Owensboro Parent - January / February 2017 by Tanner Publishing

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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. January // February 2017

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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. January // February 2017

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

jan // feb 2017

from the editor Life has a beautiful way of renewing itself… whether through the changing of the seasons, the start of a new week, or the Big Kahuna of

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

new beginnings: New Year’s Day.

Advertising Sales Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com

New Year’s Day marks the first day of a fresh, unblemished year. There

Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com

are 365 days of potential awesomeness...365 days lay ahead where you will exercise, eat right, spend more time with your kids, and finally perfect that family budget. Well, at least that’s how you intend on spending the next year! Does your family make New Year’s Resolutions together? I’d like to say that that’s one of our family traditions, but it’s not. It sure should be, though. Last year, my husband and I decided to really sit down and look at our family finances. Where can we save money? How can we put a little more aside for the kids? Guess what…? That’s our resolution this year too, since we didn’t find the time for that sit down in 2016. Whatever your resolution, whether made as a family or just for yourself, the reason behind it is the same: a new beginning. A new year wipes the slate clean and lets you start over. But I may have to take back what I said about New Year’s being the Big Kahuna of new beginnings. I mean there is no newer beginning that the birth of a new baby. That’s why it has always made sense for us to dedicate our New Year’s issue as the Owensboro Parent Baby Book. If 2017 is bringing you or a loved one a new child through birth, adoption or foster care, our Baby Book is packed with advice from professionals that is targeted to you. From pacifiers to potty training, from asthma to that first tooth, we’ve got it covered. So, as we embark on year SIX of Owensboro’s greatest magazine, at Owensboro Parent we wish you all the very best for 2017! Here’s to a year where goals are met, relationships nurtured and dreams come true.

Ashley Sorce, Editor

Graphic Design Shelby Miller Taylor West Layout & Graphic Design Jamie Alexander Andrea Roberson Photography Jamie Alexander David Grinnell Contributors Christina Dalton Gail Kirkland Heather Haynes Danny May Melody Wallace 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.

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

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. January // February 2017

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jan // feb 2017 FAMILY LIFE

happy new year [8] parental control [10] new year, new you [13] insight from an ordinary dad [16] DISCOVE R

oven baked romensco bean soup [18]

[29] meeting your match [32] the family that plays together [34] meeting minh

[ 43 ] T H E 20 1 7 B A BY B O O K

[64]

T H E E SSE N T I A L G U I D E TO A L L T H I N G S B A BY

CO MMUNIT Y

newborn photos from facebook [20] looking ahead with [24] our superintendents

[64] kids eat free list [66] january/february calendar

[34]

[43] [32] [29]

[13]

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

happy

new year! { by: lora wimsatt }

hat do you mean, “Happy New Year”? What happened to the old year?

is already looking forward to swimming in the

That’s what I am thinking to myself as I stare

surely Santa Claus is only right around the corner

bleakly at the calendar, mourning the passing of

and will be back any day now.

another year, acutely mindful of the fact that the

She looks forward with great anticipation to a

road behind me is growing considerably longer as

brand new year, even though the concept of “year” is

the road ahead of me shortens.

still a little uncertain for her. All she sees is a clean

My grandgirl has no such concerns.

slate and endless opportunities for fun and wonder.

She is eager to get this new year started. Proudly,

There is no mourning over days gone by, no

if a bit shakily, she chants off the names of the

regrets, no melancholy in her bright and cheerful

months in her sweet little sing-song voice with only

little world.

a few prompts from me: “January, February – that’s

If she looks back at all, it is only to recall happy

my birthday, Granma! – March, April, May, June,

times and joyful memories of time spent surrounded

July, August, um, Septober, Octnever, Nowhender,

by people who love her, with an optimistic expectation

December!”

that every good thing she has ever experienced will

Her birthday is an early highlight, yes, but she

happen again in this bright and shiny new year.

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. January // February 2017

summertime, trick-or-treating in the autumn, and

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She chatters on and on, ticking off holidays, milestones and birthday months of everyone in the family. There will be summer vacation – yay! – and then the first day of school – yay again! There will be flowers and picnics and Easter egg hunts. There will be pony rides at the Apple Festival. There will be “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” pancakes at Denny’s and there will be glitter and lace when we make Valentines. We will walk across the Big Blue Bridge and we will keep secrets at Christmas. There will be a choo-choo train ride and the tradition of a family breakfast on special occasions. There will be craft nights and cookie baking marathons and we will all dress up and walk around Uncle Timmy’s neighborhood collecting candy on Halloween. We will play in the snow and we will watch the fast, loud airplanes zoom over the river.

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The year is all mixed up. I can relate, as I listen to her describe the seasons, everything a jumble as these plans and promises tumble through her mind and her memory. Caught up in her enthusiasm, I sweep my grandgirl into my arms as she catches her breath, both of us beaming with excitement at the very thought of the road we are about to travel.

“Well, my girl, we have much to look forward to,”

I say, and she nods vigorously, ponytail bouncing.

I hold her close, then reach out and turn the page

of the calendar. Who needs to look back when the best is yet to come?

Happy New Year to all.

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

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

{ Q&A with christina dalton,

M S S W, C S W

parental

control Q: My 10-year-old wants a smartphone. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, but I don’t want him to feel left out. Is that too young? I know lots of kids have a phone nowadays.

}

A: I can tell you from working in

The person was yelling at me a little

a school, kids are getting phones

and I wasn’t saying much back. The

younger and younger. I personally

whole thing came across like I was

think this question doesn’t have a

not standing up for myself. I was

right or wrong answer. It’s more of

upset after the incident and didn’t

a personal choice or opinion. You

handle it the way I should have.

have to first ask yourself can you

Should I address it again or just

afford a smart phone and all the

leave it alone?

extras and money that are involved? Do you want your child texting and

A: This is a very interesting

can you monitor it well enough to

question to me. I have actually

make sure everything she is doing

had a similar instance happen, so I

is safe? I know plenty of children

can relate to where you are coming

who have Facebook accounts that

from. It sounds as if this was a

are not the appropriate age, but

“heat of the moment” situation and

the parents probably have their

of course we always look back and

passwords and have access to their

know exactly what we should have

account—or at least I hope

said or done. But it’s never that easy

they do. I do encourage you

in the actual moment itself. As far

to make sure that any time

as addressing this again with your

your child needs to be on a

child, I would say that is entirely up

computer or device, have

to you. Chances are your 11-year-

them in a main room

old has completely moved on and

of your home where

forgotten about it. But it sounds like

you can walk by at any

it may still be a sore subject for you

time and be able to see

and I think it’s fine to readdress it.

what they are doing. The

When I think of a situation like this

difference with a phone is

one, I do look at it as a teachable

they can take it anywhere and

moment in life. I’m always looking

you can’t always monitor it. I think

for teachable moments that I can

you need to be ready and if you’re

pass onto my child. I don’t know the

not ready then that’s your answer. I

ins and outs of what happened, but

hope that helps!

I think the teachable moment here is talking to your child about how

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Q: I recently had a very unpleasant

to deal with people that are not very

encounter with someone and it

nice. It’s simply a fact of life that

was in front of my 11-year-old

we will run into people through our

daughter. She asked me a lot

lives that are not nice people and

of questions afterwards and

what better skill to teach your child

I wasn’t entirely sure that I

than how to deal with someone like

answered them the correct way.

this. This is a skill that they will use www.OwensboroParent.com

the rest of their lives. It is a skill that

A: I feel like a nag too sometimes

the sink.” How much better would

they will use in school and dealing

and I hate it. I get to the point

that be instead of, “You never help

with their own peers. And sometimes

where I do not want to hear my own

out around here! Why would you

the most important thing we can do is

voice. Children at this age can be

leave that glass on the table?” I know

to remain calm, hold our temper and

quite temperamental. This is a very

you have to catch your child doing

be able to walk away from a heated

important age developmentally and I

situation. Do not beat yourself up

try to use this period as a way to boost

something good, but it’s there. And

about this situation, but instead use

self-confidence whenever I can. This

it to turn a negative situation into a

can be used at any age, but I find that it

positive teaching moment!

can be effective during the adolescent years. I want you to try and catch him

Q: My 13-year-old son is going to be

while he is good. Now, I know some

the death of me. All I do is nag him

of you might say, “Well, then I will

to clean up, take a shower and do his

never catch him because he is never

homework. I get on my own nerves.

good!” LOL! But, I need you to really

I know there have to be better, more

focus and pay attention. For example,

productive ways to get him to do this.

your child picks up his glass and puts

I will try anything.

it in the sink and you say, “Thank you very much for putting your glass in

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the difference in how you both feel in sentence one versus sentence two is huge. Build confidence through giving out compliments and talking about how they are doing the right thing. It will hopefully have a positive impact on everything they do. I know it can be hard. I just want you to look at it from a different view.

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

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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family life

new year, new you! { by: heather haynes }

It’s

2017, the gyms are full of resolutions and

it! Don’t be afraid, you are strong enough. I promise!

people just like us. The question is how long

It’s like the first day of school – you’re scared and we

will we allow our resolution to continue? Let’s try

all understand. But it’s within you! You are so much

something different this year. Let’s make a change!

stronger than you give yourself credit for.

Throw out your resolution; forget about it! Instead,

So maybe your new you starts in the gym? With

let’s change the way we think! Let’s show our kiddos

so many gym options in town it’s easy for us to find

that life isn’t about busting our tails for a couple of

the resources and get the help that we may need to get

months and walking away. How do we do this and make

started. But what’s holding you back? Is it the fear of

sure that it’s effective? We set goals, we’re realistic, we

the unknown? Odds are that the same thing you are

involve our families, and we never look back!

nervous about is what the person next to you thought

Let’s break this down for a minute. New Year is

about as well the first time they came to the gym. Gyms

easy. We all get that. 2017 is going to be the best year

these days are prepared for your questions. With staff

yet, right? Of course! Now, New You! Because that’s

on hand that can show you everything from where

what’s most important, YOU! You cannot have a new

the sweat towels are (yes you will sweat, it’s a good

year without changing you first. It’s that simple.

thing!) to how to use that scary piece of equipment

So what does “new you” mean to you? A new way of

in the corner that you will someday love! Most gyms

eating, a new way of acting, a new way of handling your

also offer childcare to alleviate your kiddo concerns.

stressors, or the big change within us that we are too

That’s a huge priority for me. Also, all gyms offer a trial

afraid to say out loud. We all have them! Something

period. So find what makes you most comfortable and

that we know we really want but are too afraid to go for;

walk through the doors like you own the place. Because

a new job, a new way of living? Who knows, we just all

confidence in ourselves is what is the most important.

know it’s there. So first, find that new you, then go for

Everything else is not your concern.

