Purchase Parenting & Family

baptistmiracles.tv

A nurse sits with a newborn night after night in western Kentucky’s only neonatal intensive care unit, keeping watch as if he were her own.

Specially-trained surgeons use western Kentucky’s only da Vinci robotics for hysterectomy or cancer surgery with minimal scarring and quicker healing.

And specialists use a clot-busting drug to reduce or reverse the debilitating effects of a stroke at the region’s only certified stroke center.

At Western Baptist, we believe in miracles… because we see them every day.

Patrick and Lashonda Saddler of Paducah Watching son Zaren, 4, play drums

fatherhoodfodder

This is where a title would go that was LONGer than most of our titles!

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by Carissa Smith

Paducah Independent

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happyhohohotoyou

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t’s in my head…this tune from an old music album of classic Christmas tunes by Frank Sinatra. I don’t know why it popped into my head - I think it happened at the first site of Christmas decorations on sale in August! I spent September, October and even November saying “I’m not ready!” I need a little bit longer to get into the Christmas spirit. But putting together this magazine has certainly propelled me into a Christmassy mood.

Christmas, as I am sure I have written in countless December editorials, is my favorite time of the year. I have just the best memories of Christmas. My Mum, Audrey, made Christmas magical. Like many people, we didn’t have a great deal of extra money for gifts, so she spent months making things for my sister and I. She knitted entire wardrobes of doll clothes for the one baby doll she could afford to get us. She shopped sales and “charity shops” (as they are known in England) for things we had asked for. The house was decorated to the hilt with a real tree and a roaring fire, and the smell of the ubiquitous fruit cake. She made mince pies and sausage rolls and………well you get the idea.

In my mind Christmas is a miraculous mound of smells and tastes, and twinkling lights on the brightly lit tree. It’s being bundled into the car in our pajamas and swathed in blankets as we drove into downtown London to look at the Christmas lights.

It’s the massive pillow case full of gifts we got during the night on Christmas Eve. (Of course Father Christmas had been to see us - the evidence was clear! Why else would the empty plate and glass be in the living room with just crumbs left!) My father always complained about wearing the silly paper hat from the ‘cracker’ at dinner time and always waited until everyone else had opened all their presents before he would even start on his! These are primal memories for me; of family and joy, and tradition.

Our magazine this month is about the Christmas spirit: Giving back, helping those less fortunate and contributing to our wonderful community. I have recently had several conversations with friends about the shrinking number of people willing to volunteer their time. There’s been a slow decline over the past few years as we get busier and busier, and more and more parents both work. I challenge all our readers to take a few minutes this Holliday season. Identify a charity or organization you like or admire and offer to help. Maybe just for a couple of hours a month or even just one small project a year. Volunteering shows all of us the importance of being engaged in our community; teaches us to be more appreciative of what we have and it’s something we can do to set an example to our youth of responsible citizenship. And, it feels good!

All of us at Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. v

Karen Hammond

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Editor/Publisher: Karen Hammond Cell 270-559-5840 Office 270-415-9400 purchaseparenting@comcast.net • purchaseparenting.com Contributing Writers: Brandy Chandler, Robin Gericke, Rick Epstein, Laura K Thornton, Jamie Lober, Robyn Passante, Kerrie McLoughlin and Crystal Engler Calendar of Events: Let us know about your event, class, meeting or group. Send us the information by email to paducahparenting@comcast.net or call the office, 270-415-9400 Art Director: Angie Kimbro Graphic Design: Glen Dunkerson and Laura Thornton Advertising: Want to advertise your business in the magazine? Have a question regarding ad rates, billing or your account? Contact our advertising department at 270-4159400 or by email paducahparenting@comcast.net Advertising Account Executives: Carrie Armstrong, Gina Dunkerson, Crystal Engler, Evette Jernigan, Cassie Johnson and Laura Thornton Subscription and Distribution: Want to subscribe or receive a copy of the magazine by mail? Need a back issue? Want to add a location to our distribution? Please call our office at 270-4159400 or email paducahparenting @comcast.net Mission Statement: Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine provides free, accurate and timely information for Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and all its communities. Our goal is to educate, inform and promote family life, its goals and values, to the parents and grandparents in this area. The magazine will include community, medical, educational, lifestyle and spiritual articles on a monthly basis, written in a balanced and informative manner. Additionally, the magazine is to provide a full color, affordably priced venue in which local businesses can advertise. To that end, we will offer special pricing for not-for-profit organizations such as churches and government agencies, and a discount program for new and unique businesses. Purchase Parenting will maintain a high standard of editorial and advertising content, and creative design.

Funding for the magazine will come from the sale of advertising and from public and private grant sources that support community information sources and parenting education.

Purchase Parenting intends to maintain and publish a comprehensive monthly calendar of events. The calendar will be the main source within its distribution area for classes, church sponsored activities, reading, art events, galleries and museums, business and business organization events, sports activities, charitable events and fundraising, children’s story time, senior events and activities, and special populations events and activities. Entries to the calendar will be free to all except non- advertiser, for-profit, business entries.

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tableofcontents features Ethan Allen by: Kenn Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2012 Toy Review by: Beth Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Healthy Resolutions for 2013 by: Jamie Lober . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Toys for Tots by: Brandy Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Our Community Kitchen by: Laura K. Thornton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

departments activecare Sciatica by: Dr. Heath Schipp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

calendarofevents Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

holidayfun What in the World is Thanksmas? by: Kerrie McLoughlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

goodreads Beneath the Covers: Great Winter Reading by: Linda Bartley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Purchase Parenting & Family • P.O. Box 8061, Paducah KY 42002 Purchase Parenting & Family® (PP&F® Magazine) is published monthly by Karen Hammond. Advertising design by Angie Kimbro, Laura Thornton and Glen Dunkerson and layout design by Angie Kimbro. PP&F® Magazine, Angie Kimbro, Glen Dunkerson & Laura K. Thornton are not responsible for any injury or harm resulting from the information or advice contained in this magazine. The articles in this issue of PP&F® Magazine may not necessarily reflect the opinions of PP&F® Magazine, Angie Kimbro, Glen Dunkerson & Laura K. Thornton. All subscription, editorial, and advertising inquiries should be directed to purchaseparenting@comcast.net (270) 415-9400

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communityevents Destined For Disaster by: Robin Gericke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Talking Trash with GSPS by: Crystal Engler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 WKCTC Celebrates Family Folklore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

fatherhoodfodder Gathering Around the Festive DVD Player by: Rick Epstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

familyfinance Financial Lessons we can Learn from our Kids by: Robin Passante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

kidsbits Just Do It! A Teenager’s View of Volunteering, Leadership and Government by: Robin Gericke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

endingnotes Budget Busters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Advertiser’s Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

front cover by:

Brad Rankin Cover Models:

Kenn, Kendra and Fynnton Gray

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he boxes are unpacked, the construction is over, the new paint is on, the furniture is in place, and we are home! Finally, we have landed in our dream home and what is sure to be ‘the old homestead’ that we lovingly refer to as ‘Gray Manor’. Although Kendra, Fynnton and I only moved across the street and down a block, it took just as much strategic planning as if we had moved to Alaska! Thankfully we are settling into our new house and starting to feel at home. Fynnton turned two in September and is growing way too fast. It’s just too bad that he can’t stay little forever. He loves his new room and his big back yard and to watch him discover new things every day is a beautiful thing.

spaces to flow together with common themes, while maintaining their own unique and special qualities.

I started the project like any other, treating our family just like any of the other families I have as clients.

The saying ‘the cobbler has no new shoes’ certainly doesn’t apply to us! I have been planning the interior of this home for the better part of a year and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s turning out. As an interior designer, I want my home to reflect who we are as a family and, of course, showcase my design expertise.

Anything less would be a disservice to my profession.

Built in 1901, ‘Gray Manor’ is an historic Paducah home with many details that lend themselves to our eclectic design sensibilities. I wanted to maintain the historic nature of the space while using the existing architecture as inspiration for the furnishings I chose. With so many different rooms in the home, my challenges included designing the Photography by Brad Rankin

‘This article is paid advertising and the information contained therein is provided by the featured individual or business. They are solely responsible for its accuracy.’

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Step 1: Visit with the client (Kendra and I)

I will put together a design plan for the spaces they want to improve. It was no different with our new house. I had Kendra visit the design center for a design presentation. Of course, being this close to home and heart, I was much more nervous about her response than if she were one of my clients. Luckily she responded positively to all of my As with any of my clients, we asked ourselves ideas, and loved all of the colors and fabrics I had chosen.

2004Whew! In the end, every moment in the home has been important questions: hroughout the C campaign thoughtfully crafted and meticulously made to be exactly How will we live in each of these spaces? what we (the clients) have dreamed about for so long. A C What colors do we most want to live with? perfect home for our family to share for years to come!

C What styles are we drawn to most recently?

C What textures and patterns are making us smile Ever wanted an interior designer to come give lately?

We looked at the house, took lots of photos, made measurements of key walls, etc., and made note of light fixtures, as well as initial changes to be made that would involve construction.

In answering these and more questions, it became clear that we were on the same page and the process became fun!

Step 2: The planning begins!

Again, as with any of my clients, I begin with color. I went through tons of websites and magazines searching for the common color theme that would present itself in the home and knew that it was to be a vast difference from our last home which was very saturated with color. In this space we wanted a more subdued color palette.

I wanted to utilize a few pieces of furniture that I had already, mainly my grandmothers 1960’s sofa which I have wanted to incorporate into my home for almost 20 years I had it recovered and it is now the centerpiece of the drawing room. Ethan Allen has such a variety of styles and they are all customizable which made it easy to seamlessly meld the old and the new. The real challenge is deciding which of the thousands of fabrics and hundreds of finishes to use on each piece of furniture. The result, however, is a totally unique look and approach to the design.

Step 3: The presentation Normally, after I have visited with the client in their home,

you great ideas and put their touch on your home décor? Well it couldn’t be simpler at Ethan Allen. Ethan Allen’s free interior design service isn’t just reserved for me because I work there; it is one of the many things that set us apart from the crowd. YOU can have the benefit of free design service too! We will come to your home, look at your space and make recommendations that will transform your home into everything you ever wanted it to be - all for free.

Ethan Allen is widely regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the furnishings industry. It simply is the best quality you can buy. So it may surprise you to discover that it is more affordable than you think, especially when you consider the level of design and product customization. Each piece is made just for you and with so many options you can have a totally unique look that is specific to you and your family. Fortunately we are not driven by a commissioned sales environment, so when you walk into our design center you feel creativity, not pressure!

Let 2013 be the year that you make a change…inspire yourself and let us inspire you! Happy Holidays from our family to yours and we will look forward to seeing you soon at Ethan Allen. v

[ ] Ethan Allen’s free interior design service is one of the many things that set us apart from the crowd.

YOU can have the benefit of free design service too! We will come to your home, look at your space and make recommendations that will transform your home into everything you ever wanted it to be - all for free.

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by: Beth Wyatt

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s a modern parent, you would like for your child to have unique, useful toys that are high quality and eco-friendly, hinting retro, yet entertaining and exciting, while teaching valuable skills to your children. Electronic toys of the 21st century have their place, but are only one genre in the toy world. A good mix in your home’s toybox will include open ended toys and games that promote creativity and critical thinking, building and designing, large muscle movement,, role play, and fine motor development.. Select gifts that fill gaps in your child’s current collection!

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With more than 50 associates on our rehabilitation team and the best state-ofthe-art equipment in the area, we are able to help reduce pain, enhance recovery and improve quality of life.

Joint Commission accredited

35128

270.443.6543 | LCCA.COM

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The ages listed for reviewed toys are primarily for safety standards.

Children younger than 3 years old should be accompanied by an adult when playing with toys that pose a choking hazard. As our little ones develop at varying rates, toys may be more appropriate or more interesting at another age. Keep in mind that children will play with toys in different ways at different ages. A rattle for a newborn may become a musical instrument at age 3 or 4. A building toy once built can become part of a village for trains, Barbies, or other play figures! All toys reviewed are available at Learning Railroad.

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by: Jamie Lober

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s we approach 2013, Purchase area families begin to make New Year’s resolutions. While all goals are good, I think the best ones are related to improving your health; both physical and mental. Here are ten ideas to get you started.

Get your annual physical.

It’s always a great idea to know the status of your health and an annual physical is a good place to start.

Remember to build a strong, open relationship with your doctor and let him get to know you both personally and medically. The more you share, the better he can guide you.

“It saddens me to see so many people whose lives are changed by illnesses, some of which could have been prevented or greatly reduced in severity if they had just gotten yearly physical exams,” said Dr. Kimberly Collins, Primary Care Physician at Mercy Primary Care in Paducah. An annual physical is the best way to detect troubles in their early stages and avoid complications. “Disorders like diabetes mellitus and hypertension can sneak up on us and linger for years unknown to the patient,” said Dr. Collins.

Learn more about your health status.

The U.S. Preventative Task Force Services recommends various preventative services based on age and gender.

“The most common preventative services are Pap smears, colonoscopies, mammograms, cholesterol panels, blood glucose levels, blood pressures and immunizations,” explained Dr. Collins.

Make sure you stay current!

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Get moving.

Try to fit in at least thirty minutes of activity a day, four to five times a week. “I strongly encourage you to get the whole family involved in exercise,” said Debbie George, personal trainer at Energy Fitness. “Join a health club with kid friendly activities so kids can play while you work out. Keep an activity journal to stay on track, and remember to combine cardio and strength training to burn more calories. You can also take a group class or go the extra mile and hire a personal trainer to really get a jump start on your fitness this New Year.”

Improve your nutrition.

“The best thing you can do is eat small portions every two to three hours,” Advised Jeff Moore, Trainer and Owner at Revolution Fitness. “This will help your metabolism kick into overdrive and you’ll burn those calories faster. Your body will soon recognize that it’s going to get more fuel in a couple of hours so it does not have to store fat.”

You can make an effort to prepare food in a healthier way as well. “Use olive oil instead of plain vegetable oil,” suggested George. “Eat whole grain breads and pastas instead of white, substitute ground turkey for ground beef, grill instead of fry food and add more veggies to your meals!”

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Sleep well.

Get spiritual.

Establish a sleep and wake routine. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your sleeping environment cool, quiet and dark, and getting eyeshades or blackout curtains if necessary. Let in bright light in the morning to signal your body to wake up. It is wise to avoid caffeine and chocolate late in the day so you can sleep more soundly. New research also indicates that avoiding the use of electronics close to bedtime can help you relax and fall asleep.

It’s just not smart to let your children play video games right before bed. Stick to calming activities such as taking a bath or reading a book.

Gather sayings or photos that make you happy and put them somewhere visible. Attend a religious service or pray at home. Read the comics from time to time and try to find some humor in life. Stretching can help you feel a sense of spirituality. “The stronger your core, (the middle, lower, upper abs and lateral oblique’s, lower back and lumbar area), the easier you will find life to be,” said Moore.

Practicing mindfulness is another wonderful technique. The idea is to be fully aware; enjoying tastes and smells to the fullest while avoiding distractions such as the TV or telephone.

Get connected.

Manage stress.

“For good mental health, make a point to make and stay connected with friends” said Moore. According to Mental Health America, a key difference between very happy people and less happy people is good relationships. Loneliness is associated with higher blood pressure amongst other things. Work on improving family relationships, and on being friendly at church and work. If you are looking to make new friends, try enrolling in a class that interests you, volunteer at local organizations or just say ‘hello’ to someone new at work. When you have a positive experience, share it with a friend to spread the happiness.

Let’s face it – life is stressful! Mental Health America suggests therapeutic massage is a great way to relieve muscle tension, boost your immune system and make you feel more relaxed. You might also explore yoga, meditation, or being outdoors in and around nature. They also emphasize the benefits of taking a mental vacation; something as simple as closing your eyes, picturing a scene you love and imagining that you are there. Practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress, and the physical and mental effects it has on a daily basis. Remember that laughter can reduce stress and make you feel better. Smiling and laughing will improve your health!

Make a difference.

Give back through philanthropy or by volunteering for a good cause. Doing good can make you feel good and it will most likely remind you that you’re more fortunate than many others. Appreciating what you have will help you value it and stop you from focusing on the negatives in your life. It will also foster connections to others; helping you feel needed and effective. Taking your mind off your own worries for a while is good for the soul and the benefits of giving back include making you feel generous, and adding a sense of purpose and meaning to your life.

Keep your commitments.

This is often the hardest part. Put this article somewhere visible or write some down resolutions of your own. Putting them in your own handwriting can help you feel more accountable. Tell a family member or friend what you plan to work on this year. Having someone else ask you about your commitments will help you stay on track. Make a list and check the items off as you accomplish them. Remember that they are not just intended for January; healthy decisions should be made year-round. v 20 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

activecare

Sciatica

by Dr. Heath Schipp Active Care Chiropractic

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all is here and people are out working in their gardens, and trying to locate their holiday decorations in basements and attics. With all of this extra activity comes back pain and leg pain. Pain that starts with your low back and extends into one or both of your legs is called Sciatica. Many Americans experience it every year due to their traumatic lifestyle.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg that is caused by irritation, compression, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves in the body reaching the size of your finger and running down the back of your leg. Each of the sciatic nerves is made up of 5 spinal nerves that leave the low back and come together to form one nerve that travels down the back of the leg. The sciatic

nerve travels to the toes, ankles, knees, calf and thigh. When the nerve is irritated, any or all of these areas can hurt.

Symptoms of Sciatica The symptoms of Sciatica vary widely. The pain can be in one leg, both legs, or change from one side to another.

Some people experience sharp “shooting pains” which run down the legs and into the toes. Some people experience dull aches and pains in the back, and other individuals have numbness throughout the leg. At times, the pains can be severe and debilitating for days. The pain may then subside for a few days, but has the potential to reappear and get much worse.

Many daily activities affect the pain intensity. Prolonged sitting when driving or working at a computer can increase the pain. Walking, bending, twisting, and running can cause the nerve to flair up as well. Sports should be avoided because of the twisting motion as this will cause an increase in pain levels.

