Owensboro Parent April / May 2022 by Tanner Publishing

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

2 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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Contents

22 Awesome issac Be inspired by the legacy of an adventure loving boy and learn how his family is honoring his memory.

28 Sweet Success Discover how a 9-year-old raised over $4,000 for St. Jude

30 These Moms Mean Business Meet five local mompreneurs who are building a business while teaching their kids about hard work and balance.

IN EV ERY ISSUE

8 From the Editor 9 Around OBKY 10 Parent Profile

KEEPING IT REA L 11 Real Life with Lora Wimsatt She is mom. 14 Hashtag MomFail Jamie Johnson let her son take over her article this month. Spoiler alert: he's just as funny as his mom!

MA KING IT

15 Recipe Check out three "Breakfast in Disguise" recipes your kids will love! 18 Craft Time Challenge your kids to craft with up-cycled materials. 20 Host a Bunny Brunch You're going to love this idea for fun and festive spring gathering!

April // May 2022

SPECIA L SECTION

OUT & ABO U T

15 Kids Takeover In our annual Kids Takeover section, local elementary kids write, illustrate photograph and design all of the content! They may just put us out of a job!

69 Ready. Set. Summer.

D ISCOV ER

around town this season!

60 The Book Nook DCMS’s top reader shares her favorite books.

74 Kids Meal Deals

62 That's a Wrap End the school year on a positive note! 64 Belly Breathing The mindfulness technique you need to learn. 66 5 Must-Dos in Owensboro this Summer You don't have to go far for adventure this summer— we have plenty to do in our own community!

Check out our list of summer camp options in the area! 72 Events Calendar Our list of fun things to do

Check out these local kids meal deals!

FROM OU R REA D ERS 76 Easter Fun Photos submitted to our Facebook page sponsored by Owensboro Health! 80 Say What? We asked: What is the BEST thing about your mom?

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

BEHIND THE SCENES

WITH MOTHER'S DAY JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WE ASKED OUR STAFF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THEIR OWN MOMS.

EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Ashley Wedding

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Andrea Roberson Monica Tapp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

“

My mom, known as Nan since she became a grandmother, is simply the best. She is one of the main reasons I can commit my time to Owensboro Parent, because she is always available to help with my three kiddos. My favorite thing about her? Her strength. She raised me as a single mom, and now that I am a mother myself, I know just what it took for her to make sure I had everything I needed.

”

Katie Albers Christina Dalton Jamie Johnson John Kirkpatrick Laura Murphy Jacqueline Jordan Russell Katy Tierney Melody Wallace Lora Wimsatt Nicollette Vizuet Do you have a story idea? We want

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Alexander ON THE COVER

Reagan & Riley McGinnis Photo by Jamie Alexander

DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com

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

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Brock Quinton Robert Williams

ONLINE owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent instagram @owensboroparentmag

Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine

twitter.com/owensboroparent

because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise. For more information about advertising call 888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

6 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

“

My mom is my best friend. I can always count on her to be there if I need a listening ear, a babysitter, a shopping partner, help with a project, or just advice. She's the best!

“

”

My favorite thing about my mom is how she puts others before herself. No matter what is going on in her life, she makes an effort to lend a helping hand to those around her. We need more people like that in this world.

”

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

BEHIND THE SCENES

Avery's fav ori te thin gs: from the editor

TELESTRATIONS & HAPPY SALMON Here are two games you need for your next game night! Telestrations is a drawing game and we love to play with our Parents and Grand-Parents! We always laugh when we see the drawings! Happy Salmon is an interactive game, it goes fast and it is super fun! We all are pretty good, but we are still learning. But I definitely recommend both games for your family!

My name is Avery Sorce and I am Ashley’s daughter. I am a fifth grader at Meadow Lands Elementary School. Sadly, this will be my last year taking over the magazine. But my little brother will be taking over next year and I know he will do great! (But definitely not as good as mine!) In this issue, kids from local schools write the articles. You will find articles from kids who go to Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, Owensboro Catholic Schools, and Heritage Christian School. But that's not all! There are good summer camps your kids can go to and some fun crafts for you to do… like the frog me and my mom made! We also put in our annual Ad Contest winners, and let me tell you, there are some great ones! Make sure to check out the Kentuckiana Ad because someone from MLES won!

FIRST COVER Here is my first Kids TakeOver cover from FIVE years ago! I still remember having to jump through the paper a hundred times to get it perfect and I still did not look at the camera! I can’t believe this is my last one!

😢

There are also some stories about local moms and kids! Like the story about someone from our school and how she makes dog treats to help kids at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and raised over $4,000 for the kids going there. There is also a feature on five moms who also run their own business. (kinda like my mom!)

ETCH-A-SKETCH My brother loves this! He got it for Christmas and says it is good to calm you when you are stressed.

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I really hope you like this issue, I have enjoyed taking over the magazine for the last five years. I am headed to the new Daviess County Middle School next year and can’t wait for the things I am going to do there, but also will miss elementary school! I will be sure to make sure to look at the next take over issue when Reed is in charge!

MEMORY BOX We got this Idea from the magazine! Whenever we have a special memory we put it in the box. We painted our’s fun colors but you can paint yours whatever colors! Then we each picked out stickers that we liked and decorated the box.

AROUND OBKY

Student Spotlight:

LOCAL AUTHORS, INDEPENDENCE BANK PARTNER TO PROVIDE MESSAGE OF ACCEPTANCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS To help spread a message of acceptance and inclusion for Disability Awareness Month, Independence Bank partnered with local authors Amanda Owen and Ashley Wedding to provide copies of their children’s book Owen the Wonderer to local elementary schools. The nearly $4,000 investment allows 25 schools to have 15 copies each of the book. A portion of that support will be donated to Puzzle Pieces, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities. The book, which will be the first in a three-book series, focuses on 9-year-old Owen and his curiosity about the new student in his class, McKenzie, who he learns has Down syndrome. The young boy is full of questions and learns how to include his new classmate. In the end, Owen learns McKenzie is not very different from himself and the two become friends. Owen and Wedding hope the book will be a resource for parents and teachers to begin conversations with their children and students about disabilities.

Two Daviess County Public Schools students served as Daily Pages in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Atley Thompson (a 5th-grader at Highland Elementary School) and Isabella “Bella” Skibba (a sophomore at Daviess County High School), represented DCPS in Frankfort. Students in grades 5-12 across the state submitted applications and essays stating why they wanted to serve, along with letters of nomination from their teachers and school Family Resource/ Youth Service Centers coordinators. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences relating to social studies core content, while also spotlighting the role of FRYSCs in the educational process.

OHS SENIOR MATHER NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST Owensboro High School senior Dylan Mather has been recognized as a finalist in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Mather was among approximately 16,000 students nationwide who earned designation as National Merit semifinalists in September by earning some of the highest scores in their state on the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

DCMS EARNS OUTSTANDING DELEGATION AWARD AT KY UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY

Daviess County Middle School sent a delegation of 7th- and 8th-graders to the Kentucky United Nations Assembly in Louisville last weekend. They earned the Outstanding Delegation Award, the highest award of the conference, and their KUNA resolution was presented in front of the entire assembly.

Addie Kate Keller, a 3rd-grader at Owensboro Catholic Elementary School, has battled dyslexia for much of her young life. Rather than viewing it as a disability, she’s used it as an inspiration to create a book that helps children process their emotions. Keller said it could be difficult for children to process their emotions when they feel different and defeated. The book is titled Project YOUth and is full of strategies to help young people overcome the many challenges they face. The book is available for purchase at RedBirdPress.net.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

AROUND OBKY

PARENT PROFILE

Andrea Roberson

Andrea is the graphic designer for Owensboro Parent magazine. For the Kids Takeover issue, her two kids—Collin and Livi—are taking over and answering questions about their mom! HOW OLD ARE YOU?

C: 9 1/2. L: 5.

WHAT IS SOMETHING MOMMY ALWAYS SAYS TO YOU?

C: That’s enough screen time or I love you, have a great day! L: I love you. Clean your room.

WHAT MAKES MOMMY HAPPY?

C: When I do things without being asked. When I help cook dinner. L: Drinking coffee and when I draw her cute pictures.

HOW DOES YOUR MOMMY MAKE YOU LAUGH?

C: Playing music and having dance parties. L: Tickling me and reading me the Wacky Wednesday book!

WHAT WAS YOUR MOMMY LIKE AS A CHILD?

C: The same way I am! Weird & kind! L: She was cute with curly hair and brown eyes and did gymnastics. And liked to play with toys like I do!

HOW OLD IS YOUR MOMMY?

C: Old. L: That’s easy! 34!

HOW TALL IS YOUR MOMMY?

C: 5’ 11’’? L: I don’t know. 15 inches?

WHAT IS HER FAVORITE THING TO DO?

C: Read, eat & boss me around. L: Go to work!

WHAT DOES YOUR MOMMY DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND?

C: Clean, or go outside and sit on the porch. L: Clean the house, watch tv and read a book.

IF YOUR MOMMY BECOMES FAMOUS, WHAT WILL IT BE FOR?

C: Artistic skills. And for being the best mom ever. L: An artist, if she keeps practicing.

WHAT IS YOUR MOMMY REALLY GOOD AT?

C: Making chicken casserole. Working on a computer. L: Drawing flowers.

WHAT IS YOUR MOMMY NOT VERY GOOD AT?

C: Minecraft and other video games, especially Fortnite. L: Building things.

10 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

WHAT DOES YOUR MOMMY DO FOR A JOB? C: Graphic designer. L: Type all day and make magazines.

WHAT IS YOUR MOMMY’S FAVORITE FOOD? C: Spicy chicken sandwich. L: Salad or Chick-Fil-A.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR MOMMY?

C: Her drawings. L: When she helps me to not be scared.

IF YOUR MOMMY WAS A MOVIE CHARACTER, WHO WOULD SHE BE?

C: MJ from Spiderman: No Way Home. L: Mirabel from Encanto because she has curly hair and glasses.

WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR MOMMY DO TOGETHER?

C: Play board games, watch movies and play outside on the swing. L: Swing and play hopscotch and draw with chalk.

HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR MOMMY THE SAME?

C: We live in the same house, we both like Reese’s, we wear the same size shoes and we both like to read. L: We almost talk the same, we both love each other, and have curls.

HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR MOMMY DIFFERENT?

C: I have blonde and she has dark hair. I like video games and she doesn’t. L: Our hair colors and eyes are different. I don’t have glasses and she does.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR MOMMY LOVES YOU?

C: She unexpectedly hugs me every single day. She buys me snacks and stuff. We spend time together. L: She kisses me and hugs me a lot. Sometimes she buys me new toys!

WHERE IS YOUR MOMMY’S FAVORITE PLACE TO GO? C: Starbucks and Target. L: Chick-Fil-A!

WHAT IS YOUR WISH FOR YOUR MOMMY?

C: Move to a really big house with 4 stories and a movie theater. L: To move to the beach and go to the alligator arcade!

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

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

KEEPING IT REAL • REAL LIFE WITH LORA WIMSAT T

She is

MOM

here is something ironic about starting off a Mother’s Day celebration

with breakfast in bed, the meal put together by the enthusiastic little hands (most likely unwashed) of

the

Mom

children

usually

for

prepares

whom meals

throughout the rest of the year. No need to worry too much about the dry, burnt toast; just let it soak for a moment in the juices of the runny egg that is sliding all over the plate. Dad

might

hovering

apologetically in the doorway as the kids bounce up and down on

– are declared works of art, and

and weariness … all the frustrations

posted prominently in the family

and frazzledness … all the long

art gallery, otherwise known as a

days and sleepless nights … all the

refrigerator.

chauffeuring children from school

Flowers, however wilted and

to playdate to lessons to practice

short-stemmed, are arranged in

to games to everywhere else they

a vase, or at least a jelly jar glass,

need to go … all the homework and

the mattress, and if Mom is lucky,

and of course Mom must be seen

he might be able to make a getaway

sniffing appreciatively at their

to the nearest drive-through and

fragrance, loudly and often, as

pick up a bag of sausage biscuits

the children beam proudly in the

or a box of doughnuts. By the time

background.

he gets back, of course, Mom has

If candy is given, it must be

washed all the dishes and cleaned

the kind that the kids also like.

up the kitchen.

