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FR
PA R E N T ELF
on the Shelf page 7
A Season to
GIVE
page 12
EE
Local Holiday
SHOPPING page 6
TEEN
ANGEL page 11
8 Fa-La-La Family Traditions pages 20-21
Meet Warren County Judge/Executive
Michael Buchanon When County Judge/Executive Michael Buchanon walks out of his office in the old Warren County court house, he is a Warren County family man. Mike was raised right here, educated at T. C. Cherry Elementary, Bowling Green High School and Western Kentucky University. Judge Buchanon and his wife, Ellen, have two sons, Michael (married to Carrie) and Roy, three granddaughters and two grandsons. The duties of the Judge/Executive are wide and varied, but his primary responsibility is the administration of county government. “As the chief executive of Warren County, it’s my job to carry out everything determined during the meetings of fiscal court plus all state laws that apply to the office. This includes administration of county government as well as keeping the fiscal court informed of the operations of county departments, boards and commissions,” Judge Buchanon explained. The Judge/Executive’s responsibilities for the financial administration of the county have grown. Judge Buchanon’s jobs include preparation of the county budget, oversight of county funds, financial reports to the fiscal court and fiscal record keeping. The community Judge Buchanon has served since 1993 has enjoyed 18 successive years of economic
prosperity under his leadership. According to census figures, the rate of employment in Warren County is consistently higher than state average. When you look at actual income, both per capita and median household income in Warren County beat the norm. Warren County is a thriving community with nearly 115,000 people. It is home to the Corvette and Western Kentucky University. Since Judge Buchanon has been in office, he and other community leaders have added the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and Hot Rods baseball to the winning line-up of what makes an area attractive to tourism, new business and industry. Our county has award winning public schools, more than 700 acres of public parks and recreation facilities, six golf courses, miles of shopping malls and plazas and more than 100 industries, all the while maintaining a cost of living 15% lower than the national average. “It’s an honor to serve Warren County. This is, without a doubt, one of the best places in the world to live, to work, and to raise a family. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Judge Buchanon said. From the Ohio River to the Tennessee line, people all over the Commonwealth are talking about Warren County’s remarkable progress. With almost 200 people per square mile, this county is showing the state and the
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Pictured: The Buchanon Family- front row: Miles and Max, sons of Michael and Carrie Buchanon, and Pyramid and Zoe with their Dad, Roy Buchanon. Back row: Michael and Carrie Buchanon, holding daughter Ellie, parents/ grandparents Michael and Ellen Buchanon.
nation what sustainable growth looks like. Thanks, Judge Buchanon! We appreciate your dedication to us! <
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from the editor
in this issue
Smell the fresh autumn air? It’s time for fall sports, the holidays and time with our families in our warm homes! Our holiday celebration began back in September with our Christmas photo shoot with Judge Mike Buchanon and his granddaughter Ellie. Photographer Kent Bryant said he might have to replace his professional Santa with the Judge. Find out about the County Judge Executive’s office and meet the rest of the Buchanon family on page 2. We have plenty of great content in this issue. You can laugh yourself silly over Marissa Brown’s Elf on the Shelf antics and learn how to keep things simple during the holidays with Brittany Young, the Warren County, Family and Consumer Science Agent. Michael Houchens, the IT Manager at Farmer’s National Bank, has given us some tips to keep our credit cards and bank account safe. We have make-up, a craft from Teresa Christmas, some Community Spotlights and wonderful ideas from Julie Roberts Boggess to help promote learning with our toddlers. We are excited to report that 71 beautiful children are part of our “My Kid Rocks” contest. Ten children of each gender have been selected by public voting on Facebook. Those kiddos will go to blind judging by our celebrity judges, Tony Lindsey, Lauren Hansen and Regina Webb. The winners will have their picture taken with Ann Blair Thornton, Miss Kentucky 2011 for the February 2013 issue of BGP. We can’t wait! Happy Holidays!
Cara & Katie On the cover: Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon and granddaughter, Ellie Buchanon, three-year old daughter of Carrie and Michael Buchanon. Photo courtesy of Kent Bryant Photography, Santa costume courtesy Balloon.A.Gram Company.
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4-5 Area Holiday Happenings 6 Shop Local! 9 Enjoy the Holidays 13-14 Community Spotlight 20-21 8 Family Events Get in the Spirit of the Season
Holiday Gift-Giving Ideas Keeping it Simple is Key!
Area Happenings & Online Buzz To Bring Fa-La-La
health & safety
10 Online Shopping 16 What’s in That? 17 Eating for Two 22 In-Vitro Fertilization Tips for Protection
How Sugary is that Drink
Proper Pregnancy Nutrition
arts & crafts
PA R E N T
7 Elf on a Shelf 8 Holiday Craft
Holiday Mischief for Your Family
Bowling Green Parent is a quarterly publication for Bowling Green / Warren County and surrounding areas. We generate 10,000 free copies of this issue which can be picked up at over 200 local familyfriendly businesses in six counties. For a list of locations: www.bgparent.com/about/distribution To inquire about advertising, call 270-792-7228 or email info@bgparent.com. Carolyn Cossey Pitchford, Editor-in-Chief Lara Park, Outside Sales Associate
All material and information, which appears in Bowling Green Parent Magazine, is presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or child care expert if you have any questions concerning you or your Family’s well being. Bowling Green Parent Magazine presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained in the magazine. Bowling Green Parent Magazine takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of statements in any of our articles or segments. We rely on independent writers and reader responses to present us with ideas and informational material.
THANKS to our supporters & contributors! Without the advertisers in BG Parent, we would not be able to bring this FREE publication to you! Please thank them by visiting their business, and tell them you saw them in BG Parent! We are also thankful for our talented writers and contributors who volunteer their time to bring you fresh stories. If you are interested in contributing, please email your idea to info@bgparent.com. bowling green
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events
And Baby Makes Three
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Katie Frassinelli, Publisher and Creative Director Devon Hildebrandt, Outside Sales Associate Emily Causey, Advertising Design Associate
nov/dec 2012 | jan 2013
nov 2012 / dec 2012 / jan 2013
Window Hangings & Stained Glass
education
15 Preschool 27 Toddler Potential 28 Book Nook
Bowling Green & Warren County Increasing Interest
Enjoy Reading
features
11 Teen Angel 12 Volunteer! 18-19 Yummy Mommy 26 Local Fiddler How You Can Help A Season to Give
Sparkle this Season
Bowed from the Heart
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like
CHRISTMAS
South Central Kentucky is fortunate to have lots of great holiday activities. Here are a few you won’t want to miss, and check out our Calendar of Events on pages 24-25 for even more happenings! Greenwood Mall Happenings Photos with Santa are available November 16 - December 24 at the Mall. Hours are: before Thanksgiving: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12:30pm-6pm. After Thanksgiving: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12pm- 6pm. Christmas Eve: 8am2pm. Santa is located in the Dillard’s Court. Visit www. greenwoodmall.com for more info. Spirit Night with Santa is Wednesday, November 28 6pm – 9pm (Dillard’s Court). Show your WKU spirit with Santa! On this special night, wear your WKU gear and join Santa for a memorable photo experience. Pet Photos with Santa are available Mondays, November 19 & 26, December 3, 10 & 17 from 6pm9pm (Dillard’s Court). Bring your furry friends to visit and have their photo taken with Santa! It’s a waggin’ good time. Reserved for dogs and cats only please. Elf Academy is Saturday, December 1 from 11am1pm. Children ages 6 and under who have their photo taken with Santa can visit The Elf Academy to become a “Certified Elf ” by completing the holiday tasks at each station. Holiday Open Houses Deemer’s Flowers - Friday, November 9, 8am-5pm and Saturday, November 10, 8am-4pm. Pictures with Santa 10am-2pm, special discounts and refreshments. Chaney’s Dairy Barn - Saturday, November 24, 11am-
5pm. Kentucky Proud samples, refreshments, holiday discounts on select items. Bowling Green City Hall - Friday, December 14, 2-4pm. Music, food and festivities. Warren County Courthouse - Friday, December 14, 2-4pm. Other Holiday Happenings Polar Express Storytime - November 26, 27, 28 and December 3, 4, 5 and 6. Readings are at 5pm, 5:30pm, 6:15pm, 6:45pm and 7:30pm. Free event at the Historic Railpark and Train Museum but advanced ticket reservations are required. Tickets can obtained by phone or in person at the Railpark beginning November 6. Limit 6 tickets per adult. 270-745-7317. Festival of Trains - November 30 from 5-8pm, December 1 from 10am-8pm and December 2 from 1-4pm. Enjoy photos with Santa and receive 50% off Museum admission with a Toys for Tots donation. Breakfast with Santa - December 8, 15 and 22nd from 8-9:30am or 10-11:30am at Chaney’s Dairy Barn. $10.95 for adults and $6.95 for kids age 3-10. Children age 2 and under are free. Buffet style breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and more. Advanced ticket purchase required by calling 270-843-5567. Walk Through Bethlehem - December 6-9 at Grace Baptist Church on Morgantown Road. Live scenes from 6-9pm and the choir sings at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Free event. 270-781-5355. Holiday Pops - December 7 at 7:30pm. Performed by The Symphony at WKU’s Van Meter Hall.
