JULY/AUGUST 2012

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PA R E N T CELEBRATE Back to School pages 12-13

A Case For

DIGNITY page 912-14 pages

EE

Family Fun

FEST

page 28

THEN & NOW

BEECH BEND page 15

Day Care & Private School Directory pages 4-7

Morgan Watson’s

Sleep Saga Most of our readers may recognize Morgan Watson as the host of WNKY’s Bowling Green Today (or maybe as Radar the Weather Dog’s co-host!). Morgan is a graduate of WKU where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and worked for News Channel 12. She and husband Eric have a three-year-old son, Eli – who Morgan regularly blogs about (her little ‘Dennis the Menace’ as she calls him). Since Eli was a baby he has had sleep issues – so Morgan shares her sleep (or lack thereof ) story.

1. Be More Consistent: We have a strict bedtime routine that sadly does not work, and although we are consistent with routine, we lack a definite bedtime. It’s usually between 8 and 9 pm but can vary depending on what’s going on, mainly on the weekends when I put him to bed late so that I can sleep in on Saturday. Let’s face it, 4:48 am comes WAY too early! Experts say that consistency is key to more peaceful rest. Looks like 9 pm will be the new bedtime through the summer and 8 pm during the winter. That way I won’t have to condition him to the time change.

Smart thinking if I do say so myself.

2. Get The Bedroom Environment Right: We have tried everything we can think of. Light and no lights.

Sound machine and no sound machine. Covers and no covers. Thin pillows, thick pillows. Security toy. Warm room and cool room. You name it, we’ve tried it. I’ve talked with his daycare and they play lullabies before nap-time. Can you guess what I’m picking up on the way home?

3. Create A Relaxing Environment: As you can imagine, my frustration and anxiety over bedtime doesn’t help Eli’s mood. I’m working on remaining calm and less tense. Additionally, I plan to use aromatherapy to help. I’m a believer in holistic medicines and natural remedies, so I think some eucalyptus oil in the bathtub and some lavender diffusers may help. I also plan on letting him feed Nemo before bed because he really looks forward to that, and read him a story nightly. Those are relaxing yet rewarding activities that will ease the tension of bedtime.

4. Watch The Diet: I believe what we eat directly affects our mood and our bodies. I know, I should be a rocket

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scientist....ha! I’m not stuffing Eli full of candy and Mt. Dew before bedtime, but I’m not exactly monitoring every bite he eats either. I plan on reducing sugar (even in fruits) after 6pm. Additionally, warm milk releases natural serotonin levels into the body. He’ll be drinking a heaping cup while we read books.

5. Prayer: …and lots of it. I need prayer for wisdom in when to be disciplining and when to be nurturing. I need prayer for patience in training a child and prayer for strength on the days I nearly fall asleep driving.

I feel like I’m walking a fine line between obsession and discipline. I need daily wisdom in teaching my child to sleep. There is a difference between not being able to catch shut-eye, and not wanting to. Please pray for me, Eli and Eric as we once again start this journey toward rest that is so very needed at home.<

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PA R E N T

from the editor

in this issue

Summer with a Sizzle!

Cool off at the pool with your summer copy of BGP containing tons of great pictures and plenty of fun reading from this issue’s guest authors.

No need to worry about the accuracy of our content! The articles BGP publishes are not advertorials paid for by local businesses as you will find in other local magazines. Our content is carefully selected and written by local experts like the amazing folks in this issue. These topics are all oriented towards improving the lifestyle of the family.

Our authors and contributors are local… your friends, your neighbors, your most reliable sources for trustworthy information. And those writers share with you for free. And for this, we thank them.

We also hope you will visit our advertising sponsors who have great products and services for your family’s needs. Please tell them we sent you.

Have we told you how much we appreciate your friendship? Why not visit our Pinterest page for some outstanding recipes and household ideas: pinterest.com/bgparent. Our Facebook page is a great place to keep up to date on area daily and weekly events, tips, news, contests and bargains. We can keep you in the know: www.facebook.com/bgparent. Our website has a great Mom blog with crafts, recipes and the best area calendar to be found. Check it out at: bgparent.com.

Be sure to come see us at the Family Fun Fest August 25 at Chaney’s Dairy Barn!

july/august 2012

events

14 Inline Hockey 15 Beech Bend Park 16 Chaney’s Dairy Barn 22 Cave Tours 24-25 Event Calendar 28 Family Fun Fest Join the League

Then & Now

Fun for the Family Year-Round Cool Summer Fun

Kid, Teen & Family Events

A BG Parent Event!

health & safety

10 Backpack Safety 11 Vaccinations 26 ADHD Safe Pack, Safe Back

Cara & Katie On the Cover: Morgan Watson and son Eli. Photo by Joshua McCoy, www.joshuamccoy.com

LIKE US...Contests, local happenings, ideas & more!

A Proud Member of the

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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 family-friendly 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

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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Helping Your Child

education

PA R E N T

Katie Frassinelli, Publisher and Creative Director

Why they are beneficial

4-7 Education Guides 12-13 Back to School 20 Book Nook

Child Care & Private Schools Preparing for the First Day

Enjoy Reading

features

8 Every Coin Tells a Story 9 A Case for Dignity 18-19 Yummy Mommy 26-27 Travel: Santa Clause Coin Collecting Hobby

Foster Child Bag Collection Tips & MOMS Club

A Visit to a World of Holidays

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Child Care Guide Private vs Public Early Learning Center at Broadway United Methodist Church. 1323 Melrose St, Bowling Green. 270-843-3942. www. broadwayunited.org. Hours: 9am-2pm Mon. & Wed. or Tues. & Thurs. Ages: 6 weeks old - Pre-K. Monthly tuition $200 Nursery, $150 Toddler-Pre-K. Registration $75. Enrollment fee $100. No student supplies required.

Children’s House Montessori. 3219 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green. 270-842-3652, 270-779-0823. Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm.

Ages: 2 ½ - 6 years. Fees vary for part-time and full-time $375$515/mo.

Holy Spirit Parents Day Out. 4754 Smallhouse Rd, Bowling Green, KY. 270-904-4095 / 270-535-8447 (cell). Hours: Mon.Fri., 9am-2pm on Warren County School schedule. 2, 3 & 5 day programs available. Ages: 6 mos-5 years. Fees: $21-$25 per day.

Holy Trinity Lutheran School. 553 Ashmoor Dr, Bowling Green. 270-843-1001. www.htlsbg.com. Hours: 7am-6pm. Ages: Preschool- Grade 5. Fees: 3 year old 2 day program: $1,920/year; K-5th grade program $4,500/year. Extended care additional.

Kids University. 446 Bluegrass Farms Blvd., Bowling Green. 270780-9787. www.kidsuniversitybg.com. Hours: 6:30am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri. Ages: 2-5 years, Only full time children Fee: $135/week.

Preschool Learning Center. 1003 State St, Bowling Green, KY. 270-843-4707. The PLC provides a positive and exceptional preschool experience for 3 and 4 year olds. The PLC has small class sizes, small student/teacher ratio and licensed teachers. There are MWF classes and TTh classes. Visit www.bgpres.org or email plcdirector@insightbb.com.

The Sunshine House. 2930 North Mill Ave, Bowling Green.

270-782-7552. center50@sshouse.com. www.sunshinehouse.com.

Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Camp. Call or visit for more information on our early education curriculum, convenient hours and competitive rates.<

It’s All About Your Child

The question of how to educate a child is one of the most important a parent can ask. A basic choice that many parents struggle with is that of public vs. private school. Parents do not want to take on unnecessary expenses if they will not ultimately benefit their child.

After all, public schools do an excellent job of educating students. And, some of our regional public schools are the best in the state.

But while it is true that public schools do not have tuition costs, the benefits of a private education can still outweigh the costs. Students who attend private schools can be more academically challenged, exposed to clearer value systems, given greater access to teachers, and may simply feel safer than local public school options. If you do decide to pursue private schooling for your child, start the research process early. Finding a school that is a perfect fit for your child may take some time.

Although we have no secular private schools nearby, there are a large number of private Christian schools in our region. In Bowling Green, Anchored Christian, Holy Trinity, St. Joseph and Union Chapel schools are each affiliated with a specific church and Bowling Green Christian is non-denominational. Area communities like Scottsville, Glasgow and Franklin have their own Christian schools as well. There are even several area students who are commuting to Pope John Paul High School in Hendersonville, TN on a bus the school provides.