Traditional

boxed

chocolate

baths and bandages and bedtimes … all that melts away as Mom is reminded, in voices ranging from big, loud and boisterous to small, shy and quiet, that she is appreciated, she is loved. She is Mom. This is her day.

But Moms are always good

assortments are fine, but somehow

sports when it comes to gifts from

it seems that Mom gets stuck with

her precious little ones. After all,

the yukky coconuts, while the

out to embrace her children as

it’s part of the job description.

more desirable peanut clusters and

they offer tight hugs and slobbery

mints are snatched up by everyone

kisses, she is not thinking about

else.

herself. She never does.

Construction

paper

cards

decorated with crayon scribbles,

Such is the life of a Mom.

blobs of dried glue and glitter

But on this day – this one day

– always, there must be glitter

of the year – all the work and worry

And yet, even as she reaches

For she knows that she is Mom only because of the most precious gift of all: Her children.

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

12 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

KEEPING IT REAL • HASHTAG MOMFAIL

How to Entertain Your Kids Advice from a First Grader Written by Jamie Johnson

In the spirit of the Kids Takeover issue, Jamie's son, Henry, decided to write her article. We are loving his ideas of how to entertain your kids! Jamie - we think you have a future writer on your hands!

i, I’m Henry Johnson. Today we have kids take over, so my mom is writing

››

Or maybe you could go outside

with your kid and have a hike. ››

Or maybe you can teach your kid

this, and I am saying the words.

how to ride a bike without training

Shoutout to Sutton Elementary

wheels. Or maybe you can teach

because that is my school! Let’s get

your kid how to drive a car. Haha.

to it and also, I have eight cousins.

›› Or maybe you can have a snowball

My dog Newman has floppy ears,

fight in the winter and go in the

one white spot on his chest, and he

outdoors more.

is the best. That’s all about me!

›› Or maybe you

I am going to be writing about

a punching bag.

helping entertain your kids. ››

could buy your kid

››

Besides playing video games

Also, you could bring your kid to

the Super Bowl. Woohoo!!

all day. If you have a fireplace in

››

your house, you can light it up and

Or maybe you could teach your

kid how to read the funnies in the

tell stories. They can be funny or

use your imagination.

spooky.

››

›› You

holiday. Also, I recommend none

son thing or a mom/daughter

of these being inside because if

thing or a dad/son thing or a dad/

your kid plays football inside, they

daughter thing. That was a lot of

would tackle a pillow and rip it

words.

open.

›› Or go

can sign them up for a sport.

I recommend football or soccer because that takes a lot of strength and energy to do. By the time they are finished with their hobby, they will be done! ››

Your kids could start a lemonade

stand. ››

Your

kids

could

start

marshmallow stand. Yum yum!

››

Or maybe you could go on a

Maybe you can get them a bird

newspaper. ››

››

Or maybe you could do a mom/

out to the movies. Sing 2!

Or maybe you could do a game

watching book and watch for birds.

called the rhyming game. It’s when

›› Or you

you say rhyming words. Do it when

››

could go visit a zoo.

Or maybe you could start a

you are bored. It’s a family game.

holiday that other people don’t

››

the time, you can get them a pet. It

have to celebrate.

job like a mail kid.

can be a cheap pet. It can be a dog

››

or a cat or an inchworm.

card games. Fun fun!

››

Maybe if your kids are bored all

You can play more games with

your kid. You could play pirates and

››

Or maybe you could buy some Make sure your pet is treated

well.

Or maybe your kid could have a If your kid doesn’t want to do

any of those activities, make sure you ban all screens and electricity, except light. And that’s it!

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!

14 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Making it B R E A K FA S T

In Disguise Recipe & Photo by Jamie Alexander

ENJOY TOGETHER

BANANA SUSHI INGREDIENTS ›› Bananas (as many “sushi rolls” as you’d like to make) ›› A “spread” to make toppings stick (peanut butter, cookie butter, nutella, etc) ›› Any toppings you’d like! (coconut, sprinkles, nuts, freeze-dried fruits, candies, etc) ›› A baking sheet to roll ingredients!

INSTRUCTIONS ›› Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour out your toppings for each banana in little piles (so you can easily “roll” the banana in each). ›› Peel a banana and cover it with spread using a knife. Once it’s coated, roll it in your desired topping. Repeat with as many bananas you’d like for lots of variation! ›› Set the bananas in the fridge to set for 30min before serving. Slice into sushi-sized bites!

Photo by Jamie Alexander

Some people, like me, can eat breakfast for every meal. It’s typically pretty easy to make, and you can combine sweet and savory treats all into one dish! There’s nothing better. These breakfast foods are disguised as dinner to make things a bit more fun. They are also perfect for little helpers to make alongside an adult! Each of these dishes are customizable to fit each particular taste, and take almost no time to create! Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is approaching fast - why not treat mom to some of these recipes to start her day with breakfast-in-bed (or dinner-in-bed)?

CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

MAKING IT • RECIPE

B R E A K FA S T P I Z Z A INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

›› 4 English Muffins ›› 2 tbsp melted butter ›› 1 tsp garlic powder ›› 1 tsp onion powder ›› Scrambled eggs (made from eight eggs) ›› 1 cup diced meat, cooked (bacon, sausage, ham - your choice!) ›› 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ›› garnish (optional)

›› Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Split each English Muffin in half. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, and butter in a small bowl, then brush each muffin half with the mixture. Arrange on the baking sheet. ›› Scoop scrambled eggs onto each English Muffin, then top with shredded cheese ›› Bake for 10-15 min (until cheese is melted and muffins are toasted) ›› Garnish and serve!

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PA N C A K E TA C O S INGREDIENTS ›› Your favorite pancake mix ›› 1 cup whipping cream ›› 1 cup vanilla greek yogurt ›› Your favorite fruit as toppings

INSTRUCTIONS ›› Make small circular pancakes following the instructions on your favorite pancake mix ›› Beat together Whipping cream and greek yogurt until stiff peaks form ›› Spoon whipped cream mixture in the center of each pancake. Top with fresh fruit, and fold in half to serve like tacos.

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.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

MAKING IT • CRAFT TIME

Frogtastic

FUN!

CHALLENGE YOUR KIDS TO CRAFT USING UPCYCLED MATERIALS!

Written by Ashley Wedding // Photo by Jamie Alexander

Is it just my kids that see crafting potential in nearly everything? What I see as trash, they see as something they can transform into something fun or functional with a little help from our craft closet. My son recently turned an old tissue box into a birdhouse. It didn’t last long in the weather, but it made my heart happy that he was worried about the birds this winter. My daughter has been saving toilet paper rolls, which she has been crafting into fun things, like this frog! Encourage your kids to up-cycle some used items this spring! This can be a great way to teach about Earth Day, which falls on April 22 this year. Want to make this frog? It was super simple and easy for my 10-year-old to craft!

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!

18 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

MATERIALS: ›› 1 toilet paper roll ›› green and red paper ›› ribbon (optional) ›› googly eyes (optional—you can always just draw your own!) ›› marker ›› glue ›› stapler

DIRECTIONS: ›› Cover the toilet paper roll with green paper. Secure with glue. ›› Staple one end of the roll closed. Fold over this end and secure with glue. This will hide your staples and shorten the body of the frog. ›› Glue a strip of red paper on the inside of the roll that is still open. Secure with glue. Cut out a tongue shape with the remaining red paper and roll it around a pencil or marker for the desired curl. ›› Cut out legs from the green paper and secure with glue. ›› Attach googly eyes. ›› Using a marker, make spots or details on the frog body and legs. ›› Draw a fly or bug to attach to the tongue. Use ribbon if you would like to create a flying effect. OP

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

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

MAKING IT • CELEBRATE

HOST A BUNNY BRUNCH Article and photos by Jacqueline Russell

If you’re looking for an easy way to add some spring charm to your upcoming gatherings, try these fun ideas for a bunny brunch! These entertaining projects are the perfect addition to an Easter lunch, or a creative way to wake up any meal.

BUILD A BUNNY GRAZING BOARD Buy your favorite pastel treats and Easter candy to create a grazing board that’s perfect for snacking on throughout the day. Start with a serving tray and a few small bowls. Cupcake liners also make great holders for small items, like M&Ms. Fill your bowls with small candies and layer in cookies and other treats around them until you have a full board. Here are some of my favorite candies for this project, each of which you can find at the Dollar Tree. ›› Cotton candy ›› Jelly beans ›› Rock candy ›› Strawberry wafer cookies ›› Golden chocolate eggs ›› Dinner mints ›› Robin’s egg bubble gum ›› Peeps ›› Butter cookies ›› Easter peanut butter cups ›› Sweet-Tarts ›› Easter M&Ms ›› Lemon sandwich cookies ›› Powder candy-filled carrots ›› Chocolate bunnies

20 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

S E T T H E S TA G E Spring and pastels are best friends. Set your table with placemats or a tablecloth in pinks, light blues and buttery yellows. Add a vase of tulips to dress up any table. Turn plain cocktail napkins into cheerful bunny ears using the steps below. Set them in a clear plastic cup – adorned with a cotton ball for a bunny tail – for an extra pop.

Step 4: Fold the napkin again lengthwise.

Step 1: Unfold a cocktail napkin once to form a rectangle.

Step 5: Fold the napkin in half top to bottom.

Step 2: Fold down all four corners, forming triangles.

Step 3: Fold the napkin in half lengthwise.

Step 6: Fluff out bunny ears.

Step 7: Add pink construction paper with double-sided tape for the inside of the bunny ears.

B U N N Y PA N C A K E S For the cutest breakfast ever, make bunny tail pancake stacks. Make several small pancakes or buy the frozen ones from the grocery store. Stack three or four pancakes and top them with a “bunny tail,” using whipped cream or a powdered donut hole. Last, cut bacon into triangles to make bunny ears! These easy projects are sure to delight kids and adults alike. Hop to it! OP

JACQUELINE JORDAN RUSSELL is a marketing specialist, freelance writer and photographer. She has a passion for celebrating every day moments and basically leaves a trail of confetti wherever she goes.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

AWESOME

issac The inspiration behind the Issac Sterett

Adventure Foundation Written by Melody Wallace

Issac Sterett was an artist, musician, outdoorsman, Cub Scout, and comedian, all before the age of 11. The Hebrew translation of the name Issac is “he will laugh.” The adventurous young boy who enjoyed watching hours of stand-up comedy, drinking water straight from the faucet, and making others happy, lived up to every ounce of his name. When his parents, Tres and Katie, found themselves grieving Issac’s unexpected death in July of 2020, they began searching for a way to embody the joyous spirit of their son that would also give back to others. “When we were in the beginning stages of the grieving process, we knew that we wanted to honor Issac in the way a 10-year-old boy would appreciate,” his mother Katie said. “We knew he would value the work we were going to do in the community.” On July 15, 2020, the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation was born.

issac Issac, the third son of Tres and Katie’s four boys, displayed more talent and experienced more adventure in his 10 short years than many people do in their lifetime. Issac defied everything about the computer and tech generation, spending much of his free time indoors

22 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

drawing, painting, or roller skating and rollerblading throughout the house. Equipped with a natural mind for discovery and a heart for adventure, Issac did not hesitate to hike an unknown trail, climb aboard a kayak, jet ski or ATV, or try his hand at archery. “He enjoyed the outdoors and nature,” said Tres. “He enjoyed everything about nature versus wanting to spend a whole lot of time on computers or games.”

iLead Although Issac had a palpable sense for adventure, there was no denying his kind heart and natural leadership ability. As a fourth grader, Issac served as a member of the school Lighthouse Team at Highland Elementary School (HES).

blue Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation T-shirts in support of Issac’s birthday on August 13. With Issac’s youngest brother Reid still attending Highland, Katie said it touches her heart to pull up to the school and see everyone proudly dressed in their blue shirts.

Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation

“His

strength

and

independence

allowed him to lead because he was not concerned or bothered by ridicule from his brothers or peers,” Tres said. “Issac would engage in any activity without concern of what others would think.” Inspired by his example, former HES Guidance Counselor, Laura McCain, helped to establish the Issac Sterett Leadership Award. The award, which includes a $100 donation to the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation, recognizes the qualities of leadership, kindness, adventure, humor, and love of learning demonstrated by a fifth grader at Highland. The first award was presented to Lucca Neves in 2021 and will continue being awarded annually until Issac’s class graduates from high school in 2028. Issac’s impact at Highland is also evident on the 13th day of each month, when the staff and students wear their

When Issac’s parents were discussing which direction to go prior to establishing a foundation in his name, they said they found themselves asking, “How do we capture Issac and make a meaningful impact moving forward?” The Sterett family soon realized that they could remember Issac in a way he would be proud of and give back to other families and members of the community at the same time by drawing inspiration from some of the memories they had created as a family. “For many, a memorial foundation is centered around the event that caused their loved one’s life to end,” Tres said. “They are passionate about cancer research, heart disease, or other health issues they have struggled with. Before this happened, we had concern about children’s screen time. We feel it is important for them to be engaged in social activities with their peers and get outdoors.” Tres and Katie recalled several of their family adventures to Lake Barkley, Florida, and skiing in the mountains as unforgettable opportunities for memorymaking. “We chose an adventure foundation because Issac loved the water and the mountains,” Katie said. “He enjoyed playing his sports outdoors, even if it wasn't an outdoor sport. He enjoyed hiking an unknown trail, and he really enjoyed going to camp.”

iCamp While some young boys have an affinity for video games or playing a particular sport, Issac was drawn to attending camps.

by the numbers 11 Board Members to oversee the Foundation and ensure it achieves success 35 volunteers serving on committees and at community events 13 education scholarships will be awarded in 2022. The scholarship program will add one scholarship each year and we hope that the gifts grow as well. An endowment was established to ensure the legacy of scholarship gifts. 50 kids to receive scholarships or assistance in 2022 for attending camps. Camps range from day camps to 2-week camps. 90 acres acquired for development of private park for the community 8 cabins, 2 basketball courts, 6 kayaks, 1 Kubota Tractor, 1 Yamaha Utility Vehicle donated to existing camp property in Western Kentucky. The Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation will continue to collaborate and support this camp to serve both organization’s missions. 501c3 Status granted in 2021 5 collaborations with local nonprofit organizations - Mentor Kids, Make-aWish, YMCA, Volunteer Owensboro, and Goodfellows Club. 0 paid employees or administrative expenses to operate the foundation. The Foundation will continue to invest 100% of its donations to support its outreach. April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

It did not matter if they were day camps or sleepaway camps, Issac eagerly welcomed the opportunity. “He would attend any camp I’d sign him up for,” Katie said, adding that Issac didn’t mind going it alone, even at such a young age. “He’d say, ‘I’m going to miss you, but it's not going to be bad because it's going to be so much fun.’” One of the many ways the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation is giving back to the community is by promoting the growth and development of youth through camps and education. Each year, the foundation will cover the expenses to send 50 children to camps to gain independence, explore nature, and develop social skills. “Camping is a big part of our mission because we feel like that's where kids can grow and interact with nature. Camping allows children to get out of their comfort

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zone and experience new activities'' Tres said. Aside from providing funding for children and families in need to attend camps, the foundation is also working to restore a primitive camp at Kentucky Lake. Camp Kum-Ba-Ya holds a special place in the hearts of the Sterett family. Because of its primitive nature, the camp can only be used several months out of the year. Utilizing their own resources, the Steretts are working with the camp to fulfill a master plan that was established for the camp over 15 years ago. The plan includes eight insulated cabins with HVAC systems, two basketball courts, new entrance to the camp, etc.

The goal is to increase

functionality of the camp and make it a year-round destination.

iTravel The board members of the foundation not only wanted to ensure that children could afford the cost of attending camp, they also wanted to encourage families to create opportunities through travel. Family Adventures is a program under development that the foundation will offer to provides funding and support to applicants that require financial assistance in order to create these opportunities for their families. “We are trying to encourage families to visit state parks, national parks, zoos, and other destinations that explore nature” Katie said. “We will provide funding for travel expenses and hotels for families to do things and get out in nature as a family.” Applications will be available on our website soon.

iLearn The foundation offers secondary education scholarship opportunities for qualifying youth in the region, available on three different scholarship levels. Applications are available on the foundation’s website and through guidance offices at each of the local high schools.

iParc Tres and Katie Sterett, and their four boys, have always found joy and solace in the surroundings of a public park. After a long day at work or school, it was not uncommon for the family of six to pile in the car with frisbees and baseballs and head to the nearest park. “It’s difficult to get your kids to want to go outside,” said Tres. “There are too many entertainment options available in our homes now. We need to realize that our kids need to be outside and need to expend their energy.” It is a mission of the Issac Sterett Foundation to create a green space for the community that offers multiple opportunities for individuals and families to access nature. iParc, which hopes to open this summer, will be located on a 25-acre property located off New Hartford Road that borders Adkisson Greenbelt Park. “In our discussion early on, it was decided that the park would be part of the foundation,” Tres said. “It just seemed natural to find some type of green space that bordered the Greenbelt. It’s a tangible thing that we can use to try to live out our mission with nature.” In addition to being accessible by foot or by bicycle, iParc will offer fishing lakes, hiking trails, basketball courts, and multi-purpose fields for various types of sports. The foundation will partner with other local non profits to use the greenspace to carry out their mission.

THE NAME When trying to settle on a name for the park, Tres and Katie explored a long list of options including tree names and references to nature.

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iRemember “Issac was a fiddle student of mine (who) loved music, playing, and learning new songs. But what impressed me most was his love for jamming…To me that meant he was living in the moment, enjoying the present, the gift he had right now in front of him. We had a lot of fun enjoying jamming and laughing.” Randy Lanham, professional musician and fiddle instructor “Issac was a ray of sunshine and true delight in Kindermusik. He was always given to having fun and laughing with everyone.” Cathy Mullins, Kindermusik instructor “Issac showed kindness, friendship, and encouragement to many. He led by example at Highland Elementary. His adventurous spirit was contagious and lives on in the Foundation work in his honor. He will forever be a Hornet.” Leslie Peveler, former Highland Elementary School principal “Issac liked to do his homework with Alexa. He would ask Alexa to tell him Knock, knock jokes too.” Katie Sterett, Issac’s mother “Issac loved making others laugh and spent hours watching stand-up comedy with the family. His favorite was Jim Gaffigan.” Tres Sterett, Issac’s father “He was always good at inspiring us and others to go outside and have fun away from electronics. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and would spend a lot of time outside.” Will Sterett, Issac’s oldest brother

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“I try to think about Issac in all of

outdoor activities. The space selected

my decisions,” Katie said. “A 10-year-old

is accessible by way of the Adkisson

boy is not going to remember a four-

Greenbelt and the City bus system.

word park name.”

“We decided to purchase property

The family finally decided on the

that bordered the Greenbelt that was

name iParc for multiple reasons. The

easy to access by children and bicycles,”

lowercase “i” at the beginning of the

said Tres, adding that the first 25 acres

park name and the lowercase “c” at the

of land on New Hartford Road was

end were created as a tribute to their

owned by the YMCA.

namesake (whose name also began and

Having served on the board for the

ended with an i and c). The lowercase “i”

YMCA, Tres was familiar with the space

in iParc was also designed to resemble

and the difficulty the organization

the letter found at the beginning of

had utilizing it for a day camp. When

popular devices such as the iPhone

the YMCA made the decision to list

and iPad. The park name reads as a

the property for sale, Tres viewed the

bit of a paradox in that it resembles an

purchase as a win-win scenario.

electronic device name, yet the mission

“It was really kind of a collaboration.

encourages active play outdoors with

The foundation will be able to help the

freedom from electronic devices.

YMCA get that property where they

T H E S PA C E Part of the initial vision for the

want it to be,” Tres said. “It gets a little bit of traffic now, but we are hoping to make that space a lot more appealing.”

foundation was to provide a green

The YMCA property is part of

space that would offer opportunities

Phase I of iParc. After purchasing the

for individuals and families to enjoy

first 25 acres on New Hartford Road,

the foundation was able to acquire another 65 acres further down the Greenbelt on Old Hartford Road. which they hope to develop in the future as Phase II. “This area of the Greenbelt has several parks and attractions now. Securing the property as greenspace will limit residential and commercial development along this section of the Greenbelt” Tres said.

THE PROCESS There have been many challenges along the way to ensure the land the foundation acquired is in ideal condition to share with the community. The foundation is working with an engineering firm which must receive US Army Corps of Engineers approval due to floodplain status. The foundation has cleared brush and trees and is now waiting on the necessary permits to proceed. “We've had a biologist on site to study

the lake. We want to make sure it's a great place to fish,” Tres said. “They have made recommendations to make sure it's a great fishery for catch and release. We know a lot of kids who love fishing and they can easily access this lake from the Greenbelt.”

to Owensboro,” Katie said. It is the hope of the foundation and the Sterett family that iParc will open to the community sometime this summer. They have tentatively planned a celebration at iParc for Saturday, August 13, Issac’s 13th

THE ACTIVITIES In addition to offering lakes for fishing, iParc will offer multiple trails for hiking, basketball courts, and multi-purpose fields for various sports. According to Tres, these amenities “allow kids to access nature, rather than being logged into a gaming station with a headset on.” In the future, the foundation plans to add picnic shelters and public parking access, as well as create reflection areas within the park for individuals to remember family members they have lost. “There are so many nice parks in our town, but we plan on this one being different—which will be a wonderful gift

birthday. “We know he would value the work we are doing to promote a healthy balance between unplugging outdoors, while living in a world that is demanding us to check our phone, computer, and news feeds,” Katie said. “The Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation was established with love, hope, and the above ideas in mind.” For more information about the mission and vision behind the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation, to donate funds, or apply for scholarships, please visit their website at www.issacsterettadv.org.

MELODY WALLACE is a mom, stepmom and seventh grade language arts teacher at College View Middle School. She runs on caffeine, good deeds and the inspiring stories of others.

T R U N N EL L S

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SWEET SUCCESS Discover how a local 9-year-old raised $4,300 for St. Jude Written by John Kirkpatrick // Photo by Jamie Alexander

t the young age of 9, Raelyn Duncan is one of Owensboro’s youngest entrepreneurs, using her

baking skills to raise money for St. Jude’s. But this isn’t your typical bake sale. Raelyn creates custom dog treats and offers them to dog owners for donations. Craftily named K9 Cookies for Cancer, Raelyn’s mission raised $4,300 during WBKR’s St. Jude radiothon this past year. Last year, she raised and sold basil from her Granny’s front yard, generating $450 in donations, and was determined to do more this year. “This year, me and my mom were talking about what I would do for my St. Jude fundraiser, and mom’s friend Kandee from Florida was visiting and suggested since I love to bake, I make homemade dog treats and sell them,” Raelyn said. Raelyn solicited the help of her mother Karen to research some recipes and create a Facebook page. The two decided it fit their personalities perfectly and moved forward with a donation-only business model. “I love St. Jude, dogs, and baking, so I thought this was a great fundraiser,” she said. “There is no set price. We deliver in Owensboro and we will also ship.” K9 Cookies for Cancer boasts two options for treats – peanut butter oat and peanut butter pumpkin. They distribute an assortment of cookies in groups of five. Raelyn said the process has come with its fair share of trials, most notably her mother burning a batch or two. But the positive far outweighs the negative and her desire to help kids keeps her moving forward. “I want to help kids with cancer,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going, is to raise more money so hopefully we find a cure.” Raelyn is a third-grade student at Meadow Lands Elementary School, where she was recently presented with awards for kindness and selflessness. She is an active member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church, where she is involved in many mission activities. “This will be my fundraiser every year and we will do this all year until the next radiothon,” Raelyn said. “Look for us at festivals and craft shows this year. Cancer doesn’t quit, so we aren’t either.” To learn more about Raelyn’s efforts, or order some of the cookies, search K9 Cookies for Cancer on Facebook.

JOHN KIRKPATRICK is a special education teacher at Daviess County High School 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.

