2023 June / July - Owensboro Parent

44 Healthy Body, Healthy Minds

Modeling positive body image for children

46 The Book Nook

Celebrate our amazing country this summer with books about America.

OUT & ABOUT

52 Events Calendar

Our list of fun things to do around town this season!

54 Festival Guide

Don’t miss these 10 family friendly festivals this summer!

56 Parent’s Guide to ROMP

Take a peek at the full schedule of kids zone activities.

58 Kids Meal Deals

Check out these local kids meal deals!

FROM OUR READERS

60 Daddy & Me

Photos submitted to our Facebook page sponsored by Owensboro Health!

HOW CUTE WERE YOU AS A BABY?

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Ashley Wedding

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Albers

Christina Dalton

Jamie Johnson

John Kirkpatrick

Andrea Millay

Laura Murphy

Lora Wimsatt

Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Brock Quinton

Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise.

For more information about advertising call 270-297-1600 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Andrea Roberson

Monica Tapp

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Plain

ON THE COVER Poppy Glenn Thomson, 9 months

Photo by Jamie Plain

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.

ONLINE

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PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner

2624-A New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-297-1600

TANNER PUBLISHING CO

Ashley's Top Picks

from the editor

Sweet summertime is here and this year, more than ever, it has arrived out of nowhere. 2023 seems to be flying by. Before you know it, it will be time to send our kids back to school.

With both Drew and I working from home, it can be easy to let the days slip away. We find ourselves working beyond the typical workday or checking off home projects from our to-do list.

TIE-DYE TOWELS

So, I know this trend was going around on social media a couple of years ago, but we finally tried it last summer. These towels turned out so cute and are my kids’ favorite! All you need is duct tape, a white towel and tie dye! You will need the tie-dye that comes in spray bottles.

THE EDI

Our kids have the hardest time remembering to turn out lights in our house, so Drew came up with the idea of The Edi Award. This statue of Thomas Edison, chosen because of his invention of the lightbulb, is awarded to the kid who best remembers to turn off his/her lights. This award is newly implemented at our house, so I can’t tell you if it actually helps them remember to turn off their lights. I’ll report back in a later issue.

Because of this, we have been very intentional about mapping out our summer. We have a bigger trip planned and a couple of smaller adventures too. But we also let the kids create a bucket list of what they want to do this summer.

Their ideas are never over-the-top.

A water balloon fight in the backyard.

A family movie night with dinner from a new pizza place.

Catching lightning bugs at the farm.

Their ideas are always simple and always have one thing in common: time spent together as a family.

Isn’t that what summer is all about?

Sun-kissed cheeks that are sore from smiling and laughing. Warm Kentucky nights that leave you sweaty and sticky, but oh, so happy. Less routine and more time spent together.

You only get 17 or 18 summers with your kids. We only have 6 left with our oldest.

OP THROWBACK

This will forever be one of our staff’s favorite covers! The bright colors and timeless concept of standing in line for a sweet summer treat make this OP cover one to remember.

Make the most of these eight weeks. And remember, your kids don’t need a big vacation to make their summer break one to remember.

CRAVENS ELEMENTARY OPENS NEW PLAYGROUND

Cravens Elementary School opened its doors to a 90% fully renovated building this semester. Principal Cortney Cliff said she is thankful to be able to give the students a school that’s as special as she says they are.

Students have been enjoying the renovations since January, including a new fine arts/performing stage and gymnasium, a media center, and classroom expansions. But one of the school’s new features—a new playground—was opened in late April.

According to school officials, 200 Cravens students walk to school from home. With that knowledge, district officials wanted to give the students something that is welcoming and goes above the base educational benefits for the children.

“It is the place, especially in this neighborhood, where people go to get all their questions answered, to get the help they need, to get the education they deserve,” Owensboro Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant said.

That same sentiment extends to the playground, which the students have deemed their neighborhood park.

Mrs. Hamilton’s class won the school behavior challenge and were awarded the opportunity to open the playground on April 26, marking the very first class to enjoy the new equipment.

HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY EXPECTED TO RELOCATE BEHIND NEW DCMS IN COMING YEARS

A new campus is expected to be built for Highland Elementary School within the next few years. It will go directly behind the new Daviess County Middle School, essentially creating a full pre-K through 8th grade location.

In early May, the Daviess County Public Schools Board of Education approved moving Highland to “transitional” status, meaning no major renovations can be done to the building. District officials said that status change was necessary to begin the process of building a new school, but there is no timeline that must be followed.

Superintendent Matt Robbins said he envisions the new facility being built within 5 years, but it will be up to the board to make any decisions on when to move forward. Board members Frank Riney and Dale Stewart said they’d like to delay the construction as long as possible.

“Right now, I think things are expensive,” Riney said. “I anticipate things improving as far as costs go. I think things may slow down to the point that it will be more reasonable, but it may be further than the ‘near future.’”

Robbins noted that the current building is in fine shape, meaning there aren’t concerns that any structural failures or major renovation needs will come into play if the district waits a few years to start construction on the new school.

The district already owns the land for the new Highland building, as they purchased it at the same time they bought the land for the new DCMS.

The two schools would back up to one another. The DCMS entrance is already located on Fairview Drive, while Highland would face Calumet Trace.

Robbins said it’s a benefit for both the students and district to have the facilities next to one another, as Highland is a feeder school for DCMS.

Equally as important, he said, is getting away from KY 54. He said there’s already a safety concern with congestion, and it could get worse if the state ever moves forward with widening the roadway.

Robbins said the district would likely sell the current Highland property once the transition is complete, adding they already had to sell some road frontage as right of way to the state.

“It was equivalent to about $1 million an acre,” he said. “I think there’s about 11.5 acres there, so it’s a valuable piece of property.”

Robbins again stressed there is no timeline for when the project will move forward.

Student Spotlight:

Isabell and Yaneli are students at Foust Elementary School. Before school was out, these young ladies spent their recess time picking up trash on the playground simply because they saw a need. What a great act of kindness!

Ashton Newton is a senior in the Apollo High School JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) program. According to his JAG teacher, Ashton is a determined young man who has not let adversity stand in his way. He is a hard worker who has maintained an average 3.39 GPA throughout his senior year. He has an interest in metalworking and welding and has enrolled in the TechX program at OCTC to pursue welding as a career.

Sheriff Brad Youngman

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am an Owensboro Native, born and raised. My wife, Brook, and I have two sons, Kaden, age 16, and Ethan, age 6.

Immediately following high school graduation, I enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard and following college graduation, I was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer. I retired from the National Guard in 2019. I joined Owensboro Police Department in 2004 and in 2015 I joined the Daviess County Sheriff’s as a Patrol Deputy and then became a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2021, I left DCSO to join the newly formed Daviess County Public Schools Police Department. I am now serving as Daviess County Sheriff and I feel that, along with my staff, we are off to an amazing start.

WHAT DO YOUR KIDS THINK ABOUT YOU BEING SHERIFF?

They have been nothing but supportive the entire time. I have been in law enforcement their whole lives. Being a cop anywhere means that you are going to work holidays, miss sporting events, and work odd hours. It takes a toll on your family time for sure, but like all police and first responder families we make the most of it. As Sheriff, I have a new set of responsibilities and at times my work pulls me away from home over night or in the evenings, but we are used to that. With the age difference you can definitely see the different levels of understanding though of what it means for me to be Sheriff. My oldest is completely aware of the fact that I had to run for office and he helped with my campaign a lot. My youngest just still understands that I am a policeman and beyond that I am not sure he really knows what being Sheriff entails.

HOW DOES YOUR JOB IMPACT YOUR PARENTING STYLE AND HOW DOES BEING A DAD AFFECT YOUR JOB AS SHERIFF?