The potential benefits of private schools come from their independence from government regulation. Discipline, religion, academia, sex education, even the food children have for lunch is legislated. Public schools are legislated to keep religion out of the classroom while teachers are still challenged to provide students with some type of moral backbone. Christian education has been criticized as sheltering children from the “real” world, but that is not the case. Rather, it provides training for young minds to make wise choices in their lives.

Discipline is not usually a problem in private schools.

There are two reasons: most students are in private

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Pictured: Aspen and Ava Maganzini school because they want to learn and the codes of conduct are enforced.

Students in independent schools have smaller class sizes than public schools, allowing teachers to give students individual attention.

I think the best attributes of the private school are balance and partnership. The school doesn’t try to be a replacement for parents as public schools have become. They offer a nurturing environment to strengthen the intellectual and spiritual growth of your child with you.

At the end of the day, the best school for your child is a highly personal decision based on your family needs and beliefs. < About the author: Cara Pitchford is the Editor of BG Parent Magazine has five children, two grandchildren and an unruly husband, Bob. She attended parochial school at St. Joseph. Two of her daughters attended a private secular high school while the other three children attended public school.

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Private School

Directory

Anchored Christian School 1807 Cave Mill Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-9077 | www.anchoredchristian.com Hours: 7:30am- 5:30pm Ages: Preschool (age 2)- High School Tuition: K3 rates vary according to number of days attending, K5-12th grade $4500; K4 Program ½ day $100 weekly, full day $125 weekly; extended day extra.

Bowling Green Christian Academy 1730 Destiny Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-782-9552 | www.bgcawarriors.org Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm Ages: Preschool (age 6 weeks) -High School, Daycare now available.

Yearly Tuition: Grades K-2 $4,500.00; Grades 3-5 $4,750.00; Middle-High School $5,000.00 *scholarships/financial aid may apply.

Foundation Christian Academy 2480 Three Springs Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-780-6100 | www.fcafalcons.com Hours: 6:30am-5:30pm Ages: Pre-kindergarten-Grade 8 Yearly Tuition: K-3 $1600, K-4 half day $2,750, K4 full day – 8th- $4,100. Before/after school care additional.

Holy Trinity Lutheran School 535 Ashmoor Drive, Bowlng Green, KY 42101 270-843-1001 | www.htlsbg.com Hours: 7am-6pm Ages: Pre-3 - Grade 6 Monthly Tuition: 3 year old 2 day program: $192/ month; K-6th program: $450/month. 2 day, 3 day, 5 day preschool & half-day Kindergarten options. Hot lunches served daily.

Montessori School of Bowling Green & Montessori Elementary School of Bowling Green 506 State Street, Bowling Green KY 42101 270-846-1122 | 270-303-4244 www.montessoribg.com | mesbgky@gmail.com Hours: 8am–3pm; Primary Extended Care: 3–5pm.

Ages: Infant/Toddler (age 0-3); Primary (age 3-6); Elementary (age 6-12) Tuition: $ 575-700/month

St. Joseph School 416 Church Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-842-1235 | www.stjosephschoolbg.org Hours: 7:00am-5:30pm Ages: Preschool (age 3) – 8th Grade Fees: Registration Fee – $150; Tuition: Preschool $4,235 /year: K-8 $5,655 per year. Discounts For parish members and mutiple children.

Afterschool care available until 5:30 p.m. $6/ per day. <

Old Union School 714 Old Union Church Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104 270-781-7890 | www.oldunionschool.com Hours: 7:30am-3:10pm Ages: Preschool-High School A-Beka Curriculum with low student-teacher ratios

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(average 5 to 1). Extra Curricular Activities. Additional study programs available.

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Every Coin Tells a Story Every coin tells a story. Some coins show us presidents or other famous historical figures. Some tell us about specific landmarks, historical discoveries, animals, plants or even family memories about the place the coin represents.

This past fall, one local Bowling Green family found a common interest that has become a father/ daughter hobby. Leslie Hale, a student at Plano Elementary school, and her father, Jon, began a coin collection together. Leslie has always been interested in collecting, but coin collecting has provided a way for Leslie to learn about world history as well as her family history.

Coin collecting is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn.

The images on foreign coins can teach us about countries around the world. Bowling Green has several coin shops for hobbyists and Leslie and Jon have visited several of them such as A+ Coins located near the mall on Bryant Way, where they purchased

copper bullion and wheat pennies. Having an interest in history, specifically the history of the Titanic, one of Leslie’s first purchases was that of a wheat penny from 1912, the year the Titanic sank.

One Saturday morning last fall, while Leslie and Jon were at Fountain Square Park, they stopped in another of Bowling Green’s coin shops, the Holland House. It was during this visit with Mr. Holland that Leslie and Jon saw coin collecting as an opportunity to find common ground in learning about history through world coins. Mr. Holland selected several coins for Leslie from different countries, challenging her to go home and locate the countries on a globe. Not only did he take the time to point out the significance of the designs on the coins, but explained to Leslie the social and political meanings of the symbols.

After several more visits and purchasing several hundred more coins for their collection, Jon has been

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able to use their new-found hobby to teach Leslie about their family history. Together they have explored the story of her great-grandparent’s life as missionaries in Austria and how they had to leave for their own safety as the Hitler Youth movement began persecuting American Christians. They left Austria on Christmas Eve of 1934. Holding actual coins from that tragic time gave them a connection to their ancestors.

While most father-daughter activities are very meaningful and will always provide memories for years to come, Leslie and Jon have created a collection that will serve as a means to share their time together with others in their family for generations. <

About the Contributor: Jon Hale is the Cash, Credit and Sales Specialist for WKU Restaurant and Catering. He enjoys spending time with his family and making hand crafted wooden ink pens for Hale’s Pen Shop. He is married to Renee, the librarian at Warren Elementary School. Leslie enjoys math, science, coin collecting and hiking at Lost River Cave. Their son, Logan, enjoys super heroes, science, math, and helping his father make ink pens.

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A Case For Dignity Noah Jones is not your average 13 year-old boy.

After his parents challenged him two years ago to do something to help the community, Noah’s idea has grown into an endeavor which this year alone will help over 1,000 children.

Through his family’s participation in the foster parenting and adoption program in Kentucky, Noah discovered that when children had to leave their homes their belongings were placed in garbage bags. “I would not want this to happen to me,” Noah said. “I feel that by putting their favorite things in a garbage bag we are sending a message that they and their stuff are not worth any more than trash.”

Noah started the organization, ‘A Case for Dignity’ and his work has not gone unnoticed. He was recently featured in Reader’s Digest magazine as a Hometown Hero and many Bowling Green businesses got on board with his bag drive during May’s Foster Care Awareness month. “The community has really stepped up,” Noah’s mom Sara added. “We’ve been blown away by the generosity. Noah has learned you can’t take for granted who is going to help. Everyone has a heart for giving… churches, tattoo parlors. I love that message.”

Noah’s first goal was to help kids in his own community, and they have taken the excess bags to Owensboro, Elizabethtown and Louisville. After the Reader’s

Digest article came out, thus far they’ve had 15 other states reach out, wanting to start their own bag collection programs.

“We never dreamed it would be as big as it has become,” Sara said.

Sara said they typically hold two big bag drives per year – one in May and one in September (when school supplies are often on clearance). A Case for Dignity founder Noah Jones presents “It feels really great Fonda Walker of the Department of Community knowing that I can Based Services of Warren County with backpacks. help other kids – that this can bring them just a little bit of joy on what would otherwise be a bad day,” added Noah.

Bowling Green Parent Magazine will be collecting bags for Noah’s September Drive at our August 25 Family Fun Fest. See the sidebar for suggestions of items, in addition to bags that will be collected.

Can’t make the event? Drop off locations for bags and supplies in

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Suggested Items for Bags Tearless Shampoo Tearless Body Wash Hairbrush Toothbrush Children’s Toothpaste Deodorant Stuffed Animals Low Noise/No Battery Required Toys Coloring Books/Crayons Journal and Markers/Pens Blanket Warren County include: all Warren County Public Library locations, The ALIVE Center, Progressive Insurance (Scottsville Road) and any Permanency and Protection office in Kentucky.

Learn more about A Case for Dignity at acasefordignity.blogspot.com and ‘like’ them on Facebook.<

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Backpack Safety As parents, our number one concern for our children is their safety. Study after study has demonstrated that improperly packing and wearing backpacks is linked to back pain among children and is a threat to future back related problems. I hope these backpack safety tips will help you prevent them from injuries and protect their developing spine.