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Student tickets are only $5. 270-745-5222 or www. TheSymphonyatWKU.org. Nutcracker for Kids - December 8 at 2pm. The Symphony performs a special children’s concert at WKU’s Van Meter Hall and are joined by the WKU Dance Company and Jolly Old St. Nick. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Reserve online at www. TheSymphonyatWKU.org or call 270-745-5222. Sleigh Rides with Santa at the National Corvette Museum on Sunday, December 9 from 1-3pm. Take a ride with Jolly St. Nick in a Corvette then enjoy holiday sweet treats plus arts & crafts activities. $10 for Corvette Riders, $5 for non-riders. Advanced ticket purchase required by calling 270-781-7973 or online at www.corvettemuseum.org.
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Shop Local this Holiday Season For the Love of COOKING This Holiday season, get in the spirit with classes, an annual cookie contest and an Open House with The Pampered Chef ’s Linda Alagna. Linda’s online catalog has great gifts and the perfect tools. www.pamperedchef.biz/lindascupoftea 270-781-5059
Homemade from the Heart Esters Farm Baked Goods specializes in delicious fresh-baked sourdoughs, artisan and quick breads, pizza crusts and whoopie pies, using freshest local ingredients. Catering and gift baskets are also available! Visit www.estersfarm.com or email estersfarm@windstream.net. Our Bread Will Make You Smile!
How does your GARDEN grow? A live plant is a great hostess gift for any holiday occasion! Choose from a large assortment of amaryllis, paper whites, and other live greenery that make the holiday season complete!
Uniquely Bowling Green Purchase the 2012 collectible Hestia Ornament at the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Gift Shop and receive 25% off any past Hestia Ornament.
Hillview Garden Center (formerly Leichardt) 2209 Nashville Rd., Bowling Green Open Monday – Sunday 270-782-0200 | hillviewbg.com
352 Three Springs Road Open M-F 8am to 5pm 270-782-0800 | visitbgky.com
Turn to pages 18-19 for even more local Holiday gift ideas! HEALTH, Wealth & Happiness
Comfort of HOME
Give the gift of confidence and well-being! Whether your favorite mom is just getting back into fitness after the birth of a child, the return of children to school, or the arrival of a grandchild…. The gift of Pilates reformer, Mat, and TRX classes is the perfect stocking stuffer for that person who has everything and is up for something new!
Making MEMORIES
Align Pilates 952 Fairview Ave., Bowling Green 270-904-4019 | LSPILATES.COM
www.mandygarvinphoto.com | Bowling Green 270-799-4229 | mandygarvinphoto@gmail.com
Life is about the moments… Book your Holiday Photo Session with Mandy Garvin Photography!
“Like” us on Facebook @ Mandy Garvin Photography
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For the expectant mom who is looking for that perfect chair, this is the glider she has always wanted! She can choose from a large selection of fabrics, or it might be on the floor just waiting for that big red bow! Bowling Green Home Furnishings 1045 Lovers Lane Bowling Green 270-780-0376 bghomefurnishings.com bowling green
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Elf on a Shelf In my relentless efforts to be “Mother Extraordinaire” I have started many holiday traditions; the family picture in front of the Christmas tree (complete with flailing children we have to bribe to look at the camera), lighting our Advent Candles (in hopes of not needing the fire department present), the making of the Christmas cookies (resulting in total destruction of our house and cookies I wouldn’t feed our dogs) and one more tradition we have thoroughly enjoyed is Elf on a Shelf. This tradition may be more for the adults and the principle behind it is a little disturbing and crooked but it’s a lot of fun (said the mother that fully endorses bribery of her children). So who is this Elf on a Shelf you ask? Elf on a Shelf is a strange little mischievous man that shows up around early December, sneaking through your house, watching over your children and reporting their behavior to Santa. Creepy I know. Every night your Elf gets into something different and your children wake to find him in the morning. Sometimes our elf even shows up unannounced throughout the year! You’ve got to read the book. It somehow makes the story and concept charming and delightful. You can find the book, with your very own elf included, at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and other book sellers. Where the fun comes in (besides the good behavior of your children) is giving your Elf a life of his own. Does he like to read? Have drag races with the kid’s cars? Is he more of a vandal and
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toilet paper your child’s room? Draw a funny face on your child while they were sleeping? Does he play board games with the other toys? Does he indulge in too much eggnog (you may not want to share that one with your children)? Does he like to cook breakfast miniature elf sized? Does he make snow angels on your countertop in flour? Like to take Barbie to a drive in movie? Does he try to be incognito with glasses and a mustache? The ideas are endless and the kids always look forward to what the elf is going to do next. Give him a new story or scenario for each night. Think of different activities and toys your children enjoy and include your elf! For more ideas check out www.pinterest.com and search “elf on shelf ” or find me on pinterest too! http:// pinterest.com/rissa331/elf-on-a-shelf/ Out of all of this, remember why we celebrate Christmas and share this gift with family and friends. Keep your Elves feisty yet refined and have fun with it. Merry Christmas friends! <
About the Author: Marissa Brown works in Domestic Affairs and Management (stay at home mother) for the Brown household. She and husband John have two young children 14 mos. apart. In her free time, Marissa expresses her creativity through her business Swanky Soirees – helping people make every event special.
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Holiday Craft
Roundels, Window Hangings and Stained Glass In the summer of 2011, I visited an art exhibit illuminated by 60 glowing orbs of brightly colored jewels. We call them Tiffany lamps, but they were designed by Tiffany’s assistant, Clara Driscoll, and she is the reason an exhibit called “A New Light on Tiffany” toured the nation. I enjoy teaching children about the time when Tiffany brought stained glass windows into our churches and stained glass lamps into our homes. We have experimented making our own “faux” stained glass with colored cellophane at Art Matters Community Art Studio to be used as ornaments for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. “This is a picture of a stained glass window” I told Jackson, my 5 year old art student. “I’ve seen something like that, but it wasn’t round, it was a rectangle,” replied Jackson. “Well, we are going to make something like stained glass. It won’t be real glass; it will be a roundel, and light will shine through it.” “What’s a roundel?” he said. “A design in a circle, Jackson,” I told him. “You’ll see.” Have you ever folded a piece of paper and cut notches in the folds, then opened it up to find a snowflake? Add colored cellophane and this is just as simple.
MATERIALS: • Pre-cut squares, black construction paper or cardstock • White glue
• Colored cellophane
• Compass
• Scissors
• Gold string
• Ruler
• Hole-puncher A lot of different concepts can be taught while having fun with this activity. Young children will discover for themselves that when colors over-lap, red and blue make purple and yellow and blue make green. Using a compass is an important skill to master, and you may also want to seize the opportunity to teach symmetry. 1. Discuss stained glass and show pictures. Talk about stained glass you have seen and its properties.
About the Author: Teresa Christmas is the owner and operator of Art Matters, a community art studio and gallery offering art classes, exhibits and special events. She has a background in early 3. Unfold your roundel to discover the design you have childhood education from made. Glue cellophane on the back. Pacific Oaks College, a masters degree in art education from WKU and has been the 4. Punch a hole at the top. Insert the gold string. artist in residence for Cumberland Trace Elementary for ten years. 5. Hang your roundel in a sunny window. < 2. Draw a circle and cut it out with scissors. Fold the circle in half, then in quarters and if the paper is not too thick, fold it once more. Cut notches around the edges of the folded paper to make a rosette, a snowflake, a flower.