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

There are also so many easy ways for you to get

rounded meal I can throw together before it’s time for

active with your family! Go for a walk, ride bikes on

baths and bed.

the Greenbelt, go to the park, or simply play in the

So maybe today is the day you wake up an hour

back yard. What we do every day will lead our kids.

earlier and go for a walk alone or head to the gym for

Thirty minutes in the back yard means more to them

thirty minutes before you’re busy day starts. I promise

then we realize and helps us more than we know. So

you that within a week you will feel like a rock star by

no excuses-- everyone has thirty minutes right? I get

9 a.m.! You are making time for you and ultimately

it, you’re tired, you don’t have time, dinner has to be

this benefits everyone that you come into contact

on the table and all of the kids need baths. But stop! No, it all can wait. Did you know that our kids don’t care about dinner? I mean, really. They don’t! I know that all three of my children would rather have thirty minutes of me pushing them in the swing, jumping on the trampoline, or just sitting outside interacting with them while they play than a meal on the table. I can’t even tell you how many times we have come in from playing in the yard, only to cook the most well

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with. Or maybe your “new you” is at home, waiting for you as you walk in the door. Do something crazy tonight! Stop what you’re doing when you get home. Throw the idea of routine aside. Yes, your kids are going to look at you like you’re crazy. “What mom, a sucker before dinner?” Have fun! Life is too short for our kids to only remember the moments we said not right now. So here’s to a NEW YOU!

Heather Haynes is a stay at home mom to three awesome kids!

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

family life

insight from an

ordinary dad

{ by: danny may }

becoming a better example in 2017 nother year has come and gone. My boys are 7 and

more patient lately than this time last year. It’s something

9 now. As I look toward 2017 and compare it to this

I’ve been working on for sure.

time last year, they’ve come a long way. And I’m not just

talking about the growth spurts we’ve recorded on the

on which of my buttons quickly and easily set me off. He

kitchen wall by the fridge.

knows exactly how to push them and seems to enjoy it,

My younger guy has come out of his shell in first

which makes me even more ticked because I let him get

grade. I wouldn’t call him a social butterfly yet. But he’s

the best of me.

definitely not as shy. My third-grader has been an AR

I heard something recently that really helped my

reading beast this year. His grades are up, homework

perspective on this. I was driving to work one morning

has been less of a struggle this year, and he wanted piano

and heard a guy on Focus on the Family discussing a

lessons for his birthday, which he is absolutely loving.

book he had written about dealing with defiant kids. He

My 9-year old, who I call my “mini-me,” learned early

was talking about keeping his cool in the tense moments And then there’s me. I’d like to think I’ve been a little

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. January // February 2017

and said, “I always want to be an example to my children,

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not follow their example.”

kids know exactly how to hit that button.

Yelling at my kids to stop yelling at each other just

doesn’t seem logical, and it’s clearly not effective because

their example and not follow their example has changed

they just do it again the next time they’re agitated. Yet for some reason, it seems to be my default setting. I really, really do not like that about myself. So constantly reminding myself to be their example, not follow their

But since I heard that radio show, remembering to be

my perspective. That anger button doesn’t work like it used to, which my oldest has found confusing. I can see the “well, that didn’t work” expression on his face.

example, has been helping me in those tense moments.

Progress.

It’s been a game-changer for me.

Am I modeling patience? Am I modeling strength

thought could serve me pretty well in all areas of my life,

and confidence? Or am I modeling irritation, anger, and

not just with my kids. Customers at work. Rude people

lack of control by following their example in my own response? Ouch.

Most of my friends and family would be shocked to

know that I struggle with anger issues, and pretty much

Now that I think about it, that same “be, not follow”

out in public. Cranky people in general.

Isn’t it amazing what our kids see in us? And isn’t it amazing how our kids make us see

have my whole life. Oh, I keep it cool on the outside and

ourselves?

generally appear to be a peaceful guy, but inside I might

Something to think about for the New Year.

be raging, taking some minor infraction very personally, and then I stew about whatever it was for days. I’ve gotten better about that, but like I mentioned earlier, my

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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, 7 and 9.

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

oven baked romensco bean

oup S

{ by : m a t t we a fe r, e x e c u t i ve c h e f of the campbell club }

n our house New Years is the time to reorganize our schedule, restart routines, and simplify our lives after a

hectic holiday season. But with a baby in the house, that’s never easy – no matter the time of year.

Dinnertime always sneaks up on us out of nowhere. It

feels like we just finished lunch, cleaned up the play room after the baby went on a container dumping rampage, scrubbed marker off the floor for the zillionth time, and PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL

explained to our older son that, “No, Uncle Denny is not a werewolf. He’s just hairy.”And then we are back to trying to force our children to sit still long enough to eat. Being a chef doesn’t make those things any easier. Dinner still needs to be quick and accompanied by minimal mess. And that’s hard to do in the spur of the moment.

But my favorite motto for simplifying dinner at home is,

“Cook today for tomorrow.” We use the same technique at

in beans in one sitting. So it’s a win-win for us.

the restaurant, devote time to cutting ingredients, making

This soup is something I serve at the restaurant on

sauces, par-cooking dishes, and organizing everything so

occasion and at home as well.

that when a table comes in to order five different entrees,

I use a dutch oven for this dish, which is basically

we can fire them out in less than 20 minutes. It works at

just a cast iron pot with a lid. The dutch oven technique

home, too.

is simple. Brown a few things, add the rest of the

ingredients, bring to a boil, then stick it in the oven and

When you actually get time to fix a meal, fix two meals

using some of the same ingredients. And stick one in the

forget about it.

refrigerator. This saves time and also helps use up some of

the extra ingredients you may not have needed.

sauce with roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, herbs,

Soups are a great dish to cook ahead. They are also

almonds, and cheese. It’s pureed and emulsified with oil

perfect for using up leftover ingredients. Dried bean

and dried bread, typically. It’s served similarly to pesto –

soups in particular are a great pantry staple. They’re good

as a garnish or a spread. And it’s delicious.

for you. They’re inexpensive. They keep in the cupboard

This recipe takes the flavors of Romesco and

for a long time. They’re packed with flavor. And they’re

infuses them into the broth of a standard navy bean

easy! And our 20-month-old daughter, will eat her weight

and pork soup.

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Plus I absolutely love Romesco sauce. It’s a Catalonian

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ingredients

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. • In a large dutch oven over medium heat, add ½ C olive oil with scallion, garlic, and almonds. Sweat for about two minutes until

1 lb dry navy beans 2 qt unsalted chicken stock* 2 C dry white wine 14 oz can roasted piquillo peppers, diced** ½ C almonds, ground 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 C scallion sliced 6 oz tomato paste 4-5 large sprigs fresh thyme, tied in a bundle with butcher twine 2 smoked ham hocks ½ C +extra for garnish extra virgin olive oil Parmesan for garnish Fresh basil for garnish

garlic and almonds are golden and fragrant. Add fresh thyme and tomato paste. Again stir until tomato paste begins to stick and caramelize. • Add white wine and scrape bottom of pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any caramelized bits. • Add beans, ham hock, salt, and pepper. Add enough stock to cover beans by at least 3 inches. Can add more later if the soup is too thick. Bring to a boil. Let simmer on the stove for approximately 10-15 minutes. A thick foam should start to rise to the top of the stock. Use a ladle or spoon to skim off the foam and discard. • Place the lid on the dutch oven and move into the preheated oven. Let bake for at least one hour and 30 minutes. Check the texture of the beans and the salt level. Let bake another 30-45 minutes if beans are not tender. Cooking time varies depending on the age of the beans and temperature fluctuations in the oven.

*You may not use all of the stock. You can use water if you don’t have stock. But don’t. Get some chicken stock. It adds a depth of flavor and richness that water simply can’t because … well it’s water. **I prefer the flavor of piquillo peppers, but you can substitute roasted red peppers if you can’t find them. If you have fresh red peppers, that’s even better. But roast them over an open flame and then remove the skins before chopping them up.

• Once beans reach desired tenderness, remove from the oven to cool. Remove thyme bundle. Discard. Remove ham hocks and let cool. Shred the meat and add it back to the soup. Store in refrigerator over night. Reheat when ready to serve. • Garnish with Parmesan, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Newborn Photos

from facebook

LIZ SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

JULIE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Newborn Photos

from facebook

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

looking ahead

with our superintendents

Owensboro is blessed to have three great school systems. Although the New Year comes in the middle of the school year, we thought it would be interesting to ask the Superintendent of each school system what they were looking forward to most in 2017.

Owensboro Public Schools

parents, students and their teachers.

by Dr. Nicholas Brake

What a start to the year it’s been for Owensboro Public

engage all students with innovative

Schools! With over 5,000 students, our enrollment

teaching and learning. We’ve

continues to grow. Thanks to our partnership with the

implemented state-of-the-art

International Center, one of our largest growth areas

reading programs like Footsteps to

is with refugee students. To ensure we’re best serving

Brilliance and have partnered with

the whole child, we’ve hired a full-time English

local financial institutions to make

Language Learner student services coordinator to

sure our students have 24/7 access

help break down those communication barriers for

to books through Little Free Libraries. Our literacy

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. January // February 2017

At OPS, our mission is to

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efforts are paying off as we’re seeing some of the highest literacy state testing scores since I’ve been superintendent. At the high school level, we often hear students, parents and teachers complain about the senior year. A new program at Owensboro High School aims to allow seniors to approach their last year of high school differently. The Bluegrass Scholars program, in its second year, offers a completely personalized

and

flexible

educational

experience while engaging students in the next part of their lives. To complete the program, students must still finish core academic courses that are totally personalized to their needs using a variety of delivery options ranging from a traditional high school course to a dual credit college course to an online course.

Many

students choose to attend college full-time and complete an associate degree through the school’s Early College Academy. Bluegrass Scholars must participate in experiential learning through a community engagement project and internship. The OPS staff continues to impress me with its effort and love of our students. Much of the education they provide comes outside of the classroom in coaching, conducting, directing, cooking, cleaning and volunteering. Finally, we say goodbye to beloved OPS board members Cate Lauzon and Steve Knight.

We welcome Melissa Decker and

Jeremy Edge.

Both new members have

students in our school system and are already very active with their efforts to ensure that OPS continues to have a tradition of excellence.

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January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Owensboro Catholic Schools

We will continue to develop and improve

by Mr. Gerald Schoen

upon all four pillars in 2017. Through a

Owensboro Catholic Schools has a long

collaborative

standing tradition of providing a quality

strategic plans in each of these areas to ensure

Catholic education to the greater Owensboro

continued excellence.

community, and with excellent academic

Academically, our focus is on increasing

programs embedded in the Catholic

technology in our buildings by updating

faith, we are thriving now more than

teacher laptops and providing Chromebook

ever. Four buildings make up our

carts to facilitate student learning in a digital

school system, but one collective

environment. We will also increase web-based

vision keeps us focused on excellence.

learning programs to personalize student

Our school community is actively

learning and differentiate instruction. To

fostering a thriving, economically

facilitate this, we will provide professional

sustainable,

development to ensure best practices are

world-class

K-12

effort,

have

developed

Catholic education system built on the ACES

implemented in regards to technology.

