. A police walk color celebration to recognize the positive officer is on duty. Saturday nights through FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2 impact individuals with special needs have on March 26; River City Church, 4810 Frederica -4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 our lives, to acknowledge their abilities, and St.; 270-926-6009 or rivercitychurch.cc Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org help spread awareness! The Color Blast 5k is brought to you by five Owensboro non-profits, SUNDAY, MARCH 20 PIGTAILS & COWLICKS CHILDREN’S Puzzle Pieces, GRADSA, Dream Riders of KY, SHOUT! Cheer and Dance Company, CONSIGNMENT SALE See event description Team Karlie and Wendell Foster’s Campus, Inc. presents The Battle in The Bluegrass on Firday, March 25. whose common mission is to support and Championship SHOUT! Cheer & Dance enhance the quality of life of those with FREE DATE NIGHT AT RIVER CITY CHURCH disabilities. Your participation in this event will Company is excited to present the first EVER 100% directly benefit theses host organizations. Cheer & Dance Championship at the beautiful Join RCC for a worship experience that give you a date! Place your child in the care of The objective of the 5K event: participants wear new Owensboro Convention Center! The Battle in the Bluegrass Championship is open background checked professionals at 5 p.m., white (don’t forget to have fun with it using to cheer & dance teams of all levels and attend RCC’s one-hour worship experience headbands, tall socks, tutus, anything white) abilities. Our USASF sanctioned event promises followed by childcare until 8:30 p.m. A police and along the run/walk route participants to be professional, affordable, and FUN! Adults, officer is on duty. Saturday nights through will be showered with a safe and non-toxic March 26; River City Church, 4810 Frederica COLORED POWDER at each mile marker. The $12; Children 6-12, $5; Children under 5, free; St.; 270-926-6009 or rivercitychurch.cc color fun continues to the After Party involving Owensboro Convention Center. a color shower as a group. We encourage MONDAY, MARCH 28 families, schools, church groups, and friends KENTUCKY MAVERICKS VS. RACINE STORM FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and to get involved in this non-competitive 5K at 4 p.m. at Owensboro Sportscenter younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – event to have fun and support a great cause!

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 A FUN START AND FINISH!! We have added MONDAY, MARCH 21 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. something NEW to the START AND FINISH Line FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and but we are keeping it a surpise! Don’t miss younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – the opportunity to join in our colorful fun for a 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 TUESDAY, MARCH 29 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must great cause! Race will begin at Moreland Park Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org. wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for at 8 a.m. $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or TUESDAY, MARCH 22 ubouncepartyhouse.com.

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH IN CONCERT the U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY All must Music of Billy Joel and More presented by wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 OSO One of Broadway’s best will join the $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must Owensboro Symphony Orchestra for an ubouncepartyhouse.com. wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 evening of fun and entertaining music. Handare free, unless they are the only child, adults picked by Billy Joel for the starring role in WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or the Broadway musical, Movin’ Out, Grammy U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must ubouncepartyhouse.com. and Tony nominated Michael Cavanaugh wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 has won the hearts of audiences and critics. are free, unless they are the only child, adults THURSDAY, MARCH 31 In his tribute to Billy Joel, the audience will always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or BIG DADDY WEAVE BEAUTIFUL OFFERINGS hear many of the Piano Man’s biggest hits ubouncepartyhouse.com.

TOUR Enjoy An Evening with Big Daddy including She’s Got A Way, New York State of Weave along with special guests, Plumb and Mind, Uptown Girl, Only The Good Die Young, THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Jordan Feliz! The Beautiful Offerings Tour You May Be Right and Just The Way You Are; celebrates that having been redeemed and 7 – 9 p.m. at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – made beautiful by God, our lives and worship Contact the OSO at 270-684-0661.

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 are offerings to Him. The night features Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! performances of the artists’ radio favorites Visit the library every Saturday morning during the first part of the evening, followed KENTUCKY MAVERICKS VS. LAKE MICHIGAN by all of the artists leading worship together. from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and ADMIRALS Military Appreciation Night; Free educational activities with a focus on literacy The Beautiful Offerings Tour is sponsored admission for active military and veterans; 7 and school readiness; Daviess County Public locally by Christian Family Radio and WEHT/ Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org WTVW. Tickets available online at www. p.m. at Owensboro Convention Center 74 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March // April 2016

www.OwensboroParent.com

owensborotickets.com, at the Owensboro Convention Center Box Office, or charge by phone at 270-687-8800.

PRESERVATION STATION See event description on Saturday, April 2.

MONDAY, APRIL 4

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for

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.

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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

PRESERVATION STATION Preservation Station Market Days are held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. with over 80 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique items, live music, and food. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to www.visitpreservationstation.com, or find us on Facebook.