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Pictured above: Jackson Smith, age 5. Far left: Jory McCauley, age 6
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Enjoy the Holidays Keep it Simple
With the holiday season quickly approaching us, we are dreaming of an embellished home full of holiday color and décor; warm, comforting, and seasonal cooking, family visits and holiday celebrations. However; there is one tiny obstacle. Our lives currently incorporate rushing from ball practice to dance rehearsal. Our misplaced treasures smother the kitchen counter tops. Our holiday décor consists of an unfinished Pinterest project from last year. And family visits… well, the guest room is full of more misplaced treasures. Simplify this holiday season with the tips below: Think about all the reasons you adore the holidays. Is it the abundance of pies, cookies, and homemade candy? Is it the collection of ornaments your family reminisces about as you decorate your tree? What about the time spent with family and friends you haven’t seen over the year? Whatever it is; continue to remind yourself of those things. Slow down and absorb the season. We hold ourselves captive if our celebration doesn’t look like those we see in the movies. We too often feel obligated to commit to more than can be possibly handled by one person. This year make a commitment
to change. Allow yourself to say no and prioritize what matters most to you and your family. Organize a gift exchange rather than purchasing “nomeaning” gifts. You will save money, time, and the anxiety of the pressure to buy the perfect gift. Prepare a holiday budget by listing your holiday purchases. Beside the name list the amount of money you would be willing to spend. Shop for bargains and look for store coupons. And lastly, design your holiday menu. Choose desserts and other dishes that can be prepared days before. Write a list of all the prep work that can be done leading up to the meal. Designate dishes to those attending, especially those who specialize in one dish or who have a family favorite they would like to share. Create a grocery list even incorporating items you might already have on hand. Once the grocery list is completed compare your notes with your panty marking off ingredients you have. This will ensure you don’t miss anything. Don’t hesitate to ask for a little help. Choose a couple close family members to arrive early to help finish the meal. This holiday season we will be in-control, orderly, and flawlessly equipped! <
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Pictured: Charli London Kramer, daughter of April Gaskey
About the Author: Brittany Young is the Warren Co. Family & Consumer Science Agent, focusing on food and nutrition, financial management, nurturing and building strong families. She also serves as an advisor to the Warren Co. Extension Homemakers Assoc. Brittany considers herself to be a blessed wife to her high school sweetheart and an adoring mother to a goldendoodle puppy.
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Online Shopping Better Safe Than Scammed It’s time for holiday shopping to begin and doing it online is a convenient and inexpensive way to share the joy of the season. But as you gear up for the holidays don’t forget to take simple precautions to keep your credit card, banking and identity information safe. We spoke with Michael Houchens, IT Manager/ Sr. Systems Engineer at Farmer’s National Bank. He gave us some sound advice about maintaining online safety. • Never Shop on a Public Wi-Fi Connection – I would not recommend placing your private data across a public Wi-FI service since there is no secure authentication method used for access. However, cellular data plans are private and secured by the provider and shopping is acceptable as long as the website is secured by HTTPS. • Only Shop on Trusted Websites – Don’t just let the search engine pick the site for you, make sure you are using a trusted and well-known website. No website can be considered 100% safe. However, sites that are encrypted and monitored by a 3rd party service for unauthorized changes like the Farmer’s National Bank website greatly decreases the likelihood of problems.
• Look for Signs Shopping Sites are Protecting Your Data –Some tips include ensuring that websites use HTTPS in the URL name for secure and encrypted connections. On the web page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an “s” after http in the Web address of that page and a secured padlock (https://). Also, log out of your shopping and/ or banking session before closing the browser and shop at reputable online retailers that have readily available access to customer service representatives should the need arise. • Stolen or fraudulently accessed cards –An individual should call the issuing institution for guidance and/or to dispute any charges they consider fraudulent. • Liability for charges on stolen cards –Every disputed charge is unique so liability is determined on a caseby-case basis between the individual and the financial institution. Can you think of other topics that should be covered? I would like to emphasize that users should ensure that they have anti-virus protection installed on their computer and it is updating/scanning on a regular basis. In addition, routinely updating the computer’s operating system and internet browser improves
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security. Remember, the faster you detect identity theft, the easier it is to clean it up. Always be aware of what is on your credit report and your bank statements, as crooks rely on our lackadaisical attitude to continue their crooked ways. <
About the Contributor: Michael Houchens is the IT Manager at Farmers National Bank. He attended WKU and has worked in IT for 15 years. He is married with two children and enjoys reading.
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Teen Angels Christmas Program A few phone calls left lasting impressions on Teen Angel Coordinator Joshua Smith since Vision – a multi-agency council – started the Christmas assistance program in 2010. “I’ve had a couple different conversations with people where they’ve literally broken down and cried, and said ‘We don’t know what we would do it if we didn’t have this program,’” he said. “And hearing that – that means more than anything. At the end of the day, you can know that you are making a difference and that there are teenagers who may not have gotten anything if this program wasn’t around.” Teen Angel works in tandem with the Family Resource/Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs) in the Bowling Green Independent and Warren County Public school systems. Between September and November, the program collects money and gift cards from members of the community. The donations are then distributed to the FRYSCs, who purchase clothes and other items for the teens at their respective schools and, finally, distribute those gifts to the parents and legal guardians. “We try and keep it as confidential as possible, so the students may not necessarily even know that we provided it,” said Linda Krutza, Youth Services Center Coordinator at Bowling Green Junior High School.
“The parent can have the joy of knowing that their child received something that they wanted.” Thanks to the generosity of businesses, schools, students and residents in Bowling Green and Warren County, the program raised about $14,000 and helped 98 teens last Christmas. “I think we go from small children and the fun of Christmas to adolescents, and we don’t quite see that they look forward to this as much as young children do,” Krutza said “Their items get a little more expensive and they’re not necessarily fun, but they’re definitely needed. In a brief period of time, they’re going to be moving on into the workforce and it’s just a good way to show them that we care and that we can help right now.” Tax-deductible donations for Teen Angel can be made at Community Education, 1227 Westen Ave., or the WKU ALIVE Center, 1818 US 31-W Bypass. Money and gift cards (for Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Kohl’s and the Greenwood Mall) will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 30. Applicants for assistance should contact their teen’s school’s Family Resource/Youth Services Center or Community Education at (270) 842-4281. <
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Pictured: Warren Central FBLA Members wrapping Teen Angel presents.
About the Author: Emily Ulber is the communications coordinator for Bowling Green-Warren County Community Education. An Owensboro native, she graduated from Western Kentucky University in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is now pursuing a master’s degree in communication from WKU.
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A Season to Give Let’s Volunteer!
When your kids think of Christmas, what’s the first thing that comes to their minds? Santa, presents...and more presents? Do you wonder if it’s possible to teach them about the “season of giving”? You are not alone! BG Parent Magazine is here to help you with some ideas to teach your kids about the season of giving, instead of the season of getting. There are great opportunities all over town for you to teach your children that it is better to give than receive. One opportunity for the family to serve the community is through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project. What better way to show your children that they can make a difference in someone’s life, even if they are just a kid. Your family can help organize gifts for distribution. That may sound like a small job, but annually there are 3,000 gifts to distribute all across the community! What better way to show your children that there are children who want a great Christmas just as much as they do. Taking part in this program will make them appreciate all they have in their lives. In addition, the Salvation Army is continuing their kettle collection this year. They are transitioning to an all-volunteer corps to help with this vital program.
Each year, kettles take approximately 40,000 man hours over a six-week holiday period. Volunteers can help the Salvation Army save $70-$80 in payroll each day of the kettle operations. Across the community there are 26 kettle stands and the stronger the volunteer program is, the more money they can collect for their direct service to the community! You and your family can man one kettle with friends and taking shifts to demonstrate the importance of volunteering in the community. If your children would rather help with the fourlegged variety, there are always volunteer opportunities at the Humane Society. Specifically, the shelter needs help walking dogs and spending time with the dogs and cats in the shelter. Parents or guardians must complete volunteer applications and sign liability forms for volunteers under 18. Additionally, all volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them when volunteering at the shelter. If your family wants to help with the Angel Tree program, you should call 392-8386 or 843-3485. To help with the kettle program, you should contact 3920392. To volunteer with the shelter please call 270783-9404. <
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Pictured: Briarwood K-Kids (K-Kids is part of the Kiwanis Club) and other children at the Lost River Cave Annual Weed Pull. Photo by: KidStuffAroundTown.com
About the Author: Heather Higgins is a Bowling Green native who is the “parent” to two shelter dogs. She has worked at and volunteered for several non-profit organizations in the community. Currently, she is coordinating social media for Stakz Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt shop.
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Community Spotlight Local Youth Theatre Offerings
Corvette Museum Offering Dollar Days If you are a resident of Kentucky, you can receive admission to the National Corvette Museum for only $1.00 during the month of December. To participate, simply present a driver’s license or other proof of residency (university student id, utility bill) at the Admissions counter. Guests to the Museum will enjoy their special exhibit, Country Music Stars and Cars featuring celebrity-owned Chevrolets, including Brad Paisley’s 2011 ZR1, Kix Brooks 1958 Corvette and more. Kids will enjoy the new permanent KidZone, offering many hands-on exhibits and activities like Pat’s Super Service Center and a “Just In Time” Assembly Line.
