February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. February // March 2020
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. February // March 2020
Contents
Februar y // March 2020
yum! Don’t
miss this strawberries & cream pie recipe on page 20!
IN E VE RY ISSUE
37
8 From the Editor 9 Around OBKY 9 Student Spotlight 10 Parent Profile
A Popping Success Meet cousins 8-year-old cousins Rickey and Charlie and learn about their thriving popcorn business.
11 Real life with Lora Wimsatt Valentine’s Day to the rescue!
KE E PIN G IT REA L
14 Hashtag Mom Fail Unconditional love: the things we do for our children. 15 Mom Moments with Jacy English Another hilarious mom moment you won’t want to miss.
MAKIN G IT
40 Little Girls, Big Dreams Read about sisters Jocelynn and Lillian, who have made a name for themselves with their jewelry business.
17 Fun Holiday Lunch Box Idea Win some cool parent points by being creative with your kids' lunchbox. 18 The Recipe Box Valentine’s Day treats you can make without turning on your oven.
22 Craft Time We’re “hedge” over heels for this Valentine’s craft! 24 Harper’s Haven This sweet space is perfect for a 4-year-old and her new puppy.
D ISCOV ER
57 The Book Nook Discover Valentine’s Day with these seasonal books, all available at DCPL. 60 Parental Control Christina Dalton answers your most difficult parenting questions. 62 Helping your Marriage Survive Parenthood Learn three ways to grow closer to your spouse amidst the challenges of parenting.
OUT & A BOUT
65 Calendar Local events and things to do this season. 70 Kids Meal Deals When and where to take your kids to eat for the best deals
FROM OU R REA D ERS
72 Valentine’s Day Boxes See your photos submitted to our Facebook page. 76 Say What? We asked: “If you had a million dollars, what would be the first few things you would buy?”
SPECIA L A DV ERTIS IN G SECTIONS
27 2020 Preschool Guide Is it time for your little one to start school? The Owensboro Parent Preschool Guide lists every local preschool option, with full information on class times, cost and registration. 45 Planning for the Future In this well-rounded special section, learn different ways you and your family can prepare for the future from local experts.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ALL DAY?
EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
“
Ashley Sorce-Wedding
If money was no object, I would like to say I would do something productive or give back to my community. But if I’m being honest I would probably binge watch The Office and Parks & Recreation, for at least the first few months.
“
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Andrea Roberson Eric Bivins Monica Smith
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jamie Alexander Christina Dalton Jacy English Jamie Johnson Scott Kenworthy Laura Murphy Lora Wimsatt
�
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Gleason Do you have a story idea? We want
I would love to live or vacation in the Rocky Mountains with my husband, John, and son, Lincoln.
to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com
�
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.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jamie Alexander COVER KID
Zolee Kay Webb, age 5
888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.
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�
Daughter of Aliyah Bracy and De’Airius Webb Granddaughter of Keith and Cari Bracy and Alisha Taylor and Laurentis Webb
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 instagram @owensboroparentmag twitter.com/owensboroparent
TANNER PUBLISHING CO. PUBLISHER
Jason Tanner For more information about advertising call
“
If money was no object, I would travel to some place warm so I could spend all of my time outdoors in the sunshine!
PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416
“
I would travel and take photos around the world! But in case my boss is reading this, I only mean on the weekends because I love my job.
�
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BEHIND THE SCENES
From the
Editor FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Money. It’s something we all want more of, but we don’t like to talk about it much, or put in the effort it takes to save it. I am just as guilty of it. I have told Drew we need to sit down and make a budget for 2020, but we are a couple of weeks into the new year and that to do list item has yet to be checked off. I stock up on groceries to feed us at home for the week and choose to eat out instead. And let’s not even talk about my Target runs. I go in with the best of intentions, promising myself that I will only buy the one item I drove to South Frederica to pick up. Instead, an hour goes by and my cart is full of deals that were just too good to pass up. But what does that teach my kids?
Laura Murphy Laura Murphy is a mom of three who is proud to represent Daviess County Public Schools as Middle School Teacher of the Year. Recently, she represented educators at the Governor’s Inauguration in Frankfort. She has been a Pure Barre instructor for five years, helps sponsor the East Daviess County Elementary Race series at Yellow Creek Park, and enjoys running local races. She is currently enrolled at the University of the Cumberlands where she is completing her doctorate degree in educational leadership. She has taught language arts at Daviess County Middle School for 11 years. Her favorite part of writing, she says, is being a storyteller.
While I am working on being more financially responsible, I am nowhere near where I want to be. We have family that swears by the envelope system and I’ve heard Dave Ramsey’s name thrown around, but don’t know very much about his financial principles. In an attempt to teach my kids about the value of a dollar and what it looks like to make, spend and earn money, I challenged Avery and Reed to run a one-day lemonade stand. Now, I disguised my lesson on our summer bucket list. Lemonade stand in the summer? It was an easy sell. We made a list of all the supplies we would need, which really just amounted to cups and lemonade mix (regular and pink). I told them I would buy their supplies, but they would have to pay me back as their investor. I also suggested that since they both have full piggy banks from chores and birthdays, it may be a fun idea to donate their profits. They jumped on board, choosing to give their sales to the Daviess County Humane Society. After a few hours in the summer heat, the kids sold all of their product, making a total of $110 after repaying their business partner/ investor/mom. For us, this was a win-win-win-win. Avery and Reed (well, let's be honest, more Avery than Reed because he was only three at the time) learned about managing money, communication, giving to others and just plain had fun on a summer day. And the pride on their faces when they presented their money to the Humane Society is something I will never forget. For a mom that is learning to better budget and financially plan for the future, I’ll take that quadruple win any day.
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I am a BIG proponent of preschool. For Avery, who knew all of her letters and numbers at a very early age, preschool was more about learning social skills and thriving in an environment that wasn’t home. For Reed, it was about laying those foundational skills like alphabet, numbers and listening to the teacher. Avery attended the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes at Cathedral Preschool, which we loved. I’ll never forget reading “The Kissing Hand” on her orientation day. Reed goes to Meadow Lands Elementary’s preschool because that’s where his big sis is in third grade. Whether it is for social or foundational skills, at a private or public facility, I have been pleased with both of our preschool experiences.
I try to teach my kids to save their money that they get from chores or birthdays. A cute bank goes a long way in encouraging them to save. I took both my kids to Target when they were around 3 and let them pick out their own bank. They are always shocked when all of their change adds up to a big amount to deposit into their savings account.
AROUND OBKY • BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OWENSBORO TIMES
LOCAL AUTHOR SHARES NEW BOOK WITH DPES KINDERGARTEN CLASS
KIDS’ NONPROFIT FUNDED 11 WELLS IN AFRICA THIS YEAR
Jodi Ekbundit, a homeschooling mom, and Sarah Malone, her friend and fellow homeschooler, were reading “A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story,” which chronicles the life of children who must travel several hours a day through the African bush to get clean water. Both the Ekbundit and Malone children were affected by what the children in the book went through to get clean water. It affected Ekbundit so much that she reached out to the nonprofit Go Drill International, which was begun by an American family who moved to East Africa in 2008 and are committed to their mission work of resolving water issues by building wells. Once Ekbundit decided this was where she wanted to focus her time and resources, she wondered how to get kids involved and be part of the fundraising for Go Drill International. “If mine can be a part, why not others?” Ekbundit said. “Why not empower them to do something about it?” The Ekbundits began Kids for Kids nonprofit. The Malones immediately jumped in. The organization is not affiliated with any church but rather by kids who have a love for other kids, Malone said. Kids for Kids learned that to dig a well would cost $3,800, so they set their sights on raising enough to build one well, Malone said. They also discussed how Go Drill hires people from the village to build the wells and the benefit of that for the families. The kids who felt comfortable sharing the organization’s story did and others held lemonade stands. In the end, they raised over $40,000 — enough to build 11 wells — which means that every day, 4,000 kids and other villagers have access to clean water. “People opened their hearts and their wallets,” Ekbundit said. “It was insane and so above and beyond what we expected.” About 40 children are now part of the nonprofit. For more information or to get involved, visit the Kids for Kids Facebook page.
Local author Hannah Goebel shared her published children’s book, “There’s an Elephant in the Yard,” with kindergarten students at Deer Park Elementary School in January. Goebel read the book aloud to students and also spent time answering students’ questions about writing, reading and creativity. Goebel’s recently published book was based on a true story experienced by Owensboro resident Doug Wetzel. As a young child living in Ohio, Wetzel had gone outside to play one day and discovered an elephant in his yard that had escaped from a traveling circus. Goebel first heard the story when she accompanied her college roommate and Doug’s daughter, Langley Wetzel, to Ohio to visit members of her father’s family. Goebel said she knew the story would make a great children’s book. Goebel not only wrote “There’s an Elephant in the Yard,” but did the illustrations too. She told kindergarten students at Friday’s visit that she taught herself to draw by watching YouTube videos. “I’m not really an artist, but I just kept drawing, and drawing, and drawing until, finally, I did it,” she told the students. “If you want to do something, you can work really, really hard and learn to do it.” Students were fascinated as Goebel shared the story of Dougie and his unlikely friendship with an elephant he found in his yard. Goebel asked students about their favorite animals and what they’d do if they saw an elephant in their own yard during the visit. Kindergarten teacher Julia Boling said her students had just completed writing their first short stories when she decided to ask Goebel to speak to her class. “We love having that resource [in Goebel], and we’re just so appreciative she’d be willing to do that for us today,” Boling said. “The kids have been excited all week to share their stories they’ve read with her, and to talk with her about their dreams of becoming an author.” “There’s an Elephant in the Yard” is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.
