October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. October // November 2020
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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. October // November 2020
Contents
20 Back to the Basics A lot of families are returning to simple fun during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these Owensboro families have turned age-old traditions into everyday life.
26 Maintaining Balance in a Pandemic Meet three Owensboro moms and learn their unique takes on working and being a mom during the pandemic.
32 Nothing Stands in Her Way Carmynn Blakeley is like any other 11-year-old girl. Except the fact that she is a state and national champion in braille competitions.
October // November 2020
IN EV ERY ISSUE
8 From the Editor 9 Around OBKY 10 Parent Profile
KEEPING IT REA L
12 Real Life with Lora Wimsatt We’ll Never Take Things for Granted Again
14 Hashtag Mom Fail That One Halloween When My Mom Made Me Wear a Nun Costume
MA KING IT
16 The Recipe Box Jamie Alexander shares some spooktacular popcorn balls that make the perfect Halloween treat! 18 Turkey Tablescapes Discover two supersimple turkey crafts that are sure to make your Thanksgiving table festive.
D ISCOV ER
Finding a doctor for
38 The Book Nook Find a list of graphic novels that will help your kids bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
your child or family
40 Parental Control Christina Dalton answers your most difficult parenting questions.
healthcare providers to
42 Treats for the Holidays On a diet or just trying to promote a healthy lifestyle? Learn how to flip your mindset on treats this holiday season.
professional perfect for
58 Kids Meal Deals Check out these local kids meal deals!
SPECIA L SECTION
47 Kids’ Healthcare Directory
can be a daunting task. The Owensboro Parent Healthcare Directory is a complete list of local help you find a trusted, caring healthcare your family.
FROM O U R REA DERS 60 Frightfully Fun Photos submitted to our Facebook page sponsored by Owensboro Health! 64 Say What? We asked: “What would you do if you caught your parents eating your Halloween candy?”
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BEHIND THE SCENES
WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE ITEM ON YOUR FALL BUCKET LIST?
EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
“
EDITOR
Ashley Wedding
I love taking the kids to our favorite local places to get pumpkins and mums for our house... although I usually forget to water the mums and the pumpkins sit around so long that they rot.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Albers Jamie Alexander Christina Dalton Jamie Johnson Angela Mayfield Laura Murphy Erinn Williams Lora Wimsatt
”
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Andrea Roberson Monica Smith STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jamie Alexander COVER KID Oaklei Smith, Age 4
DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Dave Mackey To add your business or organization
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Gleason Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com
to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.
ONLINE owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent instagram @owensboroparentmag
ADVERTISING
twitter.com/owensboroparent
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
“ ” Making s’mores around the fire with my family.
Brock Quinton Robert Williams Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise.
For more information about advertising call 888304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.
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TANNER PUBLISHING CO.
. October // November 2020
PUBLISHER
Jason Tanner 2624 New Hartford Rd, Building A Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416
“
I love all things fall — sweatshirts, bonfires, candles, and all the sweet treats. The number one thing I look forward to at the beginning of the season though is definitely a Pumpkin Latte. I’m that pumpkin-everything kind of girl.
”
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Ashley's Top Picks from the editor From the time we entered the hospital parking lot to the time we were holding our son was two hours and eight minutes. We have waited what seems like forever to meet him, drawn out by a global pandemic that resulted in months of quarantine. The circumstances made a nine month pregnancy feel like an eternity. But just like that, our Mason was here.
You all have heard me say it before, but I am all about making memories and making decor mean something. This wall art for Mason's nursery is pretty special to us. The framed print is one of four that I ordered off of Etsy. (The shop is called KelseyMDesigns.) My husband works on and uses equipment all of the time and Avery and Reed have loved being on the farm and getting to ride on things like a backhoe, excavator and more. We picked four vehicle prints to hang over Mason's changing table. But when a blue tractor (Ford, for those who don't know much about tractors) wasn't available, I commissioned a friend to paint this portrait of our tractor on the farm. It was a surprise for Drew and something we will cherish forever. (Special thanks to Heather Phillips, featured in our last issue, for this incredible painting!)
I know most moms use a Boppy pillow, but I love this alternative. It's called My Brest Friend. Not only is the name amazing, but I think it offers more support for nursing and more versatility. Owensboro Parent photographer, Jamie, got me this for Mason and we still laugh about when her Amazon Alexa announced, “My Brest Friend has been delivered.”
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Born at 37 weeks, our little guy was just that… little. Coming in at 6 pounds 1 ounce, he required preemie clothes, which were hard to come by locally. But our little bundle of joy has already made a big impact. He has a daddy that adores him, despite diaper blowouts and sleepless nights. He has mastered the perfect snuggle position that soothes Mason immediately and gladly shares late night feedings and spit up clean ups. Drew was already a great dad to Avery and Reed, but seeing him with Mason is something special.
Ok, so this little thing is new since I have had my first two kiddos. I got this from Drew’s cousin for my virtual baby shower. She said she gets it for every new mom she knows because it was a game changer for her. The Baby Bum Brush is used to put diaper rash cream on your baby’s bottom. No more getting Desitin on your finger and under your nail. GENIUS! Thanks for this find, Holly!
Avery and Reed can’t get enough of this cute little boy. Avery, who was sure to tell everyone she met in the last nine months that she wasn’t changing a diaper, has excitedly taken on diaper duty. They both want to hold him as often as possible, which has been great for a mom who went back to work two weeks post C-section. Reed talks about all the things he’s going to teach his little brother, which include how to hunt cicada shells, how to run really fast and how to drive mom crazy. I was worried how they would adjust with attention diverted to a baby, but they gladly share their time and are proud to have a little brother. As for me… I’m surviving. Don’t get me wrong, our family of five is perfect. Mason has brought so much to our family, especially a renewed sense of togetherness that had been worn down through the pandemic. But my last baby was born five and a half years ago. This newborn thing is like becoming a mom all over again. And while I’m trying to master breastfeeding quite possibly the hungriest baby in the world, I am also trying to work two jobs and help two kids through virtual learning. (And that doesn’t account for the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning and all the other things that seem to pile up throughout the day.) I can look at my kids and feel such joy and then spiral into a breakdown after the 57th question about NTI. Being a mom is hard. Being a mom during these uncertain times is even harder. I have loads of help from two sets of grandparents that are willing to drop anything to lend a hand. I have a supportive husband that asks me what I need as soon as he returns home from work each day. I fully understand that not everyone is as lucky as I am. As we enter the holiday season, I am determined to remain thankful for the blessings in my life. Thankful for three healthy children, a husband as close to perfect as you can get, loving family and a parenting magazine where I am free to vent about all of my mom moments with a community that gets it.
. October // November 2020
With Avery and Reed, I worked hard to find them the perfect stuffed animal that would be their special one. With Avery, it didn’t work. Reed, however, loved his puppy dog. So, for Mason, we opted to get a black lab puppy that looks like our very own Henry. Here’s to hoping that he loves his puppy as much as Reed still loves his!
AROUND OBKY
DCPS STUDENTS RECEIVE ONLINE INSTRUCTION FROM TEACHER IN GREECE Susan Lazarou, who currently resides in Nikisiani, Greece, has served DCPS 7thand 8th-grade students as an online English teacher since the start of the 2020 school year. In her mind, the distance from her students hasn’t been problematic at all. In fact, she said she was drawn to the idea of distance learning. “I love teaching virtually, and the student feedback about virtual learning has been very positive,” she said. “Students quickly acclimated to the pacing of an online classroom and we’ve already had deep, rich discussions in each of my classes.” Lazarou got her start at DCPS in 2010 after being hired on to Daviess County High School’s English faculty. After that, she served as a college and career readiness counselor for DCPS, she returned to the classroom for a year before leaving DCPS in 2018 to move to Europe and get married. Despite an eight-hour time difference between Greece and Daviess County, Lazarou has managed to stay connected, innovative and explorative in using the opportunity — and geography — as a learning experience. “Because my school day begins at 4 p.m., I occasionally share a village view with my ‘morning’ classes, though by Owensboro’s afternoon, it’s already dark here in Greece,” she said. “All my classes have been curious about Greek culture and I enjoy sharing my experiences with them. But the cultural exchange goes both ways — my students help me stay connected to Daviess County.”
DESPITE OBSTACLES, ESTES STUDENT DETERMINED TO LEARN
Maurice McKenzie, a 2nd-grade student at Estes Elementary School, loves learning so much that he didn’t even let a hospital stay in Louisville keep him from attending his online classes. A photo shared by Estes this week commended Maurice for his “grit,” as he was shown lying in a hospital bed — his laptop facing him — while he received a blood infusion and his education at the same time. According to Maurice’s grandmother, La’Tanya McKenzie, Maurice was born with sickle cell disease — a group of blood disorders typically inherited genetically from one’s parents. Maurice received his first operation at only six months old and travels to Louisville at least once a month for blood infusions, doctors’ appointments and lab tests. At only 7 years old, Maurice has had seven operations, La’Tanya said, and still has another two to go. But Maurice has refused to let his disease control his life. “First of all, he just likes school. He’s just a happy kid,” La’Tanya said. “He just tries to live a normal life.” While Maurice would love to attend in-person classes and see his teachers, he’s adapted to the online learning environment. For the first time in his life, he hasn’t had to miss any school.
