September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. September // October 2019
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Contents
30 She is Able Meet Ann Switzer, cheerleader, pep club member, and the first student in Owensboro Catholic High School's history with Down syndrome.
34 Raising Curtis Learn about how one local mom advocated for her son with a rare speech disorder, helping him find his voice.
2019
IN EV ERY ISSUE
8 From the Editor 9 Around OBKY 12 Student Spotlight 14 Grandparent Profile
KEEPING IT REA L
16 Hashtag Mom Fail Never Fear, Fall is Here!
18 Back to School Before OneCalls and Jump Starts Real life with Lora Wimsatt 20 Insight from an Ordinary Dad In this issue Danny takes a new spin on the idea of giving kids an allowance.
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22 Parental Control Christina Dalton anwers your most difficult parenting questions.
Family Favorites The results are in! Find out which local businesses are your Family Favorite winners.
23 No-Carve Caramel Apple Pumpkin Combine two of fall's favorites for this adorable craft!
MA KING IT
September // October 2019
24 Witch's Brew Brownies Use up that leftover Halloween candy. 26 Pumpkin Pasties Magical hand pies that taste like fall wrapped in a crust. 28 Cute & Spooky School Lunch Idea Win some cool parent points by being creative with your kids' lunchbox.
FA LL FUN
51 Halloween Party This cute-not-creepy Halloween party will have your kids screaming—in a good way!
62 5 Autumn Activities that Save You Money Ideas that create family fun, but don't break the bank.
OUT & A BO U T
68 Calendar 12 local things to do this fall
74 Kids Meal Deals When and where to take your kids to eat for the Christina Dalton anwers your most difficult parenting questions. best deals
FROM T HE REA D ERS
58 The Reading Nook Fall into fall with these seasonal books, all available at DCPL.
76 Back to School Photos submitted to our Facebook page
60 Nature Scavenger Hunt Get outdoors before the colder weather settles in!
81 Say What? We asked: What's the hardest thing about being a kid?
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WHAT’S THE BEST AND WORST HALLOWEEN CANDY?
EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
“
Ashley Sorce
Best Halloween candy: anything chocolate, but the good stuff, not the cheap stuff.
Katie Albers Christina Dalton Jamie Johnson Danny May Melody Ann Wallace Erinn Williams Lora Wimsatt
”
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Gleason Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com
Milky Way is the best — the nougat topped with caramel combined with milk chocolate is like a party in your mouth. The worst, Twizzlers because of the waxy fake cherry taste it has.
”
Jamie Alexander COVER KID
Peyton Dukate, age 5 Daughter of Courtney and Tyler Dukate
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Dave Mackey
To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.
ONLINE
owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent
“
My favorite is definitely Twizzlers — they’re the perfect plastic straw alternative. Banana Laffy Taffy is LITERALLY the worst. Yuck.
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
Brock Quinton Robert Williams Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise. For more information about advertising call 888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.
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Andrea Roberson
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Worst Halloween candy: that chewy taffy in the black or orange wrappers. What is that stuff?
“
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
. September // October 2019
TANNER PUBLISHING CO. PUBLISHER
”
Taylor West FOUNDER
Jason Tanner PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416
“
I love anything with the Reese's brand and I don't like anything with coconut in it.
”
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y's e l h s A f o e m o S favorite things:
from the editor
It’s not fall for me until I have a caramel apple sundae. It’s just a cut up apple with caramel sauce, but it’s my favorite. While store-bought caramel is delish, it doesn’t compare to the real deal at Reid’s Apple Fest. The perfectly cut apple and the warm caramel drizzle is my main reason for hitting up the Apple Fest each year.
It’s fall, y’all, which means the return of some of my favorite things:
This single mom knows nothing about sports, but we are starting to dip our toes into the local leagues. Reed is in his second year at Lil’ Sluggers at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and Avery will be in her second year with Daviess County Youth Soccer Association. Reed will adding soccer to his lineup this fall too. We are not avid athletes yet, but I can tell that participating in a team sport is helping mold the characters of both my kiddos.
• • • • • • •
• • • •
Mums Caramel apple sundaes Cooler weather (I don’t like to sweat) Jeans (I don’t like to shave my legs) The colors of fall in Kentucky Reid’s Apple Festival Jumping in a pile of leaves after the epic workout of raking them into a pile that seems like it should be a lot taller than it really is Campouts in the back yard with a fire and s’mores Family hikes that lead to newly explored trails Harvest time and watching my city kids on the combine Soaking every last drop of the great outdoors before the holidays settle in
While I enjoy every season with my kids, fall is probably my favorite. To me, it just has the most memorymaking opportunities.
I’m not a big fan of carving pumpkins. It’s messy and involves knives - two things that don’t mix with my kids. Each fall my kiddos and I traipse through the pumpkin patch, pick out the perfect pumpkins and bring them home to paint. Avery’s is typically some form of rainbow and Reed’s turns into a gross gray color, but they love it and it’s our little tradition. For an awesome pumpkin painting idea, check out page 23.
And speaking of favorites, this issue is full of them. From pediatricians to preschools, from sweet treats to boutiques—we asked you to tell us your favorite local spots and you answered! We had a lot of repeats from last year’s inaugural Family Favorites contest, but we had some new winners too. Owensboro certainly has a lot to offer, especially for families and kids. Be sure to check out the full list starting on page 40! We added some of our own Owensboro Parent favorites too! I really get into packing my kids lunches. I am all about making them quick and easy because I’m always running behind in the mornings. I buy in bulk and pre-package what I can — snacks like Goldfish, pretzels, raisins are all in small baggies and ready to go. I have collected an assortment of cookie cutters to make sandwiches into fun shapes. And I have blank index cards stocked so I can doodle a quick joke — I figure it helps with my cool mom points at the lunch table. For another fun idea, don't miss Jamie's spooky Halloween lunchbox on page 28.
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I hope your family enjoys the quickly-approaching autumn. Whether you flip for fall like me or dread the onset of cooler months, one thing is for sure—this season calls for a slowdown, taking in the beauty of God’s creation and making memorable moments with your family.
The Jesus Storybook Bible is a family fave! For a mom that is relatively new to her faith, biblical knowledge isn’t something that I grew up with. My kids have a lot of questions about Jesus and this book has been so helpful. I’m not going to lie, I learn right along with them sometimes.
AROUND OBKY
LOCAL COUPLE CREATES TWO-SIDED PACIFIER
With countless baby products on the market, Nikki Hall thought she could find a two-sided pacifier for her niece. While babysitting, Hall and her husband Chris started to notice how her niece would reach for her pacifier and try to put it in her mouth in an effort to self-soothe. “Due that her fine motor skills that were just developing, she always grasped the pacifier by the nipple side because it was the easiest to hold,” Hall said. “While trying to place the pacifier in her mouth, she always received the backside due to the way she was holding the pacifier. This caused her to become frustrated when she wasn’t receiving the nipple part of the pacifier.” Chris encouraged her to look online to see what products were on the market. That’s when Nikki told her husband, “I wonder why no one has made a pacifier with two nipples so that baby will always receive a nipple when learning to self-soothe.” After searching the internet every possible way to find a double-sided pacifier and realizing there was nothing on the market, the Hall’s made the decision to create a solution on their own, calling their new product BouncyBoo, a Double-Sided pacifier. BouncyBoo Double-Sided pacifiers are sold at their website and through Amazon.
OWENSBORO NATIVE RECEIVES WALT DISNEY LEGACY AWARD
In 2015, Owensboro native Hallie McCarty left the pre-nursing program at Kentucky Wesleyan College after accepting a paid internship in the Disney College Program, a five- to seven-month program that allows participants to network, take part in personal and career development classes and learn important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication. Participants live in housing complexes and enroll in classes that can earn college credit. “I love being able to help guests get the most out of their vacation,” McCarty said. “I know that sometimes Disney can be overwhelming, so it’s nice being able to explain our processes and help when I can.” McCarty’s desire to help others is what led to her being a recipient of the 2019 Walt Disney Legacy Award, a global acknowledgement at Disney parks. “[Award recipients] create magic for guests every day, inspire others by being inclusive and represent the best of Disney’s heritage,” according to the Walt Disney World website. “The Walt Disney Legacy Award recognizes Cast Members, Crew Members and Imagineers around the world who embody the values behind the award of ‘dream, create and inspire.”
TEENS GET REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
What used to be called the candy striper program at hospitals nationwide, has, since 2010, been known as the VolunTeen program at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Offered to 14- to 18-year old students, the program provides the opportunity for teens to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical areas of Owensboro Health. The program runs from the last week of May through the end of July each summer, and this year, 57 students worked almost 3,000 volunteer hours.