Causes of Sciatica There are many causes of Sciatica. One of the most common causes is because of a subluxation. A subluxation occurs when one or more of the low back bones “move out of place” or misalign, which causes pressure or pinching on the sciatic nerve roots. This type of Sciatica is easily treated by chiropractors, who specialize in treating subluxations. A disc herniation is another cause of Sciatica. Discs are the shock absorbing cushions which are located between the low back vertebra. When the disc becomes injured due to an accident or fall, the disc bulges out or herniates. When the disc herniates, it contacts the nerve and pinches it, which causes the nerve to fire causing Sciatica.

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‘This article is paid advertising and the information contained therein is provided by the featured individual or business. They are solely responsible for its accuracy.’

Many other causes have also been linked to this condition.

Arthritis, car accidents, child birth, and pregnancy have all caused Sciatica. Years of poor posture, excessive weight, and poor muscle tone can allow small events, (such as bending over), to cause pain.

Treatment of Sciatica The medical doctor may treat the symptoms of Sciatica with pain killers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Physical therapy and nerve injections may also be tried.

Surgery to decompress the nerve may be utilized if the case is considered severe.

Chiropractic is highly successful at relieving Sciatica. The chiropractor will find the source of the nerve irritation and relieve it.

Treatment will vary according to the severity of the condition.

With the majority of patients, a few gentle adjustments are all that is needed to relieve pressure off of the nerve.

Whatever the cause of your pain, do not wait to get it treated as the longer you wait, the harder it is to correct. Too many people wait to see if it will get better on its own only to find out that waiting has made the problem worse. Call your Chiropractor today and get treated. v

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holidayfun

What in the World is Thanksmas?

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s the mother of 5 small kids, I know how crazy holidays can get. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing up, traveling, rushing and going into debt are just a few of the joys to look forward to from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. Why not take a day in between all that chaos to have a low-key Thanksmas celebration? Invite who you want! Eat what you want! Wear what you want! Here are some details, as well as some dos and don’ts, for having a great annual Thanksmas* celebration!

Thanksmas is a great excuse to keep in touch with the friends you can’t even seem to spend time on the phone with anymore. I mean, Facebook is a great social outlet, but it’s not the same as a face-to-face conversation and a hug.

Also, we overextend ourselves during the main holidays, and we need a day when we can focus on fun, relationships and relaxation.

by Kerrie McLoughlin Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

Thanksmas is a holiday when religion doesn’t matter; it’s about spending time with loved ones — not just family. It can be held anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, usually on a weekend, never before noon. Hold this celebration at your place, someone else’s house if your space is limited or in a church basement.

Thanksmas includes friends, neighbors, a family you want to get to know better, your own family who might be out of town during the main holidays, etc. Invite who you want, not who you feel like you should. This is a great time to invite someone like that cool ex-aunt who you never get to see anymore.

Start with the invitations Have your kids take green and red construction paper and trace their hand on the front for a turkey shape. Then head to the clearance section of your local party store and pick up leftover Thanksgiving goodies like plates, cups, napkins and decorations. While you’re there, grab some red and green plastic utensils, then find a plastic or fabric Christmas tablecloth (ask someone you know if you don’t have one). Download a bunch of Christmas music or pop in your favorite holiday CD.

Here are some extra tips to have a great annual celebration: DON’T try to cook the perfect meal because the goal of this “holiday” is to have fun. Go ahead and cook a turkey and a ham if that’s what floats your boat, but I’m giving you permission to do something different like make pizza, stir-

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fry, tamales or bratwurst. It’s your party, and the sky’s the limit! Being a little goofy gains you extra Thanksmas points.

DON’T dress up. I’m not saying to ask your guests to come in jammies (okay, maybe I am), but for the love of all that is Thanksmas, please do not allow your guests to dress up!

Give a prize to the guest with the worst hairstyle!

DON’T diet because I decree that calories don’t count today. Just enjoy yourself today and don’t beat yourself up over it. I’m not saying to make yourself sick, but take a day off from weight obsessions and the usual holiday stresses.

DON’T stress out. Your house does not need to be immaculate, and your cooking doesn’t need to be gourmet. Make your celebration a potluck so most of the meal is taken care of. Put out crayons, coloring books and games for the kids.

And if you happen to pop something in the DVD player for the kids like “A Christmas Story” or “Polar Express” (or even Tom and Jerry’s “The Nutcracker”) so you can have some adult conversations in another room, I won’t tell anybody.

DO make it low-key and fun. On the invitation you might ask invitees to wear their worst holiday sweater. Consider having a White Elephant gift exchange (hey, one guest’s trash is another guest’s treasure).

DO give back. Come up with a charity, and have your guests bring something for it, like canned goods for a food bank or diapers for a local crisis pregnancy center. Teach the kids about religious freedom and diversity, and it’s nice to get together with all kinds of different people. *For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, you can name this special in-between holiday “Thanksukah,” “Kwanzthanks” or just “mid-holiday.” v Kerrie McLoughlin is excited to throw her first Thanksmas party since having her kids. Visit www.TheKerrieShow.com for all sorts of holiday fun!

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Carson Center

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By: Brandy Chandler

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hristmas is right around the corner yet many families are struggling to make ends meet this year. It’s alarming to realize that 13 million American children live in poverty. Providing gifts for disadvantaged children at the holiday season has been the mission of Toys for Tots since 1947.

Back then, Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. It was such as success that the next year, in 1948, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located.

The program has become an American tradition and the initial objective remains the hallmark of the program today: To bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children. First Lady Michele Obama has been Toys for Tots number one supporter and volunteer since 2009 through mass media events, by conducting toy drives in the White House, and by volunteering to assist with the sorting of toys at local campaign warehouse sites in the Washington DC area. For a variety of reasons, Marines have collected and distributed only new toys since Christmas of 1980. Since beginning the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children. The new toy whichmillions of needy children receive each Christmas from Marines, through the Toys for Tots program, delivers a message of hope.

To assist Purchase area families in need the local Toys for Tots program is led by Barry Bryan. “The parents really appreciate it,” said Bryan, who has been organizing the local event

for four years. “Many of them tell me they wouldn’t be able to do Christmas without everyone’s help. They are always very appreciative.”

Local businesses get involved.

River Valley Ag Credit is excited to assist with the program this year. “This is our first year to be associated with the Toys for Tots program,” Jessica Clark, River Valley Ag Credit Marketing Representative explained. “As our company has recently undergone a merger, this is something that all of our counties could be involved in. Since the toys stay in the counties where they are collected, the impact is greater for our local friends and families.” All their locations are providing train cutouts with the supporter’s name that can be purchased for a dollar to be displayed during the holidays. Each branch also has toy collection boxes that will be available through December 13th to drop-off for local residents. They also hosted the Milk and Cookies event at various branches in November to raise funds for the Toys for Tots event.

The Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency-Four Rivers Chapter in Fredonia will sponsor their 1st Annual 5K race at Lee S. Jones Park in Eddyville on December 15th.

Check-in time for the event is 7:15 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m. The registration fee is $20 with a t-shirt guaranteed to all participants registered by December 1st. For more information contact Sean Mestan at 270-625-9168.

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 27

The following is a list of current drop-off locations for the Toys for Tots program: AAA Stowaway office-Southside Paducah Benton Chiropractic • Big Lots (Paducah, Mayfield, Murray) • Bluegrass Honda (Paducah) Bluegrass BMW (Paducah) • Chip Wynn Auto Sales Coast Guard Office • Cogent Inc. (Calvert City) Conway Freight • Country Inn & Suites (Paducah) Easy Money all locations • Ethan Allen Design Center FDR Honda (Paducah) • Gander Mountain Higdon Furniture (Paducah) • Jackson House Kyle Heine Family Dentistry (Metropolis, IL) Marine Recruiting Office • Old Navy Paducah Water Company • Pasta House Company River's Edge Vet Hospital (Metropolis, IL) River Valley Ag Credit (Lone Oak) Southside Family Chiropractic Stratemeyer Media (Inside Ky Oaks Mall) Telephone Answering Service • Toys-R-Us Walgreens (Paducah, Mayfield, Murray KY, Metropolis, IL) Wal-Mart (Benton, Murray, Mayfield, Paducah, Fulton) Only toys bought in store.

Be sure to check out the local Toys for Tots website to view an updated list of drop-off locations.

Other events are currently being organized. Everyone is encouraged to log on to www.toysfortots.org and selection the Paducah Kentucky region for new updates. If you or your organization would like to organize an event to support the local Toys for Tots, there is a form on the website

28 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

where event information can be submitted. The community can also donate directly on the website by clicking on the “Donate” tab; be sure to select “KY-Paducah” when making the donation for local recipients. Community leaders who would like to volunteer to assist with distribution day and other events can fill out the volunteer form as well.

What kinds of toys are best?

Sometimes participants are unsure of what type of toys to purchase for the program. Think about the type of toys that your own children or grandchildren might enjoy when selecting a toy to donate. Please remember, that donated toys must be new and unwrapped.

Last year Paducah Toys for Tots collected over 6,600 toys, resulting in about 4 toys for every child registered in the program. The toys were acquired either through purchases or donations. With the faltering economy the need is expected to rise this year. This year’s goal is 10,000 toys, which is certainly ambitious but Bryan thinks that it can be reached. Several schools, businesses, and organizations are supporting the program through local events throughout the months of November and December.

How can I nominate a family?

Toys for Tots participants are typically nominated through their schools and Family Resource Centers. However, a family can also register their child on the Toys for Tots website.

After accessing www.toysfortots.org, click on “Request a Toy”.

Then, select “Kentucky” and the “county”. Then, select “Family Toy Request Form”. Or, contact Barry Bryan at paducahtoysfortots@comcast.net or 270-564-3076. Children aged 0-16 are eligible for the program and registration forms received will be reviewed by the local organization.

Paducah Toys for Tots will again partner with the George Wilson Safety Foundation to host distribution day for parents. The event will be held on December 18th at the Civic Center. Details will be provided to program particiv pants prior to that date.

eventscalendar To place an event in the calendar please call (270) 415-9400 or email us at purchaseparenting@comcast.net. Submissions will be accepted until the 15th of each month prior to publication. We make evert effort to ensure the accuracy of our entries, however, please double check events as time and dates can change.

December

Murray Woman's Club Annual Holiday Open House and Music. Featuring Murray Woman's Club Music Department's Chorus and choirs from Calloway County and Murray High School. FREE. Refreshments served - 2PM. Murray Woman's Club House, 704 Vine ST, Murray.

Read to Reel. Percy Jackson, Books 1 & 2. McCracken County Public Library. 2 PM. Book & movie discussion. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510, ext. 122.

MONDAY 3

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

TUESDAY 4

SATURDAY 1

Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. Trinity United Methodist. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 270-534-9516.

“Stuff the Truck.” Baptist Imaging Center parking lot, Western Baptist Hospital. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Help stock area food pantries by bringing donated food goods.

Salvation Army, Paducah Cooperative Ministry & Family Service Society all benefit.

Phone: 270-575-2876 for more information.

National Quilt Museum Holiday Open House. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 270-442-8856. www.quiltmuseum.org

Paducah Chamber Power in Partnership Breakfast. Julian Carroll Convention Center, Paducah. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM. 270-443-1746.

Legos at the Library. McCracken County Public Library. 1-4 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Class Acts Series presents Doktor Kaboom. 9:30 & 11:30 270.450.4444 www.carsoncenter.org

Paducah Christmas Parade. 5 PM. 270-444-8508 or www.paducahky.gov

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

Special Holiday Presentation. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

5:30 PM. www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077.

Christmas in the Park Holiday Light Display. Noble Park, 2915 Park Ave. Ongoing, through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 PM; Fri & Sat., 6-10 PM. 270.575.4000

SUNDAY 2

AM.

Carson Center.

“Candlelight Flickers Story Hour” with Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri. 10 AM & 1 PM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Historic Downtown Churches Advent Walk. Annual ecumenical procession visits historic churches of Downtown Paducah. 270-442-3545.

Baby & Me- a 20 minute story time for ages 0-24 months by Pam Whelan. 11 AM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

WKCTC Community Chorus Holiday Concert. WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center. 3 PM. 270.534.3212 or www.artsinfocus.org

Visit with Santa in the Downtown Paducah Gazebo. 4-7 p.m. . 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org

30 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

12 Days of Merriment Shopping Night for Him. Downtown/LowerTown Paducah. 4-7 p.m. 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org

time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

WEDNESDAY 5

Family Holiday Movie. Maiden Alley Cinema. 270-441-7007 or www.maidenalleycinema.com

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

TUESDAY 11

THURSDAY 6

“Christmas Giving Story Hour” with Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri. 10 AM & 1 PM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Christmas Bazaar. Knights of Columbus, Paducah.

Pesticide Training Day. McCracken County Extension Office. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Call: 270-554-9520, for more information.

Parents as Teachers of Christian Homeschool (PATCH) Artists’ Reception.

McCracken County Public Library. 3:30 p.m. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Visit with Santa in the Downtown Paducah Gazebo. 4-7 p.m. . 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 7:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

Family Game Night. McCracken County Public Library. 5-8 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Free Family Law Clinic. McCracken County Public Library. 4-6 PM. Pre-registration is encouraged for personalized help, but is not required. To register for the clinic or for more information about the clinic, please call Legal Aid at (270) 442-5518. ou may also pick up flyers at the Family Court or the McCracken County Child Support Office.

Baby & Me- a 20 minute story time for ages 0-24 months by Pam Whelan. 11 AM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

12 Days of Merriment Shopping Night for Her. Downtown/LowerTown Paducah.

4-7 p.m. 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org

WEDNESDAY 12

Visit with Santa in the Downtown Paducah Gazebo. 4-7 p.m. . 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org

"Kentucky & Tennessee: The Best of Neighbors." Evening Upstairs with Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham. McCracken County Public Library. 7 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

FRIDAY 7

THURSDAY 13

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

Family Game Night. McCracken County Public Library. 5-8 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Visit with Santa in the Downtown Paducah Gazebo. 4-7 p.m. . 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org

“Jingle Bells Story Hour.” McCracken County Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Wear your pjs and come hear a reading of The Polar Express. Craft & treat included. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510, ext. 119.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 7:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 7:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

SATURDAY 8

Jingle Bell Run/Walk – 5K for Arthritis and Youth Run. Noble Park. 9 AM, 5K; 10 AM, Youth Run. Register online at www.jinglebellrunpaducah.kintera.org or www.arthritis.org For more information: 270-744-3701.

Holiday Bazaar Benefitting Morgan Elementary. Paducah Tilghman High School Auxillary Gym. Exclusive educator preview, 10-11 AM; shopping 11 AM – 3:30 PM. Quarter Auction, 1-2:30 PM. FREE and open to the public. Lots of different vendors.

Civil War Come to the Homeplace. Land Between the Lakes. 10 www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077.

AM

– 4

PM.

Legos at the Library. McCracken County Public Library. 1-4 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Visit with Santa in the Downtown Paducah Gazebo. 4-7 p.m. . 270-444-8649 or www.paducahalliance.org Special Holiday Presentation. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

5:30 PM. www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077.

Paducah Symphony Orchestra presents A Christmas Celebration. 7:30 Carson Center, Paducah. 270-444-0065 or www.paducahsymphony.org

PM.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 2:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

SUNDAY 9

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 2:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

MONDAY 10 Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium. Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 31

eventscalendar FRIDAY 14 Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium. Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 7:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

SATURDAY 15

Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Nature Station, Land Between the Lakes. 6 AM – 1:30 PM. $5/person. Fee goes to National Audubon Society. Registration requested.

Please call 270-924-2299 to sign up or for more information. Meet at Nature Station. Bring binoculars, field guides, and lunch. Dress for the weather.

“Candy Cane Classics.” Graves County High’s Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choirs, and Drama Department district-wide concert, featuring Christmas classics. Cookies and punch during intermission in the art gallery, where Graves County Middle students’ art will be on display. And a visit from Santa Claus! For tickets, contact Donna Gream at (270) 328-4824 or 674-4824 or donna.gream@graves.kyschools.us 1850 Holiday Decoration & Treats Workshop. Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes. 10 AM – 3 PM. www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077. $50. Registration and full deposit required. For more information or to reserve your space call 270 924-2020.

Legos at the Library. McCracken County Public Library. 1-4 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 2:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

Special Christmas Program. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

5:30 PM. www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077.

Public Stargazing. Golden Pond Observatory, Land Between the Lakes. 7 www.lbl.org or 800-525-7077.

PM.

SUNDAY 16

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

A Christmas Story. Market House Theatre. 2:30 PM. www.mhtplay.com or 270-444-6828.

MONDAY 17

Class Acts Series presents Miracle on 34th Street. 10 270.450.4444 www.carsoncenter.org

AM.

Carson Center.

Miracle on 34th Street. Carson Center. 7 PM. $15. 270-450-4444 or www.thecarsoncenter.org

TUESDAY 18

“Grinch & Friends Story Hour” with Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri. 10 AM & 1 PM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

Baby & Me- a 20 minute story time for ages 0-24 months by Pam Whelan. 11 AM. McCracken County Public Library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

George Wilson Safety Foundation 2nd Annual City-Wide Toys for Tots Drive.

Robert Cherry Civic Center. 1-7 PM. Film Brew Presents Trading Places. Maiden Alley Cinema. Food and drink, 6 PM; film, 7PM. 270-442-7723.

E-Reader Class. McCracken County Public Library. Learn to use your e-reader & how to download books from the library. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

WEDNESDAY 19

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

Christmas Crafts to Make & Take. McCracken County Public Library. Noon-? PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119

32 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

THURSDAY 20

District. Friday, 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, Noon – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. 270-444-8649.

DECEMBER 12 - MARCH 11, 2013: Themes and Variations in Judy Martin's

The Dickens Carolers. McCracken County Public Library meeting room. 1-3 PM. All ages. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119

Quilts. Exploring a theme over time in quilts provides a look at how style matures. National Quilt Museum. www.quiltmuseum.org

Family Game Night. McCracken County Public Library. 5-8 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

DECEMBER 19 – FEBRUARY 12: Empty Bowls Glazing Party. Terra Cottage,

FRIDAY 21

Second Saturdays Gallery Walk . Visit Lowertown’s great galleries and studios on the second Saturday. 12PM – 8 PM.

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

SATURDAY 22

Legos at the Library. McCracken County Public Library. 1-4 PM. www.mclib.net or 270-442-2510 ext. 119.

SUNDAY 23

Christmas Planetarium Shows. Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Planetarium.