Student Spotlight:
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DESTINI LEONARD isn't just a rock star junior at OIA, but she also volunteers her time as a Girls Inc. Ambassador. She has been working with the young girls for the past three years as a mentor and a teacher, helping them with topics such as staying active, making friends and making good life choices.
”
- Beth Benjamin, Director Owensboro Innovation Academy
“
AVA HALL is an 8th student at DCMS. She is a straight A student with zero discipline marks ever - not even on her choice card, which is like a warning. Ava excels in Algebra and Spanish, is a member of NJHS, was recognized as an Elite Panther and is a Peer Mentor for special needs students. She dreams of being a famous actress one day. She even flew to Los Angeles to try out for a Netflix sitcom. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled and never aired, or it could have been her big break!
”
- Ashley Collins, Teacher Daviess County Middle School February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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AROUND OBKY • PARENT PROFILE
Trey Pippin
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS COUNSELOR AT DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
“
Support your wife. Get up in the night so she doesn’t have to. Embrace your role as an equal caretaker and tend to the baby with confidence. They’re half yours! You can do it!
”
TEL L US A B O UT YOU R FAMILY A N D YO UR J O B. I am the College and Career Readiness Counselor at Daviess County High School. Prior to moving out of the classroom, I was a social studies teacher. I am also a proud 2008 graduate from DCHS. My wife, Maddy, is a Nursing Instructor at Owensboro Community and Technical College. We have been married for 4 years. We first met at Atlantis Swim Club as lifeguards. She didn’t like me much at first, but I eventually won her over! I pinch myself every day because I can’t believe I get to be her husband! We had our sweet daughter, Sawyer, in December 2018– she just turned 1. We’ve been so blessed with a healthy, happy, and easy baby. We’re having a blast! WHAT D O YO U LOVE M O S T A BO U T B EING A DA D? I am particularly enjoying learning things about bows, expanding my definition of colors beyond red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, and figuring out what the heck smocking is. In all seriousness, I haven’t found anything I don’t like so I suppose what I love most about being a dad is everything. The last thing I say to Sawyer every night is, “I love being your daddy.” 10 OWENSBORO PARENT
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WH AT H AS B EEN T H E M OST SPECIAL PAR T OF PAR EN T H OOD SO FAR? I made the decision to take an extended amount of time off when the baby was born— about 6 weeks. It was a hard decision for me because I am still relatively early in my career and I know men don’t usually take much time off due to their jobs. However, I figured I only get to be a brand new dad one time in my life and I wanted to have a front row seat. It was a “line in the sand” moment and I was alright making it clear that my family comes first. I wanted to be there for every diaper change and night time wake up. I wanted to get to see my wife transition into motherhood while simultaneously adjusting to fatherhood by her side— no matter the hour of the day (or night). I’m grateful to have colleagues that supported my decision and helped cover my responsibilities in order to bless my family with this gift. I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, met Presidents of the United States, and even worked at Walt Disney World but nothing— nothing— has meant as much to me as that time bonding with our daughter and supporting my wife. WH AT DO YOU R ECOM MEND FOR OT H ER DADS T H IN KING ABOUT TAKIN G PAT ER N IT Y LEAVE? IF YOU CAN DO IT, DO IT. The bonding time with your wife and your baby will mean so much to you. The chance to be a full part of bringing a baby home and truly being a partner to your wife is incredible. I have a feeling when you’re reflecting on your life when you’re near the end, you’ll look back on that time and be grateful you made the decision to take it. Google “biggest regrets in life” and nearly every result will say the same thing: “I wish I had spent more time with the people I love most.” I don’t think you’ll remember specific things you missed at work, but I do think you’ll long for the specific things you missed at home. B EST PAR EN T ING ADVICE FOR NEW DADS? Take time to be intentional about witnessing the incredible transition of the woman you love into a new amazing creature— a mother. If you think you love her now, just wait- it gets even better. Mother’s Day will become the most important holiday in your house!
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
Valentine’s Day
to the Rescue
Whoever put Valentine’s Day right
in the middle of February knew what they were doing.
It was also a good idea to schedule
some of the biggest and best holidays By Lora Wimsatt // Photo by Jamie Alexander
at the end of the year, as that gives us a reason to keep going as our energy starts to fade toward the finish line, but there’s Halloween with its fun decorations (and candy) and Thanksgiving with family (and food) and Christmas with trees and gifts and lights and songs (and food) and New Year’s with parties and celebrations.
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KEEPING IT REAL • REAL LIFE WITH LORA WIMSAT T
And, yeah, more food. Oof.
them, and will address the audience
besides making valentines?), markers
But then you drag all the way
that I actually know a little something
and glue sticks and stickers.
through January, which is usually
about:
But glitter is where it’s at.
cold and grey and miserable, and
Kids.
And the more you love someone,
February arrives pretty much the
the more glitter they get.
same way, but just as you are about
The cards are still fun and
Smear that glue stick! Squeeze
to give up in despair of ever seeing
mostly funny at this age. Who needs
the glue bottle! And then sprinkle,
green grass or a pretty flower again –
those drippy sentiments expressing
sprinkle, sprinkle and sparkle away!
Valentine’s Day to the rescue.
everlasting adoration, inscribed in
No food to speak of except for
some crazy cursive font with lots of
those
sugar/chalk
Kids love Valentine’s Day.
“conversation
swirls that you can hardly even read?
hearts,” unless someone buys you a
Especially when you can trade
box of nice chocolates, but that’s okay.
those cheap paper valentines with
Like a hibernating bear, you’re pretty
goofy cartoons and groan-worthy
much still living off the fat you stored
puns like “I Mustache If You Will Be
up from those previously mentioned
My Valentine” or the ever-popular
end-of-year holidays.
bumblebee-illustrated
No,
Valentine’s
Day
offers
“Bee
My
Valentine,” the kitten-inspired “You’re
The fact that the glitter doesn’t all
stay stuck in place is the best part of the magic.
So if you are fortunate enough to
be the recipient of a glittery valentine this year, don’t worry about the glitter that ends up on the table, on the floor, on the furniture, on the dog. Don’t drag out the vacuum or reach for the dustbuster or even the
something even better than candy:
My Purr-fect Valentine” or various
LOVE.
jungle animals proclaiming “I’m Wild
About You!”
Just let the love continue to
directed mostly at two very different,
What’s not to love?
sparkle in all those most unexpected
disparate demographics:
Which brings us to the best thing
places
of all: Glitter.
unexpected times …
kids.
Obviously – obviously! – you
… because there’s still a lot of
I’ll discreetly allow the “young
have to have construction paper in
winter to get through before spring
couple” audience to speak for itself
shades of red, pink and white … those
arrives.
– or not – regarding why this special
white-paper lacy doily things (what
occasion might be meaningful for
are those things actually for, anyway,
the way.
Admittedly, the day seems to be
Young couples in love … and little
broom and dustpan.
and
at
all
those
most
But love – and glitter – will light 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 • HASHTAG MOMFAIL
Unconditional Love:
the things we do for our children By Jamie Johnson
H
appy almost Valentine’s Day! Oddly enough, Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite topics to write about. I love writing about the things moms and wives REALLY want for Valentine’s Day, like a day full of naps, an entire cheesecake to eat alone in bed while watching Hallmark movies uninterrupted, or yoga pants that are high waisted and long enough to cover my cankles that are also considered dressy so I can wear them to work. Let’s be honest. None of those things will ever happen, but let’s keep dreaming ladies. This year, I want to write about the love we have for our kids on Valentine’s Day. I have noticed lately that a lot of people buy their kids gifts for Valentine’s Day. And sorry y’all, but I am not one of those moms. My kids get enough sugar from their grandparents and I am in no way wasting my money on another stuffed animal that will be found covered in dust bunnies under the bed of one of my children six days after they receive it. We already do so much for our kids. As a parent, we love our children unconditionally. Do they need a gift to realize that? I say no. Disclaimer: Before anyone gets
upset, I am totally OK with you buying your kids gifts for Valentine’s Day if you want to. Every parent does their own thing and I respect your choices. My choices are just different than yours. Here is how I show my kids I love them without gifts.
I have not eaten a meal without a kid
either holding onto my leg screaming or asking for a bite in the last five years.
I have caught vomit in my hands.
I have taken care of sick kids while I
am also sick and let them vomit down my back as I attempt not to vomit.
I will never have abs
again. I have actually never had abs, but I like to think that maybe I could get them if my abdominal muscles had not been sliced during C-sections.
I spend an insane
amount of money on daycare and diapers.
98% of my clothes
have had snot, vomit, or Cheeto stains on them. Some I carried them both in my womb for approximately 10 months and had organs removed from my body so the children could be pulled out. I was then sewed back up and sent on my way. I have watched both seasons of Boss Baby: Back in Business more times than I can count. If your kid is ever bad, I might refer to them as a Scooter Buskie. I have sacrificed my deep and passionate love for sleep for a very, very long time.
of the Cheeto stains are actually mine, but that’s not something I normally admit.