Photo courtesy of Owensboro Health
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AROUND OBKY
2019 Owensboro Parent Magazine
KIDS TRIATHLON RECAP Nearly 200 kids came out to the 2019 Kids Triathlon presented by Independence Bank to swim, bike, run and have FUN! Thank you to our host, The Owensboro Health Healthpark. Thank you to the City of Owensboro for the support. To the Owensboro Police Department for keeping the kids safe on the roads. To Green River Triathlon for the planning and volunteers. And to all the many volunteers - we couldn't do it without you! These young triathletes were so inspiring and we're already looking forward to next year. Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors and your commitment to the health and wellness of our community's youth! Independence Bank Owensboro Health Healthpark Hobgood Wealth Advisors - Hilliard Lyons Gateway Urgent Care UniFirst Owensboro Family Pharmacy and Wellness Kentuckiana Animal Clinic TheraTree Legends Owensboro Times Sports Allergy & Asthma Specialists, PSC Be Real Sports Cycling & Fitness Owensboro Pediatrics Profile by Sanford Tanner+West Kidstop Children's Boutique and Stride Rite Bootery Chick-fil-A Owensboro Daniel Dick-State Farm Insurance Agent Tanner Publishing Co. 10 OWENSBORO PARENT
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Photos by Jason Tanner
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Student Spotlight:
"CONNOR WHITFIELD is a junior here at OIA and also serves as a junior firefighter with the Yelvington Fire Department. He has had an interest in police, firefighters and EMTs since he was young and his inspiration to help others came from his grandparents who were both EMTs. Connor reached out to a station close to him and asked if they accept junior firefighters and they signed him onto the department. A student of many hobbies, Connor also volunteers at the Theater Workshop of Owensboro. He started helping out with the lighting and now helps build the sets for plays, designs and programs the lighting system and occasionally runs the sound board. He also owns his own DJ business called "CDubb DJ Services" and he works for parties, dances, and public events! Connor has been a great success story at OIA and we are so proud of all he has accomplished!" - Stacy Pedley, School Counselor at OIA
"SOPHIA HUNT is a new kindergartener. She is very excited to be part of school. She is very outgoing and seems to enjoy helping others. For her birthday she gave gifts of school supplies to donate to the school's family resource center. She brought in two gift bags of supplies—one for a girl and one for a boy. She was very excited to share!" - Stacy Harper, Principal at Country Heights Elementary School
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GRANDPARENT PROFILE
Jennifer Hulsey TEL L US A B O UT YO U R S E L F. My name is Jennifer Hulsey. I’m 47 years old and have lived in Owensboro my whole life. I’m married to Greg and have been for 25 years. I am a stay-at-home Nana and have been for the past 10 years. TEL L US A B O UT YO U R G RAN D CH I LD RE N. We have four grandchildren and have custody of our oldest, Liberty. We have had her since she was 5 years old and have had custody since last year. Liberty is 10 years old and a true blessing to us.
HOW D I D YO U CO M E TO R A I SE YO UR G RAN D DAUG H TE R? Her mother is my daughter and has had a long, hard road, but is now trying to get her life back on track. Liberty has always been with us and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She is in the fourth grade at Meadow Lands Elementary and an A/B honor roll student. She is a bright, beautiful, sweet and special young lady. We have a very close relationship with her as if she was our own child.
WHAT I S TH E B ES T PIEC E O F PA R E N T I N G A DV I CE YO U H AVE TO OFF E R? My advice to other grandparents would be just try and show all the love you can to all of them and pray—that’s what I do!
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WH AT IS YOU R GREATEST CH ALLENGE? Raising a grandchild is very rewarding and hard at the same time. It’s not hard because of her being here. It’s hard because our other grandchildren get jealous and don’t understand a lot — like why does she have her own room, why does she live with us. They don’t understand that she is now like our child. H OW DO YOU B AL AN CE YOUR ROLE AS G R AN DMOTHER AN D G UARDIAN? IS IT DIFFICULT TO BE T H E PARENT TO A G R ANDCHILD? Being a parent to a grandchild is really not that hard. Liberty looks at us as her mom and dad because we have raised her, but she also knows who her parents are. WH AT'S T H E HARDEST PAR T AN D WHAT'S T H E BEST PART OF R AISING YOUR G R AN DDAUGHTER? Sometimes I think, geez, I’m tired and wonder why I’m going through all of this. But then I remember God never gives you more than you can handle, so I keep going. Liberty looks at me and says, “Nana, I love you to the moon and back and you are my best friend.” That right there, that makes it all worth it. The bond we have is unbreakable and a very special one! We wouldn’t trade it for anything.
GRANDPARENTS DAY IS SEPT. 8
Keeping it Real
R E L ATA B L E S T O R I E S F R O M L O C A L PA R E N T S A N D G R A N D PA R E N T S
Top pumpkin picks CECIL FARMS Although the rainy summer prevented Cecil Farms from planting their u-pick pumpkin patch, they will still offer prepicked mixed varieties of carving and decorative pumpkins at the farm at White Chateau. Priced $2-$12, you can find any size or shape you want! Hayrides are available on Saturdays from 12-4 p.m. for $3. And of course they have vegetables! They are located at 8753 Mulligan Rd.
Photo by Jamie Alexander
TRUNNELL'S FARM MARKET Trunnell's grows 100 varieties of pumpkins, fall squash and gourds. Their Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins are of course orange and come in every shape or size you want—from 6 pounds up to 60 pounds. "Stacking pumpkins," squash and gourds make for beautiful fall decorations. Prices vary from $.50 to $20. A u-pick pumpkin patch is accessed and included with your admission to The Family Fun-Acre & Corn Maze. A tractor drawn wagon ride takes you to the u-pick pumpkin patch where you can pick out your perfect pumpkin. After picking pumpkins, you can enjoy the 30+ attractions inside the Family Fun-Acre and enjoy great food from either our Farm Grille or The Grainery. Plan to spend at least half a day to enjoy all there is to do in the Fall at Trunnell's Family Fun-Acre & Corn Maze. REID'S ORCHARD Reid's Orchard will offer a u-pick pumpkin patch with wagon rides on weekends starting Sept. 28. They will have gourds, small to large pumpkins, stacking pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, white pumpkins, spooky ( pie pumpkins) available at their market, ranging in price from $2-$15.
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KEEPING IT REAL • HASHTAG MOMFAIL
Never Fear, Fall is Here! By Jamie Johnson
A
nd another season is upon us. The kids are back in school and the temperatures are falling from the 90s. And what does that mean? It’s fall, y’all!! Here are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your family for this glorious season. Pull on your fuzzy Ugg boots from 2003 that you swore you would finally give up one day because they are old and disgusting. But you have to wear them when dragging totes of children’s fall clothes up the basement stairs to try and find something your kids can wear in this weather. Because comfort is key in this situation. By the way, nothing makes my kids run faster than me saying, “I need you to try on 74 pairs of pants and 96 shirts to see if they still fit!” After getting the kids squared away and realizing you will have to buy them all brand new wardrobes, you can work on your own closet. Cue the leggings, flannel shirts, infinity scarves, tall riding boots and long baggy sweaters. Because you can’t pick up your pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks in anything other than a combination of those clothes.
After wardrobe is squared away, you need to pull out all your fall candles and put them on the mantle. Also, don’t forget to switch out the wreath on the door to match your new fall color scheme even though it’s 85 degrees outside.
their minds on what they want to be for Halloween. As of yesterday, my 5-year-old wanted to be a sandwich. So if anyone sees a sandwich costume anywhere, please let me know. Luckily, my 2-year-old has zero say over what he wears so he will be making an
Time for planning some family fun! The Apple Fest always makes me get into the fall mood. Especially when I wear one of those baggy sweaters and sweat profusely because it’s seriously sunny and not that cold. Also, make sure you attend at least one or two high school football games because we live in Kentucky and that is mandatory.
appearance in his brother’s hand me down Cookie Monster costume. Lastly, to prepare for fall, you have to get out your crockpot. I don’t care if it sits on your counter unused for three months, it has to be out or it isn’t Fall. If you’re an overachiever, you can make some chili for your family. If you don’t cook like me, you can hope your
This is also the season of prepping for Halloween costumes. If you are like me, you wait until the last minute to buy a costume because I have a full time job and no time to go all Pinterest on something that will end up looking awful. Also, kids tend to change
husband puts something in it. So there you go, a few simple steps that all moms need to prep for fall. Enjoy the season and don’t forget to order your mums!
OP
JAMIE JOHNSON is a full-time working mom to two little boys, wife to Logan, and part-time writer. Her pieces have been featured in HuffPost Parents, Motherly, Today Parents and PopSugar Moms. You can follow her blog at HashtagMomFail.com!