It’s fair to say that I am probably a little more aware of what can happen out there on the streets or even online than some other parents may be because of what we see in police work, so my parenting style may reflect that at times. I try

to talk with my kids about the dangers that are out there as far as drugs and alcohol, dangerous driving, avoiding strangers, and all of the things that parents need to be talking with their kids about. I don’t think I go over the top with it but who knows, maybe I do.

As far as how parenting affects my job, I like to think it makes me better at it. We are making several changes to the Sheriff’s Office and trying to increase our visibility, accessibility and proactive activities to keep this community safe. We are adding new services and skills and started a Special Investigations Unit to focus on drug enforcement. I am doing all of this because I care about our community and I want to keep it a safe place for families.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ADVICE TO OTHER DADS?

Well, I am certainly in no position to be lecturing anyone. But from where I am sitting, you can definitely see the value of having had a dad in someone’s life. And I think a big part of that is to be a dad and not a buddy. Kids will have lots of buddies most likely, but only one dad. Take charge of your kid’s character development and don’t let social media, video games, or friends at school rob that from you. Teach your kids meaningful life lessons. Especially teach them right from wrong, how and when to stand up for others, and develop them into good people so that they will be a good citizen one day. The best way to do that in my opinion is talking to them as much as you can. Ask them what is going on in their lives. Place an emphasis on family time. As parents, we have to be the loudest voice to make sure we are setting the tone for what they will one day become. OP

FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH

Keeping it Real

RELATABLE STORIES FROM LOCAL PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

Come on, Summer!

Summer is finally here—and it’s not just the sun that shines!

This is also the season in which grandparents can shine their brightest too!

Whether our grandchildren live in a two-parent or single-parent household, and regardless of whether one or both parents are employed outside the home or if one is a full-time caregiver—by the time summer rolls around, most parents are ready for a break.

That’s where the silver generation steps up and steps in!

Especially for those fortunate enough to have reached the Promised Land of retirement, most grandparents are eager to welcome those precious grandchildren to their homes as well as their hearts to enjoy some summer fun.

This will be my first full summer season of being retired, and I am really looking forward to spending as much time as possible with my grandkids.

My first instinct is to just drive to their houses and snatch them up, but I try to be polite and respect their parents’ insistence on giving priority to the various camps, clinics and sporting events the grandkids have signed up to attend.

So I smile and tap my foot and wait patiently while my kids review their calendars, marking off which days and weeks are already allocated to games, practices, tournaments, classes, family vacations, holidays, birthdays, special occasions, sleepovers …

My initial hopes of having the grandkids all to myself for three solid months dwindle rapidly as all those dates are X’ed off the calendar, leaving me with one day here, two days there, an evening here and a morning there.

Oh well. I’ll take what I can get.

One of the reasons my grandkids enjoy spending time with me is because we live by a completely different set of rules. Ice cream for breakfast? Why not! Stay up late? Sure thing! Wear two different socks? Who cares!

Of course, sometimes it’s just a matter of “different” automatically being “better.” For example, if they have to feed their dog at home, it’s a chore, but if they feed my dog at my house, it’s a treat.

Games and activities at my house are exciting and interesting because these are things they don’t do at home. I am well aware that if they played Old Maid, Bingo and checkers at home all the time, these games would quickly become boring, but because they are played only at my house, they are fun.

I scour the calendar on the VisitOwensboro.com website to find festivals and other fun (and mostly free) events to attend. Summer 2023 promises the Strawberry Festival, OSO Summer Salute, Live on the Banks, Friday After

5, Porch Fest, ROMP, Bluegrass Jam, Air Show, Reid’s Market Days, Drone Light Show, Bridge Day, BBQ and Barrels, Living History presentations, GeoWoodstock, All-American Fourth of July … the list goes on and on!

And these special events are in addition to the amazing things that are always happening at Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Owensboro Museum of Science and History and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Anyone who says there is nothing to do in Owensboro is not trying very hard.

So come on, Summer! And come on, grandkids! Let’s go!

Because here’s the secret … the thing grandparents know that parents are just beginning to understand:

The years fly by, summers are short, and children grow up.

Let’s shine while we can. OP

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

FINDING JOY After the Hard

Written by Jamie Johnson

Iremember coming home from the hospital eight years ago with a crying newborn baby boy named Henry and absolutely no idea what I was doing. I was experiencing my first few days of sleep deprivation and recovering from a c-section. Henry had his days and nights mixed up and I lived on the couch, alternating between feeding him and doing loads and loads of laundry. I thought that was the hardest it could get.

When Henry was 3, I found out I was pregnant with Simon. I was working full-time, and my husband was working full-time and coaching high school baseball. I remember chasing my filthy 3-year-old around the baseball field at nine months pregnant. My feet were so swollen I could barely fit shoes on them. I was still exhausted, ready to pop, and on the verge of losing it. I thought that was the hardest it could get.

Simon was born and I had just started my maternity leave when Henry started preschool. I was new at being a mom to a newborn and a toddler and sleep deprivation had

reached a new level. I got Henry ready for his first day of school while holding a crying Simon. It was my 34th birthday. I wrangled the kids in the car and went to drop Henry off. He cried as I handed him over to his teacher and was calling for me as I left. I spent the next 30 minutes crying in the car, along with my newborn, in

remember having to leave the office to go pick up the boys and take them to the doctor. Later, my husband and I had to put eye drops in four pink eyeballs. If you have ever had to put eye drops in the eyes of a toddler or newborn, you will understand why I thought in the moment that was the hardest it could get.

the parking lot of Peace Lutheran. I thought that was the hardest it could get.

I went back to work after eight weeks of maternity leave. On the Thursday of my first week back, I was in a meeting with some co-workers when I received a text message from the sitter. Both boys had pink eye. I

The baby finally learned how to sleep through the night, even though it took about three years longer than we thought it would. I have learned to cope with the fact that I will never feel like a “real” adult and might spend forever wondering who allowed me to start making important decisions. And it took about a week, but Henry finally stopped crying when I dropped him off to preschool.

Year after year, I experience something new that makes me think this is for sure the hardest it can get. And year after year, I make it through the hard season and experience the joy that lives on the other side. Even if that joy is just that the hard season has passed. OP

JAMIE JOHNSON is a full-time working mom to two little boys, wife to Logan, and part-time writer. Her pieces have been featured in HuffPost Parents, Motherly, Today Parents and PopSugar Moms. You can follow her blog at HashtagMomFail.com!

Making it

CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN ENJOY TOGETHER

Photo by Jamie Plain

A PATRIOTIC CRAFT THAT POPS! THAT POPS!

Written by Ashley Wedding

Add these patriotic party poppers to your Fourth of July celebration this year! Kids young and old will not only love the confetti, but they will love making this super simple craft!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

›› Toilet paper tube

›› Red, white & blue tissue paper or construction paper

›› 12-inch balloons

›› Scissors

›› Tape

›› Decoration materials (paint, paper, markers, ribbon, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

›› Decorate the toilet paper tube however you would like! Set out patriotic decoration materials and let your kids use their creativity.

›› Knot the end of a 12-inch balloon, then cut it in half using scissors. Wrap and tape the cut end of the balloon over one end of the toilet paper tube.

›› Cut red, white, and blue construction paper or tissue paper into small confetti pieces, and fill the toilet paper tube with the confetti. In our example, we used a hole punch to make the confetti. But cutting confetti would be great fine motor skill practice for little ones.

›› Pull on the knotted end of the balloon and let it go to see the confetti fly.

If you make these adorable crafts, be sure to tag a photo of them on our social media accounts! We would love to see them!

ASHLEY WEDDING is the editor of Owensboro Parent Magazine. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, and their three kids, Avery, Reed and Mason.