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THESE MOMS MEAN BUSINESS! Meet five local moms who are following their dreams and showing their kids what entrepreneurship, hard work and balance looks like. Written by Laura Murphy // Photos by Jamie Alexander

All moms work, whether they’re getting paid by an employer or not. Being a mom takes effort—physical, mental and emotional—so whether or not a mom has a paid position, she can pat herself on the back at the end of the day for a job well done. In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to feature five local moms – Lauren Morrison, Holliwood Mackenzie, Chelsea Boling, Brittani Haney, and Ericka Roberts – that have learned to find a balance between motherhood and running their own business. While their individual products or services may vary, they all share two common traits – representing small business in Owensboro and the desire to demonstrate to their children the value of hardwork.

Lauren Morrison

TrueNorth Treatment Center When Lauren Morrison and her husband, Travis, both social workers, took a leap of faith to establish TrueNorth Treatment Center in Owensboro, they never knew how much it would grow. “We were both previously working at the prison in Eddyville, KY, facilitating groups for individuals in segregation, but the travel was wearing on us both,” Lauren said. “I finally said, `There is such a need for substance use treatment in our home community, why are we not doing this?’” That put the wheels in motion and the couple is now approaching the three-year anniversary since they opened their doors to the community. “It started with only three of us and has now grown to a staff of 25,” Lauren said. Lauren’s favorite part of her role is watching clients improve their lives, an aspect of the job that is most rewarding for her. “We have assisted many people in regaining custody of their children, obtaining employment, furthering their

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Holliwood Mackenzie Njoy Indoor Play and Party

education, securing safe housing, maintaining sobriety, and establishing a positive support system. Just as I have thoroughly enjoyed watching our clients succeed, it has also been my pleasure watching each of our staff grow,” she said. As Executive Director of the facility, Lauren has found the importance of balancing work and family life. “It's not always easy, that's for sure. It takes teamwork and one of us picks up the slack where the other may be lacking. We definitely try to give each other the grace that is needed for this type of work,” Lauren said of her and her husband, Travis. As the facility has grown to accommodate more clients, the Morrisons have enjoyed the opportunity to teach their children the value of their mission. “We absolutely love this organization, but family will always come first. We work diligently to teach our children the importance of helping others while also practicing their own self care,” Lauren said. Her desire to show empathy to others, fuels her passion for both her role as a social worker and as a parent. “Regardless of their differences, it’s important to treat others with dignity and respect. I am a mother first, and a helper second,” Lauren said. “As a social worker, I am very passionate about improving the lives of others. As a mother, I want to model for my children that if they put forth the effort, they can achieve their own goals and passions.”

When Holliwood Mackenzie opened NJoy Indoor Play and Party, her goal was to provide the community with a unique, fun environment for families to spend time with their children. “I have grandkids and it’s hard finding them safe places to play. That’s where I came up with the idea,” Holliwood said. In June 2021, Njoy officially opened their doors for the first time. Since then, customers have enjoyed finding a new place to bring their little ones. “Everyone that comes in says they have never heard of me. I hope to spread the word so more people can give us a try,” Holliwood said. While most play equipment is geared toward the little ones, Njoy has activities for a variety of ages. “We have a section where teens can play too,” Holliwood said. “I try to add stuff and move things around so they feel like they are

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

coming into a different place each time.” In addition to the gated toddler area with slides and building blocks, the indoor play facility offers a basketball goal, video games, a trampoline, bounce house and mini roller-coaster, giving children a variety of play options. Holliwood offers many options for customers from open play times and birthday parties to special character events and private play times upon request. “Our birthday parties are unique because we close the building down completely and it’s a private opening for just that party,” Holliwood said. “We want each child to feel important on their big day.” Special character events are an opportunity for Holliwood to do what she loves by creating unique opportunities for children. She has welcomed Cocomelon, Blippi, Elsa and several special events such as an Easter egg hunt and trunk or treat. “I love having parties and being able to decorate for them,” Holliwood said. Holliwood is open to ideas from the community, who offer her feedback on desired hours, and ideas for future events. As far as balancing home life and her growing business, Holliwood has found the two go hand in hand. “I try most of the time to take them to work with me,” Holliwood said. “I’m off on Sundays and Mondays and like to have family days.” With three children, and six grandchildren, Holliwood understands the importance of family time, making her facility the perfect place to be with her grandchildren. “When it’s time to go, they cry and they don’t want to leave,” Holliwood said. “My family likes to come and hang out with me.” As far as future plans, Holliwood hopes to move to a bigger building so she can continue to grow her business and the older children can feel welcome also. “Even though Owensboro is pretty big, there are not a lot of activities for the children,” she said. Her favorite part of her job is meeting different families, many of which have become regulars. “I have met all kinds of different people and try to meet their individual needs. I have a lounging area for parents and a handicap accessible restroom. We get calls requesting certain hours and try to meet that need, too. Owensboro needed something like this.”

Ericka Roberts and Brittani Haney Grindstone Trading Co.

Growing up, Ericka Roberts and Brittani Haney often visited thrift stores and flea markets to search for unique finds. Fast forward to today, and that desire to create a wardrobe based on vintage pieces led them to open a business, Grindstone Trading Co.

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“When we were teenagers and got our license, we would go to the Consumer’s Mall on a Friday night,” Brittani said. “We have always thought about this and talked about it when we were younger. We wanted to start our own curated vintage store with styles and things from other decades under one roof.” At the center of the business venture is the desire to create a brand that empowers people to be bold and powerful no matter what size or shape they are. Described as a mixture of different styles and decades, their online store offers customers one-of-a-kind pieces they will not be able to find anywhere else. “When you find something unique for a certain decade, you know no one else will have it. We have been all over — garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets — picking pieces wisely to create a unique and different bold look. We may start taking specialty orders in the future. If you don’t want to do it yourself, why don’t you have us do it?” Ericka said. The store includes handmade clothing and vintage pieces that have been dip-dyed, tie-dyed, fringed, or cropped. Due to the rare nature of each of their finds, their clothing items will come from a very limited stock. When it comes to balancing work life and mom life, Ericka has discovered the perfect tool to set goals and accomplish them. “I do my best at making small goals for myself -- things I know I can accomplish that day. I have learned to not be too hard on myself if it doesn’t get accomplished that day,” she said. As a small business owner, the duo has found most of the time their goals aren’t an emergency. “Brittani and I are both moms so we get it. My daughter is 9 months old and her daughter is 2 years old. We tell each April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

other ‘I need some support today,’ and we help each other out,” Ericka said. Since opening, Grindstone has embraced community support. The growth and opportunities are exciting for them, but they most enjoy the flexibility to include their daughters in their journey. “Brittani and I are really connected by spending quality time with our daughters while doing what we love.This is not a regular 9:00-5:00 job -- we want to pave a new path for our daughters. We are creating a space where we can spend more time together,” Ericka said. Sharing the love for both thifting and involving their young children has been an empowering experience for the young entrepreneurs. “It’s going so great. We did a pop up recently downtown with other small business owners that are females. Being a small business, people want to rally around you in the community,” Ericka said. As far as future plans, the pair hopes to have the opportunity to open a brick and mortar store one day. “We mainly operate out of Brittani’s basement,” Ericka said. “We have a play area down there for them. They entertain each other and we do the best we can.” Pursuing their passion to run Grindstone as a side business, they have found that everyone is really understanding of the work-momlife balance. “It’s so special that we get to do something that we not only love but that we are in charge of making our own schedule. It’s a hot mess and it’s a huge blessing everytime we get together and bring our girls,” Ericka said.

Chelsea Boling Hello Pop

Chelsea Boling understands the power of seizing every opportunity. When her son was just a year old, Boling decided to turn his love for fruit and vegetable ice pops into a family business. “I made his food purées as ice pops and he loved them. I have videos of him munching down on them. That’s when I realized we didn’t have anything like it in Owensboro,” Chelsea said. This led to establishing Hello Pop, offering customers popsicles made out of fresh fruit with several different flavor options. After opening in July 2020, there has already been significant growth and expansion for this family-run business. “We started selling them at the Galaxy Restaurant. We did mostly deliveries and events for a while,” Chelsea said. While some might have hesitated to establish a business venture in the middle of a pandemic, for Chelsea, it was the perfect timing. “I never would have started the business model if not for COVID because people were home more. Normally people would be out and about, but in the summer of 2020, people were at home,” she said. Using a portable freezer on an event cart, Hello Pop began setting up at local events, including several schools. As they continued to grow, they quickly realized they needed a commercial kitchen. The response was so great, it only made sense to expand. “We recently bought a second kitchen and expanded to offering popcorn, something we could sell year

round,” Chelsea said. “This sold heavily in the winter, at Christmas and Valentines Day.” The popcorn is available in more than 10 flavors, with the option for clubs and organizations to sell the product as a fundraiser. So far, this added portion of the business is thriving. As far as future plans, Hello Pop plans to add a food truck so they can set up in multiple locations at once. They will add lemon shake ups to the menu as well as continuing to sell the popsicles and popcorn. “We changed our operating model. Last year, we had four people who helped with events and took the cart out. With the second kitchen, we have the opportunity to hire more. There will be an event coordinator that goes to events and helps with the food production side as well.” Her children, Easton (3) and Dani (9 months), get to go to some of the events, with Easton being the perfect taste tester since he really likes the products offered by Hello Pop. “The saying, ‘It takes a village,’ is a true statement,” Chelsea said. “My husband’s parents are very involved. We could not do it without them. The kids have a strong relationship with their grandparents. It’s a three way win- they love having them around and we have the opportunity to run our business.” HF

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

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We are excited to reveal our 2022 Kids Takeover! For this special section, we asked our local elementary schools to pick an outstanding student author to write an article about their school or community. With some help from their incredible teachers, these writers interviewed, wrote, illustrated and photographed all of the content in this section. Special thanks to our friends at Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, Owensboro Catholic Schools and Heritage Christian School We couldn't put this issue together without your help! Don't miss the ads, all of which were completely designed by local elementary school students with the hope of their original artwork winning our contest. Each business judged the entries and chose the winners. Owensboro Parent staff added some of our favorite picks in too!

ALLERGY & ASTHMA SPECIALISTS DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DAVIESS COUNTY TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION GENE'S HEALTH FOOD GERMAN AMERICAN BANK JERRY RAY DAVIS KENTUCKIANA ANIMAL CLINIC LANCE & CO. JEWELERS LIBERTY FINANCIAL OWENSBORO DANCE THEATER OWENSBORO DERMATOLOGY OWENSBORO HEALTH RIVERPARK CENTER WILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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Max Hayden

dctfcu

Age: 9

1900 Southeastern Pkwy Owensboro, KY (270) 684-8954 www.dctfcu.com

Lucas Kerwick Age: 10

1500 East 18th St. (270) 684-2949 kentuckianaanimalclinic.com

Daviess County Teacher's Federal Credit Union

Larken Roach Age: 11

Kentuckiana Animal Clinic

Wilson Williams Age: 10 38 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

William Tun Age: 10

3560 Frederica St. 313 Frederica St. 3264 KY-54 (270) 688-8878 germanamerican.com

Neil Quisenberry Age: 10 April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Emily Taylor Age: 8

2821 New Hartford Road (270) 685-5777 OurFamilyDerm.com

Nolan Hardesty Age: 11

101 Daviess St. (270) 687-2787 RiverParkCenter.org

Owensboro Dermatology

Jax Mason Age: 8

RiverPark Center

Ree Meh Age: 10

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Camille Shutt Age: 10

Regional Hospital 1201 Pleasant Valley Rd. (270) 417-2000 owensborohealth.org

Riley McGinnis Age: 10

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Carley Payne Age: 11

2705 Breckenridge St. (270) 684-9580 owensborodancetheatre.org

Jillian Deweese Age: 11

1738 Moseley St. (270) 684-5052 geneshealthfood.com

Owensboro Dance Theatre

Natalia Miguel Age: 10

Gene's Health Food

Stella Mason Age: 10

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Claire Castlen Age: 11

2925 Wimsatt Ct. E (800) 685-2085 libertyfinancial.com

Neil E. Quisenberry Age: 10

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Htay Mo Age: 10

2020 Frederica St. • Owensboro, KY (270) 684-6144 www.dcplibrary.org

Zoey Huff Age: 11

3030 New Hartford Rd. (270) 684-3201 www.willsanimal.org

Daviess County Public Library

Kolbie Mullen Age: 9

Wills Animal Hospital

Mei Okamoto Age: 10

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Francisco "Junior" godoy Age: 11

322 W 4th St. (270) 685-9000 www.jerryraydavis.com

Zoey Edge Age: 11

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Seth Mayfield Age: 9

3604 Wathen’s Crossing (270) 684-6144 owensboroallergy.com

Ava Crump Age: 9

2730 Frederica St. (270) 686-0001 www.lancecojewelers.com

Allergy & Asthma Specialists, P.S.C.