Students regularly carry more than twice the recommended weight on their backs causing them to shift their weight forward putting additional strain to the muscles of the low back and shoulders.

An additional problem is not having the correct size backpack or wearing the backpack incorrectly.

To keep your child healthy follow these safety tips: 1. Limit the backpack’s weight to no more than 10% – 15% of your child’s weight. Staying 10% or less in weight is ideal. Lift your child’s backpack and weigh it if necessary to make sure it is not too heavy.

2. Use the right size backpack for your child. This will help prevent over stuffing. The right backpack it should not hang any lower than 4 inches below their waist.

3. Remind your child to ALWAYS use both shoulder straps to even the weight across both shoulders.

4. Pack the heaviest books closest to your child’s back to help maintain your child’s center of gravity and reduce strain on the shoulders and back.

5. When shopping for a backpack, look for the following: padded straps, wide straps, and a lumbar cushion support.

6. Teach your child how to lift their backpack correctly.

Teach your children to bend their knees and lift with their legs.

7. Carry ONLY what is needed for that day. Very often children pack items that are unneeded for that day which adds to the weight of the backpack.

Backpack safety should be a top priority for every parent. Many adulthood back, neck, and spinal problems originate from uncorrected childhood injuries. Watch out for early signs such as: pain, red marks from strap pressure, or poor posture. This can be an indication of a backpack that fits poorly or is overloaded. This can be an indication of a backpack that fits poorly or is overloaded. If you make the necessary corrections and your child is still having problems have them checked by a health professional.

Backpacks are easy to overlook as a health risk. Our

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children will face these threats to their health until the time comes when they carry just one device (like an iPad or nook) to school. < About the author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic in Bowling Green along with his wife, Dr. Chantelle. They have been providing chiropractic care to their two boys since they were just a few hours old. In their family practice they love to provide care for newborns, children, teens, and adults in the community. Dr. Brandon can be reached for questions at crouchfamilychiro.com or facebook.com/ crouchfamilychiropractic.

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Vaccines are among the most successful and cost effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only protect individuals who are vaccinated, but also protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines also have positive economic value.

An example is the parent who often had to stay home from work while their child’s chicken pox dried up.

Bottom line: The risk of vaccines is way less than the risk of illnesses. Nothing, including vaccines, are without any risk. If you read the PDR (Physicians Drug Reference) about most drugs you wouldn’t take them and certainly wouldn’t give them to your children.

Vaccines are divided into the primary series, normally completed by 18 months; the school entry series, required for school attendance in the 4-6 year olds; adolescent series, offered at Kentucky’s required sixth grade physical; and the adult vaccines, pneumovax, zoster (shingle preventative), and Tdap (Tetanus diphtheria and pertussis). The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all series.

Primary series includes Tdap, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Varivax (chicken pox), HIB (Hemophilus influenza) and pneumococcal vaccines.

The introduction of the HIB vaccine in the late 1980s has essentially removed bacterial meningitis as a diagnosis. MMR got some bad press as an autism cause

which was unfortunately based on tainted research.

Fairly new studies in California involved 30,000 children and those who received MMR actually had less autism diagnoses than those whose parents refused the MMR. Hep A is optional in this age group but is recommended.

School entry series include Tdap/MMR and Varivax boosters. Children must be four and should be done prior to starting preschool or kindergarten. Currently some children may also receive a pneumoccal booster.

Adolescent series include Tdap, meningococcal which are required. Varivax booster if not received at school entry, Hep A series and HPV series are all offered at this visit. HPV is our cervical cancer vaccine preventative.

It is now also being offered to boys to decrease their chance of venereal warts and passing the virus onto their partners. It may seem unusual that some sixth graders are prepubertal, but the immunity is better in the 11-13 year old than in the older adolescent.

Adult vaccines include the pneumonia shot in high risk adults. Zostavax prevents shingles. Tdap is also recommended for adults who have not had a tetanus booster in the last five years. It is extremely important for those around infants including new parents and grandparents.

If you have questions about vaccines, ask your provider.

Do not rely on the internet or tabloid reports.<

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Photo by Jenn Cady Design Photography

Vaccinations Spread the Word - Not the Disease

Pictured: Knox, son of Justin and Tyra Palmer of BG. About the author: Dr. Debra Sowell, a pediatrician at the Graves Gilbert Clinic, is a Bowling Green High School and Western Kentucky University alum who received her medical degree at the University of Kentucky. She enjoys needlework and watching BGHS, WKU and UK sporting events.

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First Day Flutters

Pictured: Hunter and Sierra Durkee

The start of a new school year is not exciting for all children. Starting out at a new school or just heading back to the classroom can be unsettling for some children. Parents can do several things to help prepare children of all ages for the new school year.

While clothes and shoes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the child, they often help your child feel like he or she fits in. Find out what the hottest trends are and what the school dress code is and plan a special back to school shopping date. Then, a week before school starts, help your child get into a routine by laying out clothes for the next day, going to bed at a consistent time and determining where to keep the backpack so mornings run smoothly.

Take advantage of school open houses. It is very reassuring for children to meet their teachers and to know more about the school. Children have questions about where they will eat, go to the bathroom and how they will get to and from their classrooms. This is the perfect opportunity for children and parents to learn together. At this same time, families can learn more about school events and activities as well as the school meal program. Ask for a list of recommended school supplies. Shopping for these is a great way to get children excited about school.

Talk with your child about the first day of school.

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Do they want to ride the bus or would they like you to take them? If you choose to go to school the first day, share a special wink and thumbs up with your child as you leave, reminding them that you are leaving them in good hands and you love them. The most important thing parents can do to prepare their child for a successful school year is to model a positive attitude.

While we all hate to see the lazy days of summer come to an end, parents set the tone for their children.

Comments like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will miss those late nights but how exciting it will be to see old friends or make new friends at school,â&#x20AC;? help children understand that a big change is getting ready to happen and great things are ahead.

Teachers, parents and children all have those first day flutters. Preparing for the excitement and fun times ahead helps to set the tone for a great school year! <

About the Author: Beth Schaeffer is a preschool consultant for the Warren County Public Schools. She has worked with young children and teachers for over 20 years.

She and her husband Jim are the parents of ten-year-old Grace.

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to School

I remember the excitement of going back-to-school clothes shopping with my mom. I couldn’t wait to hit the mall my high school years and visit my favorite stores to see what the colors and styles for that year were going to be. I wish my mom would still take me clothes shopping every fall!

Whether it is the excitement of seeing old friends, meeting new teachers, getting tons of cool new supplies, including a new backpack, or, especially for girls, the new clothes, every child has memories associated with this phase in their life. A new school year is a big deal.

And it is even more exciting when your child is starting a different school.

Why not say goodbye to the days of carefree summer vacation and hello to late nights of homework with a party? It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. You can let it be another reason in life to celebrate with family or some friends.

Here are just a few suggestions of fun things you could do. eMoving to a new school can be frightening for your children. Why not lessen those fears by preparing a special dinner for just your family with your child as the star. Cook their favorite food (usually making it a

very easy menu), decorate the table with school supplies (which you have to buy anyway), make a table cloth using blank sheets of notebook paper or a white paper table cloth that you can draw on with crayons. It will be a very simple yet meaningful night. eWant to throw a get together? What about using an apple or ABC 123 theme? You can serve things like candy apples, slices of apples with peanut butter, cookies in apple shapes, apple cider and, of course, milk and cookies. eTake home favors for each child could be in a brown paper bag, definitely including some Smarties! Have a white or brown paper tablecloth, cut an apple in half, dip it in paint and have fun with your child creating the decorations. eNo time for a party? Let your child make some special back-to-school shaped cookies, like apples, numbers and letters. They could put them individually in cellophane bags with a small note to give to all their new friends on the first day of school. Of course don’t forget something for the teacher! Your child will instantly be everyone’s best friend! Make this a fun transition and you can’t go wrong. <

Photo by Joshua McCoy

Celebrate Back

About the Author: Leona Morelock is the owner and lead designer at Lasting Impressions a Wedding + Event Planning Company.

Helping people celebrate and truly experience life’s many milestones is at the heart of all they do. For more information check out Lasting Impressions’ site at www.lastingimpressionsbyleona.com or shoot an email to Leona@leonamorelock.com.