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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AROUND OBKY
PARENT PROFILE
Jake Boswell Does Jake look familiar? That's probably because he's a morning anchor for Eyewitness News!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT OWENSBORO AND RAISING A FAMILY HERE? The friendly people and the idea of progress. My wife and I lived in Bowling Green for several years before deciding to come home to Owensboro. Many things have changed in that time, and the energy of growth is apparent in town. Ideas from people from all backgrounds are listened to, and most importantly, implemented. Owensboro is a community that remembers family and welcomes the idea of something new. It’s that type of environment I want my children
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND CAREER. My family has recently grown with the birth of my son, Miles, in April. He was born almost exactly 3 years after his older sister, Reagan. My wife, Jordan, and I have both of them on an early morning schedule. Coming from a farming family, Jordan has always been an early riser. Since
to grow up in.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? THE MOST CHALLENGING? The best thing is the indescribable feeling of having your children love you. The idea that they want to mimic you, spend time with you, or hug you when they are in need is incredible. Watching them grow and seem to learn
coming to Eyewitness News in 2017
something new everyday is very rewarding. The
I’ve also become someone who comes
most challenging part is balancing the time you
up before the sun. Each morning I wake up around 3 a.m. to anchor the morning news show at our station in Henderson. Living in Owensboro,
have with them. With two children now, we want to be sure they each have not only time with us all as a family, but also one on one time. All of that on top of work and other duties can
where my wife works as a teacher, it’s
be tough. Even at a young age, major decisions arise
hectic at times taking our kids to and
all the time when it comes to how you want to raise your
from places and getting to bed on time most days.
kids. Being confident and prepared for those moments can be tough at times.
DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE FUNNY PARENTING STORY.
It’s very hard to balance the role of a
During my daughter’s first trip to Holiday World, we
parent with my career. Our job can
spent the entire day at a group of water slides meant
be fast paced, detail driven, and time consuming most days. The news cycle can almost demand that you get lost
for toddlers. We had also just started potty training her. We could tell by her body language she needed to use the bathroom but she was at the top of a small slide. We
in it to provide coverage that meets
raced up and snatched her, rushing her to the nearest
viewer expectations. There are very
bathroom, which wasn’t all that nearby. It must have
few 9-5 jobs available in news so though I may have to wake up very early, to be home with my kids in the evenings is something I consider very special. Every day they provide so much entertainment and a reminder of what really motivates me most.
looked like one big emergency to the crowd that we elbowed our way through. To us it was. We made it to the bathroom on time and it was back to the slides. It wasn’t minutes later that the lifeguard whistles blew and everyone was made to evacuate the toddler slides area. Someone’s child didn’t make it to the bathroom on time. Thankfully it wasn’t us, and we had already had our fun for the day.
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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
Photo by Jamie Alexander
Keeping it Real
R E L ATA B L E S T O R I E S F R O M
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KEEPING IT REAL • REAL LIFE WITH LORA WIMSAT T
We’ll Never Take Things for Granted Again
N
obody got to pinch anyone on St. Patrick’s Day. Way back in March, nobody had any idea about what was just beginning, but we all agreed it was better to stay six feet apart and avoid the usual festivities. If we had known what was coming, maybe that would have been a good time to collect four-leaf clovers or anything else that might have brought us some luck in bringing this pandemic situation to a speedy conclusion. But instead, the days, weeks and months dragged on, with one holiday and special occasion after another falling by the proverbial wayside. Easter egg hunts were cancelled, or at best, a few Cloroxed plastic eggs were scattered in the front yard for kids to find while grandparents, smiling but sad, watched and waved from behind their windows. Grills that would have cooked burgers and hot dogs for the whole neighborhood stood cold and quiet on Memorial Day. No ROMP, no Bar-B-Q Festival, no Concert on the Lawn, no Hydrofair, no Porchfest. There were no Independence Day fireworks … well, except for the ones fired off by the guy next door …and the family a couple of streets down … and from the neighborhood behind that …
Because by now, we were all tired of staying at home, healthy or otherwise, and the conversation had grown steadily less positive and more political. Back-to-school shopping included things we’d never really thought much about before, but now are in the forefront of our thoughts about all the time: Face masks and hand sanitizer and wipes and thermometers. And now, for those who look ahead, Halloween is on the horizon – and it’s a different kind of “scary.” Who cares about witches and werewolves and vampires when you’ve got a virus potentially lurking on every hard surface and in every breath you take? Some people will want to proceed as usual. These are masks they willingly wear. They plan to stride down the sidewalk and from door to door with the same confidence as always, their greatest worry being which houses give out the “fun size” candy bars and which give out the dreaded candy corn … or worse yet, keep their lights off and the door closed and don’t give out anything at all, for fear of inadvertently distributing more than calories and cavities. Well, every family will have to make its own choice, and we all need to respect even the decisions that are different from our own. Or maybe there will even
be some kind of directive from elected leaders saying Halloween has been cancelled or postponed or reimagined into something like a community-wide costume parade through our neighborhood streets. Who knows? Answer: Nobody. But here’s one thing we do know: We’ll never take these holidays for granted again. Or milestone events like graduations, birthdays, and all the other special occasions that we celebrate among our own families and friends throughout the year. Or even the little things, like hanging over the backyard fence to trade friendly gossip with the lady next door. Or gathering with the guys in the garage down the street to work on that hot rod that everyone secretly knows will never run again but it’s fun to hang out and pretend you know the difference between a manifold and a carburetor. Or just watching kids run and wrestle and ride bikes and braid each other’s hair and play tag and huddle over a craft project and just be kids again. When that day happens – O Happy Day – that will be a day we will each celebrate in our hearts. And regardless of where we are on the calendar at that time, it will be a true and heartfelt Thanksgiving Day. OP
LORA WIMSATT is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.
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KEEPING IT REAL • HASHTAG MOMFAIL
That One Halloween When My Mom Made Me Wear a Nun Costume Written by Jamie Johnson
I
t’s hard to believe that it’s almost Halloween again. It seems like it was just a few months ago I was
recital, where we danced to the song
be some arts and crafts involved and I
“Joyful, Joyful” because Sister Act was
would need her glue gun. (The one she
the jam at that time.
used to glue the shoulder pads in her
chasing an overly-excited 5-year-old
Here’s the kicker—our costumes
shirts.)
trick-or-treater down the street with a
were nun costumes. The recital was
She straight-up looked me in the
2-year-old bouncing on my hip.
in June, so when Halloween rolled
eyes like a savage and told me no, that
Henry was SO excited for trick-
she paid a lot of money for that nun
or-treating last year. I feel like 5 is
costume in June and I was getting my
the best trick-or-treating age. He
money’s worth out of it.
understood what was going on and
I gasped. I WENT TO CATHOLIC
he was prepared. He picked out his
SCHOOLS! I couldn’t just dress like a
costume far in advance. He wanted to
nun for Halloween. People would think
be Groot because he’s the coolest kid
I was being serious because when you
ever. I had the magic of Amazon at my
are 6 and taught by nuns, you don’t
fingertips, and I showed him a Groot
dress up like them for a joke. They
costume. He jumped up and down in
were legit and very serious.
excitement. I added it to my virtually
overflowing cart and it was on our
care. My first tactic didn’t work. She
doorstep two days later. If only it was
was dead set on this.
that easy when I was little.
We
store-bought
treating with all of my friends dressed
costumes when I was a kid. We had to
as a nun. I am 98% sure they made fun
be creative and make our costumes.
of me and so many moms told me that
Or I could wear my sister’s hand me
my mom must be so proud. Yeah, she
downs because she was the first kid
was so proud that she got her money’s
and they bought new things for her.
worth out of a nun costume.
When I was about 6 years old, I
So as we order our children’s
didn’t
get
decided that I wanted to give dance
I seriously cried. My mom did not
A few weeks later, I went trick or
Halloween costumes this year, let’s say
class a try. My mom enrolled me at
around in October, I started talking
a little prayer for 6-year-old Jamie and
Johnson’s Dance and let’s just say
to my mom about what I wanted to
remember how amazing it is that we
that I was BAD. I was not a naturally
be for Halloween. I think I wanted to
can get a costume for our child in two
talented dancer. My parents never let
be a piece of fruit, maybe? Something
days for $15.99 with free shipping. And
me quit anything though, so I finished
extremely random I’m sure because
we didn’t even have to use a glue gun.
out the session and performed in the
that’s my specialty. I knew there would
Our parents weren’t that lucky.
JAMIE JOHNSON is a full-time working mom to two little boys, wife to Logan, and part-time writer. Her pieces have been featured in HuffPost Parents, Motherly, Today Parents and PopSugar Moms. You can follow her blog at HashtagMomFail.com!
