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November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. November // December 2016
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. November // December 2016
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nov // dec 2016 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@tannerwest.com
from the editor I am writing this letter bundled up in a blanket on the first real cold day of the year. Just last week I was at the beach on Fall Break, soaking in the sun and staring at the beautiful ocean. Today, I’m in sweatpants, socks and a sweatshirt looking at the dreary sky through the comfort of my warm home. And if this wasn’t enough of a reminder that winter is just around the corner, my neighbor has started hanging his elaborate display of Christmas lights. (We live in The Downs… you can find the house on our Christmas Lights Map on page 66.) As I was driving Avery to school this morning, I found myself looking at this house and feeling an overwhelming sense of panic coming over me. I feel like a bad mom… a bad Christian… a bad person admitting this. But I can tell y’all, right? I mean we have been through a lot over the years and I have told you a lot of Sorce family craziness. OK, here it goes.
Advertising Sales Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com Graphic Design Taylor West Layout & Graphic Design Andrea Roberson
I think I am dreading Christmas. I can already see the to-do list forming: • Send Christmas cards. • Take perfect photo for Christmas cards. • Get a tree. • Decorate the tree. • Don’t forget to water the tree. • Hang the Advent Calendar. • Remember to move the star on the Advent Calendar. • Buy presents. • Hide presents. • Wrap presents. (And if I’m being totally honest, this doesn’t happen until about 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.) • Locate Zippy, our Elf on the Shelf. • Think of 24 places to hide Zippy. • Check Pinterest for funny ideas for Zippy so I feel like a better mom. (Seriously, who makes time to stage an elf in a bathtub of marshmallows? Oh, yeah. This mom.)
Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com
• Find 24 Christmas related books to read at bedtime (...speaking of crazy things this mom makes time for.) • Plan a night to drive around and see Christmas lights. • Drink hot chocolate. • Make cookies for Santa. • Get “reindeer food.” (In our house, we also leave out carrots and M&Ms for the hard-working reindeer. Santa is riding in a comfy sleigh. The reindeer are doing the real work.) • Stuff the stockings. • Buy Christmas outfits for the kids so they are uncomfortable, but coordinate. • Buy Christmas PJs for the kids to make the perfect photos on Christmas morning. • Find A Night Before Christmas to read before bed on Christmas Eve.
You get the picture. I put so much pressure on myself as a mom and wife to make Christmas perfect for my family. I want everything to be a tradition and for my kids to remember those traditions as they grow up and eventually have families of their own. And all of that pressure just makes for a stressful, not-fun holiday. I am realizing more and more that I need to stop trying to to make memories and just live. My kids would rather see my face as they open their gifts and react to their joy than have my face hidden behind my camera, agonizing over getting the perfect photo. My kids will remember the lessons of giving that we teach them if we donate gifts to children in need rather than keep them for ourselves. My kids will discover the truth of Christmas more if I teach them about Jesus rather than worry about hiding an elf. If I have said it once, I have said it a million times. We parents are in this thing together. And from one stressed out parent to another, try to relax this holiday season. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be present. Forget the to-do lists and create memories with your family.
Photography David Grinnell Contributors Katie Albers Shannon Erickson Christina Dalton Danny May Cathy Mullins Elizabeth Muster Taryn Rice Norris Matt Weafer Lora Wimsatt Contact Information Owensboro Parent Magazine PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 (888) 304-5416 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.
Ashley Sorce, Editor ashley@owensboroparent.com TANNER PUBLISHING CO.
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nov // dec 2016 FAMILY LIFE
seasons & holidays [8] parental control [10] arctic adventure [12] we always... [17] insight from an ordinary dad [20] CO MMUNIT Y
christmas photos from facebook [22] what is the maze? [28] one on one art exhibit [30] teaching our children the gift of giving [33] paws-itively awesome [36] fighting for a wish [38]
[12]
[45] SH O P OW E N SB O R O special advertising section 2 016 G I F T G U I D E
[54] powered by imagination [56] hot toys of 2016 [60] top kids’ books
[54]
DISCOV E R
[64] holiday activity guide [66] owensboro christmas light map [71] cookies santa will love [72] kentucky remembers veterans day events [76] kids eat free list [78] nov/dec calendar
[30] [36]
[22]
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[38]
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family life
seasons)
holidays { by: lora wimsatt }
A
say it’s autumn.
and winter is, yes, Christmas.
nd now – the fun begins. The moment that very first leaf blushes with its first hint of gold or red, we can
I hold my grandgirl in my arms and walk slowly around
So we talk about spring as the season for Easter, and
summer is fireworks, and fall is trick-or-treat and turkey, Then I ask: “What is your favorite holiday?” – and it’s
the low-hanging branches of the maple tree, searching for
off to the races we go.
the prettiest leaves as we recite in unison the names of the
seasons: “Spring, summer, fall, winter, spring, summer,
narrative about bunnies and hot dogs and pumpkins and
fall winter, spring …”
princesses and whether reindeer can really fly.
I don’t know about reindeer, but I am once again
She is only 5 years old, so this cycle is still new and
My girl is chattering away now, a delightful mixed-up
filled with wonder. I remind her that spring was when we
reminded of how quickly time flies.
flew kites and saw new flowers, summer is when it was
hot and we went swimming, fall is where we are right
getting older – so I make my way over to the deck and
now with the changing leaves, and winter will be cold and
lower myself slowly into a chair, settling her into my lap
snowy.
as I do so. Her monologue continues, uninterrupted.
And then I quiz her: “Which season is cold and snowy?”
She beams at me and exclaims, “Christmas!”
be friends!’ so they had a turkey and – but the turkey was
Who can argue with that?
nice so they didn’t eat him and they had pizza and then
Seasons, holidays – what’s the difference, really?
it started to snow so they cut down a tree and there were
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She is getting heavy – yes, that’s it; I can’t possibly be
“… and then the pilgrims and the Indians said, ‘Let’s
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presents but you couldn’t open them until the next day
and then the mommy said ‘No more candy’ except they
but except for the one that had pajamas in it so everyone
ate one more piece and then they went to sleep and they
had a stocking and then – before that, they all put on
lived happily ever after the end.”
costumes and the little girl was a princess and the little
boy was a football player or maybe he was a mouse, I forgot, and they went to their gran’ma’s house and she gave them candy and then they had a game and she read stories and there was marshmallows on a stick and it caught on fire and they blew them out and one of them
I’m a little dizzy, trying to keep up with all this, but I
smile and nod, hopefully in the appropriate places, and make little encouraging “Mm-hm” and “oh my!” and “wow” noises now and then.
I hug her again and pick my words carefully, wanting
fell off and they just said ‘Never mind!’ and the dog got it
not to confuse her any more than she already is.
and then we played football and I was on the green team
and I was the fastest and nobody could get my flag until
nods energetically, eyes sparkling with the anticipation
I fell down but I fell down on purpose because I was the
of this wonderful event – whatever and whenever it might
fastest and then the turkey said ‘What about me?’ and
be.
there was this reindeer and he lived in a castle with Santa
Claus and he said, ‘You can play too!’ and so they all ran around and had fun and then they had more pizza and put on their pajamas and went to bed and when they woke up there was presents and a new bike and then the gran’ma said, ‘Let’s go look at the pretty lights!’ and so they went
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“So that’s your favorite holiday, huh?” I ask, and she
All I can do is laugh. “Well, my girl,” I say, “I will
tell you now what is my favorite holiday. It is every day I spend with you.”
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: What are your thoughts about letting your child sleep in the bed with you? My child is 3 and it’s something I do sometimes, not all the time. I have other parents that tell me I’m awful and I’m going to mess up my child.
}
A: Let me first point out that this is an “opinion” article that I write. And so I’m sure some people do not agree with what I say at all. But it’s just my opinion and based on my own personal experiences over the years. So my personal opinion on this subject is….Whatever gets you the most sleep! LOL! As a parent, I think I’ve done everything I said I’d never do and letting your child sleep in the bed is one of them. I think you have to use your judgement. I think you have to be smart about it. You want your child to be able to sleep in their own bed. But if it’s something that you do sometimes, I think it’s ok. How often do we hear about how important sleep is for our health? And how often are we not getting sleep?! As a parent there are many battles that we have to pick and choose and decide which ones to fight and which ones that are not a big deal for us. You’re going to find people on both sides of this argument. You just have to decide where you fall and don’t let others make you feel bad.
Q: My child is 6 years old. I have a tendency to give in and do whatever is easiest, especially when we are out in public. I don’t want the time that we spend together to always be argumentative. How do you recommend not being a pushover but still having fun at the same time? 10 OWENSBORO PARENT
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A: This is a super difficult question to answer and if anyone knows the correct answer… please tell me. There is a very fine line between being a drill sergeant and being a pushover. Then when you add in the events of your day, well this could be the icing on the cake or the straw that breaks your back. Our emotions and how we parent have a lot to do with the environment we are surrounded by and the circumstance of our lives. If I have worked a double, get home at 9:30 at night and my child doesn’t have their homework done, I’m going to handle that differently than if it was a reasonable time and I had a great, productive day. I think it’s important for us to simply be aware of these factors that can have an effect on how we parent. My biggest piece of advice for not being a pushover is going to be consistency. There is no exact formula to being a great parent. But what you can do is be consistent. That way your child knows what to expect. Go over the rules that you want them to follow and enforce those rules. These could be generalized. For example, in this house we respect each other and we don’t yell -- we listen to each other. Whatever you want those rules to be so that no matter the situation, they know what to expect on their part and what the consequences would be for breaking that rule. We have to be the bummer sometimes. But if you are consistent and stay strong, the unwanted behavior will subside. And I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s not. But the payoff is well worth the time put in and what you will have is a person you actually want to spend time with and have fun with all the time! Think of it like a trip to Disney. The ride up there can be rough but when you get www.OwensboroParent.com
to Magic Kingdom your heart is happy. Q: My daughter is in 5th grade and I can’t tell you how distraught I am about the events that are taking place in our country. I worry so much about the safety of my child. From the shootings in malls, the troubles the law enforcement are facing to bombings in New York. How can I help her be better prepared in case something happened? A: I am right there with you on this one. I feel like I read something daily about a horrific event that has taken place. If she is in 5th grade, then she knows a lot too. Those kids talk when something big happens. I can tell you that I have had kids in elementary school talk about being scared of ISIS. That’s so sad. I have two ways of thinking when
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it comes to this question. First, I believe knowledge is power. I try to equip my child with as much knowledge and information that she can cram in her brain. God forbid something should ever happen and she’s in some type of terrible event but I want her to have an idea of what to do. And this is something that you can go into a lot of detail or a little detail. I’ll give you an example, my child knows should someone ever kidnap her and put her in the trunk of a car that she has to bust the tail light out and get her hand outside, hoping someone sees it and calls for help. Keep in mind, my child is in middle school, so she is older. That information is power. My second thinking on this question is we can’t let the worries of the world keep us isolated and afraid to go outside our home either. I think it’s good to talk
to your kids about current events and have discussions on things that could help them or possibly save their lives. It’s up to you how much information you would give your child based on their age and what you think they could handle. Every time I go to a training and come back with new information, I share it with my child if I think it will help her at some point. And then she always looks at me and says, “Did you go to another training today?!” HAHA. Knowledge is power and prayer doesn’t hurt too!
OP
Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.
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family life
PRESENTED BY:
“I’VE SEEN BIG SLIDES BEFORE, BUT NOT ONE THAT BIG. IT WAS THE COOLEST SLIDE I’VE EVER SEEN.” – Emmie Kate, Age 7
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“IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!” – Rickey, age 5
“I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK NEXT YEAR.” – Luke, age 8
“THE MAZE WAS FUN.” – Beau, age 5
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what’s new for the owensboro parent
arctic adventure in 2016?
Shorter lines. More fun. More attractions.
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he second annual Arctic Adventure Kids Fun
Festival presented by Independence Bank will
paid admissions to ensure shorter lines for maximum
Each session lasts 90 minutes and is limited to 400
be Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December
fun.
31, 2016, at the Owensboro Convention Center. This
indoor polar playground will be full of activities for kids
slide), SnowMazing (inflatable maze), Everest Climb n’
of all ages!
Slide (inflatable ice castle and double-sided slide), Igloo
Obstacle Course, Avalanche Cliff Jump (inflatable free-
Frostbite Fred and his crew learned a lot from last
Attractions include Snowzilla (30 ft tall inflatable
year’s expedition, so this year’s Arctic Adventure is
fall), King of the Mountain, a Mechanical Snowboard,
going to be even more exciting.
Snowball Pit, Independence Bank’s “Arctic Express”
Train Ride, and more.
Your Arctic Adventure will begin with a brief
orientation at “basecamp” with your guide, Frostbite
Fred. He will then lead you on a no-chills-just-thrills
November issue of Owensboro Parent Magazine to save
expedition through the snow-themed expo halls of the
$3 on each entry fee.
Owensboro Convention Center. When the avalanche
warning sounds, follow Frostbite Fred into the “cool
Recreation Department is giving a FREE general
down zone.”
admission skate pass for ice skating at the Edge Ice
Center to each Arctic Adventure ticket holder.
All Arctic Adventure activities are included in the
For a limited time, use the coupon on the ad in the
As a special bonus, the Owensboro Parks and
$15 entry fee for kids ages 3-17. (Children 3 years of age
and under are free.) Adult admission (anyone over 18) is
at www.OwensboroTickets.com, at the Owensboro
$5 which does not include attractions.
Convention Center, or charge by phone at 270-687-8800.
Early Admission Entry, which allows entry into
your session 30 minutes early, is also available for
Tickets for all sessions are on sale now online
For more information and to watch the video from
last year visit www.arcticadventurefun.com.
OP
an additional $10. (Early admission is limited to 100 tickets.)
session times: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
9:30AM
[9:00 EARLY ADMISSION]
12:00
[11:30 EARLY ADMISSION]
12:00PM
[11:30 EARLY ADMISSION]
2:30
[2:00 EARLY ADMISSION]
2:30
[2:00 EARLY ADMISSION]
5:00
[4:30 EARLY ADMISSION]
5:00
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7:30
[7:00 EARLY ADMISSION]
7:30
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{ paid advertorial }
"We can do better. I promise if I’m judge, I will make certain of it." -Julie Hawes Gordon
The reason why so many Daviess County families support Julie Hawes Gordon for Family Court Judge: Julie Hawes Gordon has devoted her entire working career to strengthening our community’s families. SHE IS THE MOST CARING
SHE IS THE MOST COMMITTED
Born and raised in Daviess County, Julie has been
Beyond her commitment to her career, she is heavily
married 10 years to her husband, Sale, and they have
involved in many community organizations:
four wonderful children. As an adoptive mother to a
•
KY Youth Advocates
foster care child, she has seen first-hand the heartache
•
Owensboro Autism Network
children face when the foster care system fails them.