Join us for classic Christmas programs throughout December. Enjoy stories of Christmas, the Christmas Star, and Holiday music set to lasers dancing on the dome during this festive time of the year. Shows Mon - Fri: 10AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM and Sat & Sun: 10 & 11AM, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4PM. For more information call 270-924-2243. www.lbl.org.

MONDAY 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE

McCracken County Public Library closed.

TUESDAY 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY

McCracken County Public Library closed.

WEDNESDAY 26

Christmas in the Park Holiday Light Display. Noble Park, 2915 Park Ave. Ongoing, through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 PM; Fri & Sat., 6-10 PM. 270.575.4000

THURSDAY 27

514 N. 7th St. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 270-908-0090.

Apprenticeship for Artists. Ages 13+. Ongoing. Paducah Parks Department. 444-8508.

Private Lessons and Glass Art Windows, Aire Castle Stained Glass Art Studio, 435 Salem Chapel Rd. North, Benton KY. Limit 2 Students per class, schedule is set according to student availability,. Copper Foil & Solder method or Came Method For more, 270-354-5004 or www.airecastle.com/stained-glass .

Glass Artisan Guild. Meets in Murray and is open to all. For information, contact Judi Little at 270-436-5132 or visit www.artisanglassguild.com. Meets the 2ND TUE AT 6PM- Usually at the Murray Transit Center- but we also meet in members studios for special projects and demonstrations.

Civil War Walking Tour. Paducah Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Using the map, drawn by hand in 1861, by a Federal Captain of occupying troops in Paducah, follow the path of historical markers to discover the city"s important role during the Civil War. Call 1-800-PADUCAH for more.

Market @ 315. An array of original art forms. Quilts, Paintings, Turned Wood, Bead Art, Fiber Arts, and much more! All to your "Arts Desire"! 442-6151.

National Quilt Museum. 215 Jefferson Street. For more, call 442-8856. www.nationalquiltmuseum.org. Scheduled school groups of 10 or more are free.

The museum offers guided tours to pre-registered groups. Please schedule your group at least two weeks in advance.

Lowertown Gallery information available at www.paducaharts.com.

Christmas in the Park Holiday Light Display. Noble Park, 2915 Park Ave. Ongoing, through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 PM; Fri & Sat., 6-10 PM. 270.575.4000

Paducah Railroad Museum – 201 Washington St. Fri. 1 - 4 by appt. $3 Adults, $1 Children. Donations. 270-519-7377

FRIDAY 28

PAPA Gallery. Works by 100 local artists. 124 Broadway. Mon. - Fri. 10 – 4PM. FREE.

Christmas in the Park Holiday Light Display. Noble Park, 2915 Park Ave. Ongoing, through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 PM; Fri & Sat., 6-10 PM. 270.575.4000

PM, Sat. 10 AM -4 PM or

SATURDAY 29

Christmas in the Park Holiday Light Display. Noble Park, 2915 Park Ave. Ongoing, through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 PM; Fri & Sat., 6-10 PM. 270.575.4000

SUNDAY 30 MONDAY 31 – NEW YEAR’S EVE

McCracken County Public Library closed.

Art Galleries, Exhibitions & Museums: THROUGH DECEMBER 2: Paducah School of Art 2nd Annual Holiday Art Sale. FREE. Clemens Fine Arts Center. 270-354-3212 or artsinfocus.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 10: Material Witnesses. National Quilt Museum. museum.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 22: Yeiser Art Center Members’ Show. 5-7 PM270-4422453. www.theyeiser.org

THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2013: My Accidental Quilt Collection. National Quilt

Museum. www.quiltmuseum.org

DECEMBER 1 -12: Twelve Days of Merriment. On-going LowerTown & Downtown Activities. Contact: Katie Graves, 270.444.8649.

DECEMBER 1: National Quilt Museum Holiday Open House. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

270-442-8856. www.quiltmuseum.org

DECEMBER 1 & 8: What About 7th Street? Three Lowertown galleries: Noon – 6 p.m.

DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 1: PAPA Gallery Winter Show. 124 Broadway, Paducah. 270.575.3544 • thepapagallery.com

DECEMBER 7 - 9: Paducah Arts Alliance Affordable Art Show. LowerTown Arts

COMMITMENT EQUALS

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LCCA.COM 270.655.5681 270.655.5681 | 252 252 West West 5th 5th St. St. | LLaa C Center, enter, K KY Y 42056 42056

www.quiltmuseum.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 10: Priscilla Sage. National Quilt Museum. www.quilt-

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 33

WEDNESDAY: 5:30 Meal 6 PM AWANA (0-5th) Youth (6th-12th) Adult Bible Study

Broadway Baptist Church 2435 Broadway

eventscalendar 575-3544. www.thepapagallery.com The Right Angle Gallery. Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-3. 4645 Village Square Dr. River Discovery Center – 117 S. Water Street. Monday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 5 PM. Sunday 1 – 5 PM . $7 adults, $5 children (ages 3 - 12), $6 seniors 60 and over. 270575-9958. www.riverdiscoverycenter.org Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum - 631 Kentucky Ave. Interpreting Paducah's & Western KY's roles in the Civil War. Fri/Sat Noon to 4PM; 10AM-4PM when riverboats in port; group tours by appt. Adults $3/child 6-12 $1/under 6 free 575-5477.

The William Clark Market House Museum – 121 Market House Square. Mon – Sat 12 – 4 PM. $3 ages 12 and up, $1 ages 6 – 11, 443-7759 Whitehaven Welcome Center – I-24, exit 7. Tours 1 – 4 PM daily, Tours every half hour, daily 1:30 – 4 PM. FREE. 554-2077.

Religious Services & Meetings: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church - 270-554-5256 or 270-443-7787 amazinggracelutheranpaducah.org unbridledword@yahoo.com Meets at House of Hope, 2025 Clarkline Road SUNDAY Service: 10 AM

Bellview Baptist Church – 554-3173 www.bellviewbaptistpaducah.com 4875 Old Mayfield Road – Pastor Bro. Mike Nolen www.bellviewbaptistchurch.com • Sunday School: 9 AM; Worship Service: 10 AM; Sunday Evening: 6 PM; Wednesday Service: 6:30 PM

Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church - 270-876-7239 www.bethelcpchurch.org “Come Grow With Us”

SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9 AM.; Worship, 10 AM. & 6 PM. Youth (6th-12th grade) , 6 PM

Christmas Gift Baskets from

Schmidt Farms Filled with

FRUIT, NUTS, CANDY, JELLIES & SNACKS

Beautifully wrapped!

Open until Noon Dec 24th 3005 Cario Rd • Paducah (Exit 3 - East 2.5 miles off I-24)

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30-5 •

443-0136

34 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

Pastor: Brother Steve Gorham; Sunday School, 10 AM; Sunday worship, 11AM; Sunday evening, 6 PM; Wednesday worship, 7 PM

Broadway Church of Christ - 270-443-6206 2855 Broadway Street, Paducah. www.broadwaycoc.com

SUNDAY: Morning Worship, 9:30 AM; Bible Study, 10:45 AM Evening Worship, 6 PM Mondays & Wednesdays: Precious Pottery Preschool, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: Clothing Give Away, 10:00 AM – noon Wednesday: Ladies Bible Class, 10:00 AM, Bible Classes 6:30 PM

Broadway United Methodist Church - 443-2401 www.bumc-paducah.org

SUNDAY: Fellowship Time 9 AM. Youth & Adult Sunday School for all ages - 9:30 AM. Worship 10:30 AM Youth group (grades 6-12) – 6 PM.Youth Activities, Sunday 6 PM.

SELECTED FRIDAY NIGHTS: Parent’s Night Out. Safe, reliable babysitting available for special event or dinner out. Contact the Mother’s Day Out department at 443-2401 WEDNESDAY Evening Meals.$6 for adults and $4 for children. Reservations are not necessary. Food served from 5:30 – 6 PM. . Programs begin at 6:15 PM. Mother's Day Out- Children 3 months -5 years meets Tuesday and Thursdays

from 9 AM -2 PM Call 443-2401 ext. 216 for more information.

Counseling Services: New Directions Counseling for stress, sadness, abuse; office hours by appointment, call 270-217-2753; First Step Addiction Counseling Ministry, call 270-408-1489.

Choirs available for all ages. Melody Choir for children K-2 and Alpha Choir for children ages 3-pre K. Adult HandBells- Fellowship Ringers. Call 443-2401 ext.

205 for more information about music opportunities. Directed by Art Deweese.

Brooks Pool - 443-1778 - Brooks Pool is open to the community for Year-

Round Swimming in our indoor heated pool. Swim lessons and lifeguard certification are available. Pool Rental for private parties. Contact 443-1778.

Swim lessons and Parent & Me Classes are available.Water Aerobics: MONDAY – FRIDAY 10 AM MONDAY – THURSDAY: Open Swim. 5 - 7 PM. Water Aerobics: MONDAY - THURSDAY. 5:15 PM.

Central Church of Christ – 270-442-1017 2201 Washington Street: SUNDAY: Bible Study Classes for all ages 9:30 AM, Morning worship 10:30 AM, Evening worship 6:00 PM WEDNESDAY: Bible Study classes for all ages 7:00 PM EVERY TUESDAY: Ladies' Bible Class, 1 - 2 PM last SATURDAYS: "Dorcas Day" Clothing Give-Away 9 AM-Noon (except for Oct, Nov, and Dec)

Christ Chapel E.M.C. Pastor Dr. Tom Hiter. Traditional Anglican--1928 BCP. Sundays 8:30 AM, "The Lighthouse" floating Chapel on Kentucky Lake (moored at Southern Komfort Marina).

WEDNESDAYS 7:00 PM, Hiter Chapel in Fairdealing. Call for directions 270-354-9132.

Community Fellowship Baptist Church - 270-856-4463

Off of Hwy 45 in Hickory, Ky SUNDAY at 9:45 AM for Sunday School • Worship 11:00 AM WEDNESDAY Night Service 6:30 PM • Sunday Night Small Groups 6:00 PM

Concord United Methodist Church - (church) 443-2629 www.concordpad.com

SUNDAY Worship Times - 8:15 AM, 10:30 AM & 6 PM; Coffee/Donuts/ Fellowship – 9 AM. Sunday School - 9:30 AM Tuesday - 6:30 PM - WISE Bible Study for women WEDNESDAY Fellowship Meal- 5:15 PM (call to make reservations); B.L.A.S.T. for Kids,Youth Meeting & Adult Bible Study 6 PM THURSDAY- Men's Prayer Breakfast – 8 AM The Prayer Room is open to the public Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM • Plus Homemakers, Scouts, Blood Drives and other Occasional Events. Child care is Provided in the Nursery during Sunday Morning Services

Concord West Church of Christ-270-744-8440 4715 Mayfield Metropolis Road SUNDAY Bible Study 9:00AM, Worship 10:00AM, Evening Worship 6:00 PM WEDNESDAY Bible Study 7:00 PM

First Baptist Church, Paducah - 442-2728 www.fbcpaducah.org SUNDAY: Early Morning Service, 8:30 AM; Bible Study,

9:50 AM;Late Morning Service,11 AM , Sunday night prayer service, 6 PM. WEDNESDAY: Fellowship Meal, 5 PM; AWANA, 5:45 PM; Worship, 6 PM; Adult Choir Rehearsal, 7 PM.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - Benton www.fccdcbentonky.org 527-8560 - 2515 S Main Street Facebook: First Christian Church Disciples of Christ Benton Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RevTim1000?feature=mhee SUNDAY: Church school 9:45 AM, Worship: 10:45 AM • WEDNESDAY: Youth night

5:30-7 PM • MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY: Men's exercise group: 9-10 AM

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Paducah, Ky 270443-8251 • 415 Audobon Drive Paducah, KY www.fccpaducah.org SUNDAY: Sunday School 9:30 AM, Bell Choir Practice 9:30 AM, Traditional Worship 10:45 AM, Childrens’ Church 3-6 year olds 10:45 AM, Kids GroupPreschool through 5th Grade 4:00 PM, Contemporary Worship 5:30 PM, Youth Groups 6th through 12th Grades 6:30 PM.

First Presbyterian Church - 442-3545

SUNDAY: Church School 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; Youth Choir (6TH - 12TH grades), 4:30 PM, Youth Group 5:30 - 7 PM, Handbells, 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Children's Choir & activities 4 - 5:45 PM; Adult Choir 7 PM

Fountain Avenue United Methodist - 443-1724

SUNDAY: Fellowship, 9 AM; Sunday School for all ages, 9:45 AM; Worship and

The Journey Church – Marshall County 198 Old Symsonia Rd., Benton, KY 42025 Service Time: SUNDAYS, 11 AM

Living Word Pentecostal Church - 575-3477

SUNDAY: Morning Sunday School/Worshi- 10 AM. Evening Worship - 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Bible Study - 7 PM Bus Ministry: 270-564-5706 or 270-210-9086

Lone Oak Church of Christ - 554-2511 www.loneoakchurchofchrist.com SUNDAY: Worship 9

AM, Sunday School 15 minutes after end of worship, Evening Service 6 PM. WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 7 PM

Lone Oak First Baptist Church – 554-1441 www.loneoakfbc.org

Children’s Church (ages 4-9), 10:45 AM. Communion service first Sunday of each month. Nursery provided for birth - age 3. MONDAY/THURSDAY: Quilting Group, 9:30 AM WEDNESDAY: Church Dinner, 5:30 PM ($5/ call for reservation by Tuesday Noon); Program and youth activities, 6 PM; Choir, 6:30 PM. SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY, "Revelation Is Not the End of the World." 4 PM

SUNDAY: Adult Sunday School, 7:30 AM; Morning Worship – 8:30 AM, 9:35 AM, & 11 AM; Sunday School – 8:30 AM & 9:45 AM; Evening Worship – 7 PM WEDNESDAY: Children’s Mission Groups & Preteen Group– 5:45 PM; Youth– 6PM; Children’s Choirs & Prayer Meeting– 6:30 PM Adult Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal – 7:15 PM

Four Rivers Covenant Church – 270-444-6598 or 1-866-733-7245

Lone Oak United Methodist Church - 270-554-1272 www.loneoakumcpaducah.org

Paducah Campus: 1200 Broadway • Lakes Campus: 109 Main Street, Calvert City SUNDAY: Worship- 9:30 & 11:00AM

Friendship Baptist Church of Paducah - 534-1900 SUNDAY: Sunday School 9:00 AM, Morning Worship 10:15 Worship 6:00 PM. WEDNESDAY: Evening Worship 6:00 PM.

AM,

Evening

Grace Church, Int’l - 442-8949 www.gracechurchint.org

SATURDAY: Celebration Service, 10:30 AM and 5 PM TUESDAY: Celebration Service, 7 PM • THURSDAY: Corporate Prayer, 8:45AM

Grace Bible Church - 554-0808

SUNDAY: Celebration Service, 9:45 AM - Potluck following Sunday services.

WEDNESDAY: Service, 6:30 PM

Harmony Baptist Church – 270-488-3115

SUNDAY: Sunday School: 9

AM, Sonrise Servise 8 AM, Celebration Service Worship 10:15 AM, Youth Group 5 PM WEDNESDAY: Church Dinner 5:30 PM, Bible Study 6 PM, Bell Choir 6 PM, Chancel Choir 7 PM

Lutheran Church of the Cross - 618-524-4628 2601 North Avenue, Metropolis, IL 62960 SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Sunday School - 9

AM,

Worship Service 10

AM.

(Holy

Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays)

Margaret Hank Memorial Cumberland Presbyterian Church - 443-3689 www.margarethank.org SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM; Evening service, 6 PM

McKendree United Methodist Church - 488-3770 or 488-2444. SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9 AM Worship, 10:30 AM Youth and

Children Activities, 4:30 PM Evening Worship, 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Bible Study,

9215 OGDEN LANDING ROAD • HARMONYPASTOR@GMAIL.COM - FIND US ON FACEBOOK! SUNDAY: 10 AM, Sunday School; 11 AM Morning Worship, Children's Church; 5:30 PM AWANA; 6 PM Evening Worship WEDNESDAY: 7 PM Prayer and Praise, Bible Buddies

Heartland Worship Center - 534-1400

SUNDAY: Sunday School - . 8, 9:15, 10:45 AM; Sunday Services – 9:30, 10:45 AM & 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Evening Service – 6 PM; Children’s activities - 6:15 PM; Middle/High School, 6-8 PM.; DivorceCare, 6:30 PM. The Landing: FRIDAYS at 6:45 PM. a year-long program that helps teenagers struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits travel the path to freedom, healing and wholeness. FREE. Dinner served at 6:15 PM for $3.

Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church – 554-3572

SUNDAY: Sunday School - 9:45 AM, Worship -10:45 AM, Youth and Evening Worship 6 PM. WEDNESDAY: Evening meal- 5:15 PM, Youth- 5:30 PM, Bible Study- 6PM, Adult Choir- 7PM.

Hillcrest Baptist Church - 270-217-2796

SUNDAY: Sunday School 9 AM, Services 10 AM and 5 PM. Mothers Day Out: WEDNESDAY 9AM - 2:30 PM. Hillcrest Preschool, MONDAY - FRIDAY

House of Hope Ministries, 270-933-1069 www.hohmin.org, Pastor Michael Pryor

SUNDAY - 9:30 – 10:15 AM, Purpose Driven Life Class and Sunday School; 11 AM, Worship Service WEDNESDAY – 6:30 – 7:15 PM, Midweek Fill-up Service

Immanuel Baptist Church - 443-5306 www.immanuel-paducah.org

SUNDAY: Worship Services-10:45 AM. Sunday School, 9:30 AM with classes for all ages.

WEDNESDAY: Worship Services 4:30 PM MIE for children K-5, 5:30 PM JourneyKidz for Preschoolers, 6:00 PM Prayer Meeting

Jesus Christ Little House of Prayer - 898-9875 SUNDAY: Morning Worship 10 AM. Evening Worship 6 PM. THURSDAY: Evening Service. 6:30 PM.

The Journey Church – Calloway County

3rd Floor Curris Center, Chestnut Street, Murray, KY 42071 Service Times: SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 35

AM; Evening Camp Meeting, 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Bible Study, 7PM

eventscalendar 6:30 PM EVERY 3RD SATURDAY, Senior Citizens Social Dinner - 4:30 to 6 PM. Clothes Closet: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 AM - 3 PM.; Saturday: 9 AM Noon. Most items 25 cents to $1.