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KEEPING IT REAL
BACK TO SCHOOL Before OneCalls and Jump Starts By Lora Wimsatt
T
hings have sure changed. No, I
clothes – girls in dresses, boys in slacks,
forgot all about them because you were
wasn’t quite riding a pony to a
nobody in jeans or shorts – and off you
so miserable in realizing that your best
one-room schoolhouse carrying a slate
went.
friend since kindergarten was not in
and a stick of chalk, but “back to school”
your room this year and now you don’t
definitely looked a lot different when I
more likely, you just walked all the way to
was a kid.
school. The idea that your parents would
take you to school was … well, weird. Who
First, there was the ritual of shopping
You might walk to the bus stop, but
have any friends and nobody likes you and after all why should they because you are carrying a plaid book satchel.
for school supplies, which meant a visit
in the world would do that?
to Value Village or Ben Franklin. You
got a pencil case with a cool sliding
because who wanted to stand in the
and more efficient now, with online
thing on top that gave the answers to
playground feeling all awkward and self-
registration and “welcome back” events
multiplication problems, and of course
conscious with your plaid book satchel
that give you a chance to find your room
some brand new, bright yellow Number
upon realizing that the cool kids had
and claim a locker and meet the gym
2 pencils with clean, crisp erasers that
cartoon characters and superheroes on
teacher who is really nice and you realize
were doomed to be worn into dirty stubs
theirs.
there might actually be some fun games
within a month.
coming up and not just dodge ball where
Crayons – oh, how joyous were the
late, either, because that would mean
rare years that your mother bought the
you had to hurry to find your homeroom
big box of 64 brilliant colors.
as the sound of the bell echoed down
A composition notebook, with the
the hallway and everyone else somehow
black-and-white squiggles all over the
already knew where to go and you were
cover; or loose-leaf notepaper that you
lost and maybe you could just hide in the
away for hours.
snapped into a three-ring binder.
restroom or sneak out the door and go
You tried not to get there too early,
But you didn’t want to get there too
No,
everything
is
much easier
you are the last person chosen for teams and the first person eliminated by that mean kid who throws the ball so hard that it leaves a red circle that doesn’t go Everything is different now, and
back home and never come out again.
almost all of it is better ...
lunch box, and a book satchel – plaid, of
The teacher called the roll and
... but there will always be those
course.
pronounced your last name wrong but
moments of anxiety on the first day of
And that was about it.
you just raised your hand anyway and
school.
There were no “Jump Starts,” no
whispered “Here” in a tiny voice and then
Thank God for those parents and
Maybe a bottle of glue, maybe a new
orientations, no open houses.
sat in silent shame because everyone
else had easy names like Brown or Jones
I don’t even know how anyone knew
teachers who know every child is special. Even the ones with the crummy 8-packs
when the first day of school would be. I
or Miller.
guess it was in the newspaper. Maybe
they sent letters home, but I doubt that.
seemed like an endless number of papers,
There certainly weren’t any “OneCalls”
warning you not to lose them, they were
names. Even the ones who are lousy at
or Parent Portals or text alerts.
very important, they must be filled out
dodge ball.
So you got up on the first day of
and returned promptly, and you stuffed
school and got dressed in your new
them into your satchel but immediately
it will never change.
Then the teacher passed out what
of crayons. Even the ones with the plaid book satchels. Even the ones with funny
That’s the greatest lesson of all, and OP
LORA WIMSATT is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.
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KEEPING IT REAL • INSIGHT FROM AN ORDINARY DAD
i Allowance Commission
By Danny May
Y
ou should have seen the bike I bought
told me the main thing to teach kids
(chores) they do. It’s more real-world
with my own money when I was 12!
when it comes to money is “spend less
scenario than just handing kids money. I
A purple and white “freestyle” BMX bike
than you make and set a precedent to
liked that concept so I borrowed the Smart
with sweet mag wheels and pegs on the
start saving money early, consistently and
Money, Smart Kids book, which I haven’t
front fork to “pogo hop” on and those
systematically.”
finished yet, but I’ve read enough to get
little flare-out things on the frame so you
My friend Ashley told me about a
started.
could stand on it and “surf” with no hands
chart system she put on her fridge with
because it was perfectly balanced and a
different amounts for different chores, but
simplified three-envelope system for kids.
rotor so you could spin the handlebars all
her daughter only wanted to do the small
Give first. Save second. Spend third. But
the way around without snagging up the
change chores so they haven’t quite found
like most things in the May house, we
cables from the hand brakes. It was not
a good system yet.
don’t always go “by the book.” Beau didn’t
just an ordinary BMX bike. It was a 1987
Kelly saw a cool thing on Pinterest
see the point in having actual envelopes.
GT Performer! Which back then was the
where one mom pinned up baggies of
“Why can’t I just put my ‘spend money’ and
gnarliest bike you could get.
money for each chore, which was written
my ‘save money’ in my wallet. That’s like
I saved money from two Christmases
on a slip of paper inside the baggie with
an envelope, right?” Good point. Fine with
and two birthdays and all my allowance
two quarters or a dollar bill. So as the kid
me. I was going to warn him, though, that
for almost two years to afford it. Then we
finished a chore, they took the money.
if you put your save money in your wallet,
had to drive all the way to Evansville to
I had several people tell me certain
you might spend it instead. But that’s a
pick it up. That purple GT was my prized
chores are expected of their kids as part
lesson probably better learned from his
possession as a kid. I wouldn’t even jump it
of keeping the household going because a
own experience that from me warning
off our homemade wooden ramp because I
family is a team effort, but there was also
him.
didn’t want to scratch it up. In my mind I
the option of earning money for additional
was the coolest kid in the neighborhood.
chores.
boys can earn up to $5 per week for a list
My friend Phil, whose kids are adults
of chores that need to get done. Payday
for me.
now, told me he took it a step further
is Friday, but they only get paid for the
That memory flashed in my mind a
and put timelines on each chore for
chores they complete. Kelly wrote out an
few months ago when our younger son
compensation. For example, take the
“invoice” for them to write their chores on
started asking us if he could start getting
trash out on Tuesday. Feed the dog before
each day.
an allowance. Our older son never even
5 p.m., etc. “That way they learn time
It
brought it up, so Kelly and I honestly had
management and responsibility.”
conversations. The first week we tried
never even had the conversation before. So
Then my friend Jonathon, who is
this, Beau needed two more dollars to
I had to do some research and start asking
a huge Dave Ramsey fan, told me that
buy a stuffed animal he wanted. I saw him
how other parents handle it.
Dave calls it “commission,” not allowance,
thinking hard, then he said, “Can you give
because kids only get money for the work
me two dollars and I’ll owe you two extra
Saving for that bike was a good lesson
My financial advisor friend Andrew
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The Ramseys recommend using a
So here’s what we came up with: the
leads
to
some
interesting
chores next week?”
That became a lesson in debt. And sure enough, he worked it
off the next week.
One week, Luke wasn’t interested in chores or commission.
So he didn’t have a payday that week. But then another week he bought something with the money he earned and we talked about how much different it feels to buy something with money you worked for and earned yourself. (Just like that purple GT.)
My friend Rae gives a “bonus” at the end of the week on payday
if her kids get all their chores done and do a little extra or have a great attitude or do something else above and beyond. Other parents give bonuses for A’s on report cards. (But don’t tell my kids that because we’re gonna stick to the freebies from restaurants for A’s.)
Another incentive Dave Ramsey recommends to encourage
the power of saving is doing a match for a large purchase with saved cash. For example, in the Ramsey house they match dollar for dollar what one of their kids saves for a first car. So if their 16-year-old saves $2,000, they’ll match it so the kid then has a $4,000 budget for their first car. We’re a few years away from that, but I could see it working in a similar way if our boys saved for souvenir money for our next vacation or something like that.
Jonathon and Andrew both told me the best way we teach our
kids good money habits is to model how we save and spend wisely by letting them see us do it. We’ve been pretty open with our boys about things like cutting back to save for vacations, paying the Catholic school bill in one lump sum to get the discount, and driving cars that are paid off until they fall apart instead of taking out another loan for a new car. They know we use the envelope system ourselves and we celebrated paying off all our debt except the house. Now that they’re earning and handling their own money, hopefully those real life connections will make more sense to them.
Our boys now drop their own money in the collection basket
at church, spend their own money on toys, and save for bigger purchases like video games.
We’ve just started giving “commissions,” but one of these
days we’ll be celebrating one of their big purchases or savings milestones. And my inner 12-year-old will be smiling on the inside, thinking back to that proud, purple GT.
OP
DANNY MAY is a regular contributor to Owensboro Parent. He and his wife, Kelly, are raising two very active boys, 11 and 9.
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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KEEPING IT REAL
parental control { Q&A with Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW }
writing in to ask you how I can better parent “ Itheamtwo foster kids that I have in my home. We have two sisters, ages 6 and 9. We have had some training, but I feel like there are ways I could help them more with the anger and fits that they have over what seems to me to be small stuff. We use timeouts and they will lose privileges too. This magazine always has great resources and I thought I would ask. Thanks for your help.
�
a:
First of all I would like to thank you for opening your home to children in need and seeking advice in order to be the best foster
parent. Being a foster parent can be a very difficult job. When children are removed from their home, it is a very traumatic event. In order to have been removed from their home, they had to have experienced from sort of abuse or neglect. Despite this, most children still love their parents, which makes the transition to a foster home traumatic. Trauma is unique and individualistic to each person. One of the most important ways that you can help the girls is by being consistent. Children who have experienced trauma tend to live in a fight, flight or freeze mode because they have consistently been on the lookout for danger. You can help them so much by providing clear expectations up front and being consistent with those expectations. This process takes time because sometimes trauma can be so extreme that it changes the way you see the world. Depending
on whether this is their first foster home or their 10th, they could also be pushing boundaries or limits because of that mistrust they may see in people. Something else to consider is perception. What might seem small to us may be really big and important to them. I would recommend reading some books about parenting with kids who have experienced childhood trauma. One of the main things that a child who has experienced trauma is lacking is psychological safety. One of the very best ways to help repair the damage that trauma has caused is to be that one consistent, positive relationship in their lives. I was at a training this summer and heard a speaker, Josh Shipp, talk about his own experiences growing up in the foster care system. One sentence stood out to me. He said his last set of foster parents said, "We don't see you as a problem. We see you as on opportunity." This is some of the best advice I have heard before. This was a great question and I hope this information helps guide you on the right path. OP
CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW is a Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.