Pillars of 1.) Academics, 2.) Catholicity and

In terms of Catholicity and Discipleship,

Discipleship, 3.) Extracurricular Activities

we are implementing ways to increase our

and Athletics, and 4.) Stewardship.

presence in the 15 supporting parishes and

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. January // February 2017

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the greater community through service as well as coordinating common K-12 service projects to collaboratively address social justice issues.

OCS offers a wide array of enrichment

activities, which foster a well-rounded student. A K-12 vertical focus group has been developed to review extracurricular programs and athletic facilities in order to identify ways to better meet the needs of our school community.

In the coming year, future sustainability

is the focus for our fourth pillar of stewardship. In the short term, we are implementing a new school website to improve and centralize communication from school to home and increasing transparency through consistent reporting of resource management to the school community. In the long term, we are developing a funding plan and facilities plan. The future is bright, and 2017 will be a time of growth for OCS as we continue toward

collaborative

approach

strengthening our K-12 system.

Daviess County Public Schools by Mr. Owens Saylor

Looking ahead to 2017, new construction or renovation plans will be considered and approved by the board during this calendar year, which is exciting. DCPS will also be transitioning into a superintendent search, as I have announced my retirement at the end of this school year in May. A search committee should announce the new superintendent by then. We are also adding a new 12th-grade class to Heritage Park High School, our www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

non-traditional high school. We started with

Advanced Placement exams. But all of this

a 10th-grade class, then added an 11th-grade

is because of all the hard work of our district

class last year. As of July 1, we will have full

leaders and teachers.

access to the building at 3361

Buckland Square and will utilize

I feel to have been Superintendent of Daviess

what used to be Daymar College.

County Public Schools and how much I

That will be a big move for us.

appreciate working with my partners at OPS

But as always, our prime focus

and OCS. It’s been a great collaboration and

this

academics.

partnership with both those school systems.

DCPS has just been declared

What makes it special is we all think about our

“Distinguished” for the fourth

kids first; we don’t put our systems first. That’s

year in a row, which is a tremendous

exactly what makes things like Owensboro

accomplishment. Every DCPS school has been

Innovation Academy and Community Campus

designed as Proficient or Distinguished. In

possible. I love that we support each other like

2016, we had our best ACT scores ever. The

that. My replacement will be very fortunate to

Daviess County Public Schools district was

come into a situation where the community

named to the national AP District Honor Roll

and parents care greatly about academics and

based on the success of students completing

the quality of our schools.

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

year

. January // February 2017

Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge how blessed

www.OwensboroParent.com

community

meeting your match { by: gail kirkland } PHOTO BY TAYLOR WEST

he need for mentors—in particular, male mentors—is real,

1—Catering more to each mentee’s family in terms of resource

almost palpable. That fact is underscored by the irrefutable

assistance; 2—Providing an open-door policy for mentors / mentees

statistics in Daviess County alone: 7,000 single parent or non-

to just “drop by” to enjoy games, painting, movies or NetFlix

traditional households exist, meaning these children live with a

access at the MentorKids building on Veach Road (near Owensboro

grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle or an older sibling. In far

Christian Church); and 3—Opening Thursday nights (STAR

too many scenarios, male children are living in situations where no

program) for tutoring / homework help and for kids on the “wait

male role models are present.

list” to just come hang out weekly.

Some family members are “so overwhelmed” with the

responsibilities of raising these children that they enthusiastically

every Thursday night and hang out with us to get homework help,

welcome the mentor-mentee relationship which MentorKids

life skills help or just play checkers . . . we get to know these kids and

Kentucky offers. “MentorKids Kentucky exists to love children

it makes it more personal for me to walk up to John Smith and say, ‘I

from single parent and non-traditional households. We are able to

have this great kid for you to mentor’ because I really know this kid

do this by providing the child an adult Christian mentor to come

now [through the STAR program],” Maria said.

alongside them for at least one hour a week and help them persevere

through the trials of life, by building their character and offering

STAR program provides a real connection to MentorKids, instead

them hope for their future,” said Berly Tillman Sullivan, executive

of just placing them on the back burner. One Thursday night, Berly

director of MentorKids.

offered to teach two boys (ages 10 and 11) to play checkers. “It was

the most awkward 5 minutes ever! If I would have handed each of

Perseverance. Character. Hope. Three amazing words. Three

“We invite any kid who is matched or on the waiting list to come

With 16 boys currently on the wait list, the Thursday night

life-changing goals.

them a cell phone, they would have been best friends, but the fact

Berly and Maria Shyver, mentor coordinator, often finish one

that they had to look at each other, talk, make a move . . . now, these

another’s sentences or echo the other’s sentiments. To say they are

two boys have developed a relational skill. They now help others

fully committed, entirely devoted to their roles with MentorKids

learn to play checkers, and we’ve seen such a positive progression in

is a gross understatement. “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love,”

them,” Berly said.

Berly said. Three new initiatives are clearly dear to their hearts:

Checkers. One simple game. One great confidence and

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

relationship builder.

necessarily. Chris Hyland, former MentorKids board chairman

On the flip side of all the blessings, “No mentors are in sight. We

and mentor, took the approach of involving his mentee in his

have no mentors in the pipeline. Zero,” Berly said. That staggering

normal activities with his family. For example, if they planned to

reality brought an avalanche of tears to one young boy whose mentor

rake leaves, he’d go get his mentee and they would all rake leaves

recently moved, placing him back on the wait list for a new mentor.

together. “Instead of working his life around the child, he brought

the child into their lives, and that is a successful match—everyone

January is National Mentoring Month. Presently, 47 mentor-

mentee matches are in place via MentorKids. Of those matches, 29

benefits,” Berly said.

are male and 14 female. That 2 to 1 ratio of boys to girls reflects

the overall hope that more men will feel a calling on their hearts to

a dad, how they communicate, how they communicate with their

“These children need to see what a family looks like, a mom and

children, how siblings interact, just to have that influence.”

become mentors.

Cliff Boswell and De’Andre Basham

have been matched for 7 ½ years. Why did he choose to become a mentor? “I just felt called to do it. I felt like there were things I could be doing, more things I could be doing, to show the love of Jesus in our community. I heard about the opportunity to be a mentor and to be a positive influence on a child, and I just felt like it was something I could do,” Cliff said. He is proof positive that a mentor need not be someone who has no life. Cliff is married and has an active law practice and four children (ages 13, 11, 9, 7). “I’ve made it work by incorporating De’Andre into our family. De’Andre is like part of the family. He’ll come to our house. We go do things and he’ll come with us. He’s like a big brother to my kids,” Cliff said. His son Ethan and De’Andre are close in age, and they are best buddies. Sowhat is required of a mentor? The five areas of focus in

mentoring are Spiritual, Character, Academic, Relational and

kind and respectful. “I think he enjoys our family. I’ve chosen to

Life Skills. One hour a week, one on one. Four hours a month.

make it work, even though we have very different interests and

Yet, mentoring can take a dad away from his own family, but not

backgrounds; we get along great.” One of their recent outings, for

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

Cliff describes De’Andre as fairly quiet, but very bright, funny,

www.OwensboroParent.com

was what I needed to become involved,” Jeff said. Preston—handsome, quiet, soft-spoken—allowed Jeff to do most of the talking, but smiled warmly when the subject turned to sports. They share common interests in sports, outdoor activities and fishing, in particular. “The requirement is one hour per week with your mentee. I suspect that most mentors spend a bit more time than that . . . MentorKids asks us to report the time that we are spending with our mentee. I like that we are asked to report our time together. This creates accountability in the program,” Jeff said.

This begs the question: Why are male mentees in such high

demand? In Jeff ’s opinion, most men consider themselves to be too busy. “I think that most men are busy and don’t think that they have time for one more thing on their plate. I get that, because I was in the same boat. I also think that people know that there is a need, but think that someone else will take care of that need.”

The sweet spot for being mentored is age 10-12. MentorKids

carries a $1 million liability insurance policy to cover their mentors. As Maria explained, “Some people are scared to do one-on-one situations anymore . . . yet, it’s not as hard or as scary as people example, included taking all of his kids and De’Andre out to eat and bowling. “Another example would be one of our kids has a soccer game or a basketball game, so we call De’Andre and he comes with us. Or I’m going fishing, so I call him. Or it could be something like going to see the fireworks as a family, just any kind of community event, like the Apple Festival. He just tags along with us,” Cliff said.

Realistically, Cliff says the challenge of being a mentor is finding

the time. “It’s getting busy and feeling like, I’m not sure when to fit

think.” The selection process involves a Referral, which may come from counselors, resource teachers, family or churches. Next is the Process, in which the idea of a mentor-mentee relationship is presented to parents or legal guardians and paperwork is completed. The final steps are Recruit Mentors and Make a Match. A mentor’s commitment is solely to their mentee; they are

this in my schedule, especially with having a busy law practice and a

instructed not to take on the emotional or financial problems within

family. That’s a challenge, but for the most part we’ve made it work.

the family, which removes a huge weight of responsibility and keeps

He knows I’m there for him,” Cliff said. Coincidentally, De’Andre’s

their focus on the mentee.

siblings are also being mentored through MentorKids.

Jeff ’s advice: “Just take the step and do it now . . . don’t wait.