Mammoth Cave “Fee Free” Day in November
Youth Theatre abounds in BG! December shows include WKU Children’s Theatre presentation of Ama and the White Crane Nov. 2-4 and Greek Gods Dec. 7-9, Capitol Arts Youth Theatre production of Little Women Dec. 6-9 and AETF’s Madeline’s Christmas Dec. 14-15. Don’t forget the Nutcracker at the SKyPAC, Nov. 2829 with the Moscow Ballet and students from area dance studios. We also look forward to attending the traditional BG holiday show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, presented by the Public Theatre of Pictured: The Public Theatre Kentucky. It will run weekends Dec. 6-16 at the Phoenix in Morris of Kentucky performs The Best Alley. More info about Theatre, Music and Art opportunities and Christmas Pageant Ever. shows for kids and families can be found by following this QR code and by checking out the BG Parent calendar on our website.
Local Author Debuts Book Looking for a great Christmas gift for a youngster? Check out local new author Natalie Hughes’ inspirational first children’s book, Goodie Two Shoes. The tale of Goodie Two Shoes, from new and shiny to worn and tossed aside, mirrors our own experiences with rejection. Follow Goodie on a magical journey of hope and second chances. Natalie graduated from Western Kentucky University and is now attending Daymar College pursuing a second degree. She served in the Kentucky National Guard. Goodie Two Shoes was published by Heart to Heart Publishing in Butler County, KY, by Linda Hawkins and can be purchased at http://www.goodietwoshoesbook.com or by following the QR code.
Instruments of American Excellence Exhibit Opens The Kentucky Museum, located on Western Kentucky University’s campus in Bowling Green, has opened a unique collection which showcases the ordinary means by which Americans from many fields of study have achieved extraordinary things. The exhibit features the actual “tools” that have shaped the course of this nation’s history. As the only exhibit of its kind in the United States, this vast collection of over 140 pieces includes many iconic and memorable items such as the underwater camera housing used by Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard, the hammer used by former President Jimmy Carter to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, one of Tony Hawk’s earliest skateboards, and lab equipment used by Nobel Prize winning scientists. Other notable items in the collection include equipment used by Sam Phillips to record Elvis Presley at Sun Studios in Memphis, ballet slippers belonging to Julie Kent and Sara Mearns, Patch Adams’ clown nose, Liza Minelli’s shoes worn in her Tony Awardwinning performance of The Act, the sculpting tools of Chester Daniel French, and many more. The Kentucky Museum is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults, and admission price includes all exhibits, including the renowned Duncan Hines exhibit. Discounted rates are available for children, seniors, and groups. Ample parking is available for members and guests.
Mammoth Cave National Park is offering free Mammoth Passage cave tours Veteran’s Day Weekend November 10-12. Visitors must pick up the free tickets at the visitor center ticket office prior to tour times. The free Mammoth Passage tour will depart from the visitor center beginning around 9:45am, and tours will occur approximately every hour. For more details, please call 270-758-2180. bowling green
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EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS!
Facebook.com/BGParent
fan banter Q. What crazy things has your “Elf on a Shelf ” done? Our Elf on the Shelf (Jingle B. Elf ) makes bubbles magically appear from nowhere to help the children find where he is hiding. Jim S. Ernie the Elf swam in a dish of Hershey Kisses and left wrappers all over the floor. - Allison B.
Win tickets to Dinosaur World in Cave City, plus other local attractions! Are you a fan of our Facebook Page? If not, you are missing out on the chance to win great prizes, like tickets to shows, attractions plus other cool prizes. Check us out online for upto-date information on upcoming events and area happenings, fun surveys, conversations with other parents... and of course great prizes!
Congratulations to Maria Fisher of Bowling Green! Maria’s family won two sets of Travel Buddies by TrendyKid, and two pieces of luggage from Ricardo Beverly Hills in our Facebook Fan giveaway.
Our Elf would replace all the family pictures in our home with pictures of himself, made a snow angel out of flour on the kitchen counter and turn the milk in the jug green! - Sandee P. Our elf “Jack Frost” found himself a girlfriend at our house.. He and Barbie had a date in the convertible, played a few board games, ate marshmallows and hot chocolate (with my daughter’s tea set), drew themselves on our family picture, and when Jack had to leave he left Barbie a present. - Lori H. Buddy the Elf gets in lots of trouble at our house....writing “Elves Rule” in marshmallows, making snow angels, but our favorite is the special gift he leaves the kids on Christmas Eve. He also leaves a letter explaining how much he has enjoyed being at our house, how proud he is of them, and how he anxiously awaits the next Christmas season when he returns. - Kerra O.
Who doesn’t love Banana Pudding? I don’t even like bananas, and I dream about Banana Pudding! Every cookbook I own has a similar variation of the same recipe. The easiest work around for a quick bowl of this great stuff if to buy a box of vanilla pudding at the grocery store. BUT, if you like your vanilla wafers soft, you have to have the pudding hot when you put it on the cookies. Banana Pudding 3/4 cup sugar For the meringue topping, optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch 3 egg whites 3 cups milk 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 4 egg yolks 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 ounces (1/2 stick) butter View the recipe instructions on our Pinterest or website, 3 medium bananas, sliced www.bgparent.com or scan the QR code! 1 (12-ounce box) vanilla wafers I like those little vanilla wafers
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Preschool: Preparing for Success Registration for preschool is ongoing in the Bowling Green City Schools for the three and four year old children program, offered free of charge at Parker-Bennett-Curry and T. C. Cherry Elementary Schools. Preschool provides research-based curricula and a comfortable, child-centered learning environment four days a week, with morning or afternoon sessions. Qualifying students must live in the Bowling Green City Schools district and meet one of the following options: • 4 years old by October 1 of current school year and meet eligibility for free/reduced meals. • 3 or 4 years old and be identified with needing special education services. Enrollment Requirements: Only the legal guardian may enroll the child in preschool. The child must enroll under full legal name and are required to have on file a copy of the following: • Application for enrollment; • Birth certificate or an affidavit of the inability to produce a copy (due within 30 days of enrollment); • Current immunization record: State law (KRS 158.035) requires immunization certificates for all pupils. • Proof of eye exam by an optometrist/ophthalmologist • Proof of current medical examination; • Household and Income Form to determine eligibility as an at-risk child. For more information, contact Jennifer Grieshop, Preschool Coordinator, at 270-746-2277.
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The Warren County Preschool Program provides children with hands-on learning activities to prepare them for kindergarten. Children attend all day Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday and transportation is provided. Children are served breakfast, lunch and snack. Preschool teachers screen each child to determine the child’s strengths and learning needs. The results of these screenings are used to plan activities and opportunities to challenge and support each child’s learning. Children spend time in groups listening to stories, being introduced to new concepts and in music and movement. Much of children’s time is spent in learning centers where children experiment with and practice new skills with teacher support and encouragement. Children develop their motor skills as they play on playgrounds designed specifically for young children. Preschool is provided to eligible children living in the Warren County School District in all 14 of their elementary schools. Children who are four years old on or before October 1, 2012 and meet state income guidelines and three and four year old children with disabilities or developmental delays, including speech sound production, may qualify. Tuition slots are now also available in all schools for children who do not otherwise qualify. For more information, contact the preschool teacher in the school district in which you live or call Lorie Richey, Preschool Coordinator, at 781-5150.<
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What’s in Your
Child’s Drink?