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Making it NO-CARVE
Caramel Apple Pumpkin What foods better represent this time of year than pumpkins and apples? Merge fall’s two favorite treats in this easy and creative craft. And best of all, no knives or carving tools required!
CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN ENJOY TOGETHER
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› Small or medium-sized pumpkin ›› Apple green craft paint ›› Caramel-colored craft paint ›› Foam paintbrush ›› 3/4” x 12” wooden dowel ›› Ribbon ›› Coffee filter ›› Hot-glue gun INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Remove the stem and clean the pumpkin of any dirt or debris. ›› Once the pumpkin is clean and dry, grab your paintbrush and use apple green-colored craft paint for the top 1/4 and a caramel-brown for the bottom 3/4 of the pumpkin. It may take a few coats to fully cover your pumpkin. ›› Once your paint is dry, hot-glue the wooden dowel where the stem was. ›› To top off your caramel apple pumpkin, tie a ribbon of your choice around the wooden dowel and display in a white coffee filter.
By Taylor West
OP
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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MAKING IT
Witch's Brew BROWNIES
All those chocolatey treats are delicious, but every year homes are full of more candy than any parent knows what to do with. We have provided you with a dessert that allows you to use some of that extra candy you have sitting around. The kids will enjoy helping you bake it, and you will be able to clear the candy jar. Well, at least until Easter when they fill their baskets up with more!
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. September // October 2019
Photo and recipe by Jamie Alexander
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› 1 box brownie mix + ingredients listed on back of box ›› Any kind of leftover Halloween candy ›› Optional – edible eyes (the kids will love it) INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Make brownies according to instructions on the box. ›› Pour brownie mix into pan and top with Halloween candy. Save half of the candy to place on top of the brownies at the end, as the candy will melt into the brownies during the baking process. ›› Bake according to package instructions. ›› Add the remaining Halloween candy to the top of the brownies when your timer has 5 minutes left of baking. ›› Remove the brownies from the oven and add the edible eyes. Let cool.
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MAKING IT
Pumpkin
Pasties These magical hand pies are perfect for the changing season! Filled with a sweet and spicy pumpkin filling, this simple recipe basically tastes like autumn wrapped in a crust.
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. September // October 2019
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› 2 pie crusts (store bought or homemade) ›› 1 can pumpkin puree ›› 1/3 cup brown sugar ›› 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice ›› 1 tsp vanilla extract ›› 1 egg (beaten, for wash) INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Preheat oven to 375. ›› Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until combined. ›› Roll out pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using cookie cutters or a round bowl (I used 6” tart pans), cut out as many circles from your pie crusts as you can (I got 8 hand pies). ›› Add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie filling to the center of each circle. ›› Take your egg wash and lightly brush the perimeter of your circles before folding each of them in half, lightly pinching the edges. Brush the top of each pie with the remaining egg wash. Cut a vent on the top of each pie. ›› Place each pie on a parchment-lined pan before baking for 15-20minutes (until golden brown).
OP
JAMIE ALEXANDER is a nationally-published portrait and commercial photographer, Tanner Publishing Co. staff photographer, and owner of JAA Studios.
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MAKING IT
Cute & Spooky
SCHOOL LUNCHBOX IDEA
You don't need to be a Pinterest queen to make some extra-fun school lunches for birthdays, special occasions, or holidays! It's as easy as using cookie cutters or
Watch for more lunchbox themes and inspiration in upcoming issues! 28 OWENSBORO PARENT
. September // October 2019
Photo by Jamie Alexander
"sandwich cutter kits" found in grocery stores.
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30 OWENSBORO PARENT
. September // October 2019
SHE IS
ABLE By Erinn Williams • Photos by Jamie Alexander
ON
any given Friday night in the fall, Ann Switzer can be found underneath the glowing lights of a football field cheering on the Owensboro Catholic High School Aces. At 18 years old, she is like most other high school students. Bubbly and energetic, she serves as co-chair of the dance committee, is part of the OCHS Pep Club, adores her sister Maymie, and previously served as a representative on the homecoming court. Charismatic, friendly, and independent are all words peers have used to describe her endearing demeanor and personality. Ann Switzer is “just another kid,” a description her mother Cathy considers the greatest compliment she could ever receive as a parent. “Ann was born in 2000 and diagnosed with Down syndrome. We knew there would be challenges throughout her life, but there have also been just as many positives,” Cathy Switzer said. “She is an overcomer, and a joy to everyone she comes into contact with.” The daughter of Todd and Cathy Switzer, Ann’s childhood was full of diverse dynamics that help set the foundation for her success as a teen and young adult. “We have always worked diligently to
expose Ann to as much as possible,” Cathy said. “Ann attended public preschool, learned to read at Sutton Elementary, and attended Montessori school during middle school. I feel that these opportunities strengthened her in many areas not just academically, but socially as well.” Social experiences like those presented during her years in elementary and middle school helped build her confidence going into high school. “Catholic High has been overwhelmingly supportive. Ann is the first student in school history with Down syndrome, and the school has really embraced her. She does everything on her own, she’s very independent,” Cathy Switzer said. “She has friends, she’s very much a socialite. She has great teachers who have taken the time to really invest in her.” When Ann decided to try out for varsity cheerleader her freshman year, there were mixed emotions in her household. When she made the squad her determination and spirit became infectious to those around her. “She loves to watch games,” Cathy reflects through laughter. “There are times when she gets distracted waving to the crowd, but immediately bounces right
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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back into the routine. She goes into practice with a great attitude, and returns in the same great mood. She truly loves it, and they love her.” Her tenure with the OCHS cheer team continues into this school year, and has enabled Ann to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like cheering on the floor at Rupp Arena. Reflecting back on the physical challenges Ann has faced over her life, Cathy is grateful for the drive her daughter Ann possesses. “Sure there have been physical issues,” Cathy said. “Ann had a heart defect that was corrected at age four. She has overcome knee issues, having had two knee surgeries over a three-year span, but it hasn’t kept her down or limited her in any way.” Defying odds, embracing her own unique identity, and excelling at most everything she tries her hand at, Ann Switzer is the epitome of everything GRADSA’s Buddy Walk embodies and promotes. The Buddy Walk, an annual event established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, celebrates Down syndrome awareness and raises funding for advocacy. Ann along with her family have been actively participating in the local GRADSA Buddy Walk for years. The event will take place September 28 at McConnell Plaza. GRADSA which stands for Green River Area Down Syndrome Association has been a vital resource for the Switzer family since Ann was born. “GRADSA has been supportive from day one for our family. I honestly can’t say enough
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. September // October 2019
about how much support they have shown us throughout the years,” Cathy said. “They are truly just an awesome resource to families within our region with special needs.” Providing free services for families of individuals with Down Syndrome in 10 counties across western Kentucky, GRADSA is primarily funded by various fundraisers, the Buddy Walk being the largest. GRADSA currently serves some 200 families and counting. Celebrating inclusion and acceptance, the Buddy Walk has been monumental in a number of ways within the local community. “Ann served as an ambassador for the GRADSA Buddy Walk two years ago,” Cathy said. “Somewhat like the
grand marshall of a parade, she had the opportunity to kick off the onemile walk.” Besides the joy it brings participants with Down syndrome, the GRADSA Buddy Walk serves as a gathering for regional families Switzer adds. “We absolutely love the mission behind the Buddy Walk and how it brings so many families together,” Cathy said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. We look forward to it annually.” Local sponsors as well as sponsored teams pull together to help contribute, some choose themes adding to the excitement of the event. Events like the Buddy Walk only
further confirm what the Switzer family and so many others already know—there are no limits to what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve. Perhaps it is friendship that teaches us the most valuable lessons of all.
“Ann
has
remained
positive
her entire life. I truly believe Ann’s classmates and friends learn more from her than she does from them,” Cathy said. “It’s incredible. Knowing that my daughter blends in amongst her peers, that she’s just another kid, like everyone else, that’s incredible.” OP
ERINN WILLIAMS adores her hubby, cats, hardback church hymnals and a hot mess of fried okra. She’s new in town, trading in mountains and streams for soybeans and burgoo, and refers to herself as "a little hillbilly in a great big world."
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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RAISING CURTIS
Learning to become an advocate for your child By Laura Murphy • Photos by Jamie Alexander
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. September // October 2019
When Cathy White heard the diagnosis “apraxia” in regards to her two-and-a-half year old son Curtis, she felt overwhelmed. Like many people, White wasn't even sure what Childhood Apraxia of Speech or CAS meant. Since that day over six years ago, she has vowed to change that for others. With so many aspects of the disability outside of her control, White believes advocacy is a way for her to help other families navigate the waters of CAS.
ccording
to
medical
definition,
“Advocating starts when your child
CAS is a neurological disorder that
enters school,” White said. “You know what
affects the brain pathways involved
your child is capable of so you have to be the
in planning the sequence of movements
one to tell the teacher what your child can
involved in producing speech. In other
d o.”
words, the brain knows what it wants to
say, but cannot properly plan and sequence
came up with a plan to raise awareness
the required speech sound movements. A
among
child with CAS cannot communicate what
Elementary School. She wrote a letter to
they need or how they’re feeling, although
send home to parents telling them about
the message is waiting. The frustrations felt
CAS and asking students in his class to wear
between both the parent and the child are
blue to school on May 14 to honor Apraxia
ones White can remember vividly.