Our love for our kids is unconditional.
I feed them, clothe them, put a roof over their heads and keep them alive. And smother them in hugs and kisses until they can physically wiggle out of my embrace. I love my sweet little snot monsters so much, that they will not receive a present for Valentine’s Day.
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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OP
MOM MOMENTS WITH JACY ENGLISH
Well, the embarrassment has finally faded and I’m ready to share with y’all the trainwreck that is my life.... again. I call this one “It Appears Harper has Attempted to Sabotage Her Father.� So. Yesterday while Bo, my 3-year-old son, and I were home, our carbon monoxide alarms went off. I was right in the middle of organizing/purging the kids toys and moving their play room from our bonus room to a free bedroom (you know, so I can shut the door and save my maternal sanity). Well, we left the house and decided to call the fire department to have them come check it out. So the fire department shows up and they have to go all over the house with their little monitor/checker/ghostbuster machine. Like they have to go in EVERY SINGLE room. My upstairs was a mess; all the toys, trash and kids’ dirty clothes were strung out over like three rooms and hall because the universe decided to play this cruel joke right in the middle of my rage cleaning/purging/organizing fit. The thought of the firemen seeing that put me in panic mode. I was apologizing so much for the mess when the firemen were upstairs. I kept going on and on about how it’s not normally like this (ha) and that it was just because I was in the middle of reorganizing. I was so stressed about it. I was so worried about the mess that I didn’t even notice (enter the “duh duh� noise) the kids’ chalkboard that is conveniently HUMONGOUS AND HANGING RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PLAY ROOM AND RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR.
đ&#x;˜‚
Saturday Harper, 7, Hayden, 6, Bo and Nathan had a pillow fight. They were wrestling and essentially beating the crap out of Nathan. He threw a pillow at Harper and she fell back into the wall. Now, this girl was not hurt but she was mad. It appears our little drama queen needs a talking to about overreactions.
đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;˜‚
đ&#x;˜‚
I was freaking out about a messy house when I SHOULD have been freaking out that the firemen were going to think my husband beats our kids.
đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;˜‚
So, there’s that.
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Making it
CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN ENJOY TOGETHER
Fun Holiday
LUNCH BOX 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 “sandwich cutter kits” found in grocery stores. Watch for more lunchbox themes and inspiration in
By Jamie Alexander
upcoming issues!
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MAKING IT • THE RECIPE BOX
No Bake Valentine’s Day Treats Photos and recipe by Jamie Alexander
If you’re somebody who doesn’t like baking, Valentine’s Day just got a little sweeter. Each of these treats can be made using only a microwave, are not very time consuming, and will help the recipient feel extra-special!
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Love Bugs WHAT YOU’LL NEED: ›› Fudge-covered Oreos ›› Red candy melts OR white chocolate with red food coloring ›› Black decorating icing ›› Candy eyeballs ›› Heart sprinkles (or other sprinkles of your choice for the “spots”) INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Melt some red candy melts (or white chocolate) in a microwave safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth (if you used white chocolate, add desired amount of red food coloring and stir until completely combined). ›› Dip the fudge-covered oreos into the melted red chocolate, leaving the top quarter undipped (it’s easiest to grab the cookies by this top bit for less messy fingers). ›› Place the dipped cookies on Parchment paper, and sprinkle the red chocolate with heart or circle sprinkles, to recreate the “spots” ›› Once the red chocolate has dried completely, use black icing to add the “wing line,” and any extra spots you’d like to add to fill in the wings. Then, using the black icing as adhesive, stick the candy eye melts on the “head” of the love-bug (the area not covered in red chocolate). Let the bugs sit for 15 minutes before serving.
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MAKING IT • THE RECIPE BOX
Strawberries & Cream Pie WHAT YOU’LL NEED: ›› 3 oz. package of strawberry Jello ›› 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ›› 8 oz. container cool whip ›› Graham cracker pie crust
INSTRUCTIONS: ›› In a medium bowl, dissolve Jello in 1/2 cup of boiling water, then add cream cheese and mix until it’s fully combined (with no chunks) ›› Fold Cool Whip into the mixture until smoothed, then pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust and smooth out the top, ›› Chill the pie in the refrigerator until set (recommended at least four hours)
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels & Marshmallows
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: ›› Pretzel rods ›› Large marshmallows ›› White chocolate melting wafers ›› Valentine’s Day sprinkles ›› Paper straws INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Melt the white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. ›› Once melted, dip pretzel rods and marshmallows in the chocolate, leaving the bottom quarter clean. Place the pretzels and marshmallows on parchment paper, and immediately top them all with sprinkles of your choice. Let them dry completely. ›› Once dried, poke paper straws into the bottom the marshmallows to turn them into pops! OP
JAMIE ALEXANDER is nationally published culinary and commercial photographer working as a full-time staff photographer for Tanner Publishing. She has a knack for making tasty food and pretty art. See more of her portfolio at jaastudios.com.
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MAKING IT • CRAFT TIME
We’re “Hedge” Over Heels FOR THIS VALENTINE’S CRAFT
Why buy Valentine’s card when you can make your own?! This one is simple and doesn’t require too many supplies. Kids of all ages will enjoy creating this happy hedgehog! By Ashley Sorce-Wedding // Photo by Jamie Alexander
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› White card stock ›› Scissors ›› Washable paint (brown) ›› Paintbrush ›› Pom poms ›› Glue stick ›› Sticker eyes ›› Black marker
INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Fold the cardstock in two (hamburger fold, not hotdog fold). Cut out a hedgehog shape with the fold to the top in order to create a card that can open. ›› Paint the hedgehog with brown washable paint. We used brown paint for the hedgehog’s body. ›› Cut out the hedgehog “quills” by
›› Use a glue stick to secure the hearts to the hedgehog’s body with the pointed end towards the back of the hedgehog. ›› When the hedgehog’s body is complete, invite kids to decorate their hedgehog’s face. We used a googly eye, a pom pom for the nose and a black marker to draw the smile. ›› On the inside write a sweet Valentine message — we went with “I am ‘hedge’ over heels for you!”
cutting heart shapes out of colored paper or white paper that your child paints.
›› Your hedgehog Valentine is complete! OP
ASHLEY SORCE-WEDDING is the staff writer for Tanner Publishing Co. and editor of Owensboro Parent. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, daughter, Avery (8), and son, Reed (4).
22 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
23
MAKING IT • SPACES
Harper’s HAVEN By Ashley Sorce-Wedding
This adorable room belongs to 4-year-old Harper Zimmerman. While she didn’t have a lot to do with the design of her room, her mom, Audree, gave Owensboro Parent all the details of this special space.
24 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
Photos by Jamie Alexander
Tell us about your family. We are a family of four plus two pups. My husband, Jake, is a nurse practitioner at Owensboro Health’s ER and I am a stay at home parent. My daughter, Hadleigh,
Did you have a style in mind when designing Harper’s room? To be honest I’m not sure that I have a
What is your favorite part of the room?
certain style. I typically just find things I
My favorite part about her room is the
like and go with it.
bonnet stand with her first bonnet. Harper didn’t have hair for a very long
is 13 and Harper is 4. Our dogs are Winnie and Wallace.
Tell us about your home.
pig stay on her bed.
Why was it time for a room re-do for Harper? Did she have input on the style?
time so she lived in bonnets during summer.
I redesigned Harper’s room because it
What about Harper’s?
was time for a big girl bed. I’m not sure
Harper says her favorite part about her
starter home. I can’t imagine leaving it
she wanted to help decorate. The only
room is her rug because it’s pink like
just yet. It’s small but cozy.
thing she requested was her pudgy the
Pinkalicious.
Our home is a new build but also a
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
25
Is there anything sentimental about the design? The dresser was mine when I was a little girl. It was passed down to my oldest daughter Hadleigh and now passed down to Harper.
Where do you get your design ideas? A little Pinterest and a little on my own. I knew I wanted it to be girly. I went back and forth on different wallpapers for a few weeks and ultimately decided on the Anthropology watercolor flora wallpaper. My husband is a saint for hanging that wallpaper. I also knew I wanted to incorporate bows and lucked out when I found dresser pulls and a lamp. Her sheets are also pretty pink bows.
Did you have a budget? I didn’t initially set a budget. I just tried to be conscious of how much I was spending. Luckily I kept it around $1,500. Using Hadleigh’s bed from when she was a little girl and my dresser saved a lot of money.
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. February // March 2020
OP
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
the 2020
Preschool Guide Is it time for your little one to start school? The Owensboro Parent Preschool Guide lists every local preschool option, with full information on class times, cost and registration.
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
27
PRESCHOOL GUIDE
AUDUBON AREA
(Head Start)
Dar-Nek Family Development Center 4800 New Hartford Rd. | 270-683-6377 Helen Sears Family Development Center at the Villa 2225 E. 18th Street | 270-691-8000 Leola Hayden Family Development Center 1306 East 8th Street | 270-689-9387 West End Family Development Center 800 W. 5th Street | 270-685-3231 Killian Migrant Center 900 Walnut Street | 270-852-6534
Age: 6 weeks – pre-kindergarten Classes & Cost: Working parents pay according to a sliding scale based on income; otherwise, programs are free. Head Start has two models: partnership programs with local school districts and stand-alone, full-year, full-day learning facilities. These curriculum-based programs serve low-income families and/or children with disabilities or state foster children.