•
Wendell Foster Center
•
Country Heights' Lighthouse Leadership Team &
SHE IS THE MOST QUALIFIED
Decision Making Site Based Council
Julie is a UK College of Law graduate, where she was
•
Model Juvenile Court Program
a Bert Combs Scholar after completing undergraduate
•
St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children
magna cum laude. Now with 12 years experience in
•
Founder of the Daviess County Angel Tree &
extensive family law practice, she is very qualified to be
Beyond
OP
Family Court Judge.
Julie Hawes Gordon is proven to be the most qualified, caring, and committed candidate for Family Court Judge. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Julie Hawes Gordon www.OwensboroParent.com
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family life
we always... the joy of celebrating with non-traditional traditions { by: katie albers }
here is something special about being able to say, “We
T
El Salvador. In their family, the big event is a family meal on
always…” It is a bond, an assurance, a connection
Christmas Eve with traditional foods like tamales and panes
between people. Whatever it is that “we always” do is
con pollo. There are no presents exchanged at Christmas,
our tradition and traditions matter, especially around the
but everyone wears new clothes for a big family picture and
holidays.
at midnight, they all embrace and wish each other, “Feliz
Most families in the Owensboro area celebrate with
Navidad!”
Christmas trees and special treats and gift-giving, but a few
On Christmas Eve at the home of Matt and Nikki
of us are saying “we always” with some unique traditions.
Wimpelberg the tradition is that each person gets to open
Many families follow the tradition of setting out a
one gift before bedtime. Often that gift is a new pair of
Nativity scene complete with the baby Jesus, the proud
pajamas. These new pj’s are put on immediately for sleeping
parents and various livestock. At my house, rather than
and then stay on while enjoying Christmas morning.
being set up all month, our Nativity scene fills up a little
at a time. Similar to “Elf on the Shelf,” last year we started
at Christmas time, but they use them to put a little humor
a new tradition of playing “Mary and Joseph on the Shelf.”
in their annual Christmas card. Rather than the typical
Throughout December, we place the Mary and Joseph figures
red and green turtlenecks, the Goodalls choose a theme and
from our Nativity around the house as a representation of
dress in costume for the family photo. In the past they have
their long journey to Bethlehem. They enter the stable on
been elves, Disney personalities, and characters straight out
December 24th and baby Jesus and the shepherds show up
of a Thomas Kincade painting. Last year the entire family
on Christmas Day. We keep our Nativity scene out for a few
dressed up as Star Wars characters. How fun it must be for
more weeks to wait for the traditional visit of the Three Wise
their family and friends to be surprised by their photos each
Men celebrated on January 6th.
year!
Salvador and Sarah Vanegas celebrate Christmas with
many of the traditional customs of Salvador’s home country,
active family fun. While special foods and treats are still an
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Brad and Jeni Goodall and their girls also get new clothes
Many families like to use Christmas as an opportunity for
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important part of the celebration, they also plan some sort
have any traditions, take a closer look. What movies do you
of nature adventure on that day so that they will be sure to
always watch? What songs do you always enjoy together?
step away from the table. Keith and Krysti Piersawl share
What special food is always on the table? What special
this love of outdoor activities on holidays. Their family
people do you always get to see? These simple things are
uses almost every holiday as an excuse to take a hayride
what makes holidays sweet.
around Krysti’s family’s farm checking out the changing
seasons and appreciating the beautiful landscape.
my family if my father did not sit on the couch piled with
If you are looking for a way to reemphasize the
his kids and grandkids to read Twas the Night Before
Christmas story with your family this year, you should
Christmas. It is a tradition that I took for granted while
check out “Inspired Traditions” on Etsy.com. Local Etsy
growing up, but now I can see the importance of this small
shop owner, Beverly Smith, makes and sells Jesse Tree
gesture. It is a precious moment that we get to relive year
Ornaments. These lovely handmade pieces are a guide
after year.
through the Advent Season with references from the Old
No matter how your family decides to celebrate the
and New Testament to share the lineage of Jesus, and the
holidays, your traditions are what binds your family
whole of God’s perfect plan throughout the Bible. Bev and
together through shared experiences.
her family add an ornament to their Jesse Tree each day in
something special about saying, “We always…”
I know that Christmas Eve would not be the same in
There is just OP
the month of December in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas.
If you are tempted to think that your family does not
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Katie Albers grew up in Owensboro and loved words so much that she became a school librarian and even alphabetized her family: Josh, Katie, Lance, Mallory, Noelle, and Ollie (the cat).
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family life
insight from an
ordinary dad womp:30 W
{ by: danny may }
hat is about boys that make them want to wrestle and
means it’s time for the glasses to come off and the match to
roughhouse all the time? Wrestling with my boys has
begin.
become a routine pastime in my house, just like I remember
wrestling around with my dad when my brother and I were
8-year-old will hurt me. He’s a solid 80 pounds and when he
growing up. Wrestling with my Uncle Bill is how I learned
comes full force across the room with a flying head butt or
the valuable lesson that pulling a man’s beard with both
diving tackle that I don’t see coming because my 6-year-old
hands is not a nice thing to do and leads to reactionary
has my eyes covered, it really hurts!
consequences. I’ve never done it since, I can tell you that!
We called it “rastlin” in my day. My buddy Ben calls it
is a healthy way to enforce some good life lessons – when
“romping” with his son, who is a freshman in high school
it’s done safely, of course. The author stated that wrestling
now and almost stands shoulder to shoulder with Ben, and
with your children is a way for them to try out their own
they still romp. My other buddy Chris calls it “womping”
strength, help them grasp when they’re using too much
with his boys, so when he gets home from work sometimes
force, and provides an opportunity to talk about appropriate
it’s “womp:30,” which means it’s time to throw down.
and inappropriate touch. So I try to use womp:30 as a subtle
I liked that and incorporated womp:30 with my boys.
teaching moment.
Both my boys are bespectacled just like I am, so womp:30
It’s never okay to hurt someone on purpose. Always
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. November // December 2016
The only problem is now I’m legitimately afraid that my
I’ve read articles saying that wrestling with your children
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say you’re sorry when you do accidentally hurt someone.
that a man should also be gentle and never afraid to show
Bullying is never tolerated; when someone asks you to stop
affection and emotion with those he loves.
something, you stop immediately. Things like that.
Learning to be physical without being overwhelming
I just have to watch because my 6-year-old likes to jump
is an important life lesson. So is learning to work through
off the furniture Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka style with a knee
life’s struggles without immediately giving up. My hope is
drop. Which is not cool.
that by modeling this at 6 and 8, it will come naturally to
Again, a chance to teach boundaries.
Eventually, womp:30 usually turns into other games, like riding daddy around the living room like a saddled horse. Or trying to cross from one end of the room to the other by only jumping on pillows. Or stacking all the couch cushions and trying to climb them like a mountain. Or playing “you go over there,” which is a game we made
them in real life situations later.
We always end womp:30 by “hugging it out” to make
sure that everyone is happy in the end. I started doing that because I want them to know that even though there may be tense times with each other, we’re always family. If someone gets upset, we stop, we talk about it, we say we’re sorry, we
up one time in-the-moment where I toss one of them over
hug it out, and we move on. That’s another important life
there on the couch and the other one over there on the chair
lesson.
(it’s cushioned, don’t worry) and vice-versa. They think this
is incredibly fun, and so do I, but I wear out much more
too roughed up. Which lately, has been daddy more often
quickly as they’ve grown older.
than not. For the sake of my ribs, I think I’m gonna have to
The experts say this a way to show them that dad is
enforce the “no more flying off the top ropes” rule.
strong like they will be one day and that he can be trusted. But I will say that I try to balance that with lots of hugs and couch time with each boy too. I want them to know
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Plus it’s a chance to check on someone if they got a little
OP
Danny May is a staff writer at Tanner Publishing Co. and a regular contributor to Owensboro Parent Magazine. He and his wife Kelly are raising two very active boys, 6 and 8.
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Christmas Photos
from facebook
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Christmas Photos
from facebook
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Christmas Photos
from facebook
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community
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what is
the MAZE? { by: danny may }
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he MAZE has bewildered audiences around the world for the past decade with its unique and innovative approach to entertainment, but hundreds of area teens and young adults will get the chance to experience it for themselves when The MAZE comes to Owensboro. Mark Gauthier, national director for Campus Crusade, calls it “a bold new strategy.” Bill McCartney, founder of the Promise Keepers movement, says “it will blow you away.” Michael Weber, who is a consultant for street-magician David Blaine, The Illusionist, and The Prestige, says “Jim (Munroe) promises to make you question what is possible and to challenge what you believe is true.” Thanks to a group of local youth ministers, the show is coming to McLean County High School Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m. and the Owensboro Convention Center on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 6 p.m. And here’s the best part: it’s absolutely FREE! “We wanted to bring in something unique and interesting. The MAZE felt different than a typical speaker or band,”explained Justin McClure, who is coordinating the event with Local YouthMinisters Networking for Christ (LYNC). McClure, who is also the youth minister at Buck Creek Baptist Church, discovered The MAZE through an organization called Reach Your City, which plans local outreach events for communities. “The MAZE has had a lot of success in the last 13 years with high school and college students, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to bring them into our community,” McClure said. A MAZE event is difficult to explain, so LYNC launched a Facebook event page with promotional videos to give people an idea of what to expect. You can also find videos and more information at whatisthemaze.com. There are typical card tricks and mind teasers, but Jim Munroe, who founded The MAZE, takes things a step further by interacting with the crowd and involving volunteers in an engaging way, all of which is projected on a big screen on either side of the stage. “Jim is an illusionist, but he has a compelling life story that he tells within the show,” McClure explains. “He shares how God has worked in his own life and makes you think how God might be working in your life as well.” If LYNC has their way, this show is going to be better than watching one of the illusion-themed shows that are very popular on TV because it will be live, in person, on stage, just feet away from the audience. Pulling it all off takes a large team and community support. Tom Crusenberry, Middle School Pastor at Owensboro Christian Church, is serving as liason between LYNC, the Owensboro Convention Center technical crew, and Jim Munroe. “My role is to help oversee the stage production. The sound equipment, lighting, projector and www.OwensboroParent.com
Interested in experiencing The MAZE? There will be two performances in the Owensboro area: • Wednesday, December 7, 2016 @ 6 p.m. McLean County High School • Thursday, December 8, 2016 @ 6 p.m. Owensboro Convention Center FREE. No tickets required. screens. Anything to help enhance the performance for the audience,” Crusenberry explained. Tom is now working on logistics to project a live video feed with a roaming camera that follows the MAZE to get close-up shots and angles on all the illusions. “We want it to be a very personal experience for the audience,” Crusenberry said. “Jim likes to get the crowd involved and pull them up on stage.” The best views, though, will be reserved for the 100 VIP seats closest to the stage. Those seats will be given away through online and radio promotions or given to individual donors to offset expenses. VIP seat holders will also get a chance to meet Jim before the show and have access to a green room with refreshments. Angie DeWitt, student minister at BridgePointe Church, is overseeing logistics with the Owensboro Convention Center. She says LYNC decided to host the event at the Convention Center because the venue is perfect for this type of event. “They have been amazing to work with throughout the planning process.”
Dewitt says early feedback from students and parents has
been overwhelmingly positive.
“The first comment I heard from a student was, ‘I’m going
to that! That looks cool!’ And parents have been saying ‘I’ve already got this on the calendar and I can’t wait to bring my whole family.’ Personally, I am excited about seeing a bunch of students come to an event focused on reaching their unchurched friends!” The target audience is middle school students through college-aged young adults, primarly 12-24, but anyone is welcome.
Find out more at facebook.com/mazeowensboro.
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. www.OwensboroParent.com
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community PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL
one on one art exhibit { by: taryn norris }
Y
oung art student Katherine Caudill sits in reflection as
my full attention in these sessions,” McEnroe beamed. As a
she takes a break from drawing in the cozy home studio
self-taught and renowned local artist, Rhonda McEnroe is
of her art teacher. She is seated by a window, with two
passionate about her craft and especially the recognition and
small piano lamps illuminating her piece, a sunflower seed
development of her students. As a result, McEnroe is hosting
pod. Her teacher and local artist, Rhonda McEnroe, gently
the very first “One on One Art Exhibit,” to showcase all twenty
encourages her by explaining value, shade, and color in the
of her private art students. Independence Bank is the proud
context of this intricate work-in-progress. Katherine has only
corporate sponsor of this exhibit. The opening reception will
been taking lessons since mid-July, but she is already making
be held on Monday evening, November 21 from 6 - 8 p.m., at
significant progress on this piece, which happens to be her
the Ralph Center on Kentucky Wesleyan College’s campus.
first work of art. Katherine comes from a talented, artsy family,
The exhibit will run from November 29 through December 9,
gifted in acting and music, so she decided to try her hand at
Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.. The One on One exhibit
art. She meets with McEnroe once a week for individualized,
and its opening reception are open to the general public.
one-on-one lessons.
The students who will be exhibiting their artwork are
Instead of sharing time in group classes or workshops
as follows: Mattie Baker, Ella Bartholomy, Jarrett Buckner,
(both of which McEnroe leads on occasion), “students get
Lance Burdette, Katherine Caudill, Madison Connor,
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www.OwensboroParent.com
Gracie Cummings, Sarah Edge, Satori Greer, Nya
will feature the One on One Exhibit for a special
Hammonds, Lily Hayden, Caroline Head, Hallie
program in 2017.
Howard, Alexia Kim, Emilee Lampert, Lucy Leath,
McEnroe would like to encourage potential
Caitlin Lewis, Camille Luttrell, Macy Ward, and
art students of all ages to consider one on one art
Ellen Wright. These budding artists range from age
classes with her. Classes are uniquely created for
seven to twenty-four. Fifty-two paintings of various
the wish of the student, to give them the availability
subjects will be showcased by these young people who
of instruction when and how students desire it.
have focused on their talents at the easel.
McEnroe’s home studio is a welcoming place, with
This exhibit is a way to celebrate these kids and
their talent, efforts, and creativity, because ”they do this quietly, not in a sports arena where they are cheered on…” according to McEnroe. A piece of art is something that can last forever. McEnroe’s exhibit has also garnered statewide attention; Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has noticed the talent of these students and their enthusiastic teacher and
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relaxing music, meaningful conversation, ideal for cultivating creativity. If you or someone you know might be interested, check out her website (www.enroestudio.com) or contact her directly at
rhonda@enroestudio.com,
270-993-2282.
270-684-9910,
or
OP
Taryn is newly married to Andy and has a crazy cat named Pippin. She is a former college recruiter and admissions advisor who works at the Daviess County Public Library.
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www.OwensboroParent.com
community
teaching our children
the gift of giving { by: elizabeth muster }
W
e’ve all heard the adage “It’s better to give than to receive,” but in this day and age of rampant commercialism, it can be a difficult lesson to teach our children. “Many kids just aren’t aware of the homelessness, poverty, and child abuse in the world,” says Burns Middle School Family Resource and Youth Service Center coordinator Victoria Self. “It’s great when parents start their children out at a young age volunteering and giving back. The younger they start, the more likely kids are to put themselves in other people’s shoes and contribute to society.” There are many great agencies in the Owensboro area that help families struggling to make ends meet, but here are a few which encourage adolescents to reach out to their peers during the holiday season.