Photo by Samantha Wilson, Sam’s Studio | www.samsstudio.net

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Check Out That Hockey League “Mom, I really want to play hockey!” My five-yearold Ryne was pretty adamant about what sport held his interest. But living in south central Kentucky made accomplishing his goal questionable.

We have a lot of relatives up north where hockey is prevalent and our family has been season ticket holders for the Predators in Nashville since 2002. That means Ryne’s been hearing about and going to hockey games since he was three months old. But driving him to Nashville to join an ice hockey league wasn’t an option.

What we do have locally is the Warren County Inline Hockey League (WCIHL). The only difference in this sport and ice hockey is that it is played on roller blades. There is a rink at Basil Griffin Park with the same boards, benches, nets, markings and even penalty boxes as ice hockey.

WCIHL is for ages five through adult. My son signed up for “squirts,” ages five to 11. The entire league is “non-checking” relieving my fears about the roughness you see at hockey games. The league’s mission is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization to encourage and develop youth hockey in Bowling Green, so the focus is not just on winning, but more on development.

And develop they have. This year, several players that began in WCIHL moved on to ice hockey and won the Kentucky High School Ice Hockey League Championship competing against top northern high school teams like Trinity and St. Xavier in Louisville.

Not having enough students or facilities to form a hockey team in either Bowling Green or Owensboro, students from four Bowling Green high schools and four Owensboro high schools came together to form the Rampage, or shall we say – state champion Rampage.

If your child is interested in playing hockey, there are two seasons. Signups for the spring season begin in February and run through May. Signups for fall season are in August and run through November. Registration is online.

Fees are $55 per child per season with an additional $20 fee to USA Roller Sports covering insurance. Help is available for beginning players and equipment. A $100 deposit can be made which will be refunded once all gear is returned. This covers skates, helmet, stick, shin guards, elbow pads and mouth piece.

This is your hockey lover’s chance to go for it. There’s a division for every age. Visit their website at www. wcihl.com or email board@wcihl.com. <

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About the Author: Nicole Randall is Marketing Director at Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky. She also serves as Secretary for Caveland Marketing Association and is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

Nicole and husband Chris have one awesome 6 year old son, Ryne, a Warren County Inline Hockey League Player and a North Jackson Elementary baseball player.

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Beech Bend Park With summer upon us, it is amusement park time again. Anyone growing up or living in south central Kentucky has heard of Beech Bend Park and knows it as a place where good times abound from racing to swimming to music concerts, to a traditional amusement park. Beech Bend has been a fixture in south central Kentucky for over 100 years.

In fact, that shady grove of beech trees down in the bend of the Barren River has been used for picnicking since 1880. Charles Garvin, the originator of the park, purchased the property in the early 1940s adding a pony ride, roller skating rink, dance hall and swimming pool as the first amusements. After WWII, Mr. Garvin added mechanical rides and initiated auto racing.

The 1960s saw Beech Bend grow and expand.

Admission was ten cents to a park filled with rides, music, dancing, roller skating, midway games, picnics, swimming lessons, a zoo and a large campground. It was the only public swimming pool for years and the dragstrip was a big weekend draw.

The park declined in the 1970s, closed when Charles Garvin died in 1979, was sold, changed hands, closed again and ended up with current owner Dallas and Alfreda Jones who had bought the racetrack to begin hosting national drag racing events sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association. Dallas and Alfreda,

assisted by daughters Charlotte Gonzalez and Dana Porter, son Clay Jones and his wife Stephanie have spent the last 20 years making Beech Bend a great family amusement park and a world class race track.

Beech Bend Park has undergone 70 years of changes but the geography remains the same. Heading out Beech Bend Road brings back old memories of picnic baskets, big shady trees, a Ferris wheel that always stopped with me on the top, swimming lessons and needing 10 cents to get past that gate. Nowadays you pay one price for the whole day’s activities.

The energy level is high with families enjoying the more than 40 rides, 500 campground spaces with modern amenities, a water park and large picnic pavilions. Splash Lagoon is clean and full of fun, cool activities for the whole family including lazy river, wave pool, water slides, zero-depth play area and pool… and new this year is a lily pad walk. Also new for 2012 are the ‘Zero-G’ drop and Wild Bill Hiccup’s Wild West Show. The race track hums all spring, summer and fall with numerous events plus ‘fun’ racing on Tuesday nights and most Saturdays.

Want to learn more about the history of this local gem? You might enjoy reading Charles Garvin’s story, available in the book Charles Garvin’s Dynasty of Dimes by local author, Robert Dickey. <

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Pictured above: Jayden, age 3 Submitted by Rebecca Renfro

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They’re Moo-velous Venture down 31W South from Bowling Green and you can’t miss the big red barn on your right. Chaney’s Dairy Barn was opened in September 2003 to a public hungry for something different and something “udderly” wonderful.

a great lineup of family friendly movies shown outside on the side of the Dairy Barn. Movies start at dusk and admission is free. Bring the kids out early to enjoy the two monster slides, swings and dome climbers on the Barnyard Playground.

The farm itself was purchased by the Chaney family in 1888 and became a dairy farm in 1940. Many years later, because of the low price of milk, the Chaney family was looking for new avenues for profit when they discovered a unique twist in the dairy industry.

Successful dairy farms were selling homemade ice cream.

Chaney’s annual Agriculture Awareness Night, August 11, is an opportunity for the public to come to the farm and explore the world of agriculture. Chaney’s brings in other agricultural vendors/organizations who share their passion for the family farm. In addition to the vendors, there are plenty of activities for the kids – hayrides, pony rides, face painting, crafts and more.

This year they will close out the event with the movie “Barnyard”.

The Chaney’s have had great success since the very first opening day. Along with the delicious ice cream that is made on the premises, they offer other meal items and Kentucky foods. They also have filled the Barn with specially selected crafts and foods made by Kentucky artists and companies.

Summertime brings movies under the stars, fun festivals and educational farm tours. Chaney’s Dairy Barn offers a summer slate of free or low cost activities the whole family can enjoy.

The popular Ice Cream & a Moovie season runs through September, every other weekend and features

Have you ever visited a farm? Why not book one of the Chaney’s Summer Family Farm Tours that run on Mondays and Fridays in June and July? Farmer Carl provides a unique, firsthand account of the history of the farm, dairy farm life and the Chaney Farm legacy.

Participants ride down to the barn in the Moo Wagon, view a live milking demonstration, visit a Jersey calf, and top it off with a scoop of Chaney’s homemade ice cream.

Don’t forget the Bowling Green Parent/Houchens IGA/WBKO Family Fun Fest August 25, 10 a.m. to 3

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p.m. Bring your family out for a day full of activities – games, inflatables, vendors and youth performances.

Chaney’s Dairy Barn is a great place to make wonderful, summer memories. They are located at 9191 Nashville Rd. , Bowling Green, KY. Call (270) 843-5567 for more information or online at www.chaneysdairybarn.com or on facebook at www. facebook.com/chaneysdairybarn. <

About the Author: Wendy Keith is the wife of Gerald Keith and mom to Lili, age 10 and Elliott, age 7. She is the Office Manager at Chaney’s Dairy Barn where she was worked since 2008 and enjoys creating event posters and advertisements. In her spare time, she likes spending time with her family, reading and antique-ing.

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i love bg HOUSE Kitchen BEFORE

YUMMY MOMMY Beautiful Hair from a BOX

After Photos by Mandy Garvin

Kitchen AFTER

We’ve all had home hair dyeing horror stories that are so bad that a shaved head seems like the only solution. Don’t make another mistake by following our how to color hair at home the right way.

• Keep coloring simple. If you want to cover gray or go a few shades darker, then home hair color may be for you. But, if your heart is set on something more dramatic or if your hair is damaged, STOP right now. You need professional help at a salon.

Dining Room AFTER

The 2012 I Love BG Idea Home was created to showcase what the collaborative vision of local businesses and the quintessential Bowling Green neighborhood can produce. Briarwood subdivision presents an opportunity and challenge alike. Set conveniently, it boasts great schools, ideal location and an inviting setting. However, like many aging neighborhoods the homes present dated floor plans, minimal modern amenities and often dilapidated structures. The inaugural project set forth the opportunity to take these homes, employ modern renovations and simple aesthetics to transform seemingly out of date properties into ideal homes for today.<

• There so many hundreds of different shades, making a selection can be overwhelming. Visit one of the websites (Revlon, Loreal, Clairol) and fill out their simple questionnaire to help determine your best color.