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 SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for

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

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 FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT

DCPL 2 -4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org FIRST SATURDAY “WEATHER WATCHING” Join the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden for their fun learning activities on weather watching! Recommended age 5 – 11 years old; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; WKBG, 25 Carter Rd; 270852-8925.

FIRST WEEKEND WONDERS VOLUNTEER WORK SESSION This is a time for volunteers getting together to maintain the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. It’s a great opportunity for high school students to get volunteer hours too! We need you! Come help the Garden with various chores! Lite lunch for those who volunteer! 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; WKBG, 25 Carter Rd; 270-8528925.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 KENTUCKY MAVERICKS VS. INDIANAPOLIS DIESELS at 4 p.m. at Owensboro Sportscenter www.OwensboroParent.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 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, APRIL 7

DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS THE MOUSETRAP Do you enjoy going out for a lovely dinner and then coming to see one our shows? Well, we would like to offer you the chance to have a lovely catered dinner (caterer yet to be determined) and then stay right in your seat and watch the final dress performance of our production. We pull our risers back at Trinity Centre, set up round tables, our caterer sets up a savory buffet style serving area, and you can bring your own wine. Serving begins at 6:30 with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for members; Trinity Centre, 401 W. 5th St; 270-6835333.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 KENTUCKY MAVERICKS VS. DANVILLE RIVERHAWKS at 7 p.m. at Owensboro Sportscenter

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 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 March // April 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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calendar County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

OSO at 270-684-0661.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

MONDAY, APRIL 11

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

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

is bound to be a revelation to traditional music fans on several counts. Rob Ickes is a longtime, well-established instrumental giant, and Trey Hensley is newly arrived in Music City, bursting with talent both as a vocalist and guitarist; Tickets are $15 per person; 270926-7891.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

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

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2

FREE BRINGING ALUMNI HOME “The

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT SALE See event description on Friday, April 15.

Friendship Picnic” The Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club has touched thousands of lives throughout it’s 49 year history in Owensboro.

We want to reconnect with all of the many whose lives have been changed by the Club.

We want to renew old friendships and make some new ones by hosting “The Friendship Picnic” on April 23, 2016. Come have fun, eat, play games and much, much more.

Door prizes will be given away! This event is FREE, please RSVP by calling 270.685.4903 or chbgc@yahoo.com

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, APRIL 13 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, APRIL 14 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, APRIL 15 THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT SALE Over 45,000 items from 350 families will fill over 20,000 sq. ft. at the Owensboro Boys & Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square. All consignors earn 70% and shop presales! Consignors shop Friday April 15th at 6-10 p.m., the public shops Saturday April 16th 8 a.m-2 p.m., and everyone can shop the huge Half Off Sale Sunday April 17th 12-3 p.m. Volunteers shop before all and can earn a higher percentage. Visit www.ttwky.com or call 270-316-2732 (Stephanie) or 270-9937532 (Jennifer) to learn more.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 FIFTIETH FINALE – A GERSHWIN CELEBRATION Broadway’s best presented by some of Owensboro favorites! Musick Studios All Stars, vocalists Bradley Naylor, Lisa Clark and Tevin Vincent and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and Chorus bring the stage alive with some of Bernstein’s most popular works from West Side Story and Candide. And if that isn’t enough to bring the crowd to its feet, the Symphony, vocalist and Chorus will present George Gershwin’s much loved Symphonic Portrait from Porgy and Bess. Just when the audience thinks the concert can’t get any better, one of Owensboro’s favorite pianists, Diane Earle joins the orchestra for a performance of Gershwin’s best – Rhapsody in Blue. Nick Palmer and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra conclude the Fiftieth Season with everyone’s favorite – American in Paris; RiverPark Center, 101 Davies St.; Contact the 76 OWENSBORO PARENT

. March // April 2016

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 THE TOT, THE TEEN & THE WARDROBE CONSIGNMENT SALE See event description on Friday, April 15.

MONDAY, APRIL 18 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

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

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD – KIDSTUFF SERIES The legacy of the beloved Mister Rogers lives on with the hit television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from the Fred Rogers Company and to delight live audiences with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! In his familiar red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much loved Neighborhood. This live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, and laughter will warm the hearts of multiple generations!

RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 270-6872770.

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, APRIL 20 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, APRIL 21 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, APRIL 22 SPRING 2016 BENEFIT CONCERT presented by the International Bluegrass Museum Grammy nominated duo, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley make their Bluegrass Museum debut on April 22, 2016. This unique collaborative effort between two uniquely gifted musicians

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

MONDAY, APRIL 25 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, APRIL 26 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, APRIL 27 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, APRIL 28 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 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 FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2

-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org www.OwensboroParent.com

www.OwensboroParent.com

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www.OwensboroParent.com

March // April 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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