Photo by Jamie Plain

UNICORN YOGURT BARK

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

›› 2 cups strawberry yogurt

›› 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

›› Rainbow sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS:

›› Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This magical summer snack could not be easier to make! Kids love eating this colorful treat, and it is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Just three ingredients and a quick trip to the freezer and this healthy snack is ready to enjoy!

›› Pour strawberry yogurt on the baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer.

›› Place dollops of the vanilla yogurt over the strawberry yogurt.

›› Using a spoon, slowly swirl the vanilla yogurt and the strawberry yogurt together. Avoid overmixing to keep a swirl pattern! Top with

rainbow sprinkles.

›› Place the baking sheet in the freezer until completely frozen (at least 3 hours).

›› Once frozen, peel the yogurt bark off the parchment paper and break into smaller pieces. Serve immediately or store the pieces in a freezer bag! HF

Recipe & Photo by Jamie Plain

JAMIE PLAIN is a 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.

Community

THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT MAKE OWENSBORO GREAT

Photo by Jamie Plain

MARATHON MOMS MARATHON MOMS

Who run the world? These Moms.

Written

Local runners Jennifer Falloway and Vicky Payne completed their sixth world marathon in April, a feat that only 11,000 people across the globe have accomplished.

Abbott World Marathon Majors, a championship-style competition for marathon runners, honors those who complete all six major marathons— Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, and London. When Jennifer and Vicky completed the London marathon at the end of April, they earned this prestigious medal and were inducted into AWMM’s Hall of Fame.

To qualify for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, runners must achieve qualifying times in the events within a

Laura Murphy

specified time frame, running a marathon faster than 2:32:00 for men and 3:19:00 for women.

What started as a quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon four years ago, sent the friends on a journey of disappointments, delays and cancellations, that ultimately led them to this accomplishment.

“I ran a marathon years ago and got the urge to do another one. I’d done four or five when I reached out to Jennifer and said she should do one with me,” Vicky said.

Their first attempts to qualify for the Boston Marathon were so close they knew they could not give up. In fact, they had qualifying times twice before getting

into the race.

The two moms did not qualify once when officials determined the cutoff time to be less than their anticipated Boston Qualifying time (BQ).

“They take the fastest runners first and I missed the cut off. That year, you had to be four and a half minutes faster (than the BQ) and I was three and a half minutes faster. We didn’t make the cut and I was devastated,” Vicky said.

Then in 2020, despite qualifying again and knocking several minutes off their marathon time, Covid hit.

“It was the 124th race that year. It’s the first time in the history of the race that the Boston Marathon was canceled. We were so disappointed,” Vicky said.

by

// Photo by Jamie Plain

When given the option to run the race virtually, the two moms ran the marathon by running 26.2 miles around Owensboro in the midst of the shutdown.

“We started trying to qualify in 2018, but didn’t officially run Boston until 2021,” Vicky said. “It took that many years to get in because of Covid. That’s when I heard about the Abbott World Marathon Majors. I remember thinking I was in great shape, I might as well do it.”

The runners have held many titles over the course of their training careers—from lunch time runners to virtual race finishers to accomplished athletes to Six Star Medal recipients. But the title they are most proud of is “mom.”

Both Jennifer and Vicky, who had young children when their training began, realized that early morning runs were one of their only options to get in their miles.

Jennifer says her children definitely recognize the sacrifice that was required to accomplish her six world marathon goal. Taylor, 11 and Zach, 9, have seen

their mom put in hours of strenuous training to get to the point she is today.

“They see what it takes,” Jennifer said. “The dedication, how early we get up and run. I am back home before they get up to get ready for school. Even on vacation, I start early and get my run in before they are up for the day.”

With her husband working a swing shift, Jennifer often had to stay the night at her parent’s house to be able to pull off the early morning runs with her two kids still in bed.

“We ran as early as 2:30 in the morning,” she said. “Sometimes I had to get in a 20 miler before work. Depending on the weather, that’s been on a treadmill before too, which is awful.”

Both of her children are involved in

and have tried running for their school running clubs. Zach, who plays travel baseball, and Taylor, who plays softball, both accompany their mom on shorter runs near their home.

Vicky, whose son, Levi, was 8 when she started training for Boston, said he has also tried running, but wasn’t too crazy about it.

“I introduced him to cross country

with the East Daviess County Elementary races. He ran and he did phenomenal, but it was 100 degrees outside that day. He looked at me and said he never wanted to do that again,” Vicky said.

Even if Levi wasn’t meant to be a runner, Vicky says he has learned important life lessons through her accomplishments.

“From my first marathon, I was able to knock an hour off my time. When I tried to qualify for Boston, I missed it several times by just a couple minutes,” Vicky said. “I’d come home and my son knew I didn’t make it. The year I finally made it, all my family went there to support me.”

When Vicky finally received the bib for the Boston Marathon, she knew the hard work paid off, and was brought to tears.

“I could remember Levi telling me each time, ‘Mom you’ll get it, you’ll get it,’” Vicky said. “I taught him not to give up—keep trying, and you’ll get there. He learned that by watching me do it and he was a part of it all.”

Vicky says her son is one of her biggest supporters, adding that it was worth it, juggling the tight schedules and the early mornings.

“When I trained the hardest, he was still young,” she said. “I had gone back to school to get my masters and I was preparing for the marathon—2020 was hectic. I was running, training, and unsure if we’d get in. There were sleepless nights. But I was showing him hard work, dedication, and persistence pays off.”

When the runners reflect back on this experience, they have reached a consensus that it was definitely worth it.

“When I think back on all of it, I am pretty proud,” Jennifer said. “In London, there were 45,000 runners, and the spectators were amazing. We wore all-out USA. Everyone saw us and knew where we were from. It was my favorite race.”

As far as what fuels her passion, the mom of two says she is always up for a challenge.

“I feel like in any race we ran, we had to face adversity,” Jennifer said. “When we ran Houston, we had heat warnings out. When we ran Idaho, it was on fire. There was always some kind of disaster. With Boston we had a world pandemic. And one race, there was even an earthquake.”

Always being up for a challenge, teaches their kids to do the same. Vicky added that the benefits of running have helped to make her a better parent.

“As a mom, it’s my sanity check—my time,” Vicky said of running. “If I have a hard day at work, if I need a minute, I run. Sometimes on my lunch break, sometimes before I get home. Taking the time to run makes me a better person for everyone.” OP

LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has four kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily, Josiah and Judson. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.

Owensboro Speedcubing Club

SHARING A PASSION FOR PUZZLE SOLVING

Written by John Kirkpatrick //

In 2022, Taylor Latham began sharing his love and passion for speedcubing with others, creating the Owensboro Speedcubing Club. Speedcubing is the art of solving Rubik’s cubes and similar puzzles in the fastest time possible and has been around for decades.

Before Latham formed the club in Owensboro, he showed his twin Nolan Latham and friends Adam Thompson and Benjamin Payne how to solve a cube when they had an idea. The four began planning to host a local competition, preceded by a workshop one week prior.

“The purpose of this event was strictly to prepare competitors for the competition,” Taylor said. “After meeting who would be the first member, Cole Howard, I knew we had to start a club. Following the competition, we began hosting meets at various churches. We solved cubes, tried new ones, raced each

other, and built mosaics.”

The club began with five members, with as few as three at some meets, making finishing their elaborate mosaics challenging. However, since last fall, they’ve boasted a squad of 10 at each meet.

Speedcubing in the area grew even more when College View Middle School reached out to Taylor about creating a club at the school.

“Between Owensboro Speedcubing, the CVMS Cubing Club, and other friends I’ve met, I have interacted with around 50 cubers in the Owensboro area,” he said. “Owensboro Speedcubing is showing no signs of slowing down.”