In August 2016, Jeff Carmon began mentoring Preston Hayes

From the moment that you meet your mentee, you will know that the

(age 11), who lives with his grandmother Linda Hamilton. As an

Lord has specifically placed that child in your life for a reason. Not

empty nester, Jeff decided he had extra time and being a mentor

only will you help that child grow, but you will experience growth as

was one way of paying forward the blessing of having had good

well as the Lord leads and guides you in this relationship.”

parents. “I had been contemplating becoming a mentor for several

years. Each year I would attend the banquet, leave thinking ‘I really

have to be a perfect person; you don’t have to have a perfect amount

should become a mentor.’ However, I made excuses such as ‘I am too

of time or perfect plans—you just need to care and have a willing

busy with work, kids, etc.’ At the banquet this year, they showed a

From my personal experience as a mentor, I’ve learned you don’t

heart . . .

fantastic video about a mentor / mentee and the bond that they had formed over the years, and how important this mentor had been in

Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and

this young man’s life. The video and the Lord’s stirring of my heart

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

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

he thought of registering your 6- or 8-year-old for a triathlon may sound crazy at first. Until you realize it’s really not a competition at all. At that age, it’s all about helping the youngsters through the transitions. Parents are right there to help their kids dry off, get their shoes on, and get on their bikes for the bike portion. Or help them put their bike on the rack and run in the right direction for the running portion. One of the goals of the Owensboro Parent Kids Triathlon presented by Independence Bank was to make fitness fun as a family. “At the YMCA, our mission is to build strong families and strong communities, so we love seeing families being active

the family that plays (and runs, and bikes, and swims) together { danny may }

32 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

together,” says Chad Hart, YMCA Senior Program Director, who helped coordinate the event. “Training for the Kids Triathlon is a great way to spend time together as a family doing healthy activities.” Judging by the fact that over 100 kids participated in the inaugural Kids Triathlon, which was twice what we expected, there’s something to this. Being physically active as a family has tremendous advantages beyond the obvious health benefits. There is also family bonding and comaderie from sharing the experience. “Being active as a family is a great way to connect,” says Dylan Hammons, an IRONMAN athlete, as is his wife, Shelly. “For us, it’s a way to stay engaged with our kids. If my wife and I take the kids swimming at a family swim night at the Y, then that’s going to also change the dynamic the next time we’re at the lake or the beach. It becomes ‘Let’s see who can swim to the that rope first’ instead of watching from the beach or edge of the pool. Or ‘Hey, come with me’ instead of mom and dad watching on the porch as the kids ride bikes up and down the sidewalk.” That type of engagement is healthy for both parent and child, which strengthens the family dynamic even more. “We see it work both ways,” says Hart. “Parents who are active can invite their kids to join them on bike rides, swims, long walks, or short runs. On the other hand, for a parent who is wanting to get more active, an invitation from their kid to ride bikes or go swimming with them might just be the motivation

www.OwensboroParent.com

they needed.” That was the case for Keith and Heather Haynes’s son, Gavin, who is 11. Heather says Gavin tried team sports but never really found his “thing.” But last year, while Heather trained for an IRONMAN, Gavin decided he wanted to try a kids triathlon.

He placed in his first race. “I think it appeals to him because

he’s self-motivated. With this, there’s a huge sense of reward because your results are based on your own effort,” Heather explained, recounting the time in one race when Gavin got a flat tire during the bike portion but still pedaled through and finished the race. Gavin already ran cross-country for Burns Middle School, but now is on the Marlins swim team to stay in shape for triathlons and trains with Green River Tri Club, a youth triathlon club based here in Owensboro. Even Gavin’s younger brother, Ellis, 4, participates in “fun run” triathlons. To him, that’s completely normal. “He just does what he saw ‘Bubba’ do,” Heather said. Hammons says the beauty is in the process, for the child and for the family that supports them. “It’s not about

Tips provided by Chad Hart, YMCA Senior Program Director For the child just starting out: • Get the child acclimated to the water. Find a place that has swim lessons to teach your child how to be efficient in the water. • Kids still see biking as a fun thing to do -parents, get out on your bike and go for a stroll on the Greenbelt. • To get into running, start with jogging and walking intervals together as a family and transition into running by gradually increasing distances. For the children already into the sport: • Consistency is key, but don’t go too far! Remember they’re still children! • It would be best to consult with a fitness professional for ideal training regimens based on the child performance levels. • Remember to keep competition fun, it will lead to less burnout!

trophies and medals. All those things you learn along the way: teamwork, waking up early to train, the value of teammates, self-discipline, all those things will pay off in the classroom to and later on in life as well.”

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, 7 and 9.

If you have a child who may be interested in a training group for kids triathlons, check out Green River Tri Club www.greenrivertri.org. Keep your eyes and ears open for Owensboro Parent Kids Triathlon 2017 at Owensboro Family YMCA presented by Independence Bank.

MMA

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

community

meeting Minh On September 17, 2014, a sweet baby girl, born without her arms, was wrapped with love and placed in a basket at a Buddhist Temple in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Nine months earlier, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Justin and Sarah Best had begun the process to adopt a child from Haiti. Little did they know that they would soon encounter a precious detour across the Pacific Ocean some ten thousand miles away. { b y : m e l o d y a n n w a l l a c e | p h o t o s b y c a p t u re d m o m e n t s p h o t o g ra p h y }

34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

When Justin and Sarah married 9 years ago, they both knew

to eventually bring home a little girl from Haiti. As they began

they wanted a large family with at least four children. Justin had

the process of filing paperwork, researching countries, and

a little boy named Bryson and they had also discussed adoption,

raising funds, Sarah soon found that, even though they met the

but Sarah said, “you typically think, ‘We’ll have our own kids.’”

marriage length requirements, many countries required that the

In 2013, doctors confirmed that the two would not be able to have

applicants be over age thirty. At the time she was twenty-five and

biological children. Then in November, as they sat in attendance

Justin was thirty-one, so she compiled a list of countries whose

at Pleasant Valley Church, on what is referred to as “Orphan

age requirements were twenty-five and up, and then started

Sunday,” they felt a small tug at their hearts. Something stirred

paying closer attention to location. It was then that Sarah says

inside of them as they processed the words, “The best way to

Haiti spoke to her. She said she couldn’t help but think, “How

share your Christian faith is to care for orphans.” Sarah looked

can we be this close and not do something?” Not to mention,

at Justin and asked, “What do we do?” Sarah reasoned that, if

unlike other countries who have agencies in varying locations

they pursued the options to have a biological child, they would

throughout the United States, there was an agency located here

be paying “$20,000 for a maybe. We thought we might as well put

in Owensboro.

in another $20,000 and come home with a child.” However, the

The paperwork required for international adoption is

two were living on “less than $35,000 a year combined income

very specific and incredibly detailed. So when the Bests were

with not even one penny saved for adoption.” Although Justin’s

completing their request, they drew from personal and family

heart was in it, it was the finances that scared him the most. As

experience. Justin and Sarah both work in schools with children

they would soon learn, God would provide for their needs every

of different abilities, and have done so for most of their lives.

step of the way.

Sarah said, “In our experiences, these kids are no different than

In January of 2014, they would make the decision to embark

their peers; they just need some extra supports so they can be

on the five year, $40,000 journey that would set them on the path

successful too. We’ve never treated the individuals we’ve worked

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

with or interacted with in the community as though they can’t do

recognizing changes in facial expressions.

things, sometimes we just need to modify a bit.” So the idea of

modifying things for a child with unique needs living in their home

the next six months praying fervently, and asking God to provide

did not seem daunting at all, it seemed natural.

for their financial needs, affirming that this adoption was His will

When making their request for a child with special needs, they

for their family. Just one week into the process, a friend blessed

specified limb differences. Sarah says, “Limb differences are not

them with enough funds to pay for the initial application fees and

uncommon to our family,” referring to Justin’s cousins who have

enough money to jump-start their first fundraiser. What started out

one biological child who is missing part of one of her arms, and

to be a cupcake fundraiser for Valentine’s Day, soon transformed

two adopted children who are missing limbs as well. Sarah says,

into pancake breakfasts, silent auctions, yard sales, and unexpected

“We’ve watched these kids excel at everything other children with

checks in their mailbox. The two were overwhelmed with the

all of their limbs can do. They are so active, and are way more abled

amount of love and support shown to them to complete the initial

than ‘disabled.’ It has a lot to do with how you treat them and the

steps toward adoption, but they soon found themselves “in a holding

opportunities you offer them. They really inspired us to specifically

pattern,” waiting for the next steps in a typical five-year process.

look for kids with missing limbs. In international adoption you have

Sarah says, “We learned to be satisfied in the wait.” However, on

to be really specific in your paperwork so they know how best to

September 29, 2015, they found that both their wait and their

match your family with a child. That’s the path we felt God was

destination were quickly about to change.

leading us down. (It was) not scary or weird for us at all.” Justin

adds that working with students of other cultures and needs has

an organization that has a list of waiting children from around the

made him more open to international adoption, and has taught him

world. Most of the children on the list were older, sibling groups, or

to become acutely aware of other methods of communication like

special needs. Normally she would delete these emails because “it

36 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

After submitting the initial paperwork, Sarah and Justin spent

Sarah was checking her email when she came across one for

www.OwensboroParent.com

was too hard to look at their faces and not want to adopt them all.” That day, as her mouse hovered over the delete button, she says the Holy Spirit told her to wait. Sarah recalls, “I’ll never forget that first time I saw her face. My breath caught in my chest and tears filled my eyes. I immediately had images of her running and laughing, and calling out, ‘Mommy!’” As she stared at the innocent little face peeking up at her from the photo taken at the Vietnamese orphanage, she said aloud, “I’m pretty sure this is my kid,” and recalls thinking, “It’s not even the right country.” Although Sarah and Justin felt confident that this precious one-yearold child in Vietnam was meant to be theirs, they still had no intentions of abandoning their Haiti adoption plans. But planning for one international adoption was costly enough, two seemed financially impossible. Sarah says, “We applied for grants like crazy, sending her photo along with every application and explaining that we were doing two adoptions

with Minh, there was difficulty bonding initially due to the fact that she had been cared for by female nannies her entire young

simultaneously. We fundraised in bigger ways, with one of our

life. Sarah adds, “They say that adoption is actually a trauma

favorites being auctioning off a deep freeze full of ready-made

in a child’s life. They form a bond in the womb. She formed a

meals. Not once were we delayed because of funds. God provided

bond at the orphanage…We cannot sing enough praises for that

every dollar.”

Near the end of August 2016, Sarah and Justin were finally

able to make the journey to Vietnam to meet sweet Minh, who

orphanage, they showered her with love.” While Sarah was able to quickly establish a bond with Minh, sleeping and eating habits

was now almost two years old. They were also able to spend

were a struggle that they did not necessarily anticipate. At first,

time in her environment, and visit her “found place.” The tour

Minh only wanted Sarah to care for her at night, and she “wanted

guide explained that in Ho Chi Minh City the Catholics and the

to eat all of the time.”

Buddhists were known for caring for orphans, so a child left at the Buddhist temple was most likely left there in love, so they would have a better chance for survival. On September 17, 2016, Minh’s second birthday, Justin and Sarah brought her home to Owensboro.

Now that Minh seems to have settled in, Sarah says, “She’s

such a perfect fit for our family. It’s like she’s always been a part of our family.” As far as moving forward with their Haiti adoption, it could be pursued as soon as January. However, the Bests have

Even though Minh has adapted incredibly well in the last

decided to wait just a little bit longer to first establish consistency

three months, Justin says, “Everyone thinks that with an adoption,

with their newly blended family. While they still plan on bringing

once you get that child home, it is all smiles---it’s not always all smiles.” While Justin has now established a father-daughter bond www.OwensboroParent.com

home a little girl from Haiti in the near future, they first want to spend a little time loving on their little girl from Vietnam. January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Above: Minh looks at photos of herself in the Vietnamese orphanage as she turns the pages with her toes while Mom, Sarah, describes each photo. The album was a gift from the orphanage that Sarah and Justin say, “showered her with love.” Above: Minh uses her big toe and second toe as pinchers to grab and hold onto the game directions. She uses this same technique to hold her eating utensils to feed herself, take off her shoes and socks, color, and “write.”