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OP
ENJOY TOGETHER
Photo by Jamie Alexander
Making it
CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN
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MAKING IT • RECIPE
Halloween Popcorn Balls Recipe and photos by Jamie Alexander
Popcorn balls are always popular around Halloween. The classic type of popcorn balls include some candymaking work (sugar-melting, thermometers, etc) that not everybody is always interested in. That’s why this “melt everything together and be done with it” version is appealing to people like me! You can keep these simple, or dress them up with an extra coat of chocolate and sprinkles to make them Halloween-ready. Have your kids help decorate them to have their own custom, spooky treats! 16 OWENSBORO PARENT
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INGREDIENTS: ›› 1 bag of popped popcorn ›› 1 bag of caramel candies (unwrapped) ›› 3/4 cup Reeses Pieces ›› 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips ›› 4 tablespoons butter ›› Paper Straws, or popsicle sticks ›› Sprinkles or candies for “garnish” ›› Optional: 1 tablespoon of heavy cream for “softer” caramel INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Cook unwrapped caramel candies and butter in a medium-sized sauce on low heat, and stir until everything is melted and smooth (if you want a softer caramel, you can also try adding some heavy cream at this point as well).
›› Place popped popcorn and Reeses Pieces in a large mixing bowl, before pouring the caramel mixture on top and gently folding until all the popcorn/ candy is coated. Let it stand for a couple of minutes to cool down a bit. ›› As the popcorn cools, melt your chocolate chips by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving them in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth (stir after each 30-seconds). ›› Grease your hands with butter, and shape the popcorn into baseball-sized balls. Stick a straw in each popcorn ball, before dipping them in chocolate and rolling in your choice of sprinkles/candy. Place on wax paper and let them cool until the chocolate has set. OP
JAMIE ALEXANDER is nationally published culinary and commercial photographer working as a full-time staff photographer for Tanner Publishing. She has a knack for making tasty food and pretty art. See more of her portfolio at jaastudios.com.
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MAKING IT • CRAFT TIME
Turkey Tablescapes Written by Ashley Wedding // Photos by Jamie Alexander
This Thanksgiving, why not cut down on your stress and let the kids decorate the tables? They will have fun crafting and you can focus on the main event—the meal! Here are two easy turkey crafts that are perfect for your little ones to make. 18 OWENSBORO PARENT
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TOILET PAPER ROLL TURKEY Twist some fall-colored pipe cleaner into the shapes of feathers and glue them to the back of a toilet paper roll. Use scrap paper to design a set of eyes and a beak. Easy peasy — you’re done! PAPER BAG TURKEY Paint a paper bag with fall colors on the top— no pattern or specific directions. Let your kids get creative! On the bottom half, paint the bag brown. Fill a brown paper bag with plastic grocery sacks, newspaper or whatever you have lying around. At the dividing point of the brown paint and the colorful paint, tie a ribbon. Add a cute turkey face with scrap paper. BONUS: Instead of table cloths, cover your tables in brown craft paper. Lay out some crayons and markers and let your guests color. Maybe have a hand turkey drawing competition? OP
ASHLEY WEDDING is the staff writer for Tanner Publishing Co. and editor of Owensboro Parent. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, daughter, Avery (9) and sons Reed (5) and Mason (1 month).
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BACK
to the Basics
After a global pandemic and subsequent quarantine for people across Kentucky, a lot of families returned to the basics—mastering the art of gardening, baking, crafting and more. Without restaurants or family fun favorites open for business, people across Kentucky got creative with how they spent their free time in 2020. But for some families, those basics are a way of life. Read about the Raymer kids and Jolie Foster who already disconnect from the digital world and enjoy age-old past times.
Written by Laura Murphy // Photos by Jamie Alexander
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Growing TOGETHER
sabella (6), Jolene (12), and Cole (13) Raymer understand the value of hard work. Although they are just kids, their hand in the family business—Glowing Jacks Pumpkin Patch—has helped earn them multiple vacations including a trip to the Bahamas last year. Their parents BJ and Heather Raymer could not be more proud of the contributions their children make to the business. This success did not come overnight, however. What started as an unsuccessful attempt to plant pumpkins, led to a business that grows more than 4,000 pumpkins per season. “Six years ago we planted some pumpkin plants and it pretty much failed, overgrew, and we lost them,” BJ Raymer said. “The next year when we attempted to plant, I got the kids more involved. By the third year, my wife and I decided to put a whole lot more effort into it.” Each year, the family masters a new aspect of growing and harvesting, something they refer to as a total group effort. From borrowing their first tractor to learning about how to prepare the land, the Raymer’s asked friends and family to
join their process as they continued to grow. “After that first failed attempt, we rented an acre, did some research from the years prior, and invested into it. All five of us were out there. We all worked the field, hoed together, got the weeds out, and worked the ground together,” BJ said. Although Isabella won’t stay out as long as her older two siblings, it’s still enough to be part of the process. Once it’s time to sell, the 6-year-old entrepreneur sets up a Coke stand, transforming part of the yard into her own little business for the weekend. “She’s all in it when we pick and when we wash; she stays right there with it. She’s been out there with us since she was a toddler,” Heather Raymer said. “This is the third year selling and having a bigger stand on the side of the road. We hand wash every single pumpkin. Our kids love greeting people who come up the driveway.” According to BJ, some days it’s not easy work with 100-degree weather on a sunny day. Often, he will see the kids
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BACK to theBasics perk up and keep going anyway. That’s what pushes the family to keep moving; they are sweating and they are working together as the children urge that there are only a couple more rows. “It’s a life lesson for them. You can go to college and do that route and you’ll never have to be in a pumpkin patch again. It’s given them something to work for and to earn money to buy things, which teaches them ownership and responsibility,” BJ said. While some tell them to raise their prices, the Raymer family has chosen a different route and work to keep the cost to the customer low. Although people have offered to buy wholesale from the family, they try to keep their business local and the interactions more personal and meaningful, especially since their children enjoy the process of selling each one. “We do this all as a family, it’s just us,” BJ said. “Our prices are cheap, which is why we sell out so quickly. People can’t spend a bunch of money on things that will rot, especially during COVID. Our prices are so affordable that someone that comes with $10 or $20 will leave with a lot of pumpkins.” Glowing Jack Pumpkin Patch has expanded to include two patches and now offers 18 varieties of pumpkins. Many of the unique
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strands of pumpkins are not offered anywhere else locally. Some family favorites include white and red pumpkins with veins like eyeballs, a yellow pumpkin with orange and green stripes, baby pumpkins, the Knucklehead with warts all over them, and even a 168-pound pumpkin that the family donated to their children’s fall festival last
school year. “What fuels my passion, at least for me, is watching the kids, the work ethic they have,” Heather said. “I love the passion they show for it at the end when we are selling. We decorate it up we make scarecrows and little pumpkin men and they love it.” The fruit of their labor is a well-deserved vacation that the children get to pick out every year. Profits from the pumpkin patch go towards this vacation fund. So far,
the siblings have chosen to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, a cruise to Mexico, and have and have decided on a trip to Yellowstone this year. “They pick out the destination each time. We go to quite a few locations every year, meaning they get to see different places. This year as motivation, we compensate them working in the fields, and they do make tips helping people to their cars with their pumpkins,” Heather said. The family business has created an honor system for people to select their pumpkins and leave their money in a box. This aspect alone is something that the family considers a unique draw to their business and a reason that so many have come back year after year. Although it has required some research to learn spacing, timing, and planting logistics, the Raymer’s consider it well worth the effort. “By February, we are all ready to do it again,” BJ said. “That fall atmosphere, that’s what gets us excited about it. We all get to spend time together whether we like it or not. We have our good days and bad days but in the end, it’s just fun.” Glowing Jacks Pumpkin Patch is located on Highway 231, just five miles past Owensboro Community & Technical College on the left. The Raymers have already sold out for the 2020 season, but be sure to check out their Facebook page, Glowing Jacks Pumpkin Patch for updates on next year!
J
More Than a HELPING HAND
olie Foster is not your average teenager. Besides playing varsity soccer and balancing the demands of her school work, she already has years of practice helping with her family’s business, Foster Family Racing, run by her parents Eric and Brooklyn Foster. Working with horses of all ability levels, the family farm in Utica provides boarding and training to thoroughbreds as they prepare for the race track. “I feel like I am out here doing a lot for my age,” Jolie said. “I love working more with my hands, because I am a very visual learner. It might be something I would like to continue to do one day—help others as I work and get my hands dirty.” At just 14 years old, she has gained
experience in barrel racing, caring for the horses and assisting with their exercise. Jolie got an early start learning her horses and competing, a tradition that has been in her family for decades. “Whenever we moved here, I would sit on my dad’s first horse. She was very old and I would walk around following my dad, feeding them in the wintertime. I would go down to the barn and stay there until dark,” she said. When she was just 4 years old, she rode a horse for the first time, navigating her first barrel race by the age of 8. The love for racing and the excitement that goes with it came naturally for Jolie, whose dad, Eric Foster, got an early start as well.