Goodfellows In the summer of 2015, Sam and Henry Busse of Owensboro set an excellent example of how a seven-year-old and a five-year-old could help those less fortunate. The boys sold almost $500 worth of cake pops and lemonade in their neighborhood, donating half of their proceeds to the Goodfellows and half to another local organization. Although this time of year may be too cold for lemonade, hot chocolate and baked goods might be just the treat to accompany oldfashioned generosity! Goodfellows joins with youth and family resource centers in the Owensboro and Daviess County school systems to make sure no child is forgotten by providing clothing, shoes, coats, and emergency dental and medical care for children in need. And since 1915, the club has provided toys and entertainment for thousands of underprivileged youth at their annual Christmas party at the Sports Center. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Day, the Messenger-Inquirer publishes a “Roll Call” of donations – 100% of which go directly to school children. Contributions can be dropped off at MessengerInquirer office or mailed directly to Goodfellows at 401 Frederica Street, B203, Owensboro, KY 42301. Please call 270-685-2652 with additional questions.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Sunrise Children’s Services Need to make room for the new clothes and toys that Santa will bring? Encourage your children to donate their gently used items to Sunrise Children’s Services. At any given time, the organization serves over 1,000 children in Kentucky and provides foster care, residential and independent living services, and psychiatric services. Clothing, shoes, coats, and undergarments for teenagers and small children are always appreciated, as are games, crafts, school supplies, sporting goods, and electronics. Also, in conjunction with the Kentucky Baptist Children’s Ministry, there will be a Thanksgiving offering “to help a hurting child escape despair and find a loving home.” Sunrise Family Services Program Director Lindsey Lanham encourages adolescents to volunteer at 2720 Frederica Street to help sort clothing and canned goods. With appropriate permission from families, some may also be able to mentor younger clients. For further inquiries, contact her at 270-926-2484.
St. Joseph Peace Mission Since 1996, the St. Joseph Peace Mission has provided a “safe home and emergency shelter [for] abused and neglected children between the ages of birth and seventeen.” Its recently-completed Yewell Home for Boys is the only area refuge specifically for males ages 12-18. The mission is continually in need of unopened toiletries, bedding, household cleaning items, canned goods, and individual-packaged snacks. Their wish list also includes: arts and crafts supplies, family-friendly board games, and individual/solo educational games for children ages 10-17. The organization will be holding its annual pecan fundraiser this November. For more about these delicious Georgia pecans or the mission itself, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ sjpmowensboro or contact CEO Paula Yevincy or Development Director Brad DeHart at 270-683-9441.
Toys for Tots When shopping for loved ones this holiday season, encourage your children to put a few more presents into the shopping cart for an
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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unnamed child sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. By distributing new toys to children who otherwise might not get any at Christmas, the foundation delivers “a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.” The Owensboro area has approximately 100 Toys for Tots drop-off sites that will be collecting new, unwrapped toys through December 23. For these locations or other information, e-mail Coordinator Lou Drawdy at ldrawdy@roadrunner.com.
Samaritan’s Purse November 14-21 is National Collection Week for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign. According to the Samaritan’s Purse website, “Parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving.” Each shoebox should include a “quality ‘wow’ toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal” and then be filled with smaller toys, hygiene items, and school supplies intended for a child 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 years old. For a $7 donation, you will receive a label that tracks the shoebox to the hands of a child who has endured war, poverty, natural disaster, disease, or famine. The nearest collection post is Buck Creek Baptist Church, and drop-off hours are listed at www.samaritanspurse.org Led by head custodian Charlie Conley, the students at Burns Middle School have gone beyond packing shoeboxes and now collect money each year to purchase fruit trees, medical supplies, or livestock through a catalog provided by Samaritan’s Purse ministry “Animals, Agriculture, and Livelihoods.” Two years ago, they collected enough
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donations to have a water well drilled, proving that life lessons in giving and synergizing go hand in hand. This outreach will be especially important to the third-world countries affected by Hurricane Matthew in October.
Christmas Wish Voice of WBKR Angel Welsh also encourages collaboration among kids to “organize toy drives and collections amongst their families or with their schools” for the 40th annual Christmas Wish project, which begins the Monday after Thanksgiving. Families can contribute toys, clothing, pajamas, coats, money, and hygiene items for all ages, and these will be distributed throughout the GRADD area and a few Indiana counties. You can follow updates on the station’s website, WBKR.com. As one can see, there is plenty of kids in need in the OwensboroDaviess County area this holiday season, but there are just as many youngsters willing lend a hand, give a gift, or donate money to these wonderful causes. Area schools also conduct fundraisers through their family resource centers. Last year’s penny wars at Burns Middle School, for example, raised a record amount of funding for their Caring and Sharing drive. From tots to teens, no one is too young to learn that giving is a gift within itself. OP
Elizabeth Muster enjoys reading and writing and encouraging others to do the same, including her one-year old daughter; the students at Burns Middle School where she is the library media specialist; and (of course) readers like you.
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community
T
paws-itively
awesome Christmas is coming early for local dogs. Owensboro Off-Leash Dog Park is breaking ground in November. { danny may }
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. November // December 2016
alk about making an entrance. Mayor Ron Payne didn’t know what to think at first when Steve Castlen walked his dog right into the mayor’s office one day last September. Steve didn’t tell Mayor Payne what the meeting was about when he scheduled it, but Payne found out soon enough. With his dog in his lap, Castlen methodically explained the need for a dog park in Owensboro and his vision for a committee of concerned citizens to make it happen. A month later, Castlen presented that same vision to the City Commission, who after some discussion, unanimously approved to maintain the dog park once it’s established. An annual operating budget has already been approved to cover maintenance and replacement costs, pending the committee can raise the money needed for all major installation expenses, namely fencing, shelter houses, benches, and possibly restrooms. “This really is a wonderful partnership between some committed citizens that have a common desire and want to see additional growth in the community and the City Commission, who have agreed to earmark this piece of property and take on the expense annually,” said Owensboro Parks Director, Amanda Rogers. “That’s the best kind of partnership.” Patti Martin chairs the committee that has been tasked with raising awareness and collecting donations. “Our goal is to raise $145,000,” says Sandy Deyton, who edits the Owensboro Off-Leash Dog Park Facebook page and coordinates fundraising events. That goal received a significant boost in July when L. Steve Castlen Realtors was announced as the naming sponsor for the new Owensboro Off-Leash Dog Park with a $50,000 donation. Obviously, Steve is a “dog guy,” but Castlen says the decision to sponsor the dog park was not a unilateral move. “Our realtors all agreed that this was a great way to support the community, and they all seem excited. As a company, we need to give back, and this is one way we’re able to do that. We’ve taken care of families in this community with their homes; now we’re going to take care of their pets, too.” Castlen Realtor’s contribution brings the longtime dream much closer to becoming a reality. OMU has also agreed to donate the cost of running a water line to the proposed property, which Rogers estimates to be in the $20-30,000 range since it involves boring
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under Horse Fork Creek. “We’re trying to use public and private so it doesn’t put all the burden on the city. “ Castlen explained. In addition to organizing a booth at Friday After 5 and several fundraising events like the “Gone to the Dogs” pet swim at Combest Pool, which raised almost $500 for the project, the committee has applied for several grants. Private donations and corporate sponsorships are now being solicited with several levels of sponsorship. For example $10,000 sponsors a pet water station, $5,000 sponsors a bench, $250 sponsors an engraved plaque along the fence. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made over a period of time.
Location Rogers’ staff was tasked with listening to the committee, finding out what their vision was, putting some basic numbers together as far as expenses and how much space would be needed, and looking at location options among city-owned properties. The proposed location for the dog park is an 8.6-acre green space along the Greenbelt. The area is just behind the Heartland subdivision on 54, where East Byers Avenue deadends at the Greenbelt. Rogers says although the City had the property graded and planted some trees along the green space, there were no immediate plans for the property. The back portion of the land is rented out for farming, but the green space along the Greenbelt is readily usable. Connecting park access to the Greenbelt makes sense from the perspective of the number of people who use the Greenbelt and already walk dogs on it anyway. “When you look at that property, there are almost 2,500 houses within a mile and a half walking distance, both city and county residents,” Rogers explained. “I felt like a lot of people would walk their dogs to the park, enjoy their time, and walk back home.”
www.OwensboroParent.com
For those who need to drive, they can park at the Yewell’s Heritage Park trailhead parking area, which is accessed from Brookhill neighborhood, which puts you less than a half mile from the dog park. There’s also a little space to park at the end of Byer’s Avenue off 54.
Specifics/plans The Off-Leash Dog Park will be completely fenced in with an entrance area where owners will enter and take their dogs off the leash. There will be at least three fenced in chutes off the entrance, two of which will be open at all times with another not in use so the turf can be rotated and rejuvenated. The short-term vision includes fencing, benches, trash receptacles, fountains for owners and pets, dog waste receptacles, and signage. The long-term vision includes restroom facilities, covered patio area, dog agility features, planted trees, and spray features. The committee hopes people who don’t own pets will enjoy the facility as well. “We want people to come by and let their kids and grandkids watch the dogs play and run,” says Castlen.
Community Support Dog parks are a nationally trending topic for city parks and recreation departments. Rogers cited the Owensboro Parks and Recreation master plan study, which was conducted in 2012 by an outside party. In that study, a dog park moved up to #7 on the priority list (from #11 in 2011). “There is so much support for this in the community, and we get more phone calls every day,” Deyton said. If interested in donating, please contact rogersaa@owensboro.org. Keep up with updates at Owensboro Off Leash Dog Park’s Facebook page. OP
Danny May is a staff writer at Tanner Publishing Co. and a regular contributor to Owensboro Parent Magazine. He and his wife Kelly are raising two very active boys, 6 and 8.
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community
fighting
for a wish { by: elizabeth muster }
“Whether it was finishing opposing teams off as the enforcer of The Shield or steadily grinding his way toward the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as a solo competitor, [Roman] Reigns has made a lasting impression on anyone who’s come into contact with him.” The second half of this statement from World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. certainly holds true for 16-year-old Joshua Swain of Drakesboro, Kentucky. Thanks to social worker Emily Diaz, Joshua’s dream of meeting the current WWE US Heavyweight Champion came true at the Ford Center in Evansville on September 17.
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Z
or seven years -- or as Joshua explains, “a pretty good
F
and his physician, Dr. Billie Galyen, began working with
while”-- he and his family have been watching weekly
Hospice of Western Kentucky.
WWE fights on television. “They’re fun,” he says. “I get
to stay up late and watch people beat up on each other.”
stigma of hospice. But after working with the staff these
His mother, Ashley Wilson gives a good-hearted laugh
past couple of months, she now testifies that hospice is not
and agrees that these weekly sessions are priceless to her
something to fear. “It’s about living,” she says. Hospice
husband, Chris, and their three daughters and two sons.
of Western Kentucky is located in Owensboro, and has
Like Roman Reigns, Joshua Swain is no stranger to pain.
provided home-based and nursing home care in Daviess,
At age 8, he was diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidoses, a
Hancock, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties since 1978.
genetic condition which prohibits the body from creating
With hospice’s help, Joshua now has a mobile
the enzymes needed to “break down and recycle materials
wheelchair that makes it easier for him to attend school.
in cells.” According to the National MPS Society, this
His pain is being managed, and lately he has been going
“results in progressive damage to the heart, bones,
outside on his own every day. He and his hospice spiritual
joints, respiratory system and central nervous system.”
worker, Mark Poiles, have been building a shed in the
Throughout his childhood, the pain was so severe despite
backyard which Joshua and his dad have stocked with
over-the-counter medications that Joshua mostly laid
tools and odds and ends. “Like any typical boy,” Ashley
on the couch and had to be carried from place to place.
says, “Joshua enjoys taking things apart and putting them
This past August, his prognosis worsened and his family
back together.”
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Ashley was hesitant at first, she explains, because of the
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Since the first time Joshua talked to social worker Emily
Diaz about his love of professional wrestling, she wanted him to be able to attend a live WWE match. With her persistence in contacting World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and the support of Hospice of Western Kentucky’s WISH Program, Joshua’s dream came true when Roman Reigns came to the Ford Center along with 2015 Superstar of the Year Seth Rollins, Smack Down Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, and Rag Tag Team Champions New Day. Thinking back to that night, Joshua hums and sways to the WWE theme song “What’s Up” by the Golden Truth.
It’s no doubt that Roman Reigns is Joshua’s idol, and
for good reason. Before the show, Reigns and Joshua spent about twenty minutes “chatting like a couple of old friends,” remarks Emily. Reigns also autographed a hat, a shirt, and medallions for Joshua. But there was one more thing Joshua wanted – for Roman Reigns to win the belt for him that night. And Reigns did, giving a shout-
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. November // December 2016
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November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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out to Joshua from the ring afterwards. Everyone in
the 2015 world title, WWE touted Reigns as the “Hard-
the stadium stood and cheered. “I was at the point of
luck underdog.”
tears,” Ashley reminisces.
Although one might consider Joshua Swain an
underdog, too, you would never know it from his
The Hospice of Western Kentucky’s WISH Program
was created in 2008 in order to “grant the final wishes
attitude.
of patients when possible,” explains Public Relations
outspoken, and brave. During a “rough patch” with
Director Angela Mayfield. “Hospice patients have a
his lungs in February 2015, rather than feeling sorry for
diagnosis of 6 months or less if their disease runs its
himself, Joshua begged his mother to set up a Facebook
normal course.” Funding comes from community and
page for him to ask people for prayers. Within the first
business donations and the support of individuals.
week, “Prayers for Joshy” gained over 300 followers.
Along with WWE celebrities John Cena and Charlotte
The site chronicles a boy who faces his challenges head-
and Sasha Banks, Roman Reigns also supports the
on (including the 100-yard dash this past May) and
Make-a-Wish foundation headquartered in Phoenix to
who loves to fish and ride his go-cart. Of course, his
soften his tough-guy persona.
profile picture shows him posing with Roman Reigns,
his mom and dad, and Emily, holding a sign with his
31-year-old Roman Reigns hasn’t had it easy in the
Emily describes Joshua as determined,
WWE circuit. Before becoming a professional wrestler,
hero’s motto: “I can. I will.”
Joe Anoa’i played college football for Georgia Tech, had
a short stint in the NFL in 2007 with the Minnesota
it is Joshua Swain because he has plenty of people in
Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then played
his corner of the ring. “Joshua is a fighter,” Emily
Canadian professional football for the Edmonton
says, “and we’re very appreciative to be alongside him
Eskimos in 2008. Anoa’i joined the WWE in 2010 under
in this match. We [at Hospice of Western Kentucky]
the name Roman Leakee and toured as part of the
consider it a privilege to support him, his family and
Florida Championship Wrestling circuit, which would
our community during this journey.”