{

photos by taylor west }

Even though it has been just a few short months, Minh

When asked how Minh does what she does, Sarah

seems like any other happy, energetic two-year-old. Sarah and

responds, “How does Minh do things? She just does. At this

Justin often joke that one of the first English phrases that she

point, there’s basically nothing we’ve tried to teach her that

mastered was, “That’s Minh’s.” When seeing her for the first

she hasn’t figured out how to do. We don’t even teach her

time, you barely notice that there are no arms filling her little

how to do it with her feet. We show her with our hands and

sleeves. Instead, you notice her sweet face and tender high-

she will figure out, not one, but three ways to do it with her

pitched voice calling her dog, “Woof, woof,” as she playfully

feet.” Minh is able to get herself down off of the sofa on her

tosses a ball to him with her feet. You watch as her pink hair

own, and go up and down full flights of stairs. They anticipate

bow bounces along with her as she scoots happily across the

that Minh will be walking soon, but until then, she is content

floor. You are simply in awe of everything this tiny girl can do.

using her feet and bottom to “jump, scoot” to get where she

Minh’s choices in toys and play are also similar to that

needs to go. If she wants to get up to a higher location, she

of any other 2-year-old. She enjoys playing with pots and

scoots next to what she needs and says, “Up.” If she wants

pans, playing dress-up, and pretending with food toys that

a box opened, she puts it between her legs and scoots along

require a toy knife to cut them into two pieces. One of her

with it until she gets to the other room, then she requests that

favorite games is the fishing game that requires her to hold

they take the item, “Out.” In order to open cabinets, flip book

a small plastic rod between her toes and catch fish as they

pages, or grab other things that she needs, Minh uses her big

go in a circle while their mouths open and close. Sarah

toe and second toe as pinchers (a lot like we might use our

laughs, “She will flat beat you every time, even if you are

thumb and index finger). Her exceptional flexibility also

really trying!” and adds, “She amazes us daily with how

helps her to be able to stretch and reach items behind her.

“un-disabled” she is.”

38 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

As far as other modifications and accommodations, Justin www.OwensboroParent.com

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord had granted me what I asked of him.” – Samuel 1:27 and Sarah have found it easiest to keep things “down in her space”

(Ankle-Foot Orthotics) so she can use her toes a bit. She may also

so that she is able to reach them easily and independently. They also

use slip on shoes or socks with the toes cut out so that she can

have a special dining room chair that sits at table height so that she

get to things quickly.” As Minh gets older, a service dog may be a

is able to access her food and drink on her own. The Bests cannot

consideration as well, but for now, they intend to rely on Minh’s

speak highly enough about the orphanage that cared for Minh

natural abilities and the recommendations of other families that

for the first two years of her life. They credit the orphanage with teaching her how to do things such as sew with a button and string and play the drums. Most importantly they taught her how to be happy and independent, and they still follow her accomplishments on Facebook even though they are thousands of miles away. As far as the future is concerned, the Bests have already done their research and also intend to use their experience with differentlyabled children in order to provide Minh with the accommodations that she will need. When presented with the question of how Minh will be able to walk in public when she gets older and still access things, Sarah says that she has already spoken with Shriner’s Hospital, and when the time comes, “they will modify her AFOs

www.OwensboroParent.com

have had similar experiences. Sarah and Justin have already been blessed with a network of extended friends and family members that are more than willing to lend an ear or give advice when needed. One thing is for certain, in human eyes, Minh may be missing her arms, but in God’s eyes, she is absolutely perfect, and a perfect fit for the Best family.

To learn more about Minh and follow her on her journey, like

her Facebook page Meeting Minh.

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

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

40 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

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viruses is to keep them from spreading. That’s why hand hygiene

than 70,000 hospitalizations and more than 2,800 deaths.

is a top priority for the staff in doctors’ offices and hospitals.

Here are some useful hand hygiene tips:

and people with weakened immune systems or respiratory

•

Hand washing works because soap, water and friction

problems. The flu also opens the door to opportunistic infections

dislodge germs from your hands. Wash for at least 30 seconds

like pneumonia, which can be devastating and deadly.

(long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice).

Pay special attention to fingernails, in between fingers, and

protect you and your loved ones:

to the palms and backs of hands.

•

Here are some vaccines you should consider to help

Influenza: Available each year. If anxiety about needles is an

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60 percent alcohol)

issue, tell your healthcare professional. They may have a way

are a good option, but are less effective when hands are

to help, such as numbing the injection site.

visibly dirty. •

The flu is most dangerous for young children, the elderly

•

Pneumonia: Two versions of this vaccine exist. A one-time

Sanitize the surfaces your hands touch. This includes faucets,

dose of each is recommended for adults over the age of 65,

door knobs, phones, computer keyboards and remote controls.

and also for adults over 19 with certain health conditions.

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

•

Your primary care provider can tell you more about these

Don’t be afraid to ask your provider if they can test to see

vaccines and if you should receive them.

what kind of infection you have. You can also ask about

TD/TDaP: TD protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

how to correctly use over-the-counter medications and

TDaP adds protection against pertussis (also known as

avoid drug interactions.

whooping cough). Children receive vaccination against all these diseases. Adults should get a one-time dose of TDaP,

•

Know the warning signs: Certain symptoms need urgent medical attention. These include sudden dizziness or

as well as a TD booster every 10 years. Vaccination helps prevent dangerous complications that can occur with these

confusion, a high fever (above 103 degrees F), difficulty

illnesses.

breathing and severe or repeated vomiting. In children, these include bluish skin color, fever with rash, or rapid/

RECOVERY PROCESS

Here are some tips to help if you get sick with the flu, a

labored breathing. •

cold, or other type of infection. •

cover coughs and sneezes (put them into the crook of your

Stay hydrated: Getting plenty of fluids is key, especially

elbow) and stay away from others. If you have the flu, you

when you’re sick. Dehydration can result in hospitalization. •

a fever. •

Take action: See a healthcare provider for illnesses that lasts more than 10 days or that worsen after five days.

•

will be contagious while you have a fever and 24 hours after

Be vigilant: Antiviral medications can shorten the duration of the flu and can be given within 48 hours of developing

Treat appropriately: Don’t insist on antibiotics for viral

Don’t share: Protect others around you. Wash your hands,

your fever ends (without fever-reducing medication).

If you have questions about preventing wintertime

illnesses, talk to a healthcare provider or visit www.cdc.gov. We want to help you stay healthy and happy year-round! Dr. Becky McKindles and Dr. Heather Smith are family

infections. Antibiotics do nothing for viruses and can cause

medicine providers with Owensboro Health’s One Health

side effects like diarrhea. Overuse of antibiotics also leads to

medical group. For more information or to schedule an

bacteria that are immune to these life-saving medications.

appointment, call 844-44-MY-ONE (844-446-9663).

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. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

OLIVIA WETHINGTON DAUGTHER OF ANDREA & TYLER

PHOTO BY: JAMIE ALEXANDER

ADVERTISERS: [44] NICK T. ARNOLD

[53] GREEN RIVER DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT

[44] ROBIN’S RESALE & BOUTIQUE

[54] CAPTURED MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

[46] EDWARD JONES

[56] HORSEFEATHERS GIFTS

[47] HEALTH FIRST COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

[57] KIDSTOP CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

[48] PASSPORT

[58] KINDERMUSIK

[49] PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF OWENSBORO

[61] LIL BIT SASSY CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

[51] KIDS INSPIRED

[63] ALLERGY & ASTHMA SPECIALISTS P.S.C.

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book²

most popular

BABY NAMES BOYS NOAH LIAM MASON JACOB WILLIAM

DID YOU KNOW?

ETHAN JAMES ALEXANDER MICHAEL BENJAMIN

GIRLS EMMA OLIVIA SOPHIA AVA ISABELLA

MIA ABIGAIL EMILY CHARLOTTE HARPER

Owensboro Health’s Mother/Baby Unit promotes “Cuddle Time?” Visitors of new moms and babies are not preferred from 1 – 2:30 p.m. to allow parents to bond with their baby. Of course, this is all up to the mom and dad, who can decide to permit guests. How sweet is it to have designated cuddle time with your new bundle of joy?!

44 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

³baby book� packing a hospital bag

checklist Forget all those other (excessive) checklists — this is the only one you’ll need, we promise. Have your bags (one for you, one for baby) packed and in your car by 35 weeks. A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.

MUST-HAVES: [ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one) [ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor) [ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause [ ] 2 maternity bras — no underwire — and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection) [ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry) [ ] Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travelsized products are your friends)

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[ ] Eyeglasses [ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips — they’ll probably poke you) [ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty) [ ] Pen and paper [ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed) [ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones) [ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger [ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book² TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT: [ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white) [ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit) [ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)

[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one [ ] Slippers that can get dirty [ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace) [ ] Your MP3 player (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course) [ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you’ll

[ ] Hairdryer [ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky) [ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined

use ‘em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)

WHAT TO BRING FOR BABY: [ ] Approved car seat

(the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some

[ ] A coming-home outfit

women find handy and others find gross)

[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)

[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

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. January // February 2017

[ ] Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)

www.OwensboroParent.com

³baby guide�

NEWBORN

why local moms chose

cloth diapers

ou’ll change thousands of diapers by the time your child is 2 to 3 years old and ready for the potty. Fortunately, diaper quality is better than ever, which makes the task easier. Although cloth diapers are making a comeback, disposable diapers continue to be a popular choice because they’re so convenient. Two local moms, Amanda Lamar and Amanda FuquaBickett chose to use cloth diapers with their newborn sons. Here is what they had to say about the benefits:

Amanda Lamar I cloth diapered for a few different reasons: cost, chemicals, and environmental were the biggest. Cost: For our new baby, I bought a stock of diapers and inserts that are one size, meaning they fit newborns up to 35 pounds: essentially until potty training. I paid $60. While I could buy a lot more, I don’t really need to. So essentially, I can cloth diaper a child for easily less than $100, start to finish. Disposable diapers would easily cost $1,500, and that’s a conservative estimate. Chemicals: While it’s nearly impossible to rid your entire house of chemicals, I try to use natural products when I can. Cleaners, personal care, pets, etc. So even though baby companies list on their boxes verbage that hints at natural ingredients, most often they aren’t at all. Cloth diapers are as natural as you can get - the only thing touching my baby’s butt is 100% cotton, organics are available as well. There’s minimal rash, if any, because there’s no chemical reaction. Happy baby, happy mama! Environmental: I try to be a good citizen - I recycle, I donate, I garden, I repurpose... so the idea of throwing away thousands of diapers that can’t compost hurts my soul a little.... Most people don’t know, but when disposable diapers were invented, the waste was not meant to be wrapped up and thrown away with the diaper - it was meant to be dumped in the toilet, just like you would rinse a cloth diaper. So aside www.OwensboroParent.com

from the diaper, all that solid waste in a landfill....yuck! And for breastfeeding moms, another miracle of breastmilk is the fact that it’s water-soluble - hence why it’s much easier for a newborn to digest. So if your baby is exclusively breastfed, there’s no need to rinse the diapers by hand - just set the washing machine on a rinse cycle before the normal cycle and the breastmilk waste literally dissolves. Pretty amazing! Not to mention, they’re super cute! I’ve used Happy Flute brand pocket diapers in the past. Pocket diapers literally have a pocket in the back that you stuff the absorbent layer into. Going forward, I’m using prefolds and flats (flour sack towels from Walmart are cheap and work great) with Thirsties diaper covers, and I’m making a few of my own covers as well. The prefold or flat is absorbent, and the cover is waterproof to stop leaks.