“He used to barrel race as a young boy, traveling on airplanes to his horse shows, having someone waiting there to pick him up. He’s done it almost 30 years and still loves it,” Jolie said. According to Jolie, there are key differences between the barrel racing she participated in as a young child and the horse racing she enjoys watching at Ellis Park today. Barrel racing, she explains, uses three barrels or poles in a pattern, with the rider trying not to knock them over as they work to get the fastest time. Horse racing, which starts with a row of horses waiting to sprint out of the gate, is a dash for the finish line against tough competition. “I really like both; in horse racing you get adrenaline being right next to somebody. When you are training October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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BACK to theBasics them, your heart will pound, being able to experience being on a horse when it’s going so fast,” she said. “With a bigger horse comes different head mechanics because thoroughbreds don’t move their heads the same way. It’s a whole different game.” Jolie’s future goals include continuing to help her parents in the business and finding outlets to spread her creativity to the world. She recently started her own art business on Instagram, drawing horses and painting them. “My mom calls me a little entrepreneur. I love to be able to express myself,” Jolie said. “One of our owners led me to paint a picture of their horse. I love what it looks like but I also love that it’s not exactly like
the picture and has its own spin to it.” As far as training goes, Jolie says she would love to continue to grow and learn. She has only been trained to ride her horse to a certain extent so far because of the accidents and risks involved. “There’s a big difference between a quarter horse like in barrel racing and a thoroughbred, which is all big and upbeat. With all the energy from a horse that size, you really need even more skill,” she said. “I want to get there eventually and I think I will.” Whether it’s exercising their horses in the wintertime by jogging around the barn or cleaning them regularly, Jolie takes her responsibilities very seriously. Some of the horses become very special to her, almost like family.
“One of our friends had a pony horse for sale and we got him. I used some of my own money that I had saved up for many years to buy him. His name is Dunnit For Dad. He’s 18 years old and he loves me. He will do whatever I ask him to,” Jolie said.
From her first time on a horse to
saving up her money to help buy a horse of her own, Jolie says she does it because she loves it.
“I do a lot of work, but I am really
an extra set of hands always ready to help,” she said. “I have two main horses that I hand walk every day. It takes about 30 minutes to walk each one. I love being able to interact with the animals.”
OP
LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade LA teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has three kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily and Josiah. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.
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Maintaining Balance
IN A PANDEMIC THREE WORKING MOMS’ PERSPECTIVES DURING COVID Written by Angela Mayfield
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Being a working mom comes with a significant amount of responsibility. These superheroes juggle work and life responsibilities with ease in the eyes of others. However, as any working mom would most likely admit, there are days, long before COVID, that the “balance” so many strive for, often seems like a myth. Then COVID hit.
Lindsay Hawes, nurse at Owensboro Health // Children: Morgan, 8, Carson, 7, and Deacon, 3 // Photo by Jamie Alexander
L
indsay Hawes, wife and mother of three children, had immediate concern back in March of 2020. COVID was a word with so many unknowns, yet Lindsay, like many moms, took on an even higher amount of responsibility on top of the normal day-to-day mom tasks. Lindsay, a registered nurse at Owensboro Health, is a frontline worker. “Initially, I was concerned. They talked about how the hospital was preparing for all these patients we would possibly have coming in,” recalled Lindsay. “My concern was for these patients and for my family. I knew I’d be putting myself at risk and putting my family at risk, going in every day.” Having worked in the surgery department, many of Lindsay’s coworkers, including herself, were dispersed throughout the hospital doing screenings, helping in the ER, or possibly even helping in the COVID unit. “My husband works at OMU, so we were both working parents, and it seemed so suddenly that I was displaced at work, and my kids were displaced because school was out,” she said. “It was a big worry for me. I worried about my kids falling behind and I felt like we were just getting by with completing the assignments.” Lindsay described that time as worrisome but said their family was fortunate enough to have a nanny step in and help fill that school void while assisting with small tasks around the house, especially having a toddler in the mix. Still, Lindsay had concerns about her children’s education. “We did what we had to do, but obviously, I am a nurse and not a teacher by trade,” she said. Now that summer has come to an end, their nanny, Elizabeth, who has been a big blessing to their family, is starting her college classes. Once again, as a working mom, Lindsay is left to sort out the details of her family’s schedule and schooling needs.
“So we’re still scrambling to find a safe environment for our kids that’s reasonably priced within our budget, and that has been difficult,” she shared honestly. “We could have probably made the A/B schedule work because I work 12 hour shifts, but them not going to school has made it very difficult. We are on the waiting list for a private school, and I’ve checked into a waiting list for a few daycares that I know are offering programs. We are learning towards Owensboro Catholic if we can get in due to them being in the classroom learning daily.” Lindsay knows there are so many mothers in the same position she is in, and at this point, there is no reliable schedule or solution her family has found. “I don’t want to fly by the seat of our pants anymore. I want that structure back to our kids’ routines and for us. It’s been a hard few months,” she said. “I just feel like we’ve just been getting by.” Although there is uncertainty for Lindsay’s family, she’s taken a positive, confident approach with her kids. She and her husband, Matt, insist on not instilling fear in their kids. They have prepared them that things may be different, but the virus, she says, is not something her kids are living consumed in fear of. Her oldest child, Morgan, age 8, is very aware and appears to have a caring heart like her mother, even making her mother a mask because she wanted her mom to be safe. She’s brought some humor to the family with her creativity. “She set up a hand sanitizing station outside of her room and put a sign on the door. Morgan’s room is now closed for three months – get a squirt of hand sanitizer if you want to come in. If your name is down below you can come in but you have to get a squirt of hand sanitizer,” laughed Lindsay, sharing the story of her daughter and how she listed each name of the family on her homemade sign.
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28 OWENSBORO PARENT
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“Tatyana was in 4th grade and Trey was in 6th grade. Both of them are typically at the top of their class. Tatyana breezed through school work being done in an hour or two, and Trey it seemed to take all day with all the writing prompts.” Writing seemed to be a struggle in their household, and Rio continuously gave props to the teachers. “I don’t get it with teachers, how they can keep the little kids motivated,” Rio said. “Once it came to writing and paragraphs and stuff, they were at a dead end. And then, of course, I have a 2-year-old running around too.” It wasn’t long until May came around, and retail stores began to reopen, including T.J.Maxx, which meant they would need to find a childcare solution for the summer. Wanting to make the most of it, Rio and her husband had the opportunity for the kids to spend time with their grandparents.
“We’re from Elizabethtown. Both of our parents live in Elizabethtown in the Radcliff area, so we sent our kids there for the summer,” explained Rio. “They were there from May until they just got back the first week of August.” The couple used video chat and phone calls to keep in contact and got to see the kids maybe once a week on their days off. “That decision did drive me crazy,” Rio said. “When Kobe left, he had just turned 2 in June. He wasn’t talking as much when he went down there, but when he came back, he can talk non-stop. We kind of missed out on that aspect of his learning development.” Her daughter also learned to ride a bike during the summer, which Rio missed out on seeing, but says it’s also been great for the grandparents. “It was pretty good for my dad, for instance, because when he
Rio English, assistant manager at T.J.Maxx // Children: Trey, 12, Tatyana, 10, and Kobe, 2 // Photo by Monica Smith
For Rio English, assistant manager of T.J. Maxx and mother with three children, the onset of the pandemic and this summer have looked much different. She and her husband, Anthony, district manager of Popeyes, both had flexible schedules and time off with her store shutting down temporarily that led to a smoother transition to what many call quarantine life. “At the onset, it really didn’t too much affect me because of our schedules,” shared Rio. “The same week schools shutdown was the week my work shut down at the same time.” Rio instantly began teaching her oldest two children, Trey, 12, and Tatyana, 10, at home, while also caring for her toddler, Kobe, who is 2. “I don’t know how teachers do it,” Rio said, describing the differences between her kids and their motivation to do school work.
retired from the military, he did contracts overseas, so he missed that growing up part with my first two children. I’m glad he’s gotten to spend time with the little one while he’s small,” she said. While they took in the joys of summer, the kids have since returned to Owensboro and will soon begin school. “We both have flexible schedules, and our employers have been great, so we’re going to make it work with everyone being on digital now,” she said. For Rio and her family, they have enjoyed the kids’ time spent with grandparents and just want to make sure the kids understand that everyone is going through this pandemic time, and it’s not just them. “We just have to make the best of it,” she concluded. “It’ll be something they can tell their kids about when they are older for sure.”