BREY’S EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL 1945 Tamarack Rd. 270-926-0202 or 270-314-4673
Age: 2 – 6 years old Classes & Cost: Tuition for the toddler
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. February // March 2020
program is $25 for each session. Session available are: 8 - 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Parens can add 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. for an additional cost. Tuition for the preschool program vary depending on session. Sessions available are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $230 per month; Tuesday/ Wednesday/Thursday from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $460 per month; Monday/ Wednesday from 8 - 11 a.m. for $165 per month; Monday/Wednesday from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for $330 per month; Monday-Thursday from 8 - 11 a.m. for $315 per month/ Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for $630 per month. After school is available daily until 5:30 p.m. at the rate of $10/day. Early drop off is available at 7:30 a.m. Faith-Based Program? No
CATHEDRAL PRESCHOOL 600 Locust Street | 270-926-1652
Age: Age: 3 – 5 years old. Must be 3 or 4 or 5 by August 1, 2020 and must be potty trained. Classes & Cost: 3-year-old class is held Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/ Thursday from 8 – 10:50 a.m. for $132 per month. 4-year-old class is held Monday/ Wednesday/Friday from 8 – 11 a.m. for
$174 per month or Tuesday/Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. for $132 per month or Monday through Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $190 per month. 5-year-old class is held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for $195 per month. After School Care is available from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. on Friday for all ages enrolled in the preschool. Cost per month for 2 days is $123; 3 days is $184; 4 days is $245; and 5 days is $332. Faith-Based Program? Yes, nondenominational.
DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESCHOOL Ages: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: A student is eligible for preschool in the Daviess County Public Schools system if he or she is 3 or 4 years old with a delay or disability; 4 years old and income eligible; or 3 or 4 years old and in the fee-based program. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8 – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Time can vary slightly on individual school’s schedule. One meal is served and transportation is provided. Must be 3 or 4 by August 1.
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL 3585 Thruston Dermont Rd. | 270-685-4002
Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: 3-year-old class held Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. for $168 per month. 4-year-old class held Monday/ Wednesday/Friday from 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. for $196 per month. $200 registration and material fee. Faith-Based Program? Yes. Preschool is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church, but 70% of students come from outside the church.
HERITAGE PARK PRESCHOOL 3802 Legacy Run | 270-683-0611
Age: 6 weeks – 5 years Classes & Cost: Full day, full year program for 6 weeks – 1 year old is $135 per week. Full day, full year program for 2 through 5 year olds is $135 per week. Faith-Based Program? No.
MAXIMILIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY PRESCHOOL 1401 Spring Bank Drive, Suite 4 | 270-689-1402
Age: 3 – 5 years old Classes & Cost: 3 – 5-year-olds are in a blended class full-day program Monday – Friday for $550 per month. Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.
OWENSBORO CHURCH OF CHRIST PRESCHOOL 3300 East U.S. Highway 60 | 270-684-3406
Age: 3 – 5 years old Classes & Cost: 3-year-old class held Tuesday/Thursday from 8:15 – 11:15 a.m. for $100 per month. 4-year-old and Pre-Kindergarten classes held Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:15 – 11:15 a.m. for $120 per month. 7:30 a.m. early drop off available. Must be 3, 4 or 5 by August 1. Must be potty trained. Faith-Based Program? Yes, non-denominational.
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PRESCHOOL GUIDE
OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAGER PRESCHOOL
1701 West 7th Street | 270-686-1125
Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: This program is a blended partner with Head Start. There is no cost for attendance, but students must be income eligible or have a developmental delay. If student does not qualify for either of these criteria, parents may elect to pay tuition of $280 per month. Classes are 3-year-old and 4-year-old blended and are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; one Friday of each month, children do not attend. Owensboro Public School provides transportation.
SEVEN HILLS AUDUBON AREA HEAD START PRESCHOOL
2401 McConnell Ave. | 270-686-1014
Age: 3 – 4 years old Classes & Cost: This program is a blended partner with Head Start. There is no cost for attendance, but students must be income eligible or have a developmental delay.
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Classes are 3-year-old and 4-year-old blended and are Monday through Friday from 8:45 - 3:45 p.m.; second Friday of each month, children do not attend. Owensboro Public School provides transportation.
PLAY SMART PRESCHOOL SIMPLY THERAPY
1512 Frederica Street | 270-683-9992
Age: Ages 2-5 Classes & Cost: The half-day program runs from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Prices for the half-day program are: 2 days for $200, 3 days $276, 5 days for $345. The all-day program runs from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Prices for the all-day program are: 2 days for $304, 3 days for $456 and 5 days for $580. Faith-based Program? No.
PRESBYTERIAN WEEKDAY SCHOOL (FORMERLY CHILDREN’S DAY OUT) First Presbyterian Church 1328 Griffith Ave | 270-684-1467
Age: 6 months-PreK Classes & Cost: Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We have a $50
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
31
PRESCHOOL GUIDE
registration fee. Cost is $65 for one day per week, $105 for 2 days per week, or $140 for 3 days per week. We have a scholarship program and a sibling discount. There is also a semester supply fee (Aug and Jan) which is based on the number of days attended. 1 day is $35, 2 days is $50, and 3 days is $70.
8 TI P S FO R A FI RS T-TI ME PRES C HO OL ER ›› Visit Daviess County Public Library during Storytime. This will let your child get used to hearing someone other than you and introduce them to group time.
Faith-based Program? Yes.
›› Establish a routine of “early to bed” and “school wake-up time”
SETTLE MEMORIAL PRESCHOOL
several weeks before school begins so your child has time to adjust to
201 E. 4th Street | 270-684-7005
Age: 3 – 5 years old Classes & Cost: Young 3-year-old class held Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $125 per month. Must be 3 by December 1, 2020. Older 3-year-old class held Monday/Wednesday/ Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $145 per month or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $125 per month. Must be 3 by April 1, 2020. Young 4-year-old class held Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $145 per month or Monday-Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $185 per month. Must be 4 by September 1, 2020. Pre-Kindergarten (older 4-year-old to young 5-yearold) class held Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $145 per month or Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $165 per month or Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $185 per month. After School program available from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for children enrolled in preschool and are 3 years old by April 1. Two days per week is $120 per month; 3 days per week is $180 per month; 4 days per week is $240 per month; 5 days per week is $300 per month.
the new schedule. ›› Find out about the potty procedures at your child’s school so you can review the situation with your child and make sure she is comfortable. ›› If your child is expressing anxiety, call the school to arrange for a visit to the school and to meet your child’s teacher in the classroom setting. ›› Read books about going to school and saying goodbye, such as:
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
“David Goes to School” by David Shannon
“Will I Have a Friend?” by Miriam Cohen
“First Day of School” by Anne Rockwell
“When I Miss You” by Cornelia Maude Spelman
“Take a Kiss to School” by Angela McAllister
“It’s Time for Preschool” by Esme Raj Codell
“A Pocketful of Kisses” by Audrey Penn
›› Better yet, make your own book at home about the new preschool experience your child is about to begin. You could even take photos of the school or of your child in front of the school and add text like: “This is Avery at school. This is her favorite t-shirt. This is Mommy picking up Avery when school is over.” ›› Tell stories about when you went to school and share how you felt about it. Find childhood pictures of yourself and other adults in your child’s life and talk about the photos. ›› Most importantly, remember that separation is a process. Expect
*While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, please contact the individual programs to verify all details.
32 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
that your child (and you) will need time to feel comfortable with the new situation.
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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34 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
PAID ADVERTORIAL OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK
Introducing Parisi Speed School P
arents work hard every day to keep up with their children.
deter burnout and lessen injury risk by limiting athletes to
Now, in partnership with the Parisi Speed School, the
two or three classes per week, which are broken down into
Owensboro Health Healthpark wants to help your kids move
four 15-minute increments consisting of warmup, application,
faster than ever.
foundation and cooldown.
Parisi Speed School is a rising youth sports training program
The benefits of Parisi also extend beyond the field or court,
with a rapidly expanding national presence. Owensboro Health
and even beyond health. Sharp and the other performance
now offers exclusive access to the region’s only Parisi program.
coaches put great emphasis on improving the self-confidence
The school’s training focuses on the athletic fundamentals of
of young people
speed, agility, mobility, acceleration, power and strength, which
Head Coach and Project Manager Seth Sharp says transcend all major sports.
Young athletes ages 7-22 have the opportunity to work with
certified Parisi sports performance coaches to improve those attributes and achieve athletic goals.
Such goals may include general improvement of sports
performance, making their sports team or moving up to varsity play, but Parisi is not limited to those goals, nor to only athletes. Sharp said anyone can drastically benefit from speed training.
“Especially in today’s world where we’re seated a lot when
“We’re working to improve speed, but we’re also empowering
young athletes,” Sharp said.
The program has proven results, with hundreds of students
moving on to become professional athletes. Significant names include Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olson, US Women’s National Soccer Team midfielder Tobin Heath and the 2008 NFL Draft no. 2 overall pick Chris Long.