Taylor attended his first World Cubing Association (WCA) competition 11 months after receiving his first Rubik’s cube. It was there, engaging with competitors and competing in the events, that he knew

it was time to organize a competition in Owensboro.

“I learned the ropes of competition hosting by organizing two local competitions and attending two more in Kentucky. Finally, in April, I hosted ‘The Legacy Begins 2023’ early this year— Owensboro Speedcubing’s first WCA competition.”

WCA competitions are sanctioned with rules and regulations to keep puzzle-solving fair and standardized. The WCA considers it an event when contestants solve different puzzles or solve them in a particular way. A WCA delegate must be present to host a contest.

There are presently 17 official events in the WCA. The Owensboro event saw cubers compete in the 3x3, 2x2, Skewb, Pyraminx, and Square-1 events. There were 63 competitors and around 100 people

Photos by Jamie Plain

altogether. Roughly 20 competitors helped create the Mario mosaic, formed from 896 3x3 cubes. Delegates from California flew in to officiate the event.

The Owensboro Speedcubing Club creates a mosaic every time they meet. Some designs include Obi-Wan Kenobi, Link, George Washington, and the Grinch.

“I really like doing the mosaics – the Mario was my favorite,” said Shepherd Ekbundit of the Owensboro club. “I want to get faster, learn the more advanced stuff, and grow the club.

Shepherd’s best time on the traditional 3x3 cube is 12.2 seconds. Taylor said speedcubing is a community-centered hobby with cubers from all walks of life.

“The mosaics can take around two hours to build when everyone is focused,” Latham said. “Not only do we create mosaics for ourselves, but also for businesses like Wedding Orthodontics and GRAMPS Coffee and Donuts. We always love the chance to engage with the community.”

Latham added that endless online tutorials and cheap hardware make speedcubing a very accessible hobby. The Owensboro club member’s times range from 12 seconds to 3 minutes.

“My favorite part is the excitement and comradery cubers form with one another,” he said. “They love to qualify for the next round at a competition, sure, but their favorite part is beating their own times and supporting you in beating yours.”

Another club member, Beau May, said he enjoys hanging out with the other cubers and building mosaics, joking around while making detailed pictures from the cubes. He has some lofty goals for himself and the club.

“I hope to average below 20 seconds on 3x3 sometime in the future. My current average is about 30,” Beau said. “I also want to help the club expand so that most of the cubers in Owensboro can come and improve here. And I hope the club can help teach other people how to solve the cube as well.”

Beau first heard of the club from his dad, who saw it in an article.

“After my first meeting, I was hooked,” he said. “I wanted to go because it was the only place I could meet other cubers in Owensboro. They help me improve, and they are fun to hang out with.”

Students at College View—Bryson Brown and Michael Swift—created the club at the school after realizing several students shared the same passion.

“Me and my friend Michael decided to start the club because we realized that a lot of other kids loved cubing and would love to come to our club,” Bryson said. “We talked to the principal at CVMS, and he thought it was a great idea, so we set it up, and people started coming.”

Michael said the camaraderie is what makes the club so great.

“I love how you can just work on what you want, and there’s always somebody who knows what you’re trying to work on that will help you,” Michael said. “We hope to get a lot of cubes for a mural and try to expand who shows up at the club.”

To learn more about the clubs or to express interest in joining, search Owensboro Speedcubing on Facebook. With meetings on the first Saturday of every month at 12 p.m.,Taylor said he would be thrilled to have more individuals join. The club does not require any fees or long-term commitment.

“I have been very blessed with all of the people I have met through this hobby,” Taylor said. “Speedcubing will always be a part of my life.” OP

JOHN KIRKPATRICK is Director of Public Relations for Brewco Marketing Group and a contributing writer for Owensboro Parent, Owensboro Living, GO Chamber, and the Owensboro Times. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Tara, and daughter, Laney.

the baby guide

the baby guide

Welcome to the beautiful journey of parenthood! The Owensboro Parent Baby Guide is designed to provide essential information and support for new parents as they embark on this wonderful adventure. You will find helpful advice from local experts on all the things you need to know about your newborn. Welcome to the beautiful journey of parenthood! The Owensboro Parent Baby Guide is designed to provide essential information and support for new parents as they embark on this wonderful adventure. You will find helpful advice from local experts on all the things you need to know about your newborn.

Photo by Jamie Plain

TONGUE TIED TONGUE TIED

Learn how choosing to have her newborn’s tongue tie released gave this mom a brand new baby

Written by Andrea Millay // Photo by Jamie Plain

Just quit. No one will judge you for giving up. Formula today is so similar to breastmilk anyway. These are just a few of the comments I would hear when I tried to talk to people. I had breastfed before. My oldest son was exclusively breastfed for almost 15 months. Never an issue. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had as a mother. Being older this time, and my kids growing like weeds, the idea of having a newborn

to nurse and bond with again was so exciting.

My excitement soon turned to devastation. I was experiencing crippling pain. My son was never content, always colicky. I was exhausted and felt defeated. I couldn’t find anyone who truly understood what I was going through, I was frustrated, and I was discouraged, so I reached out to anyone I knew who had breastfed before and asked about the issues I was having. I kept hearing the term, “tongue tie.”

One day I was at my older son’s birthday party. One of his friend’s mothers came to me expressing a concern about my, at the time, 1-month-old son, Ayken. She said she had noticed in my pictures on social media that Ayken was unable to close his mouth due to his tongue protruding out. I had noticed his

tongue and thought it was a cute newborn feature. I had even made jokes about him being unable to close his mouth. Little did I know, there was a reason behind it, and that reason wasn’t cute. She examined my son’s mouth that day and expressed her concern about him being tongue tied pretty severely. She gave me the name to a local business that specializes in lactation/tongue ties, The Nurturing Nest Collective.

I called their office the next morning and took Ayken in to see them. We discussed the issues that I was seeing; painful nursing, nipple trauma, colic symptoms. He was examined closely and it was determined that he did in fact have a tongue tie. At this point, I still had little to no knowledge on tongue ties or how that would affect Ayken long term. Through my research and

finally having the support of people who could answer my questions, I was astonished at what I found.

Tongue ties are one of the leading causes for mothers and babies to discontinue their breastfeeding journey. In the top of the mouth, a baby has a soft and hard palate. The nipple is supposed to enter a baby’s mouth and reach the top of the mouth, the soft palate. This allows for the baby to have a deep and correct latch. Tonguetied babies never achieve this deep and correct latch. Their ties create a shallow latch that results in issues for both mom and baby. Mom will experience nipple trauma, because the child is feeding only on the tip and with the hard palate part of their mouth. The child, never receiving a full latch, swallows a significant amount of air, trapping gas in their bellies and making them have colic.

Through my research, I also found that long term issues can arise from tongue ties. I immediately looked back on my first breastfeeding experience with my oldest daughter that made me quit when she was 3 months old. She

struggled with mouth breathing that led to multiple ear infections, tubes at 9 months, is now getting a palate expander, and will spend 3 years in braces. I was a brand new mom. I didn’t have anything to compare my experience to, so I quit. Since, I have found out she, too, has a tongue tie. For the next couple of weeks, I worked closely with The Nurturing Nest Collective and gathered as much information as I could on tongue ties, leading me to the educated decision to have Ayken’s tongue tie released. At 2 months old, Ayken was referred to a dentist in Morganfield, Kentucky. They did an outpatient procedure where they used a laser to treat not only a severe tongue tie, but two cheek ties, and two lip ties. Immediately following Ayken’s

procedure, I took home a brand new baby. The nipple trauma I had experienced was completely gone. Ayken, now receiving a full latch, was no longer colicky, and he was beginning to gain substantial weight. He went from always fussing and eating to one of the happiest babies I have ever personally met.