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Courtney McEnroe, teacher at DCPS // Children: Addy, 11, Hudson, 8, and Emmersyn, 1 // Photo by Jamie Alexander
For Courtney McEnroe, not only do her three children—Emmersyn, 1, Hudson, 8, and Addy, 11—and husband, Tim, depend on her as a working mom, she has a classroom, although now virtual, full of young students that have relied on and look forward to learning from her. “As a working mom, we all went to school on March 13. My children went to school with me at Tamarack. We canceled our spring break plans thinking it was a temporary thing like we’ll be out for two weeks, and we’ll be back,” shared Courtney, a teacher at Daviess County Public Schools. “I never thought in a million years that I wouldn’t see them for the rest of the school year.” In the beginning, Courtney recalled it being awesome. She was able to be home with her youngest, who was just 6 months old at the time. “The slower pace of that was so refreshing to me,” shared Courtney. “I transitioned really well being a teacher.
I had our schedule printed on a wall. I knew the teachers and could shoot them a real quick text message as a support, and it was great.” For Courtney, she didn’t worry as much about her own family as she did for all her students, some without the same support her children would have. “I worried about the students at home,” she said. “To be quite honest, I have some students in my classroom that are homeless, and I wonder where they are sleeping tonight. It broke my heart because I had some students that I never heard from. They didn’t answer the phone. Not all the students have that stability and safe place. School was their safe place.” Knowing her children have that safe place and support, she cited childcare was her biggest concern. “So all three of my children are going to three different places, but it’s OK,” she said. “DCPS has been nothing but supportive, thinking of everything we
could possibly need, including childcare for employees. Hudson will be in that program as it’s for grades K-5th, and then Emmersyn, our youngest, will continue at a private sitter, and Addy, who is entering middle school, will be with my mom.” As a teacher and a mom, she gets it. She’s spoken to a lot of parents who don’t quite have their schedule, or childcare needs figured out yet, and she worries for the kids who may be at home by themselves along with the education gaps that could occur from the shutdown. “My biggest advice is to just do the best you can do. We are going to record our lessons so they can catch the replay. We’re being flexible, and we understand parents need to work, and we’re going to do the best we can to accommodate everybody,” encouraged Courtney. “Us teachers want nothing more than to be with our students when it’s safe to do so. Hang in there, us mommas need to hang in there together.” OP
ANGELA MAYFIELD a freelance writer and is the marketing manager for a national technology integrator. Married with two boys, their family enjoys time at the baseball field and outdoors.
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Nothing
STANDS IN HER WAY Written by Erinn Williams Photos by Jamie Alexander
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C
armynn Blakeley has every
books and playing pretend.
making friends along the way.
right to brag. At a mere 11
Rebecca
Brown,
Carmynn’s
“I think that’s my favorite part,”
years old she has accomplished
mother, reflects on challenges her
Carmynn said. “I love the prizes, but
and
daughter has overcome, and how
I love the friends more.”
nothing has ever stood in her way.
braille competitions, claiming four
“Diagnosed
months
National Braille Challenge annually
consecutive state titles from 2016-
old, we knew there would be
serves as an outlet for outstanding
2020. Blind since birth, Carmynn
obstacles ahead of us,” Brown
blind
started braille competitions as a
said. “I had pretty much accepted
students to showcase their braille
first-grader. Dubbed a phenom,
that Carmynn would end up as a
skills through an academic contest.
equipped with talents and gifts,
student at the Kentucky School for
Students compete in Apprentice,
Carmynn enjoys much of what any
the Blind, but she is intellectually
Freshmen,
other 11 year old enjoys.
brilliant. Her vision impairment is
Varsity
obtained
national
level
both
state
recognition
and in
at
6
Divided into four categories The
and
visually
Sophomore,
divisions
impaired
and
Jr.
focusing
on
pertaining
to
When asked about her hobbies
all that prohibits her in any way. We
sub
outside of braille competitions,
have been blessed to go in another
proofreading,
Carmynn notes her deep admiration
direction, and she hasn’t missed a
comprehension,
for YouTube and tending to her
beat.”
spelling.
three cats, Merlin, Callie and Malley.
Mastering
“I love to chew gum,” Carmynn
at age four, Carmynn has gone
in her age division in 2019, Carmynn
said. “I love to dance, read books
on to compete regionally, at the
is modest when acknowledging her
and listen to Taylor Swift.”
state level and nationally. She has
achievements.
It’s fascinating that a child with
surpassed any and all challenges,
“It
such a talent is just as fixated on
staking claim to title after title,
California,” she said. “I have lots of
braille
beginning
categories
speed,
accuracy,
reading
and
Crowned the National Champion
was
fun
to
travel
to
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
33
new friends from all over and that’s the best part.”
Rebecca adds that the bonds created as a result of the
Braille Challenge have been worth it all.
“Being connected to so many other families in similar
situations is pretty amazing,” Rebecca said. “The support, the community, the relationships, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Aside from claiming future braille titles, Carmynn has
other aspirations.
“I would like to have four different jobs when I get old
enough, one for different days,” she said. “I plan on working hard. I hope I can make a difference.”
Given the rate she is accomplishing such heroic feats,
one can only assume the sky’s the limit for Carmynn Blakeley.
“I’m convinced she can do anything,” Rebecca said. “The
opportunities my daughter has had and continues to have are unbelievable. Absolutely nothing stands in her way.”
OP
ERINN WILLIAMS adores her hubby, cats, hardback church hymnals and a hot mess of fried okra. She’s new in town, trading in mountains and streams for soybeans and burgoo, and refers to herself as "a little hillbilly in a great big world."
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Photo by Jamie Alexander
Discover
ADVICE AND TIPS ON H OW TO M AKE PARENTING AN D L IFE EASIER
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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DISCOVER • THE BOOK NOOK
G R AB A
Graphic Novel Written by Katie Albers
Graphic novels are a great way to help readers bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books. They build confidence in readers through the visual context cues and through the speed with which kids can read them. The genre has evolved greatly from its origins in comic books and now graphic novels can be found throughout the library reshaping fiction, nonfiction, and the classics.
Fall Themed Fun
Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
Cat’s sister, Maya, has cystic fibrosis and so their new town with it’s foggy climate is hoped to ease Maya’s symptoms. However, the sisters find that on Dia de los Muertos, the fog is also the perfect environment for ghosts to reunite with the living.
Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch by Eric Orchard
When Maddy’s parents are turned into kangaroo rats by a thimblewitch, she must embark on an adventure to find the witch and save her parents.
Just Plain Silly
The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner
When a fumbling fox realizes that he will never be successful at catching chickens, he decides instead to steal a few eggs and raise them himself. The plan quickly falls apart when the adorable chicks start calling him Mommy.
Babymouse: Queen of the World by Jennifer L. Holm
Babymouse is looking for a little more excitement in her life and she thinks looking to the popular crowd is where to find it. Unfortunately, all the glamour is not as shiny as it looked.
Science and History
Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani
A nonfiction graphic novel showcasing the prolific careers of three legendary primatologists.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale
A recounting of the unusual and tragic Revolutionary War hero, Nathan Hale who famously said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country before being hanged by the British.”
Reimagining the Classics
The Giver: Graphic Novel by P. Craig Russell and Lois Lowry
A graphic retelling of the classic dystopian novel of a boy who is burdened with carrying the memories of the generations and bearing the dark secrets behind his seemingly utopian society.
To Kill a Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel by Fred Fordhan and Harper Lee
Brought to new life in graphic form, this is a retelling of the classic tale of racial injustice set in the 1930’s American south.
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).
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DISCOVER • Q&A WITH CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW
parental control a single mom of two kids, ages 3 and 6. I realize “thatI amI work a hard schedule. I want the times that I am with my children to be fun and pleasant. I find myself being cranky and my patience is very thin. I will holler and yell at times and then I feel guilty. Plus it doesn’t help or stop the behavior. I am looking for ways to be more effective without yelling?
”
a:
We have all been there especially when you feel tired or exhausted. You are correct though—most of the time yelling is not going to correct any misdeeds. Yelling and hollering is a common behavior that you see among parents. I think sometimes it is our default setting that we go back to when nothing else seems to work. This is not an effective tool with children. Yelling can actually intimidate kids and separate the bond that we are trying to create with our children. Research shows that whether you yell, spank or speak in a normal tone of voice, a toddler has about an 80 percent chance of repeating whatever it was you were yelling at them about within the very same day. And sadly a 50 percent chance of repeating it within a few hours to minutes. The odds are not in our favor. When I read that it makes me think there has to be better ways for me, as a parent, to respond and not create long term damage. One of the most important factors is to control yourself. Easier said than done, right?! Before you get worked up, stop and take a deep breath. Sometimes everything can be handled so much better if we take one minute to calm ourselves before we respond. Instead of giving your child a “time out” give yourself one. If you are upset and worked up, your child is going to feed off of that same energy. There’s nothing wrong with taking
one minute to take a deep breath and think about how you can respond in a calm manner.