Awareness Day.
“It’s hard to describe how emotional it
After meeting with his teachers, White Curtis’
classmates
at
Sutton
The next year, when Curtis was in second
is. You see your child, they are in tears, they
grade, the awareness grew to a school-wide
can’t communicate with you. Imagine if you
event. When Curtis arrived to school that
could not tell someone how you felt day
day, the marquee announced the special
after day after day,” White said.
occasion and there was a sea of blue as the entire school dressed out in Curtis’ honor.
Advocate at School When
Curtis
started
kindergarten,
Advocate Through Education
White took brochures and information to
the teachers, asking them to read about the
attend the Apraxia Kids National conference
disorder so they could better understand
in Pittsburgh. The event is the only major
how he might struggle. She asked to meet
conference on the speech, language, learning
with his teachers early in the school year to
and life needs of children with apraxia.
discuss his reading difficulties, inform them
This national conference brings together
about the effects of CAS and start an open
parents, professionals, educators and others
line of communication between school and
who are seeking the most up-to-date and in-
home. According to White, it’s important
depth learning opportunity available. She
to be proactive. One shouldn’t wait until
knew that she not only wanted to attend,
parent teacher conferences roll around in
but that she had to bring others with her.
October to address concerns.
“There
In 2019, White had the opportunity to
are
not
enough
therapists
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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36 OWENSBORO PARENT
. September // October 2019
trained specifically in apraxia,” White said. “I reached out to Curtis’ Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) both past and present and invited them to attend the conference too.”
The invitation was well received.
Kristy Hampton from Wendell Foster, Jill Head from Hager Preschool, and Trina Prior and Jill Payne from Simply Therapy all joined the rest of the White family at the conference in Pittsburgh this past July.
“The Apraxia Kids staff was blown
away that our little town had that
Advocate in Your Community
White knew that she wanted to
start a support group for quite a while. In January 2019, that dream became a reality. According to her, most people aren’t in the right place early in the journey to immediately start advocating. It’s a process.
“Here we are six years into this
journey,” White said. “The support group isn’t for me. It’s for the kids who are going to be diagnosed or are newly diagnosed; I don’t want others to feel
many attendees there,” White said. In addition to the wealth of
as lost as I first did.”
“We are so proud of Leo; he’s such a
good little cheerleader for his brother,” White said.
Many students with CAS struggle
in school and may battle multiple disorders. While they may not be recognized for making the honor roll or the highest test scores, White says it’s good for them to have special recognition for how hard they work outside of school to achieve what they do. She considers Curtis and his fellow Apraxia stars as extraordinary kids who make her proud. Those
moments
solidified
for
information, Mikey Akers, founder
of Mikey’s Wish was a special guest
people in town that had apraxia. Now
at the conference. Akers uses social
her group is up to 15 families who come
media as a platform to inform his
from surrounding areas including
and Jill Payne of Simply Therapy
audience of what it was like growing
Mclean County and Henderson. For
shared the desire to bring this dream
up with apraxia. He is described by
now, the group is meeting mainly
to fruition and became sponsors for
White as someone who will tell others
online. They have discussed having
the event. The 2019 Owensboro Walk
exactly what it was like to struggle.
get togethers with their kids in the
for Apraxia was the first one in the
future.
state of Kentucky. White served as
us parents to go to and hear what
“We know there are others. It’s just
co-coordinator of the event alongside
their story was like. When he writes I
about them being able to hear about
Pryor. The walk to raise CAS awareness
think: “That could be Curtis 10 years
us,” White said.
took place at Moreland Park and has
“There aren’t many teenagers for
from now,” White said.
White once knew just two other
Curtis.”
White that she wanted to get their own walk started locally. Trina Pryor
plans to become an annual event.
White wanted her son to meet
Raise Awareness
Mikey because she knew he was
Throughout her journey with her
to see changes in their schools or
coming in all the way from Great
son Curtis, White has learned the
communities, they are the ones that
Britain.
an
importance of raising awareness.
have to do the advocating. Her hope
inspiration to her and she follows his
Last year, she took her son to a walk
is that one day there won’t be anyone
story closely. Curtis was able to be
for apraxia in Jacksonville, Fla. after a
in Owensboro to say they have never
introduced to Akers at the conference
vacation at Disney World.
heard of apraxia.
and get his picture taken with him.
“Curtis’ face lit up when they
“I see this 18-year-old boy being
announced his name and he got the
long, but now he has his own,” she said.
able to share with the world what he’s
medal. It was worth our entire trip
“I want him to be able to see his mom
gone through, and I can’t help but
down there,” White said.
use her voice to make a difference, to
think you know what? I can do that.”
make an impact. Maybe that will lead
White said.
that read “We walk for our Rockstar
Akers
has
become
Curtis’ brother Leo carried a sign
White believes that if one wants
“I had to be Curtis’ voice for so
him to do the same.”
OP
LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade LA teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has three kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily and Josiah. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.
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. September // October 2019
PA I D A D V E R TO R I A L
NICU Reunions
Revive Great Stories I
t’s been eight years, but Katy Harrison can still remember every moment. Back in 2011, her twins, Jay and Eva, were born eight
weeks early. At just 32 weeks, they were tiny: Jay weighed just 2 lbs. 11 oz. and Eva was 3 lbs. 13 oz.
While the babies didn’t have any major medical complications
as a result of being born early, they were so small they had to learn to feed and grow, and the best place to do that was in the NICU at the original Owensboro Health hospital on Parrish Avenue.
“The NICU’s the best place about the hospital,” Katy said. “It’s
just an amazing little place.”
She should know - she spent
five weeks there as her “feeders and growers” got their sea legs under
said. “It warms my heart to be able to go
them. The first week or so, Katy and
back and thank them each year. It’s one
her husband Jason got to stay at the
way I can show appreciation to them.”
hospital in an empty room. But when
Katy hadn’t known anyone else who
a local baby boom required the room,
spent time in the NICU before her kids
they developed a routine: Jason would
were born, so she’s glad to reconnect
drop Katy off at the NICU about 7 a.m.
each year with the families she met
and she would stay until about 3 p.m.
there. Even though she had great
while he was at work. In the evenings, they would come back for a couple of
family support, “Nobody had had that
hours before going home to sleep.
experience, they didn’t understand the
There was lots of time to sit and
emotions and turmoil and guilt,” she
get to know the caretakers in the
said. “I had to push those feelings down
NICU. Katy developed friendships
to be a present mom with the babies.”
with three nurses in particular - Candice, Kelli and Susan that
continue to this day. “They have a very special place in my heart,”
connection with who is facing time in the NICU, just to tell them
She also makes a point to reach out to anyone she has a
she said. “My brain was so overwhelmed with everything that was
she understands and is there if they need help.
happening, I didn’t think about the simple things.”
After weeks of waiting, Jay was healthy and strong enough to
The nurses would give Jay and Eva baths, for instance, and they
go home on day 34. A day later, his big sister joined him, and they
would tell Katy when she encourage Katy to take breaks when they
haven’t looked back. “My kids are fantastic,” Katy said. “They play
could see she needed one. “I wholeheartedly trusted them,” she said.
sports, they fight with each other, they are the most vocal 8-year
olds I’ve ever met. We’re blessed - we are so lucky that we’ve had
She sees Candice, Kelli and Susan occasionally around town,
and they always ask about the kids. “We can have a conversation
such a happy ending with Jay and Eva.”
like we’ve known each other our whole lives,” Katy said.
The 2019 Owensboro Health Regional Hospital’s NICU Reunion
They also get together each year at the annual Owensboro
will be held on Sunday, September 22 in the Café and Medical Office
Health NICU reunion, where families who spent time in the NICU
Building Conference rooms at OHRH. All Owensboro Health NICU
come back to see their caregivers and celebrate their time together.
graduates and their families are invited to attend this FREE event!
Please visit OwensboroHealth.org/NICUReunion to RSVP.
“It’s like a birthday party with food, games and music,” Katy
OP
September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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Family
2019
g
From pediatricians to preschools, from sweet treats to boutiques—we asked you to tell us your favorite local spots and you answered. We are pleased to announce the winners of our Owensboro Parent Family Favorites contest! This is just the second year Owensboro Parent has offered this contest, where you, our loyal and trustworthy readers, have the opportunity to make your voices heard. This year, hundreds of you cast your votes for favorite park, photographer,
g
pediatric dentist, preschool and kids eat free restaurant (among many others). Take a look at all of the Family Favorites and see if your choices made the cut.