Amanda Fuqua-Bickett I started researching cloth diapers with our second baby. We used disposable diapers with our oldest and we spent so much money! I decided to see how much money we could save by switching. Our son is six months old and we have purchased about 30 dollars worth of disposable diapers. Most of the time we use the cloth unless he goes to the babysitter. I researched the different kinds of cloth and decided to go with the G diapers flip system because the care is super simple and you can customize the absorption depending on what type of inserts/how many. I found a lot of ten diaper covers and a dozen inserts on eBay for around ninety dollars used, which saved us about two hundred dollars versus brand new. What I love too is that no matter what the financial situation, there’s probably a cloth diaper for your budget. OP

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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{ paid advertorial }

³baby book� dental care for your baby

When should my child first see a dentist?

When should bottle-feeding be stopped?

“First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12 months of age.

Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have? The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay). The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle? At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meal.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking? Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth? The sooner the better! As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, ageappropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

Any advice on teething? From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, a chilled ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth.

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book² We have all seen gender reveal announcements and parties documented on Facebook or Instagram. These new moms and dads are coming up with the most creative ways to announce the gender of their baby. Here are some ideas that we haven’t seen:

Fun with gender-reveal fizzies These adorable bath bombs reveal either pink or blue fizz when dropped in water. Set up a mini “pond” (small tub or bowl) with a sign overhead saying “waddle it be?” and have some fun dropping these little ducklings into the pond and announcing your baby’s gender in a fun and creative way. Bath fizzies can be found on Etsy for about $25.

Pinata-play A piñata is a fun and interactive way to reveal your baby’s gender to your guests – not to mention it will make for a great baby-shower video as well as fun and memorable photos to follow.

Bubblegum Baby! If you’re looking to make your announcement via social media, forego the usual still-shot and make a mini video instead. Boomerang for Instagram is a great option, as it allows you to film a few seconds of action which will loop on repeat as a clip in your feed. Find either blue or pink bubblegum – this will depend on the gender

4 clever ideas to reveal your

baby's gender

of your baby – and have someone help with filming. Together with your significant other, time it so that you are both blowing a bubble with the coloured gum as the clip is being filmed. This is a fun and easy way to share the news with people, without much fuss and with minimal effort.

Puzzling Announcement Although this would take a little bit of work, the outcome would be forever memorable! Use your DIY skills to create a puzzle. Paint each piece blue or pink and the gender of your baby can only be read once the puzzle is completely together. This could be done on a small scale or large scale depending on your party size and your DIY skills!

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www.OwensboroParent.com

³baby book�

g MOMS club

of owensboro

Looking for a way to meet other moms, have a good

If you have twins or multiples, check out the

time and find things to do with your kids? Try MOMS Club

Owensboro Mothers of Multiples (OMOMs), a member

of Owensboro, a chapter of the International MOMS Club.

affiliate of the national Multiples of America organization.

Owensboro moms have banded together, creating a group of

They serve Daviess County Kentucky and surrounding areas

women that enjoy being able to socialize while watching their kids play. MOMS Club meets at parks, or any other fun place that a member might suggest. These moms even have Mom’s Night Outs – let’s face it moms, who doesn’t like the sound of

by providing support to the growing population of multiples in these communities. Their goal is to meet the many needs of mothers and their multiples with education, support and encouragement. They plan many activities including guest speakers, play dates, family outings, mom’s nights out,

that?! If this sounds like something of interest to you, check

rummage sales and more!

out the group’s Facebook page for more details: MOMS Club

of Owensboro.

(Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and other groups for moms.

www.OwensboroParent.com

Also be sure to check with local churches for MOPS

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book² sleeping by the book

{ article from healthychildren.org }

“Sleeping like a baby”

can mean different things to different people—usually depending on whether they’ve ever had or taken care of one before. For just about all newborns it fairly predictably means having the ability to sleep at any time and in any place, while at the same time being completely unwilling to entertain any “suggestions” as to how, when, or where to put such talent into practice. You may come across those who have ventured down the path of parenthood before you who simply shake their heads sympathetically and wish you luck in getting your newborn to wake up when you want/ need him to, and even better luck getting him to go to sleep when you want. Because we’re committed to helping you set appropriate expectations for yourself and your baby, we’re going to approach the whole subject of sleep by first helping you get into the right frame of mind. We decided to start out by providing you with some basic sleep-related milestones. • Daily sleep. The average newborn spends at least 16 hours a day sleeping, but there can be big differences from one newborn to the next. The total amount of sleep babies need in any given 24-hour day gradually decreases over time, but still totals just over 14 hours at 6 months of age and just under 14 hours at 1 year. • Naps. Sure, many newborns nap in 1- to 2-hour spurts, but before you go planning your schedule around any preconceived idea of nap time, let us add that the length of most newborns’ naps are also very variable and tend to be scattered throughout the day (and night) in a completely 52 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

random and therefore unpredictable manner. The 3-nap-a-day schedule with which you may be familiar should be considered a sleep pattern you should aspire to down the road, because most newborns don’t settle into this type of nap routine for at least a month or two. Even then, it can take a few additional weeks or months before you can count on a morning, early afternoon, and early evening nap.

• Night versus day. During the first few days and weeks

of parenthood, you are likely to find that there’s not going to be a whole lot that distinguishes your days from your nights. More often than not, they just seem to blend together into one big sleep-deprived blur. That’s because it will be almost completely up to your newborn when he chooses to be awake and when he chooses to sleep. Most newborns spend equal amounts of time sleeping during the day and night—a tendency that can be quite challenging for those of us accustomed to more of an awake-by-day, asleep-by-night approach. By the end of their first month, most newborns do manage to figure out how to consolidate their sleep into longer stretches and start to get at least one extended stretch of sleep each 24-hour day. So with any luck, you’ll be blessed with a baby who decides to choose nighttime as the right time to do so. And for the real light at the end of the tunnel: By 3 months of age, many babies get approximately two-thirds of their total daily sleep during the night.

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³baby book�

smoking during pregnancy puts babies at risk

ne of the most important things that a mother can do for her child is to remain smoke-free throughout pregnancy.

The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in Kentucky

you become pregnant. For those who are still smoking while pregnant, here are some things to consider. It’s never too late to quit smoking during your pregnancy. Pregnant smokers

is more than twice the national rate, with approximately 24% of

who stop smoking at any time up to the 30th week of gestation

women with live births in Kentucky reporting smoking during

have infants with higher birth weight than women who smoke

pregnancy. When the mother smokes, the harmful chemicals

throughout pregnancy. After just one day of not smoking,

are carried through the bloodstream and go directly to the

your baby will get more oxygen. Withdrawal symptoms are

baby. This will increase the chance of lung problems, the risk of birth defects, SIDS, preterm delivery, low birthweight, and

often signs that your body is healing, and they are normal,

stillbirth.

temporary, and will lessen in a couple of weeks. If you need

The baby is not the only one who will benefit from

assistance quitting smoking while pregnant you can call the

stopping smoking. As any mother will tell you, pregnancy

Kentucky Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800 QUIT NOW or visit

can be exhausting at times under the best of circumstances; by stopping smoking you will have more energy and will breathe easier. You will also save money that you can spend on your

QuitNowKentucky.org. The tobacco quit line has trained counselors that can help you find the right tools and techniques

new baby.

to stop smoking for you and your child. Also talk to your

healthcare provider for support.

The best thing to do would be to quit smoking before

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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www.OwensboroParent.com

³baby book�

{ paid advertorial }

photographing baby’s

first year

{ by: kate higdon } master photographer captured moments photography

ou wait 9 LONG months, (let’s face it, it’s really more like

The next session, typically around 4 months, is when your

10 months) it seems like FOREVER and then finally…

baby is laying on their stomach and able to hold their head up

Your baby is HERE! You are in utter joy and delight. You

well. Tummy time is a huge developmental stage for your baby.

soak in every little detail of them… their little fingers and toes,

They are beginning to notice things and be curious about the

the curve of their nose, that sweet little cowlick, those long

world around them. Giggles and grins are abundant and so is

eyelashes. You relish every little sigh and grin and you can’t

the constant drool; and we want to capture it all.

stop touching that soft, sweet skin. You want to just stay in

The third session is approximately 8 months of age. This

those moments forever.

is always a favorite session as babies are very sociable at this

But the truth is, your baby will change faster in his or her first

developmental age. They can also sit up really well and often

year than any other time in their life. So what can you do? Try

crawl. Eight month sessions are also a great time to have

to capture and preserve as much as you can. We, at Captured

pictures taken with older siblings, because once your baby

Moments Photography, are so honored our clients trust us with

starts taking those first steps… they won’t want to sit still ever

photographing their baby’s first year. We understand, as our

again.

clients do, that unlike most things in this world, these creations

The first year is the peak! One of our most popular sessions

will actually GAIN value over time.

and typically one of our messiest as we do lots of “cake smash”

With all that being said, a question we get asked a lot is

shots. One year sessions are an iconic photography age. Most

“When should I have my baby photographed?” We have always

babies at this point are standing and some are even walking.

believed that age is not the most important factor. Stages of

Capturing that stage is so important to all of us as parents as it

development are really what we want to capture and those

marks the beginning of our child’s independence. It’s always

development changes happen approximately during newborn,

a bittersweet session as the reality sets in to just how fast that

4 months, 8 months and 1 year.

first year flew.

Of course, your baby will never again be as small as they are

Whether you go to a professional photography studio

right after being born. Newborn sessions are best taken within

like Captured Moments Photography, or you are just taking

the baby’s first week. Capturing the impact of their tiny size

pictures yourself… make sure you capture each one of these

is an important factor and that’s why we highly suggest having

stages. As a mom of teenagers, I can tell you that one day you

mom and/or dad in the picture. Your baby will never fit in

will look back on those images and lose yourself in the crease

your arms the way they do when they’re born and we want to

of their wrists, curl of that first lock of hair, roundness of their

capture that moment so you can hold onto it forever.

cheeks, and sweet sparkle in their eyes.

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book² toilet training

101

{ by: dr. shanna mcginnis }

oilet training is one of the most common developmental

idea of child-led toilet training. The widespread adoption of this idea

topics discussed in a pediatric office and possibly the most

further pushed back the average toilet training age to 2 1/2 for girls

anxiety-provoking part of early childhood for parents.

and 3 for boys from 12 months in the 1920s.