Milburn Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian - 488-2588

SUNDAY: Donuts & Coffee, 9 AM.; Sunday School, 9:30 AM.; Morning Worship, 10:30 AM.; Evening, 6 PM. • WEDNESDAY: Evening meal, 5:30 PM.; Bible Study (all ages), 6:15 PM

Mt. Sterling Cumberland Presbyterian Church - 618-564-2616

SUNDAY: Sunday school 10 AM, Worship 11 AM, Evening worship6 PM, Youth group 6 PM. WEDNESDAY: Bible study 6:30 PM, Junior youth group 6:30 PM Contact:Bro. David LeNeave, contact@mscpchurch.com

Mt. Zion Baptist Church - 554-0518 www.mtzionpaducah.org

SUNDAY: Sunday school, 9 AM; Worship, 10 AM & 6:30 PM WEDNESDAY: Prayer Meeting & Bible Study, 6:30 PM.

New City Fellowship –270-816-3053 www.ncfpaducah.com, Pastor Ismael Gurrola SUNDAY: Worship: 10 AM at Paducah’s Sportsplex Life Groups throughout the weekdays

New Covenant Fellowship of Reidland – 898-9664 SUNDAY: Worship Service 10:30 AM

New Geneva Community Church--Paducah – 443-8866 www.ngccarp.org

SUNDAY: 10 AM worship; 11:30 AM intergenerational Bible Study; meal following TUESDAY: Women's ministry 7 PM THURSDAY: Men's ministry 5:30 PM and 6:45 PM TUESDAY – FRIDAY: Biblical counseling available by appointment

New Harvest Church of God www.newharvestchurchpaducah.com

SUNDAY: Morning Worship and Children's Church (Age 11 & under), 10:30

For Youth Information: The River Youth Ministries. Contact Melanie Rogers, (270) 978-1761 or email: melattheriver@yahoo.com

New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church- 554-0473 www.newhopecpchurch.org newhopecpchurch@hotmail.com • Pastor: Jeff Biggs Youth Pastor: Drew Gray Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday Evening Youth & Worship 6:00 p.m., Wednesday Evening Youth & KFC (KIDS FOR CHRIST) 6:00 PM Adult Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM Monday Night Females- 2ND MONDAY OF THE MONTH

Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Church - 270-898-2630 or 270-350-7262 Rev. Danny York, Pastor • 9104 US Hwy 68 West, Calvert City, KY 42029 SUNDAY School: 9:30AM; SUNDAY Morning Worship: 10:30AM; SUNDAY Evening Worship: 6:00PM WEDNESDAY Evening Bible Study: 6:00PM Visit us on Facebook.

Oaklawn Baptist Church – 442-1513 www.oaklawnbaptistky.org

SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9:45 AM; Worship 11 AM & 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 7 PM; God's Children 7 PM

Olivet Baptist Church - 442-3267 email: office@obcpaducah.org

SUNDAY: 9 AM - Sunday School; 10 AM - Morning Worship, Kids Worship Time (ages 3 to K); 5:45 PM – Awana For Kids (ages 2 to 6th grade); 6:00 PM – Evening Worship; WEDNESDAY: 6:30 PM – Bible Studies for ages 2 through Adult

Open Door Baptist Church - 443-6522 www.theopendoorbaptistchurch.com 227 Farley Place, Paducah,

Pastor - Bob Kelley, bkelley@vci.net SUNDAY: Sunday School, 10 AM, Morning Worship and Children's Church 11 AM, SUNDAY EVENING 6 PM; WEDNESDAY: Teaching Time for Adults and Patch the Pirate Club for Children 7 PM; FRIDAYS: Reformers Unanimous, a group that will help you overcome addictions, 7 - 9 PM. Clothes Closet open 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. FRIDAYS: RUI, Addiction Recovery Program. 7 PM. If you need a ride or more information, call the church office.

Palestine Methodist Church Bible School - 270-559-1233 Ogden Landing Road, West Paducah, KY Pleasant Grove Baptist Church – 422-1000 1110 N. 14th Street, Paducah

SUNDAY: Explorer Hour: 9:30 AM; Worship 11AM, 1st Sunday: Lord Supper 6PM, 1ST & 3RD MONDAY: Women’s Fellowship 6 PM, 3RD MONDAY: Brotherhood 6 PM, WEDNESDAY: Prayer/Bible Study 6 PM, 1ST WEDNESDAY: Youth Bible Study 6 PM

The Potter's House Baptist Worship Center -270-928-9905 www.pottershousebwc.com SUNDAY: Bible Study, 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; Sunday evening 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Small groups for adults and children, 7 PM Nursery Service provided for all services.

Reidland Baptist Church – 898-6243 rbaptist@bellsouth.net • www.reidlandbaptistchurch.org

SUNDAY: 9:00AM Sunday School (classes for all ages), Morning Worship Service 10:10AM-11:30 AM; Children's Church (ages 4 to 3rd grade); 5:30 - 7 PM. Choir practice, Youth and children's programs and recreation; 6 - 7 PM Adult Bible Study.

WEDNESDAY: 5-5:45 Evening Meal; 6-7: 45 PM, TeamKID: Ages 3 – 6th Grade; Youth Group; 6-7:45 PM, Nursery provided for all services and Sunday school.

Adult Life University Classes; Prayer Service: 6:30 - 7:45 PM. TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: 9:30 AM – 2 PM, Mother’s Day Out Program. Ages 1-4.

Reidland Christian Church – 898-3904 www.reidlandchristian.org

SUNDAY: 9:30 AM Sunday school; 10:30 AM Worship; 6 PM Bible study WEDNESDAY: 6 PM Family Meal; 7 PM Bible study for children/adults .

Reidland Seventh Day Adventist Church - 270-898-3010 5320 KY Dam Road, Paducah, KY 42003

SATURDAY: Sabbath School, 9:30 AM; Worship Service, 11 AM. A FREE delicious vegetarian fellowship meal is served 1st Sabbath of each month following worship service. WEDNESDAY: Prayer Meeting, 6:30 PM.

Reidland United Methodist Faithweaver Friends, preschool - 6th grade. Wednesdays: 5:15 - 7:30 PM. Free dinner & fun, interactive bible discussions for kids. For more, call 270-217-0400.

36 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

Rosary Chapel Catholic Church - 444-6383 Rosary@bellsouth.net

Waldo Baptist Church - 618-564-2180 waldobaptist.org

Mass Schedule: TUESDAY AND FRIDAY, 5:30 PM; SUNDAY, 10:30 AM 2nd Friday Fish Fry. 711 Ohio Street. Fish, Spaghetti, beans, slaw, drink, and one dessert for a $10 donation to Rosary Chapel. Serve from 4:30-6:30 PM. Carry outs are available.

SUNDAY: Bible Study, 9 AM; Morning Worship Service, 10 AM; Evening Worship Service, 6 PM WEDNESDAY: Fellowship Meal Ministry, 5:30 PM; Mid-Week Service, 7 PM

Spring Bayou Baptist Church- Kevil- 462-3014 www.springbayou.com

SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9:30 AM; Worship Service, 10:45 AM; Evening Worship, 6 PM. WEDNESDAY: Fellowship Meal 5:30 PM - Reservations required. Call church office by noon Tuesday. Children/Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

SUNDAY: Sunday School - 9:45 AM; Morning Worship & WeeWorship - 10:45 AM; Awana Program - 5 PM; Evening Worship - 6 PM • WEDNESDAY EVENING, 7 PM.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Grand Rivers, KY 270-362-2171, http://stpiusx.us • Pastor Father Anthoni Ottagan Mass Times: WEDNESDAY 9 AM, FRIDAY at 9 AM, SUNDAY 6 PM

Southland Baptist Temple - 270-444-9678 www.southlandbaptisttemple.com

SUNDAY: 7 - 9 AM Topper's Gospel Show (WKYQ); 9:45 AM Sunday School; 10:45 Worship Service, KidzAlive (3 - 5th grade); 6 PM Evening Service, WEDNESDAY: 10 AM - 3 PM Mission Room Open; 4:30 - 6 PM Evening Meal; 6:30 - 8 PM AWANA (2 - 6th grade), The Light (7th - 12th grade); 6:45 PM Adult Bible Classes AM

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church - 442-1923 www.stfrancisdesalespaducah.org - Mass Schedule: MONDAY

–FRIDAY: 12:05 PM SATURDAY: 5 PM; SUNDAY: 8:30 at 11

West End Baptist Church - 443-1043

Westminster Presbyterian Church - 443-2919

Rev. Sharon Murray -www.westminsterpresbyterianpaducah.org

SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9 AM; Worship, 10:15 AM Free childcare available; Women's Circle Bible Study, 2ND MONDAY OF THE MONTH at 6:30 PM.

On-Going Community Events & Notices: The Paducah Business & Professional Women has adopted as a community project book collection for the fledgling library at Center Point, a local rehabilitation center for men. Donations collected through February 2013. Other entities in the area have joined the Paducah BPW in this effort. Books may be dropped off at Merryman Kemp's house or at Etcetera Coffeehouse at 326 N. 6th Street or you may call Center Point at 444-4630 for pick-up.. For additional information, please call Merryman Kemp at 442-7636.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – 554-3810. www.stjohn-theevangelist.org

MONDAY – SATURDAY: Downtown Farmers Market. Riverfront, 2nd and

SATURDAY: 5 PM; Sunday: 7:30 AM & 9 AM

Doll Adoption Center at Learning Railroad.Kids fall in love with their own baby doll and go through an adoption process and check up. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM. 2695 Jackson Street. For more, call 270-444-9986 or visit www.thelearningrailroad.com.

Mass Schedule: TUESDAY – SATURDAY: 7:30 AM

St. Matthew Lutheran Church – 442-8294 SUNDAY: 9:30 AM, Worship

Monroe. www.paducahalliance.org

MONDAY - SUNDAY: Nemo Feedings. Yaya's Island, Jordan Crossing Plaza. 1 PM.

St. Paul Lutheran Church - 442-8343

270-408-9292.

The Lutheran Hour, Christian outreach radio program can be heard locally on WNGO 1320-AM and WKYX 570-AM each Sunday at 6PM Sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Weekly special on cruises and all-inclusive trips with air from Fun Vacations Plus. Call 270-408-1284 or visit them on the web at www.funvacationsplus.com.

SUNDAY: Worship, 8 & 10:45 AM; Bible study & Sunday School, 9:30 AM

St. Pius X Catholic Church, Calvert City – 270-395-4727 www.stpiusx.us Pastor: Father Anthoni Ottagan Mass Times: TUES: 6 PM. WED – FRI: 8 AM. SAT: 4:30 PM. SUN: 10 AM.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church - 534-9000 www.stmore.org

Mass Schedule: MONDAY & THURSDAY: 6 PM • TUESDAY & FRIDAY: 7 AM

SATURDAY: 5:30 PM • SUNDAY: 9 & 11 AM (3 PM En Español) Nursery available at all services. • WEDNESDAY: Mother’s Day Out • THURSDAY: Moms Group Playgroup 4TH MONDAY EVENING: Active MOMS group Active couples group. Call 534-9000 for more information.

Temple Israel - 442-4104 www.templeisrael.us

FRIDAY: Lay-led Services: 5:30PM; Rabbi-led Services: 7PM

Trinity United Methodist Church - 534-9516 http://www.facebook.com/TUMCPaducah

SUNDAY: Sunday School, 9:30AM;Worship 10:30AM; TUESDAY: Women's Bible Study 9-11AM (TUMC) & 6:00-8:00PM (offsite) WEDNESDAY: Awana (2yr old- 5th Grade) 5-6:45PM Youth (6th-12 grade): 5:30-6:45PM, Choir: 6-7PM

Twelve Oaks Baptist Church - 554-4634

SUNDAY: Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship. 8,10 and 10:45 AM WEDNESDAY: Awana: 5:30 - 7 PM, Mid-Week Service 6 PM.

United Central Presbyterian Church – 442-6414

www.unitedcentralpres.org info@unitedcentralpres.org Sunday School 9:45 AM, Sunday Worship 10:45 AM, Nursery provided, service ASL interpreted.

United Church of Paducah – 442-3722. www.uccpaducah.org

SUNDAY: Worship celebration–10 AM; Coffee and refreshments–11- 11:20AM; Christian Education until noon.

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 37

eventscalendar MONDAY - SATURDAY. GPS Recycle Now Collections. Recycling facility, 1830 N 8 Street. Open: Monday – Wednesday and Friday 7 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM - Noon. Large totes in the front of the center will be available in the evening for after hours drop off. For a listing of what you can bring, visit www.recyclenowpaducah.com. Volunteers welcome. A group for those in the Paducah area wanting to get involved in recycling. For questions, email recyclenow.info@gmail.com.

Kentucky Grandparents who are primary caregivers may be eligible for state assistance.

Call the Purchase Area DeveloPMent District for more information at 877-352-5183.

Feeding the Hungry - Community Ministries, 1200 Jefferson Street. Volunteers (age 14 and older) are always needed to help serve free lunches to anyone who's hungry. Shifts available from 9:45 AM - 1:15 PM, Monday - Friday. Financial support also much welcomed! For more info, call Sally Michelson, 519-9233.

Civil Air Patrol - National Guard Armory, 8000 Hinkleville Road, , Tuesdays, 6 8:30 PM. Offering lessons in aviation and aerospace principles, along with teamwork and leadership training. Members often participate in rescue and disaster relief missions. $34 per year for youth; $61 for adults. For more info, call 270-3311750 or email kycap201@calldialog.net.

FREE GED Classes.WKCTC, 8:00 AM -4:30 PM at Anderson Technical Building & 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at KY Oaks Mall. To register, call 270-534-3451. Fridays through June 20: Take a FREE official practice test at the Anderson Technical Building. Tests start at 8:30 AM. You can also take the GED FREE. Call to schedule a time.

FREE GED CLASSES - Livingston County Adult and Family Learning Center 306 Wilson Ave. Smithland, KY Also offering free computer classes, math classes, reading classes, and ESL. For more info call 928-2168 Neighbors Unifying Ballard County: MEETS THE 1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7 PM, at the Ballard County Extension Office, 110 Broadway, LaCenter. UNBC is a non-profit charitable organization established for the betterment of the community and county. Anyone interested in participating in community improvement is welcome. For

more information, contact Elaine Jarvis, president at 270-665-5057. Find us on Facebook.

Ballard-Carlisle County Historical and Genealogy Society: Meets the fourth Monday of each month, 6:00 PM, at the Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogy Society Building, 257 4th Street in Wickliffe, KY. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Society is open Fridays, 9 AM until 4 PM. For more information contact, Murray Akers, 270-628-3203.

Ballard County Cemetery Boad: Meets the first Thursday of each month, 4:30 PM, at Ballard County Extension Office, 110 Broadway in LaCenter, KY. Created by the Ballard County Fiscal Court to preseve our old family cemeteries. Contact Betty Johnson, chairman, at 270-210-3538. Like us on Facebook.

Maiden Alley Cinema plays unique movies you won't see anywhere else in the region! They also host special events and art shows. Go online to maidenalleycinema.com for what's playing this week.

Marcella's Kitchen. Draffenville Lions Club, 262 Griggstown Road. Open: Monday Friday, 11 AM - 1 PM. FREE meals served. For more, call Grace Forte at 270-205-0223.

Paducah Cooperative Ministry. 402 Legion Drive. Provides emergency food pantry assistance, financial assistance for rent evictions, utility disconnections, prescription medications, and stranded traveler needs. Limited to McCracken County residents. Open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – noon and 1 – 4 PM. Call 270-442-6795.

The Christian Art Center, a member of Christians in the Visual Arts (www.civa.org) invites you to volunteer to "Serve God Through the Arts". Extra help needed on the Second Saturday of each month for special events. No art experience needed.

Contact Gretchen Smith, (270) 243-0444 or tallartist@hotmail.com St. Nicholas Free Family Clinic desperately needs pharmacists to fill prescriptions in the evenings. For information, email Anita Spurlock at anitasplk@bellsouth.net or call 575-3247.

Bluegrass Downs - Harness Racetrack and Simulcast Outlet - Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday close at 7:30 PM, Concessions and Bar open daily. (270) 444-7117 Cat, dog, and small animal adoptions, All God’s Creatures Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Adoption Center, 595 Richmond Rd, Simpson IL, 1-618-9679601 or 1-618-695-2654.

Cat, dog adoptions, Project Hope “No Kill” Humane Society, 1698 W 10th St, Metropolis IL, 1-618-524-8939.

EVERY BUSINESS DAY: Cat Adoptions, from various humane societies, Pet Adoption Center at PetsMart, (270) 575-9300 FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH: Cans for the Cross, aluminum can will be collected at the corner of the Ballard County Courthouse at 10 AM.

SECOND MONDAYS: American Disaster Action Team (DAT) monthly meetings. 6:30 PM. Chapter building. 442-3575.

SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS: West Kentucky Christian Alliance meeting, McCracken County Library. 6:00 PM. This group’s purpose is to speak up about our loss of Christian values, and to further evangelism in these troublesome time.s For information, call 270-994-3230.

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH: Knitting Club. McCracken County Extension Office. Members meet to share techniques and ideas and enjoy each others company. For more, call 270-554-9520.

THIRD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH - Book Club. Downtown Coffee Bar, 426 Broadway. 10AM. Everyone is welcome to join our book club to discuss the book of the month. Call to find out what we're reading, 270-444-0044

SECOND THURSDAYS OF THE MONTH: Matters of Life Forum. McCracken Co. Senior Center Activities Room. 11 AM. We will discuss many topics such as ethical wills, passing on important values and bereavement support. For more, contact nancy.wallace@uky.edu TUESDAYs: Story time at McCracken County Public Library. 10 AM and 1 PM. FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. L.I.F.E. Community Marriage Enrichment. 6 – 7 PM. Married couples are invited to these sessions to discuss issues that hinder marriage and how to overcome them. FREE. Contact 575-3823.

MONDAY - SUNDAY: Nemo Feedings. Yaya's Island, Jordan Crossing Plaza. 1 PM. 270-408-9292.