As a new mom, you don’t receive your baby along with a book telling you all the issues/concerns/possibilities you may come across with raising a child. All you can do is rely on your instincts and to educate yourself by asking others. So, if you are a new mom experiencing something similar, an experienced mom looking back on the past, or an adult still searching for answers, I hope Ayken’s story brings you hope. OP

ANDREA MILLAY is an 8th grade teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She is a mother of three and bonus mom to one. She loves to fish, watch her kids play sports and Chick-fil-A.

BUSTING BABY MYTHS

BUSTING BABY MYTHS

Separating Fact from Fiction in Newborn Care

Bringing a newborn into the world is an incredible experience filled with excitement, love, and, let’s face it, a lot of questions. As new parents navigate the uncharted territory of caring for their little bundle of joy, they often encounter various myths and misconceptions along the way. These misconceptions can add confusion and unnecessary stress to an already overwhelming time. The team of doctors at Owensboro Pediatrics set the record straight and debunk eight common myths surrounding newborn care, providing parents with the real truths they need to feel confident, informed, and ready to embrace the beautiful journey of caring for their newborn. So, let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction!

Myth: INFANTS NEED TO BE BATHED EVERY DAY

Truth:

It is fine to bath your baby every day if they enjoy it, but young babies do not need a bath every day. They just need their face, neck, hands and nappy area to be kept clean.

Myth: PICKING UP A CRYING BABY WILL SPOIL THEM

Truth:

You cannot spoil a young baby. Crying is one way in which babies communicate. By crying they are telling us that they need something and it is important for parents and caregivers to respond to

them. Observing and learning the cues that your baby is giving you can help a lot.

Myth: TEETHING CAUSES FEVER

Truth:

Many parents are often told that teething can cause fever, but this is not true. Teething tends to start at between 6 and 24 months, which is also around the time that babies are more likely to get infections. Parents should never mistake a fever as just teething or they could overlook an illness that might require medical attention. If you are unsure, you should see your doctor.

Myth: YOU NEED TO CLEAN THE BABY’S CORD WITH ANTISEPTIC AND ALCOHOL

Truth:

There is no need to use antiseptic or alcohol to clean your baby’s cord stump; just clean it as part of your baby’s usual wash or bath, and dry it gently. If wee or poo gets on the stump, you can use a mild soap to help clean it off.

Myth:

they have not pooed for a few days. Fully breastfed babies are less likely to get constipated.

Myth: BABIES WHO HIT DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES EARLY ARE GIFTED

Truth:

All babies are different and will develop at individual rates and in different ways. There is no evidence to show that early infant milestones mean a child is gifted or special.

Myth:

BABIES NEED TO BE IN A ROUTINE FROM DAY ONE

Truth:

It is impossible to force a newborn baby into a routine, despite books that claim to teach you how to. The sleep patterns and cycles of a young baby are different from those of an adult. Young babies only sleep for a few hours at a time and some go through a period of wanting many feeds over a short period of time.

BABIES

NEED TO POO EVERY DAY

Truth:

Babies may not poo for several days or even up to a week. If your baby’s poo is not soft, they are not constipated, even if

Myth: BABIES ARE ALWAYS DELIGHTFUL

Truth:

Babies cry a lot, vomit and poo. Being a parent can be hard, especially in the early days. OP

New Parent?

YOUR TOP 3 QUESTIONS ANSWERED YOUR TOP 3 QUESTIONS ANSWERED

When it comes to newborns, parents often have many questions about their care and development. Here are three of the most commonly asked questions about newborns.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY NEWBORN?

Feeding frequency is a common concern for new parents. Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feedings. On average, newborns may need to be fed every two to three hours, or even more frequently if breastfeeding. It’s important to watch for hunger cues such as rooting, sucking motions, or increased alertness, as these are signs that your baby is ready to eat. Keeping track of feeding times and diaper changes can help ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment.

HOW DO I SOOTHE A FUSSY OR COLICKY BABY?

Babies can sometimes become fussy or colicky, causing distress for both parents and infants. To soothe a fussy baby, try gentle rocking or swaying motions, creating a calm environment with dim lights and soft music, providing a pacifier for sucking comfort, or using white noise to mimic the womb sounds. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact, such as holding your baby against your chest, can provide comfort and a sense of security. Every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one.

HOW CAN I HELP MY NEWBORN SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT?

Newborns have erratic sleep patterns and often wake up during the night for feeding and diaper changes. While establishing a consistent sleep routine takes time, there are steps you can take to encourage better sleep habits. Creating a soothing bedtime routine with activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, and quiet time before bed can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Keep the sleep environment calm, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Swaddling your baby can also promote better sleep by providing a sense of security and reducing the startle reflex.

Remember, every baby is unique, and it’s important to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding your newborn’s specific needs and concerns.

Three Traditions To Consider FOR YOUR NEW FAMILY

Welcoming a newborn into the family is a time filled with joy, wonder, and the anticipation of creating lasting traditions. These unique traditions specifically tailored to newborns can serve as meaningful markers in your baby’s early life and strengthen the bonds within your family. From blessing ceremonies to time capsules, these traditions are designed to celebrate your newborn’s arrival, surround them with love, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Let’s explore three unique traditions that can add a special touch to your newborn’s journey and leave a lasting impact on their upbringing.

Blessing Ceremony

Consider holding a special blessing ceremony to welcome your newborn into the family and community. This can be a heartfelt gathering where family and close friends come together to offer blessings,

prayers, or well wishes for the baby’s future. You can create a serene atmosphere with soft music, candles, and meaningful rituals. The ceremony can be tailored to your cultural or religious traditions or personalized to reflect your family’s values and beliefs. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the arrival of your baby and surround them with love and positive intentions.

Wishing Tree

Set up a “wishing tree” in your home or nursery. Place a small tree branch in a decorative pot or vase, and provide small pieces of paper or tags for family members and visitors to write their wishes or words of wisdom for the baby. Encourage them to hang their messages on the tree. As your child grows, you can read these wishes together and share the loving sentiments expressed by loved ones. The wishing tree serves as a tangible reminder of the love and support surrounding your newborn.

Time Capsule

Create a time capsule specifically for your newborn, filled with items that symbolize their birth and the current time. Include a newspaper or magazine from the day they were born, a handwritten letter from the parents, photos, small mementos, and any other meaningful objects. Seal the time capsule and store it in a safe place. Decide on a significant milestone or a specific age when the time capsule will be opened, allowing your child to explore the items and learn about the time they entered the world. It becomes a nostalgic and sentimental tradition that connects your child to their early days.

Remember, traditions are personal and can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences. These unique traditions provide meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the arrival of your newborn, fostering a sense of love, connection, and creating lasting memories for your family. OP

BRINGING HOME BABY

Navigating the first week home with a newborn can be both exciting and challenging. To help you make the most of this special time, here are 10 quick tips:

REST WHEN YOUR BABY RESTS.

Sleep deprivation is common during the first week. Take advantage of your baby’s nap times to get some much-needed rest and recharge.

ACCEPT HELP.

Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends. They can assist with household chores, cooking meals, or simply providing emotional support.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE.

Take care of yourself by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and finding moments for relaxation. Remember, a healthy and happy parent is better able to care for their baby.

KEEP VISITORS LIMITED.

While it’s exciting to introduce your newborn to loved ones, limit the number of visitors during the first week to reduce potential disruptions and ensure a calm environment for you and your baby.

EMBRACE SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT.

Engage in frequent skin-to-skin contact with your baby. It helps promote bonding, regulate their body temperature, and can ease the transition from the womb to the outside world.