• Don’t make it permanent! If you are new to coloring or selecting a new shade select temporary (last 6-12 shampoos) or semipermanent (last 20-26 shampoos) Permanent can last several months.

• Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hrs prior to applying color. Freshly washed hair is lacking the oils needed to absorb the hair color. After coloring your hair, don’t wash it for a full day, preferably 48 hours. This will allow the hair color to completely penetrate your hair shaft.

Some of the most popular effects used on hair are hi-lights, low-lights and double process colors. As you can see by these pictures, these treatments are best left to salon professionals. <

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About the author: Tammy York is a hairdresser at Ohana’s with 11 years experience. She is a Redken color specialist, certified in Platinum Seamless Extensions. In her quest to become the best hairstylist she can be, she has traveled to Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale to further her education and learn the latest in cutting edge styles.

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PACKING TIPS from the pros

WIN LUGGAGE FOR FOUR! How would you like to win two Travel Buddies sets by TrendyKid AND two pieces of the 20” Sausalito Superlight carry-on bags from Ricardo Beverly Hills? To enter, visit our Facebook Fan Page and click on the “contests” box at the top!

You have until August 24, and the winner will be announced at Family Fun Fest!

TrendyKid, the creator of Travel Buddies Luggage Sets and the brand new TravelKool Travel Gear, brings functional sophistication, affordability and the “cool” factor to children’s and tweens’ luggage. Rachel Stephens, who founded TrendyKid with her husband, Mark, in 2003 offers these packing tips: Keeping kids comfy on the long haul When going on long-haul and night flights: •Dress the kids in PJ’s for the journey; it is much more comfortable.

•Pack a change of clothes – always be prepared for them spilling their drinks and wet clothes on a long flight is no fun.

organized PACKING Ricardo Beverly Hills is the maker of a dozen luggage collections, including premium Bel Aire – the company’s flagship line – and Big Sur Hybrid and Mariposa collections; new collections Crystal City, Huntington Lite 3.0, Roxbury, Sausalito Superlight, San Mateo, Savannah, Valencia and Venice; and the new American Explorer value-priced line launched by Ricardo in 2011. The company was recently named in National Geographic’s book, The Ten Best of Everything by Nathaniel Lande. Here are Ricardo’s spacesaving packing tips: Organized packing = more room for everyone:

•Your feet swell! Pack light slippers for the kids to wear or crocs that are more giving.

How do you organize individual family member’s belongings for a road trip or vacation so that, on the plane, luggage will fit into the overhead bin and, in the car, there’s still room for people?

•Don’t forget a light blanket. Sometimes the cabin is cold and a full flight can mean not enough in-flight blankets.

“Packing efficiency is the name of the game,” said Nicole O’Leary, marketing assistant at Ricardo Beverly Hills.

•Bring entertainment. There is usually only one kid movie available in economy, so make sure the kids have other entertainment options.

•For “just in case,” pack first aid supplies (band-aids in assorted sizes, hand sanitizer, small tube of bug bite sting reliever, antiseptic wipes, small tube of antibiotic ointment, several individual packets of Advil and Children’s Tylenol), rain gear (if you don’t have it, it will rain), sunglasses and copies of passports.< About the author: TrendyKid, a Washington, D.C. based children’s accessory and apparel company, was founded by husband-and-wife team Mark and Rachel Stephens in 2003. Designed by children for children, the brands provide parents with practical luggage solutions – and give children trendy travel companions for overnights with friends and travels with family. The luggage is available through Amazon.com, eBags.com and other online retailers, in luggage stores nationwide and at Dillard’s.

• Pack according to the itinerary. Match the contents of the suitcase to the items on the itinerary and take only those clothing pieces/accessories necessary.

• Be a packing minimalist: mix and match wardrobe pieces to get a maximum number of outfits from a minimum number of pieces.

• Many resorts and ships have guest laundries onsite or onboard. Being able to launder clothing during your trip means you only need half as much to go twice as far. Pack a plastic baggie with powder detergent and another with fabric softener sheets.

• Roll and stack clothing: Clothes fit more neatly and seldom wrinkle and this is an easy and efficient method that even young packers can handle.

• Pack workout togs and gear; it takes up little space and you’ll want it for the exercise room at your resort or for a run along the beach.

• Use luggage with a built-in TSA lock so TSA officials

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can search bags without damaging them and so your belongings remain your belongings wherever your travels take you.

• Tuck small items or rolled socks into your shoes.

Stow socks, underwear, workout wear and pajamas into corners and crevices like the bottom of the case beside the handle tubing.

• Invest in luggage with an expandability feature – but don’t use this until the return leg of your trip when you need the extra space for souvenirs, gifts and other goodies.

• Invest in a lightweight gadget that will power up multiple electronic devices – both domestically and internationally – while you’re traveling.

• Leave the stacks of books and movies at home – pack an eReader or tablet on your travels. < About the author: One of the largest luggage companies in the United States, Ricardo Beverly Hills is celebrating nearly 35 years in business and is an acknowledged fashion leader and trendsetter in the luggage industry.

Recently named in National Geographic’s book, The Ten Best of Everything by Nathaniel Lande, the company remains committed to designing fresh, unique and innovative luggage collections that offer quality and value at affordable prices. Ricardo Beverly Hills was founded in 1978 by Richard “Ricardo” Gibbs, formerly a travel products salesman who identified a need for great looking luggage with superior performance capabilities. Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage is available at Macy’s, Belk, BonTon and Boscov’s, luggage specialty stores nationwide and through many online retailers. page

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the

book nook

We often bemoan the fact that children just don’t seem interested in reading. And with all the distractions provided by TV, video games, and computers, who can blame them? Fortunately, there is good news: children still can and will get excited about reading if we just connect them with books they’ll love. Here are a few simple things that you can do to find great books for your child that will get them excited about reading: • Explore both fiction and nonfiction choices. Many children who don’t care for storybooks and novels are very interested in nonfiction books about animals, science, inventions, etc. I have been surprised at the number of my students who want to read cookbooks!

Point out different genres of fiction – mystery, adventure, science fiction, historical fiction, humor, and so on. Like adults, children usually enjoy some genres more than others.

• Consider graphic novels. Frankly, “graphic novel” is just another term for “comic book” that makes us librarians feel better about stocking them on our shelves. But in the past few years, reputable children’s publishers have been producing biographies, abridged classics, mythology, history books, and fiction in comic form. Some graphic novel series that are generally safe for children are “Graphix” from Scholastic or “Graphic Library,” “Graphic Spin,” “Graphic Quest,” and “Graphic Revolve” from Capstone Press. These books can be purchased online, and your local librarian or bookseller can guide you to some great choices as well.

• Know your child’s reading and interest levels.

Reading a book that is too hard or too easy will either make a child frustrated or bored. The five finger rule can help your child find a book that is just right: ask your child to read the first page of a book and put up one finger each time they come to a word they don’t know.

If two or three fingers go up, the book is probably a good fit. If five fingers go up, the book is probably a little too hard for now. You are the best judge of your child’s interest and maturity level, so keep that in mind as well when helping them select a book, especially if they are reading above or below grade level. And it’s okay to let your child read something that’s a little too easy sometimes; after all, as adults we regularly read and enjoy books that are far below our abilities (for example, John Grisham novels range from a 4th to an 8th grade reading level).

Choosing books that your child loves will not only help their mind grow stronger, but will help establish a healthy lifelong habit!

About the author: Hannah Ogden has been working with children for 10 years, first at the public library and then as a school librarian at Parker-Bennett-Elementary School. Most of her hobbies go hand-in-hand with the librarian stereotype...she loves to knit, putter in the garden, and of course, read. She does not, however, own a cat. She and her husband Stephen are expecting their first child this summer!

Pictured above: Cooper, son of Rebecca and Stephen Lee.

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The Warren County Public Library now offers a new music download service - Freegal.

Anyone can download music as long as they have a library card.

Patrons can download any song from Sony Music’s catalog. This is not a borrowing service. Once a song is downloaded it belongs to the patron. All songs can be easily downloaded to a computer (both PC and MAC) and most mobile devices. There is a weekly per-patron limit of three downloads.

“Freegal compliments our collection of downloadable e-books and audiobooks by making a wide selection of music available for our patrons to download,” says reference librarian Holly Hedden.