SUNDAYS: Family and Community Kitchen Meals/Fellowship. Noon - 1:00 PM at Broadway UMC (443-2401). 3 - 4:30 PM at St. Luke Aldersgate UMC (4428621). Free meal. No questions asked.

MONDAY: River City Singles – Monday Evening Dance, Carroll Convention

38 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

Center, 7–11 PM. $6.

MONDAYS: Introduction to Social Ballroom Dancing. Paducah Dance Academy. 6 PM.

THURSDAYS: Charitable Bingo. Ballard County Board of Education, 264 E Kentucky Drive, Barlow, KY. For more information, call 270-665-9844.

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS: Workforce Computer Classes. . McCracken County Public Library Teen Tech Lab. Wednesdays 1 PM.. “1 on 1 at 1” Basic Computing Class. Fridays 3 PM, Job Search and Resume. For more, call 270-442-2510.

THURSDAYS: Overeaters Anonymous. 1:30 PM (extra meeting time to add) Christ United Methodist Church Recreation Hall. 1322 West Broadway, Mayfield, KY. 270-247-7414

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY: Workforce Computer Classes. McCracken

THURSDAY: Night Moves Dance Club –American Legion, 425 Legion Drive. 6 - 9 PM, line dancing and couple's classes. $4 at the door. For more, call 442-3186.

FRIDAYS: Paducah Writer's Group. Hear some of the area's most talented poets and storytellers, along with a great audience. Come on down and drop some science on the mic – or just kick back and listen with a fine cup of joe. Etcetera Coffeehouse. 8 PM.

County Public Library Teen Tech Lab. 1 PM. Monday is "Basic Computing,” Wednesday is “Building a Resume,” Friday is “Searching for a Job Online.” For more, call 270-442-2510.

TUESDAYS: Kids Eat Free & Craft Night. McAlister's Deli, 5021 Hinkleville Road.

SECOND TUESDAYS: Zonta Club of Paducah, 6:00 PM. Whaler’s Catch, 123 N. Second Street. Advancing the status of women world wide through service and advocacy. For more information, email President Lisa Hoppmann, lghoppmann@aol.com or call 270-366-6183 TUESDAYS: WKCTC Community Chorus. Clemens Fine Arts Building, Room 109 on the campus. 7 - 9 PM. Participation is FREE and anyone who loves choral singing is welcome to join. Contact Norman Wurgler at 270-534-3219. or by email at norman.wurgler@kctcs.edu.

WEDNESDAYS: Knitting, Crochet, and More.Downtown Coffee Bar, 426 Broadway.

2 PM. Join the crew with your latest knitting, crocheting or other project. 444-0044.

FRIDAYS: Adult Ballroom Dance Party. 8 – 10 PM. $7 cover charge. Drinks & refreshments included. Open to the public. Ruth Johnson School of Dance, 1702 Broadway. Call 442-8321 FRIDAYS: Friday Night Racing at Paducah International Raceway. 7:00 PM. 4445 Shemwell Lane, Paducah. www.paducahracing.net LAST WEEKDAYS OF EACH MONTH: PATS Free Ride. Paducah Area Transit System invites us to ride free on any fixed route (nine in total) . 6 AM – 6 PM. Regular fare $.75, $.50 for 55 and over. paducahtransit.com.

WEDNESDAYS: One on One at One - Computers with Brian Medlin at McCracken County Library. 1:00 PM.

SATURDAYS: Family Movie Entertainment. Traders Mall, theatre. 2 PM matinee, 7 PM evening show. Concessions available, games before the show. For more, call Michael Vancura at 270-994-3686.

THURSDAYS: Story Hour. Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street. 11 AM. For more, call 618-524-4312.

Kids & Their Families: School Notes:

THURSDAYS: E-Reader classes led by Patrick Archer at McCracken County Public Library.

THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 6PM Spring Hill Singles Ministry - Offering adult singles bible study at Ledbetter UMC. Join us for fun fellowship while learning about real issues that singles face. Childcare provided, and single parents are welcome. Our singles Bible study will start Thursday, 1-5-2012. For the most updated information, like us on Facebook as Spring Hill Ministries Paducah. You can also email springhillministries@hotmail.com.

FRIDAY MORNINGS MONTHLY: Toddler Time (for 2 and 3 year olds) is an opportunity for Graves County children to begin to become familiar with school so that when the time comes, the transition is very natural. Children are able to explore, play with new toys and meet other children. We include in our sessions times of singing, playing, arts, crafts, coloring, and snack time. While the toddlers are having fun mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are learning creative ways to actively engage with their children. For more information, contact Jennifer Morris, 270-328-4868.

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 39

Movie Maker Kids for ages 5 – 14 years on TUESDAY OR THURSDAY

eventscalendar The McCracken County Preschool Head Start office is now accepting appointments to register for the 2012-13 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before October 1, 2012 and they must be income eligible or exhibit a developmental delay. Children also must reside in the McCracken County School District. Please call the McCracken County Head Start office at 270-538-4041 to make an appointment. Early Head Start applications will also be taken at this time. Transportation for preschool is provided by McCracken County School system. Sorry, no transportation is provided for Early Head Start.

DECEMBER 8: Holiday Bazaar Benefitting Morgan Elementary. Paducah Tilghman High School Auxillary Gym. Exclusive educator preview, 10-11 AM; shopping 11 AM – 3:30 PM. Quarter Auction, 1-2:30 PM. FREE and open to the public. Lots of different vendors..

Camps, Classes & Education

The Parks Services Department will be adding a wide range of art classes for a wide range of ages to its fall schedule. Classes include: Zanblingle Drawing Classes for Ages: 5+ years including adults on MONDAY OR THURSDAY Classical Drawing for Ages 9+ years including adults on TUESDAYS Pastels with Pizazz for ages 10+ years including adults on MONDAY OR THURSDAY Oil Painting: Still Life for ages 2+ years including adults on WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY Watercolor Secrets Painting for ages 12+ years including adults on TUESDAYS 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM After School Fine Arts for ages 5 – 13 years, MONDAY- FRIDAY, 3:30

PM – 5:30 PM

40 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

DECEMBER 3 (MONDAY): Stroke Support Group. Meeting Room A, Baptist Heart Center Conference Room , Western Baptist Hospital. 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. This group provides support for stroke survivors and their caregivers, family and friends.

Light refreshments are served. Contact Deb Welsh at 270-415-7697 to register.

CLASSES ON MONDAYS – THURSDAYS: Beginner group and advanced group piano classes (for ages 5-6, 6-7, 8-11) Harmony Road Music School, 2226 Broadway, Ste.2, Paducah, KY. Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Allen at (270) 444-3669 or to view a schedule, visit www.harmonyroadpaducah.com.

CLASSES ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND FRIDAYS: Preschool classes for parents and children ages 3 – 5 Harmony Road Music School, 2226 Broadway, Ste.2, Paducah, KY. For more information, contact Amy Allen at (270) 444-3669 or to view a schedule, visit www.harmonyroadpaducah.com.

CLASSES ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND FRIDAYS: 6-week sessions for Parents and Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years , or Parents and Babies ages birth to 18 months Harmony Road Music School, 2226 Broadway, Ste.2, KY. For more information, contact Amy Allen at (270) 444-3669 or to view a schedule, visit www.harmonyroadpaducah.com.

Paducah Parks Services offers classes for children, teens, and adults. Classes include art lessons, martial arts, soccer, and dance. For details, call 270-444-8508 or visit paducahky.gov

FOURTH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH: Alzehimer’s Support Group.

Paducah Care & Rehabilitation Center, 501 N. 3rd Street in Paducah. 4:30 PM. Call Felicia Williams or Katina Wilson at 270-444-9661 for additional information.

FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH: Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors Support Group, second floor conference room at Jackson Purchase Medical Pavilion. 11:00 Provides informaiotn, education and support to those who have experienced a stroke or brain injury. Please call 270-251-4121 for more information.

AM – noon.

DECEMBER 3 & 10 (MONDAY) AND DECEMBER 1 (SATURDAY): Prepared

TUESDAYS: Tot Soccer (for ages 2 and a half - 4). Paducah Regional Sportsplex.

Childbirth Classes. Meeting Room A, Doctors Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday. Free class designed to help expectant parents in their second or third trimester learn about the labor and delivery process. Call 270-575-2229 to register.

5:15 PM. For more, visit www.plexsports.net.

TUESDAYS: PAWS (soccer for ages 4 - 8). Paducah Regional Sportsplex. 6 PM. Get some great coaching and play a few games. For more, visit www.plexsports.net.

WEDNESDAYS: Musical Fingers. (Classes for all children 4 and under.) Meet DECEMBER 10 (MONDAY) AND DECEMBER 12 (WEDNESDAY). Diabetes Class. Atrium Classroom, Doctors Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Free class with a certified diabetes instructor to assist with any question or concerns about diabetes. Call 270-575-2918 for more information.

DECEMBER 4 & 11 (TUESDAY): Smart Beginnings Childbirth Class. Atrium Classroom, Doctors’ Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. Free class for pregnant teens or non-traditional family unit to help the labor and delivery process. Phone: 270-575-2229 to register.

DECEMBER 13 (THURSDAY): Relaxing from Within. Atrium Classroom, Doctors Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Free class designed to help expectant mothers become familiar with relaxation techniques. Participants are asked to bring a blanket, pillow and support person. Call 270-575-2229 for more information.

DECEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) AND DECEMBER 17 (MONDAY): Breastfeeding Class. Atrium Classroom, Doctors Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. 9:00 – 11:00 Saturday and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Monday. Free class helps prepare expectant mothers for the breastfeeding experience. Call 270-575-2229 to register.

AM

DECEMBER 17 (MONDAY): Sibling Class. Atrium Classroom, Doctors Office Building 2, Western Baptist Hospital. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Free class helps prepare children ages 2 to 9 for the arrival of a new brother or sister. Call 270-575-2229 to register.

SECOND THURSDAYS Infant Care Class. Marshall Nemer Pavilion at Lourdes Hospital.

at Paducah Regional Sportsplex. 5:30 PM. For more information, contact Lyz Hornbeak at 575-1858, 331-2987 or at philelz@att.net. www.themusicclass.com

FRIDAYS: Family Education on Mental Illness. Western Baptist Hospital. 7 9:30 PM. Strategies to cope with the distress of mental illness in a loved one. AND how to take care of yourself during this hard time. For more, call Marcia or Paul Grant at 270-554-1915.

On-Going Dance, Fitness & Sports: Weekday Road Rides. EVERY MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY when the temperature is above 40 and the roads are dry. Meet at Family Video Store, 414 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY. 6 AM. Ride is for 60 to 74 minutes and there is a different route for each day of the week. Pace varies depending on who shows up. Fridays are the most laid back and best for first timers. Lights needed during months when sunrise is later than 6 AM. Contact Hutch at 270-442-0751 or hutch@bilekeworldky.com.

MONDAYS: Dodgeball League. 6:30

PM.

Paducah Recreation Center through

December only. 270-444-8508.

MONDAY: Clogging Class. Robert Cherry Civic Center. 6 PM. $5 per session. For more, call 270-444-8508.

Baby basics to assist parents with their first few weeks with baby. Call 270-444-2443.

MONDAY -THURSDAY: Multiple Class in Yoga and Pilates covering stretching,

THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH: Kidney Optios Education Class.

MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Aikido. Paducah Parks. 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Parks

Marshall Nemer Pavilion at Lourdes. 2 PM – 4 PM. Call 270-443-0217.

strength training, toning, and more . Call 444-8508 for more.

Bldg, Classroom 2.For more or to sign up, call 444-8508.

SELECT TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: Your Guide to Joint Replacement classes. Marshall Nemer Pavilion at Lourdes. Thursday Classes are 1 – 3 PM. Tuesday Classes are 4 – 6 PM. Call for exact dates and to register. 270-444-2915.

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH FREE Family Law Clinic from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The meeting room is located on the second floor of the McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington Street). To register for the clinic or for more information about the clinic, please call Legal Aid at (270) 442-5518. You may also pick up flyers at the Family Court or the McCracken County Child Support Office.

SECOND TUESDAYS OF EACH MONTH: Breast Cancer Support Group.

Lourdes Medical Pavilion, Suite 403. 6 PM. Call 270-442-1310.

SECOND THURSDAYS OF EACH MONTH: Hopeful Hearts Breast Cancer Support Group. Marshall Nemer Pavilion at Lourdes Hospital, Womens Center Suite 210. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Call 270-538-5700.

EVERY TUESDAY: Ashes Smoking Cessation Classes. Classroom 4, Lourdes Hospital. 5 PM. Call 270-444-2808.

FOURTH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH: Sibling Class. Rosenthal Room – 2nd floor, Marshall Nemer Pavision Lourdes. Prepares big brothers and big sisters under 5 for the new arrival. 6 PM – 8 PM. Call 270-444-2640 or 270-444-2243.

3 CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS IN EACH MONTH: Three week Childbirth Class.

Borders Community Room, Marshall Nemer Paviilion at Lourdes. 6:00 PM – 8:00 270-444-2243.

PM, call for exact dates.

SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH: Breastfeeding Class. Rosenthal Room – 2nd floor, Marshall Nemer Pavilion at Lourdes. 6 PM – 8 PM. Call 270-444-2243.

MONDAYS: Preschool Playdate. Paducah Regional Sportsplex. 11

AM - 1 PM. Come play on inflatables, on the soccer field, even bring your tricycle to ride on our basketball court! Concessions open. Find out more at www.plexsports.net

MONDAYS: Musical Fingers. (Classes for all children 4 and under.) Meet at Paducah Regional Sportsplex. 10 AM. For more information, contact Lyz Hornbeak at 575-1858, 331-2987 or at philelz@att.net. www.themusicclass.com

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 41

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY: Jazzercise Classes. 33420 Lone Oak Road, Arch Towers - Suite L. 5:15 PM. Everyone welcome! For more, call 270-210-1044.

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MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Karate Kidz Prep Beginners (Ages 7-8), Future

MONDAY AND TUESDAY: Aikido.Paducah Parks. For more or to sign up, call 444-8508.

MONDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY. 7:00 PM. Western Kentucky Adult Volleyball Club has competitive games weekly. Play is co-ed on a men’s net and divided into A, B, C divisions as participation allows. Games/meetings focused on improving individual skills and team play. For more email wkvballclub@gmail.com

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY: Yoga. 11:00 AM. Paducah Recreation Center. 270-444-8508.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY: Yoga.9:00 AM. Paducah Recreation Center. 270-444-8508.

MONDAY, THURSDAY & SATURDAY – Zumba With Tishaunda. Community of Christ Church, 718 Market Street, Metropolis, IL. 5:30 PM Monday and Thursday, 10:30 Saturday. $3 per class www.tishaunda.webs.com 618-638-4180

AM

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS at 12:30 PM and WEDNESDAYS at 6:30 PM. Zumba with Tishaunda. AMPA in Jordan's Crossing.$5 per class. www.tishaunda.webs.com or call 618.638.4180

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Crack of Dawn Bicycle Rides. 6 AM. Meet at Family Video beside Paducah Middle School, when pavement is dry and temperature is 40+ degrees. Pace set by who shows. For information, contact Torey or Hutch at Bike World, 270-442-0751 or email hutch@bikeworldky.com.

MONDAY: Strength and Cardio Circuit Training. Curves, 3420 Park Avenue. Call 270-575-3800 for more. www.curves.com Silver Sneakers can Workout for FREE.

MONDAY – THURSDAY. Intro Kettlebell Class. Mike’s Kettlebell Club. 106 Broadway, Paducah. 6:15 PM. 270-554-8224.

MONDAY – THURSDAY. Walking Club. Meet at Picnic Shelter 10 in Noble Park.

Kidz Beginners (Ages 5-6), Future Kidz Intermediates (Ages 5-6), Future Kidz Advanced (Ages 5-6), Karate Kidz Beginners (Ages 9-12), Dynamic Tae Kwon Do Beginners (Ages 13+), Black Belt Class, TurboKick Fitness (Ages 16+) 7PM. Hwang's Martial Arts. Call 908-6670 for enrollment information or email hwangsmartialart@bellsouth.net. www.hwang-martialarts.com

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS: Tiger Jiu-Jitsu (ages 5 - 9). Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy, 2343 New Holt Road. 5 - 5:50 PM. For more, email trmaa@bellsouth.net or call 270-554-4885. www.threeriversacademy.com.

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS: Junior Jiu-Jitsu (ages 10 - 14). Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy, 2343 New Holt Road. 6 -6:50 PM. For more, email trmaa @bellsouth.net or call 270-554-4885. www.threeriversacademy.com.

TUESDAYS: Intermediate Mid East Dance, Parks Bldg, Classroom 3. 6 PM. 270-444-8508.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Futsal, Paducah Recreation Center through December only. 6:30 PM. 270-444-8508.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Circuit Training, Paducah Recreation Center. 11 AM. 270-444-8508.

TUESDAYS: Family Night. Kingway Skateland. 6:30-9PM. $4 each. Skates: Quad, $1, Speed/Inline $3.

TUESDAYS: Hatha Yoga. Paducah Yoga Center. 5:30 PM. Pay what you can, donation based class for all levels, including beginners.

TUESDAYS: Family Track Run Practice. Meet at Noble Park Picnic Shelter #10. 6

M, W, 5 – 6 PM. Tu, Th, 12 – 1 PM. FREE.

- 7 PM. FREE. For more, call 270-444-8508.

MONDAY – FRIDAY: Afterschool Martial Arts Sessions. Hwang’s Martial Arts.

School dismissal – 5:30 PM. During the school year. 908-6670 or email hwangsmartialart@bellsouth.net www.hwangs-martialarts.com

TUESDAY: Youth Running Club. Picnic Shelter #10 at Noble Park. FREE. Ages 5-15. 6-7 PM. 444-8508.

THURSDAYS: Kid’s Kickboxing (ages 5-14) Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy, 2343 New Holt Road. 5 PM – 6 PM. For more, email trmaa@bellsouth.net or call 270-554-4885. www.threeriversacademy.com.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Xtreme Martial Arts (Ages 8+), Karate Kidz Prep Intermediates/Advanced (Ages 7-8), Karate Kidz Intermediates/ Advanced (Ages 9-12), Dynamic Tae Kwon Do Intermediates/Advanced (Ages 13+), Adult Kickboxing (Ages 16+). Hwang's Martial Arts. Call 9086670 for enrollment information or email hwangsmartialart@bellsouth.net. www.hwang-martialarts.com

WEDNESDAYS: Beginners Mid East Dance, Parks Bldg, Classroom 2. 5 PM. 270444-8508.