Lila Joy Lynn Age: 11

Lance & Co. Jewelers

Brayden Sadler and Kendall Cecil Ages: 11 46 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

R OM P

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Kids Takeover

Sometimes We All Need A

"PAWS" Written by Laya Gregory

ental health is really important. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It can also affect our wellbeing in general, and even our physical health! But, not only can poor mental health affect our well being, physical health, etc, it can also affect our daily activities, such as school. Which is why it is important to have a safe space. A space where you can release all your anger, stress, sadness, or other negative emotions daily. So when you are lucky enough to go to a school that has that place, it makes the classroom a more safe, comfortable learning environment! Having a space to cool down is really important, especially when you’re going to school five days a week. Having five days of school, and only two days off can make it hard to have time to cool down, so when your school has one of those places, it relieves a lot of stress! That’s what’s so great about my school, BES! (Burns Elementary School) We have that space, and it’s called the PAWS PLACE! It's called the PAWS place, because it's a place where you can take a pause, and cool down (Plus our mascot is a Bobcat!) ! Our PAWS place contains fidget toys, coloring books, and even headphones for when you want peace and quiet! It also contains a poster on the wall, giving students tips on how to reach your happiest state of mind! It's a very convenient area that all teachers have available in the classroom. Although the PAWS place helps many students, some need a person to talk to, sometimes students have things on their mind that they want to get off their chest, so they go to our beautiful and kind guidance counselor, Mrs. Fueger. She has helped lots

of students, including me. Some students have problems, like insecurities, stress, or more personal issues that they’d like to share with trusted adults, and Mrs. Fueger isn’t the only one students can talk to at Burns because they can also talk to teachers and staff, like Mrs. Clark, our librarian, who has some great advice, because she’s also been through things like home/ personal struggles, and bullying. She may look ordinary, but to some, her advice could be lifesaving! My teacher, Mrs. Hardesty is also a good person to talk to because of her great advice, kindness, and loving heart. You can tell she truly loves every single one of her students and cares about their feelings. Or, you can even eat lunch with the quirky and fun staff member, Mrs. Whitehouse! She doesn't just give out underwear and honey buns to the students, (who need it) she’s also a great person to bond with, and talk to as our Family Resource Coordinator! One of the other things Burns Elementary focuses on, that is on the topic of mental health, is kindness month! (which coincidentally is this month!) During kindness month, we do things such as staff giving out bobcat awards based on kindness, giving yard signs to students showing kindness, and delivering notes to fellow Bobcats on Valentine’s Day! A lot of things can influence bad mental health, stuff like problems at home, personal issues, self esteem, etc. But one of the major things that influence mental health is the people you hang around. Some students can

reflect badly on you. Some students may be doing bad things, or saying rude things about others, or maybe even things about you! Which can take a bad toll on your mental health. I've had an experience where these girls stopped hanging out with me suddenly, just because I was, quote, “weird” so I did everything I could in my power to be as normal as I could, just to regain their friendship. But I soon learned that if you have to go through that much, just for someone to like you, then they’re not worth fighting for. If you’re dealing with people that are hurting you, physically or mentally, it's a good option to tell a trusted adult, like your school staff, teachers, your guidance counselor, or a trustworthy friend! You can find your own PAWS place, which could be wherever you’d like, as long as it calms you down! You are perfectly fine, and there’s nothing wrong with you, or your personality! In conclusion, mental health is one of the many things that not just others should focus on, but also yourself! Poor mental health can lead to poor habits, and bad self esteem. When a school like BES focuses on something as important as mental health, it's a sign that not only the teachers care about our learning, but they care about the US even more! Although Mental Health may not seem as important as other topics, it is something that should be spoken about more, and taken into serious consideration.

MALAYSIA GREGORY is a 5th grade student in Mrs. Hardesty's class at Burns Elementary School. She enjoys drawing and arts and crafts and being a friend to everyone around her.

48 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Soaring to New Heights Written by Sydney Baker Imagine a school where fun and excitement is around every corner! There is no frowny face to be seen. Here at Audubon Elementary they reward good behavior by giving out Eagle Up Cards. I think Eagle Up cards are necessary because they make kids want to do their best and are exciting to kids because they are rewarded for their good behavior. Eagle Up cards were created to fill a need for recognizing student success. Mrs. Jo Beth Grigsby, our assistant principal, says that “We wanted to implement Eagle Up cards to positively reward students who are exceeding our expectations and Guidelines for Success. We want to motivate students to positively interact with each other and be a good citizen in the future.” The teacher or staff member who thinks a student deserves this card will write the good deed the student did, what guideline it falls under, and both the teacher and the students name. These teachers look for children who follow and respect these guidelines. Andrea Head, a fourth grade teacher here at Audubon, says, “I look for students who go above and beyond our guidelines and when they show that in the classroom or in the hallways then I talk to them about that, I praise them in front of the whole class and I give them their Eagle Up card.” Mrs. Bonita French, a fifth grade teacher, says “I give out Eagle Up cards when students have exceeded normal expectations. Honestly, I look for kids who are showing kindness to their classmates and are proactive in their educational journey.” Students get these cards for what we call the Guidelines for Success: Embracing Diversity, Empathy, Grit, Integrity, and Self-Control. Embracing Diversity teaches kids to recognize and respect others' differences. Empathy helps kids to try to understand how others feel and try to show compassion for them. Grit teaches kids to never give up and persevere to conquer challenges. Integrity helps kids to know they can do the right thing even when it is difficult. Last but not least, self-control: self-control helps kids to control their words and actions. Each of these guidelines help kids to: work as a team, do the right thing, and never give up. The student can then take it to the office for a reward! If someone gets an Eagle Up card, they get their own prize, a choice of a gift card or a smelly

pencil. These kids also get recognized for their good deeds by getting a star put on the Wall of Fame with their name on it. While they are in the office, they get to make a special phone call home to celebrate their achievements and sign their name in a book with all the Eagle Up card recipients for this year. Ace Lillpop, a fifth grade student at Audubon, says “It feels good to me because I get recognized for going above and beyond.” Our principal, Sarah Velotta, explains what her favorite part of the Eagle Up cards are: “Sometimes when parents find out the principal or assistant principal is calling, the tone of their voice changes. Many have shared with me that they thought I was calling because the student was in trouble. Once I

Grabbing quotes from Instructional Coach, Tina Jennings. Ace Lilpop, Violet Swchartz, and Sydney Baker.

explain the reason for the call, the worry leaves their voice and excitement sets in. Having Eagle Up Cards in place has been uplifting, not only for our students and the adults who write the cards and call home, but also for our families.” If we reach 100 cards as a total, the whole school gets a reward like: a glow party or extra recess. Many kids here at Audubon like the idea of Eagle Up rewards. Scarlett Hicks, a third grader at Audubon, says she likes the glow party because “I got to dance around and listen to the music.” Khama McCreary, another third grader, says “I like to get extra recess because I like to play and get extra exercise.” Audubon Elementary continues to grow with fun and creative things that inspire children to work hard and succeed. Instructional Coach, Tina

Ace Lilpop, a fifth grade student here at Audubon Elementary, sets his Eagle Up star on the Wall of Fame.

Jennings, reports many positive reasons Eagle Up cards will help kids in the future: “We know that these five guidelines are the characteristics that you have to exhibit to be successful in whatever you choose to do. The Eagle Up Cards reinforce when students show those characteristics, so by reinforcing when you’re showing grit or you’re showing embracing diversity then you are in a sense helping kids learn and understand how to be successful later in life.” A student here at Audubon explains how getting an Eagle Up card could help and support her in the future. Violet Schwartz, a fifth grade student says, “Trying to get an Eagle Up card motivates me to become a better person so that I can do better things in life.” One thing is for sure Eagle Up cards have changed the face of Audubon for the better.

Sam Tooley, Audubon Secretary accepts an Eagle Up card from fifth grade student Violet Schwartz for showing grit and embracing diversity.

SYDNEY BAKER is a straight A, 5th grade student at Audubon Elementary School. She enjoys writing stories, reading and playing basketball. She loves her family and friends and is always willing to help others.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Kids Takeover

THE

Cake WAR

Written by Linkin Blandford

project for the year.

hat does every school have in common? Fundraising. Each year, our P.T.O.

favorite flavor of ice cream; so she found a way to make it into a cake. Almost everything

When we hold fundraisers, such as

(Parent Teacher Organization) raises money

about this cake is homemade, from the batter

the Fall Festival, all the money we collect

for many of our projects. A common (and

to the icing. People seem to enjoy this cake.

goes towards the school’s yearly project. In

best, in my opinion) fundraiser is our annual

“It's the best cake ever! When my family

previous years, the “project” was student

Fall Festival. Like other Fall Festivals, there is

gets the cake we like to have a slice of it with

needs like Chromebooks or projectors. This

chili to eat, games to play, and an auction to

milk,” Mrs. Cecil recalls.

year the P.T.Os focus was on a new playground

bid on items such as a front row parking spot,

Out of the ten years this cake war has

Family Fun Night baskets, local restaurants,

gone on, Cecil has won the cake eight years.

and more. But at Sorgho Elementary, the most

One year, she won the cake and presented it to

exciting activity is the ‘Cake War’.

a family who donated landscaping to Sorgho.

The cake war is a bidding battle at our

This year, Mrs. Miller outbid Cecil to finally

Fall Festival between our principal, Mrs.

win the legendary melt in your mouth, minty

Laura Cecil, and Mrs. Natalie Miller, one

chocolate chip, decadent cake. “It was worth the wait.” Mrs. Miller told

of our interventionists. The cake (not that I've ever had the pleasure of trying it) is a

us.

to run around, slide, and swing on. Our P.T.O president, Mrs. Hill, says, “It's fun to watch. When they're bidding back and forth, the donation amount continues to climb. Everyone is wondering, Who's going to win the cake this year? When will they stop bidding on the cake?” This cake war brings in good money

mint chocolate chip cake, which takes three

The bidding war was so intense this year

for our big goals, and gives everyone some

days to prepare. The second grade teacher,

that the price climbed high. Usually going for

excitement to watch. As I close out my six

Mrs. Stephanie Rhye, chose to make a mint

around $150, the cake sold for $500 this year,

year term at Sorgho, I hope I get to try this

chocolate chip cake because it's her husband's

which in turn goes towards the school’s big

heavenly mouth watering cake before I go!

LINKIN BLANDFORD is a fifth grade student at Sorgho Elementary who loves to dance at Musick Studios and loves to socialize with his friends.

Owensboro, Our Hometown We're here in Owensboro, our hometown. I'd like to tell about some of my favorite places in Owensboro such as the Miller House, Smother's Park , and my school. We go to the Miller House almost every Sunday. If you are looking for a good place to eat this is where you need to go. At Smother's Park the water fountains are awesome. They shoot water up high. The playground is fun for kids like me. We visit Smother's Park once and awhile. Now lastly my school, Heritage Christian School, is very fun. We can learn about God and Jesus. We learn about some other things too such as math, English, science and reading. OP

DAWSON QUISENBERRY attends Heritage Christian School. He likes to play football and basketball. His hobbies include building Legos and playing outside.