“It is easy to use and offers the convenience of remote access.”

“Patrons can pick out their favorites or sample new music genres, from Alt-Country to Top40 to Zydeco,” says Hedden.

Please visit the new resource at https://warrenpl.freegalmusic.com.

For more info, call 781-4882.

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57 Degrees In the Shade of a Cave Whew! It’s a hot one out there. The summer months are among my worst to be out in the woods. Heat and humidity alone is enough to make you want to stay off the trail till October. But combine the cobwebs and tics and snakes and dehydration that can occur and there’s even more reason to avoid the (sometimes) great outdoors. That’s why I usually head for nature’s air conditioning this time of year. I’m speaking of our caves. We are blessed to live in a region rich with karst topography (a fancy word for bat caves). I’d like to list a few for your little cavers to enjoy as a family this summer near Bowling Green.

Kentucky Caverns in Horse Cave is the answer to a day’s worth of adventure, with kangaroos on site and lots of other activities. The cave tour is a half hour long and has many cool features packed into that short amount of time. Spend a day at Kentucky Down Under and have a g’day mate indeed!

Diamond Caverns near the entrance to Mammoth Cave is the best bet for oohs and ahhs in cave country.

It was discovered in the 1850s and mistaken for a diamond hoard. No wonder when you take the 45 minute tour. The formations never quit.

Stuff is hanging from the ceiling everywhere! It’s the definition of eye candy, and my favorite cave to tour when I’m in the area.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a no brainer when it comes to outdoor recreation in the area. The biggest cave in the world is in our backyard, Wanna get muddy? Put some so we’d be remiss not to mention it kneepads and a helmet on and take here. But keep in mind that most of a wild tour at Hidden River Cave. the tours involve a “dry cave” without Right in the middle of downtown many formations, so be sure and ask Horse Cave is the chance to crawl on the visitor’s center staff which caves Canyon Hall, discoverd in 1930’s, is your hands and knees for a couple the largest passageway in Diamond have more goodies than others. I’m hours with nothing to light your way Caverns. Photo by Gary Berdeaux all about the goodies. but a flashlight. Turn that light off

for a second and feel the darkness in front of you. It’s a little dangerous, but hey, that’s adventure, right! Good luck with your exploration this summer, and I hope to see you in the caves!< About the author: Outdoorsman Cory Ramsey is the Kentucky Adventure Representative for the State Tourism Department and has been a contributor to WBKO Midday Live since 2009.

He is the uncle to a two year old named Braxton. Visit his website at www.coryramseyoutdoors.com.

Caving is For Scouts!

Lost River Cave invites Scouts to get down and get dirty. Experience the challenging and fun sport of caving with your troop. Learn cave safety, cave conservation, geology and about the fascinating critters that make their home in the deep underground. With team work and peer promotion, scouts will climb muddy banks, belly-crawl through tight passages and experience the thrill of the dark unknown. This adventure takes scouts off-trail and into areas of the cave unseen by the general public. This hands-on experience is a great opportunity for scouts to get dirty in a whole new environment. Ask for special scout rates.

Contact Annie Holt at 270-393-0077. < bowling green

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ADHD Sit Still and Listen Laundry. Bills. Dinner. Work.

Distractions are never ending for parents. Children are faced with constant distractions as well. Unfortunately, some children struggle more than others in dealing with these distractions. One cause for this difficulty could be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Symptoms of ADHD include: • Inattention – being easily distracted, forgetting things, having difficulty focusing or getting organized • Hyperactivity – talking excessively, being constantly in motion, having difficulty doing quiet tasks • Impulsivity – being very impatient, acting without thinking, interrupting others Most children show signs of ADHD at one time or another by having trouble sitting still, being impatient, and acting impulsively. And all children have unique temperaments, personalities, and energy levels. This does not mean that they have ADHD. Only when these characteristics are significant enough to affect their daily life does it become a concern.

What can I do if I think my child may have ADHD? • Discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician.

ADHD is a medical condition. Your child’s doctor may ask you questions or have you (and possibly your child’s teacher) compete a questionnaire. Your child’s doctor can

answer questions you may have about treatment options.

How can I help my child if he/she is diagnosed with ADHD? • Be positive. Increase your positive interactions with your child. A child with ADHD hears a lot of negative comments such as, “Stop doing that,” or “Sit still.” Make every effort to increase your positive comments such as, “Thanks for finishing your math homework,” or “Good job sitting in your seat during dinner.”

• Be clear and consistent. Set specific rules in your house that your child can understand and follow. Ignore or redirect behaviors you want to discourage and give immediate and positive feedback for behaviors you want to encourage. Set up a system of rewards and consequences.

Use time-out when behaviors get out of control.

• Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up to bedtime. Establish homework routines that include turning off distractions such as the television or computer.

• Talk to your child’s teacher. School professionals can work with you to assist in developing interventions or supports that can increase your child’s success at school.

• Talk with your doctor about medical treatment options. Some children with ADHD respond well to medication. A combination of medication and behavioral treatment works best.

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Keep in mind that how you “see” your child is how you will treat them. ADHD is not who they are. It is only one part of them. Adjust your expectations and recognize and enjoy your child’s unique strengths! < About the author: Christy Bryce is a School Psychologist in Warren County Schools. She spends her days experiencing life with her untiring, endearing husband and entertaining, vivacious children. Her personal endeavors include serving on the Board of the Family Enrichment Center striving to prevent child abuse; reading with her book club; and spending time with her family.

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area events & activities Music & The Arts

Concerts in the Park, Friday Nights Live Series, Fountain Square & Circus Square Parks, Jul. 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 6:30pm & 7:30pm, 270782-0222, www.downtownbg.org Lost River Cave Summer Music Festival, Jul. 14, 6pm-12am, Tickets $20/person or $35/couple advanced, $25/person at the door. 270-393-0077 “Seussical the Musical, Phoenix Theater, Jul. 15-17, Thur.- Sat. 8pm; Sun. 3pm, $12-$14. 270-782-3119, www.fountainsquareplayers.org Sounds of Summer, Orchestra Kentucky Retro Series, SKyPAC, Jul. 14, 8pm, 270-846-2426, orchestrakentucky.com Bowling Green Gallery Hop, various studios & galleries around town, Aug. 10, thebowlinggreengalleryhop.com Honk! Jr. The Musical, Public Theatre of Kentucky, Aug. 16-26, Sunburst Youth Theatre, Thurs., Fri., Sat. 7pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-781-6233 Sgt. Pepper on Abbey Road, Orchestra Kentucky Retro Series, SKyPAC, Aug. 18, 8pm, 270-846-2426 Ballet Fantasy Workshop “Cinderella”, Dance Arts, Saturdays Aug. 18-Sept. 29, 3:30-5pm, ages 4-10, $60. Rehearsal Oct. 13; performance Oct. 15, 2pm, at Corvette Museum, 270- 842-6811 FESTIVALS & MAJOR EVENTS Hart County Fair, Munfordville, Jul. 2-7, Carnival, pageants, agricultural exhibits, crafts, livestock shows, youth exhibits and more. 270-528-3641 Green River Catfish Festival, Charles Black City Park, Morgantown, Jul. 4-7 Franklin Simpson Fair, Jul. 7-14, demo derby, pageants, agricultural exhibits, crafts, livestock shows, youth exhibits, horse shows, antique tractor pull, talent show, pet show. 270-392-0466 Monroe County Fair, Tompkinsville, Jul. 16-23, ag

exhibits, crafts, livestock shows, youth exhibits, horse shows, pageants, truck pull, pet show. 270-487-8273 National Corvette Homecoming, Sloan Convention Center, Jul. 19-21, 270-791-2117, nationalcorvettehomecoming.com Southern Kentucky Fair, SoKy Fairgrounds, Jul. 23-28, admission $10/person includes rides. Carnival, pageants, ag exhibits, crafts, livestock shows, horse show, demo derby, truck & tractor pull, mud slide.

270-842-7980 Barren County Fair, Jul. 25-26 Spirits in the Cave, Lost River Cave, Aug. 2, 6-9pm, fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, food, drinks, music, silent auction. 270-781-1180, bbbsky.com Duncan Hines Festival, Aug. 10-11, Concert in the Park & Duck Derby Fri., Circus Square Park, Art Exhibit Fri. & Adventures in Good Baking Contest Sat., Kentucky Museum, 270-782-0800, duncanhinesfestival.com Kentucky State Fair, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Aug. 16-26 Educational Boyz Kool, Graham Drive Library, Jul. 2, 21, 2pm.