RC favorite preschool
play smart Preschool
At Play Smart Preschool, their mission is to provide an engaging, thoughtful learning environment for your child. While preparing your child academically for kindergarten, through play, they are also preparing them socially and emotionally. Their curriculum is theme-based, and each developmental skill directly correlates with the theme.
favorite kids eat free location texas roadhouse
How could Texas Roadhouse not win? Yummy food for Mom and Dad and the kids eat free (Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)? Delicious rolls with cinnamon butter? Birthday singing all around? And you can throw your peanut mess on the floor? It’s a parent’s dream! . 40 OWENSBORO PARENT
September // October 2019
favorite youth sports league
lil' sluggers t-ball league Lil Sluggers offers a Christ-centered sports experience where kids develop athletic skills for the game and Christian values for life. The Lil Sluggers T-Ball league is for girls and boys, ages 3-4 and 5-6. Parents love the non-competitive, positive atmosphere, where kids are encouraged to have fun by coaches and volunteers that display the love of Jesus. Lil Sluggers has become so popular that registrations typically closes in record-setting time each season!
r favorite sweet treat orange leaf
Orange Leaf offers freedom from average, every day options. From flavors, cups, and cones, to smoothies, shakes, and cakes, Orange Leaf offers the freedom to create whatever sweet treat they can come up with next. Their froyo flavors are the best, because they make them that way. No really, they do. Each flavor recipe is uniquely theirs and you can't get it anywhere else!
dd
d
f stafk! pic
favorite cover
With a combination of bright colors, cute kids, and refreshing shaved ice, this cover photo, taken by our very own staff photographer Jamie Alexander, made our July/August '19 issue fly off racks around town!
favorite kid-friendly restaurant & favorite restaurant play area
a
dd
d
chick-fil-a
multiple categor winner!y
Chick‑fil‑A Owensboro believes in providing guests the best restaurant experience they can. From the delicious chicken nuggets, to every “it’s my pleasure,” to the clean play area and the overall family environment, it’s no wonder Chick-fil-A Owensboro is the best kid-friendly restaurant! Did you know you can even turn in your kids meal toys for a free ice cream cone? We all know a restaurant play place is a parent’s best friend. If the weather isn’t suitable for a day at the park, why not grab lunch and let your kids burn off energy indoors? And there is no better or cleaner place than Chick-fil-A! Good food with healthy options for parents and kids, friendly staff and a fun play area?! What more could any mom or dad ask for?
favorite park smothers park The crown jewel of the downtown Owensboro renovation, Smothers Park has become a go-to spot for family fun! The park is home to three signature fountains, a spray park, the Shelton Memorial, and everyone’s favorite — Lazy Dayz Playground, which was named the top playground in the world by Landscape Architect’s Network in 2015. September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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dd
d
favorite event
staff pick!
owensboro parent magazine kids triathlon For our 4th Annual Kids Triathlon presented by Independence Bank we joined forces with the Owensboro Health Healthpark and had our most successful race yet! There’s nothing better than seeing those kids swim, bike and run their hearts out.
favorite dance school johnson's dance studio
favorite daycare charlotte's web
Passionate and engaging teachers grow, learn, and imagine with your child at Charlotte’s Web Preschool & Nursery. They never miss an opportunity to blend play with early education curriculum, providing a balance between choice and structure activities, between group and individual pursuits, and between teacher and child experiences. Charlotte's Web welcomes children of all abilities, with the commitment to provide quality care and education to each child.
By offering classes for ages 2 & up in jazz, tap, ballet, modern, hip hop, contemporary, creative movement, acro dance, aerial dance, adult classes, competition team, and more, JDS allows every dancer to enjoy and explore the art of dance!
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d
favorite story
staff pick!
We first met Minh in our January/February ’17 issue. We reconnected with her in our July/August ’19 issue and were amazed at how much she’s accomplished in the past two years.
favorite food delivery service big o takeout
Big O Takeout is owned, managed and operated by local people who live, work and care about the communities they serve. They are committed to partnering with the best restaurants to provide a convenient service that gives local people the freedom to feed their families and lead their busy lives without missing a beat! September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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favorite swim instructor Katie Duncan at the Healthpark
Katie Duncan has been a swim instructor for 12 years, teaching at Owensboro Health Healthpark for 7 years. She decided to teach swim lessons because she grew up in the swimming world and saw a need to help kids learn to swim and enjoy being in the water. "I just love passing on a passion for water!" Katie said. The best part of her job is watching everything click for someone and developing relationships with her swimmers. "Seeing them gain confidence in themselves and in the water is the most rewarding part!"
favorite children’s consignment Robin’s Resale & Boutique
Serving Owensboro for 25 years this November, Robin’s offers consignment for the entire family as well as new, trendy boutique clothes for women of all sizes as well as monogramming.
favorite children’s shoe store shoe stop
It is an exciting time when your kids start walking — an important milestone in your baby’s life! But equally important is providing the right footwear to support their journey. Shoe Stop is ready to equip your beginning walkers with the best shoes as well as fitting them for shoes for every occasion as they grow up. Professional fittings and a wide variety to choose from means you are sure to find the best shoes for your kids!
favorite gymnastics center owensboro gymnastics & fitness center
Owensboro Gymnastics has been in serving Owensboro since 1976. They offer classes from potty-trained age through high school. Classes range from beginner, intermediate and advanced classes that are one hour a week. They also have a multi-level competition team. 44 OWENSBORO PARENT
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favorite boutique for moms peacocks and pearls Your source for beautiful, fun ladies' clothing, accessories and jewelry, in a relaxed and serene atmosphere. Timeless style and affordable fashion for women of all ages.
favorite kids clothing store
Kidstop Children’s Boutique and Stride Rite Bootery Kidstop Children’s Boutique and Stride Rite Bootery specializes in clothing and shoes for girls preemie–16 and boys preemie-7, as well as Stride Rite shoes, toys, dolls, gifts, hair bows, and accessories. Kidstop offers clothing and gifts that are sure to be treasured and passed on for generations to come!
favorite pediatrician dr. john houston
Dr. Houston is committed to providing comprehensive medical care to children and adolescents in a caring and supportive environment. He values long-term relationships with his patients and their families and has been serving Owensboro as a pediatrician for over 35 years.
favorite pediatric dentist dr. carol braun, dds
Serving Owensboro for 33 years, Dr. Carol Braun offers preventive, restorative and limited surgical procedures to patients 0 to 18 years old. Dr. Braun is committed to matching the needs of her patients and their families with her dental skills and commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable dental visit. September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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favorite spray park horse fork creek park mustard seed photography Owensboro’s newest spray park, Horse Fork Creek offers refreshing family fun on the east side. At nearly double the size of the splash parks at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek parks, Horse Fork has 23 individual spray features — 13 ground mounted sprays and 10 above ground features. Kids enjoy a frog, Cattail Twirl and a 20-ft. tall dumping bucket.
favorite place for family fun & birthday party location ddd m
a Elite Air Extreme Fun Center
multiple categor winner!y
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with wall to wall trampolines? Elite Air trampoline park features over 75 trampolines including the famous angled wall trampolines, trampolines in our state of the art airbags, dodge ball and their amazing main court.
You can’t find much more fun than an outing to Elite Air! With specials always available, Elite Air is a great deal for family fun. Check out their weekly family nights where the whole family (up to five people) can jump for two hours for $25. 46 OWENSBORO PARENT
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favorite newborn/family photographer mustard seed photography Mustard Seed Photography offers senior, engagement, wedding, newborn and family sessions. Photographer Jacy English believes a session at Mustard Seed is all about the client. “It’s my job to tell your story—to catch those fleeting moments of childhood and to document those tiny feet and hands while they’re still small,” she said. A simple scroll through the client testimonials on her website will show why Mustard Seed is a family favorite!
dd
d
staff! pick
favorite reader-submitted photo
For the March/April ’19 issue we asked parents for pics of their messy eaters. This photo of Weston, caught redhanded (and white-mouthed!) by his mom Haley, takes the prize for our favorite reader-submitted photo.
favorite labor & delivery nurse Brittany Desper
Brittany Desper has been in Labor & Delivery at Owensboro Health for a total of 8 years—the first 3 years as an RN and for the last 5 years as a nursing supervisor. Before she became a nurse, she worked in scheduling in an OB/GYN office, but wanted to do more for patients. After finishing nursing school, she went straight to L&D—her passion. "Watching miracles be born everyday and getting to play a small part of ensuring a safe and happy delivery for these mother's is so rewarding," Desper said. "I love the long term bonds that are built with every patient I care for."
favorite birthday cake
Dalishas Bakery & Cafe Not only are cakes from Dalisha’s delicious (hence the name), but they are also beautiful and creative! No matter the theme of your kid’s birthday party, Dalisha’s can make a cake to match! Space theme—how about an astronaut helmet cake? Unicorn, Shopkins, Disney, Peter Rabbit, football, Spongebob, LEGO—you name it, Dalisha’s can make it!
favorite place for a kid’s haircut
all about you salon & spa The name says it all. The All About You staff is dedicated to providing each individual client—no matter age—customized services based on their personal needs. With a highlytrained staff offering services from haircare to massage and permanent makeup, All About You Salon and Spa will continually offer you the latest in every fashion trend. Catering to, not only your beauty needs but also offering you a place where you can escape, if only for a few hours, to relax and unwind with us.
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dd
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favorite photoshoot
staff pick!
We had WAY too much fun at our Pet Photo Day at Kentuckiana Animal Clinic for Owensboro Parent's first ever pet issue (March/April '19). Sorry humans, but these drool-worthy photos made us crown Pet Photo Day as our staff's favorite photo shoot of the year.
favorite place for rainy day fun
daviess county public library With its brand new children’s area, it’s no wonder why Daviess County Public Library was voted a family favorite for rainy day fun! Imaginative play has never been easier than with the interactive features of the new and improved children’s section. One of the many children’s programming options—often with your child’s favorite book character— is also a great way to brighten even the gloomiest day!