If anyone can keep wrestling mucopolysaccaridoses,
OP
eventually become known as NXT. Reigns is often met by harsh criticism from WWE fans, including a booing audience at the Ford Center that night. While chasing
42 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
Elizabeth Muster enjoys reading and writing and encouraging others to do the same, including her one-year old daughter; the students at Burns Middle School where she is the library media specialist; and (of course) readers like you.
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
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advertisers: [46] Studio 105 [47] Peacocks & Pearls Boutique [47] Shoe Stop [48] Excursions [48] Studio Slant [49] Blossoms [49] Preservation Station [50] Lil’ Bit Sassy [51] Lance & Co. Jewelers [51] Robin’s Resale & Boutique [52] The Willow Tree
ShopOwensboro, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s annual “shop local” initiative is held on Small Business Saturday, November 26th. Check out our map of all of the participating businesses on page 53.
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Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Studio 105
S
Whether you’re decorating a room, home, office, or business, Studio 105 is your local stop for custom art.
tudio 105 has an interesting history with a bright future to match. Thirty-four years ago, owner Jamie DeWitt opened the studio two weeks after graduating college with a degree in art intending on showcasing and selling his own art work. But with a growing family soon after, DeWitt decided to offer custom framing to provide additional income. That move proved very advantageous, as the framing business became very popular.
Custom Frame Shop
Today, Studio 105 is well known for its frame shop, providing custom frames for pieces of art, photos, diplomas, and certificates. Customers can browse through bins of prints, original art, 3D art pieces, or a combination of the three when decorating a home or commercial space. Whatever your taste or preference, Studio 105 has the perfect piece or collection just for you. Simply choose your art, pick out a frame, and the staff will craft your piece to your liking.
Local Art Gallery
Studio 105 is also your local stop for local artists.
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. November // December 2016
Especially as the current trend in original art has evolved in recent years. By purchasing original works by local/regional artists and selling prints, DeWitt has discovered a niche that mutually benefits the studio, artists, and customers. As a result, Studio 105 is transitioning its art gallery to exclusively feature local artists. Maybe by the time Jamie retires, he’ll see his own paintings in the gallery after all, bringing his original dream full-circle. But for now, the studio will host a ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 10 from 5 – 8 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of its new art gallery featuring local and regional artists. These artists (see sidebar) will have original pieces for sale throughout the Holiday shopping season. For the best deals, visit Studio 105 during ShopOwensboro on November 26. To experience the shop for yourself, visit the studio at 105 W 3rd Street or on Facebook. Be sure to watch the video on the Facebook page for a special 15% discount.
ShopOwensboro. Shop Studio 105. This shopping season, find works by these local and regional artists at Studio 105: Aaron Kizer Rex Robinson Jeanie Shanks Ann Jeannette Pierce Andrea Roberson Wendell Thompson Isabelle Wethington Thomas Porter Sarah Wilson Ellen Wright Todd Derr Sheila Pence Sherry Dickens Alex Anderson
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Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Peacocks & Pearls Boutique D
id y’all think that fall was never coming? The chill in the air has arrived and pumpkin spice is everywhere. You know what that means? The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to kick it off than with us on Small Business Saturday, November 26, for special promotions and giveaways. Peacocks and Pearls is a family owned and operated women’s clothing boutique located on Highway 54. Our staff is our family and our customers are our dear friends, the recipe for any good holiday party! We take pride in providing clothing, shoes, and accessories for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for comfort on cool winter evenings, the perfect business attire to get you through those last few important meetings of the year, or elegant styles for your most special holiday events; we consider all ages and sizes. At all ends of the spectrum our styles are unique and quality options for women. An exceptional shopping experience with a fun, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere is our goal! Thank you again to our customers for your continued support over the past three years. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to keep up with all our new arrivals and promotions!
S
Shoe Stop
mall Business Saturday is a day that local business is recognized and supported to keep dollars in our community. Our goal at Shoe Stop is simple: Bringing our customers the “Fashion Right” items of the season, at prices that will always remain competitive in a service friendly environment. We work hard to be able to go “Toe to Toe” with the big store chains and at the same time offer our customers a unique assortment of brands that you just can’t find everywhere. We appreciate the loyalty of our customer base and all the friends we’ve made over the years. Thank you for voting Shoe Stop your #1 shoe store 6 years in a row. www.OwensboroParent.com
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Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Excursions Our Manifesto
We believe that your closet should make you happy. We believe that when it comes to a clothing budget, the wife is always right. We believe in carbohydrates and to heck with the puffy consequences. We believe in the innate chicness of pink and brown. We believe in being overdressed or underdressed, always. We believe that our sales staff is award-winning, even though they’ve never actually won any. We believe our mirrors will make you look younger and skinnier. We believe colors can’t clash. We believe in blowing your nest egg on our great clothes. We believe in dorky enthusiasm. Come shop with us and you’ll be a believer, too!
S
Studio Slant
tudio Slant is a one-of-a-kind gift boutique and art studio
to send you away looking like a gift giving rockstar. Slant
located near Wesleyan Park Plaza. The sisters of Slant
also founded the East Bridge Art Festival.
Over six years
have been celebrating the art of gift giving in Owensboro for
the festival has brought in hundreds of artists, thousands of
6 years now! Slant is home to Owensboro’s Original Paint
tourists and tons of locals alike. It’s our goal to show off
Party! We brought it to you first and we do it best, offering
the city’s art community, downtown and good ole’ southern
Canvas & Cocktails, Canvas & Cupcakes and personalized
hospitality using our unique Slant! Drop in, follow us on
private events. The boutique is filled with awesome, unique
social media, or visit our website www.studioslant.com to
gifts, plus we offer personalization and free wrapping-sure
learn more!
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www.OwensboroParent.com
Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
W
Blossoms
ith the hustle and bustle of the season quickly approaching, we want to take the guess and stress out of your December. Whether it be gift giving or outfitting yourself for the endless invites, our experienced and personal team is here for you from Black Friday to New Year’s Eve and every day in between. Be sure to fill out a Wish List at both Blossoms & The Shoe Garden and let your Santa Baby know that we have free gift wrap and delivery. Please join us for Small Business Saturday on November 26. This Chamber-sponsored event encourages each of us to shop small and local. Andy Williams will be blaring from the speakers and our little city sidewalk will be dressed in holiday style. There will be special discounts along with giveaways and refreshments. It is always a fun way to kick off the shopping season. Our shelves are stocked and we are ready for the most wonderful time of the year. You will love the coziness of the sweater and the sparkle of the accessories. We look forward to sharing Christmas with you. There is nothing better than a Blossoms package under the tree.
Preservation Station P
reservation Station Market and Event Center is open six days a week: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 - 5 p.m. with over 60 shops in a 40,000 square repurposed elementary school that now houses unique, boutique, antique, vintage, shabby chic, rustic, and handcrafted items such as boutique apparel, antique and chalk painted furniture, antique and vintage items galore, jewelry, candles, spa products, totes, pillows, barnwood states, home dĂŠcor, upcycled items, and so much more. Market Days takes place the first weekend of every month (Nov 5 & 6 and Dec 3 & 4) with over 100 vendors, live music, and food. A special SHOP SMALL SATURDAY MARKET DAY will take place on Saturday November 26 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.OwensboroParent.com
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Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Lil’ Bit Sassy Children’s Boutique Shop at Ease at Lil’ Bit Sassy
L
il’ Bit Sassy is Owensboro’s newest boutique for upscale children’s clothing. Our name might reflect our personality, but when it comes to clothes, we’re serious. With 337 vendors, we have something for everyone. And if we don’t have it – we can get it! We offer girls sizes ranging from premie/ newborn through 14/16 tween and teen/misses S, M, and L. Boys sizes range from premie/ newborn through 10/12. For the kids, we have a children’s lounge with a candy counter and sucker tree to serve as a reward just for being a kid! Each shopping experience is customized
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just for you, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make your experience better. Special order is available. Upon request, we’ve even scheduled private shopping times for customers. We try our best to be a small town store with old-fashioned customer service. If you’re looking for name-brand styles at a great price, Lil’ Bit Sassy is the place for you. Come see us at 125 W 2nd St. We are very proud to be a part of ShopOwensboro and we will have extended hours for your convenience on Saturday, November 26.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Lance & Co. Jewelers A
s a family-run business, Lance & Co. knows that shopping local is important to Owensboro. That’s why we’re offering several special promotions for ShopOwensboro on Saturday, November 26.
Mi Moneda Collection
Create your own style with a Mi Moneda pendant and coin set. Necklaces and pendants come in three colors - silver, gold tone, and rose tone – to match any outfit. These make excellent gifts because the coins inside the pendant can be interchanged with additional coins collected over the years.
Honora Pearl Collection
We’re also having a special on Honora Pearls which come in a wide range of colors and styles.
Closeout Specials
Don’t forget to check our Discount Table with closeout items at 50% off. With over 35 years experience, Lance does custom design as well. Remember, Lance & Co. will be making in-house repairs right up until Christmas.
Lance & Co. proudly carries:
Gabriel & Co., Vahan, S. Kashi & Sons, Christopher Designs, Zeghani, What’s Your Sign, Tissot, & Tavannes.
Robin’s Resale & Boutique T
here are many reasons Robin’s Resale & Boutique was voted “best consignment shop” by Owensboro Living readers this year. Over 3,100 consigners from the Owensboro area know that Robin’s Resale just keeps getting better. Robin’s Resale & Boutique offers consignment for the whole family: infant, children, teens, men, and women clothing with sizes ranging from baby to plus. Robin’s even carries formal and wedding wear. And that’s not the half of it. Beyond consignment, Robin’s boutique features a full line of brand new, trendy boutique clothing and shoes that are known for being very affordable. They also offer thread embroidery for monogramming, appliques, and vinyl decals. This year marks the store’s 22nd anniversary. After outgrowing the floorspace at two previous locations, the shop has found a home at 2416 New Hartford Road for the past 12 years. Watch Facebook and Instagram for ShopOwensboro deals.
www.OwensboroParent.com
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Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
The Willow Tree It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Willow Tree
T
he Willow Tree was started 22 years ago on Commonwealth Court, off Highway 54. Like the rest of 54, our shop has grown and changed over the years. We feel truly blessed that so many of our customers have become friends. We want you to feel right at home when you walk in the front door, so every wall of the shop is decorated to look like a house with mirrors, lamps, and wall décor. Sometimes customers like to browse because we have a little bit of everything. Other than home décor, we sell candles, lotions, purses, scarves, and jewelry, as well as food items like dip mixes, cheeseball mixes, chocolates, and packaged coffee. We’ve also added a “UK Corner” this year. Another feature our customers find very convenient is that we will deliver to funeral homes. Stop in for our Christmas open house Nov 4-6 and 1113 and be sure to ShopOwensboro at the Willow Tree on Saturday, November 26.
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www.OwensboroParent.com
Shop Owensboro
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
2016 Shop Owensboro Participant Map 4th St
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4th St
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Daviess St
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Audubon
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2nd St
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St. Ann St
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RIVE
Frederica St
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Veterans Blvd
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OHIO
START HERE! 9:00-10:00 AM AT INDEPENDENCE BANK (2425 FREDERICA ST OR 3228 HWY 54) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
KUNTRY KUTTER BALANCE 54 BYRON & BARCLAY THE PINK POPPY BOUTIQUE BELLA RAGAZZA BOUTIQUE STUDIO SLANT BLOSSOMS APPAREL & GIFTS BOUTIQUE 54 STUDIO 105 THE BAKERS RACK THE EARLE LANCE & CO. JEWELERS PATTI’S RESALE KIDSTOP CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE, LLC EN VOGUE
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16. CRAZY ME GIFTS & APPAREL 17. THE CROWNE 18. COTTON COTTAGE 19. THE SCRUB SHOPPE 20. TRUNNELL’S FARM MARKET 21. ROBIN’S RESALE & BOUTIQUE 22. PEACOCKS AND PEARLS BOUTIQUE 23. PARTY PAPER PLACE 24. TRISON’S GIFTS 25. EMBELLISH 26. SHOE STOP 27. NICK T. ARNOLD JEWELERS 28. SIMPLY CHIC HOME ACCENTS 29. J’S LIQUOR AND CHEESE SHOP 30. PRESERVATION STATION
31. LIL BIT SASSY CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE 32. LEGENDS TEAM SPORTS 33. PURE BARRE 34. SINGLE THREAD BOUTIQUE 35. GENE’S HEALTH FOOD, INC. 36. TOM BLUE FURNITURE 37. BUSHAY’S 38. AMY’S FIT ISLAND 39. EPOCH REVIVAL 40. DAVID P. TAYLOR ANTIQUES 41. THE RED DOOR BOUTIQUE 42. THE WILLOW TREE 43. EXCURSIONS, INC. 44. STARBUCKS 45. BLACK-EYED SUSAN’S November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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2016 gift guide
powered by imagination TOYS WITHOUT PLUGS, SCREENS OR BAT TERIES { by: shannon erickson }
T
he most memorable Christmas gift I received as a child was a wicker clothes basket. My Uncle Roy possessed a keen sense of fun and aptly anticipated the joy a 5-year-old child might find in that simple gift. In the next several weeks my basket became a turtle shell, a tent, a cave, a car…the possibilities endless. I tied my father’s necktie to the basket and fashioned a train caboose in which I pulled my brother around
no longer just “nice-to-have;” it’s a critical tool for economic survival at a time when rote tasks can be performed by anyone anywhere and information is just a click away. Tomorrow’s workplace will value our children more for their ability to create new ideas than recall facts or replicate processes.” In today’s busy world children, even as young as three, are often over scheduled with organized
the house. I am hard pressed to remember other childhood gifts with such clarity. My little wicker basket serves as an example of the best kind of toy for children: a toy powered by nothing other than sheer imagination. In the hands of a child a cardboard tube becomes a telescope, a sock becomes a puppet or a wooden spoon and saucepan a musical instrument. Allowing a child opportunity to creatively repurpose everyday items and then supplementing with tools such as books, art supplies, puzzles, blocks and games allows him to develop cognitive skills he will use the rest of his life. From birth, children at play are training their brain and learning important thinking skills they will need as adults. Andy Russell from LaunchPad Toys makes this point: “Creativity is
activities and little time remains for free play. Experts agree that free play time should engage the child with activities that encourage imagination and problem solving. Today’s toy aisles in the “big box” stores are crammed with toys that light up, plug in or take batteries, toys requiring little effort from the child other than the ability to flip a switch. While there are most certainly electronic toys that aid in development skills, many of these toys are limited in fully engaging the child and the child become a passive participant. Alternatives to the mass market toys are readily available. One only needs to know where to look. The following selections are in specialty toy stores and online retailers:
Tobbles Neo Ages: 2+ Brand: Fat Brain Toys MSRP: $24.99 Major Fun Award, Toys ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids Award Parents’ Choice Silver Award Bright and cheerful colors, the physics of motion - the unique grippable texture of Tobbles Neo awakens touch. See those gentle, playful curves? They truly enliven tactile experiences. Young minds revel in stacking, toppling, and the discovery of endless ingenuity with Tobbles Neo. Six uniquely weighted pieces balance, neatly nest, and incessantly spin beyond your expectations.