50 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Empowerment at Country Heights Elementary Written by Paige Ehlschide

I’m very excited to share with you a couple things that make our school amazing. 4-8-12 is something that my school does that is very important to students and staff. The 4 stands for 4 guidelines. The 8 stands for 8 habits. The 12 stands for 12 tools. We use these daily. They are like parts in a car, or steps in a process. Our school thinks these are important because they help students (and staff) to be the best version of themselves that they possibly can. 4-8-12 helps to create respectful, responsible, phenomenal students who help others and find their voice. To us, 4-8-12 means a gateway to amazing students. Another reason is that the staff are so supportive and kind, and the teachers are amazing at their job. We also do lots of big projects that show our servant’s heart. We have done a shoe drive, a coin drive, a can drive, and donated clothing items! We also have WIG trackers. WIG stands for “Wildly Important Goal” You set your goal at the beginning of the week and at the end of each day you reflect and ask yourself if you showed quality work, used 4-8-12, and followed your WIG. So as you can see, CHES is an amazing Lighthouse School that I am happy to attend. Another thing that CHES is very proud of is being a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. Being a Lighthouse School means we have earned recognition and our school produces OUTSTANDING results in student and school outcomes. Our school has been a Lighthouse School since 2015 and has recently been re-certified for the third time. This recertification will be for the next two years. Country Heights is a Lighthouse school where students are so empowered and so inspired to do their best. PAIGE EHLSCHIDE is a fourth grader at Country Heights Elementary School in Mrs. Humphrey’s class. Some of her hobbies are writing, reading, and drawing. She is very interested in archeology, art, and loves school and learning. April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Kids Takeover

East View Gradually Improving Our World Written by Allison McBride

id you know that one in three kids stay home from school because of bullying? One of the largest problems students have is being bullied. Now, we all try to be kind, but sometimes, it’s difficult to keep that up! Here are some ways our school is changing students to be the best and most compassionate people they can be. One way we have seen students be kinder is with the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench is a bench where, if you feel lonely, sad, or want to play with someone, you can sit down, and other students can realize that you need a friend. What makes our Buddy Bench so special is that students from East View themselves made it. Many students find themselves using it the most when they are lonely, looking for new friends, or new to our school. When someone sits on the bench, students can realize they need someone to play with. Which, if we really think about it, you don’t really know what someone is going through. So just noticing that they need a friend and playing with them, can really make their day. Not only the Buddy Bench, but the Peace Bridge can help as well. Conflicts happen all the time between friends and friend groups often because one says the wrong thing to be funny and jokes around, while the other takes it the wrong way. So that’s when the Peace Bridge comes in! First, both friends state what they want and feel. After that, they both think of solution strategies. Then, when both peers have agreed on a solution, they shake hands, and their problem is solved. This teaches students to learn how to take ownership in their difficulties with someone independently, because throughout life, there will not always be an adult around to help solve their problems. Many students have realized that you can change the whole world by taking just the little steps. They can either impact this world positively or negatively. So how do YOU want to impact this world? Choose wisely, how will your decisions change the world?

ALLISON MCBRIDE is a fifth grade student at East View Elementary School. She spends most of her week at Joy Johnson’s Dance Studio taking dance classes and strengthening her muscles. She is always out-going and spreads love to everyone around her.

52 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

The Tamarack Family Written by Avalyn Fulkerson

hen I first stepped foot onto Tamarack’s campus three years ago,

I suddenly felt a connection, like I belonged there. I felt like this school was perfect for me and it almost felt like home. The best way I could describe this feeling was that it felt like “family.” This feeling of family has been around since the school was founded in 1962. The Tamarack “family” is the connection of teachers, students, parents, and visitors that make one another feel welcome and special. The concept of family in our school has helped Tamarack’s students improve in education and social interaction; it has had a big impact on us ever since, and it continues to grow each day. For example, the teachers are extremely thoughtful and caring; they all have helped us improve when it comes to our education and how we learn. They also have done very kind things for our own good. Just this month, we have started a kindness program to help spread positivity in our community. Some things Tamarack is doing include a “Kindness Bingo” chart and a school-wide kindness paper chain. Each Friday, during the month of February, we participate in an event where

students can wear spirit wear. For example, we wore pajamas on the second Friday of February. Additionally, if you go above and beyond, you might even get a kindness yard sign placed in your front yard! Another kindness initiative our school is doing is the #BeKindTES news notes our teachers give us. These are given when you are caught showing ALL-STAR effort in being kind. These are reported in our morning news. The morning news is a video everyone in Tamarack watches every morning about things that

occur in our school and community. Our principal, Mrs. Munsey, always says, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours!” To sum it up, as a Tamarack family, we try to focus on being kind. We know that small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, and we understand as peers that it is always necessary to be good to others. This is how we strengthen our bond as a Tamarack family. As the saying goes, “Once a Tamarack STAR, ALWAYS a Tamarack STAR!”

AVALYN FULKERSON, a 5th grader, enjoys singing, writing, and art. She spends her time with family and playing Roblox. Her newest hobby is roller-blading.

Meet Ms. Anderson, my guidance counselor that impacted my life My name is Rylie, and I'm a student at the 4-6 campus. At my school, we have a very special person who has helped a lot of students through the years including me. That person is our one and only guidance counselor Ms. Anderson. She does so much for us. Ms. Anderson helped me get through two tough times this year. For instance, when I got bullied, she helped me get through it and helped me move on. Now we'll hear from Grace, a student like me. She says, "Ms. Anderson has a great sense of humor and an amazing personality," which is so true. Ms. Anderson also has such a big heart for the students and teachers. Ms. Anderson really makes an amazing impact on the school and community, and so do all the other teachers in our community. Every single one of our teachers make a good impact on the world every day. We love and respect our teachers. OP

RYLIE HAYDEN is a 6th grade at Owensboro Catholic 4-6 Campus. She enjoys art, golf, and hanging out with friends. When Rylie grows up she wants to open her own bakery named, “Rylie’s Remixes.”

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Kids Takeover

Ag Days at West Louisville Elementary School Written by Magnolia Spurrier

My Perspective Ag day is an important day about Agriculture. Agriculture is very important in Kentucky. Some students get to experience Agriculture for the first time at Ag Day. Ag Day has been happening at West Louisville Elementary for 10+ years. Students learn about farm animals/ livestock they also learn about growing crops and farm machinery. Students at West Louisville really enjoy Ag Day and have lots of fun learning about Agriculture. Ag day at our school is important for many reasons. Agriculture is important in Kentucky. One of the many reasons Ag Day is important is because not all students at West Louisville are exposed to the Agriculture community. According to the US census bureau only 75,000 farm families are present in Kentucky out of 1.7 million households. Thus only 4.3% of Kentucky residents are involved in Agriculture within daily life. Another reason Ag Day is important is because children deserve to know how food gets to their plate. Ag Day is important for these few reasons and many more.

Mr. Satterly’s Perspective From our school principal, Nathan Satterly's Perspective, Ag Day is an important opportunity where we take pride in celebrating this lifestyle. There is a lot of preparation that goes into Ag Day. We contact local farmers who would willingly let us borrow equipment. Then we contact local farmers who will let us borrow their animals. After we contact the locals we contact a national organization to come and teach the students. While Mr. Satterly does not have agriculture in his daily life he recognizes its importance.In fact his favorite part of Ag Day is that it strengthens the community. It connects the school and its students to the local farmers. Mr. Satterly takes great pride in organizing and supervising this important day. He greatly appreciates the help of the community.

The Community Perspective Steven Fuqua and Suzanne White are some of our prime community members. The community members hope that the children of West Louisville Elementary get a positive view of Agriculture. Unfortunately there's a lot of misinformation about pesticides, simple medical treatment and its effect on the community. What many people do not realize is if we hurt our community we hurt ourselves. Mr. Fuqua and Mrs. White understand the importance of agriculture. One thing Mr. Fuqua has talked about at Ag day is the life cycle of a pig. He went into detail about how they grow quickly and have short lives. Mr. Fuqua in the past year had taught about ATV safety. Mrs. White has talked about where farm produce originates. She has also talked about how going to the farmers market is important. Going to the farmers market is important because it helps support local businesses. In conclusion, Ag Day is a very important day about Agriculture. Many people enjoy Ag Day and it's some people's first time experiencing agriculture. Ag Day also helps strengthen the community and our relationship with the local farmers. Ag Day benefits the school and the students in many ways. Ag Day makes West Louisville unique, no other schools nearby has it. All in all Ag Day is an important day and many people enjoy it.

MAGNOLIA SPURRIER is a 5th grader at West Louisville Elementary. She enjoys working on her family's cattle farm and has always had a passion for reading and writing. Magnolia also plays hockey for the Owensboro Puckhogs.

54 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Deer Park Elementary School’s Academic Team

Success for All Written and illustrated by Taylor Hardaway

ven through the incredible victories and the unfortunate failures, the Deer Park Academic Team made it to the regional competition. We made our families proud the second we entered the building that would test us mentally. We used our knowledge and showed everyone what we had learned by using that knowledge and putting it into our work. Therefore, the Deer Park Academic Team got first place in all subjects. I received first place in comprehension and science. I, personally, am proud that everyone tried their best and that I did so well. However, I’m also proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined the Academic Team in the first place. Well, my mother helped with that, too. When Mr. Haynes, our Academic Team coach, told everyone that Academic Team tryouts were coming up and he wanted kids to try out, I was so nervous! I told my mother about this and she told me that I needed to try out, no matter what I thought. Which I thought was unfair, but I did it anyway. Mr. Haynes had been asking me for three years to join the Academic Team, however, I never listened. I had only tried out one time, probably in third grade, and miserably failed. I felt discouraged to try again. When it was the day to try out, I didn’t want to go because of past experiences, however, my mother threatened to punish me if I didn’t try out! When I arrived I only took the math, art and humanities, and comprehension tests. When I told Mr. Haynes that I didn’t try out in science, he went ballistic! He started fake-

crying on the floor, and he looked so pitiful, so I took the science test and hoped that I was going to get in, for Mr. Haynes’ sake. I was surprised when I got the news that I had gotten in and celebrated with my family and friends. Being on the Academic Team has changed my life. I met people that I wouldn’t consider talking to. It has changed my life by educating me, and by letting me discover more about myself. The Academic Team has caused some trouble for me by filling up my schedule, however, there are always more ups than downs. I have learned more that I thought was possible at my age in this semester and I appreciate it now more than ever. I have also discovered more about myself than I had before I joined the Academic Team. I have learned that I am a natural born writer, and that I would love to be an author when I turn into an adult. I have also learned that I would like to be a teacher as well as an author. The Academic Team has changed my life in a positive way. We are not competing in the competition right now, instead, we are gaining and expanding our knowledge of the world which we live in. We study frequently to make sure we don’t forget anything. We usually study during lunch, in the afternoon, and of course, at home! When lunch rolls around, we grab our food from the cafeteria and head down to our Academic Team coaches, Mr. Haynes, Mrs. Maede, and Ms. Martin classrooms. That is where we play Kahoot! and we play Blooket

about different topics, such as, math, science, social studies, art and humanities, or language arts. We usually do math Kahoot! because Mr. Haynes is a 5th grade math teacher. During the “official” Academic Team Practice, which occurs in the afternoon, we buckle down and study. We study with BrainPop, Youtube, and Flocabulary. We also quiz each other with Quick Recall questions, and on Fridays we practice Quick Recall like the real thing! I have noticed that it is crucial to Mr. Haynes that we study at home as well as school. He reminds us every day that we need to study any chance we get. Now that we have excelled in the first competition, we have to compete in the second competition. This is a really exciting and stressful event for all of the Deer Park Academic Team and will lead to some surprising results! We are a bit disappointed that not all of the team can participate since they didn’t get into the top 5 places, which means they cannot ascend to the next level, which is regionals. It is stressful and it is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but we will succeed by studying to gain knowledge that will be essential for the competition, and to have hope.

TAYLOR HARDAWAY is a 5th grade student at Deer Park Elementary and a proud member of the DPES Academic Team.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

Kids Takeover

Cravens Under Construction Written by Adela Miller, Keilani Calderon, & Hunter Williams

ur school is under construction. Construction has been going on since June 2021. When we came back from summer break it was still under construction. Every once in a while we'd hear a hammer banging on metal or drills hitting concrete. It can be very loud, but we think it's worth it though because it is going to be bigger than the one we had before. Cravens was kind of a plain but still exciting school with nice people and caring teachers. It's still like that today, but this school has really taken a huge turn over the past few years. Right now the school is under construction and they are making the school twice its size! There is also going to be a new playground that's going to have more playground equipment that we can play on. The new playground will be really big and all the grade levels will get to play on it. In the new playground there are going to have swings, bigger slides, and a lot more area for the big kids. The new playground is going to have a merry go round and it's going to let people that are in wheelchairs be on it. There will be a lot of stuff to climb on for people who like to climb and there will be normal monkey bars and twisty ones.