LEARN BABY’S CUES.

Pay attention to your baby’s cues for hunger, tiredness, and discomfort. Responding promptly to their needs will help establish a secure and trusting relationship.

ESTABLISH A FEEDING ROUTINE.

Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, establish a feeding routine that works for you and your baby. Follow their hunger cues and seek guidance from a lactation consultant if needed.

KEEP A RECORD.

Maintain a simple log of your baby’s feeding, diaper changes, and sleep patterns. It will help you track their routines and identify any potential concerns during doctor visits.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR ADVICE.

Reach out to healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians or lactation consultants, if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s health, feeding, or development.

ENJOY THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS.

Amidst the exhaustion and adjustments, take time to savor the precious moments with your newborn. They grow so quickly, and these early days are incredibly special.

Remember, every baby and parent experience is unique. Trust your instincts, be patient with yourself, and embrace this beautiful journey of parenthood. OP

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10 quick tips that you need to know your first week home with your newborn

PEACE OF MIND PEACE OF MIND

What You Don’t Need to Worry About with Your Baby

When it comes to caring for your baby, it’s natural for parents to have concerns and worries. However, there are certain things that you don’t need to overly stress about. Here are a few aspects that you can put your mind at ease about when it comes to your baby.

NEWBORN APPEARANCE

Newborn babies often have unique physical characteristics that may cause parents to worry. It’s important to remember that many of these features are completely normal and temporary. For example, a baby’s head may appear misshapen due to the birthing process, but it typically resolves within a few weeks. Similarly, babies may have skin blemishes, such as baby acne or milia, which tend to disappear on their own. These features are part of the normal development process and generally require no intervention.

VARIATIONS IN SLEEP PATTERNS

Newborns have irregular sleep patterns, and it’s common for them to wake frequently during the

night. While it can be exhausting for parents, it’s important to understand that it is normal for babies to have shorter sleep cycles and a higher need for nighttime feeding. As they grow, their sleep patterns will gradually develop and become more predictable. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine can help promote better sleep habits over time, but don’t be overly concerned if your baby’s sleep doesn’t align with a specific schedule early on.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

Each baby develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of variability in reaching developmental milestones. While it’s essential to monitor your baby’s growth and development, remember that there is no need to compare them to other babies. Some infants may reach certain milestones earlier, while others may take a bit longer. As long as your baby is progressing and meeting milestones within a reasonable timeframe, there is usually no cause for concern.

CRYING

Crying is a primary means of communication for newborns. It’s their way of expressing hunger, discomfort, tiredness, or other needs. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cries and provide comfort and care. However, it’s worth noting that it is normal for babies to cry for extended periods, especially during the first few months. This does not necessarily indicate a problem, and sometimes babies cry simply because they need to release tension or seek soothing. Utilize comforting techniques such as swaddling, gentle rocking, or skin-to-skin contact to provide comfort during these times.

Remember, if you have specific concerns or notice any significant changes in your baby’s health or behavior, it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can offer guidance, reassurance, and address any specific issues that may arise. Trust your instincts as a parent and enjoy the journey of watching your baby grow and thrive. OP

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Modeling Positive Body Image for Children

Written by Christina Dalton

Have you ever been bathing suit shopping at Target with your teenage daughter? Depending on how they feel about their bodies, this can be a terrifying and saddening event for them and us. Think about bathing suit shopping for yourself? For a lot of us this is the last thing we want to do because of how we feel about ourselves. Can we have a good relationship with our bodies and still be a work in progress at the same time? The answer to this is a resounding yes and we can teach our kids to love their bodies too.

We live in an image driven culture that has unrealistic beauty expectations placed on all genders, ages and ethnicities. These demands can have a negative impact on our children and how they see themselves and their bodies. As a parent, you can teach positive body image to your children and have a direct influence on their mental wellbeing. Even more beneficial would be if you demonstrated this behavior and modeled how this is done.

Eating disorders have significantly increased in the last 20 years. You see this mostly with teens ages 12-19 but there are cases as early as 5 years old with eating disorders. Today we will look at ways that we can teach children about healthy eating and ways to stay active

while having a positive relationship with their bodies.

BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

Children tend to mimic the behaviors and attitudes of the people around them. As summer approaches I encourage you to think about your own attitude towards your body. When you get ready to take your child to the pool with friends, what do you say about yourself and your body as you put your swimsuit on? Do you have a positive body image towards yourself? Think about how you talk about your own body and what impact that could have on your children.

The way in which we talk about our bodies and to our bodies can positively or negatively impact the way our children see themselves. Talk about yourself in positive ways. Don’t be afraid to point out your imperfections. We are all different and diverse and everyone is unique in their own special way. Do not be afraid to have discussions about the unrealistic standards of beauty right now. You want to be that person your child feels like they can talk to about their own body image issues. It is so much better to be able to talk about this versus them suffering in silence.

BE ACTIVE WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH.

Show your children the importance of being physically active. This will improve overall mental health too. You can teach them about how being active and finding an activity that they love will improve their overall mood. Try exposing them to many different types of physical activity until you find one that works best for them. We all know that this sometimes takes time to figure out the right one. You can teach them that being active can be a positive contribution to their overall health and reaching their body’s maximum potential.

SEE YOUR BODY AS A PARTNER.

This is something that has really stuck with me lately that I think is a great way to look at our overall health. I want you to think about how you talk about your own body. Do you say kind things about your body or do you criticize your body for failing you? A great exercise in this is to pay attention for one week to how people talk about their own bodies. You will notice people say things like, my body is just getting old, or my knees are giving out and my body hates me. I want you to use a different perspective and

see your body as a partner and not an enemy. Consider using a different lens to view your health. If your body is not reaching its potential consider what part you played in this and how you can remedy it.

DEVELOP A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD.

One of the first strategies you can use to improve the relationship with food is teaching kids that foods are not “good” or “bad.” This can create anxiety and develop overeating in the future that results in your child feeling like a bad person for what they were eating. You should teach everything in moderation. Emphasize all of the wonderful things that healthy food can do for their bodies but don’t shame them for eating ice cream every once in a while. Over the long run this will create an environment for your child to make healthy choices and feel good about what fuel they are putting into their body.

CELEBRATE AND PRAISE ALL ATTRIBUTES OF YOUR CHILD.

Teaching your children to celebrate all things about themselves will create a positive overall image for them that doesn’t solely focus on how they look. Not all kids are athletes so it’s important to celebrate all of the amazing things they are capable of doing. This includes climbing up a jungle gym, playing with others and their contagious smile. Don’t forget to place a spotlight on all their wonderful characteristics such as how kind they are to others, their creativity and how much they make you laugh. Positive affirmations can reduce the negative self-talk that can get all of us and improve overall self esteem.

Being that positive role model when it comes to body positivity will have an impact on your child’s self esteem and the overall way they think of themselves. We all have things about ourselves that we don’t love and it’s good to talk about those negative feelings. This is a great way to show your child that we are all works in progress, but at the same time we can still love ourselves. I challenge you to think about your own beliefs about your body and where that comes from. You can be that positive role model teaching about healthy body imaging, developing positive relationships with food and encouraging physical activities that they will love. You can show them what it looks like to be a partner with your body and be thankful for everything it provides you. OP

CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, LCSW is a District Social Worker for Daviess County Public Schools.

Patriotic Reads!

Written by Katie Albers

Celebrate our amazing country this summer with books about America. All of these and more can be found at our Daviess County Public Library.

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

The United States of America is the great experiment of cultures from all around the world coming together to create one, unified nation. Her Right Foot tells the tale of the Statue of Liberty, the famous monument which stands as a testament to our efforts to welcome new people to call America home.