WEDNESDAYS: Advanced Mid East Dance, Parks Bldg, Classroom 2. 6:30 PM. 270444-8508.

THURSDAYS: Tribal Fusion, Parks Bldg, Classroom 3. 6 PM. 270-444-8508.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Group Training Run, West Kentucky Runners Club. Summer Hill Ct (off Friedman Lane between Pines Road and HW 60 in Paducah). 5 AM. 8 mile run.

THURSDAYS: Table Tennis. Ages 12+.

Classroom 1, Paducah Parks. 5-6PM. $25.

444-8508.

42 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

THURSDAYS: Drop in Doubles Clinic. Paul Rowton Indoor Tennis Center. 6:30 PM. Members $15, Non-members $19.

270-443-8363.

FRIDAYS: Kingsway Skateland 6:30 - 10 PM. $6.

Residents at Trinity Village - Senior Family Home Care, 3910 Old US Hwy 45 South in Lone Oak. Invite you to a senior's get - together every FRIDAY (Please RSVP): Pot luck – 6 - 6:45PM. Bible Study 7 – 8 PM Contact Rene Sanchez-Chew, 554-7075.

FRIDAY: Extreme Martial Arts classes 4:30 – 5:30PM. Future Kidz Makeup Class, 5PM; Lil' Dragons & Karate Kidz Prep Makeup Classes, 5:30; Karate Kidz Makeup Class, 6PM; Dynamic TKD Regular Class (13&Up), 6:30PM. Circuit Training. 6 PM. Hwang’s Martial Arts. 908-6670. www.hwangs martialarts.com

Senior Medicare Patrol – Senior Medicare Patrol: Eddie Jordan, project coordinator of the local Kentucky Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) provides information on your you can protect your self from Medicare errors, learn to detect potential fraud and abuse and to report errors or suspected fraud. He is available 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the Senior Center, 1400 HC Mathis Drive. For more information call 270-443-8993.

SATURDAYS: Intro Kettlebell Class. Mike’s Kettlebell Club. 106 Broadway, Paducah. 9:00 AM. 270-554-8224.

MONDAY - FRIDAY: Informal Coffee Group. Etcetera Coffeehouse, 6th Street

SATURDAYS: Tiger and Junior Jiu-Jitsu (ages 5 - 14). Three Rivers Martial Arts

and Kirchoff's Bakery locations. 9 AM.

Academy, 2343 New Holt Road. Noon - 1 PM. For more, email trmaa@bellsouth.net or call 270-554-4885. www.threeriversacademy.com.

MONDAY - FRIDAY: Hot Lunches - Paducah-McCracken Senior Citizens Center. 11:30 AM. Donation : $2. Must be 60 and over. 443-8579

SATURDAYS: Kid’s Kickboxing (ages 5-14) Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy,

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY: Exercise Classes for Seniors - PaducahMcCracken County Senior Center. 10-11 AM. 443-8579

2343 New Holt Road. 1 PM – 2 PM. For more, email trmaa@bellsouth.net or call 270554-4885. www.threeriversacademy.com.

SATURDAYS: Kingsway Skateland. 1 - 3 PM and 3 - 5 PM, . 10 - 11:30 AM (beginner's session), $4.

SATURDAYS: Group Training Run, West Kentucky Runners Club. Meet at Rehab Associates, Berger Road. 5 AM. 4 mile run (up to 20 if training for marathon).

SATURDAYS. Kingsway Skateland. 7:30 – 11

PM.

$6.50. . Skates: Quad, $1,

Speed/Inline $3.

Saturdays: Black Belts, 9AM; Hwang’s Martial Arts. 554-6667. hwangsmartialarts@bellsouth.net, www.hwangs-martialarts.com

On-Going Events for Seniors: FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH: Super Seniors at First Christian Church of Paducah. Call 270-443-8251 for information.

EVERY 3RD SATURDAY: Senior Citizens Social Dinner and games.

McKendree United Methodist Church. 4:30 - 6PM. 488-3770.

MONDAY - FRIDAY: Water Aerobics. Brooks Indoor Pool, Broadway United Methodist Church, 701 Broadway. 10 AM. $25 per month. Call 270-443-1778 for more info.

MONDAY: Ballroom Dance Classes - Paducah-McCracken Senior Citizens Center. 1-3 PM. FREE. Must be 60 and over. 443TUESDAY AND THURSDAY: Line Dancing Classes - Paducah-McCracken Senior Citizens Center. 1-2:30 PM. FREE. Thursdays for beginners. Must be 60 and over. 443-8579 TUESDAYS: Beginning Crochet and Quilting. Senior Citizens Center. 1 PM, 2 PM. FREE. 443-8579

WEDNESDAYS: Introduction to Senior Fitness Simplified. Paducah Yoga Center. 11 AM - noon. $10/ session, $30/month, $35/month with Sunday Tai Chi. Call 270-210-1465 for more.

1ST AND 3RD THURSDAYS OF EVERY MONTH: FREE Serving Our Senior's Bingo. Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 1:30 - 3 PM. Dessert and coffee served, enter at the Rehabilitation wing. To reserve a seat, call 270-443-6543. v

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 43

Child Care:

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Tot School. 9 AM - 2 PM, MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. Ages 3 - 5. $110/month. AUGUST 16 - MAY. Paducah Parks Bldg. 444-8508.

Listings of non-profit groups providing family-oriented services

National After School Program (NASP). Meets MONDAY - FRIDAY, 3 - 6 PM. FREE. To sign up, call Paducah Parks at 270-444-8508.

Adoption/Foster Care:

Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) - Sponsoring support group for adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. The meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Oasis Christian Center, 3232 Buckner Lane (home to Community Christian Academy Elementary School in Paducah, KY and the last Monday of each month at the Community Fellowship Baptist Church on Hwy 45 in Hickory (across from State Police Post One) in Mayfield, KY. Both meetings are held from 6 - 8 PM. All adoptive parents and those interested in adoption are welcome. Childcare is provided free of charge. For more information contact: Tammy DeBoe @ 270-994-2466 or tammydeboe@newwaveccomm.net or Kim Armistead @ 502-558-6846 or raka1214@yahoo.com.

BENCHMARK Therapeutic Foster Care - Benchmark Family Services, Inc., established in 1994, is a private, faith-based, non-profit therapeutic foster care agency. Providing stable and caring homes for youth in need of out-of-home care. Our mission is to advocate for children by ensuring opportunities for healthy physical, psychological and emotional growth and development in the least restrictive setting possible. Benchmark is seeking caring, dynamic individuals and families with a calling to open their hearts and homes to children in need of stability, care and nurturing. As a Benchmark foster family, you will receive weekly contact with an assigned case manager, including a minimum of three home visits per month, 24/7 emergency cell phone access to a case manager, respite care for foster children when needed, premium financial compensation and incomparable foster parent support. For more information, call Benchmark at (270)408-1361.

NECCO Therapeutic Foster Care. Necco has been serving Western Kentucky's youth for more than a decade. To find out more about foster parenting, give us a call. Necco can introduce you to a child in need of a loving family and a safe place to call home. Benefits include training tailored to fit your schedule, 24 hour crisis intervention/support, access to on staff mental health professionals, ongoing monthly trainings with childcare and meals provided, respite, incentives, daily reimbursements paid twice monthly, case managers for every home, staff cell phone numbers, and unmatched foster parent support. For experience you can count on, call Necco toll free at 866-30NECCO (866-306-3226) or 270-898-1293.

Child Protection/ Crisis Services:

Domestic Violence Information Session. McCracken County Courthouse, Family Court, Room “E”. 443-6071, ext. 5.

The Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center. We provides fee services for both children and adult victims of sexual crimes. Our services include therapy, legal and medical advocacy, forensic interviews, child sexual abuse exams, consultation, assessment and referral services and education programs. Offices in Paducah, Mayfield and Murray reach all of the Purchase Area Region. Our 24 Hour crisis line number is 1-800-928-7273 and our office number is 270-928-4422. We welcome invitations to present preventive programs in schools, clubs, churches, and other groups. We need volunteers for our 24 hour crisis line and to meet victims at local emergency rooms. All volunteers undergo a criminal background check and central registry check. All are equipped with a 40 - hour training course. PASAC will accommodate your schedule. Join the team by calling 270-534-4422.

Children’s and Teen Groups: Boy Scout Troop 1 – Grace Episcopal Church. 559-1515.

Looking for long lost Scouts! Visit www.scoutingfriends.org or call (270) 554-5857.

Girl Scout Activity Listings: www.kyanags.org Teen Board- Conference Room at Paducah Parks Bldg. Ages 14-18. 4-5PM. FREE. 444-8508

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44 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

Education Groups:

KATS Homeschool Club meets twice a month in Paducah. This is a Christian group that meets for fellowship, playdates, field trips and much more. Field trips are also twice monthly. For more information, email katsofpaducah@live.com Center for Gifted Studies. Alexander Hall, Murray State University. The Center, located at 3205 Alexander Hall, collaborates with pre-service and graduate education students, the School Psychology program, and other College of Education programs to provide services to parents and gifted children in the region. Its services include professional develoPMent programs for teachers, regional and international enrichment opportunities for gifted students during the academic year and summers, and informational and assessment services to parents. For more, contact Dr. Joy Navan, 270809-2539 or joy.navan@coe.murraystate.edu.

C.H.AMP., Christian Homeschoolers All Meet and Play. United Methodist Church Gym, Ledbetter, KY. Every Monday 2:30 - 4:30. We also have group recess every six weeks. Bring skates or sports equiPMent. FREE to all. For more, call Sherry Layne-Smith at 270-928-4368 or email smith731@localnet.com.

Heartland Christian Home Educators offers support, field trips, and fellowship for home school families in western Kentucky and southern Illinois. To find out more call 270-908-1619.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site encourages area residents to volunteer at the park. Wickkliffe Mounds is a preservation of a Native American village dating to 11 AD. The park has a volunteer program and is searching for people who are interested in museums, history, archeology, education and Native Americans. Activities include tour guiding, educational programs, greeting visitors, outdoor landscaping and other help. Contact the Park Manager Carla Hildebrand at 270-335-3681 wickliffemounds@ky.gov Land Between the Lakes Programming - Trail hiking, animal discovery, children’s activities, planetarium programming and more. Weekday and weekend listings. 270-924-2020. www.lbl.org McKAGE (McCracken County Chapter of Kentucky Association of Gifted Education.) Monthly lunch meetings at local schools. Noon – 1 PM. For information, contact Danette Humphrey, 442-5172 Center for Cultural Exchange. Host an international exchange student! CCI is looking for families to host high school students from foreign countries. Each CCI student is fully insured, brings spending money and is looking forward to an active family life. CCI is designated by the US Department of State and dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, academic develoPMent and world peace. Call your Area Representative, Corinne Sullivan at 270-5080622 if you have any questions or visit www.cci-exchange.com for more information.

Sunday. Community and Senior Ctr., 155 W Cumberland Av, Grand Rivers, KY (one block west of J.H. O'Bryan Ave, and behind 1st KY Bank). To receive our free newsletter or for information contact us: 270-217-4490 or FourRiversCF@hotmail.com . The National CF website: www.compassionatefriends.org Four Rivers Compassionate Friends – THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. 7 – 9 PM EXCEPT December when we join in the National Candle Lighting 2nd Sunday. For families who have lost a child of any age. Community and Senior Ctr, 155 W Cumberland Av, Grand Rivers, KY (one block west of J.H. O'Bryan Ave, and behind 1st KY Bank) Contact: 270-217-4490, or FourRiversCF@hotmail.com for more information or to receive our FREE newsletter. www.compassionatefriends.org Grief Support Group – FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. Graves County Senior Citizens Building. 11:30 AM. Free grief support group sponsored by Lourdes Hopice. Contact Todd Hawkins at 270-415-3632.

Lourdes Hospice Needs Volunteers: Working with hospice patients can grow your faith and teach you about the magic and beauty of life. Volunteers are needed in Ballard, Caldwell, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, and McCracken counties. If interested, contact Susan Mason at 1-800-870-7460 or 270-415-3640.

EVERY MONDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS). Healthy Grieving Group. Paducah Lourdes Hospice Office, Hipp Buildingm Jackson Street 5 PM. 1ST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Grief Support Lunch: Luke's Truckstop, Arlington. 11:30 AM. Contact Leah Fondaw, lfondaw@lourdes-pad.org. 270-415-3607.

FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH EXCEPT HOLIDAYS. Men’s Coffee Grief Education and Support Group. Bob Evans Restaurant, Paducah. 8 AM. Call for info 270-4153632. Bariatric Support Group. Community Conference Room, Jackson Purchase Medical Center. 6 PM. Call 270-251-4169.

Survivors of Suicide: support group for anyone whose life has been touched by the

unique grief of suicide. First Tuesday of the month. United Church of Paducah, 4600 Buckner Lane. Contact: 442-3722 Zack’s Hope SOS. Support Group for Survivors of Suicide. FOURTH THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Western Baptist Heart Center. 6 – 7:30 PM. For more, call Linda Thompson at 270-559-3480

To view television programs, including Tot School from Paducah Parks Services, produced by the television department at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, visit www.paducah2.org.

Crisis Management

Kentucky Regional Poison Center - Kosair Children’s Hospital. 1-800-222-1222 The Merryman House. The Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center provides free services to all victims of domestic violence, including shelter for those in need. All of the following services are offered FREE of charge. Some of our services include individual counseling, court advocacy, support groups, referral services, hospital advocacy, outreach services, and housing counseling. Though the shelter is located in Paducah, we provide outreach services for area counties. Our toll free crisis number is 1-800-585-2686 or (270) 443-6001. Our email address is merrymanhouse@ hcis.net. All services are completely confidential.

Paducah Lifeline Ministries. Counseling and help for life-controlling addictions.

Call 443-4743. 2801 Morgan Lane Paducah, KY Chapter of Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program - 800-SUICIDE (800-2433), 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).zackshope.com For military and their families: www.operationhomefront.org

Loss:

Compassionate Friends of Four Rivers - For families who have lost a child of any age. We are parents of loss meeting together. THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7 - 9 PM. EXCEPT December when Candlelighting Ceremony is 2nd

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 45

eventscalendarfamilynetwork Listings of non-profit groups providing family-oriented services

Multi-service Providers:

Family Service Society is in DESPERATE NEED of FOOD. All types are needed; canned,

boxed, mixes, cereal, etc. Please contact Family Service Society by calling 270-443-4838.

Lourdes Hospital has meetings and groups on: Childbirth, breastfeeding ALS support, Driving, Eating Disorders, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Breast & Cervical Cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Heart issues. Call 444-2444 or ehealthconnection.com/ regions/lourdes Western Baptist Hospital has meetings and groups on: Breast feeding, child-

Miscellaneous:

Art Parties. Invite an artist to come to your place or have the party at ours.

The artist will do live demonstrations, paint faces, and lead kids in a super fun art activity. Call Gretchen Smith at 270-243-0444 or email tallartist@hotmail.com.

Art Guild of Paducah. FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 6 PM. McCracken County Public LibraryFor more info, call Carol at 270-554-4803 or 270-210-1465, or Melanie at 270-331-3087.

Senior Pastor Bible Study. Thursday mornings at 11:00 AM at Broadway United Methodist Church. Come and bring a friend. You do not have to be a member of Broadway UMC to participate. 443-2401.

Citizens Against Drug Dealers and Drug Abuse (C.A.D.D.) Working toward a drugfree McCracken County with education, prevention, and resources for families. 1st Thursdays; 6:30 PM. Milburn Chapel Church, West Paducah. For info., 554-9429.

birth, Baby Care, Family, CPR, Menopause, Diabetes, Ostomy & other medical issues. Call 575-2229 or www.westernbaptist.com

Dream Factory Volunteer Meetings - US Bank Bldg. 4TH & Broadway. 5TH floor.

Interested in helping or donating? Janice Harris, 441-7611 www.dreamfactory.com

Hope Unlimited Family Care Center and Medical Clinic provides counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes and The Learn to Earn Program which offers a way for families to earn points to purchase much needed baby items. For more information, call 270-442-1166 in Paducah or 618-524-5730 in Metropolis.

Hearts for Babies. The group makes layettes for under-privileged and single moms in need and their new babies. Meets 1st Wednesday of every month from 10 AM – 2 PM at Lone Oak First Baptist Church, Room C 200. Come and join our fun group. We knit, crochet, quilt and sew! For more, call Nelly Sullivan at 270-554-3818

St. Nicholas Free Clinic. St. Nicholas Family Clinic's mission is to provide quality health care to working individuals and families who do not have medical insurance or financial resources necessary to pay for private insurance and/or medical care The St. Nicholas Family Clinic offers medical services to Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, Livingston, McCracken, and Marshall Counties in Kentucky and Massac County in Southern Illinois. Open to the public Tuesday Friday from 10:00 - 11:30 AM and 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Drop by, call 270-415-0467, or email anita@stnicholasfamilyclinic.com.

Paducah Chess Club - SATURDAYS, 1 - 4 PM, brilliant minds young and old, put their wits to the test at Etcetera coffee house Sponsored by English's Antiques and Rayela Art, 212 Broadway.

St. Vincent de Paul Budget Store. We are a volunteer based ministry that sells used clothing, furniture and other goods at a minimal charge to the community and in turn uses the proceeds to help those less fortunate through the Help Line. Help is offered based on need, regardless of religious affiliation or income. The Budget Store serves the public 5 days a week (Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 3 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM). VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS ALWAYS WELCOME! Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions you may have regarding our services. Budget Store phone number: 270-442-9351; Help Line phone number: 270-575-1008; E-mail address: stvincentpaducah@yahoo.com Four Rivers Behavioral Health. Provides service in the areas of mental health, develoPMental disabilities, and substance abuse. Consulting and employee assistance available. Serving Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken. 24-hr. crisis hotline, 1-800-592-3980. Call the office, 442-7121, to find out more.