Parisi Speed School classes are available six days a week to
maximize the opportunities kids have and to work with various fast-paced sports schedules.
we’re in downtime, increasing activity through mobility and
sports-related exercise pays huge dividends in being healthier,”
weekday evenings and Saturdays. Classes serve a maximum of
Sharp said.
10 students to ensure each gets optimal attention and focus.
Another key area of focus for the speed school’s performance
Sports performance coaches work with athletes on multiple
The official grand opening of the Parisi Speed School at
coaches is injury prevention.
the Owensboro Health Healthpark is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
“The stronger the body is, the harder it’s going to be to
February 15. Demos, dietitians and orthopedic providers will be
break down,” Sharp said. “Sports performance training plays a
available. The community is invited to attend the event and see
huge role in injury resiliency.”
firsthand what the Parisi Speed School can do for your children.
RSVP by calling Seth at 270-688-4878.
In fact, even the trainings themselves are designed to
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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36 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
A POPPING
SUCCESS By Laura Murphy • Photos by Jessica Hall
W
hen first cousins Rickey Hall
to customers. The boys say their product can
and Charlie Moore were just 4
be popped in a skillet or put it in the microwave
years old, they started their own
in a brown paper sack, but it’s best with just a
business. Born just six weeks apart, the pair
little butter and salt.
became close not just as family, but as business
partners with their successful venture, Rickey
ideal for 8-year-old boys, who do not have to
and Charlie’s Old Fashioned Popping Corn.
tend to it every day and can focus efforts on
the weekends rather than school days.
“It’s fun because we get to see each other
Popcorn is a low maintenance crop, so it is
and get to work and sell our popcorn,” Rickey
said, adding that the business duo has not
and the boys have split their earnings 50-
had any problem getting along, and split their
50, the first year was a little different. In the
profit evenly.
fall, about the time that they started picking,
Charlie was diagnosed with cancer.
As a way to instill work ethic in their young
And while every year has been profitable
boys, Rickey and Charlie’s parents began
“We were coming back from picking
looking for a project for them to work on. After
popcorn one night and Rickey had overheard
brainstorming several ideas, they landed on
people talking about Charlie’s treatments and
popcorn as the perfect business for their sons.
him going back and forth to Vanderbilt. He
“I grew up on a family farm down in Logan
told me that he wanted to give all the money
County,” said Rickey’s dad, Chad Hall. “ I was
they had earned to Charlie. He figured it cost a
thinking what could Rickey do 70 miles away
bunch of money for treatment of cancer,” Chad
and still have ownership with it.”
said.
With a grandfather who farms and raises
In this moment, it was obvious that the
row crop, it was decided that the two boys
project was working. Teaching the boys about
would raise natural popping corn on about an
hard work, giving back and discipline were all
acre of land.
the reasons that the family believed in finding
“We grow the corn and then pick it,”
a project for their children.
explained Charlie. “Then we take it to the shop
and shell it off the cob.”
$1,800, or $900 a piece. Rickey gave it all to
Charlie. Now nearly four years later, Charlie is
After harvesting the crop, the boys bag
their product in 2-pound increments to be sold
The first year, the crop earned a profit of
healthy and back at the popcorn business.
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
37
During the second year of their
“Ethically you
dont
sell
an
Both boys’ parents admit that,
business, the boys hustled and
inferior product,” Chad said. “That
like any other kids, there are some
found support from the community.
was something the boys had to
times when Rickey and Charlie
Suzanne
learn.”
may complain about the work, like
Farms put Rickey and Charlie’s Old
This season marks the fifth time
saying it’s too hot outside. However,
Fashioned Popping Corn in her
planting and harvesting the crop
because they love working together
Community Supported Agriculture
and both of the boys say they enjoy
and interacting with people, they see
program for fall deliveries and their
what they do.
Rickey and Charlie’s Old Fashioned
product made it to the farmer’s
“I like to tell people about
Popping Corn only growing in the
market.
farming,” Rickey said, adding that
future.
Both boys put money in the
one of his marketing strategies has
“The boys love being on the
bank and chose to reinvest in their
been to set up a table at his school’s
farm; for them to have a crop to go
business by upgrading some of
agriculture day. He not only got
out to that’s not their granddad’s or
their
years
to sell his popcorn, but he also got
their dad’s is amazing,” Chad said.
ago, Rickey gave a presentation to
to teach his friends about how to
“This is teaching them structure,
Independence Bank, where his dad
harvest a crop.
responsibility and discipline. They
Chad works, that led to the creation
Charlie said he likes picking the
get to learn through this project
of the bank’s Little Patriots Savings
corn the most because shelling the
the foundation of how to conduct
Club.
corn can be tough.
themselves in the future.”
But
Cecil
White
equipment.
each
of
Several
year,
Cecil
success
or
“I like growing it and looking at
Sales have continued to increase
struggle relies on the weather.
it with my Daddy,” Charlie said.
as consumers learn about the unique
And that isn’t the only family
product and the two now 8-year-old
the quality of the popcorn, because
time Charlie enjoys through the
boys are working hard behind the
they only want to offer their
popcorn business. He also sets
name. To reach more customers,
customers the best. One year, they
up each Wednesday after school
the business has rented a booth at
put in the work but didn’t make as
at the farmer’s market with his
Preservation Station, used word of
much money because of the weather.
grandmother.
mouth and also created their own
The boys said they had to learn
38 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
Facebook page.
As far as future goals or plans, the boys say
they just want to keep selling popcorn.
“By 10 they may be burnt out on it and ready to
play sports -- it will be up to them to keep going or not,” Chad said. “It is something that we as parents decided we wanted our kids to do to learn life lessons.”
Chad says he is glad the boys are getting
exposed to this hard work even though they don’t actually live on a farm.
For more information, visit their page, Rickey
& Charlie’s Old Fashioned Popping Corn on Facebook.
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.
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
39
LITTLE GIRLS
Big Dreams By Laura Murphy // Photos by Jamie Alexander
40 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
Sisters Jocelynn and Lillian Magan have made a name for themselves with their jewelry business, Mary & Milvie.
M
eet Jocelynn Magan. At just 17
years old, she’s accomplished
ability to shop online via Instagram and
quite a lot. Jocelynn, a junior at Ohio
Facebook, with the option to have items
County High School, has a part time job,
shipped. Recently the sisters reached
is a varsity golfer for the Lady Eagles
more than 1,000 followers on Facebook.
and runs her own business alongside her
Their online presence has led to serving
sister.
customers out of state. Orders have
Lillian Magan keeps an equally
come in from as far as Pennsylvania.
impressive schedule. At just 12 years
old, she is a member of the cheerleading
to sell their products at local festivals
squad and volleyball team at Ohio
such as the Hartford Street festival.
County Middle School. The duo has been
This allows them to reach customers in
creating their own jewelry and running
multiple ways via social media, word of
their own business for four years.
mouth and in physical locations as well.
“We were looking for the perfect
boutique and got super frustrated. We
going. We want to expand and have an
can remember our mom asking us what
official website. We are in the process of
we were going to do about it,” Jocelynn
making one,” Jocelynn said. “We would
said.
like to keep expanding and go to more
cities like out of Kentucky.”
Although it may have been a rhetorical
Mary and Milvie offers customers the
The duo has also set up pop-up shops
“As far as growing, we want to keep
question at the time, the thought led to
The
the sisters creating Mary and Milvie, a
learned to split the work fairly. Jocelynn
fashion-focused small business selling
makes half the jewelry ands she is also
a variety of handmade jewelry and
in charge of deliveries since she now has
recently offering a few unique flannel
her driver's license. Lillian, who makes
tops as well.
most of the social media posts, creates
“Mary and Milvie is a family name,”
the other half of the jewelry. Their mom,
Jocelynn said. “We chose to use these
Jessica Magan, says she couldn’t be more
names to represent our business.”
proud of her daughters.
Although the girls do offer their
“I love their motivation, their self
unique pieces online, they also sell their
discipline. They work together as an
jewelry in four different boutiques in the
effective sister entrepreneurial team,”
area including Country Home on the way
Jessica said.
to Owensboro, Fleners MSC (Main Street
Collections) in Morgantown, and both
bracelets, spoon rings, chokers, long
Shepherd’s Market and Persimmon in
necklaces and custom keychains. The
Beaver Dam. Their future plans include
adult line, Mary and Milvie, carries their
expanding their line of products in other
business name, while the kids line Little
local boutiques in the area.
Lovies, was also selected based on a
young
entrepreneurs
have
Mary and Milvie offers handmade
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
41
family name.
school. A few years ago, the sisters
extra income, she says she is doing
Custom pieces can be created
put their jewelry in a competition
something that she enjoys.
for athletic events such as bracelets
to support their school as part of a
for moms to wear during football
National Beta Club convention. While
business, the sisters realize that their
season or baseball team orders with
they didn’t win, they described it as an
the athlete’s numbers on each piece.
honor just to be asked to compete.