Building and sculpting, Legos, printmaking, team building projects, male mentor speakers and more.

Stone Carving Workshop & Demos, Graham Library, Jul. 2, 10am; Smiths Grove Library, Jul. 3, 10am; Kirby Library, Jul 2, 2pm; Main, Jul. 2, 6pm Drop In 4th of July Crafts, Smiths Grove Library, Jul. 2, 1-7pm

2pm. Prepayment & registration req’d. Boys & girls age 11-17, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies & basic tips for caring for children. $20, includes lunch, course materials and a T-shirt.

Foster or Adoptive Parent Informational Meeting, Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Jul. 12, 6:309:30pm, 270-781-6714 x3 to register. Childcare not provided.

Glow Slime Science Experiment, Kirby Library, Jul. 13, 2pm Cook Up a Story, Main Library, Jul 16 & 23, 2pm.

Ages 6 and up. Registration required 270-781-4482 Make a Kaleidoscope, Kirby Library, Jul. 17, 10am.

Registration required 270-782-0252 Third Thursday Farm Day, Need More Acres Farm Tomato Fest, Jul. 19, 5-7pm. Get your hands dirty, enjoy great food & learn about growing produce.

Chemistry Explosion! Graham Library, Jul. 20, 2pm Junior Naturalist Program, Lost River Cave, Jul. 21 19, 2-4pm, ages 6-12, $10, 270-393-0077, lostrivercave.com/kidsactivities.html “First Class Passenger” Breakfast, Shaker Tavern at South Union, Jul. 21, 10am, reservations req’d, $17, 800-811-8379, shakermuseum.com Make a Sun Catcher, Kirby Library, Jul. 24, 2pm.

Registration required 270-782-0252 United Way Day of Caring, Jul. 25, communitywide volunteer project event, 270-843-3205, unitedwaydayofcaring.com

Make a Glow Jar, Kirby Library, Jul. 10, 2pm.

Registration required 270-782-0252

All Aboard Series, Historic Railpark and Train Museum, Jul. 28, Aug. 25, 8:30am, 270-745-7317, historicrailpark.com

Summer Workshop Series: Cultural Sensitivity Training / Working with Diverse Communities, WKU ALIVE Center, Jul. 11, 9-11am, $10, 270782-0082, wku.edu/alive

September 11, 2001 A Global Moment Exhibit, Corvette Museum, Aug. 4-Oct. 28, 8 am – 5 pm, rare and important artifacts from the World Trade Center, 270-781-7973, www.corvettemuseum.org

Babysitting Clinic, Medical Center, Jul. 12, 9am-

Victorian Skills For Young Ladies and Gentlemen

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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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Workshop, Riverview at Hobson Grove, Aug. 14-15, 3:30pm, reservations required, 270-843-5565 Substance Abuse in Families: Understanding the Choices Biological Parents Make, First Christian Church, Aug. 16, 6-8pm, 270-781-6714 x3 to register. Childcare provided to first 15 children.

Family Fun $5 Play, Hopscotch’s Playplace, Fridays in Jul. & Aug. Summer Star Wars Event, Kirby Library, Jul. 1, 2pm.

Games, quizzes, activities and prizes.

Kid¹s Market, Community Farmer’s Market, Jul. 7.

Shop for items created by local kids & poster contest.

Magic Show, Smiths Grove Library, Jul. 12, 10am; Kirby Library, Jul. 12, 1pm Second Saturdays Street Fair, Fountain Square Park, Jul. 14, Aug. 11, inflatables, face painting, vendors, sidewalk sales, music, horse drawn carriage rides. www.downtownbg.org, 270-782-0222 Ice Cream & A Moovie, Chaney’s Dairy, dusk, free, no outside drinks, 270-843-5567, chaneysdairybarn. com: Jul. 13-14, Kung Fu Panda 2; Jul. 27-28, Cars 2; Aug. 10-11, Barnyard; Aug. 24-25, Smurfs PJ Tales Storytime, Main Library, Jul. 17, 6pm.

Come in your pjs and bring your favorite toy.

Multi-Cultural Day, Community Farmer’s Market, Jul. 21. Meet new people, enjoy multi-cultural programs, create piñatas from around the world.

Teddy Bear Sleepover, Smiths Grove Library, Jul 23, 6pm. Wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed bear who will spend the night at the library.

BRIMS Experiments with Electricity, Main Branch, Jul. 25, 2pm. Registration required 270-781-4882 Summer Reading Finale Block Party, Graham Drive Library, Jul. 26, 5-7pm. Hair chalking, face painting, sidewalk art, water games, snow cones, ice cream.

Karaoke Summer Reading Finale Party, Main Library, Jul. 26, 3pm Beach Party, Smiths Grove Library, Jul. 27, 2pm Electrifying FINALE! Kirby Library, Jul. 27, 2pm Parent’s Night Out, Hopscotch’s Playplace, Jul. 27 & Aug. 31, 6:30-10pm, children age 2-6. Open play, activities, games, dinner from Subway. $20 first child, $12 sibling. Reservations required. 270-842-0420 Movie Morning, Graham Library, Jul. 28, 10am Summer Reading Day at the Ballpark, Hot Rods Stadium, Jul. 29, 4pm. Kids who read 10 books by Jul. 20 thru the summer reading program get in free!

Family Fun Fest, Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Aug. 25, 10am- 3pm, presented by BG Parent Magazine & IGA, crafts, goody bags, door prizes, music, booths, performances and more, 270-792-7228, bgparent.com

CAMPS Summer Fun Camp, Jul. 2-31 at F.O. Moxley Community Center, 270-393-3134

Center for Courageous Kids Summer Camp 2012 for medically fragile children, activities throughout summer. 270-618-2900, courageouskids.org.

Camp Goodtimes, Jul. 2-Aug. 1, Parker-Bennett Community Center. 270-393-3691

Fall Youth Tee-Ball Registration, BGPR, July 18-19

BGPR Tennis Camp, Jul. 9-20 & Jul. 23-Aug. 1, $50

Fall Soccer Registration, SKY Soccer, thru July 29

Camp Happy Days for disabled children, Kummer-Little Recreation Center, Jul. 12-31. Free, preregistration required, 270-393-3265

3V3 Soccer Tour, Lovers Lane Soccer Complex, Jul. 21, 9am, 801-915-3333, 3v3live.com

Vette Camp, Corvette Museum, Jul. 16-20, $100, registration req, 270-467-8852, corvettemuseum.org Drama Camp, Smiths Grove Library, Jul. 16-20, 1pm; Main Branch, Jul. 9-13, 1pm. Ages 10+.

Registration req’d 270-563-6651/270-781-4882.

Learn acting techniques, drama & theatre production basics, play improv games and perform short plays.

Timeless Manners Camp, Riverview at Hobson Grove, Jul. 16-20, 270-843-5565, bgky.org/riverview Dance and Theater Camp “Rio”, Dance Arts, Jul. 16-20, 9am-5pm, ages 4-10, $125, 270-842-6811 Crossfit Old School Camp, Jul. 23-26, 8-11am, ages 3-7; 12:30-3:30pm, ages 8-12, $125 includes snack and giveaway.