Martha's Vineyard. A ministry that prepares meals and delivers them to the less fortunate in our area weekly. If you would like to volunteer please call Martha at 575-0021.

Donations may be sent to : Martha's Vineyard • 1100 N. 12th Street • Paducah KY 42001 Ballard County Community Food Pantry. St. Mary's Catholic Church, 662 Broadway, LaCenter. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 AM to 12 noon for food distribution and to receive non-perishable donations. Need spaghetti'os, soups, vegetables, crackers, etc. For more, call the church at 270-665-5551.

Paducah Kennel Club. Meetings are the SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

(EXCLUDING JUNE, WHEN THE MEETING IS THE THURSDAY PRIOR TO THE DOG SHOW) at 7 PM at the clubhouse. Guests are welcome. Membership is $30 annually for an individual, $45 for a family, and $5 for Junior Membership. There are ongoing conformation and puppy socialization classes, obedience classes, and agility classes. The club also offers Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International Testing. For more, visit www.paducahkennelclub.com Paducah Photographer's Club. Meets FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH. Broadway Baptist Church of Christ, 2855 Broadway. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. A diverse group of people with one common interest: photography. Whether you're a new hobbyist or full time professional, our club offers the opportunity to learn, share, network and form new friendships! Yearly membership dues only $20. For more info, contact bonni.littleton@gmail.com McCracken County Genealogical & Historical Society. 2nd Wednesdays. McCracken County Public Library. 1:30 PM. Contact Marjory Heyduck at 554-0878. Programs include local speakers. New members welcome.

Toastmasters EVERY MONDAY. Farm Bureau Office, 1600 Broadway. Noon-1PM. Visitors are always welcome. Come and improve your public speaking ability in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. For more info, call Clay Campbell, 703-2700.

Parenting Support:

I-CAN - The International Cesarean Awareness Network's mission is to improve maternal and child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education and provide support for cesarean recovery. Meetings the 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 5:30, McCracken Public Liabrary Meeting Room. For more information, contact Kimberly Eckenberg 618-921-1132, kjeckenberg@hotmail.com or i-canonline.org La Leche League of Kentucky- All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Meetings 1ST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH at 10 AM, 160 South Gum Springs Road, Paducah. Contact Lynette Brown 534-0512 for directions. Inclement weather cancels. www.breastfeedinghelppaducah.blogspot.com MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) - MOPS meets from 9:30-11:30AM on 1ST & 3RD THURSDAYS FROM JANUARY THROUGH MAY. If you’re a mother of a preschooler, you’ve got your hands full….and we know how you feel! Get connected in MOPS. There are limited spots available for childcare so please call ahead. 554-1441. They also meet one Sunday a month, 5 - 7 PM. Please call for specific dates.

Moms in Touch prayer support for Concord Elementary School. Call Kelly Hudspeth, 744-0800 NINO – Nine months in; nine months out. Provide infant sling & carrier information & support. 3rd Mondays. 10:30AM. McCracken County Library. For more information, contact Jill Tanner, 349-3806 or email thenaturalbaby@gmail.com

46 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

Wives of Faith, Western KY Chapter – If you would like to join a Christian-based group of other military wives, this is the group for you. Come join us for lots of fun, support, and activities! All units and branches are welcome. Check out: http://www.wivesoffaith.org/groups/western-kentucky-wof and email ashley@wivesoffaith.org if you're interested or would like more information.

Special Needs:

Social and Professional Groups:

Easter Seals West Kentucky offers a range of therapies including speech, physical and occupational therapy services to children who qualify regardless of income. If you know a child who would benefit from these services or needs additional services above what they are already receiving, please call Tara Beyer at 270-444-9687.

40/50 Group. 1ST AND 3RD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH at 5:30 PM. Meets at area restaurants for socializes and to plan events. Meetings this month: February 7th at Tribeca, February 21st at Jasmine. www.4050group.blogspot.com ACCESS Christian Singles. We provide a safe atmosphere for social activity for all singles. Whether members are men, women, divorced, widowed, never married, just separated or dating couples, we all have different personal goals and ideas about socially acceptable behavior. Meets the SECOND SATURDAY AND FOURTH FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. Check the blog for details: http://accesschristiansingles.blogspot.com/ Downtown Kiwanis Club - 310 N 4th Street, THURSDAYS, Noon - 1 PM. Visitors and potential members are always welcome at these weekly service-oriented gatherings. Email Chuck.Williamson@jpenergy.comfor more info.

Four Rivers Society for Human Resource Management - Meetings are the

H.O.R.S.E.S. Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center currently has open enrollment for riders with special needs.Located at Carson Park, Paducah. Located at Carson Park, Paducah. Please visit our website for an enrollment package. www.horsesinc.org or call us at 270-437-3881.

Easter Seals West Kentucky Adult Day Care has openings. Our program is ideal for seniors and special needs adults who are unable to be monitored during the day by a primary caregiver or simply need daily interaction in a safe, social group setting. In addition to activities, we offer meals and personal care. Caring nursing staff are also available to help monitor or assist with certain health or medical needs. Please contact Micah Sullivan at 270-442-2001 for more information.

FEAT of Western Kentucky. Families for Effective Autism Treatment. Easter Seals Child Development Center. featofwky@gmail.com Marshall County Special Olympics. Marshal County Special Olympics. The group holds their monthly meeting at the Woodmen of the World building in Benton, 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM. For more, call Brian and Melissa Collier, 270-227-5225.

FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 6 PM at Whaler's Catch. For more, call Christa Dubrock at 443-7361, ext. 10689 or email dubruck@csiweb.com.

Lone Oak Kiwanis - Meets MEETS 1ST, 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAY mornings for breakfast at Parker’s Drive Inn Restaurant, 2921 Lone Oak Road, 7 AM. We welcome visitors and potential members. Breakfast is open to visitors on the first Wednesday of every month.

Paducah /River City Business and Professional Women (BPW). MEETS SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at noon at the Paducah County Club. Email Jessica Koverdan for more, jessicakoverdan@kyfb.com.

Paducah Business and Professional Women (BPW) Meets second Tuesday of each month for dinner. 6 PM, Grace Episcopal Church. For information, call Merryman Kemp at 270-442-7636 or Pat Moriarty at 270-853-2580.

Down Syndrome Association of Western Kentucky is a resource group for families, friends, &individuals with Down syndrome. 6:30-8 PM on the third Monday of each month at the Heartland Worship Center in Paducah, Kentucky. For more, call Lana Dockery, phone number 270-564-0949, and email ldockery@comcast.net

Support Groups:

Cancer Support Group – FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. 7:00 PM. First Christian Church of Paducah. Call 270-443-8251 for more information.

THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY OTHER MONTH: Look Good…Feel Better by American Cancer Society. Open to all women with cancer who are undergoing treament. 6 PM to 8 PM. Suite 403, Lourdes Medical Pavilion. Call ACS at 270-444-0740.

THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH: Bariiatric Support Group. Marshall

Paducah-Kentucky Lake Chapter of the International Society of Administrative Professionals. Meetings are the THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 5:30 PM. For more, call Christy Poindexter at 270-575-6624. www.geocites.com/paducahkylake.

Paducah Lions Club The oldest Lions Club in Kentucky, they meet TUESDAYS at noon for lunch and presentations by guest speakers at the Carson Center.

Paducah Newcomers' Club: Monthly meetings are held on the SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, please call 270-554-5303 or www.geocities.com/paducahnewcomers/index.html for more details. Paducah Newcomers' Club Playgroup: Held weekly on Monday at 10:00 AM, please call 270-534-1835 for more details.

Paducah Rotaract Club. First MONDAY of the month at 6 PM. Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. A group for young professionals 18 – 30 years old focused on helping others.

Paducah Rotary Club -The group meets each WEDNESDAY for lunch and excellent speakers. Noon at the Myre River Room, Carson Four Rivers Center.

Paducah Singles Connection - TUESDAYS, 7 PM at Grace Episcopal Church. All single adults are welcome to this group, which emphasizes positive fellowship and social interaction based on the Christian lifestyle. They neither encourage nor discourage dating among members. The goal is to encourage, with love and support, those adjusting to the single lifestyle in a way that enhances self-esteem, tolerance and understanding.

South Paducah Kiwanis - 1640 South 6th Street, THURSDAYS from 7 - 8 PM. The club invites members to this weekly meeting. The group's mission: serving the children of the world, one at a time.

Zonta Club of Paducah - 5:30 PM, SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH at Whaler's Catch restaurant. It’s always a fun night when this group of women executives and professionals gathers to work together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. For more, call 270-575-3444.

Nemer Paviilion at Lourdes Hospital. For those who have had or are considering Bariatric surgery. 6 PM. Call 270-415-3888.

Alcoholics Anonymous. Wednesdays evenings. 8 – 9 PM. Ballard County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Community Center in Lacenter.

Caregiver Support Group – THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH. Legacy Personal Care Home, 4747 Alben Barkley Drive. 6 PM. FREE respite care is provided. For more information, please call Carrie Gottschalk Singler, 270-534-0620.

Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK). support group for adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTHat the Oasis Christian Center, 3232 Buckner Lane (home to Community Christian Academy Elementary School in Paducah, KY and the last Monday of each month at the Community Fellowship Baptist Church on Hwy 45 in Hickory (across from State Police Post One) in Mayfield, KY. Both meetings are from 6 - 8 PM. All adoptive parents and those interested in adoption are welcome. FREE childcare provided.

Bariatric Support Group. FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 6 PM. Community Conference Room, Jackson Purchase Medical Center. For more information about participating with this group, call 270-251-4169.

Brain Injury of Kentucky Support Group -Western Baptist Hospital, Conference Room A. Call Brenda Bradford at 575-2799 or 554-0452 Cancerport - the Breast Cancer Support Group. Women's Health and Wellness Center at Lourdes Medical Pavilion. Contact Kentucky Cancer Program at 270-442-1310.

Cancer Support Group – First Christian Church. 443-8251 Celebrate Recovery. Heartland Worship Center's Youth Building. FRIDAYS AT 7 PM. Are you struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups such as depression, insecurity, anger, overeating or chemical dependency? Open the door to change and find freedom from addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. For more, call 270-534-1400, ext. 260.

www.paducahparenting.com December2012 • 47

Hopeful Hearts -A support group for women with cancer led by Dr. Lisa Chaney Lasher. MEETINGS: 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH 6:30PM. Lourdes Women's Health and Wellness Center, Contact 538-5723.

eventscalendarfamilynetwork Listings of non-profit groups providing family-oriented services

Hot Shots, a support group for children with type 1 diabetes and their fami-

Christian Support Group Meeting for friends and family of the chemically dependent. New Life Tabernacle. Call 444-8073 or 554-5977.

Circle of Hope Cancer Support Group. FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM. Jackson Purchase Medical Center, Private Dining Room. Special guests are planned to provide information on pain management, depression, nutrition and many other related topics. For more information, call 382-3940 or 247-6546.

Compassionate Friends of Four Rivers - For families who have lost a child of any age. We are parents of loss meeting together. THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, 7 - 9 PM. EXCEPT December when Candlelighting Ceremony is 2nd Sunday. Community and Senior Ctr., 155 W Cumberland Av, Grand Rivers, KY (one block west of J.H. O'Bryan Ave, and behind 1st KY Bank). To receive our free newsletter or for information contact us: 270-217-4490 or FourRiversCF@hotmail.com . The National CF website: www.compassionatefriends.org Celebrate Recovery. Heartland Worship Center's Youth Building. FRIDAYS AT 7 PM. Are you struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups such as depression, insecurity, anger, overeating or chemical dependency? Open the door to change and find freedom from addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. For more, call 270-534-1400, ext. 260.

Celiac and Gluten-Intolerant meetings. FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 5PM. Chiropractic Works, Metropolis. Next meeting is NOV. 5TH. These meetings are free to anyone who has Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wanting to learn the life style. If you have any questions, call 618-524-8300.

Christian Support Group Meeting for friends and family of the chemically dependent. New Life Tabernacle. 1ST THURSDAYS AT 7PM. Call 443-4648 or 519-8670.

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Support Group. First Thursday of

the Month. Marshall Nemer Building, 2nd Floor Rosenthal Room. 7 more information, call 646-623-2620.

PM.

For

Diabetes Support Group – Lone Oak Church of Christ. 3RD TUESDAYS. 7-8 PM. For questions, contact: Western Baptist Hospital at 575-2282; or Purchase District Health Dept. at 444-9625.

lies. For more information, contact 217-2548, 519-4155, 210-3047 or ronda. cartwright @mccracken.kyschools.us I-CAN -The International Cesarean Awareness Network's mission is to improve maternal and child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education and provide support for cesarean recovery. Meetings the 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 5:30, McCracken Public Library Meeting Room. For more information, contact Kimberly Eckenberg 618-921-1132, kjeckenberg@hotmail.com or i-canonline.org L.I.F.E Community L.I.F.E-Saver Class - 523 N 12th Street. TUESDAYS, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. This class allows individuals to talk about any life-controlling issues and get support from the group. FREE. All are welcome. 575-3823.

Lupus Support Group. Lourdes Hospital, Classroom 4. 6 PM, first Monday of every month. For more, call 270-210-9247.

“Metamorphosis”: Lourdes Bariatric Program Support Group - For those who are interested or have undergone the gastric bypass procedure.

444-2444 N.AMI. Paducah (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group for family members and persons affected by mental illness and their families.

THURSDAYS, 7 – 8:30 PM. St. Mathew’s Lutheran Church, 27th & Broadway.

Nar-Anon Family Support Group. TUESDAYS, 6:30 PM. Lourdes Hospital Classroom 4. Join in on a weekly hour of anonymous friendship, support and information for people with family members and/or friends struggling with drug addiction. For more, call 444-6718 Overeaters Anonymous. MONDAYS. 7-9PM at at various members' homes. OA offers a fellowship of men and women who seek recovery -through a Twelve-Step program. No public, private, political, ideological, or religious affiliation. No dues, fees, or weigh-ins. EVERYONE WELCOME! For more and weekly location, call 270-556-8873.

Paducah Area Amputees in Action Support Group. Lourdes Hospital - Borders Community Room. 5:30 PM. 3RD THURSDAY EACH MONTH. For information, please call Terri Ross, 488-3020. If you or a loved one would like a hospital or nursing home visit from an amputee for support and encouragement, please call for information.

Diabetes Support Group. FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 6 PM. Community Conference Room, Jackson Purchase Medical Center. Participants share in a diabetic-friendly potluck meal. Additional information can be obtained by calling The Diabetes Care Center at 251-4372. To register call 251-4580 or 1877-554-JPMC.

Parkinson’s Support Group. This group meets at Western Baptist Hospital in the 2nd floor Atrium Conference Room at 9:30 AM and at Lourdes Hospital in the basement, Classroom 4 at 10 AM. MEETINGS ARE EVERY OTHER WEEK. For exact meeting times and more information, please call 1-270-898-8031.

Epilepsy Support Group. SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 6 - 7 PM in the West Kentucky Epilepsy Center at the Murray Calloway County Hospital in Murray. Free and open to the public. Call 270-762-1566 for more information.

Postpartum Depression Support Group. The FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH at Hope Unlimited headquarters. This resource is open to the public, confidential and free. For questions about this support group, call 270-442-1166.

Fibromyalgia Support Group. 6 - 7 PM. THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH at Birk Grove Life Centre (5150 Village Square Drive.) Meetings are open to the public for women with Fibromyalgia. Phone 270-415-9575 for any questions.

Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors Support Group. Meets weekly on AM - Noon. Second floor conference room, Jackson Purchase Medical Pavilion. Call 270-251-4121 for information on upcoming meeting topics.

MONDAYS, 11

Support & education for families with a loved one who has a severe mental illness. FREE. Basic information about medications, the recovery process, communication skills, problem solving. Weekly meetings. Call to register 270-554-1915 TOPS #110 Paducah. Lebanon Methodist Church., 4620 At Massa Drive. 6 PM, Weigh In; 6:30 PM, Meeting. This weekly meeting has a two-fold objective: encourage healthy lifestyles through weight management support groups and sponsor obesity research. Most members refer to the organization simply as "TOPS," an acronym for "Take Off Pounds Sensibly." The first meeting is FREE; yearly membership $26; monthly chapter dues $5. 270-217-1182.

TOPS KY 0212 Paducah "Take Off Pounds Sensibly". Our mission is to offer Support and Encouragement for weight loss. Fountain Avenue United Methodist. Meetings are every Wednesday morning & starts at 9:30. The first meeting is FREE, yearly dues are $26,and monthly chapter dues are just $4. For more information contract Tina at 270-331-0318.

United Ostomy Association – Held at Western Baptist Hospital. Contact v

Bonita Cloyd, 575-2303

48 • December2012 www.paducahparenting.com

goodreads

Beneath the Covers Great Winter Reading

by Linda Bartley MCLIB

T

he holiday season is a great time to give the gift of reading! Cool weather and skies that darken earlier provide us with excellent opportunities to snuggle and read to the children in our lives. Every year before Christmas, new picture books are published and placed on the shelves, just waiting to become a treasured family favorite. This year’s selections range from silly to heartwarming.

Santa from Cincinnati is written by Judi Barrett, author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It’s a charming story of a little boy named Santa who grew up to be the real thing. An only child, with a “jovial disposition” and a fondness for stuffed reindeer, Santa follows in his father’s footsteps as a child prodigy toymaker while trying to balance his life as an ordinary boy. The illustrations, by Kevin Hawkes, are vibrant

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 49

and clever. Children will enjoy poring over the pictures, recognizing the familiar characteristics of Santa Claus as he grows from a young boy.

Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, by Selina Alko, follows Sadie and her parents as they prepare for the holidays while observing two sets of traditions. How lucky she is to have a Christmas tree and a menorah; to sing “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and “Silent Night”! Sadie’s happy celebration of her blended heritage is rendered perfectly with the illustrations of brightly colored, mixed media collage.

Sadie’s joy is contagious!

For those looking for a boisterous read-aloud, Christmas Parade, by Sandra Boynton, is a rollicking good time!

Boynton’s traditional animals are up to new tricks when they join the marching band in a Christmas parade. Pig, watching the parade from his window, will be sure to earn a giggle for his bunny slippers, and who can resist chickens playing bassoons?