Friends and family have endless advice that may or may not be

helpful. Parents often find themselves confused and defeated before

decide how you define “toilet trained.” For most in our culture, it

even getting started.

means 1) knowing you need to go, 2) lowering your pants, and 3) going

If you are reading this article to find a tried and true method for

in the toilet. Some kids know when they need to go, but still require

potty training, I’m afraid you will be disappointed. Unfortunately,

some assistance with their clothes. Are these kids toilet trained? It

there is not a “one size fits all” system. My goal is to give you some

depends who you ask - mom may say yes, but daycare may say no.

perspective, encouragement, and maybe a few tips to guide you and

In general, most children need to be at least 18 months old to have

your little one in this exciting adventure.

the developmental skills to achieve even a loose definition of “toilet

trained.” I recommend assessing your child’s readiness around 18

Before we get to the nitty gritty, understanding the cultural and

So, how does this information apply to you? First, you have to

historical perspective of toilet training can be helpful in how you

months old and decide what to do from there.

decide to approach things with your child. In many non-Western

cultures where mothers are in almost constant contact with their

in daycare and if so, how much are they able to stick with your plan?

babies and diapers are not used, babies are held over their “target”

Are you a single parent? Are you about to have a major life change

(not always a toilet) and allowed to eliminate waste. Because of the

such as a move, new baby, or job change? Could your family use some

close contact, mothers learn to sense when the baby has to go and

extra cash? Do you have carpet? All of these factors have an influence

babies learn to “hold it.”

on when and how you decide to toilet train.

We can contrast that with our model in the U.S. The way that we

The next thing to consider is your specific situation. Is your child

Realize that toilet training is different for every family and for every

tend to approach toilet training today is influenced by a few historical

child. Do what suits your family’s needs. Remember to be positive

factors. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, automatic washing machines

and praise your child for any progress they make. Be consistent, yet

became commonplace in American households and the disposable

patient and realistic. Though challenging, continue the routine, even

diaper was invented. This made the practice of diapering much

away from home. Accidents are going to happen and that is OK. It is

more convenient and may have decreased motivation to initiate potty

part of the process. Do not compare your child to someone else’s or

training as early. Over the years, more and more women have entered

even a sibling. This is not a contest.

the workforce, leaving more children in daycare or with sitters. In the

late 1990s, an influential developmental pediatrician, who happened

the non-Western version I described above. We started with the 3-day

to be employed by a major diaper company, established the modern

method where we took him out of his diaper for 3 days in a row. He

56 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

My son was “toilet trained” at 21 months, but it looked a lot like

www.OwensboroParent.com

gained more awareness about his elimination habits, but he did not actually tell us he had to go. At one point, we got him a watch that alarmed every hour so he could go to the potty. I joke now that he is like Pavlov’s dog and has to pee every time someone’s watch beeps. We tried the 3-day method with our twin girls at the same age…FAIL! The only time they were aware that they had gone was when they slipped and fell in it. We stopped and re-started several more times. Just before their 3rd birthday, they finally got it.

I will leave you with this quote that I think sums things up nicely.

“As long as it is a positive experience for the infant or toddler,

as long as it is not done to win a competition, as long as it is done with humor and flexibility, as long as the child’s needs and abilities are respected, as long as it doesn’t somehow have a negative impact on your relationship with your little poop machine, it’s going to turn out OK, almost no matter how you play it.” - Dr. Steven Parker, developmental pediatrician and blogger.

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

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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³baby book�

{ paid advertorial }

music matters

{ by: cathy mullins } Kindermusik educator at the Owensboro Symphony Academy

ll over the world, parents bond with their babies through musical sounds and rhythmic movement. They rock and swing their children, put them to sleep with lullabies, make them laugh with nursery rhymes. Parents know instinctively what scientists have now proven: young children thrive on music. Kindermusik at the Owensboro Symphony Academy offers a full program for families with young children with classes meeting throughout the week, Saturday Sessions, and one day Playdates throughout the year. Kindermusik Birthday Parties are also available for families to share their child’s special day in a fun, unique, and engaging way for all of their family and friends. Psychologists, neuroscientists, and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more for children than bring them joy; it helps their brain cells make the connections needed for virtually every kind of intelligence. When young children are consistently engaged by music in an ageappropriate, socially accepting environment, they benefit at many levels: • They gain the phonological processing, spoken language, and comprehension skills that are the foundation of reading. • They build the spatial-temporal and reasoning skills required for math, science, and engineering. • They develop social and emotional skills that are essential for school readiness—like the ability to regulate their responses and relate to others in complex ways. • By moving and dancing to music and playing simple instruments, children improve their gross and fine motor skills. Activities that encourage freedom within a fun and friendly structure spark their creativity. • And of course, they develop a lifelong love of music.

“Village” is a bonding & learning experience for parent and baby. Age range: newborn to 18 months Class length: 45 minutes Who knew that gazing into your baby’s eyes could be the most exciting part of your day? We understand how precious this time is with your little one. In Village class, we take those special bonding moments between you and your baby and add in a unique blend of musical learning activities that stimulate and engage all of the senses. Kindermusik encourages your baby’s learning through vocal play, object exploration, instruments, and creative movement.

“Our Time” helps your toddler blossom and grow right before your eyes! Age range: 18 months to 3 years Class length: 45 minutes For your toddler, every day brings new discoveries and opportunities www.OwensboroParent.com

to explore the world around him. Despite their growing independence, toddlers still long for the safety and security of parental closeness. During this time, children relish the comfort of familiar things while seeking new challenges. Our Time encourages children to be creative, and to initiate their own ideas and responding in their own ways, while a parent’s active participation gives the security children need. As you play instruments, sing, move, and explore, you’ll uncover an engaging musical world while building your child’s confidence, selfcontrol, and communications skills.

“Imagine That!” helps your child embrace and develop the creative spirit. Age range: 3 to 5 years Class length: 45 minutes A blanket becomes a superhero’s cape. A cardboard box doubles as a princess castle. Pots and pans become a drum set. And singing all the time. Sound like someone you know? Every day brings a new discovery as your preschooler slowly opens the doors of individuality and independence. Imagine That! taps into your preschooler’s creative spirit and boundless energy and focuses on developing his learning strengths and self-confidence so he’ll be ready for school, prepared for future music lessons…or able to leap tall buildings.

“Family Time” brings together parents and children of all ages. Age range: Newborn and up Class length: 45 minutes When you bring children of all ages together you get a dynamic and integrated learning experience for everyone. A combination of our favorite Kindermusik songs and activities are rolled into a fun, energetic family class where every child is welcome and a family’s “together time” is celebrated and cherished. For more information about Kindermusik: Cathy Mullins, 270-316-9203 www.kindermusik.com Facebook: Kindermusik at the Owensboro Symphony Academy For more information about Private Lessons or the Owensboro Youth Orchestra: Jeremy Stevens 270-684-0661 www.theoso.com OP

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book² practical pacifier principles Article from healthychildren.org

acifiers have proven themselves to be yet one more

your baby developing a lifelong dependency on

source of parenting controversy. Breastfeeding

them. Just be very careful not to offer your newborn

purists say stick to your guns and keep them out of

a pacifier at times when he really should be fed

your newborn’s mouth—even when your baby is not

instead because pacifiers can inappropriately pacify

yet able to use his own fingers as an alternative. (We

hungry babies as well as those who are looking for

would note that if and when your baby is able to find

comfort.

his own fingers, it’s OK to let him continue using them

• Picking out the perfect pacifier. These days, picking

as natural pacifiers.) Others forewarn that pacifiers

the perfect pacifier may seem like a considerable

are simply a bad habit waiting to happen. Well fear

task, given all of the various brands and styles on

not, as long as you understand a few practical pacifier

the market. To the best of our knowledge, there’s no

principles and pitfalls. In fact, pacifiers have, in recent

correlation between price or marketing strategy and

years, earned the status of a valuable ally in the fight

effectiveness, so we simply recommend trying one

against sudden infant death syndrome. Whether you

out and seeing if your baby likes it.

choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, or a combination of

• If at first you don’t succeed. When you first offer

both, here are some tips for if and when you decide to

your baby a pacifier, don’t be surprised if he seems

give your baby a pacifier.

uninterested, gets downright angry, or spits it out

• Soothing through sucking. Pacifiers can be invaluable

even when you know he’s not hungry and just wants

in soothing babies as well as satisfying those who

comfort. For breastfed babies, sucking on a pacifier

want to suck all the time. You need not worry about

inherently requires a different technique, and one

60 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

³baby book�

that may take a few tries. For breastfed and bottlefed

a word of caution for anyone with longer fingernails

babies alike, a nipple that does not provide milk may

than ours—you may want to rethink how much you

not be quickly welcomed. As you offer your baby a

value your long nails, or at least the one on your little

pacifier, try lightly stroking just to the side of his

finger. You may find that it’s a small sacrifice to make

mouth and then gently holding the pacifier in his mouth for a moment as he starts sucking to keep it from popping right back out. • A practical pacifier substitute. The cheap, easy, and ever-present pacifier substitute: your pinky finger. If you find yourself in the position of wanting to soothe your baby by giving him something to suck

to clip it shorter for the sake of having a contented baby. Some babies will learn to find their own fingers to suck on earlier than others, so do your best to make sure those fingers are clean (and have clipped nails too!) • Passing on pacifiers. If your baby just isn’t that

on other than your breast, you can always use your

much of a “sucker,” he may not need to be soothed

(clean) little finger. Simply turn your hand palm-

by sucking on a pacifier at all. Just be thankful that

side up and let your baby suck on your pinky finger,

there’s one less thing to keep track of during the day,

allowing it to rest gently in the roof of his mouth. As

and just consider offering one as he is falling asleep.

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

×baby book²

{ paid advertorial }

make your child’s room an

allergy-free zone this winter

A L L E R G Y & A S T H M A S P E C I A L I S T S , P. S . C .

inter weather means more time inside and for

Sweep Away Symptoms: If there is carpet or an area rug

children with indoor allergies, it’s important that

in your child’s room, use a cyclonic vacuum or a vacuum with a

the many hours spent in the bedroom sleeping,

HEPA filter regularly. Next, keep kids with allergies and asthma

playing and doing homework are allergen-free

Indoor allergies can cause symptoms including stuffy or

runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, asthma and skin rashes.