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 Graham Drive Afterschool Activities (all ages) Mac Lab 3-5pm Graham Troopers (School-Age) Wed. 3:30pm Teen Tuesdays (grades 6-12) 5pm Main Library Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 10:30am, Tue. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed., 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 High Five Kids Club (grades K-5) Thur. 4pm Lego Club (age 5+) First two Tue. each month, 6pm 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 Lego Club (ages 5+) Jul. 12 & 26, 6pm Computer Classes (Main Branch) To register, call 270-781-4882 MS Excel Basics - Jul. 5, 6-7:30 pm Intro to Computers & the Internet - Jul. 6, 2-3 pm E-mail for Beginners - Jul. 9, 2-3 pm Intermediate Computers/Internet - Jul. 12, 10-11 am

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Vette City Big Birds, SKYMAC Stahl Field, Jul. 2829, www.skymacrc.com 2012 BG Sprint Triathlon, Russell Sims Aquatic, Aug. 19, 8am, 270-791-9437, triathlon.ggclinic.com 4th of July Fireworks Jul. 3 Citizens First Thunderfest Independence Day Celebration, Corvette Museum Amphitheater, music, tethered balloon rides, children’s activities, fireworks, gates open at 3pm, fireworks 9pm, $5 per person, $15 per carload, bgkiwanis.org/thunderfest Jul. 4 Fourth of July Celebration, Barren River Lake State Park, beach party, live entertainment, fireworks at dark, 270-646-2151, parks.ky.gov/parks/ resortparks/barren-river/default.aspx

MS Publisher - Jul. 16, 6-7:30 pm MS Excel Intermediate - Jul. 17, 2-3:30 pm Computing for Seniors - Jul. 17, 6-7pm, Jul. 18, 10-11am Job Hunting Online - Jul. 18, 6-7pm Intro to Genealogy - Jul. 19, 9-11am, Jul. 25, 6-7pm MS Word for Beginners - Jul. 23, 10-11am MS Excel Advanced - Jul. 26, 2-3:30pm Learn a Language with PowerSpeak - Jul. 27, 10-11am Learn to Download E & Audio Books - Jul. 31, 6-7pm Preparing and Caring for Baby, Classes offered by The Medical Center. Info and registration at 270-7962495 or themedicalcenter.org A New Baby’s Coming Class (Aug. 16) 6-8pm (A siblings class for kids age 3 and up. Bring doll or stuffed animal. Includes tour of OB unit, view of nursery, refreshments and a video) Breast is Best (Jul. 19) 6-8pm C-Section Class (Jul. 24) 6-8pm Fatherhood 101 (Jul. 24) 7pm, Classroom 2 Grandparents Class (Aug. 14) 6-8pm Newborn Care & Safety Class (Jul. 12, 26, Aug. 9, 23 ) 6-8pm Nutrition During Pregnancy (Aug. 28) 6-7pm, Tucker Prepared Childbirth Classes Option 1: Six Week Series (Meets every Tues. Jul. 10Aug. 14; Aug. 28-Oct. 16) 6pm Option 2: One-Night Refresher (Jul. 17) 6pm Option 3: One-Day (Jul. 21, Aug. 18) 9am-1pm Ready, Set, Go! (Aug. 30) 6-8pm Twins or More! (Aug. 22) 6-8pm, Med. Ctr. Conf. Rm. page

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Celebrate Christmas in July Need a little Christmas? Head to Santa Claus, Ind., and make some merry memories in “America’s Christmas Hometown.” Several new reasons have been added to the list of family-friendly fun: • Making a splash at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – consistently ranked at the top of the list for familyfriendly parks – is Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster. Thrill seekers head up a 300-foot conveyor “lifthill” before several breathtaking drops, including a three-story drop at a 45-degree angle. The Sparkler vertical tower swing also debuts, in the park’s 4th of July section, and begs to be ridden at night when it’s lit up like a Christmas tree.

Also new this year: park-wide Wi-Fi, cabanas in the water park and two special events: Rock the World Christian Music Festival, headlined by Grammynominated Jeremy Camp, will be held Saturday, Aug. 25, and the family-friendly Happy Halloween Weekends, featuring Trick-or-Treat Trail, takes place in October.

• The free-admission Santa Claus Museum is part of a historic village complex located next to the 1935 Santa Claus Statue and includes the 1880 Santa Claus Church and original Santa Claus Post Office. Explore yuletide memorabilia while the kids pen letters to Santa.

• The Santa Claus Christmas Store expanded to

ginormous proportions, tripling its size. Shop for Christmas decorations, gifts and collectibles, lighting, tree trimmings and yard art, fudge, candies and other sweets. Choose from over 5,000 ornaments and get them personalized for free. Stockings and tree skirts can also be personalized.

• At charming Santa’s Lakeside Cottages, an outdoor sports pool and splash pod joins amenities, including fishing in Lake Jolly from your back patio, life-size wood carvings of Santa and his elves and a playground.

• Lake Rudolph Campground & Resort adds six additional “Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins,” each a homey getaway with plenty of room for families to stretch out, with king-size master bedroom, large loft with queen and twin beds, sitting room and covered deck. Cabins have an electric fireplace, upscale appliances and several flat screen TVs. Other can’t-miss Christmas-themed attractions: • Santa’s Candy Castle has gourmet candy canes and popcorn, salt water taffy, chocolate confections, peanut brittle, hot chocolate (27 flavors!) and frozen hot chocolate. Kids and parents can do their Christmas shopping: there are Christmas books and ornaments, stuffed reindeer – even authentic gold, frankincense and myrrh gift sets. Kids big and small love the interactive candy machines and the clever North Pole Network,

About the author: Kathy Witt is a freelance writer and the author of the historical middle grade novel, The Secret of the Belles.

Visit Kathy’s website at www.

KathyWitt.com and her blog at www.TravelinTales.com.

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a hi-tech computer lab with screens and chairs where little ones can sit, have an online chat with an elf – and learn which of Santa’s lists they are on . . . the Naughty or Nice.

• Frosty Fun Center, located across the street from Santa’s Lodge, is where kids can blow off some energy at arcade games and an 18-hole mini golf course anchored by a giant melting snowman. Inside the eatery are a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, cold drinks and more.<

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Family Fun Fest Join Bowling Green Parent Magazine and Houchens IGA for some good ‘ole fashioned fun down on the farm at Family Fun Fest! The event is Saturday, August 25 from 10am - 3pm and features arts and crafts activities for kids, face painting, inflatables by Hooks Entertainment, tunes from Music for All Occasions, goody bags for the first 300 families, retail and informational vendor booths and more!

Throughout the day attendees will have the chance to win a number of awesome door prizes, including FREE birthday parties from The Skate Box, tickets to area attractions like Dinosaur World and the Corvette Museum, meals from Ryan’s Buffet and more. Enjoy a number of entertaining performances including science experiments by Hooked on Science, singing, dancing, live musical and acting performances.

If your group is interested in being a performer, please contact Cara at 270-237-0840 or cara@bgparent.com.

If you are interested in a vendor booth or table spot, download a signup form at www.bgparent.com.

Check out some of the vendors below, and we hope to see you down on the farm at Chaney’s!<

The SKyPAC Scentsy

Body Works Chiropractic

Boys & Girls Club

Chubby Cheeks

Crocker Law Firm

Hopscotch’s Playplace

Lost River Cave

Real Life Church. Kids of all ages will have fun creating unique bookmarks and picture frames at Family Fun Fest! Visit www.thereallifechurch.tv to see how kids can have fun like this each Sunday morning!

Medical Center Health & Wellness

Many private schools and child care facilities CoventryCares of Kentucky is dedicated to meeting the health care needs of Kentucky residents. Our benefit plan covers both children and adults, and includes: Case management, Vision & dental services, Behavioral health, 24-Hour Nurse Line, and much more! coventrycaresky.com Eastwood Baptist Plano Campus invites you to join us for worship at 8:45AM at Plano Elementary (a temporary location) followed by Bible Study at 10 AM. For more information visit www.eastwoodbc.org/plano Family Enrichment Center supports families and encourages parents to make sure their kids are safe and ready for school.

Precious View 3D/4D Ultrasound Imaging. You’re going to Love what you See! Packages Starting at $75.

Gender Determination Starting at 15 Weeks. 661 US 31W Bypass, Bowling Green, KY 42101. 270-9043085. www.PreciousView4D.com

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Thirty-One

Red Elephant Studio. 112 E. Public Square, Scottsville, KY 42164 | 270.239.1120. www.theredelephantstudio. com. A mixture of modern and trendy photography of Babies, Children, Seniors, Families & More! Visit our website or find us on Facebook to see our portfolio!

The Law Firm of Flora Stuart. Visit our tent August 25th for prizes, drawings and community event info!

See the Art Education Task Force Cast of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. perform LIVE! www.aetf-inc.com.

The Public Theatre of Kentucky is a family-friendly nonprofit organization dedicated to performing arts.

Contact Producing Director Jennifer Wells at (270) 781-6233 or ptkybg@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook and visit The Phoenix Theatre 545 Morris Alley Bowling Green, KY 42101.

The Skate Box. 506 Three Springs Rd B.G Ky 270843-3394. Check out or web site for our hours, special events & birthday party info & more. Home of The Vette City Roller Derby. www.skatebox2.com Two Friends Originals. Handcrafted Jewelry. Owned & operated by local artisans, Tomitha Blair & Tina Comer. “Thinking Oustide the Jewelry Box.” facebook.com/twofriendsoriginals twofriendsoriginals@gmail.com

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