Learning behavior is hard and kids are going to
mess up often. When we think about teaching a child something new, we want that to be a positive experience. But when we think about behavior, we don’t use that same lense and we should. We should teach kids how to act accordingly in fun and positive ways. Behavior can be taught with positive encouragement, loving support and guidance from you. I have said this before, but when my child was little I can remember that she hit another child. My response at that time was to smack her hand and say, “We don’t hit.” It was as if I had an epiphany and thought what I am doing makes absolutely no sense. I learned that focusing on the specific behavior that needs to be corrected and teaching why it is wrong has a much greater impact than what I was doing. I think the same approach goes for yelling. When a parent yells, the child has a tendency to focus on the volume of their voice, the redness in their face and think to themselves… Wow, I did all of that, cool!
You will be so much more successful and happy if
you take the time and effort to teach desired behaviors. This is not an overnight fix either but you will get more bang for your buck long term with teaching behaviors versus yelling. You got this!
OP
CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW is a Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.
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DISCOVER
Treats are for
Holidays
W
Written by Katie Albers
diet year round. Candy isn’t special if
tonight?”
it’s common, and our delicate bodies
are sweet enough without more
your own porch visiting with the
chocolate at Halloween, turkey gravy
sugar.
families that come to trick-or-treat
and pie at Thanksgiving. These foods
When talking with your kids
from you all.
are fun and part of the fabric of our
about Halloween get them excited
American traditions.
about the costumes and the visiting.
your family visited and let your kids
Halloween is October 31st and
Frame this day as a celebration of
choose one piece for each house.
Thanksgiving is November 26th this
your neighborhood and of getting to
Help them decide which ones will be
year; two special days of the year.
know your neighbors.
their very favorites.
However, being a culture that loves
a good thing, we tend to make our
purchasing Halloween candy until
bounty and enjoy a couple for
holidays into holimonths and this
the last minute and purchase a kind
yourself! Treats are for holidays! If
is doing a grave disservice to our
that your family does not care for
everyone waits all of October to enjoy
health.
very much. This way it will be easier
candy, it will taste super delicious!
to resist the leftovers.
On November 1st, gather up
some changes to how your family
Set a time limit for trick-or-
all the leftover candy and with an
does the holiday season, start by
treating or a limit to the number of
attitude of gratitude, toss it into the
saving your treats for the actual
houses that you all will visit. This
trash! How empowering! Halloween
holidays.
will mean less candy in the bags.
was fun, and there will be more
something by waiting to enjoy them.
holiday fun to come!
Make the treats mean something
you spend at each home.
because they are a rare occurrence in
than simply receive the candy and
Thanksgiving
your life.
run, approach the door with your
Some
kids, and offer a conversation starter.
have taken to hosting multiple
Later you can review the evening by
Thanksgiving dinners in November.
Resist the temptation to make
asking the kids, “What did we learn
Choose ahead of time which dinner is
candy a regular part of your family’s
about our neighbor two doors down
going to be your official holiday meal.
e all look forward to the culinary treats of the holidays. Candy and
If you are interested in making
Make the treats mean
Halloween
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. October // November 2020
For your own home, put off
Increase the amount of time that Rather
Spend some time as a family on
Keep count of how many houses
Let your kids indulge in their
groups
and
families
Treat any of your non-holiday Thanksgiving dinners as regular meals in which you would eat your normal portions and arrive prepared with these tips in mind. If you are contributing to the meal, consider bringing a healthy option to share. If it is surprisingly delicious and looks special, it is sure to be a hit. At a big buffet with lots of yummy options, grab a smaller plate from the dessert table. Take only a golf ball sized portion of each type of food. Leave white space between each food and once the plate is full, be finished adding to it. Choose only one carb. If you really love the dinner rolls, pass on the mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese. Save those indulgences for the official holiday meal. Save dessert for your official holiday meal, but if you choose to to visit the dessert table, take only enough dessert to total one serving, half a slice of pie and half a snickerdoodle. Take your time, eat small bites, and indulge through conversation with your dinner mates. Remind yourself: by passing on the temptation to overeat at this meal, your official holiday dinner will taste even better. Don’t apologize or feel guilty for making good choices at your non-holiday Thanksgiving dinners. Only you have to face the consequences of overindulgence. At your official holiday meal, enjoy with abandon all the sweet and savory goodness that Thanksgiving has to offer. Indulge because it is a special day that you have awaited! The anticipation of the treats of the holidays is half the fun. Don’t dampen the excitement by making treats a common part of your routine. Remember that life is still sweet without sweets! And the pride you will feel for being kind to your body tastes better than anything Aunt Susie might tempt you to overeat. (Don’t tell her I said that!). 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).
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PAID ADVERTORIAL OWENSBORO HEALTH
Talking To Your Children About Serious Illness I
t’s a hard truth: sometimes people
they’re prepared for changes in routines,
in the car. Plan what you want to say and
become seriously ill. Finding out that
like new doctor’s appointments or
how you intend to say it.
a family member is sick affects everyone.
someone in the hospital.
As adults, we may have many emotions
as we try to care for the person and learn
depends on the age of your child.
as much as we can about the illness. With
Consider sharing:
so much focus on the family member
•
The name of the disease or illness
all be going through this together.
who is ill, the thought of explaining it to
•
Ways that your child might help the
Encourage your children to talk about
family member
their feelings during the entire process
your child may feel overwhelming.
It’s natural to want to protect your
Be honest and expect questions.
Be as honest as possible and provide reassurance. Remind them that you’ll
Changes that might be made to the
and tell them to ask questions when
child from bad news, but they often
environment (i.e., addition of oxygen
they’re unsure. Discussions about illness
sense when something is wrong. They
or an I.V.)
may overhear conversations
among
•
The information you might provide
If you aren’t sure exactly where your
may lead to bigger questions about life and death, so parents should be prepared.
adults or notice a grandparent going to
child is in the developmental spectrum,
doctor’s appointments more than usual.
talk to your pediatrician.
Their imaginations can make things
Keep it simple. Even older children
causing them to have obsessive thoughts
seem worse than they are, so a simple
can get overwhelmed by lots of details.
or focus on certain topics. Consider this
conversation can be helpful. By sharing
For young children, your talk may be
while deciding how much information
appropriate knowledge, you enable them
as simple as, “Pop-pop is sick. He will
you provide.
to work through their own feelings, feel
be in the hospital for a while because
safe asking questions and feel included
doctors are working to help him.” For
instead of isolated.
older children, you may want to explain
Owensboro Health Medical Group
what the illness is. Use simple terms and
Behavioral Services has some guidance
simple sentences, and give them time to
survivors. Help them better understand
on starting the conversation:
process and ask questions.
by showing them - or participating in -
Think about your child’s maturity level.
Some children may exhibit anxiety,
Ask for help. Consider resources
available for children such as counselors at school, therapists or children of other
Plan the when and where. Have the
programs related to the illness, such as
Parents should talk to their doctor about
discussion during regular family time,
cancer survivor awareness programs like
expectations and risks involved, then
when you would typically be doing
discuss together how much information
activities together. A child may become
Relay for Life.
should be given to the children. Younger
worried if you have a “special meeting”
kids aren’t going to understand much
or out of the ordinary situation. Think
about illness, but older ones will want
about when and where to have the talk.
relay every bit of information. Its fine to
and need to know more. Based on their
For instance, mornings rather than at
do an overview, and then revisit and talk
maturity level, provide enough details so
bedtime; sitting on a couch rather than
through more in other conversations.
Remember, this is just the first of
many conversations; you don’t have to
Speak to a counselor If your child needs a little more help processing the news, call 270-417-7980 for an appointment with an Owensboro Health Behavioral Services counselor. October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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46 OWENSBORO PARENT
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Finding a doctor for your child or family can be a daunting task. Owensboro abounds with countless options, but picking the right one for your family can be tough. In this issue, Owensboro Parent presents to you the first Healthcare Directory, a complete list of local healthcare providers. It is our hope that this list can help you find trusted, caring healthcare professionals perfect for your family. From allergists to urgent cares, and everything in
Oaklei Smith, age 4 // Photo by Jamie Alexander
between, we’ve got you covered.