56 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

A lot of people are really excited for the new school to be built, but people also miss the old school. We love that we're going to get a new gym because there's going to be a stage, bleachers, and bigger room to play! That also means that there will be more performances and more decorations for the performance. There is also going to be a new sound system that means you could hear it more clearly. Another thing we love about the construction is the floors and walls, the floors are smooth with no tiles, and the walls are painted orange green and blue with some white. The floors aren't completely done and neither are the walls, but they still look good and the other kids like them too. We’re excited to see what it's going to end up looking like and there is also going to be another bathroom so you won't have to worry about waiting. Our graphic designer Demetrios Magoulas has mixed feelings. He doesn't like this noise and thinks it’s weird when half of the school isn't done, but he's excited for the new playground and the new ways to get out of school and parking spots. This school is really great and we’re so excited to see it finished!

ADELA MILLER is a 4th grader at Cravens Elementary. She likes to draw and write stories while listening to music most of the time. KEILANI CALDERON is a 5th grader at Cravens Elementary. She likes to write and read when she is bored. Her favorite colors are purple and blue. HUNTER WILLIAMS is 11 years old and attends Cravens Elementary School. His favorite colors are red, green, blue, and orange. He is a picky eater and doesn’t like a lot of food. He does like playing outside and playing video games inside. And his favorite subjects are math and science.

Academic Team Pride Written by Maya Wendt

ust imagine you made it on the team that shows the reputation of your school. Are you shocked, maybe scared, or just happy you're

letting your talents grow? Whatever it is, welcome to the Academic team! There’s some things you might not know yet, but trust me, whatever you don’t know yet, is something you’ll accomplish and nail the second you learn it. If you don’t know what an Academic team is, let me elaborate. Academic team is a team of special students who specialize in 5 different subjects, including quick recall, those subjects are, science, social studies, ela (reading), arts and humanities, and math. Making the team is an exciting but long and complicated process. It starts with a test, a test that can’t involve guessing, one to be honest with and paint your words to sway the leader. It takes a few weeks, but when you get the letter, your heart skips a beat with excitement and wonder. As you slowly open the letter you’re in shock, did you make it, or did you not? Our first practice was, eh, kinda complicated. You get a note card and you put the 3 subjects you want to be in the most, 1 is your favorite one to be in, 2 is your second option, 3 is your least favorite but one you’d pick if the other 2 are full. After a while, practice gets simple and a lot easier, but don’t push the gas pedal yet. My team did a scrimmage first, had 1 more practice, and there it was. I was staring at a test, my heart was beating, like a car going 90 on the highway. I was competing in the Governor’s cup! The road to competition is a long journey, but an exciting one at that. What I've learned is not even explainable! I learned more in the Academic team than 9 weeks in normal school. Even the coaches learned a lot while coaching us. It was such an extraordinary process considering that we only had 1 hour every thursday. What I've learned is too much to explain but, if I had one thing to say I loved the most, it would have to be… being on the team in general. It’s one thing to see us play, it’s another if you're the one hitting buttons, circling answers, and getting medals. If you're a good sport, the other teams bless you on winning, even if you don’t win, you play a fair game. All in all, the Academic team is a fun, and competitive way to show pride for your school, and honor your role in it. Making the team is hard, I know, but the road to competition paves your next path, and what you learn is what should be taken away in your time on the team. So, just think this, If you get on an Academic team, how would YOU show pride and honor to your school?

MAYA WENDT is a 4th grader at Newton Parrish Elementary. She enjoys singing and writing her own songs in her free time.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

M ICH AEL KIN G

58 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Discover

ADVICE AND TIPS ON H OW TO M AKE PARENTING AN D L IFE EASIER

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

DISCOVER • THE BOOK NOOK

DCMS’s Top Reader Shares her Favorite Books Written by Katie Albers and Cam Norsworthy

Cam Norsworthy caught on to reading at an early age, and it quickly became her favorite hobby. She loves how reading allows her to be immersed in a different universe. “A good book is like a portal to another world.” Cam is a top reader at Daviess County Middle School and her taste in books is varied. She offers suggestions from her favorite genres below.

Humor

I Funny by James Patterson A child stand-up comedian who can’t stand up. He’s in a wheelchair!

Thriller

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn Romance

Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer A classic story of star crossed lovers with a supernatural twist. The main character Bella Swan and the love of her life overcome the challenges of life and death.

An orphan moves to her uncle’s house, where one of her cousins has died. Now the cousin is haunting her.

Fantasy

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster A boy bored of life goes to a land beyond his wildest dreams. A world that’s also absolutely absurd.

Realistic Fiction

Wonder

Action

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A dystopian world where children are forced to fight each other to the death for entertainment.

by R. J. Palacio A boy born with a facial deformity starts school for the first time, and struggles through middle school. OP

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).

60 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

DISCOVER

T H AT ' S A W R A P !

Ending the School Year on a Positive Note Written by Katy Tierney

he end of the school year comes with two things—excitement and stress. There’s the excitement your child has for finishing up the school year and being ready to move onto the next grade level, the excitement of spring break, end of the year parties, testing (and lots of it), graduations, parties, gifts for teachers, students and everyone in between. But on the other side there can be a whole lot of stress. Making sure your children are ready for all the tests, making sure you have plans for your child over the summer, checking grades, parent teacher conferences, the fear that just maybe your child isn’t ready to move onto the next grade level, forcing you to make a choice for your child. This time of the year is madness, even though March madness has already passed. My best advice: BREATHE and ENJOY IT. And that goes for all of us— teachers, parents, and students. The best thing we can do is BREATHE. This will be the last time many of our children are in the grade level they are in, the last time they might walk through the doors of the school they currently attend, the last time they will get to see their friends before the summer break, the last time they will wake up as a kindergartener or a senior and go to bed as a first grader or a college freshman. Every year brings different challenges, but if you and your child have made it through the year give yourself a serious pat on the back, because it wasn’t easy for any of us.

Let your child have fun this summer, travel, visit friends, family, hang out at the park, go to summer school if they need to, work, and play but also encourage them to read books, do math whenever possible, experiment (safely). These are easy things you can do anywhere and believe it or not just a little bit each day or a few times a week will prevent a great deal of summer slide. Here is a list of fun, easy things you can do with your children no matter where you are. ›› Flashcards in the car or on a walk ›› Cook or bake—believe it or not, this uses so many math skills and promotes reading

›› Read the street signs ›› Read the newspaper ›› Go to the library ›› Play with chalk - incorporate math

into hopscotch or practice writing letters ›› Go to the zoo (research all the animals

you want to see) ›› Write about what you do each day ›› Make a summer bucket list ›› Walk around your neighborhood or

ride bikes ›› Learn about your community ›› Read the junk mail (it may as well

come in handy) ››

Take up a new hobby—fishing,

drawing, photography

KATY TIERNEY is a third grade teacher at Estes Elementary. She and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters, Harper & Tilly. Her large, extended family and career always keep her on the move. She loves reading with her daughters and spending all the time she can with her family and friends.

62 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

DISCOVER

BELLY BREATHING

The mindfulness technique you need to learn Written by Christina Dalton

elcome back to part three in our mindfulness series. In article one we learned the definition of mindfulness. According to the “godfather of mindfulness,” Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” In article two, we dug a little deeper into this definition and learned the grounding technique 5,4,3,2,1. Grounding techniques connect us to the present moment. As we close

64 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

out this series, we are going to take a closer look at how mindfulness can impact your own life. In early 2007, I started to experience symptoms of anxiety. At the time I had no idea what was happening to me. I would break out in a sweat, have shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. I immediately thought that something was wrong or I was having a heart attack. After lots of doctor visits and tests, I found out I was experiencing anxiety. As relieved as I was, I knew

something needed to change. This was my first step into mindfulness and achieving a greater sense of well-being. The very first technique I learned and still practice daily is belly breathing. Focusing on my breath brings me into the present moment. This kind of breathing changed my life. When I would start to have those intense feelings, deep breathing would calm me while communicating a sense of safety to my body. Mindfulness was able to reduce the suffering I was experiencing during that time.

Belly breathing can be done anywhere.

You

already

have

everything you need. BELLY BREATHING ›› Either sitting or laying down, put

one hand on your belly and the other hand on your chest. ›› Take a deep breath in through

your nose and let your belly push your hand outward. You want your stomach to expand. ›› Hold it for 4-5 seconds and breath

out through your mouth slowly. ›› Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as

you need.

I feel so much better when I do this. When you begin to feel anxious or stressed that can signal all kinds of alerts to your body. Our bodies are always trying to protect us. Deep breathing in particular has an amazing power on the mind. This power signals the brain to say, I am safe and I am going to be ok. This can lower stress levels and reduce blood pressure through practice. Deep breathing is part of being mindful and the more we practice this, the better we will become at using this skill. I have taught deep breathing to children of all ages, many experiencing anxiety and stress. I was working with a child who worried about everything,

all the time. After learning about deep breathing he said to me, “This is the first time my brain stopped buzzing so much.” He described his buzzing as a constant to-do list that never seem to end. This practice has helped mute the buzzing and build strength and resiliency to whatever comes his way. When you practice mindfulness you are building more tolerance for stressors in your life. Mindfulness helps to protect us from future stress and keep our happiness and well being in tact. Although this is the end of our series, this can be the beginning of what mindfulness can do for you and your family. OP

CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW is a Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

DISCOVER

Five Must-Do Activities in Owensboro this Summer Written by Nicollette Vizuet

ere’s to (hopefully!) be in the clear from winter snow storm alerts! As we approach the warmer months

Family Fun-Acre, Animal Barnyard various

of summer, our crew is itching to get out

snack between visiting each of the onsite

of the house and spend the longer summer

stops and is a great excuse to pick up some

days outside. With all Owensboro has to

fresh salsa or sweet treats in the store.

play areas make for the perfect day with our little ones. The picnic area makes it easy to

offer, it’s easy to overlook some of the great spots unique to our community for family

VISIT THE PARKS

fun. Today I’m rounding up five of our

We’re super fortunate to have amazing

favorite Owensboro-only outlets for making

parks here in Owensboro. Our kiddos tucker

the most of your summer together!

themselves out after sprinting around Smothers Park. While we’re up for a visit

TRUNNELL’S FARM MARKET

all year, summertime is especially exciting

We absolutely love taking our little ones

because they can’t resist running through

out to Trunnell’s! It’s always at the top of our

the water area. The same can be said for

list in the fall when we’re picking pumpkins,

Legion Park and their spray park! We love

but just as exciting in the summer.Their

picking up lunch and heading over here

66 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

for a picnic. All of the trees in the park are a major bonus for extra shade, especially in the water area. WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN After being cooped up all winter long, we have an extra special appreciation for the beautiful blooms at the Botanical Garden. Their Garden Buds program is a great way to introduce your little ones to nature lessons, crafts and more. We make family trips to the garden throughout the season but really love the views here of sunsets in the summer. Bring your whole crew for a visit or stop by for their 1st Weekend Wonders to volunteer and get your hands dirty!

FRIDAY AFTER 5 Food trucks, balloon animals and a variety of family-friendly entertainment make for one of our favorite events in Owensboro. Our little ones can’t resist running through Smothers Park and then cooling down in their stroller with a slushy or ice cream. We always make a point to try different snacks when visiting! It seems like a new food truck pops up each weekend, along with new local vendors. Keep your eyes peeled, we saw quite a few attendees dressed up in some of our favorite character costumes, too! ARTS AND MUSIC If you have an appreciation for the arts, this one is for you! The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art has an interactive, educational arts camp with a variety of visual arts projects and sessions. The Bluegrass Museum also features an assortment of programs allowing students as young as 8

to explore the wonderful world of Bluegrass.

into this summer! From festivals to air

If you’re not looking to enroll in a program,

shows and everything in between, there is

both facilities are great destinations to beat

something sure to entertain your crew. Stay

the heat and take a tour.

in the loop with all of the upcoming events

Keep in mind, these are just a handful of the Owensboro attractions you can dive

being added to the calendar on the Visit Owensboro website!