Would you let your child eat 25 Dunkin Donut munchkins? How about 29 Pixie Sticks? I think most parents would answer “no” citing too much sugar! I know I wouldn’t let Bug (my daughter) consume that much sugar. That is why I was incredibly shocked to learn that some juices (that my daughter drinks) have as much sugar as 25 Munchkin Donuts and 29 Pixie Sticks. I so wish I was joking!!!! According to the news article I was reading, here are some popular drinks and their sugar comparisons. - One 15.2 oz. of Minute Maid Apple Juice has 52 grams of sugar. This is about the same as 25 Dunkin Donut sugared Munchkins. - One 15.2 oz of Minute Maid Orange Juice has the same amount of sugar as 4 cups of Fruit Loops. - One 6.75 oz of Hi-C Poppin Lemonade has more sugar than a Krispy Kreme Chocolate iced custard filled donut - One 20 oz. Sobe Citrus Energy Drink has about the same amount of sugar as 29 Pixie Sticks Okay…I am going to spare you anymore shocking comparisons! I feel myself going into a sugar coma just thinking about it! Bug has definitely had the apple juice and orange juice on this list! Ugh…epic fail! I think
Bug would have rather had the donuts and Fruit Loops (I know I would have)! My husband and I do our best to read labels and limit Bug’s sugary drink intake, but what can I say.... we need to do better!!! Another shocking statistic in the article was that according to the American Heart Association the average 1-3 year old consumes around 12 teaspoons of sugar a day, 4-8 year olds around 21 teaspoons a day, and 14-18 year olds around 34 teaspoons. I would hate to know what I consume in sugar a day? Here is some advice (I will be following) when picking out a drink. * Read the labels to cut through the marketing strategies * Make sure fruit juice or fruit concentrate are the first ingredients * Watch for the “ose” on the end of words * Watch for dyes and fillers I know a little bit of sugar is okay, but I just don’t want Bug drinking all of her calories! I just want to educate her on important nutritional choices. Why is this so difficult? Was anyone else shocked by these comparisons? Does it have you thinking twice before pouring (I know I
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am)? Anyone have advice out there?<
About the Author: Liz Fogle is host of WBKO’s Mom’s Everyday, airing on WBKOABC at 9:45 a.m. and 4:10 p.m., and on WBKO-FOX at 12:15 p.m. She also writes a weekly blog for Moms Everyday. Liz and husband Ben live in Bowling Green with their 4 year old daughter Lily.
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Eating for Two So, two lines popped up on your pregnancy test… Congratulations! A whole new life awaits you along with many new responsibilities. Becoming a responsible parent doesn’t start after the birth of your child, but while your new life grows inside you. Transforming cells into a human life takes a lot of energy and requires proper nutrition from mom. You should eat a healthy balanced diet and take a prenatal vitamins daily. If you’re not eating properly, baby will still be nourished and your body will do without. It’s important for both you and child that you not only eat right, but consume extra calories to keep up with new energy requirements. During the second and third trimester is when your calorie needs change. That’s when you need to consume around 300 extra calories a day in addition to what you already needed. For most moms this means you’ll now consume around 2100 – 2300 calories a day. If you’re unsure of how many calories you needed before you can always consult a registered dietitian. This may come as a surprise for many of you who have heard the myth about eating for two and that you are entitled to consume twice the amount of calories as you did before. This is very unhealthy and will cause unneeded weight gain, which could lead to more severe health Pictured: Brittany Sloan. Photo by Red Elephant Studio
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problems later. It also doesn’t mean that you should drink an extra soda and have a bag of chips on break or for a snack. Remember, baby needs nutrients, not just empty calories. The same applies for all you breastfeeding mothers. You have made the best choice for your baby’s health, now you need to keep yourself healthy and your milk nutrient rich. Lactating women need around 500 extra healthy calories a day. Adding six crackers with seven cubes of cheese as a snack and adding a banana at breakfast makes for 300 extra calories needed during pregnancy. You can also replace a glass of water for eight oz of 1% milk and have 1 oz (a small handful ) of roasted almonds as a snack. If lactating, you can add half a peanut butter sandwich or 10 oz of grape juice to the pregnancy additions to make up the 500 calories. This is the true meaning of eating for two. Make healthy decisions when it comes to you and baby.<
About the Author: Jessica Crump is a Western Kentucky University Dietetic Intern that graduated from WKU in December 2010. She’s just had her first child, Aniston Bree. Jessica lives in resident of Bowling Green and works full time (while working full time for her internship) at Hopkins Care and Rehab as a CNA.
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Shop Local
MORE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
YUMMY MOMMY Creating Smoky EYES
PERSONALIZED Pictures Custom artwork can turn any house into a home and what better gift than something with a child’s name or the family name front and center! Hines Pharmacy 165 Natchez Trace Bowling Green 270-796-1818
SCENTS of the Season The smells of the season will fill your home with a Candleberry Candle. Lulu’s Fine Home Furnishings offers a complete selection, along with other fine gifts including housewares, decoratives, jewelry and more. 1116 Broadway Ave., Bowling Green (270) 781-5550 | lulusfinehomefurnishings.com
Nancy Thacker, a Clinique Consultant at Dillards, shared the secret to that sexy smoky eye make-up look the hottest stars are wearing. Her model was India Winstead, a Butler County High School senior who plans to attend WKU and major in Health Science. Here’s How: 1 The key to keeping eye shadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. Begin by prepping the lid with a touch base. 2 Nancy used 3 colors. She applied a medium color with a About the contributor: Nancy Thacker has been a Clinique fluffy brush all over the eyelid for a daytime look. 3. Use a contour brush and put the dark color into the Consultant at Dillards for 13 corner almost in a v, working your way in, building the years. She is a native of Bowling Green, attended WKU, color. 4. Using the fluffy brush, apply the third, lighter color to enjoys the outdoors and never makes her clients look like a the area under the eyebrow as a highlighter. 5. Eyeliner comes next, top and bottom. Don’t forget your Kardashian. two coats of thickening and lengthening mascara. <
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Holiday Makeup That Sparkles Looking for ways to dazzle this holiday season? With a few simple makeup techniques, you can transform your look from casual to glowing. Always begin by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your face and neck area. Choose a foundation color that disappears into the skin creating a smooth appearance or canvas for the rest of the makeup application. Most mineral makeup is a wonderful choice because they are usually more natural and will not cause breakouts on sensitive skin types. Remember the primary goal of makeup is to enhance your natural beauty so whether you are going for a playful party look or elegant evening out, you want to highlight those areas of the face that are most attractive. Typically highlighters or illuminators are used from the center of the forehead down the center of the nose extending to the chin, directly under the brow bone, and just over top of the cheekbones. Depending on the occasion, there are several ways to create an elegant yet fun look for any event. For a cocktail party with dancing and music, makeup that shimmers creates a playful look. To enhance light eyes, choose a darker shimmer such a deep purples, grays or bronzes. Eyeliner and mascara will also cause eyes to “pop” by giving definition.
You can complement the look with either a bold lip color or blush, but be careful not to accentuate all features or the effect may be harsh or overdone. For an elegant dinner party, smoky dramatic eyes are becoming. Choose dark gray, black, or brown eyeliner to encircle the eyes and smudge with a shadow brush. Apply a dark shadow from the upper lash to the crease blending toward the crease. Choose a heavier mascara to finish accentuating the eye area. Bold blush colors in deep bronze or darker shades with a neutral lip color will complete the look. When choosing colors for any event, use your own unique style to be creative. If you are unsure of what colors are most flattering, neutrals are a good choice for any skin tone.< About the Author: Lara Park is an Esthetics Student at the Lindsey Institute of Cosmetology. Also a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Marketing, Lara and her husband, Brian, have a 1-year-old son, Tanner.
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Holiday SIGHTS For some holiday whimsy and charm pick up Lori Mitchell Collectibles at Barbara Stewart Interiors. While there, don’t miss other fine home furnishings and unique accessories. 444 E. Main St. | Bowling Green 270-782-1747 | www. barbarastewartinteriors.com
Favorite FLAVORS Two great restaurants, one great gift card! Need an idea for a gift this season? Available in any amount with a free $5 gift card with $25 gift card purchase. Mariah’s Restaurant & Bar 801 State Street | 842-6878 | mariahs.com Buckhead Cafe 760 Campbell Lane | 846-0110 | buckheadcafe.net
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8 Family Holiday Traditions Packed with Fa-La-La
Over the river and through the woods to a holiday adventure sure to put everyone in the family in the Christmas spirit.
– in Kentucky: KaLightoscope at The Galt House – Louisville A Peppermint Express Kiddie Train through a magical Candy Cane Forest joins the lighted interactive holiday luminaries of KaLightoscope (Nov. 17-Jan. 20). Visit Christmas Village to see the Snow Fairy Princess and her castle. Shop Mistletoe Marketplace. Enjoy the Colors of the Season Holiday Dinner Show or have tea with the Snow Fairy (Dec. 2 and 16). Special: Free child’s ticket with purchase of an adult ticket ($18.99).