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Wooden Fruit Cutting Set Ages: 3+ Brand: Melissa and Doug Toy Company MSRP: $19.99 This wooden play food set features a wooden knife and seven pieces of sliceable fruit that can be cut into a total of seventeen pieces! Held together with self-stick tabs, the food makes a fun and satisfying “CRUNCH” sound when sliced. With so many pieces, it’s also a great way to introduce counting and the concepts of part, whole, and fractions!
www.OwensboroParent.com
Tall Tales: The Game of Infinite Storytelling Ages: 4+ MSRP: $29.99 Tall Tales brings back the classic magic of imagination in a new and exciting family game. This creative, noncompetitive storytelling game is fun for all ages. Players draw a random story card from the bag and then begin weaving their best tale using the 3-D game pieces. The only limit is your imagination! There are five specific storytelling games included, but you can make up your own ideas!
Magformers Standard Set Ages: 5+ MSRP: $39.99 MAGFORMERS award winning 30 piece Classic Set is the perfect set for a beginning user at ages 5+. Build a ball, build a house, build a building, build a star... you can even build a microphone! Cubes and pyramids are another basic building favorite using the square and triangle shapes contained in the Classic 30 piece set. Imagination and building is a fun solo activity, but when two or more minds get together the building creativity abounds! Get ready for idea sparks to fly! Expansion sets are available.
Ticket to Ride Ages: 8+ Brand: Days of Wonder MSRP: $36.99 In this cross-country train adventure, players travel by rail on a beautifully laid-out game board map that shows train routes connecting major cities in the United States and Southern Canada. Players draw cards, attempting to collect enough of the same color “tracks” to “claim” any route of a matching color. Placing one’s miniature colored train playing pieces on the tracks establishes one’s ownership of the route. Points are scored in three ways: by claiming individual routes, completing a path of routes between two or more distant cities that match a “destination card,” and completing the longest continuous path of routes. OP
Shannon Erickson is the former owner of “Toys Remembered,” a speciality toy and gift store. She is retired and now divides her time between living in Owensboro and on Kentucky Lake. Shannon enjoys hiking and boating and is an avid reader. She has two adult children, Brad and Emily and a labradoodle, Barkley.
www.OwensboroParent.com
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2016 gift guide
hot toys of 2016 { by: ashley sorce }
INFANTS & TODDLERS (0-2 YRS) Every day is a new adventure for babies and toddlers. For this age range, choose items that stimulate their minds, bodies and all five senses. These toys encourage experimentation with colors, shapes, sounds and textures. By offering opportunities for hand-eye coordination, motor skills, language recognition and nurturing, parents are providing little ones with the early development skills they need as they grow up.
Laugh & Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center
Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace Ages: 18 Months+ Brand: VTech MSRP: $59.99 This epic palace expands to 4 feet long. Place Princess Darla on any of the five MagicPoint locations for sounds, lights, and more. Light-up buttons introduce words, colors, letters, and numbers, and play magical melodies and sing-along songs.
Ages: 6 months+ Brand: Fischer-Price MSRP: $49.99 Encourage experiential learning with three levels of play that grow with baby. Features a motion-sensor archway, sensory play activities, a personalized voice message, customizable picture frame, and tons of learning content, including ABCs, colors, shapes, and more.
PRESCHOOL (3-5 YRS) Preschoolers are ready to take on a new type of play. Toys for kids this age encourage imaginative and creative activities with role-playing and pretend play. They provide opportunities for active play, get kids to exercise, and capture their spirit of adventure. Social and emotional skills are emerging, so music, arts and crafts, teamwork, and language skills are important to build self-esteem. Toys in this age group should help teach vocabulary and social skills and result in a sense of accomplishment.
Disney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa Ages: 3+ Brand: Jakks Pacific MSRP: $39.99 Help Elsa bring back the Northern Lights as she sings “Let It Go.” Kids can wave their hand over the snowflake to create beautiful colors. Hold a hand over the snowflake and watch as the lights sparkle on Elsa’s dress.
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Disney My Time Singing Elena Of Avalor Ages: 3+ Brand: Hasbro MSRP: $29.99 Kids can sing along with Elena as she embarks on magical adventures. Press Elena’s necklace to hear her sing “My Time,” from the Disney Channel TV series. The doll’s articulated arms allow her to hold her included guitar.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Furreal Friends Torch My Blazin’ Dragon
Lion Guard Training Lair Playset
Ages: 4+ Brand: Hasbro MSRP: $79.99 Share fiery adventures with this adorable plush baby dragon that breathes flame-colored mist. “Toast” the color-changing marshmallow treat, then feed it to Torch to hear his happy munching sounds. Torch features more than 50 sound and motion combinations.
Ages: 3+ Brand: Just Play MSRP: $59.99 Recreate the adventures of Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard with this 3-foot-tall play set full of lights, sounds, and secret surprises. It features a zip line, rock lift, and boulder drop, and comes with Kion and Janja figures.
Paw Patrol Monkey Temple
PJ Masks Headquarters Playset
Ages: 3+ Brand: Spin Master MSRP: $49.99 This play set transforms from a Monkey Temple into a Jungle Headquarters for Ryder and the pups. It features lights and sounds, trap doors, control panels to direct kids to their next mission, vines to slide down, and an elevator.
Pokémon My Friend Pikachu Ages: 3+ Brand: Tomy MSRP: $29.99 Pikachu, I choose you! Kids can snuggle up to the coziest Pikachu yet with My Friend Pikachu. Hug Pikachu to see its ears move, its cheeks light up, and to hear cute sounds. Gotta catch ’em all!
www.OwensboroParent.com
Ages: 3+ Brand: Just Play MSRP: $69.99 This two-sided, 2-foot-tall play set features three levels of adventure. Kids can choose their mission, and then re-create the action with the high-flying zip line, elevator, hanging cat rings, trap door, and pop-out hatch. Catboy and Cat-Car are included.
Talk-To-Me Mikey Ages: 4+ Brand: Playmates Toys MSRP: $39.99 This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party dude is ready for action. He recognizes kids’ questions and quickly responds in hundreds of hilarious ways. Movement sensors allow for silly reactions as kids play and flip him around.
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GRADE SCHOOL (6-8 YRS) Grade-schoolers are expanding their worlds into a broader community of schoolmates and teammates. They are enjoying new experiences as they explore their choices and expand their abilities. Encourage them to seek out and pursue their passions. Toys and games can help develop an appreciation for science, the arts, strategic and mind-stimulating activities, and spending time with family and friends. Kid-safe websites present an approach to playing that also teaches basic computer skills and computer etiquette.
Hatchimals
Animal Jam—Club Geoz Dance Party Playset Ages: 6+ Brand: Jazwares MSRP: $29.99 Set the stage for the ultimate dance party, featuring the exclusive Diamond Arctic Wolf figure. Listen to music, dance under the lights, and watch the disco ball spin. Special code unlocks exclusive content in the Animal Jam online game.
Ages: 6+ Brand: Spin Master MSRP: $59.99 Hatchimals are interactive magical creatures inside eggs. Who’s inside? It’s a surprise! Care for them and they will hatch themselves with your help.
Shopkins Happy Places Happy Home
Hot Wheels Ai Ages: 8+ Brand: Mattel MSRP: $99.99 This racing set includes two cars, controllers, and more than 16 feet of customizable track. Features smart cars that communicate with the track, three modes of gameplay, and three levels of difficulty. Race and play on or off the track.
Ages: 6+ Brand: Moose Toys MSRP: $29.99 Kids can collect and display Happy Places Petkin furniture pieces to decorate and personalize Popette’s home. The house play set comes with Popette Lil’ Shoppie, a large Petkin, two medium Petkins, two small Petkins, and two mini Petkins.
Skylanders Imaginators
Snuggles, My Dream Puppy
Ages: 6+ Brand: Activision MSRP: $74.99 For the first time, kids can create their own Skylanders with endless options for powers, abilities, catchphrases, appearance, and more. Creation Crystals allow players to transport their unique Skylanders to consoles anytime, anywhere.
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Ages: 6+ Brand: Moose Toys MSRP: $54.99 Snuggles moves, feels, and responds just like a real puppy. When kids feed him his bottle, he’ll fall asleep in their arms. Pat his head or rub his tummy and Snuggles will close his eyes and make adorable puppy sounds.
www.OwensboroParent.com
TWEENS (9+) Whether online or in person, socializing is a key activity for kids in this age group. While tweens are comfortable with technology and the digital world, they also enjoy playing games, being creative, and being active. Provide opportunities for them to try new things both on their own and with their peers. Parents and caregivers are still key role models for this age group, so remain present and involved in their passions.
Lego Star Wars Resistance XWing Fighter Ages: 9+ Brand: The Lego Group MSRP: $79.99 Kids can build this detailed X-Wing Fighter with opening wings and cockpit, spring-loaded shooters, retractable landing gear, a removable engine, and more. Toppling tower and fire elements create a make-believe blaze. Includes three minifigures and a BB-8 Astromech Droid.
Nintendo Mariokart 8 Quadcopter Ages: 9+ Brand: Carrera of America MSRP: $79.99 Kids can fly Mario’s R/C quadrocopter with antigravity mode. Features a six-axle gyro system for flight stability, a protective cage for the rotors, and 2.4 GHz technology for up to seven minutes of flight. It has beginner and advanced modes, and a rechargeable battery.
Pokémon Sun And Pokémon Moon
Speak Out Ages: 16+ Brand: Hasbro MSRP: $19.99 This hilarious game dares you not to get tongue-tied. Players put in a mouthpiece, draw a card, and try to speak phrases while team members try to guess as many as possible.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Ages: 9+ Brand: Nintendo MSRP: $39.99 Launching in November exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS, these games (sold separately) introduce new Pokémon and Z-Moves, an explosive new power for battle. When paired with the Z-Ring from TOMY (also sold separately), players can feel the moves in real life. OP
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2016 gift guide
top kids’ books { by: taryn norris }
TOP 5 CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS (TO READ TO PRESCHOOLERS – 3RD GRADERS): Berenstain Bears series
Clifford series
by Jan & Stan Berenstain The Bear family – Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey – is still entertaining kids after 50 years. These colorful, fun picture books show everyday family life and teach children valuable lessons about friendship, family, behavior, and school.
by Norman Bridwell The big red dog is still stealing hearts and having fun with his best friend, Emily Elizabeth. Many of Clifford’s adventures center on friendship and kindness. Check out one of Clifford’s books to learn about holidays, weather, school, and the importance of friendship.
Elephant & Piggie\ Knuffle Bunny books
Fancy Nancy series
by Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie are unlikely best friends who face kid issues like taking a nap, sharing, playing with friends, meeting new friends, and patience. Willems’ unique word choice and hilarious illustrations really connect with young children who learn and laugh while reading these books.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series by Laura Numeroff These stories explore the foot-inthe door technique through the simple action of giving a mouse a cookie, a pig a pancake, or a cat a cupcake. With charming prose and captivating illustrations, readers can’t help but feel for the mouse!
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by Jane O’Connor For girly girls who love dressing up, dancing, and all things princess, Fancy Nancy is for you! Jump in to Nancy’s world as she plays dress-up, has a sleepover, performs in a ballet recital, and has a tea party. If your child relates to Fancy Nancy, introduce them to the older version of the young heroine, Clancy Nancy, in a few years, (designed for 3rd and 4th graders).
A Child of Books
FEATUR ED new children ’s picture book
by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston This book is uniquely illustrated with lines from and pictures of books! Parents and kids alike will enjoy the imaginative journey of a little girl and boy “through forests of fairy tales and mountains of make-believe…” If you love the language of books and are a book lover, this book is for you!
www.OwensboroParent.com
TOP 5 CHILDREN’S “I CAN READ”/EARLY READER BOOKS (FOR CHILDREN LEARNING TO READ, KINDERGARTEN-3RD GRADE): Biscuit series by Alyssa Capucilli Biscuit the dog is a cute, yellow puppy who tells his stories in a simple format for early readers. This adorable dog shares his adventures from camping, playing in the snow, going to the beach, and making new friends. Biscuit books are also available for babies and toddlers in the form of sturdy board books.
Berenstain Bears series by Jan & Stan Berenstain The Berenstain Bear series is especially relatable as it deals with parent-child relationships and typical family issues. New titles are coming out, with the son of Jan & Stan taking over his parents’ work. For older readers, check out the Berenstain bear scouts and chapter book series (geared toward late elementary to middle school children).
Barbie series by Kristen Depken and others Whether she’s a doll, fashionista, or a sparkly fairy, Barbie is a timeless favorite. In this series of books, Barbie and her friends overcome obstacles, inspire children, and retell beloved fairytales.
Henry & Mudge/ Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant These two series by Rylant focus on the companionship between pet owners and their beloved cat or dog. The Henry & Mudge series centers on dayto-day stories about a lonely little boy and his large dog. Similarly, the Mr. Putter & Tabby series is full of helpful life lessons about a lonesome old man and his tabby cat.
Green Eggs & Ham/ Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss One of the most beloved children’s authors of our time is ever-popular with kids from all generations. The early picture books by Seuss are fantastical and beautifully illustrated, with funny words from Seuss’ world and an easy, but intriguing storyline for little learners.
Bones and the Apple Pie Mystery
FEATUR ED new “i can re ad” book
by David Adler Written by the author of the Cam Jansen series, this new book is junior detective fiction for budding sleuths. Find out what happens when Detective Jeremy and his grandpa visit a friend whose pies are missing!
TOP 5 CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOKS (3RD GRADE -6TH GRADE): Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne Brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, stumble upon a tree house filled with magical books that give them the power to time travel. This 55 Book series will take your kids through time and across the globe in adventures with dinosaurs, sea creatures, Egyptian mummies, pirates, and many more!
www.OwensboroParent.com
Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan Based on Greek mythology, preteens discover magical abilities and a host of problems related to possessing godlike powers in modern-day America. Harry Potter fans will love these books!
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Warrior/Seekers/ Survivors series by Erin Hunter Clans of mystical, talking cats who adventure in the wild and face issues of good versus evil, territory amongst other clans, magical beasts, and the fearful humans.
Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine This series by R.L. Stine is still going strong after terrifying kids since 1989. Ever popular, no matter the season, Goosebumps is for kids who like suspense, thriller, and scary stories about haunted houses, monsters, mummies, ghosts, and other freaky fiends. (For fans of Goosebumps, be sure to check out the Fear Street series in a few years. Geared toward a teen audience.)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney The wildly popular, brutally honest tales (and drawings) of the struggles and misadventures of middle school, middle child struggles, and how to rise above. Narrated by eleven-year old Greg Heffley, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a typical (and humorous) look at riding bikes, braving middle school, playing videos games, as told through the eyes of a preteen boy.