Kid Presidents: True tales of childhood from America’s Presidents By David

Stabler

All of the great leaders of our country were once kids who experienced funny adventures and got themselves into trouble. This book recounts tales from the childhoods of those who have held our highest office.

Star-Spangled: The story of a flag, a battle, and the American Anthem by Tim Grove

Our National Anthem is a familiar tune at important gatherings, but how did this song come about? It was actually inspired by a frightful night and a massive American flag. The amazing story is recounted here with the help of maps, and primary documents.

Quilt of States by Adrienne Yorinks

Through the medium of quilt storytelling, learn the fascinating development of each of the 50 states of the United States of America. It is a coming together of a unique country communicated through a uniquely American art-form.

Exploring the White House by Kate Andersen Brower

Take a peek inside America’s most famous home through the lens of the people who know it best, the staff members! Read about fancy state dinners, presidential pets, kids growing up in the White House, and rumors of a ghost inside.

History Comics series by Various Authors

This graphic novel series brings to life important events in the history of the United States.

Search the card catalog at the library. Read a book (fiction or nonfiction, picture books or chapter books) featuring each of these important time periods in American history.

1600-1760

1761-1800

1800-1860

1861-1880

1881-1915

1916-1940

Celebrate your reading and learning, and be proud of your American heritage!

KATIE ALBERS grew up in Owensboro and loved words so much that she became a school librarian and even alphabetized her family: Josh, Katie, Lance, Mallory, Noelle, Oaken, and Polly (the cat).

Children’s Center Celebrates TEN YEARS

This spring, Owensboro Health Children’s Center celebrated ten years of serving the community.

This growing pediatric practice is home to four pediatricians, two nurse practitioners and an entire team to support them. Looking back, the group says they’re grateful to everyone who has made this practice what it is today. They look forward to many years of building relationships and caring for the children in our community.

“Ten years ago, Owensboro Health took a chance and started a pediatric practice when I reached out to them,” John Phillips II, MD, said. “I would never have dreamed ten years later we would have four doctors with another coming in 2024, two outstanding nurse practitioners, and eighteen amazing staff members, including our manager, receptionists, social worker and nurses. I am so grateful for the opportunity Owensboro Health provided and for each and every person who has been with us along the way.”

The practice has been successful because they know you are your child’s primary caregiver. They closely involve you in medical

decisions and work with you to develop a care plan that respects your family’s values. They listen carefully to your concerns, take time to answer your questions, and recommend ways you can improve your child’s health at home. You’ll feel empowered to make choices that keep your loved ones as well

The practice serves babies, children and teens. Rely on their compassionate pediatric specialists to provide excellent:

Outpatient Care – Includes wellchild visits, vaccinations, sports and school physicals, behavioral health consultations and more

Hospital Care –

Secure, comfortable pediatric unit staffed by nurses certified in caring for children

Home Care – Offers therapy, nursing services and more to children of any age

as possible.

Your child’s well-being is Owensboro Health’s priority. From checkups to emergency services to surgery, their expert care helps youths up to age 17 reach their potential throughout their growth and development.

Owensboro Health Children’s Center’s pediatric services include:

Same-day sick child appointments

Early morning & lunchtime appointments

Separate well-child waiting room & equipment

Access to a nurse 24 hours a day

Is the Children’s Center right for your little one? Get to know their pediatricians in a free 30-minute consultation. To schedule a consultation, call 270688-4480.

“Here is hoping for another ten fantastic years of building relationships with families,” Dr. Phillips said.

The Owensboro Health Children’s Center is located at the Breckenridge Medical Building, 1000 Breckenridge St., Suite 300, Owensboro. Learn more at OwensboroHealth.org. OP

Out & About

LOCAL THINGS TO DO

this season

WEDNESDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS @ DCPL

EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE AND JULY DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Join the Daviess County Public Library for a different program each week for children 12 and under. Check the events calendar on the DCPL website for times and registration information. Programming is FREE, but registration is required.

Midweek at the Malco

MALCO OWENSBORO CINEMA GRILL & MXT

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Grab some popcorn and candy and catch one of your family’s favorite movies this summer for only

$3 per ticket!

June 7 - Sing 2

June 14 - The Boss Baby Family Business

June 21 - The Croods: A New Age

June 28 - Trolls World Tour

July 5 - Minions: The Rise of Gru

July 12 - The Secret Life of Pets

July `19 - Shrek 2

July 26 - The Bad Guys

Public Skating Sessions

THROUGH AUGUST 6 | EDGE ICE CENTER

Cool off this summer at Edge Ice Center! Participants under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult 18 years or old at all times.

Daytime Sessions: Saturday, 1 - 3:30 p.m. Cost is $6

Evening Sessions: Friday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost is $7

4

HIKE WITH YOUR HOUND

JUNE 3 FROM 8:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.

RUDY MINE TRAILS

Celebrate National Trail Day with Owensboro Parks & Recreation! Bring your dog and hike at Rudy Mine Trails. This is FREE to the public. A map will be provided the day of the event as well as a treat for the hounds.

Water Safety Day

JUNE 19 AT 9 A.M. | COMBEST POOL

Swim lessons, and water safety taught by lifeguards and Marlins Swim Team. This event FREE to the public.

“THE DANCING WITH DISNEY WEEK” WIGGLE, GIGGLE & PRETEND

JULY 10 - 14 OR JULY 17 - 21 FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO

Come join the magical fun and dance and play to your favorite Disney music as well as take part in activities including a Bouncy House, themed crafts, water games, dress up and performances. This is for boys and girls ages 3-8. Cost $125

3 5 6 7

Sunset Flower Bliss Market Day

JULY 9 | REID’S ORCHARD

Reid’s Orchard is a local treasure! In honor of their 150th anniversary, Reid’s is hosting a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year. This market day is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the farm, cool off with an apple slushie, listen to some late afternoon music and shop at booths from local vendors. Your littles can even pick their own flowers!

Family Engagement Kits from DCPL

Check out one of Daviess County PUblic LIbrary’s NEW Family Engagement Kits, containing all the supplies needed for family fun! Choose from the following themes: bilingual storytime, family baking, food truck, outer space, camping, escape room, game night, or park day. Kits may be checked out for 28 days for FREE with a library card.

WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Families can be outside and experience the healing power of nature. Here are some fund ideas as you plan your visit to the Garden:

Pack a lunch & picnic

Bring a book to read

Enjoy their playhouse

Bring a frisbee or football

Bring some bubbles

Take an adventure hike

Take some photos

Paint a picture

The Garden is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 - 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; $5 seniors/veterans; $2 children. Members are free.

Games on the River

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3

SMOTHERS PARK

Giant games = Giant fun! Head to Smothers Park every Sunday afternoon for a day of playing oversized yard games including Jenga, checkers, Bocce Ball, Get Knotted, Yard Pong, Connect 4 and more. This event will be held every Sunday until September 3 from noon to 8 p.m.

Who doesn’t love a good national holiday? You know, those days that we celebrate some of life’s smallest joys? Well, you can celebrate some of the best national holidays this summer at Combest Pool!

FLIP FLOP DAY

JUNE 16

Celebrate National Flip Flop day! Patrons entering pool-wearing flip-flops will get in for $3.

SUNGLASSES DAY

JUNE 27

Celebrate National Sunglasses Day! Patrons entering pool-wearing sunglasses will receive free popcorn!

ICE CREAM DAY

JULY 16

Celebrate National Ice Cream day by sharing a buy one get one free special with your family and friends!

PARENTS DAY

JULY 23

Parents swim FREE on National Parents Day!

2023 Festival guide

Friday After 5

FRIDAYS FROM 5:30 - 11:30 P.M.