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www.ChristmasatTheGaltHouse.com “Supper with Santa” at a Kentucky State Park Book a dinner date with St. Nick at Rough River Dam State Resort Park on Sat., Dec. 1. Grayson’s Landing Restaurant is hosting a special buffet, 4:30-8 p.m., with children’s activities, holiday crafts, photo ops and more. $4.99/children, $10.99/adults. Add an overnight at the lodge (only $59.99 for this Saturday). www.Parks.Ky.gov/ parks/resortparks/rough-river/default.aspx Christmas ‘Round Bardstown Visit weekends (Dec. 7-9 or 14-16) for these events: Bardstown Community Theater’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”; Kentucky Railway Museum’s Santa Express (afternoon and evening excursions with Santa, treats); My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s North Pole Express, where Santa will visit with each child; and pictures with Santa on Court Square. www.VisitBardstown.com Heart of Kentucky Holiday Festivities – Lebanon Catch these activities in Lebanon the weekend of Nov. 23: Santa Claus Land, three acres of lighted walking paths decorated with over 1 million lights and hundreds of holiday displays; (free) Christmas in the Park, a winter
wonderland of lights and decorations; Kentucky Classic Theatre’s “A Newer Old-Fashioned Christmas” melodrama; “mutton busting” (sheep riding); and Serenity Farm Alpacas Holiday Open House with free tour and a country store for Christmas shopping. www.VisitLebanonKy.com A B&B Christmas Find family fun at these Kentucky bed and breakfast inns: •The Narrow Way Bed and Breakfast hosts its Christmas Open House on Nov. 4, with old-fashioned carriage rides, picture’s with Santa, craft making and a trimmed Christmas tree in every room. •See the alpacas and make holiday ornaments and felted gift items at Maple Hill Manor, offering a “Buy 1 Night/ Get 1 FREE,” Dec. 1-22. Beginning Nov. 24, the inn hosts its free annual Holiday House Tour and Farm Store Alpaca Open House on Saturdays through December. •Enjoy family horseback adventures at First Farm Inn. Book separate rooms for kids and parents or share the
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Treetops room. Sleds and snowman kits are available. Free area activities: ice skating on Lawrenceburg, Ind.’s riverfront and the holiday display at Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory.
– A short drive away: Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice, Pigeon Forge, TN You won’t want to miss this new ice skating spectacle that takes place during the park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Nov. 10-Dec. 30, and gives you a chance to overnight at the luxurious Dollywood Cabins that feature kid-pleasing
game rooms. www.Dollywood.com Holidays at The Chattanoogan Hotel, Chattanooga, TN The AAA Four Diamond Chattanoogan Hotel offers two holiday getaways: •The Enchanted Gardens Package (valid Nov.16-Jan. 5, excluding Christmas Eve) includes deluxe overnight accommodations, breakfast at the hotel’s Broad Street Grille, service charges and two tickets to Rock City’s Garden of Lights, a nocturnal fantasyland with more than 30 holiday scenes and 1 million lights. Rates start at $199/ couple. •From Nov. 22-Dec. 27, the annual “Room at the Inn” promotion offers a 20 percent discount off the hotel’s Best Available Rate. www.ChattanooganHotel.com Shrek the Halls at Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN Immerse yourself in the Christmassy DreamWorks Experience, part of Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas. ICE! featuring Dreamworks’ Shrek the Halls (Nov. 16-Jan. 1) brings the holiday TV special to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and 20-foottall carved ice slides. And that’s just the beginning. Holiday
About the Author: Kathy Witt is a freelance writer and the author of the historical middle grade novel, The Secret of the Belles, which the late Cammie King Conlon (“Bonnie Blue Butler”) called “a beautiful read, and another amazing tribute to the phenomenon that is Gone With the Wind.” Visit Kathy’s website at www. KathyWitt.com and her blog at www.TravelinTales.com.
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Shrektacular, Shrek Feast, Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating and 2 million Christmas lights add to the fun. www. GaylordHotels.com/Gaylord-Opryland/A-CountryChristmas. <
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First Came Love, Then Came Marriage, Then Came... I now sit in the lobby waiting for my OB-GYN as part of the club I once longed to be a part of. The other expectant mothers and I share a smile that says “I know what you are going through, you look so good, are you as excited as I am and are you nervous?” We all get special privileges, allowance from our significant others to have “bad days” and eat more chocolate, special vitamins and we even wear a certain type of clothes. We can all divide our lives into certain milestones. 1999 I met my husband Chad. As the rhyme goes- love came in 2000, marriage in 2001 and our baby carriage will come in 2013. The gap between the second and third stage was longer than expected. After four years of marriage we were ready to start our family. We went through a few years of “just trying.” My primary care physician referred me to my current OB who made sure we were on a secure plan and then started fertility medicine. Months turned into years of taking different medications, and 2010 marked five years of unsuccessful fertility. While this was emotional, I didn’t want to be one of those couples who only thought about becoming parents. When 2010 came, so did our more aggressive “just trying.” I had seven intrauterine inseminations (IUI), which are the step before In Vitro Fertilization
(IVF), a lot less costly as well as less emotional. My months would go like this: one week of fertility medicine and a shot, one week would be IUI, one week I would go back for blood work and the next week we would wait. And then it all started over again. There was
Pictured: Leona and husband, Chad, find out they will be blessed with a baby boy at their reveal party.
About the author: Leona Morelock is a follower of Jesus, wife, future mother, beloved daughter, loyal sister, fantastic aunt, wedding planner and proud gold card member at Starbucks. Check out www.ourdailycoffee. com for more about Chad and Leona’s journey through fertility and ramblings on their day to day adventures and life lessons. For more information on wedding, event design and planning check out www.lastingimpressionsbyleona.com or shoot an email to Leona@leonamorelock.com
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something every week. Three times out of the month I would sit in the lobby watching women who belonged to the “pregnancy club” and I was an outsider. After one last unsuccessful IUI in March we started the IVF procedure. After two months of daily shots, crazy hormone induced moods, weekly blood work and ultrasounds, a retrieval of 20 eggs and a transfer of two embryos, we found on May 7 that I was indeed pregnant. Our due date is January 10 and we can’t wait to officially meet Bronson Reid Morelock and start the next phase of our schoolyard rhyme. <
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area events & activities Festivals & Major Events
Nov. 3 A Shaker Breakfast, Shaker Tavern at South Union Shaker Village, 8:30 & 10:30am seatings, $25, 800-811-8379, shakermuseum.com
Dairy Barn, 8-9:30 am and 10-11:30 am, Adults $10.95, Children ages 3-10 $6.95, ages 2 & under free, Reservations required, 270-843-5567, chaneysdairybarn.com
Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day Parade, beginning at 6th & College, traveling past Circus Square & Fountain Square Parks, 10 am, 270-393-3641
Dec. 8 Candlelight Christmas Celebration, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 4-7pm, 270-843-5565, bgky.org/riverview
Nov. 30 Downtown Lights Up, Fountain Square Park, 5-8pm, vendors, carolers, food & beverage, shopping, carriage rides, 270-393-3000
Dec. 8 2nd Annual Craft Fair Pancake Breakfast & Pictures with Santa, Briarwood Elementary, 8am3pm, debbie.meredith@warren.kyschools.us
Nov. 30 Holiday Bash, National Corvette Museum, fundraiser for numerous local charities, tickets req.