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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KIDS’ HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY
Allergy/Asthma Allergy & Asthma Specialists 2200 East Parrish Ave Building C, The Springs Owensboro, KY 42303 270-228-2811 Bluegrass Family Allergy 2200 East Parrish Ave. Building C, The Springs Owensboro, KY 42303 270-228-2811
Behavioral Health Compass Counseling 2707 Breckenridge St #4 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-215-4000 Counseling Associates 1316 Frederica St Owensboro, KY 42301 270-686-7999 Grace Behavioral Health 100 W. 3rd St. Suite 305 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-240-2320 Lighthouse Counseling Services 920 Frederica St #407 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-689-0073
ALLERGY & ASTHMA SPECIALISTS
2200 East Parrish Ave Building C, The Springs Owensboro, KY 42303 270-228-2811 48 OWENSBORO PARENT
. October // November 2020
Owensboro Health Medical Group Behavioral Health 2211 Mayfair Avenue Suite 409 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-417-7980 TheraTree Pediatric Therapy Services 2605 New Hartford Rd Owensboro, KY 42303 270-688-8449
RiverValley Behavioral Health 100 Walnut Street Owensboro, KY 42301 270-689-6500
Clinics/Urgent Care Deaconess Clinic Express Owensboro 2710 Heartland Crossing Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-3774 Gateway Urgent Care 3245 Mt Moriah Ave #10 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-663-0955 Health First Community Health Center - Neel Clinic 2816 Veach Rd # 205, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-9821 Immediate Care Center 1200 Breckenridge St #103 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-7553 Owensboro Health Medical Group Residency Clinic 811 East Parrish Avenue, Suite 102 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-688-2077 Owensboro Health Medical Group Urgent Care 2211 Mayfair Avenue Suite 101 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-688-1352 Springs Urgent Care 2200 E Parrish Ave #104, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-852-1632
St. Camillus Urgent Care 3600 Frederica St # B Owensboro, KY 42301 270-684-0023
Dentistry
Dr. Misty Brey-Sanford
Megan Aull, DMD
& Dr. Holly M Pickrell
2811 New Hartford Rd, Suite D,
3062 W Parrish Ave
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42301
270-215-0610
270-684-2463
Bluegrass Dental 920 Frederica St Suite 301, Owensboro, KY 42301 270-926-7272
Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry
Dr. Carol Braun, DMD, and Dr. Blake Dickens, DMD 2816 Veach Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-7114
Fort Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Ben Thompson, DMD 2816 Veach Rd Ste 301A, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-7541 Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry 2862 Farrell Crescent, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-684-3610 Complete Health Dentistry, William J. Aud, DMD 922 Triplett St # 9, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-4122 Dental Designs of Owensboro 3310 Professional Park Dr #103, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-684-3377
2014 Triplett St, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-6040
1208 Cs-1574, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-3838 Greg Adams, DMD
Mint & Ivory Dentistry
2880 Farrell Crescent
2200 E Parrish Ave #102C
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42303
270-215-1917
270-926-3199
Hulsey Family Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
1123 Scherm Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-1635 Jackson Norris Family Dental 2200 East Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-3269 Janet Rowland Family Dentistry 1030 Burlew Boulevard, Building B, Suite, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-1777
1030 Burlew Blvd Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-7447 Owensboro Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2816 Veach Rd, Suite 405 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-6100 Owensboro Dental Clinic 2811 New Hartford Rd, Suite A Owensboro, KY 42303 270 691 6205
Johnson Dental Arts Dental Partners Owensboro 610 Carlton Dr Owensboro, KY 42303 270-255-3875
2200 E Parrish Ave
Owensboro Family Dentistry
Building E, Suite 204,
4921 Goetz Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42301
270-663-1080
270-632-4643
Dr. Amy Carrico DMD 2811 New Hartford Road Suite D Owensboro, KY 42303 270-686-1410
Johnson Family Dentistry
Perkins Dentistry
722 Harvard Dr
745 Scherm Rd #5
Owensboro, KY, 42301
Owensboro, KY 42301
270-685-5242
270-684-0011 October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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KIDS’ HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY
Settle Family Dentistry 4921 Goetz Dr Owensboro, KY 42301 270-684-9244 Thompson Family Dentistry 745 Scherm Rd Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-1324 Thompson & Frey Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 3164 Alvey Park Dr E Owensboro, KY 42303 270-713-2101 Valerie Warren DMD 1030 Burlew Boulevard Building B, Suite 1 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-2266
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Ward Family Dentistry 730 W 12th St, Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-1336
Owensboro Health Medical Group Plastic Surgery and Dermatology 2915 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 270-688-3700
Wm. Casey Callis, DMD 3723 S. Griffith Avenue Owensboro, KY 42301 270-926-3722
Ear, Nose & Throat
Dermatology
Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat 2841 New Hartford Rd Owensboro, KY 42303 270-691-6161
Dermatology Center of Owensboro 2200 E Parrish Ave #205 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-663-1078
Family Medicine
Owensboro Dermatology Associates 2821 New Hartford Rd Owensboro, KY 42303 888-337-6722
Carrico Congleton Family Practice 2811 New Hartford Rd B Owensboro, KY 42303 270-215-0234
Bluegrass Internal Medicine 3346 Professional Park Dr, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-1066
SWEATT & PEDLEY FAMILY HEALTHCARE
2707 Breckenridge St Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-1808
Diane Goetz Family Practice
Owensboro Family Wellness
Owensboro Health
3000 Alvey Park Dr W Suite D
722 W Byers Ave.
Medical Group Family Medicine
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY, 42303
1000 Breckenridge Street Suite 401
270-215-7744
270-478-5040
Health Quest Medical Care 2609 New Hartford Rd #1, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-3073 Main Street Family Medicine
Owensboro Health Medical Group Family Medicine
Owensboro, KY 42303 270-688-4401 Owensboro Health Medical Group Family Medicine
1000 Breckenridge Street Suite 200
811 East Parrish Avenue Suite 101
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42303
270-691-8040
270-684-1145
2429 W Parrish Ave Owensboro, KY 42301 270-215-0325
OWENSBORO FAMILY WELLNESS
722 W Byers Ave. Owensboro, KY, 42303 270-478-5040
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KIDS’ HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY
TAMBERLY MCCOY, MD
2816 Veach Road Suite 308 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-1150
Owensboro Health Medical Group Family Medicine 1325 Triplett Street Owensboro, KY 42303 270-686-8500
Sweatt & Pedley Family Healthcare 2707 Breckenridge St Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-1808
Owensboro Primary Care 1200 Breckenridge St #202, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-8224
Tamberly McCoy, MD 2816 Veach Road Suite 308 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-1150
Physicians Affiliated Care 2200 E Parrish Ave Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-2273 Premier Medical Group 1030 Burlew Blvd, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-2273
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Vineyard Primary Care 2851 New Hartford Rd A Owensboro, KY 42303 270-240-2305
Optometrist Advantage Eyecare 411 Park Plaza Dr Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-2020
Owensboro Family Eyecare 3310 Professional Park Dr #101, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-2101 RiverPark Eyecare 2905 New Hartford Rd Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-4966
Orthodontics Brad Maker Orthodontics 1300 Southtown Blvd. Owensboro, KY 42301 270-215-1181 Danzer Orthodontics 745 Scherm Rd. Owensboro, KY 42301 270-697-9341
Durall Wedding Orthodontics
Owensboro Health Medical Group
2816 Veach Rd #301
Orthopedics/Sports Medicine
Owensboro, KY 42303
1301 Pleasant Valley Road Suite 500B
270-683-0275
Owensboro, KY 42303
1000 Breckenridge Street Suite 300
Orthopedics/ Sports Medicine
270-417-7940
Owensboro, KY 42303
Advanced Therapy Solutions 1102 Triplett St # 2300 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-7779
Pediatrics Owensboro Health Medical Group Children’s Center
270-688-4480 Owensboro Physical Therapy 1126 Triplett St #101 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-689-2008
Owensboro Pediatrics 2200 E Parrish Ave #101b, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-3232
Progressive Sports Therapy
Podiatry
3515 Frederica St
1605 Scherm Rd # 1
Bluegrass Foot Center
Owensboro, KY 42301
Owensboro, KY 42301
1901 Leitchfield Rd
270-684-7856
270-685-9499
Owensboro, KY 42303
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Rehabilitation & Performance
Owensboro
Institute
2831 New Hartford Rd
412 E 2nd St
1301 Pleasant Valley Road Suite 500
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, KY 42303
270-926-4100
270-926-8145
270-417-7400
Kort Physical Therapy
270-684-5252 Owensboro Health Medical Group Podiatry
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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KIDS’ HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY
Speech Therapy Building Blocks Child Development Center 724 Harvard Dr Owensboro, KY 42301 270-240-5051 Porter Speech Pathology 4531 KY-54 Unit 1 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-240-3089 Simply Therapy 1512 Frederica St Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-9992 Wendell Foster 815 Triplett St Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-4517 Wright Speech & Language Services 1115 Tamarack Rd
54 OWENSBORO PARENT
Owensboro, KY 42301 270-926-8534
Surgery
Owensboro Health Medical Group Surgical Specialists 2801 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-3720
Urology
Commonwealth Urology 1200 Breckenridge St #201, Owensboro, KY 42303 270-691-1835 Owensboro Health Medical Group Urology 1301 Pleasant Valley Rd Ste 302 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-417-7880 Owensboro Urology 2200 E Parrish Ave Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-5534
. October // November 2020
OP
SIMPLY THERAPY
1512 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-9992
PAID ADVERTORIAL IMMEDIATE CARE CENTER
W
hen it comes to injuries or sickness, you have many
EXPERIENCE
options for walk-in clinics in Owensboro. But Dr. Vora’s
Chad Sanders has been practicing at ICC for 16 years, while
Owensboro Medical Practice has you covered on all fronts.