Friday After 5 is the award-winning, summer-long series of free outdoor concerts held every Friday on riverfront. The festival includes live bands, family events, food trucks and entertainment. Check out the kid-friendly street fair and costume characters! Visit fridayafter5.com for a full schedule and venue details.

Live on the Banks

SATURDAYS FROM 7– 9 P.M.

This concert series showcases a variety of music groups from across the region to enjoy. Live on the Banks is free to the public and will take place at the Overlook Stage, as well as the Allen Street Gazebo, in Smothers Park Saturdays from 7– 9 p.m. A lineup can be found at liveonthebanks.com,

Kentucky Motorsports Week

JUNE 2 - 10

Kentucky has a long and storied history when it comes to motorsports, with a tradition that spans over a century. The week is centered around the annual Nicky Hayden Day and Nicky Hayden Memorial Ride, which will take place on June 9. The week of events will feature meet and greets with NASCAR and MotoGP greats, car and bike shows, drag strip and dirt track races, and more.

Strawberry Festival

JUNE 10 - 11

Take a short drive out to Sorgho and enjoy the day at The Cottage Farm Stand and

Baking Company. Celebrate everything strawberry with the second annual Strawberry Festival! More than 80 arts and craft and home business vendors will be at the festival, live music, petting zoo, and as many strawberry treats as you can eat!

PorchFest OBKY

JUNE 10 FROM

10 A.M. - 11:30 P.M.

The one-day music event hearkens back to the days when neighbors would gather on each other’s porches and share, laugh, tell stories, sing and play music. PorchFest artists will play music on porches along Griffith Avenue. Stroll one of Owensboro’s most historical residential districts and enjoy great entertainment all day long! Food trucks will be available. Visit porchfestobky.com for a full line-up!

and on the Live on the Banks Facebook page.

Photo by AP Imagery

ROMP

JUNE 21 - 24

The four-day music festival celebrates bluegrass and roots music at Yellow Creek Park. Enjoy the music along with farm-totable food vendors, craft vendors featuring Kentucky Proud products, art installations and professionally-led children’s activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam throughout the weekend, as well as dance the night away at the late night stage. To stay up-to-date with the latest news from ROMP fest, visit rompfest.com.

All-American Fourth of July

JULY 4 FROM 5 - 9:30 P.M.

Spectators can enjoy the annual 15-minute fireworks show on the riverfront as well as three additional locations—Owensboro Sportscenter/Moreland Park, Owensboro Warehouse Leasing/former GE, and Jerry

Ray Davis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Spectators can tune in to 92.5 FM WBKR to listen to the soundtrack to which the fireworks have been choreographed.

Daviess County Lion’s Club Fair

JULY 19 - 22

From truck and tractor pulls to your favorite carnival attractions and treats, the Daviess County Lion’s Club Fair is a time-honored tradition. Your kids can explore the latest farm machinery as well as vintage tractors, see traditional tractor pulls and view county’s biggest and best crops. This community event showcases the best of Daviess County agriculture and an appreciation for local farming.

Owensboro Multicultural Festival

THIRD WEEKEND IN AUGUST

The 25th annual Owensboro Multicultural Festival at First Presbyterian Church is free for the whole community. They hope to foster understanding and respect for our similarities and differences so that we may build a stronger community.

Owensboro Air Show

SEPTEMBER 15 - 17

All eyes will be on the skies over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro as performers showcase vintage warbirds, aerobatic demonstrations, and military jets, including the USAF Thunderbirds! And don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal to a wide range of aircraft on Friday at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.

Parent’s Guide to ROMP

Take a peek at the full schedule of kids zone activities. Activities range from crafts, music, the Raptor Center, games, and more! As always, Kids Zone activities are FREE, and all children 12 and under get free admission into the entire festival! ROMP strives to be a family-friendly event and welcomes kids of all ages.

THURSDAY

GYPSY JUNK JEWELRY

8 - 9 A.M.

Help us kick off ROMP with Craft Time in the Kid Zone! Create your own “free spirited” jewelry from bits of this and that.

BLUEGRASS BOY - INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING WITH ERINN

WILLIAMS 9 - 10 A.M.

Help celebrate the legacy of the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe and help bring his story to life!

WKY RAPTOR CENTER - MEET

THE MAMMALS 10 - 11 A.M.

Get up close and personal with ROMP’s favorite feathered friends! The Western Kentucky Raptor Center will provide a hands-on program where children will learn about birds of prey and animal rehabilitation.

RAD RIBBON WANDS

11 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Create your own ribbon wand while listening to some bluegrass jams!

CHILDREN’S MELODY GARDEN

12 - 1 P.M.

Join us for an hour of interactive children’s music! Expect nature-themed songs where imaginations can soar! Many percussion instruments and movement props will be available to the children, if they wish to dance and play! It’s like a mini festival just for children! An instrument petting zoo will be at the end for anyone wishing to strum a guitar, ukulele, or banjo.

ROMPTASTIC CRAFT BAR

1 - 2 P.M.

Feeling crafty? Create your own crafts for Romp fest and let your imagination run wild!

FRIDAY

TWIGGY OWL ART 8 - 9 A.M.

Create your own owl art from natural materials found around the campfire!

CHILDREN’S YOGA WORKSHOP

9 - 10 A.M.

Join yoga instructor Dana Behl for a fun and flexible time learning yoga!

BUILD YOUR OWN BANJO

10 - 11 A.M.

Piece together your own “5 string” banjo and enjoy a live banjo demo from Appalachian musician Gerald Mullins!

RECORD MANDALAS

11 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Feeling crafty? Create your own craft from a vinyl record for Romp fest and let your imagination run wild!

PICKIN’ AND PICASSO PAINTING

12 - 1 P.M

Create your own masterpiece painting while listening to some bluegrass jams!

THE BLUEGRASS BROTHERS

BAND 1 - 2 P.M.

Join Owensboro’s favorite youth jam band! Together Cruse, Noah, and Parker are ready to transform the Kids Zone into a venue, for kids, by kids!

SATURDAY SPECTACULAR SPIN DRUMS

8 - 9 A.M.

Make your own instrument to keep time and rhythm with all the bands on the big stage!

FLUID MOVEMENT & GROOVY

SOUND BATH 9 - 10 A.M.

Join Ericka Brake and Rebecca Samples for a groovy and rad time! Yoga and sound are the perfect combination!

WKY RAPTOR CENTERFEATHERED FRIENDS

10 - 11 A.M.

The Western Kentucky Raptor Center is back with mammals this time! Meet a baby fox, a hedgehog, and other mammals and listen while staff share stories of mammal rehabilitation.

FUNKY & FABULOUS - SPRAY BOTTLE ART 11 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Feeling funky? Ready to paint in a fun and unique way! This is the event for you!

CHILDREN’S HARMONICA WORKSHOP (SPONSORED BY HOHNER) 12 - 1 P.M

As a way to honor his dad and a way to introduce his instrument to future generations, Art the Dude began teaching kids how to play the harmonica. This year will mark his 13th year giving the workshop at ROMP.

FLOWER POWER HEADBANDS

1 - 2 P.M.

Design and create your very own flower crown to wear during the festival!

Photo by Alex Morgan, courtesy of ROMP Festival.

kids meal deals

EVERY DAY

Dee's Diner - one free kids meal per adult meal purchase (in-house only, ages 5 and under)

MONDAY

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 – Kids 12 & under eat for $2.99 all day every Tuesday when dining in!

Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an 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

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

Freddy’s – Free scoop or cone with the purchase of a kids meal on Family Night. Kids can enjoy coloring pages, crayons, balloons and stickers!

Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet from 4:30-7pm

Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase

SUNDAY

Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée; dine in only

Beef O’ Brady’s – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) from 4-8pm with each adult meal purchase; 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.

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.