Charms can be added to bracelets or
Each year Mary and Milvie has
necklaces for special events too, such
experienced greater success than
as a high school or college graduation.
the year before. For each of their four
“I made a necklace for a friend
years in business, a new boutique has
student with bracelets all the way
with a megaphone because she is a
agreed to pick up their product line to
up her arm and necklaces stacked
cheerleader,” Jocelynn said.
sell. The sisters say they are excited to
around her neck. Lillian loved to craft.
and
be making their own money, as each
So much, that she said her parents
great
girl already has future plans in mind.
gave her an entire room in the house
for sustaining their business over
“I have a savings account and I
dedicated just for her creations.
the long haul, the sisters have also
want to save money for a good car. I
enjoyed filling larger group orders.
plan to go to WKU just like my parents
Their biggest order to date was two
did,” Lillian said.
hundred pieces created for a local
Now that Jocelynn can drive,
church for the “Women of Worth”
she jokes that her Mary and Milvie
conference. The keychains included a
paycheck is her Taco Bell money.
town. I would like to give a shout out
scripture and a cross.
She also says it’s helpful to have the
to all the boutiques who gave us a
Their entrepreneurship has also
extra income to pay for gas and have a
chance. We were just little girls with
led to them having opportunities in
little spending money. Aside from the
big dreams,” Lillian said.
While returning
individual customers
42 OWENSBORO PARENT
orders are
. February // March 2020
Reflecting on their early start in
gift for fashion and creating was always there. As a little girl, Jocelynn remembers loving jewelry. She found a picture of herself as a grade school
“My favorite part of our business
is the networking and always meeting new people. It’s awesome how people are able to support local in a small
OP
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
43
44 OWENSBORO PARENT
. February // March 2020
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
planning
for the
future When I grow up, I’m going to be an
astronaut!
February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
45
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
5 WAYS TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
WH I LE S TIL L L IVING IN TH E P R E S E N T
2
1
3
UNDERSTAND YOUR FAMILY FINANCES.
LIMIT YOUR MONTHLY BILLS.
PLAN TO BE SPONTANEOUS.
This means understanding what you spend now to understand how to save for the future. Analyze your current spending/ saving patterns and habits. Do you really need all those Starbucks drinks? Isolate it in terms of what you spend a week. Then you can catch things you may spend too much on, and see the impacts of leaner weeks too.
Try to limit unnecessary bills. Do you really need the newest phone? Is the highest speed internet really worth that much money? Align your bills with your family’s priorities and goals. If you want to be more active as a family, maybe you don’t need satellite TV. If you want to be more present with your kids, then maybe you don’t need that much data on your phone.
This may sound contradictory, but this can be a life changer. Analyzing your spending can be exhausting and stressful. Build in a little wiggle room to allow some time for your family to relax and have fun without the pressure of wasting hard-earned money. That way you can still be spontaneous when you want to be, but with a built in cushion!
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4 THINK OF YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS THE WAY YOU WOULD YOUR HEALTH STATUS. As in, take it seriously. The way your health needs regular check-ins and checkups, as well as maintenance, you will see how your planning/ saving needs tweaking. And with your diligence, greater financial stability brings better overall health – financially and emotionally.
5 DON’T DO IT ALONE. Commit to these goals with your spouse. If you are a single parent, find a friend that can walk through this challenge with you and hold you accountable. And be sure to include your kids in the conversations of making financial priorities and your goals of spending less and saving more. Showing them your commitment to financial freedom will pay dividends in the long run. OP
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Your Child’s First Dental Visit PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF OWENSBORO
D
id you know that cavities in primary teeth are the most common chronic disease in children? We, as pediatric dentists, believe that our primary goal is not to restore (fix) teeth, but it is to prevent tooth decay. We strongly advocate and encourage your child see a pediatric dentist by the age of 1 for their first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) introduced the concept of the “Dental Home,” which is the ongoing relationship between the dentist who is the primary dental care provider and the patient, and includes comprehensive oral health care, beginning no later than age one. An infant oral health exam is simple, easy and effective.
erupted teeth when they are susceptible to decay including a new material that can completely stop the decay process. We will provide a comprehensive assessment for oral diseases and conditions. We will provide an individualized preventive dental health plan based upon caries risk assessment. Anticipatory guidance about growth and development (teething, digit, or pacifier habits). A plan for acute dental trauma and a contact after hours for it. Dietary counseling and advice for a healthy lifestyle.
A parent might wonder… what will they do during our first dental visit? We will show you child friendly techniques to properly brush and floss their teeth. We may even attempt to polish/clean their teeth. We can apply higher concentrations of fluorides to the newly
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Referrals to other health care specialists when appropriate. The age one dental appointment is the most crucial visit for children, especially if this is your first child. It helps set parameters and expectations for you as a parent. Drs. Crews and Gilbert both realize as parents that raising children is very challenging, and we look forward to being your child’s new dental home.
Be Prepared GAVIN C. ROBERTS, KY FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
I
nsurance! Everyone hates discussing it and paying for it; but I love it because I love being able to see lives put back together the best they can be after loss. You see, I am your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Agent, and I, along with Kentucky’s #1 Property and Casualty Insurance Company, have the opportunity and ability to help you plan your future. There will be a day, a bad day, that you will experience, and you will want to make sure you have prepared properly. Loss is all around us, how you have prepared for it, is how you will have to handle it. The Boy Scout Motto is very important, “Be Prepared”, are you? Are you confident in how you are prepared? Just going through the motions, paying premiums, and not understanding how and what you are prepared for can be reckless and detrimental if you have not chosen to prepare for the future properly. Let me help you by doing what I love doing everyday- reviewing coverages and making recommendations that benefit “YOU”!
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Planning Your Child’s Dental Care: Setting Them Up for Success BLUEGRASS DENTAL
F
rom the moment your child is born, you worry about every sound they make, every step they take, and every bump or bruise they get. Their health and happiness is your number one priority. Protecting your child’s teeth is one of the first steps you can take to ensure a lifetime of good health. At Bluegrass Dental, Dr. Joshua Stamper and his team take this very seriously, and aim to provide you all the resources you need to feel confident about your child’s oral health
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST? It’s important to start a regular routine with your dentist early in your child’s life. The American Dental Association recommends their first visit should occur within six months after their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. This allows your child to start to build a positive relationship with the dentist since these visits are typically very easy, and if executed properly, can ease a lot of future dental anxiety your child could potentially develop.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SEE A SPECIAL TYPE OF DENTIST? Many parents are often confused on whether or not their child needs to see a Pediatric Dentist or if they can simply go to the family’s General Dentist. At Bluegrass Dental, we respect the needs and wants of a busy modern family, so we strive to provide all the resources necessary to care for not only the comprehensive dental needs of the parents, but also their children. At Bluegrass Dental, not only do we not mind seeing children, we welcome it. We prioritize family style appointments so both parents and children can receive care in the same day, and even utilize a therapy dog to help the child associate their visit with the dentist as a positive one. Now should your child be one of the small percentage that needs extensive work or special behaviors needs met, we can gladly help you arrange for care with the best pediatric dentists that fit your child’s unique needs.
START SOONER THAN LATER You should begin your child’s oral care even before their first tooth. After feedings, wipe their gums with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste yet. Once their first tooth
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comes in, you can focus on brushing with a non-fluoridated toothpaste, the amount should be no more than the size of a pea.
LET THEM BRUSH THEMSELVES (WITH SUPERVISION) Once your child hits two, you may begin to let them brush for themselves, but make sure you supervise them, and even go back and continue to help them brush. The biggest mistake I see in my pediatric patients is unsupervised brushing. Just because your child is 5 or 6 doesn’t mean they should be brushing without help or supervision quite yet. The majority of children simply do not have the dexterity and a lot of times the patience to effectively brush. If your child is resistant to toothbrushing at these young ages, try making it a game. At our office we often tell children we are looking for hidden treasures behind their teeth with toothbrushes.
MAKE IT A NON-NEGOTIABLE PART OF THEIR DAILY ROUTINE School aged children thrive on routine. Make before bed brushing and flossing a part of their daily routine early on. Join them in the bathroom and make your oral care something you do together. Doing this early on will create effective brushing and flossing habits that will continue to make their dental visits easy and fun for everyone involved.
CHOOSE A DENTIST THEY CLICK WITH Choosing who oversees your child’s dental health is a big decision. Take time when deciding who will click best with your family, and aim for a dentist that values your wants and needs as a busy modern family. Do not sacrifice either your or your child’s dental care because its too much work to find a dentist that can see your entire family at the same time. Strive to find a dentist that can meet all your dental needs. At Bluegrass Dental, we preach comfort and ease. From heated and massaging dental chairs, family style appointments with a staff that loves children, to a fun loving therapy dog to help put your little one as ease, we would love for you to consider us for the responsibility of caring for your family’s dental needs.
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Plan for Happy Healthy Smiles GREATER OWENSBORO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
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t’s no secret that developing healthy habits for our children at a young age allows them to thrive as they grow and mature. Your child’s diet and oral hygiene play a significant role not only in their oral health but also their overall health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that by age five 60% of children have experienced cavities making it the most common chronic disease of childhood according to the Center for Disease Control. Since February is recognized as National Children’s Dental Health Month, this is a great time to discuss how you can help your child avoid this largely preventable disease.