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Fall Fun
CEL EB R AT E T H E SEASON WIT H T H ESE INDOOR AN D OU T DOOR AUTUMN ACTIVITIES.
how to throw a
cute not creepy Photos by Jamie Alexander
halloween party
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FALL FUN
This DIY party is sure to make your kids scream—in a good way! The simple details of these decorations and treats will wow your guests of all ages and make this party both easy and affordable.
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COLOR
Not everything has to be black and orange for Halloween. Don't be afraid to throw in pops of your favorite color or even pastels can make for a unique color palette for fall. You can always incorporate your kids favorite colors or blues and greens for boys.
BALANCE
Balance creepy with cute, but when in doubt always opt for cute. This party idea is perfect for kids of all ages. Bats and ghosts and spiders add the spooky Halloween flair, but the colorful balloons and tassel garland provide balance.
COST
Don't feel like you have to spend a ton of money to throw a party. While party supply stores offer a lot of Halloween decorations, you can always make them yourself. Tassel garland can be made from strips of tissue paper. The BOO sign—craft paper, paint and yarn. Cake topper? Construction paper and wooden skewers! Set a budget and stick to it. The dollar store is your best friend!
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FALL FUN
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IT TAKES THE CAKE
A simple cake with white icing is like a blank canvas waiting to be the centerpiece of any treat table. Halloween candy can be added or DIY cake toppers made from construction paper and wooden skewers. Or why not both?!
RICE KRISPIES CRITTERS
Who wouldn't loves these cute critters? Dip Rice Krispies treats (homemade or store bought) into different colors of melted chocolate and decorate with candy eyes—vary the number for fun!
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FALL FUN
MONSTER DONUTS
Why reinvent the wheel when it comes to party treats? Yummy store-bought donuts can get a monster makeover with candy eyes and colorful sprinkles. Donuts not your thing? You can do the same with prepackaged cakes or cookies too!
CASPER CUPS
Simple white cups can be transformed into ghosts pretty easily with a black marker. Fill them up with whatever treats you like—or better yet, mix up a few of your favorites for quick and easy snacks that won't make a mess!
BAT'S BREW
Punch can be messy and kids are always misplacing their drinks. Why not give each guest a take home favor that can serve a purpose at the party? Get some inexpensive, fun containers at the dollar store and paint each guest's name on the outside. Add fun straws and these ribbons that look like bats for finishing details. Orange soda completes the Halloween look. OP
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FALL FUN
The Reading
Nook
Autumnblings
Poems and paintings by Douglas Florian
What do you like about autumn? Flying kites? Apple picking? Trick or treat? Frisbee flicking? This collection of poems and paintings welcomes fall with all the crisp energy of a joyful tumbling run.
Hocus Pocus It's Fall
by Anne Sibley O'Brien Illustrated by Susan Gal
Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of fall’s arrival, revealing what happens when the leaves turn. Fall is a season of transition: apples are picked, and animals prepare for winter. Summer days are coming to an end, and there's a hint of winter in the air. Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! celebrates the magic of that in-between time.
Fall Mixed Up
by Bob Raczka Illustrations by Chad Cameron
"Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember." "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures? OP
All of these books are available for check out at the Daviess County Public Library.
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FALL FUN
Nature
Scavenger Hunt 2 different kinds of flowers 1 flat rock a seed or nut something colorful big brown leaf small rocks or pebbles
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Fall is a great time to explore the great outdoors! Not only is the weather cooler, but fall colors in Kentucky are something to behold! A scavenger hunt is the perfect way for families to get outside, explore their neighborhood or a local park and make memories together. Here is a fun scavenger hunt your family is sure to love this fall!
a chewed leaf Y shaped stick trash pine needles small green leaf something you think is really cool
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FALL FUN
5 Autumn
Activities
THAT SAVE YOU MONEY
3 Take Your Family
Christmas Card Photos Take advantage of the mild weather and
1
beautiful colors of the changing leaves.
Plant Bulbs For Spring According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the best time to plant bulbs, like tulips, is six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. Use the opportunity to teach your kids about how plants grow while inexpensively preparing your yard for beautiful flowers come springtime.
4 At Home
Movie Theater Going to the movies can be expensive! Why
not have a movie marathon at home? Movie
2
ideas include Hotel Transylvania, Casper and of course Hocus Pocus!
DIY Your
Halloween Costume Homemade Halloween costumes are not only fun and sure to
5
Rake Leaves
be unique, but also budget-friendly. Round up things you have
This simple task is a great way to have some
around the house or hit up the dollar store for cheap supplies.
outdoor fun with your kids while boosting your
Sky’s the limit on the possibilities.
home's curb appeal.
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OP
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PA I D A D V E R TO R I A L
See Y'all at the Farm! W
hen the weather cools and the air turns crisp, there’s no
the beautiful sunflower fields!
better place to feel the magic of fall than on the farm. The
When asked about the design of the maze for 2019, Kevin
harvest season brings colorful foliage, crisp apples, mild weather
Trunnell said, “We are excited to announce that we have chosen
and pumpkins galore. If you haven’t been to a pumpkin patch,
a design this year to coincide with our “BE A HERO” Campaign.
corn maze, or fall harvest festival at the farm, you don’t know
Trunnell’s Farm Market is preparing a once-in-a-lifetime
what you and your family are missing.
celebration with a unique corn maze, custom-designed to
feature Super Man with Live appearances of Super Heroes every
Trunnell’s Family Fun Acre & Corn Maze, the premier Agri-
tainment venue in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana, is
weekend!"
the place to score your perfect pumpkin and farm family fun!
You’ll fall in love with fall over and over again at Trunnell’s. You
Festival and Dinner in the Blooms on Sept. 7. Guests will
can enjoy the warmth of the bonfires, eat caramel apples, search
experience the most beautiful sunflower field in the Ohio Valley.
for the perfect pumpkin or get lost in the giant corn maze.
Kevin Trunnell notices that guests of all ages love to visit our
farm re-quoting George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing
Every autumn, thousands of visitors flock to this family
The 2019 fall season kicks off with the 2nd Annual Sunflower
farm to make lasting memories. Kids that come to Trunnell’s
because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!”
long treasure the memories of taking an old-fashioned tractor
Magical memories and treasured traditions happen for
drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and picking their own
families that last a lifetime and Julie and Kevin are so privileged
pumpkin right off the vine. Sometimes that means tall and
knowing Trunnell’s Family Fun-Acre had a part in creating
skinny, sometimes short and round, sometimes even green and
them! They take great pride in their role as a wholesome family
misshapen!
entertainment destination and they plan to continue growing
and improving for their guests year after year. SEE Y'ALL AT THE
Julie Trunnell, co-owner of Trunnell’s Farm Market with her
husband Kevin says, “I love to watch our guests choose their
FARM!
OP
pumpkin. What one person rejects as ugly, too tall, too short, or too fat, the next person will exclaim and rejoice announcing their beautiful find."
Trunnell’s Family Fun Acre & Corn Maze located in
Utica, Ky. off Hwy. 431 (Frederica Street), at first glance looks like many other farms across the tri-state this time of year, but there is something magical about this farm. The minute you step out of your vehicle, you are greeted by a sea of bright orange pumpkins, golden corn shocks, colorful gourds, bales of straw and stunning mums. As you approach the farm market, the delicious smell of fresh baked pumpkin bread and fried apple pies tickle your nose and your mouth starts to water for a glass of cold, crisp apple cider.
While strolling among the thousands of
pumpkins displayed, your ears ring with laughter from families making memories exploring the 30+ Attractions in Trunnell’s Family Fun Acre & Corn Maze! From atop the hill, you can see hundreds of families walking the paths of the Giant Corn Maze Adventure and September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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Out & About
EVEN T S AN D ACTIVITIES FOR OWE NSBORO FAMILIES
SEPTEMBER 13 - 15
Owensboro Air Show OWEN S B O R O REG IONAL A I R PO R T A N D DOWN TOWN OWEN S B ORO
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Don’t miss your chance to get an up close and personal look at a wide range of aircraft. Friday will be your chance to meet some of the pilots of these aircraft at the airport. As the sun begins to set, a few performers will take to the sky to entertain the crowds with an evening spectacle of nighttime air show performances followed by fireworks to conclude the night. Admission is just $5.00 per person and kids 10 and under FREE. There will be food and drink vendors onsite, so make your plans to head to the airport right after work to enjoy a show never before seen in Owensboro.
By Ashley Sorce // Photo by AP Imagery
Then all eyes will be on the skies over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro on Saturday and Sunday as performers showcase vintage warbirds, aerobatic demonstrations and military jets. No charge for one of the greatest events in town!
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OUT & ABOUT
12 Local Things to Do
This Fall 1
Trunnell’s Fall Festivals THROUGH OUT FALL 9255 U.S. HI G HWAY 431, U TI C A
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Trunnell’s Farm Market has an event almost every weekend in the fall. From sunflowers, to cider to an outdoor movie and fireworks—families are sure to find a fun time! Beyond their festival events, families can always enjoy 30+ attractions including the interactive corn maze, the animal barnyard, jumping pillow and giant slide!