FEATUR ED new juvenile fiction book
The Secret Keepers
by Trenton Stewart By the same author as The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Secret Keepers centers around the fantastical story of an eleven-year old boy and what happens when he finds an antique watch. This book isn’t on the AR list yet, but kids will love the secretive adventure as Reuben tries to fight an elusive group of bad guys while trying to save his city.
FREE resources we bet you didn’t know about the library: HOOPL A Hoopla is an online resource that houses ebooks, comics, music, movies, and even audiobooks. Maybe your child just couldn’t get enough of the new Disney movie ZooTopia. Good news! You can read the comic version of the movie on Hoopla – either the desktop version or the app (compatible with Android, iPhone/iPad, and Kindle Fire). All that’s required is a library card!
TUMBLEBOOKS TumbleBooks allows you and your child to do interactive read and sing-alongs! TumbleBooks also has fantastic games and puzzles to build literacy skills. Designed for little ones just learning to read and big kids, too!
WORLD BOOK When you think of World Book, you probably think about the gray and blue hardcover encyclopedias from your school library when you were growing up. Now, World Book is available
62 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
online for all your child’s reference needs. It has a large amount of interactive games, programs, articles, and uniquely crafted learning paths for children of all ages. It even has a search bar for any topic that might interest your child, covering all school subjects!
ACCELERATED READER While the DCPL does not have a list of all AR books, they do their very best to make it easier for parents and kids to find AR books to help reach their point goals. There are currently two displays in the Children’s Department of the library, arranged according to level to help you and your child find something for AR points. If you didn’t already know, there is an invaluable website, AR Book Find (arbookfind.com) that you can use to determine grade level and point value of your child’s books. OP
Taryn is newly married to Andy and has a crazy cat named Pippin. She is a former college recruiter and admissions advisor who works at the Daviess County Public Library.
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www.OwensboroParent.com
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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discover
holiday activity guide
throughout november & december 40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOREST FESTIVAL OF TREES Sunday, November 13 through Saturday, December 31 Owensboro Museum of Fine Art An exhibition of Christmas trees decorated by artists, floral designers, schools and civic organizations, celebrating the cultures of Mesoamerica. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children. For more information, contact info@omfa.us or 270-685-3181. CHILDREN’S ARTLAND Sunday, November 13 through Saturday, December 31; Owensboro Museum of Fine Art 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children will create original tree ornaments, one to take home and one to be placed on the ARTLAND TREE. Free instruction and art materials. For more information, contact info@omfa.us or 270-685-3181. CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK Open nightly Friday, November 25 – Monday, January 2; 6 – 9 p.m. Panther Creek Park Enjoy Daviess County’s premiere Christmas lighted display nightly at Panther Creek Park; $3 per vehicle. For more information, contact the Daviess County Fiscal Court Parks and Recreation – 270-685-6142 or rleigh@daviessky.org. FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK
November 23 – January 1 Legion Park Stroll through the park and enjoy lighted displays that will surely get you in the holiday spirit. For more information, call 270-687-8700 or visit www.owensboroparks.org.
november
1ST SATURDAY “KIDS 1K TURKEY TROT” Saturday November 5; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden Event is for children ages 5-11. For more information, contact Laurna Strehl at 270-852-8925. 64 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
Entertaining your kids can be a tricky business at the best of times, but even more difficult during the holidays. For kids, the thought of a few weeks off from school is enough to send them into a whirlwind of excitement. For us parents, it can be difficult to find something to do to occupy all this free time. Owensboro Parent has compiled a list of fun-filled activities you can do with the whole family during the holiday season.
KRAFTUCKY ARTS & CRAFT EXPO Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13 Owensboro Convention Center Just in time for the holidays, shop unique handmade creations in jewelry, clothing, pottery, décor, woodwork, and much more! www.OwensboroCenter.com FROZEN AT THE EDGE Saturday, November 12; 2 - 4 p.m. Edge Ice Center Skate along to your favorite FROZEN songs, and visit with Anna and Elsa on the ice! For more information, call 270-687-8720 or visit www.owensboroparks.org. FREE DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO
CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m. Downtown Owensboro This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.”
december
FREE HOLIDAY STROLL
Saturday, December 3; 4-8 p.m. Downtown Owensboro Holiday shopping, music and entertainment. Plus, tree lighting ceremony in Smothers Park. For more information, call 270-687-8700 or visit www.owensboroparks.org. OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE-THE NUTCRACKER Saturday, December 3; 7 p.m. RiverPark Center-Cannon Hall Come enjoy Owensboro Dance theatre’s The Nutcracker, in its 24th year! Marie will dance into her dreams with the Nutcracker Prince. ODT is still bringing innovative and thrilling tricks. Imagine the Rat King or the Arabian dancers flying through the air with flying effects by ZFX. Your family, friends and people of all ages will find the joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance! For more information call 270-684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com, for tickets call RiverPark Center at 270-687-2787. THE NUTCRACKER SWEET BRUNCH Saturday, December 3; 10 a.m. Join ODT and The Nutcracker prince
himself on RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall Stage for The Nutcracker Sweets Brunch! There will be tasty treats, special crafts, and a photo shoot with Santa Claus and characters from The Nutcracker. For brunch tickets or for brunch information call 270-684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com. OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE 35TH ANNIVERSARY “WINTER WALTZ” Saturday December 4; 10 - 11:30 a.m. RiverPark Center Join ODT on stage in the Nutcracker Snow Scene with snow falling, sweets to eat and games galore. Winter crafts, photos with Nutcracker Characters and much more will delight children and adults. For more information call 270-684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com. MAKE A GIFT, TAKE A GIFT Wednesday, December 7; 6 - 7:30 p.m. Daviess County Public Library “Calling all teens! Do you need gifts for your friends and family this holiday season? Stop by the public library to make a variety of presents including a Sharpie mug, a perler bead keychain, a no-sew pillow, and more! There will be a wrapping station where you can wrap your gifts and a hot chocolate station where you can grab a snack during the program. *Program is open to teens ages 13-18*” For more information, contact Sarah Jacobs at sjacobs@dcplibrary.org or 270-684-0211 ext. 248. SKATE WITH SANTA Saturday, December 10; 2 - 4 p.m. Edge Ice Center Free hot chocolate, candy canes, and Santa skating! Event is $6 per person. For more information, call 270-687-8720 or visit www.owensboroparks.org. OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Saturday, December 10; 7 - 9 p.m. RiverPark Center Cirque de la Symphonie Skylar Cain, vocalist Nick Palmer, conducting Cirque de la Symphonie will return to Cannon Hall for Owensboro’s favorite holiday tradition. Aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and magicians bring nonstop thrills to a festive program of www.OwensboroParent.com
seasonal favorites, like Carol of the Bells and Sleigh Ride, and beloved movements from the Nutcracker Suite. Owensboro’s own Skylar Cain and the Owensboro Symphony Chorus will join the Symphony for an evening that will put the audience in the holiday spirit and deliver fun for the whole family! For more information, contact 270-684-0661 or RiverParkCenter.org BROADWAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Sunday, December 11 RiverPark Center, Cannon Hall Broadway Christmas Wonderland is one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. This most loved Christmas show features glittering costumes, a dazzling cast, and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey. Songs include “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Jingle Bells,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “O Holy Night” and many more. This sparkling holiday show is ideal for the whole family! For more information, contact info@riverparkcenter.org, RiverParkCenter.org, or call 270-687-2787 NEWSONG’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TOUR 2016 Thursday, December 15 Owensboro Convention Center One of Christian music’s top holiday tours, featuring Matthew West, NewSong, Love & The Outcome, and Reno. www.OwensboroCenter.com NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – ALMOST! Friday, 16 December from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Owensboro Museum of Science and History Begin your Winter Break 2016 with a very special night full of discovery at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History! Join us for special readings of the Polar Express, then make your own Polar Express craft. We’ll also have flashlight tours full of surprises, beginning every 30 minutes, along with other special activities and some great door prizes! The PlayZeum will be open and guests may also enjoy the museum as usual. The fee for this special evening event is $4.00 for members; $5.00 for non-members. For more information, contact Kathy Olson, kolson@owensboromuseum.org or at 270-687-2732. HOLIDAY ICE SKATING SESSIONS Daily, December 19 – January 1 (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Edge Ice Center For more information, call 270-687-8720 or visit www.owensboroparks.org WINTER BREAK ACTIVITIES AT OMSH Tuesday, December 20 – Friday, December 23; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Owensboro Museum of Science and History Join us for our daily Winter Break special programs, including special “Christmas Coal Mine Tours”, “Winter Break Scavenger Hunts” and “Winter Sky StarLab Programs” plus a few surprises! All programs are included with admission, which is $3.00 (two years and younger are free) and Museum Members are free. For more information, contact Kathy Olson, kolson@owensboromuseum.org or at 270-687-2732. OWENSBORO PARENT ARCTIC ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY INDEPENDENCE BANK Friday, December 30 & Saturday December 31 Owensboro Convention Center Eliminate cabin fever this winter by getting the kids out of the house for some arctic-themed fun! Get ready to snowboard, jump, climb, slide, explore, navigate in an indoor, polar playground! See article on www.OwensboroParent.com
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page 13 for more information. NOON YEAR’S EVE FAMILY CELEBRATION! Saturday, December 31; 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Owensboro Museum of Science and History Join us for Owensboro’s favorite family New Year’s party at NOON YEAR’S EVE! We’ll be opening 30 minutes early at 9:30 a.m. to allow everyone a chance to have their FACES PAINTED, MAKE A PARTY HAT and CREATE A SPECIAL NOISEMAKER for the celebration! At 11:00 a.m., we’ll present a chillingly fabulous LIQUID NITROGEN SHOW by the Tri-State’s favorite science guru, Mitch Luman! At 11:45 a.m., everyone will gather in our first floor Mammoth Lobby for the 12:00 countdown, led by our DJ, Professor G.......and the release of over 1,000 BALLOONS as we ring in the Noon Year! Cookie and Ginger Ale will be served and goody bags will be
handed out to all children in attendance! There may be a few other surprises as well! $3.00 (two years and younger are free) and Museum Members are free. For more information, contact Kathy Olson, kolson@ owensboromuseum.org or at 270-687-2732.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Saturday, December 31 Owensboro Convention Center Dance in to 2017 and at midnight enjoy a balloon drop, champagne toast, and live fireworks! www.OwensboroCenter.com
GLOW IN THE DARK NEW YEAR’S EVE SKATE PARTY Saturday, December 31; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Edge Ice Center Celebrate your New Year’s Eve on Ice. Live DJ, & glow sticks provided. Event is $7 per person. For more information, call 270-687-8720 or visit www.owensboroparks.org
owensboro
christmas light map Hwy
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1
Christmas at Panther Creek Park – A drive-through tour around the park featuring 500,000 lights. $3 donation.
2
Holiday in the Park at Legion Park – Go walking in the winter wonderland.
3
Christmas in Stonegate – The Lashbrook’s house might be the crown jewel, but many others in the neighborhood also decorate. Santa Claus and his helpers will be greeting visitors on December 19, 20 and 21. Hot chocolate and candy canes will be given out. Donations are welcome for local charities in the Owensboro area.
4
Stroll downtown – From Santa and his reindeer on the RiverPark Center mezzanine, to the tree at Smothers Park, to the Convention Center, downtown is decorated to the max.
5
Griffith Avenue – Many houses along both sides of Griffith Avenue have elaborate decorations.
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. November // December 2016
6 3104 Harness Loop – Decorations surround this house, filling the front yard, both side yards and the back yard as well, which can be seen off Fairview Drive behind CVS. Pull into Harness Loop off Stirrup Loop and tune into the FM station on the sign in the front yard to experience the synchronized light show. 7 2403 Bittel Road – This corner house is decorated every year. 8 Littlewood Drive – The dancing Santa is always a kid-favorite. 9 Independence Bank main branch – If you need some Christmas spirit during work hours, just walk inside the Independence Branch main branch. The giant Christmas tree in the lobby is a jaw-dropper! It stands 28’ tall (just 2 feet shy of the outdoor tree in Smothers Park) and holds 10,000 lights. The decorated window displays in the entryway are nice as well.
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November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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We know they’ll go far.
And we’ll help you get them there. There’s no telling what your little wonder is going to grow up to be. But whatever their path, we can help them stay well—and reach their full potential. From checkups and immunizations to runny noses and skinned knees, we’re here for you and your baby, every step of the way.
NICOLE DAVIS, DO
AMIT DULABH, MD SHANNA MCGINNIS, MD
Pediatrics 1000 BRECKENRIDGE ST., #300 OWENSBORO, KY 42303
270-688-4480 68 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
JOHN PHILLIPS, MD
SARAH OSBORNE, MICAH PRICE, APRN APRN www.OwensboroParent.com
discover
{ paid advertorial }
growing care capabilities for
growing patients
{ by: dr. heather bowers and dr. eric ex }
hildren are special, so it’s no surprise that they need
C
the burdens placed on the child and their family by a
special care. That’s why we’re working to provide
transfer. It also keeps children and families close to their
that care closer to home.
support systems of friends and other family members.
The goal all along has been to do what’s best for our
Lastly, it supports your child’s pediatrician, ensuring
patients. In years past, that meant transferring a large
your child always has physician care available, even
number of our pediatric patients to children’s hospitals,
when the pediatrician is at work seeing patients or is
whose staff members have specialized training and
otherwise occupied.
equipment for pediatric care. The downside is those
DIFFERENT NEEDS FOR D I F F E R E N T P AT I E N T S
hospitals aren’t nearby. Louisville, Cincinnati and Nashville are home to some of the closest.
Traveling because your child needs hospital care is
stressful and difficult. It can also be costly. That’s why it’s our goal to provide your children the care they need in a hospital that’s close to home.
HOW WE’VE GROWN
Children come in all shapes and sizes. This category
includes newborns and infants, teenagers who are nearly adults and everything in between. The medical needs of a child can vary wildly in the span of just a few years, which is why pediatric care demands special training and skills.
The pediatric care capabilities at Owensboro Health
Diagnosing a child can be a lot like a “whodunit”
Regional Hospital have done a lot of growing in the past
mystery, because they can’t always communicate how
six months. The Surgical-Pediatrics Unit has expanded
they feel or what their symptoms are. Medication and
from 17 beds to 24 and we’ve added 10 new nurses and
various treatments have different effects on children
nurse assistants. With two pediatric hospitalists (that’s
than on adults. Children experience certain diseases
us) on staff, we can offer round-the-clock coverage for
very differently and their condition can change rapidly,
pediatric patients in the hospital.
for better or for worse.