When it comes to diet, we have all heard that candy and soft drinks cause cavities, but that is a small part of the equation. We must also limit consumption of starchy snacks that stick to our teeth such as crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. The same holds true with sugary beverages including juice, milk, sports drinks, energy drinks, soda and others. While it is ok to have these as a treat occasionally, it is important to avoid grazing habits to protect our teeth. Frequent snacking or sip-
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ping of sugary drinks throughout the day keeps the amount of cavity causing acids in our mouth high which prolongs the time our teeth are broken down. Thus, we recommend limiting these items to mealtime and drinking water throughout the rest of the day. “So, when should I start brushing my child’s teeth?” It’s a common question and the answer is actually as soon as their first tooth erupts since dental decay can begin this early. For 0-3 year olds, a rice-grain sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended and for 3-6 year olds, a pea sized amount is appropriate. For optimal prevention, the American Dental Association encourages an oral examination by a dentist for every child by age one. According to the journal Pediatrics, doing so will result in 40% lower dental costs for your child by age five. At Greater Owensboro Pediatric Dentistry, we stand ready to serve all your child’s oral healthcare needs and to help them achieve a lifetime of happy healthy smiles.
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Why should you invest in a home now? ADVICE FROM CHARLIE DAWSON, PRINCIPAL BROKER AND CO-OWNER OF TRIPLE CROWN REALT Y GROUP
INTEREST RATES ARE CURRENTLY VERY LOW. The lower the rate, the lower the payment. As your income increases, you may elect to pay extra, thus paying off the house much faster.
PAYMENTS ARE USUALLY CHEAPER THAN RENT.
HOUSE PRICES TEND TO RISE OVER TIME. This is one of the best investments you can make. In time, you can either sell for a profit or use the equity to borrow money for other things, like home improvements.
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP. Unlike a rental property, you can redecorate or remodel as you chose. You might even raise a garden. Home improvements have added benefits of increases in property value.
Rather than put money into the landlord’s pocket, use it for other expenses. Plus, with fixed rate mortgages, you won’t have to worry about increases.
YOU WILL PAY LESS TAX. You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage from your personal income, resulting in less income tax paid.
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INVESTMENTS. Rather than sell when you are ready to “move up,” some homeowners turn their property into rental property. This can create a nice income stream, especially when it’s paid off! I bought my first house in 1997 and I still own it! Of course, I didn’t stop there, I have several others, which will make a nice retirement supplement someday.
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Discover
ADVICE AND TIPS ON H OW TO M AKE PARENTING AN D L IFE EASIER
The Book
Nook
Photo by Jamie Alexander
All of these books are available for check out at the Daviess County Public Library.
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DISCOVER • THE BOOK NOOK
I Love You Because You're You
Mouse's First Valentine
by Liza Baker
by Lauren Thompson
In a poem about a Mama Fox's love for her cub, I Love You Because
Early one morning,
You're You captures the many moods of all children, reassuring them
Mouse follows
of their parents' abiding affection and approval. This book is sure to
his sister
become a family favorite—and an enduring classic of the genre.
around the house. She's making
Here Comes Valentine Cat
something
by Deborah Underwood
It's red and lacy
special.
Cat does NOT like Valentine's Day. It's much too mushy, and no way is
and very pretty.
he making anyone a valentine—especially not his new neighbor, Dog.
Snip! Snip! Snip!
Dog refuses to respect the fence. He keeps tossing over old bones
What will it be?
and hitting Cat in the head! But just as Cat’s about to send Dog an angry “valentine” telling him exactly what he can do with his bones, Dog throws a ball over the fence. What is Dog playing at?
Snowy Valentine by David Petersen Step out into a snowy Valentine's Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one. In his picture-book debut, David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard, tells a delightful tale that becomes the perfect way to say “I love you.”
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Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. “Somebody loves you” the note says. After some time, Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is and, in doing so, enjoys the biggest surprise of his life!
OP
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DISCOVER • Q&A WITH CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW
parental control I have an 8-year-old son and he has ADHD and “ anxiety. My husband and I have worked hard to help him cope and to teach him to focus a little better. He gets very frustrated sometimes and it comes out in the form of yelling, acting out and acting like a toddler. Do you have any suggestions for ways to help with his frustrations?
”
a:
I think you described what your son experiences really well and this does sound like it would be very frustrating to anyone. The first piece of advice I always give is to make sure and speak with your medical professional about the best course of treatment. A child with ADHD has differences in brain activity that can alter attention, being able to sit still and impulse control just to name a few examples. You add anxiety on top of that and this can produce symptoms that we cannot see sometimes. Kids might feel nervous, worried or feel afraid. When you look at this, it is easy to see where he might feel frustrated. Some ideas that work well for kids with ADHD are using visual reminders and timers. Their brains can become so involved in what they are doing and that is where you may see a lack of focus on things around them or being unable to multitask. The good thing about how their brains work is when they are intense and working hard, their minds are so smart and brilliant. The best thing you can do for your son is to help him harness that energy and with time, he will not get as frustrated. Another tip that I have had success with is helping
the child become organized. Children with ADHD struggle with organization, so the more that you can help them in this area could help reduce frustration levels. I use a technique called “grounding” with children who can get upset and I am trying to calm down to get back to a state that we can talk. This technique can help with anxiety too. Being grounded can bring us back to what is going on with our bodies and help us feel connected. There is a strategy called the Rainbow Walk. You can do it inside or go outside. The point is try and find something that represents every color of the rainbow. By doing this activity, it brings us back and connects us to the environment around us. Grounding can help clear our minds, recharge us and calm our emotions. Another grounding technique is to involve the five senses. You have to write down five things you see, four things you feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. This is a calming technique that can help get through frustrating moments and tough times. I hope some of these techniques can help when there are times that your son gets frustrated. OP
CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW is a Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.
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DISCOVER • ADVICE
Helping Your Marriage
Survive Parenthood
By Scott Kenworthy
M
arriage is one of the most rewarding and challenging relationships a person can enter.
Parenting, too. Through the course of my work, I have met a number of couples experiencing a difficult stretch in their relationship who believed having a child might save their marriage. The sentiment makes sense. By rallying around the responsibility of raising a baby, they imagine they’ll set aside their disagreements and grow closer. The reality is, even if you have a strong marriage, children always make things more complicated.
When you bring a life into the world you go
from attempting to make two lives function as one unit, to now trying to fit together three, four, or more. You’re also doing so with less sleep, less expendable income, and more stress. Ever try to juggle five knives while blindfolded? Sometimes parenting can feel like that.
So, what can you do? Are there any practices
that will help your marriage survive parenthood? Fortunately, the answer is yes. None of them are rocket science. But just because they’re simple solutions, doesn’t mean they’ll be easy. Each will take commitment and sacrifice, but they can help you and your spouse grow closer together amidst the challenges of parenting.
FIND TIME FOR DATES, EVEN IF SLIGHTLY REDEFINED.
A friend once told my wife and I that when
you don’t have kids every night is date night. Though I don’t totally agree, once we had a child, I understood what he meant. Date night looks different now. Nevertheless, it’s important for you and your spouse to set aside time for one another. You were committed to your partner before you were committed to your child. The love and security that results from making your marriage a priority will only benefit your kids. Identify a trusted person or two to babysit, develop a budget, and commit to a schedule, even if it’s only a time or two a month. You and your kids will be glad you did.
KEEP COMMUNICATING.
After a long day, when the kids are finally in
bed, your work is done, and the dishes are put away, it can be tempting to plop on the couch and watch
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Netflix until you drift off to sleep. Somedays, that may be exactly what you need. Realize, however, that your rhythms impact your marriage. Find time to relax, yes. But also find time to communicate with one another. Just because you’re now parents doesn’t mean you’re no longer people. You each still have stresses, joys, fears, and questions you need to process. You still have dreams to share. You still need to laugh. You still need to make love. Find time for uninterrupted communication with one another, even if it’s only 15 minutes before bed each day. You may choose to make one day a week “check-in” day, where after the kids go to bed you spend the rest of the evening checking in with how the other person is doing emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Find what works for you and stick with it.
PURSUE COUNSELING OR COACHING.
Though there is less stigma with seeking help now than
there has been in the past, the idea still exists that seeing a counselor is a sign of weakness. On the contrary, working on your blind spots only makes you stronger. Ever year toprated high school athletes underperform as they transition to college. They arrive on campus with great accolades, but they struggle to transfer their skills to the next level. Often the reason is that they failed to work on their weaknesses. They assume because they could outmuscle or outrun opponents in high school, they don’t need to work on their post moves or ball handling. What happens, however, is the athletes willing to work on their game end up surpassing them. The same is true in marriage. Just because at one time you had a strong marriage doesn’t mean you’re ready for every new challenge or change that comes your way. You have blind spots that a professional counselor or experienced coach can help you with. My wife and I have both benefited from counseling at times in our life and marriage. You can as well. If you’re worried about the cost, insurance will often help with counseling expenses. Many churches also offer marriage ministries or coaching for free.
It’s great to show your spouse you love them by buying
them something nice on Valentine’s Day. But the willingness to invest in your marriage through intentional time, communicating, and counseling is the gift that really keeps on giving.
OP
SCOTT KENWORTHY has served as the lead pastor of Owensboro Christian Church since 2013. He and his wife, Sarah, were born and raised in Indianapolis, 10 miles apart, but met in Knoxville, TN. In his free time, he enjoys sports, reading, movies, board games and quoting 90s sitcoms.
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Out & About
EVEN T S AN D ACTIVITIES FOR OWE NSBORO FAMILIES
12 Local Things to Do
ColorBlast 5k // Photo by AP Imagery
This Season
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OUT & ABOUT
12 local things to do
this season 1
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NIGHT TO SHINE F EB. 7 OWEN S B O R O CONV E N T ION CE N TER
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Life Community Church in Owensboro is excited to partner once again with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine 2020. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older — all for free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 p.m. Visit Night to Shine on Facebook for more details.