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BITTY BEES S E PT E M B E R 11, 18 & 25 AT 10 A.M. WE STE RN KE NTUCKY BOTA NICA L GAR D EN
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Join local writer and beekeeper, Neena Gaynor, as she leads a kid-friendly class about honey bees. The classes are hosted at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden and is presented by the Daviess County Public Library.
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Pigtails & Cowlicks Children’s 2019 Fall/Winter Consignment Sale SEP TEMB ER 20-21 OWE NSBORO CONVE NTION CE NTER
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Shop from 425 families selling new or gently used items ALL for kids – from babies to teens! Clothing, toys,
VOICES OF ELMWOOD SE PTEM BER & OCTOBER EL MWOOD C E ME T E RY
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The 12th annual Voices of Elmwood will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, beginning the evening of September
furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, and more. No admission fee to shop and open to the public! Cash and debit/credit cards accepted. Friday, September 20 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Saturday, September 21 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) *most items 50% off!
19, 2019 and will run for a total of nine evenings in September and October. Voices of Elmwood is a celebration of history, designed to honor our region’s heritage. Founded by the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, in collaboration with the Daviess County Public Library, Voices of Elmwood 2019 will offer 10 new stories of people from our community. Local actors in period costumes will present the story of the person they are portraying. Wagon rides will leave every 30 minutes each evening and stop for each actor’s presentation. Performances begin at 6 p.m. each evening, with the last wagon leaving at 9 p.m. each night. Tickets are on sale online at OwensboroTickets.com for both the wagon rides and tent shows!
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OUT & ABOUT
5
5th Annual Art & Music Festival S E PTEMBE R 21 FROM 12 – 4 P.M. DAV I ES S CO U NT Y P U B LIC LIB RARY
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Enjoy an afternoon filled with art and music at the Daviess County Public Library in the DCPL in The Garden. This family affair event will feature many returning artists, Rex Robinson, Visual Art Center, IArt Studio, Sean Wallace Windows of Opportunity, and Michael Cantrell Comic Artist. Afternoon will include yoga demonstrations by Alicia Watts and plenty of delicious food vendors! Special guest speaker will be Pamela Smith-Wright.
7 6
THE TOT, THE TEEN, AND THE WARDROBE CHILDREN’S AND HOME CONSIGNMENT SALE SEPTEM BER 27 - 28
Run For Your Life 5k/10K and Kids Fun Run SEP TEMB ER 28 OWE NSBORO H E A LTH H E A LTH PA RK
{
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Join Owensboro HealthPark and Junior League for 5K/10K road races
Featuring over 50,000 items from 350+ families,
a.m. with the Kids Run at 9 a.m. and will run around the block at the
come shop for the whole family. Admission is
Healthpark which is 1/2 mile. Kids activities will take place in the
free. Sunday features a public half-off sale.
parking lot of the Healthpark between events.
OWEN S B O R O CONV E N T ION C E N T E R
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and a FREE kids half-mile fun run! The 5K and 10K will start at 7:30
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GRADSA BUDDY WALK SEP TEM BER 28 M CCONNE LL P L AZA
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The GRADSA Buddy Walk promotes public awareness and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. This year the Buddy Walk will be held rain or shine. Registration is at 10 a.m., and the walk starts at 11 a.m. The walk will begin at McConnell Plaza on the Riverfront, across from the Hampton Inn. Enjoy games, inflatables, entertainment, music. A great family fun event!
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TRI-STATE PICKLE FEST SEP TEM BER 28 Y ELLOW C RE E K PARK
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Hosted by Owensboro Pickleball Association, the festival will include a variety of attractions for the family with a free concert in the evening featuring winner of season 11 of “The Voice,” Sundance Head. Pickle Festival activities include the Pickle 5K in the morning, a competition for the largest grown pickle or cucumber, as well as a pickle juice chug. Bounce houses, food trucks, craft vendors and carnival rides will be set up throughout the festival site. “Owensboro Idol” singing competition for ages 16 and over will be held on the small stage, judged by Ron Rhodes and Joe Bird of Eyewitness News. Pickle Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy! September // October 2019 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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OUT & ABOUT
10
33rd Annual Farm Festival O C TOBER 5 - 6 L AMP KIN FARM 8284 S HO RT S TAT ION ROAD, P H ILP OT
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Bring your antique tractors, engines and equipment, antique trucks and cars for two days of family fun! Kiddie Rides, inflatables, Power Parade each day, slow race tractor contest, tractor pulls, concessions featuring Daviess County Beef Producers, free craft and flea market.
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BOO FEST WE EKEN DS IN OC TOBER D I A MOND L AKE RE S ORT
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Calling all Ghouls, Goblins, Witches and Warlocks! Join us for a “spooktacular” good time at Diamond Lake’s
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REID’S APPLE FESTIVAL O CTO B ER 19 - 20 RE ID’S ORCH A RD
{
Boo Fest! On Saturday the fun begins at 11 a.m. and
Reid’s Apple Festival is an event that has something for the
includes pumpkin painting, games, pony rides, and
whole family. Reid’s Apple Festival draws people from the
lunch. Enter our costume, golf cart or whatever you’re
community and many neighboring states. With more than
driving and campsite decorating contests. We’ll have
20 food booths, 100 crafts booths, various entertainment,
a non-scary, kid friendly hayride during the day on
demonstrations and carnival rides you’ll surely find
Saturday as well as trick-or-treating at the campsites.
something to do. The festival was named a Top 10 event by
“Fright Night,” voted the best haunted house in the Tri-
the Kentucky Tourism Council and a Top 20 event by the
State is open Friday and Saturday evenings.
Southeast Tourism Society which covers eleven states.
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OUT & ABOUT
kids
meal deals
EVERY DAY
O’Charley’s – Free kids meal (ages 10 & under) with the purchase of adult entrée
MONDAY
Grandy’s – 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal TGI Fridays – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with the purchase of an adult entrée Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Up to 2 kids eat free (ages 10 & under) from 4-9pm with adult buffet purchase Zaxby’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal from 5-8pm Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée
TUESDAY
Firehouse Subs – Up to 2 kids eat free (12 & under) all day with purchase of an adult meal Donatos – Up to 2 free individual 1-topping pizza/per child (12 and under) with the purchase of a large pizza; dine-in only from 5-8pm Burger Theory (located in the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront) – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with purchase of an adult meal; breakfast, lunch & dinner
THURSDAY
Dairy Queen (Frederica Location) – Up to 2 $1.99 kids meals Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich
SATURDAY
Lure Seafood & Grille – Free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée
Denny’s – Up to 2 free kids meals with an adult meal purchase
Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase
Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
Long John Silver’s – $1.99 Kids meals all day
Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet from 4:30-7pm Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée
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McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals; dinein only from 4-7pm
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with the purchase of an adult entrée from 4-8pm
Pizza By the Guy – 1 free kids buffet for (ages 10 & under) with an adult purchase with a drink on Tuesdays from 5-8pm
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WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY
Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal (10 & under) per adult entrée Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Texas Roadhouse – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée from 11am – 3pm Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet for kids (ages 10 & under) with adult purchase with a drink from 11:30am-2pm Firehouse Subs – Kids eat free (12 & under) all day with purchase of adult meal; up to 2 kids per adult Bar Louie – Kids eat free 11am - 7pm up to 2 kids per adult entrée; dine-in only
on the honor roll?
Bring your report card to these local restaurants & businesses for additional deals! Orange Leaf – Bring in your report card and receive $1 off yogurt; a report card with straight A’s will receive a small cup free. Ritzy’s (Both locations) – Ritzy’s has a “Scoops for Scholars” program. Students can bring in their report card each grading period to earn treats for each “A.” 1A = flavored soft drink (cherry, vanilla, or chocolate) 2 A's = single scoop of ice cream 3 A's = your choice of a hotdog,
coney, hamburger, or cheeseburger 4 A's = double scoop of ice cream
movie/game rental for every A (or equivalent) they received in a core class for the year.
McDonald’s – All five Owensboro McDonald’s decided this school year that they will award a free Happy Meal to any student who gets straight A's on their report card. Family Video (1212 JR Miller) – For a limited time during the summer, you can take your end of the year report card to Family Video. Your child will receive a voucher for a free
Chuck E. Cheese in Evansville – A child can receive 10 tokens with a purchase if they bring in their report card. Sky Zone in Evansville – All A’s= 1/2 off any jump. A & B’s= $5 off any jump. Weekdays & Friday 2-7pm.
*This list is subject to change. Please contact restaurants to ensure their participation.
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FROM OUR READERS
BACK TO SCHOOL Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!
SPONSORED BY
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FROM OUR READERS
BACK TO SCHOOL Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!
SPONSORED BY
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Say What? Our readers asked their kids following question:
"What's the hardest thing about being a kid?" Ummmm, learning. Not being able to go where I want to when I want to.
- Justice, age 5
Getting up super early for school. - Lily, age 6
- Kyndall, age 15
Nothing, it’s easy. We get taken care of.
I have this tiny theory...Adults tell kids that things are going to be AMAZING so we’ll do them and then they turn out to be old-fashioned and blah! - Layton, age 9
- Kynlee, age 9
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