“Studies have shown that avoidance measures can be just

out of freshly vacuumed areas for two hours – the amount of time it takes for dust stirred up by vacuuming to settle back down. Deter Dust Mites: Sheets, mattresses and pillows are a welcome breeding ground for dust mites, which can cause

as effective as drug therapy for controlling these symptoms,”

year round watery eyes and runny noses. Wash all bedding in

said Dr. Lee Clore of Allergy & Asthma Specialists, an allergist.

hot water or bleach as directed every ten days. Also consider

Dr. Clore, a specialist in diagnosing and treating allergies and

protecting pillows and mattresses with removable allergy-

asthma, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) offers the following tips to create an

resistant coverings. Forbid Fumes – Anywhere in the House: Cigarette smoke, scented candles and room deodorizers used in any room

allergy-free zone and prevent sneezing and wheezing all winter

of the house can cause asthma symptoms. Limiting their use just

long:

to the basement or an attached garage won’t cut it. What happens

Banish Clutter, Even Toys: Piles of toys, stacks of books,

in the basement can effect air quality in Junior’s bedroom.

anything that can collect dust should be kept to a minimum.

Lower the Humidity: Keep tabs on the indoor humidity

Consider storing books and toys in plastic containers with a lid and enlist kids to put items back after use.

in your home and keep it below 50%. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Keep the moisture out: Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and

Keep Fluffy & Fido Out: Pet dander is a known asthma

basements regularly and keep them well aired. Repair all water

trigger, so declare Junior’s room a pet-free zone. Also consider

leaks.

bathing pets once a week to reduce dander.

Prep the furnace: Change filters before winter and every

Limit Snacks to the Kitchen: Crumbs can invite cockroaches to visit, even in the bedroom. And cockroach droppings can cause severe allergy and asthma symptoms. Since

three months, and use filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 12. A MERV rating tells you how well the filter removes dust from the air as it passes through the filter. Leave the fan “on” to create whole house filtration.

they require food and moisture to survive, having a no food

For more information about allergies and asthma, visit

policy in your child’s room can keep these pests away.

www.owensboroallergy.com.

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www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

discover

the kids eat free list

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. January // February 2017

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.

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.

www.OwensboroParent.com

January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

january // february 2017 Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price. Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com. TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

FREE FAMILY MOVIE Matinee at DCPL 2 -4 p.m.

clothing, major bike builders, hydrographic

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica

designs, motorcycle parts, leathers, helmets

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

St.; dcplibrary.org

and much more! The purchase of a Saturday show ticket will earn you a free concert

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 PRESERVATION STATION See Saturday,

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

January 7 for details.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See Tuesday,

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

January 3 for details.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT See Wednesday, January 4 for details.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

ticket for the evening, Roadhouse Atlanta will be playing live from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. For more information and to stay up to date, visit rivercitypowersportsshow.com or facebook. com/rivercitypowersportsshow.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 RIVER CITY POWERSPORTS MOTORCYCLE SHOW See Saturday, January 14 for details.

MONDAY, JANUARY 16 – SCHOOLS OUT IN OBSERVATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

MISSOULA’S PETER & WENDY AUDITIONS Your child can star in this show! Auditions will be

PRESERVATION STATION Preservation Station

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Market Days are held the first full weekend of

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE See Saturday,

every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday

January 7 for details.

noon to 5 p.m. with over 100 vendors of

held for students K-12 at 4 p.m. The show will perform on Saturday, January 21.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See

antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique

RIVER CITY POWERSPORT MOTORCYCLE

items, live music, and food. Preservation

SHOW River City PowerSports Show is the

Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy

largest indoor motorcycle and powersports

56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

show in the state of Kentucky. Doors open at

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532,

10 a.m. on January 14, 2017 runs thru January

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE

go to www.visitpreservationstation.com, or

15, 2017. The show will feature 44,000

NIGHT See Wednesday, January

find us on Facebook.

square feet of exhibitions with 50 vendors

4 for details.

Tuesday, January 3 for details.

from the Midwest, vendor table, custom cut

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. January // February 2017

www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

Office (270) 687-2770 or online www.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

riverparkcenter.org.

6TH ANNUAL I.S.I. FIGURE SKATING

details.

COMPETITION See Friday, January 27 for

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See Tuesday,

MISSOULA’S PETER AND WENDY Your child

January 3 for details.

K-12 will be held Monday, January 16, 2017

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

at 4 p.m. When Captain Hook sends his

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT See

right-hand man, Smee, on a quest to capture

Wednesday, January 4 for details.

Peter Pan, it’s seemingly business as usual adventure awaits him and his pirates in their

YOUR PERFECT DAY WEDDING SHOW 2017 The Your Perfect Day Wedding Show is a one-

can star in this show! Auditions for students

at first. Little does he know what a fantastic

details.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

stop shop for everything brides-to-be need to plan their special day. Meet wedding planners, florists, and photographers, find the perfect wedding dress and tux, sample food and wedding cakes, and more; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; For additional Information see http://www.

FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

owensborocenter.com/event/your-perfect-

details.

day-wedding-show-2017

Children 3 -12 $5; Call RiverPark Center

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

Box Office (270) 687-2770 or online www.

6TH ANNUAL I.S.I. FIGURE SKATING

U-BOUNCE TODDLER Tuesday See Tuesday,

riverparkcenter.org.

COMPETITION Come see competitive ice

January 3 for details.

search for the elusive Peter Pan. A fantastic Missoula Children’s Theatre presentation for the entire family! 2 p.m.; Adults $10;

skating; The Edge Ice Center, 1400 Hickman FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE See Saturday,

Ave.

January 7 for details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE! Get ready for

CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY Cirque

the ultimate playdate, 65 million years in the

Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an exotic encounter

making, at Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live guides

inspired by nature’s unpredictable creatures

your family on a breathtaking tour that begins

brought to life by an international cast of aerialists, spinebending

in pre-historic Austrialia. You will enjoy the

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT See Wednesday, January 4 for details.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

details.

fun, unique, entertaining; 11 a.m.; Tickets $15-$25 per person; Call RiverPark Center

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Box Office (270) 687-2770 or online www.

PRESERVATION STATION Preservation Station

riverparkcenter.org.

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

DINGER BATS FEST 2017 Dinger Bats has

noon to 5 p.m. with over 100 vendors of

reached out to its’ friends and Team Dinger

antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique

members to host a night of Question and

items, live music, and food. Preservation

Answer to raise money for local charities

Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy

and players’ charities. General Admission

56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

tickets allow you to enjoy a night where

and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532,

big league players like Kyle Schwarber from

go to www.visitpreservationstation.com, or

Chicago and several young minor league

find us on Facebook.

players will answer questions from the crowd. VIP social event will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE See Saturday,

with the General Admission Question and

January 7 for details.

Answer session starting at 8 p.m. and lasting till 11 p.m.; $156.50 VIP TICKETS – $38.25 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS; Owensboro Convention Center. contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and

FREE FAMILY MOVIE Matinee See Saturday,

January 7 for details.

enhanced with spectacular costumes which are out-of-this world! This an outstanding family friendly performance you won’t want to miss! Call RiverPark Center Box www.OwensboroParent.com

PRESERVATION STATION See Saturday, February 4 for details.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See Tuesday,

musicians. The astounding feats performed in this action-packed Cirque Dream are

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

6TH ANNUAL I.S.I. FIGURE SKATING

January 3 for details.

COMPETITION See Friday, January 27 for details.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHt See Wednesday, January 4 for details. January // February 2017 . OWENSBORO PARENT

calendar

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

details.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 OWENSBORO GARAGE SALE & MARKETPLACE The Owensboro Garage Sale & Marketplace is your chance to find treasures old & new! Shop over 200 vendor booths where treasure hunters can find antiques, collectibles, jewelry, new and used clothing, arts and crafts, furniture, electronics and more; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Owensboro Convention Center; Admission $2.

learning experience at Discover the Dinosaurs

the impossible. Experience an evening of

Unleashed; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Owensboro

grand illusion with the most amazing magic,

Convention Center.

Bengal tigers close up, dangerous escapes, and inspiring story-telling. Seeing Owenhouse live

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE See Saturday,

is amazing, you will leave the show breathless!

January 7 for details.

Tickets are $25 - $45 and are available online or by calling the RiverPark Center box office

RUSSIAN ROMANCE BY THE OWENSBORO

(270) 687-2770.

SYMPHONY In this Valentine Week concert, conductor finalist Bruce Kiesling , Pianist

DISCOVER DINOSAURS UNLEASHED See

Andrew Tyson and the Symphony offer some

Saturday, February 18 for details.

of the most exciting Russian orchestral masterpieces performed by the world’s finest

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

orchestras and guest artists. The great Russian DISCOVER DINOSAURS UNLEASHED See music of the 19th and 20th centuries is Saturday, February 18 for details. unsurpassed in its unbridled passion, melodic splendor, and kaleidoscopic color. The

FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE See Saturday,

program includes Rachmaninoff’s glittering

January 7 for details.

piano favorite Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See Tuesday, January 3 for details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Tickets

OWENSBORO GARAGE SALE & MARKETPLACE

Available at http://www.theoso.com/ and

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

See Saturday, February 11 for details.

http://www.riverparkcenter.com or calling

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT See

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra (270)

Wednesday, January 4 for details.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 – VALENTINE’S DAY

684-0661. The 2016- 2017 Conductor Search Season for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra runs from October 2016 through

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY See Tuesday,

April of 2017, visit http://www.oso.com to

January 3 for details.

see how the community may participate in the selection of the new Music Director and

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Conductor.

details.

Marvelous Wonderettes, is a musical comedy that pays homage to the high school girl song leader squads of the 1950’s. The story High School when the four young ladies are

Wednesday, January 4 for details.

FREE STORYTIME See Thursday, January 5 for

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES The

begins on prom night in 1958 at Springfield

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT See

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

called upon as a last minute replacement for

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

the evening’s entertainment. Great show with

JAY OWENHOUSE ILLUSIONIST Jay

incredible talent! Tickets are $15 - $25 and

Owenhouse Illusionist is a legendary escape

are available online or by calling the RiverPark

artist and one of the most awarded illusionist

Center box office (270) 687-2770.

in history, he appears at the RiverPark Center

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 DISCOVER DINOSAURS UNLEASHED The walk-through exhibit showcases lifelike animatronic dinosaurs set in

for one night only in “Dare to Believe”, an

FREE STORYTIME SEE THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 illusion spectacular. Jay welcomes you into his FOR DETAILS. mysterious world

of wonders and

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

realistic environments with

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES See

scenes organized chronically

Thursday, February 23 for details.

throughout the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Additional

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 DRUMLINE Drumline Live, the show stopping

attractions include Dino

attraction created by the musical team of

Bone Yard complete

20th Century Fox’s hit movies, “Drumline”

with a T-Rex skeleton,

and “Drumline:A New Beat” has already

a Dino Den for the

performed on the biggest theatre stages.

littlest dino fans to

The Legendary Historically Black College

play, and dino themed

and University band experiences comes

rides and inflatables

alive with a cast of professional percussionist,

for kids of all ages. At home activities are also available to enhance your 68 OWENSBORO PARENT

. January // February 2017

musicians and dancers. Tickets are $35 - $45 and available online or by calling the RiverPark Center box office (270) 687-2770. www.OwensboroParent.com

www.OwensboroParent.com

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