By having pediatric inpatient care capabilities at
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, we aim to keep
able to spot the earliest warning signs that a child does
pediatric patients here if at all possible. That avoids
need care elsewhere, meaning they can get that transfer
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Our training and experience means that we’re better
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
69
and care faster. If a transfer is needed, we’ll
recovery.
help families by providing the information and
explanations they need. That can help them
support in our corner. We can call upon the
prepare and also provide some reassurance
knowledge and background from a child’s
because they know what’s taking place.
pediatrician. We can look to specialists
SUPPORTIVE CARE Family is one of the most critical parts of a child’s hospital care. Parents need to be informed about what is taking place so they can make choices about the care their child
As pediatric hospitalists, we have a lot of
throughout our health system for support, and they can call on us, too. Owensboro Health also partners with Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, and they have experts who can provide advice and assistance remotely.
receives. They also need to feel comfortable, as
It takes a village to raise a child. It also
this reassures both the parent and their child.
takes a team approach to heal one. We want
Lastly, parents can help encourage or coax a
to do everything we can, working with parents
child to do something that the child might not
and children on our team, to make sure our
want to do, but that will ultimately help with
most special patients get well again.
OP
Dr. Heather Bowers and Dr. Eric Ex are pediatric hospitalists practicing with Owensboro Health’s One Health medical group. They provide inpatient care to pediatric patients who are being treated at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
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. November // December 2016
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discover
anta S will love cookies
{ by : m a t t we a fe r, e x e c u t i ve chef of the campbell club }
pumpkin crunch cookies These cookies are soft and crunchy all at the same time. And they stay soft, too. So they are a great option for a do-ahead dessert that you can take to any Thanksgiving or Christmas party. For the pumpkin, I prefer to use fresh rather than canned. But either will work for this recipe. If using fresh, just cut the pumpkin in half, clean out the seeds, and roast cut side-down on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350 degrees until very tender. Scoop out all the pumpkin flesh and allow to cool. You can then portion the pumpkin into zip top bags and freeze if you’re not going to use it all right away. 2 ¼ C unbleached all purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp fresh grated nutmeg ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ lb unsalted butter at room temperature 1 ½ C sugar 2 fresh eggs ½ C pumpkin puree 1 tsp vanilla 1 C pecans (optional) Crumble: 1 C unbleached all purpose flour ½ C sugar ½ C raw sugar (can substitute white sugar or brown sugar) 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp kosher salt 6 Tbl unsalted butter at room temperature Preheat oven to 300 degrees. For the Crumble: Whisk together sugars, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Using your fingertips, combine the flour and sugar mixture with the butter until it resembles fine, lumpy sand. Set aside. For the Cookies: Sift together first six ingredients. Cream softened butter and sugar. Add vanilla, eggs, and pumpkin one at a time to butter. Slowly incorporate flour mixture. Mix until combined. The batter will be rather wet and resemble cake batter. Using a 1 oz scoop, portion batter onto parchment lined baking sheets. The cookies will spread so leave at least 2 ½” between each cookie. Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously on the top of each cookie. Bake 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown and set. Let cool. www.OwensboroParent.com
PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL
shortbread Shortbread is the quintessential holiday cookie. It’s buttery, lightly sweet, crunchy, and easy to make. It’s a blank canvas for decorating and cookies cutters work perfectly. There is no leavening in the dough, so the cookie will hold its shape during the baking process. This is a basic vanilla shortbread. You can tweak this recipe any way you like, though, by adding lemon zest, orange zest, dried fruit, cinnamon, or toasted nuts. For decorating you can coat the cookie with a colored sugar before baking or decorate with icing, sprinkles, or whatever suits your desire. So gather the kids, the cookie cutters, and the sprinkles. It’s holiday cookie time. ¾ lb unsalted butter at room temperature 1 C sugar 1 tsp real vanilla extract 3 ½ C unbleached all purpose flour, sifted ¾ tsp kosher salt In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until combined. Add the vanilla extract. Then add the flour and the salt. Mix until it forms a dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your hands to shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic. Move to the refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pull chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface roll to 1/2” thick. Then cut into desired shapes. Space cookies out evenly on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Let cool then decorate as desired. OP
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discover
T
he Kentucky Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers in partnership with the Kentucky Chapter of Honor and Remember present Kentucky Remembers on Saturday November 5, 2016. Kentucky Remembers is a “Living Thank You Card” via this one day set aside to honor, remember, and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our country’s veterans and first responders. Three distinctly separate events are being held on the same day. These include a morning 5K Fundraiser, the afternoon Owensboro/Daviess County Veterans Day Parade, and a free evening concert at the RiverPark Center. The roots for Kentucky Remembers began over five years ago when the middle son of Tommy and Cathy Mullins, SPC Brandon Scott Mullins, was killed in Afghanistan on August 25, 2011. For the outpouring of love and support, the Mullins’ put together what was then called the “Kentucky Hometown Veterans Day Celebration.” This annual concert has continued for four years at Good Shepherd Church with last year’s event honoring local Vietnam Veterans with a challenge coin presentation. In 2014, the Kentucky Remembers Veterans Day 5K began with nearly 200 participants raising nearly $10,000. 2016 is the first year to combine both events on the same day and is strategically planned on the same day as the local Veterans Day parade.
morning 5k
kentucky remembers
veterans day events { by: cathy mullins }
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. November // December 2016
Now in its third year, the morning 5K will be held at 8 a.m. with starting and finish line at the Shelton Memorial on Veterans Blvd. This year the race is expanding to three categories including the traditional 5K run/walk, a 1-mile walk, and a Fun Run for Little Warriors. The 5K is the primary fundraiser for Kentucky Remembers with proceeds divided between five locally based veterans service organizations including: Bluegrass Chapter of the Honor Flight, Warrior 180 Foundation, Kentucky Chapter of Honor and Remember, Kentucky Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, and the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation. Race participants are encouraged to carry memorial American flags and wear veteran tribute photos on their backs as they run along the race route. The American Legion Riders are providing Corner Marshalling service and the Owensboro Fire Department is providing the American Flag at the starting line. Registration for Kentucky Remembers 5K is $25 for regular registration and $20 for student or military and can be found online at www.kentuckyremembers.org. The FUN RUN for LITTLE WARRIORS will be at approximately 9 a.m. and is free for children ages 10 and under.
afternoon parade The longest running Veterans Day Parade in the country will begin at 2:00 p.m. and go along Veterans Blvd featuring local and state Veterans Service Organizations, area high
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schools bands and color guards, local boy and girl scout troops, and many area businesses who support our veterans.
evening concert Now in its fifth year, the Kentucky Remembers Celebration Concert will be held at the RiverPark Center. The lobby will open at 6 p.m. for patrons to view displays honoring area veterans and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The program is multi-faceted and consists of music, speakers, and video. The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kentucky Wesleyan College Music Professor Dr. Bradley Naylor, the Kentucky Youth Chorale under the direction of Julie White, the Kentucky Remembers Chorale under the direction of Dr. Connie Ford will provide a musical soundtrack throughout the two-hour program. Two keynote speakers including KDVA Deputy Commissioner Heather French Henry, and inspirational speaker Jason Koger will share their heart for veterans. Marine Veteran, Alex Nuart of the Kentucky Brain Institute, Navy Officer Thomas Ashton with the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation, Jeff Hastings with the Warrior 180 Foundation, And Patrick O’Leary of the Hershel Wood Williams Medal of Honor Foundation will share brief remarks. KET Television will be showing a preview of their upcoming program titled “Kentucky Veterans of the Vietnam War: in Their Own Words”. Several veterans from the Owensboro community will be featured during this segment. This presentation is a preview of the program that will air in its entirety on KET on November 10, 2016.
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The concert will also have several cameo appearances from local celebrities include Friday After Five’s Kirk Kirkpatrick, IBM Director Chris Joslin, EDC’s Madison Silvert, artist Skylar Cain, child star Caroline Taylor, and Travis and Tara Estes. 100 local boy and girl scouts will also take part in the grand opening featuring the Armed Forces Salute along with the color guards from OHS, AHS, DCHS, the local Coast Guard and Marine Corps League. Honor and Remember flags will be presented to the three families from past wars including SGT William Howard, killed December 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge WWII, PVT Robert Wright MIA July 1950 Korean War, and SP4 Charles Rates Lewis killed in Vietnam 1967. The Grand Finale will feature a locally based Parade of Nations including 49 countries. Truly remarkable that Owensboro, a town without an interstate, is home to citizens who were born around the world from 49 different countries. The concert is free to the community with tickets available at the RiverPark Center Box Office or online at www.owensborotickets. com. Kentucky Remembers is generously sponsored by several local businesses including: Independence Bank, Glenn’s Funeral Home, Owensboro Health, Champion Ford, Eye Mart and many others. For more information about Kentucky Remembers, please visit www.kentuckyremembers.org or contact Cathy Mullins at 270-3169203 or by email at cathy.mullins25@gmail.com. To participate in the Veterans Day Parade contact Lou Drawdy at 270-684-7501 or by email at ldrawdy@roadrunner.com.
OP
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{ paid advertorial }
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discover
the kids eat free list
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Monday
Tuesday
Catfish Willy’s - $1.99 kids meal
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – free kids meal
with the purchase of adult meal
with the purchase of adult entrée from 4 – 8 p.m. for kids 12 years
Grandy’s - 99¢ kids meals with the
and younger
purchase of regular adult meal Denny’s – 2 free kids meals per TGI Fridays – free kids meal with the purchase of adult entrée for kids 12 years and younger
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Kids 10
adult meal purchase Fazoli’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of adult meal up to 3 meals with the purchase one entrée
and under eat free on Monday
Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet
night at Moonlite from 4-9 p.m.
for kids 10 and under with adult
(limit 2 free kids buffets per adult
purchase with a drink on Tuesdays
buffet purchase)
from 5 – 8 p.m.
www.OwensboroParent.com
Pizza Hut – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of adult buffet from 5 – 8 p.m. at the South Frederica location Salsarita’s – free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only
Thursday Bee Bop’s – free kids meal with the purchase of adult meal after 5 p.m. for kids 12 and younger
Saturday
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
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.
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 on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lure Seafood & Grille – free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée
*The Kids Eat Free list is subject to change. Please contact restaurants to ensure their participation.
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nov // dec 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. THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Daviess County’s premiere Christmas lighted
6 p.m. and usually jam until around 9 p.m.;
display nightly at Panther Creek Park; Open
International Bluegrass Music Museum, 117
OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE &
nightly Friday, November 25 – Monday,
Daviess St.; 270-926-7891.
HISTORY’S RIVERWORKS DISCOVERY: A
January 2; 6 – 9 p.m.; Panther Creek Park,
JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION TRAVELING
5160 Wayne Bridge Road; $3 per vehicle;
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
EXHIBIT Open now throughout the year!
For more information, contact the Daviess
SWEET DREAMS: MANDY BARNETT SINGS
This exciting exhibit brings the Ohio River,
County Fiscal Court Parks and Recreation –
PATSY CLINE The original Ryman Auditorium
and all of Mid-America’s inland waterways,
270-685-6142 or rleigh@daviessky.org
star who portrayed Patsy Cline in “Always… Patsy Cline”. Let Mandy take you to a
to life through informative, hands-on exhibit that are fun for the entire family! Younger
FREE HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Stroll through
sparkling musical journey performing an
visitors will especially enjoy the large water
the park and enjoy lighted displays that will
evening of Patsy Cline hits including, “Crazy”,
table that allows them to experiment with
surely get you in the holiday spirit; November
“I Fall To Pieces”, “Walking After Midnight”,
water flow, currents, building barriers and
23-January 1; Legion Park; For more
“Faded Love” and many more! 7 p.m.;
dams and much, much more! This exhibit is
information, call 270-687-8700 or visit
RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.;
free with admission (museum members are
www.owensboroparks.org
270-687-2770.
Propeller Club, Foertsch Group, Inland
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Marina, Kentucky Corn Growers Association,
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY All must
KENTUCKY REMEMBERS VETERANS DAY 5K
Owensboro Grain, Owensboro Riverport,
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
A walk or race by the Kentucky Chapter of
Yager Materials and Yellow Banks River
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
the American Gold Star Mothers to honor our
Terminal; Closed Monday, Tuesday through
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
veterans and remember those who have paid
free) and is sponsored, in part, by: Evansville
the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. There
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
will be a 5K, a one-mile walk and a kids’ Fun
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Run! Runners are encouraged to carry one of
40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOREST FESTIVAL
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
the marked flags in memory of a fallen hero.
OF TREES An exhibition of Christmas
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
Proceeds benefit the Honor and Remember
trees decorated by artists, floral designers,
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or
Organization, Bluegrass Chapter of the Honor
schools and civic organizations, celebrating
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Flight for WWII Veterans and the American
p.m.; 122 E 2nd St.; 270-687-2732.
Gold Star Mothers; Shelton Memorial at 8
the cultures of Mesoamerica; Sunday, November 13 through Saturday, December
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
a.m.; Contact Cathy Mullins at 270-316-9203
31; Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, 901
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
for more information.
Frederica Street; Tickets are $3 for adults, $1
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
for children; For more information, contact
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
FREE VETERANS DAY PARADE Join our
info@omfa.us or 270-685-3181.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
community in Downtown Owensboro in
CHILDREN’S ARTLAND Children will create
3RD ANNUAL MUSIC FAIR Our third annual
Thank you Veterans for your service and
original tree ornaments, one to take home
music fair will be featured on the first floor
commitment. Second Street through
and one to be placed on the ARTLAND TREE.
on Thursday, November 3rd. Attendees will
Downtown Owensboro.
Free instruction and art materials; Sunday,
have an opportunity to talk with a wide variety
November 13 through Saturday, December
of organizations in the local music industry
1ST SATURDAY FOR KIDS: 1K TURKEY TROT
31; Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, 901
including record labels, festival promoters,
Fun learning programs for children age 5-11;
Frederica Street; Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
regional music historians and more; 6 – 8
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, 25 Carter
Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Rd.; 270-852-8925.
Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; For
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
a patriotic salute in honor of our Veterans.
PRESERVATION STATION Preservation
more information, contact info@omfa.us or 270-685-3181. CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK Enjoy
78 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
FREE BLUEGRASS OPEN JAM SESSION
Station Market Days are held the first full
Great time to come experience Bluegrass
weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5
Music during open jam! Musicians begin at
p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. with over
www.OwensboroParent.com
calendar 100 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted,
begins at 2 p.m.. The first 20 to sign up will
PRESERVATION STATION See Saturday,
and boutique items, live music, and food.
then have 7 minutes or less to perform. Older
November 5 for event description.
Preservation Station Market and Event Center,
kids (ages 13-18) will face-off from 7:00 to
9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily
9:00 p.m. The first 20 to sign-up (beginning
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday
at 6:00 PM) will have 7 minutes to perform.