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Finding Neverland FEB. 18 RIV ERPA RK CE NTE R
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The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart.” Based on the criticallyacclaimed Academy Award® winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible, and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. Tickets are now on sale online at OwensboroTickets.com or by calling the RiverPark Center Box Office (270) 687-2787.
DANCE BATTLE EXTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED BY ODT FEB. 22 | RIVE RPA RK CE NTE R
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Dance Battle Extravaganza will feature Giordano Dance Chicago, Owensboro Dance Theatre and Community Tri-State Competitors. Giordano Dance Chicago is America’s original jazz dance company, captivating audiences worldwide with dynamic performances, diversity and wide appeal of its repertoire. The second act will be an amusing and friendly dance battle fundraiser between tristate community groups. Each group will battle to win a grand prize of $1,000. Competing rounds will include; first responders, schools, banks, car dealerships, fitness centers, nonprofits, healthcare facilities, government, multimedia and more! Each round winner will win $100 to go to a charity of their choice! There is also a social media community favorite award of $500! Come cheer, laugh, and vote while supporting Owensboro Dance Theatre and those in the community! Tickets are available by calling the RiverPark Center Box Office.
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4
2020 KENTUCKY SCHOLASTIC 3D ARCHERY STATE INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP FEB. 28 - M AR CH 1 OWEN S B ORO CONV E N T ION C ENTE R
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Over 500 archers from across the state of Kentucky will compete for the state championship in their division and class. Also, the archers will compete for the Kentucky Indoor Shooter of the Year which is based on competition points earned during indoor regional tournaments that will be combined with their indoor state score. The event is open to the public and we encourage people to come to the Owensboro Convention Center with their children to watch archers from across the state compete in one of the fastest growing sports.
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S PEND VA L E NT I NE’S DAY WIT H T H E KID S!
Valentine’s Day is a great day for couples, but that isn’t reality for all parents. Single moms and dads — here are some great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family. Even couples that do celebrate Valentine’s Day together can add these fun events to their celebrations in February. JU MP F O R J OY
Elite Air is for sure a kids favorite in Owensboro. Family jump nights are available. Why not spend Valentine’s Day jumping with the ones you love the most?
SEE A M OV IE
BE E MINE PART Y
LIBRARY LOVE
Check out the new Malco Owensboro Cinema Grill. A movie date can always be a sweet treat!
Join Western Kentucky Botanical Garden for their Feb. 1 Bee Mine St. Valentine’s Party for kids of all ages. Children will have the opportunity to make Valentine’s Day cards for anyone they wish. It’s free and begins at 10 a.m. in the Education Classroom.
Daviess County Public Library has so many things for families to enjoy. Did you know you can check out instruments, telescopes, games and puzzles? The Library is a great place to explore new hobbies as a family.
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OUT & ABOUT
6
Cherish F EB. 29 RI V ER PA R K C EN T E R
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 1PM-6PM at RiverPark Center Cherish is a one-day marriage event with Focus on The Family. Features Greg & Erin Smally, who have led marriage seminars worldwide and are passionate to equip couples with the knowledge, skills and insights necessary to enjoy life together. Come worship with an all-community worship team and laugh together with national Christian comedian Dennis Swanberg, “The Swan.” This event will be memorable and everlasting! Reserve your place today online or call the RiverPark Center Box Office (270) 687-2770.
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Second Annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon
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DEAR EDWINA, JR. M A RCH 6, 7, 13, 14 AT 7PM & MARCH 8, 15 AT 2PM TH E EM PR ES S T H E AT E R
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Directed by Travis Chaney, this children’s musical is a girl power experience for a new generation! Edwina Spoonapple, 13 years old, leads neighborhood kids through a series of production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly advice- a-palooza! The result is a collection of songs about food, friends and growing up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. There will be a $2 surcharge on all tickets purchased at the door.
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MA R CH 14 SM OTH E RS PA RK
{
The second annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon presented by Owensboro Health will offer a flat and fast route of Owensboro, Kentucky. The 13.1-mile race will be fully supported including some full and partial road closures. The race will start and finish on the riverfront by beautiful Smothers Park. Late March offers cooler temperatures, perfect for the half marathon distance. There will be water stations conveniently placed along the course and the race will be professionally timed. Huge finisher medals will be given to those that complete the course. Plus, prize money will be awarded to the top competitors. Please visit www.wendellfoster.org/special-events/ for detailed information on how to register, course, awards, schedule, volunteer, packet pick up and much more.
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OWENSBORO HOME AND GARDEN SHOW MA RCH 7 10AM–5PM & MA RCH 8 10AM– 4PM OWEN S B O R O CON V EN TI O N C E NT E R
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Homeowners, get ready to plan your spring and summer projects! The Home Builders Association of Owensboro will have over 44,000 square feet of exhibitors showing the newest innovations in home design and remodeling ideas! All aspects of building and remodeling will be on display! Admission is $5 for Adults. Children 12 and under are admitted Free.
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Pigtails & Cowlicks M ARC H 20-21 OWE NS BORO CONV ENTION CE NTE R
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Pigtails & Cowlicks Children’s Spring 2020 Consignment Sale offers area families the chance to shop from 425 families selling new or gently used items ALL for kids – from babies to teens! Clothing, toys, furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, boutique, and more. There is no admission fee to shop and the sale is open to the public. Cash and debit/credit cards accepted. Times: Friday, March 20 (8am – 6pm); Saturday, March 21 (8am – 1pm) *most items 50% off!
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COLORBLAST 5K MA R CH 21 M ORE L A ND PA RK
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The Color Blast 5K is a fun family run/ walk color celebration to recognize the positive impact individuals with special needs have on our lives, to acknowledge their abilities, and help spread awareness! The Color Blast 5K is brought to you by four Owensboro nonprofits, Puzzle Pieces, GRADSA, Dream Riders of KY and Team Karlie, whose common missions are to support and enhance the quality of life of those with disabilities. Participation in this event will 100% directly benefit these host organizations. Participants wear white and will be showered with a safe and non-toxic colored powder at each mile marker. The color fun continues to the After Party involving a foam finish. Students are $15 and adults are $25 until March 2. For packet pickup information and full race details see www.colorblast5k.org
OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS
IN CONCERT FEATURING THE CIRCLE OF LIFE…A LION’S TALE
MA RCH 21 R I V ER PA R K C EN T E R
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Hakuna Matata! Come enjoy The Circle of Life…A Lion’s Tale with no worries. Dance into the wild with all your favorite characters, vibrant costumes, elaborate digital moving backdrops, and flying animals! This timeless tale tells the story of a lion who must find and accept his roll and responsibility in life. Of course, he does this with help of friends he finds along the way. ODT dancers will be joined with professional dancers and loads of local talent! It’s gonna be the main event like no show was before, you won’t want to miss this brave adventure in the circle of life.
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OUT & ABOUT
kids
meal deals
EVERY DAY
Firehouse Subs – Up to 2 kids eat free (12 & under) all day with purchase of an adult meal
MONDAY
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
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
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – $1.99 kids meal (ages 12 & under) all day Denny’s – Up to 2 free kids meals with an adult meal purchase Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
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 Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase Long John Silver’s – $1.99 Kids meals all day
SUNDAY Beef 'O' Brady's – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with the purchase of an adult entrée from 4-8pm; dine-in only
Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet from 4:30-7pm
Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal (10 & under) per adult entrée
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 McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals from 4-7pm; dine-in only . February // March 2020
Burger Theory (located in the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront) – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with purchase of an adult meal; breakfast, lunch & dinner
Pizza By the Guy – 1 free kids buffet for (ages 10 & under) with an adult purchase with a drink on Tuesdays from 5-8pm
Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only
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O’Charley’s – Free kids meal (ages 10 & under) with the purchase of adult entrée
Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only 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 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 movie/game rental for every A (or equivalent) they received in a core class for the year. 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. February // March 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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FROM OUR READERS
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FROM OUR READERS
VALENTINE BOXES Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!
SPONSORED BY
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FROM OUR READERS
Say What? Our readers asked their kids following question:
“If you had a million dollars, what would be the first few things you would buy?” “A house, a car and some Reese’s Peanut butter cups.”
“Oreos, a toy (Barbie), candy.” - Ellanor, age 3
“Faster internet, new iPad and tons of candy.”
“Stuffed animals, blanket, toys.” - Novalee, age 7
“First I would buy a raptor claw, then a Lamborghini, and then a box of gum with like a MILLION pieces of gum in it. And then if I had money leftover.... an iPad.” Collin, age 7
“A leg lamp like on Christmas Stor y.”
- Logan, age 13
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- Sabrina, age 9
- Cole, age 8
- Elijah, age 12
“Huge computer set up and biggest 3D printer ever.”
“New helmet, Barbies, art stuff!”
. February // March 2020
-Tennyson, age 5
“Guinea pig, new battery operated car, new car.” - Raelyn, age 7
“Big house, tv, phone.” - Cam, age 15
“Candy, iPhone 11, and a hydro flask with metal straws to save the turtles!” - Lily, age 7
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