Enjoy this read? Follow along with Nicollette Vizuet on her blog and social channels! Instagram: @nicollette.vizuet Blog: TheFrivolousFashionista.com Facebook: The Frivolous Fashionista

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

68 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Out & About

EVEN T S AN D ACTIVITIES FOR OWE NSBORO FAMILIES

READY SET

SUMMER

Summer camps are a win-win for parents and kids alike! Kids receive exciting summer programming while out of the typical school routine while parents are provided with trusted care for their kids. Here is a list of local summer camps that we were able to find that can help you plan out your summer!

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

OUT & ABOUT

4-H CAMP

CONNECT CAMP

For ages 9-15, Daviess County 4H-Camp

Connect Camps is a one-week, day camp

OWENSBORO CHRISTIAN CHURCH

runs from June 14-17. The camp is located

for K-5th graders, filled with non-stop

Summer Camp is a can’t-miss extended

in Dawson Springs, KY, and facilities

fun, engaging activities, daily faith-based

opportunity for students at Owensboro

include a 17-acre fresh-water lake, fishing

lessons, and the chance to make lasting

Christian Church to grow in their

friendships. Your campers are sure to

relationships with God and others. Fourth

have an unbelievable week that they’ll

and fifth graders will be attending Camp

never forget! Connect Camp runs from

Cedarmore in Bagdad, Kentucky from

July 25 - 29 at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

July 15-18. Camp Cedarmore offers a wide

The cost is $239. For more information,

variety of activities from zip lines, bazooka

visit connectcamps.com/owensboro.

ball, water slides to cake decorating, laser

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

tag, and climbing towers. Each morning

Although not a traditional camp, DCPL

worship and teaching each evening! Space

dock, a high and low ropes challenge course, archery & riflery ranges, a swimming pool, athletic fields, 2 dining halls, and 22 cabins. The cost is $260. For more information, visit daviess.ca.uky. edu/camp.

CAMP JOHN CURRIE The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has been involved

is hosting its Summer Reading Program

beginning June 1 with activities for ages

conservation

education

camping

since 1946. Scheduled activities for the campers' Monday through Friday stay at Camp John Currie include archery, boating, firearm safety, fishing/casting, nature, outdoor survival and swimming. When campers complete a camp activity, they receive a patch. They can also earn Kentucky’s Hunter Education Certificate. The camps include a playground with sports equipment, outdoor assembly area,

6-12 every Wednesday in June and July.

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Camps and clinics for DCPS are posted on the DCPS Digital Backpack page (which also includes events submitted by local non-profit groups). Go to www. dcps.org and click on either PARENTS or COMMUNITY in the red menu bar, and then select "Digital Backpack."

nature trail, rifle range, shotgun range, archery field course, lake swim dock,

KINDERMUSIK SUMMER CAMP

swimming pool, boat dock, storage and

Fill your summer with music and make

maintenance buildings. Camp for Daviess

memories that last forever! Camps are

County residents is June 27 - July 1. The

June 13-17 and July 26-30. Kindermusik

cost is $250. For more information, visit

will have 1-3 hour camps for children 0-3,

fw.ky.gov/Education.

3-5, and 5-8. Registration opens April 10.

hunter safety field course, archery range,

CLIFF HAGAN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Summer camp at the Boy & Girls Club begins June 1 and will run through the end of July. Light breakfast and a sack lunch plus a snack in the afternoon is provided.

kids will dive into scriptures with their small groups and experience amazing is limited, so be sure to sign up before the May 1 deadline. Visit owensboro.cc for more information.

OWENSBORO PARKS & RECREATION Day Camp is a time for fun, exploration, and friendship. Owensboro Parks is committed to providing participants a safe and supportive environment to explore new areas as well as expand on previously developed interests and skills. The program will build healthy self-esteem in children and teach them about the importance of being part of a community. Summer Camp runs from May 23 - August 9. The weekly fee is $90/ week.

For more details and information, visit

OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF FINE ART

www.kindermusik.com.

Under

canopies

Ryan

Sculpture

Park, OMFA provides summer camps

OCTC CAREER CAMP

to present broad learning experiences

Join Owensboro Community & Technical

in the visual arts to children ages 6 to

College for a Healthcare Careers Camp

15. Sessions include guided tours of the

from June 21 - 23. The camp will include

current exhibitions by the museum’s

hands-on activities with each of the

education staff and art instruction led by

Hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30

health programs for elementary and

local and regional professional artists. At

a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Registration opens after

middle school aged students. For more

the conclusion of the camps, exhibitions

spring break with after school program

information and how to register, contact

of the works of art produced are featured

members getting first priority. Contact

Kathy Hoffman at kathy.hoffman@kctcs.

in the museum’s Young at Art Gallery.

the Boys & Girls Club for pricing.

edu.

Contact OMFA for dates and cost.

70 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

RIVERPARK CENTER ARTS ACADEMY

Theatre Arts Academy runs from June 20 - 24 and June 27 - July 1 from 8:30 a.m. - 5

SIYA CAMP Join the Summer Institute for Young

Junior Theatre Arts Academy is back for

p.m. and is for ages 10-18. The cost is $200

Artists for camp that focuses on music,

its 3rd year at RiverPark Center! Students

before May 20 and $250 after May 20.

visual arts, theatre, choir and dance. The camps is at Owensboro High School from

ages 6-9 will dive deep into the vast ocean that is all things theatre! From acting, to playwriting, to designing, and dancing... students will take the stage swimmingly!

Visit

riverparkcenter.org

for

information.

Monday - Friday, May 31 - June 10 from 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m. For students 4th - 9th grades. Tuition is $150, which includes

SALVATION ARMY’S S.O.A.R. (SCHOOL’S OUT ACTIVITIES & RECREATION) DAY CAMP

lunch, t-shirt and materials.

Theatre Arts Academy is back for its 3rd

A structured, safe, and Christian based

open swim three times per week, arts and

year at RiverPark Center and it's bigger

summer day camp. Campers participate

crafts, playground and PE activities, and

Junior Arts Academy runs from June 13 -17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is for ages 6-9. The cost is $75 before May 13 and $125 after May 13.

than ever! Students will spend their morning in classes with trained theatre professionals, learning more advanced theatre

techniques,

dance

routines,

in physical, spiritual, educational, and musical activities each day. Day Camp will run from May 31 - August 5 from 7 a.m.

YMCA Kids that attend the YMCA Summer Camp will take part in swim lessons and

learn from community organizations. Camp runs from May 23 - August 5 from 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. This is for ages 5-12 (have completed kindergarten). The cost

singing practices and design elements.

to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $75/week with a

is $125/week for members and $160/week

In the afternoon, students will be in

discount for additional children. For ages

for non-members. Call 270-663-8208 for

rehearsals for Seussical The Musical KIDS!

6 - 13.

more information.

This is not a comprehensive list. If your camp is missing from this list, please let us know and we will add you to our list for next year’s guide!

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

OUT & ABOUT

THINGS TO DO THIS SEASON THIS SEASON

ARTrageous A PRI L 2 @ 7 P.M. RIVE RPA RK CE NTE R

{

IMAGINE an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments. With a palette that also mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting audience interaction – ARTrageous takes you on a unique visual journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity and fun!

EASTER SCAVENGER HUNT AND PETTING ZOO A PRI L 8 @ 10 A.M. AND A PRIL 9 @ 2 P.M. C EC IL FARMS

{

Cecil Farms will be holding a scavenger hunt and petting zoo at the farm. The cost is $5/person. Enjoy discounts in the greenhouse after completing the hunt!

The ARTrageous troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. The result? A one of a kind crossover experience! The signature of the ARTrageous Troupe is interaction and engagement, so be prepared to be a part of the show!

SUPERHEROES – AVENGERS, SUPERMAN, MAHLER AND MORE A PRI L 16 @ 7 P.M. RIVE RPA RK CE NTE R

{

Prepare yourself for a battle of monumental classics! Who will take the victory? Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony will take you on a journey, playing super heroic selections from Batman to The Avengers. Mahler’s mammoth “Titan” Symphony No. 1 features the Owensboro Symphony in a display of epic musical proportions. Come and see for yourself!

72 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

Owensboro Thoroughbreds A PR I L - MAY OWE NSBORO SP ORTSCENTER

The Stand Against Child Abuse APRI L 22 FROM 4:30 P.M. TO 7 P.M. KE NT U C KY WE S LE YAN COLL EGE

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Did you know that April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month? The STAND is a unique event, pulling together dozens of community partners who have an interest in the wellbeing of children and families and want to bring awareness for Child Abuse Prevention, offer resources for families and caregivers, and a free night of family fun. This event is FREE and is open to the public, children and adults. Activities provided include balloon animals, face painting, free giveaways, educational materials on abuse, coloring stations, a petting zoo and much more!

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Get ready Owensboro because your Thoroughbreds are coming full force in the Midwest Division! Did you know that kids 18 and under get into Thoroughbreds games for FREE? And this season, the team is giving back to Owensboro in a BIG way! April 8 - First Responders to benefit GRADSA April 9 - Faith + Family to benefit Borrowed Hearts of Owensboro April 22 - School Spirit - Battle of the Bands April 23 - Disability Awareness to benefit Puzzle Pieces April 30 - A Night for the Arts - All Abilities Dance Group May 6 - Farmers + Friends to benefit

This event will have a special moment of remembrance for the children who have lost their lives, or nearly lost their lives due to abuse or neglect. Stand with us as we bring awareness.

Crossroads May 7 - Women's Empowerment to benefit Girls Inc. May 14 - Bluegrass/Bourbon/BBQ to benefit Dream Riders May 20 - Cancer Awareness to benefit

Shriner's of Western Kentucky May 21 - Caregiver Appreciation to benefit Wendell Foster

BAR-B-Q BLOCK PARTY

May 27 - Military Appreciation to benefit

M AY 13 - 14

AmVets

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DOWN TOWN OWE N S B OR O The annual festival is returning to a two-day event with even more barbecue and several other familiar festival elements. The festival will return to its barbecue-focused roots, featuring church cooking teams’ traditional burgoo and barbecue, the Backyard Cooking Competition, and some of Owensboro’s most recognizable barbecue establishments. Festival-goers will also notice a dozen new barbecue vendors serving unique fares. Live music, a carnival, and midway games will be returning to the festival along Second Street this year, as well as the Owensboro Family YMCA BBQ Fest 5K. The race will take place on Saturday morning, and interested participants can call or visit the Owensboro Family YMCA for more information. April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

OUT & ABOUT

kids

meal deals

EVERY DAY

Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when

O’Charley’s – Free kids meal (ages 10

you spend $6.99 or more on adult

& under) with the purchase of adult

entrée

MONDAY Grandy’s – 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal 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

McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals from 4-7pm; dine-in only

WEDNESDAY Burger Theory (located in the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront) – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with purchase of an adult meal; breakfast, lunch & dinner

THURSDAY Dairy Queen (Frederica Location) – Up

Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée

to 2 $1.99 kids meals

Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal

TUESDAY

with the purchase of a signature

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – $1.99 kids meal (ages

sandwich

12 & under) all day Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée

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

Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids

Night. Kids can enjoy coloring pages,

smoothie with adult purchase

crayons, balloons and stickers! Pizza By the Guy – 1 free kids buffet (ages 10 & under) with an adult pur-

Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the

chase with a drink on Tuesdays from

purchase of $5 or more adult entrée;

5-8pm

dine in only Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of an adult

buffet from 4:30-7pm

Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet for kids (ages 10 & under) with adult purchase with a drink from 11:30am-2pm

Salsarita’s – Free kids meal

Bar Louie – Kids eat free 11am - 7pm

with the purchase of $5 or

up to 2 kids per adult entrée; dine-in

more adult entrée; dine in only Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal

74 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2022

SUNDAY

only

Beef O’ Brady’s – Free kids meal (ages

with the purchase of a signature

12 & under) from 4-8pm with each

sandwich

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.

April // May 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT

FROM OUR READERS

Easter

FUN!

Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!

Owensboro Parent April / May 2022

Articles inside

Kids Meal Deals

5 Must-Dos in Owensboro this Summer

Ready. Set. Summer

Belly Breathing

The Book Nook

Around OBKY

Craft Time

Real Life with Lora Wimsatt

That's a Wrap

From the Editor

Hashtag MomFail

Parent Profile