Dec. 8 Breakfast with the Grinch, Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Nov. 30- Dec. 2 Festival of Trains, Railpark & Train Museum, 270-745-7317, historicrailpark.com
Dec. 8-9 Bowling Green Woman’s Club Christmas Home Tour, 5-8pm Sat., 1-5pm Sun., $12 in advanced $15 day of, 270-563-3330
Dec. 1 BG-WC Jaycees Christmas Parade “A Bowling Green Christmas”, Beginning at Main & College Streets downtown, 9:30 am, 270-535-7974 Dec. 1 Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky Museum, 11 am-2 pm, 270-745-6082, www.wku.edu/museum Dec. 7 Smiths Grove Christmas Parade “ASmall Town Christmas”, 6pm, 270-563-4014, smithsgrove. org Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 New Year’s Eve Celebration, Barren River Lake State Resort Park FAMILY FUN Nov. 3 6th Annual Youth Boot Camp, Barren River Lake State Resort Park Nov. 6 Registration for Polar Express tickets opens, Historic Railpark & Train Museum, 9 am-5 pm in person at 401 Kentucky St. or call 270-745-7317 Nov. 9-11 Free Mammoth Passage Tours, Mammoth Cave National Park, in honor of Veterans Day, 270758-2180, nps.gov/maca Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-6, Dec. 10-13 Polar Express Storytimes, Historic Railpark and Train Museum, 270-745-7317 Dec. 1-31 Dollar Days for Kentucky Residents, National Corvette Museum, $1 Museum admission, 270-781-7973, corvettemuseum.com Dec. 1 Landmark Association Christmas Tour of Homes, bglandmark.org, 270-782-0037 Dec. 1 Walk Around Cookie Monster, Warren County Public Library Main Branch, 11:30am-4pm Dec. 6 & 8 Santa’s House, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, 270-646-2151 ext 2415 Dec. 6-9 Walk Through Bethlehem, Grace Baptist Church, Available 6-9 pm, Free, 270-781-5355 Dec. 8, 15 & 22 Breakfast with Santa, Chaney’s
Dec. 9 Sleigh Rides with Santa, National Corvette Museum, 1-3pm, $10 riders, $5 non-riders, advanced tickets required. 270-781-7973 Dec. 13 Tea with Mrs. Claus, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 3:30pm, $15, Reservations required, 270-8435565, bgky.org/riverview Music & The Arts Nov.2 Far Away Places, The Symphony at WKU, Van Meter Hall, 7:30 pm, 270-745-7681, bgwso.org Nov.2-4 Ama and the White Crane, WKU Theater & Dance Children’s Season, Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre, Fri. 4pm, Sat. 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 3pm, all tickets $5, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/theatre-and-dance Nov. 3 Shower the People: The Music of James Taylor, Orchestra Kentucky Retro Series, SKyPAC, 8pm, 270-846-2426, orchestrakentucky.com Nov. 8 Ronnie Dunn, “Let the Cowboy Rock Tour,” SKyPAC, 7:30pm, 270-901-1880, theskypac.com Nov. 10-11 Shrek The Musical, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Nov. 17 America: A Perennial Classic Rock Band, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Nov. 26 Home for the Holidays, Orchestra Kentucky featuring the Nashville Choir, SKyPAC, 7:30pm, 270846-2426, orchestrakentucky.com Nov. 28-29 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Nov. 30 Bowling Green Gallery Hop, thebowlinggreengalleryhop.com Nov. 30- Dec.2 Winterdance, Van Meter Hall, Fri. & Sat. at 8pm Sun. at 3pm, Adults $15/Students $12, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/theatre-and-dance Dec. 2 Cave Sing, Mammoth Cave National Park,
1:15 pm, Free admission, cookies and cider, 270-7582195, www.nps.org/maca Dec. 2 “Celebrating Grace,” First Baptist Church Christmas Program, Choir, Handbells & Orchestra, 7 pm, 270-842-0331, firstbaptistbg.org Dec. 2 & 4 Revusicals, Lab Theatre, Gordon Wilson Hall, Sun. & Tues., 7pm, free, 270-745-5845, wku. edu/theatre-and-dance Dec. 3 Last Chance to Dance, Van Meter Auditorium, 4pm, free, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/ theatre-and-dance 6-16 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, PTK Mainstage Theater, Phoenix Theater, Thurs 7 pm, Fri/ Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, 270-781-6233, ptkbg.org/ Dec. 7 Holiday Pops, The Symphony at WKU, Van Meter Hall, 7:30 pm, 270-745-7681, bgwso.org Dec. 7-9 Greek Gods, WKU Theatre & Dance Children’s Season, Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre, Fri. 4pm, Sat. 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 3pm, all tickets $5, 270745-5845, wku.edu/theatre-and-dance Dec. 8 Nutcracker for Kids, Symphony at WKU, Van Meter Hall, 2pm, 270-745-7681, bgwso.org Dec. 14 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Dec. 18 Miracle on 34th Street The Musical, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Jan. 12 Juice Newton, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-9041880, theskypac.com Jan. 22 Monty Python’s Spamalot, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com Jan. 25 Elvis Lives, SKyPAC, 7:30 pm, 270-9041880, theskypac.com Education Nov. 1 Adoption Awareness Month Proclamation Signing, Fountain Square Park (if bad weather, City Hall), 10am, 270-781-6714 x3 Nov. 6 Corvette Science, National Corvette Museum, a program for kids by Hooked on Science, 8:30am11:30am, $30. 270-467-8852 Nov. 15. The Face of 7 H (The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana), First Christian Church, 6-8pm, Free child care children ages 5 and under (limited to first 15 registered). Children 6 and older will attend the FAACES group for youth. Nov. 15 Homemade Holiday Cards, Warren Co. Library Kirby Branch, 6pm, resgister at 270-782-0252 Nov. 27 Victorian Skills For Young Ladies and Gentlemen Workshop, Felt Christmas Ornament, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 3:30pm, $5, reservations bowling green
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Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, all information is subject to change. Please call ahead to verify dates, times and schedules!
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required, 270-843-5565
3pm, 615-943-7128.
Dec. 2 Service of Evening Prayer, The Presbyterian Church, season music, scripture, prayers, candlelight and a reception. 270-843-4707
Nov. 23-24 Old Fashioned Christmas in the Country, Rock Garden Farm, Woodburn, Refreshments, 10 am-5 pm, 270-529-9144
Dec. 6 Christmas Ornament Craft, Warren Co. Library Kirby Branch, 6pm, resgister at 270-782-0252
Nov. 30 Christmas at Shakertown Preview Party, South Union Shaker Village, 7-9 pm, Reservations required, $10, 800-811-8379, shakermuseum.com
Dec. 9 Lessons and Carols, The Presbyterian Church, 4pm, 270-843-4707 Dec. 20 Celebrating Holidays with Foster Children, First Christian Church, 6-8pm, 270-781-6714 x3 Dec. 24 Family Friendly Christmas Eve Service, The Presbyterian Church, 5pm. Traditional Christmas Eve Service at 10pm Jan. 17 Shaken Baby Syndrome, First Christian Church, 6-8pm, 270-781-6714 x3 SportS & Recreation Nov. 3 BGAA Unified Bowling Tournament, Southern Lanes, 11am-1pm, 270-393-3265 Nov. 3 Area 5 Special Olympics Bowling Tournament, Southern Lanes, 9am-3pm, Ages 8 & up. Volunteers needed. 270-393-3265 Nov. 17 Junior Naturalist Program, Lost River Cave, 2-4pm, ages 6-12, $10, 270-393-0077, lostrivercave. com/kidsactivities.html Nov. 22 The Great Turkey 5K Run, Keriakes Park, 8am, www.bgrr.com Nov. 23-24 Southern Kentucky Iron Bowl Youth Football Tournament, 270-792-7361 Nov. 30-Dec 1 KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, WKU Houchens-LT Smith Stadium, khsaa.org Dec. 8-9 Monica Abbott Girls Fast Pitch Softball Clinic, WKU, www.wkusoftballcamps.com Jan. 13-15 Martin Luther King Jr. Southeastern Regional Council Basketball Challenge, smontgomery@habgflc.org Jan. 26 KAPOS Cheerleading State Championships, EA Diddle Arena, khsaa.org SHopping Nov. 1-3 Downtown Holiday Hop, Fountain Square Park businesses, 5-8pm Thur, 10am-8pm Fri, 10am6pm Sat, specials, door prizes, book signings, and more, downtownbg.org Nov. 10 Rockfield UMW Christmas Bazaar, Simpson Fellowship Hall, 7am-1pm, 270-843-6909 Nov. 15 Classic Christmas Open House, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 10 am-6 pm, 270-843-5565, bgky. org/riverview Nov. 17 Natcher Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show, Natcher Elementary, gift ideas and vendors, 9am-
Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Fountain Square Christmas Market, Fountain Square Park businesses, 10am-8pm both days, downtownbg.org Nov. 30- Dec. 1 Christmas at Shakertown Holiday Market, antiques and craft market, canned good admission, 9am-4pm Saturday, preview party Friday evening 6-9pm, $10 per person, 800-811-8379, shakermuseum.com Dec. 8 Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Christmas Shopping at Wildflower Gifts, Lost River Cave, 9am-6pm, 270393-0077
Educational Offerings Free Activities at Warren Co. Public Library Smiths Grove Branch Too Cool Activity Hour (grades K-5) Tue. 3pm Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. 10:30am Teen Library Club (grades 6-12), Thurs. 5pm Graham Drive Afterschool Activities (all ages) Mac Lab Tues. 3-5pm Graham Troopers (School-Age) Wed. 3:30pm Teen Tuesdays (grades 6-12) Tues. 4pm Main Library Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 10:30am, Tue. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Thur. & Fri. 10:30am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Tue. 10:30am Spanish Explorers (grades K-6) Tue. 4pm Peek-a-Boo Babies (6-18mos.) Fri. 9:30am Ky Youth Drama Society (grades 5-12) Wed. 4pm Kirby Branch Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 10am Kirby Kids (grades K-6) Mon. 3:30pm Kirby Babies (6-18mos.) Wed. 10am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. & Fri. 11am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Fri. 10am Warren Co. Public Library Main Branch Free Computer Classes | To register, call 781-4882 E-mail for Beginners (Nov. 5) 2-3pm MS Excel Basics (Nov. 5) 6-7:30pm Intermediate Computers & Internet (Nov. 7) 10-11am MS Excel Intermediate (Nov. 12) 6-7:30pm MS Word for Beginners (Nov. 14) 2-3pm
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Pictured: Kelci Morrison, daughter of Tracy and Dave Morrison.