Shauna Roby, MSN, APRN, has been practicing at ICC for 14 years. That kind of experience is unique compared to other
CONVENIENCE
urgent care facilities. “People like continuity, they like to see the
Immediate Care Center usually has much shorter wait times
same faces,” Sanders says. “Quality of care and relationships are
compared to the Emergency Room. ICC is open 7 days a week
what bring patients back the next time care is needed.”
from 8am - 7pm, except Sundays when we close at 5pm. “In most cases, ICC is usually a quicker and more cost-effective
SPORTS PHYSICAL SPECIAL
alternative to a trip to the ER,” says Nurse Practitioner, Chad
For your back to school needs, ICC offers sports physicals for
Sanders.
$25. And just in case you need us during the season for sprains and strains or other sports-related injuries, we’ll be ready. “The
COMPLETE CARE
patient’s best interest always comes first, and we use our best
In addition to the walk-in clinic, ICC also has X-Ray, on-site
judgment, but in most cases, we know they can get the best
ultrasound, 64 slide PET/CT scan, nuclear medicine, and a
care right here. That’s a real benefit from our perspective as
full-service lab. “When we see a patient, we can walk down the
providers,” Sanders says.
hallway to have an X-Ray and see it very quickly, for example. Barring any need for referral or surgery elsewhere, we’re able to
Immediate Care Center is conveniently located in midtown
make a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan right here in our
Owensboro with easy access and ample parking in the
network,” Sanders says. “It’s very nice to offer our patients the
Owensboro Medical Practice building at 1200 Breckenridge
resources we have.”
Street.
OP
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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PAID ADVERTORIAL BLUEGRASS DENTAL
TRICK OR TEETH! Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy and Happy This Halloween!
H
alloween can play some major
and tangy candy that
tricks on your child’s teeth if you’re
seems to be all fun
not careful. We don’t discourage anyone
and games until they
from treating their sweet tooth this
break down enamel
time of year, but we want to help make
and
Halloween not so scary for parents who
damage to your teeth.
care about their children’s oral health.
Sour Patch Kids, War
than eating candy throughout the day
Here are some tricks we have up our
Heads, Air Heads, Sour Punch Straws,
which allows plaque to build up and rest
sleeve to keep their child’s teeth happy
and other sour candies can make your
on teeth for longer periods of time, which
and healthy without taking the fun out of
child more prone to tooth decay due to
can lead to cavities.
Halloween
the acids breaking down their tooth
create
lasting
enamel. The more frequently kids have
BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR FANGS
W H AT I S T H E W O R S T C A N D Y F O R
these treats the more likely this damage
Everyone knows the golden rule of
MY CHILD’S TEETH?
is to occur.
brushing twice a day for two minutes
We can all agree that candy simply
isn’t good for teeth, but some candies
Hard Candy: Hard candies like Jolly
are worse than others – especially if
Ranchers and Tootsie Roll Pops are bad
your child has braces. Here’s our list of
for your teeth due to the amount of
the “scariest” candies most likely to give
time that it takes to suck on the candy
your dentist nightmares:
before it’s gone. Your child’s teeth are essentially swimming in sugar for an
Sticky, Chewy, or Gummy Candy:
extended period of time, which means
Beware of sticky candy! The stickier the
an increased risk of tooth decay. Candies
food is, the longer it will adhere to your
that are finished quickly are better for
child’s teeth and the more likely it is to
your child’s teeth since the sugar has less
be left behind, even after brushing. This
time to linger. Not to mention chewing
gives bacteria more time to do their dirty
on hard candy can take a toll on both
work, making your child’s teeth more
your child’s teeth and their orthodontic
prone to cavities the longer candy is
appliances.
If your child has braces, chewing on
smile will need a little extra care this time of year! One way to make brushing fun for your kids this Halloween is giving your child a new toothbrush in their favorite color once the trick or treating has come to a close. When your child has had their treats for the night, give them their new toothbrush and remind them how to keep those fangs clean as a whistle. Brushing each tooth in small circles on the front, back and top can be a little tricky for kids. Supervising and brushing your teeth with your child can make brushing both fun and thorough.
stuck in between your child’s teeth.
and flossing each night, but your child’s
T R E AT Y O U R C H I L D ’ S S W E E T
sticky candy can lead to broken brackets
T O O T H AT M E A L T I M E
READY TO SET YOUR CHILD’S
and more trips to the orthodontist. Some
The best time for your child to indulge in
SMILE UP FOR SUCCESS?
sticky candies you should pass on if
their sweet treats is following their lunch
Schedule your child’s dental checkup to
your child has braces are taffy, caramels,
or dinner. This is when saliva production
make sure their smile is on track for a
Tootsie Rolls, gummy bears, Starbursts,
is the highest. The increase in saliva does
lifetime of oral health. Want to save time?
and butterscotch to name a few.
your teeth a favor by preventing acid
Scheduled a family style appointment so
buildup along with rinsing away food
Mom, Dad, and Sister/Brother can all be
particles. This is a healthier alternative
seen at the same time!
Sour or Acidic Candy: It’s the tart
OP
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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DISCOVER
kids
meal deals
EVERY DAY
WEDNESDAY
O’Charley’s – Free kids meal (ages 10
Firehouse Subs – Up to 2 kids eat free (12 & under) all day with purchase of an adult meal
& 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 Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée
TUESDAY Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – $1.99 kids meal (ages 12 & under) all day Denny’s – Up to 2 free kids meals with an adult meal purchase Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée Pizza By the Guy – 1 free kids buffet for (ages 10 & under) with an adult purchase with a drink on Tuesdays from 5-8pm Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1
Donatos – Up to 2 free individual 1-topping pizza/per child (12 and under) with the purchase of a large pizza; dine-in only from 5-8pm Burger Theory (located in the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront) – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with purchase of an adult meal; breakfast, lunch & dinner
THURSDAY Dairy Queen (Frederica Location) – Up to 2 $1.99 kids meals Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich
SATURDAY Lure Seafood & Grille – Free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase Long John Silver’s – $1.99 Kids meals all day
SUNDAY Beef 'O' Brady's – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) with the purchase of an adult entrée from 4-8pm; dine-in only
free child buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet from 4:30-7pm Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals from 4-7pm; dine-in only 58 OWENSBORO PARENT
. October // November 2020
Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal (10 & under) per adult entrée Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only Pizza By the Guy – 1 free buffet for kids (ages 10 & under) with adult purchase with a drink from 11:30am-2pm Firehouse Subs – Kids eat free (12 & under) all day with purchase of adult meal; up to 2 kids per adult Bar Louie – Kids eat free 11am - 7pm up to 2 kids per adult entrée; dine-in only
on the honor roll? Bring your report card to these local restaurants & businesses for additional deals!
Orange Leaf – Bring in your report card and receive $1 off yogurt; a report card with straight A’s will receive a small cup free. Ritzy’s (Both locations) – Ritzy’s has a “Scoops for Scholars” program. Students can bring in their report card each grading period to earn treats for each “A.” 1A = flavored soft drink (cherry, vanilla, or chocolate) 2 A's = single scoop of ice cream 3 A's = your choice of a hotdog, coney, hamburger, or cheeseburger 4 A's = double scoop of ice cream McDonald’s – All five Owensboro McDonald’s decided this school year that they will award a free Happy Meal to any student who gets straight A's on their report card. Family Video (1212 JR Miller) – For a limited time during the summer, you can take your end of the year report card to Family Video. Your child will receive a voucher for a free movie/game rental for every A (or equivalent) they received in a core class for the year. Chuck E. Cheese in Evansville – A child can receive 10 tokens with a purchase if they bring in their report card. Sky Zone in Evansville – All A’s= 1/2 off any jump. A & B’s= $5 off any jump. Weekdays & Friday 2-7pm.
*This list is subject to change. Please contact restaurants to ensure their participation. October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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FROM OUR READERS
Frightfully
FUN!
Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!
SPONSORED BY
60 OWENSBORO PARENT
. October // November 2020
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
61
FROM OUR READERS
Frightfully
FUN!
Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!
SPONSORED BY
62 OWENSBORO PARENT
. October // November 2020
October // November 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT
63
Say What?
FROM OUR READERS
Our readers asked their kids following question:
“What would you do if you caught your parents eating your Halloween candy?” “Um ma’am don’t touch my chocolate if you want to live.” -Zeporah, age 12
“I would just be all mad and worried that you were gonna eat all of it and I would freak out that I didn’t have any left.”
“Nothing... why would I care, you took us trick or treating soooo technically it’s kinda yours too.”
- Bella, age 5
“Say NO NO NO! Don’t eat that! I want to eat all of it!” - Ben, age 5
“I would scream and then go tell my grandparents.” - Annesleigh, age 8
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. October // November 2020
- Isrell, age 10
“I would ju st at someon go get more e else’s ho use. I might cr y at them.” - Ma digan, age 3
“I would share a little bit, but if they ate more than that I would put them in the corner.” - Sydney, age 6
“I would stop in there and say, ‘Hey, that’s my candy!’” - Anna, age 8
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