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Noon-5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to
CASH PRIZES will be awarded! Contestants
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
www.visitpreservationstation.com, or
needing music must provide a CD or flash
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
find us on Facebook.
drive.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
FREE KENTUCKY REMEMBERS A “Living
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Thank You Card” honoring our Heroes with a
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY All must
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
community celebration featuring Owensboro
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
Symphony, Kentucky Youth Chorale, and
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
OWENSBORO KIDS HAVE TALENT Theatre
Kentucky Remembers Choir, and special
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Workshop of Owensboro (TWO) will hold a
guests KDVA Deputy Commissioner Heather
talent show for children Saturday, November
French Henry, Artist Aaron Kizer, Speaker
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
5, at THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Competition
Jason Koger, Travis & Tara Estes, and other
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
will begin at 10:00 p.m. with “Owensboro’s
local and state guests. Highlights include a
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
Little Big Shots”. This contest will feature
KET video presentation and a personal Honor
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
children age 3-6. Contestants may sing,
and Remember presentation to the families
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
play an instrument, dance, create art work…
of three local heroes from WWII, Korean
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
whatever they like! Registration begins at
War, and the Vietnam War. This is a free
9 a.m. The first 15 to sign-up will enter the
concert. Complimentary tickets are available
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
contest. There will be a “Character Party”
at the RiverPark Box Office at 270-687-2787
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Saturday, November 12 at 11:00 AM for all
or online. Limit 10 per order. More info
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
participants in this category, and three of their
available, www.kentuckyremembers.org. Make
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
friends, at TRINITY CENTRE, 407 W. Fifth St.
this a day to remember for our veterans!
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
CORK & CUISINE Enjoy a unique five-
From 3 to 5 p.m., November 5, youngsters age 12 and under will compete. Sign-up
www.OwensboroParent.com
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
79
calendar course dining experience featuring savory
FUN WALK AND 5K Calling all Superheros!!
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
cuisine “From Sea to Shining Sea” paired
This family-friendly Fun Walk and 5K Race is
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
with flavorful wines and spirits! Special
to celebrate the children in our community
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
wine gift giveaways also included! $70 per
and create an opportunity for family-focused
person; Owensboro Convention Center from
service organizations to share information and
6 – 9 p.m. For more information, contact
have SUPER FUN! The FREE Fun Walk will take U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Owensboro Convention Center at
place a Legion Park during the 5K. The 5K
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
270-687-8800.
Run is a “BIB Time” event on a flat, fast course
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
starting and ending at Legion Park. Dress in
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
SHE LOVES ME PRESENTED BY BAM
your favorite Superhero costume and help our
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
November 10-13th, RiverPark Center; Evening
kids see the SUPERHERO that lives in each of
Performances: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30
us! 9 – 11:30 a.m. at Legion Park; For more
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
p.m.; Matinee Performances: Saturday, Sunday information, contact CASA at 270-683-2138.
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
2 p.m. She Loves Me opens BAM’s 7th season
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
November 10-13 at the RiverPark Center, Jody
FROZEN AT THE EDGE Skate along to your
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020
Berry Theatre. Constantly at odds with each
favorite songs from Frozen! Featuring special
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
other while on the job, sparring co-workers
guests Anna and Elsa! $6 per person, includes
Georg and Amalia are unaware that each is the skate rental; Edge Ice Center from 1 – 4 p.m.;
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
others’ secret pen pal they met through lonely- for more information, contact Edge Ice Center FREE DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS hearts ads. Through their letters they have been at 270-687-8720.
PARADE This year’s theme is Home for the
falling for each other, but will love continue
Holidays; Parade will begin at 4:30 p.m.
to blossom once their identities are revealed?
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
Tickets available after October 2, call RiverPark
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
Center Box Office 270-687-2770 or online
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
www.riverparkcenter.org. For season tickets call BAM business office 270-925-4963.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org KRAFTUCKY ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO See event description on Friday, November 11.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
AMERICAN ROOTS PRESENTED BY OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Troy
KRAFTUCKY ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO
SHE LOVES ME See event description on
Quinn, the second conductor finalist to lead
Shop unique handmade creations in jewelry,
Friday, November 10.
the orchestra has chosen a program that may
clothing, pottery, décor, woodwork, and much more! Tickets are $3 for adults; children 11 and
look like a patriotic Fourth of July concert,
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
but is actually a hybrid of classical works and
under are free. Owensboro Convention Center; KRAFTUCKY ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO See
popular/folk tunes. The focus of the program
Friday, Nov. 11, 2 – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 12, 9
entitled American Roots will showcase
event description on Friday, November 11.
a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
and honor American composers who have
For more information, contact Owensboro
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
worked in multiple genres while celebrating
Convention Center at 270-687-8800.
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
the vast eclectic nature of American music.
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
The audience will enjoy works by Leonard
SHE LOVES ME See event description on
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, John
Friday, November 10.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Williams and more. Joining Quinn and the Symphony will be one of the most celebrated
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
young musicians in the world today, Geoff
FREE CASA OF OHIO VALLEY SUPERHERO
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
Gallante. Now 16 years old, he is the youngest
80 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
www.OwensboroParent.com
instrumentalist, at six years old, to ever perform at the White House or at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Season Tickets or Concert Tickets are Available at http://www.riverparkcenter.com or www. theoso.com or calling Owensboro Symphony Orchestra 270-684-0661.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Thanksgiving SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2 -4 p.m. Daviess County Public
Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org PRESERVATION STATION SHOP SMALL MARKET DAY Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with over 100 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.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 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
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
81
calendar family-friendly event for men, women and
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
children in our community presented by
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
Care Net; 9 a.m. at Smothers Park; For more
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
information, contact Sherianne Leach at
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
270-685-5077.
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
are free, unless they are the only child, adults THE NUTCRACKER SWEETS BRUNCH
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
Join Owensboro Dance Theatre and The
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1
Nutcracker prince himself at 10 a.m. on
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
RiverPark’s Center’s Cannon Hall Stage for
MAKE A GIFT, TAKE A GIFT Calling all teens!
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
The Nutcracker Sweets Brunch! There will be
Do you need gifts for your friends and family
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
tasty treats, special crafts, and a photo shoot
this holiday season? Stop by the public
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
with Santa Claus and characters from The
library to make a variety of presents including
Nutcracker. For more information call 270-
a Sharpie mug, a perler bead keychain, a
684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com
no-sew pillow, and more! There will be a
FREE BLUEGRASS OPEN JAM SESSION
Great time to come experience Bluegrass
wrapping station where you can wrap your
Music during open jam! Musicians begin at
THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED BY
gifts and a hot chocolate station where
6 p.m. and usually jam until around 9 p.m.;
OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE Come
you can grab a snack during the program.
International Bluegrass Music Museum, 117
and enjoy Owensboro Dance Theatre’s The
Program is open to teens ages 13-18; 6 - 7:30
Daviess St.; 270-926-7891.
Nutcracker, in its 24th year! Marie will dance
p.m. For more information, contact Sarah
into her dreams with the Nutcracker Prince.
Jacobs at the Daviess County Public Library
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
Your family, friends, and people of all ages will
at sjacobs@dcplibrary.org or 270-684-0211
2016 OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS SHOW
find the joy of Christmas through the beauty
ext. 248.
The annual Owensboro Christmas Show
of dance and music! For more information
will feature over 200 Quality Vendors selling
call (270) 684-9580 or email
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
1000’s of Christmas Gift Items…MORE
odt1982@gmail.com
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
Christmas Craft Booths than last year! This
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
show draws over 8,000 shoppers from
FREE HOLIDAY STROLL 2016 The perfect
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
Owensboro, Evansville, Henderson, and
opportunity to stroll along the beautifully
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
beyond each year, and is quickly becoming
decorated Owensboro downtown city streets
a Christmas season tradition for families in
and Smothers Park! Hundreds of people
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
the Tri-State! There is truly something for
attend this annual event to enjoy the weather
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO One boy.
everybody on your list! BRING THE KIDS for
and get into the Holiday Spirit!! Come and
One holiday wish. And a world that seems
FREE Pictures with SANTA ALL WEEKEND and
enjoy Owensboro’s finest restaurants and
to be conspiring to make certain it doesn’t
FREE Balloon Twisting by the Owensboro
outstanding shops! Holiday activities with lots
come true. The record-breaking show returns
Twisters!
of fun for the whole family! Santa sighting a
to the Empress stage in all its pink-bunny-
possibility!
suit, glowing-leg-lamp, triple-dog-daring
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
glory. The perfect holiday treat for the entire
PRESERVATION STATION Preservation
2016 OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS SHOW
family. Friday-Saturday, December 9, 10, &
Station Market Days are held the first full
See event description on Friday, December 2.
16, 17, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday Matinees,
weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5
December 11 & 18, 2:00 p.m. Tickets available
p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. with over
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
100 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted,
PRESERVATION STATION See Saturday,
and boutique items, live music, and food.
December 3 for event description.
Preservation Station Market and Event
online or call TWO box office 270-683-5333 FREE AWAITED, A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
December 9th & 10th at 7:00 p.m., and
Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily
2016 OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS SHOW See
December 11th at 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. &
Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday
event description on Friday, December 2.
7:00 p.m. at Bellevue Baptist Church. Awaited,
Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to
a Christmas Experience, tells the story of the
www.visitpreservationstation.com, or find us
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
birth of Jesus from the perspective of the
on Facebook. Friday, December 2 – 11 a.m.
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
angels around God’s throne. These are not
– 8 p.m; Saturday, December 3 – 10 a.m. – 7
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
your average angels, they are warriors for
p.m.; Sunday, December 4 – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
God’s honor. When sin entered the world, a
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
war was waged against God. “It’s a battle for
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
the hearts of man.” Join the angels as they
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
wait with all of creation for God’s triumph
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
over sin. Watch in amazement as God wins
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
the battle, not through war, but through His
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
son. More info at awaitedowensboro.com
REINDEER RUN 5K AND WALK This is a 82 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
www.OwensboroParent.com
Owensboro’s favorite holiday tradition. Aerial
and the highest kicking chorus girls this side
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers,
of the North Pole. Start Christmas in style as
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
jugglers, balancers, and magicians bring
Santa and his merry helpers take you on an
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
nonstop thrills to a festive program of
unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey.
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
seasonal favorites, like Carol of the Bells and
Songs include “White Christmas,” “Winter
Skate with Santa Get into the holiday spirit
Sleigh Ride, and beloved movements from
Wonderland,”Have Yourself a Merry Little
and skate with Santa! Free hot chocolate,
the Nutcracker Suite. Owensboro’s own
Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Jingle
candy canes and door prizes! Come and
Skylar Cain and the Owensboro Symphony
Bells,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” “Deck
enjoy family, friends and fun! Tickets are $6
Chorus will join the Symphony for an evening
the Halls,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas
per person and include skate rental; Edge Ice
that will put the audience in the holiday spirit
Tree,” “O Holy Night” and many more. This
Center, 270-697-8720.
and deliver fun for the whole family! Season
sparkling holiday show is ideal for the whole
tickets and concert tickets available at
family! For more information, contact
LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE Bluegrass,
www.theoso.com and
info@riverparkcenter.org, RiverParkCenter.org,
Country, Gospel, Clogging, Square-Dancing,
www.riverparkcenter.com or calling The
or call 270-687-2787
Skits, Comedy, Audience Participation, Family
Owensboro Symphony Orchestra,
Entertainment for all ages! The Lanham
270-684-0661.
Brothers Jamboree will feature the area’s best
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO See event description on Friday, December 9.
talents, Jenny Beth Willis, Kings Highway,
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO See event
Wayne Morris, Gaining Ground, Jeff Hardesty,
description on Friday, December 9.
and Leland Isbill. Doors open at 5 p.m.,
FREE AWAITED, A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
See event description on Friday, December 9.
all tickets are general admission. Please
FREE AWAITED, A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
remember the day of the show, tickets at the
See event description on Friday, December 9.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
door only! $12 per person; $6 ages 6-12,; 5 years and under FREE; Diamond Lake Resort
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
Good Time Theater
BROADWAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
Broadway Christmas Wonderland is one of
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
the most delightful and enchanting Christmas
– HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Cirque de la
shows ever. This most loved Christmas show
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Symphonie will return to Cannon Hall for
features glittering costumes, a dazzling cast,
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
www.OwensboroParent.com
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
83
calendar wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
PRESENTED BY INDEPENDENCE BANK
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
Eliminate cabin fever this winter by getting the
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
kids out of the house for some arctic-themed
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
NEWSONG’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
TOUR 2016 One of Christian music’s top
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
holiday tours, featuring Matthew West,
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
NewSong, Love & The Outcome, and Reno;
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
fun! Get ready to snowboard, jump, climb, slide, explore, navigate in an indoor, polar playground at the Owensboro Convention Center! See article on page 13 for more information.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve
NOON YEAR’S EVE FAMILY CELEBRATION! Join us for Owensboro’s favorite family New Year’s party at NOON YEAR’S EVE! We’ll be opening 30 minutes early at 9:30 a.m. to
Owensboro Convention Center
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
allow everyone a chance to have their FACES
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
PAINTED, MAKE A PARTY HAT and CREATE A
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
SPECIAL NOISEMAKER for the celebration! At
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
11:00 a.m., we’ll present a chillingly fabulous
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
LIQUID NITROGEN SHOW by the Tri-State’s
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
favorite science guru, Mitch Luman! At 11:45
Christmas Eve
a.m., everyone will gather in our first floor
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Express, then make your own Polar Express
Christmas Day
of over 1,000 BALLOONS as we ring in the
craft. We’ll also have flashlight tours full
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
to all children in attendance! There may
of surprises, beginning every 30 minutes,
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
be a few other surprises as well! $3.00 (two
along with other special activities and some
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
years and younger are free) and Museum
great door prizes! The PlayZeum will be open
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
Members are free; from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at
and guests may also enjoy the museum as
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.
Owensboro Museum of Science and History.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – ALMOST! Begin your Winter Break 2016 with a very special night full of discovery at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History! Join us for special readings of the Polar
Mammoth Lobby for the 12:00 countdown, led by our DJ, Professor G.......and the release Noon Year! Cookie and Ginger Ale will be served and goody bags will be handed out
usual. The fee for this special evening event is $4.00 for members; $5.00 for non-members;
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
6 – 9 p.m. at Owensboro Museum of Science
U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must
and History
wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO See event
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
GLOW IN THE DARK SKATE Party Celebrate your New Year’s Eve on Ice. Live DJ, & glow sticks provided. Event is $7 per person; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.; For more information, call Edge Ice Center at 270-687-8720 or visit
description on Saturday, December 9.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
www.owensboroparks.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Dance in to 2017 and
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020
are free, unless they are the only child, adults
at midnight enjoy a balloon drop, champagne
Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; 270-685-1255 or
toast, and live fireworks at Owensboro
ubouncepartyhouse.com.
Convention Center!
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO See event description on Saturday, December 9.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –
A CHRISTMAS STORY BY TWO See event
10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,
description on Saturday, December 9.
2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org
FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE AT DCPL 2
-4 p.m. Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org OWENSBORO PARENT ARCTIC ADVENTURE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
PRESENTED BY INDEPENDENCE BANK See
FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and
OWENSBORO PARENT ARCTIC ADVENTURE
event description on Friday, December 30.
84 OWENSBORO PARENT
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www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
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86 OWENSBORO PARENT
. November // December 2016
www.OwensboroParent.com
www.OwensboroParent.com
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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www.OwensboroParent.com
November // December 2016 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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