Learn MS Publisher (Nov. 15) 2-3pm Facebook for Beginners (Nov. 19) 6-7:30pm MS Excel Advanced (Nov. 20) 10-11:30am Download Audiobooks and eBooks (Nov. 20) 6-7pm Learn Animoto Video Slide Shows (Nov. 27) 6-7pm Intro to Computers & the Internet - (Nov. 28) 10-11am Job Hunting Online (Nov. 28) 6-7pm Medical Center Babysitting Clinic (Dec. 28) 9am-2pm Prepayment & reg. required. Boys and girls ages 11-17 will learn about safety, how to handle emergencies and basic tips for caring for children of all ages. The fee is $20 and includes lunch, course materials and a T-shirt. Preparing and Caring for Baby, Classes offered by The Medical Center. Info and registration at 270-796-2495 or themedicalcenter.org Breast is Best (Nov. 5) 6-8pm C-Section Class (Nov. 27) 6-8pm Fatherhood 101 (Sept. 18) 7pm, Classroom 2 Grandparents Class (Dec. 18) 6-8pm Newborn Care & Safety Class Nov. 8, Dec. 6, Tucker, 6-8pm; Nov. 30, Fairview, 2-4pm Prepared Childbirth Classes One-Night Refresher (Nov. 16) 6pm One-Day (Nov. 10 or Dec. 8) 9am-1pm Ready, Set, Go! (Nov. 29, Dec. 13) 6-8pm Twins or More (Nov. 19) 6-8pm page
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Bowed from the Heart Local Fiddler Chapel Tinius
“Do you know the difference between a fiddler and a violinist?” Chapel Tinius asked me with a big grin on her face. “A violinist has strings but a fiddler has STRANGS!” Chapel has been playing violin since she was three years old. ‘I really enjoy the music. I’ve played with Juliana Waller’s Red River Fiddlers since I was six years old.” And now she has recorded her first album. “Bowed from the Heart, by Chapel Tinius” began as contest fiddling preparation for the National Old-Time Fiddlers Championship in Weiser, Idaho on June 18, 2012. Forty-six fiddlers competed in the Junior-Junior (twelve and under) division and twelve year old Chapel placed 15th in the nation! This national event required three rounds of tunes, each including a breakdown, waltz, and a tune of choice. During the months it took to prepare and polish this nine-tune repertoire, private instructor, Julianna Waller recommended a CD recording. Once the recording challenge was accepted, the entire project took on a bigger purpose when Chapel decided that all CD proceeds would be donated to the Kelly Autism Program (KAP) at Western Kentucky University.
KAP is designed to provide services to individuals diagnosed along the Autism Spectrum Continuum and other disabilities, as well as their families, while serving as a training opportunity for future professionals in a variety of disciplines. KAP has programs for elementary, middle school, high school and postsecondary participants including higher education, vocational training, and job support. Marty Boman, KAP Director, says, “Chapel is an outstanding individual as she has performed for the participants here at KAP this summer bringing great joy to everyone. Her talent and generosity reaches every family throughout the Kelly Autism Program. What a role model for this entire community!” The project took place at the Scottsville Conservatory (www.facebook.com/ScottsvilleConservatory) offering private and group musical instruction and featuring an in-house digital recording studio plus Farm-Out! Records (www.facebook.com/FarmOutRecords), a micro-indie label run by conservatory director, Johnny Thompson. Thompson said, ““Bowed from the Heart” was a great project for the studio and label. The majority of the album was a “live recording”; all instruments/ parts recorded simultaneously. It was exciting to see
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Ms. Tinius discover the recording aspect of the music she has experienced primarily in live performances and to work with the talented musicians that she enlisted for the album. Farm-Out! Records is proud to globally distribute the benefit album as its fourteenth formal release.” Chapel will have a few cd release performances in October and November, one November 7 at the Alliance Awards, an annual KAP event at the Knicely Center. Chapel’s recording is available locally at all Red River Fiddler performances, Great Escape and Royal Music. Digitally it is available for download at CDBaby (www.cdbaby.com/cd/chapeltinius) and iTunes. <
nov 2012 / dec 2012 / jan 2013
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Increasing Toddler Potential As I stood at the front of the hospital waiting to take Claire home, she was so little and seemed so fragile. I felt overwhelmed with love but also with the thought of her future being in our hands. My husband, Mark, and I have one daughter who is now four years old. She is the light of our lives and we are striving to give her best possible start to her education. We want her to love to learn. I knew I wanted to avoid baby-talk with Claire from the beginning. Even when she was a newborn we spoke with her in complete sentences and tried not to “dumbdown” our vocabulary for her. If we used a bigger word she didn’t understand, we simply slipped in the meaning of the w ord. This was how my parents always talked with me. Children naturally learn their style of conversation from their parents, so when complete sentences are modeled for a child, they will follow suit. This type of conversation helps a child develop a broader vocabulary. Questions are a wonderful way to spark a conversation with your child. So many excellent moments can happen in the car, at the grocery store, or just sitting on the couch. Children naturally are interested in their world. Questions about what they’re thinking, learning about, or are interested in open up great conversations, plus the answers are a hoot to hear.
As a teacher I’ve heard my fair share of kids grumble a quick “I’m sorry” because they were told to apologize. As soon as Claire was two years old, we worked with her to say “full sentence apologies.” Starting out, it was
basic and we would help guide her through the words (e.g., “Daddy I’m sorry I hit you”). As she got the hang of it, it really became second nature and now she freely apologizes when she has hurt someone and promises to try not to do that again.
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There is a wonderful book out titled Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids. The author explains how everyone has a bucket where we store our happiness. People can either be “bucket fillers” who contribute to other people’s happiness or they are “bucket dippers” who take away a person’s happiness. It’s so well written and provides wonderful language for describing how a person’s actions affect other people. Julie shares more ideas to increase your toddler’s potential in the next issue of Bowling Green Parent.<
About the author: Julie Roberts Boggess is an elementary librarian at Pearre Creek Elementary School in Williamson County, TN. She enjoys working with elementary and middle school students in Saturday and summer programs offered by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU. Julie has earned multiple degrees from WKU. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Mark, and her delightful daughter, Claire.
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book nook
Is there any more memorable time to share some great books with your special little loved ones than the holidays? Gather up a pile of your favorites and surround yourself with an audience of happy children who love to listen to the magic of a story. Some of our favorite Christmas stories will come to life at public performances during the holidays. Check your local church schedule to find a presentation of the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 Or, if you want to laugh about the problems encountered while putting on a Christmas pageant, the Public Theatre of Kentucky is presenting The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson December 6-16. Older children will love this classic, in which the six misbehaving Herdman kids -the “worst kids in the entire history of the world” -take over the church pageant and reinterpret the story of Christmas. The Symphony at WKU will tell the traditional musical holiday story of the Nutcracker and his love for a ballerina on December 8 at 2:00 p.m during a special performance called Nutcracker for Kids. What are some of the
most traditional, family oriented Christmas favorites? BG Parent asked the Ransdells of Western Kentucky University what they read to their now grown children during the holidays when they were youngsters. Mrs. Ransdell responded, “Reading was always a big part of our children’s going to bed ritual. We read to the boys every night. When they were little, we read picture books. When they were older, we moved on to chapter books. “ “Christmas is a wonderful time for family reading and our choice of books was always very special, “ Mrs. Ransdell continued. “Four of our favorite books were The Night before Christmas by Clement C Moore, How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke. “ “One of our Christmas Eve traditions was reading The Night before Christmas to our sons Matthew and Patrick. We have carried this forward to our grandson Walker. We also love the message of the true meaning of Christmas expressed in the Dr. Seuss book.” Mrs. Ransdell said, “We have many silver bells on our Christmas tree that represent the magical book, The Polar Express. And later, as the boys became older, we found the Other Wise Man, a book we loved expressing the true meaning of Christmas.”<
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Photo by Clinton Lewis/WKU
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Pictured: Sandra Harrell, Matthew Ransdell, Julie Ransdell, Gary Ransdell, Patrick Ransdell, Walker Ransdell, and Brooke Ransdell.
About the contributor: Julie Ransdell , a former teacher, is the mother of two sonsPatrick and Matthew Ransdell. She is the proud grandmother of Walker, son of Patrick and wife, Brooke. Julie is an alumna of Western Kentucky University where her husband, Gary Ransdell is the president.
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