There are other familiar characters this year, too: Pete the Cat, Wombat, and Charlie the Ranch Dog are back with new Christmas stories. Scaredy Squirrel offers us a safety guide for Christmas and Jane Yolen’s Dinosaurs show us how they say “Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy Hanukkah.”

Not looking for a holiday story to share? Then you should discover and share these great picture books this season.

Little Bird by Germano Zullo, A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems, If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff, Ladybug Girl and Bingo by Jacky Davis, Llamma Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney, Olivia and the Fairy Princess by Ian Falconer, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet by Jane O’Connor and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker.

Looking for a chapter book for the young reader in your life?

Some of the popular juvenile fiction books that patrons are

50 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

asking for at the McCracken County Public Library will be available in time for this gift giving season. In the new book, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, the school’s Valentine’s Day dance is approaching and Greg doesn’t want to be the only one without a date. What will transpire in just one evening? The Mark of Athena is the latest book in the Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series. Will Annabeth be reunited with Percy?

Will he be the same Percy she knew before? In the newest 39 clues The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers Book 5: Trust No One

by Linda Sue Parks, will Amy and Dan discover who the traitor to their family name is before it’s too late?

Because young adult books are very popular it is hard to select just a few to recommend. Some of the titles most anticipated are Reached by Ally Condie, which is the eagerly awaited conclusion to the Matched Trilogy and The Kill Order by James Dashner, the prequel to the Maze Runner series. Both the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare and the Beautiful Creatures series by Kami Garcia are extremely popular and have movies coming out next year.

We also have book recommendations for the adults in your life too. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Winter of the World by Ken Follett, The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling, Racketeer by John Grishman, Reflected in You by Sylivia Day, and The Round House by Louise Erdrich each made it on a best book of the year list. For those who love non-fiction: Carrie and Me: a Mother-Daughter Love Story by Carol Burnett, Totally MAD: 60 Years of Humor, Satire, Stupidity and Stupidity by MAD Magazine, Mike Isabella’s Crazy Good Italian: Big Flavors, Small Plates by Mike Isabella, and Abby Road to Ziggy Stardust: Off the Record With the Beatles, Bowie, Elton and so Much More by Ken Scott and Bobby Owsinski are popular titles here at the library.

Come check out our large selection of new Christmas books as well as your favorite classics. Happy Holidays! v

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 51

By: Laura K. Thornton laurakstyle.blogspot.com

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hankfully most of us will never know what it’s like to be truly hungry. We can only imagine what it feels like to be unable to buy the food we need to feed our children or unsure of where our next meal is coming from. What must it be like as a mother or father to have to tell your family that there is nothing in the home for dinner, or to share a meal hardly big enough for one person between three or four? What must it be like to only eat one meal a day because that’s all you can afford?

Food insecurity is a growing issue in this country and our community is not immune to this issue. But we are very fortunate to have people who tackle this problem every day.

Walk in into Paducah's Community Kitchen any weekday around lunch time and you'll find it bustling with activity. The food line volunteers are busy serving up hot meals. Other volunteers might be cleaning, or stocking the pantry and breaking down boxes in the back. The meal area is full of guests visiting with each other and enjoying what for some may be their only hot meal that day. It quickly becomes apparent that the Community Kitchen does way more than feed the hungry. It is a place, for both volunteers and guests, to nourish the body and soul. "As much as I've enjoyed working with the other volunteers, my favorite part is watching, talking and interacting with the guests." said volunteer Beth Wyant. "It is easy to see the kitchen does more than just feed the physical hunger of those who cross its doors. The spirit inside the facility eases loneliness and gives the guests a sense of being 52 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

cared for and loved." I spent some time at Community Kitchen recently talking with several of the guests. It was a cross section of the population the kitchen serves: A Vietnam Vet, a young couple and their four year old son, a former harbor worker now unemployed and on disability due to an accident. Their situations were all different, but one thing was the same‌they all marveled at the blessing of having the Community Kitchen in their lives. "One meal a day can really make a difference to all of us. It helps us to make ends meet for the week. I don't know what we'd do without it, and it’s nice to know someone cares," one guest explained. The kitchen has seen an increase in families seeking assistance as the economy has tightened.

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Each meal served costs $2.00.

So a $50 gift will feed 25 people, and a $100 gift will feed 50!

Open 5 days a week Community Kitchen is non-profit and the area's only free feeding center that has a kitchen open five days a week. It is located at 1225 Broadway and run by a board of directors from Community Ministries Inc. The first year it was open, 2008, it served 12,096 meals and last year the number had jumped to 54,140 - a huge increase. This year looks as if it will exceed that number. Over 65 generous volunteers form 10 - 15 member teams and serve our community, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 1:45. The kitchen is open to the public for meals from 11 am to 1 pm. Our struggling local economy has resulted in even more people in need this year. The number of individuals walking through the doors at the Community Kitchen is up, but unfortunately funding is down. Monetary donations are needed to keep the doors to this vital community service open. "We are so very www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 53

DONATE NOW www.community-ministries.org/donate.php or mail your donations to 1225 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001

LEARN MORE

facebook.com/paducahcommunityministries

Like us on Facebook to learn more about Community Kitchen and hear the stories of our volunteers and guests

54 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

thankful for the wonderful, generous contributors we already have," said Community Ministries Board Member, Sally Michelson. "But add-itional regular contributors are needed so we can continue this much needed service." Each meal served costs $2.00. So a $50 gift will feed 25 people, and a $100 gift will feed 50! Please help.

Christmas is a wonderful time to donate to a worthy cause and right now is a critical time for this local kitchen. Regular monthly contributions are the lifeblood of the Community Kitchen but any contribution is gratefully accepted to help them feed the hungry this holiday season. The Community Ministries board asks that that your family or business consider them as your designated charity this year. Most of us know, and scientific studies have shown, that charitable giving to others makes you feel good! A contribution to this Community Kitchen will make a difference in the lives of local residents; providing nourishment for the souls of both those who give and those who receive a hot meal. v

familyfinance

by Robin Passante

Financial Lessons we can Learn from our Kids

Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

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obody wants to focus on finances during the holidays. They may hang overhead – and not in a festive, mistletoe kind of way – but most of us are pretty good at shoving the worry aside in favor of more mirth and merriment. Of course it catches up to us in January, but luckily December isn’t January.

I’m not advocating blowing your budget this month, or disregarding it in any way. On the contrary, I think December is a critical time to focus on our finances; I’m just saying we might have to trick ourselves into doing so. Here’s the good news: I know just how to do it.

This month, take a closer look at the one thing you’re already focusing on this time of year – children. Our kids’ behavior during the holidays can teach us about financial priorities, about what works and what doesn’t, and how we

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can be truly happy. Not sure what I mean? Here are a few financial lessons that no doubt will be perfectly illustrated this season by the little angels in our lives.

Instant gratification isn’t gratifying in the long run.

Ever see a child who begs for a special holiday treat, only to devour it and ask for another one a minute later? Did they even chew it? Taste it? Want it? When we indulge our every urge to spend, not only does our budget get overblown but our sense of “needing” something becomes muddled with our sense of “wanting,” and that’s a recipe for financial disaster.

When we overindulge, we’re a mess.

This is best illustrated fairly early on Christmas evening by a child who has spent many hours on an extended holiday sugar-and-presents-and-excitement binge and finally

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 55

comes crashing down. The wailing, the tantrum, the inevitable rushed bedtime is proof that too much of a good thing is usually not so good. That’s why big holidays only come once a year; it’s also why our spending should follow the “everything in moderation” mantra.

Savers spread out their happiness.

One year my little sister ate every piece of candy from her Christmas stocking on Christmas Day. Not only did she feel so sick she couldn’t enjoy our family’s special Christmas dinner, but she was resentful and angry days later when her siblings were still enjoying their candy a little at a time, and she had none. It’s elementary, but still a hard lesson for many adults to learn: When we spend too much at once, we’re left with too little for the long haul.

Size doesn’t matter.

Little kids don’t know or care how much something costs.

This is made clear to every parent who buys a ridiculously expensive toy kitchen or similarly large gift, only to find their child playing happily for hours in the box in which it was delivered. Instead of focusing on how much money we wish we had, perhaps we can spend this month focusing on how happy we can be with what we already have.

Pay attention.

Kids naturally like to be the star of the show, and this is especially true this time of year.

The “look at me!” phenomenon is a good reminder for how attentive we need to be to our finances. When we get distracted with other things and ignore our budgets and bills, bad things happen.

It feels good to share.

Watch a child giving a gift to a loved one, especially a present they made or bought themselves, and you’ll see the true spirit of the holidays, and the source of real happiness. When it comes to our own finances and resources, if we’re solely focused on getting and keeping, we’re missing out on one of life’s greatest joys – giving. v Robyn Passante is a freelance journalist and mother of two who purposely saved her Christmas candy for weeks just to drive her sisters insane. She can be reached at rspassante@gmail.com.

56 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

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communitynews

Destined For Disaster

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The American Red Cross Reminds you to be Prepared!

by Robin Gericke Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

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mages of the destruction and devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy have reminded all of us of the work of the American Red Cross (ARC). Whether its caring for the victims of natural disasters brought to us by Mother Nature, or preparing us for accidents and emergencies by teaching CPR, The ARC is an invaluable nationally and local resource.

The ARC that was founded by a civil war nurse, Clara Barton, in 1881.

Barton actually visited Paducah in 1884 to help with the first ever flood relief project organized by the American Red Cross. The Paducah chapter of the ARC was formed in 1917 by A. R. Meyers making it one of the first in the nation and W.F. Paxton was its first board chairman. The Chapter raised $42,000 for relief efforts during World War I and over $164,000 during World War II. It wasn’t just money that was given; local volunteers gave 81,800 hours of their time making bandages, sewing, and knitting for the war effort.

Help Locally The Paducah Chapter currently has around 100 registered volunteers. They have responded to large disasters such as

floods, tornadoes, and ice storms but they also work with victims of more personal tragedies such as house fires and accidents. In 2012, volunteers responded to 59 fires. “We try to respond to house fires within two hours,” says Jessica Toren, the Executive Director the Paducah Chapter. “The first thing we do is find hotel accommodation for the displaced family so they have somewhere to stay for the next few nights. We provide financial assistance, clothes, food, and referrals to other charities that can help them replace what they lost.” The Chapter also offers free mental health counseling to all those they help.

Relief Nationally Local volunteers have been deployed nationally to provide relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 in New York, California wild fires, and floods in Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa. Thirty five ARC volunteers from Kentucky traveled to the East Coast prior to Hurricane Sandy, eight of those were from the Purchase Area. “Volunteers were on the ground about five days before the storm hit,” Toren told me. “They stayed there for a few weeks, and we are getting ready to send the next wave of volunteers.” Volunteers provide relief to storm

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 57

victims by distributing bulk goods and hot meals from their ERV, Emergency Response Vehicle. EMTs and nurses provided medical care, and trained volunteers gave free mental health support. The CEO of the Kentuckiana Region, Keith Alvey, has been in New York for weeks, serving as the director of all Red Cross relief for the victims of this terrible hurricane.

The ARC also helps our military personnel. They act as a liaison for those posted overseas or away from loved ones in times of crisis or emergency. A family illness or death can be a very stressful issue for a loved one stationed overseas. The ARC can help with communications and facilitating that service member’s return.

Be Prepared!

Sandy has reminded us all that we need to stay prepared!

Preparation is the key to surviving a disaster. “Preparedness is important, because, especially in our area, you never know what is coming, from floods to ice, to winds, and even earthquakes! Toren explained. “Even if you haven’t been affected by a natural disaster, I bet a loved one or someone you know has been. That is why you always need to be prepared with supplies and a safe place to go. You can purchase an ARC preparedness kit at www.redcrossstore.org or you can visit the ‘Be Red Cross Ready’ website (www.arcbrcr.org) to calculate the amount of supplies you need in your kit.

Preparedness doesn’t just mean have supplies on hand. For instance, in the event of a fire, you should decide a meeting place somewhere outside your home where the members of the household will meet and determine if anyone is still inside. Remember that installing a smoke detector and checking the batteries regularly, is the best way to avoid the tragedy of accidents or death in a fire.

Whatever the emergencies, teach your children how to respond, and show them the most efficient and safe exit routes from their room and from inside your home. If they know how to reach safety and what to do in an emergency, they will be much less likely to panic or hide.

The Paducah Chapter has been teaching preparedness tips like these in schools for several years. “The programs, ‘Master of Disaster’ and a Sesame Street program, are a fun way to teach students how to prepare for disasters. We go over emergency kits, evacuation, and other preparedness tips.” Toren explained.

First Aid and CPR Classes “CPR training is important for the same reasons as storm preparedness,” Toren told me. “You just never know what 58 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

kind of situation you’ll find yourself in. The more people trained in CPR, the better it is for everyone. We teach classes to the public on CPR training, children and adult First Aid, and pet First Aid. These classes are also offered to businesses.” The next CPR class offered by the Chapter is on December 8. Go to paducahredcross.org to sign up. To see a full schedule of upcoming classes in your area, visit americanredcross.org and click on ‘Take a Class.’

How You Can Volunteer There are many ways to volunteer with the local Chapter.

Volunteers are needed for the Disaster Action Team, which responds to local house fires and other disasters. The chapter needs volunteers willing to respond quickly to unexpected events. Volunteers are also needed for office work, grant research, public speaking, marketing, and maintenance.

Trained volunteers are deployed to disasters around the country. “We only have two staff members, so we have volunteer work for everyone. Whatever someone is interested in, they can volunteer,” Toren said. To sign up as an ARC volunteer, stop by the Paducah Chapter, located at 234 N. 8th Street. Volunteer meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. “At the meetings, we give updates on new volunteer opportunities and go over how to respond to different events through trainings and mock drills.”

Give to the American Red Cross This Christmas, you can give a hot meal to a storm victim, a phone card to a soldier, or emergency family kits for international disasters. All these gifts and more are available from the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog, available at www.redcrossstore.org.

Since 1917, the Paducah Chapter has been supporting local families after house fires, ice storms, floods, and other disasters. When help was needed elsewhere, volunteers have traveled across the country to offer relief to disaster victims. To make a donation to our local chapter, go to www.paducahredcross.org. v www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 59

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communitynews

Talking Trash with GSPS! Reduce, Reuse Recycle!

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PSP, Inc., also known as Greater Paducah Sustainability Project or RecycleNow, is a local, grassroots, non-profit organization that is working to keep our environment a little bit greener by making recycling easy.

Their goal is the development and implementation of a long term sustainable recycling program within the city of Paducah and McCracken County.

RecycleNow was founded in \ 2006, and they became a committee under the Jackson PurchaseFoundation in February 2007. Organized recycling events occurred once a month at the Park Avenue Kroger and when it started, recycling was sorted and put into trucks right in the parking lot! In October 2007 RecycleNow, moved to their current location at 1830 N. 8th Street in Paducah and began the process of acquiring equipment and manpower to operate a full time recycling center.

60 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

by Crystal Engler Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

Recycling for schools, local organizations & businesses.

RecycleNow coordinates recycling in local schools and for other non-profit groups. They handle recycling at Clark Elementary, Concord Elementary, Lone Oak Elementary, Paducah Tilghman High School, Paducah Middle School, St. Mary’s Schools, and WKCTC. They also manage recyclables for Four Rivers Behavioral Health, Easter Seals, Paducah Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center, BBQ on the River, Lowertown Arts & Music festival, Knights of Columbus, Heartland Donation Center, and the Community Kitchen.

For businesses or organizations with larger amounts of recyclables, RecycleNow can make arrangements to transport the recycling to their center. They have a full commercial recycling line complete with conveyor belt systems, sorters, bailers and crushers. They also have recycling containers

In addition to holiday items, RecycleNow is able to use everything except Styrofoam. “We are able to recycle almost anything,” Paschedag explained. “we collect electronics (batteries, cell phones, monitors, computers, printers, etc.), plastic except Styrofoam (rinsed with caps separated), metal cans (vegetables, foods, and pet foods), aluminum beverage cans, cardboard and pasteboard preferably bundled, paper (newspapers, phone books, magazines and books, junk mail, etc.), TV’s, and scrap metal. Items should be separated according to groups.

Use paper or plastic bags and boxes to help sort the items.

Become a member or make a tax deductible donation. that can be used for public events. So, please contact them if you are holding an event where recycling can occur.

Dealing with the economic realty.

In our struggling economy, everything seems to be affected - even recycling. In the last year, RecycleNow has faced challenges but they are pleased to report that they have weathered the storm. “First and foremost, we want people to know that we’re still an open business,” said Facility Manager and Co-Founder, Merle Paschedag. “The recycle market is cyclical; it goes up and down, and for the last year it’s been down. Prices have been dropping steadily. For instance, a few years ago we were paid over $100 a ton on a particular item, but now we’re receiving just $10 a ton. It’s been devastating. Because of that, we have adjusted our staffing and reduced our hours by closing the Tuesday and Thursday drive-thru days. We have also made the decision to stop accepting glass for the time being as it cost the center $500 per month to process and ship. However, GPSP is still open.”

“During the last three months, the prices seem to have stabilized and we are seeing a small increase for some of the materials we collect and recycle. We hope this is the beginning of an upward trend but we are now understaffed and it will take quite a while to recover. We still need the support of our patrons to keep us open. Getting more people to recycle with us means more material and that will also help us to grow.”

Now is a great time of year for recycling.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, household waste increases by more than 25%. In the United States, annual waste of gift wrap and shopping bags totals $4 million tons.

A whopping 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year.

Half of the paper Americans consume is used to wrap and decorate consumer products. This is also a great time to think about your 2013 resolutions. Making recycling one of your New Year’s goals is a wonderful way to participate with others who practice being good stewards of the earth.

Since the end of the year is around the corner, it’s a good time to squeeze in a few last minute tax deductible donations. You can become an individual, family or business member of Recycle Now. Every membership helps us to stay open and keep up our mission of reducing landfill waste and helping to maintain our planet,” said Paschedag. “Right now, the drivethru donations and memberships are the key financial resources that are helping us through this tough time,” said Paschedag. Take the time to drive your holiday packaging and recyclable items down to N. 8th Street: It’s quick and easy, and helps to maintain this fantastic local service.

RecycleNow is also looking for people to donate a little of their time. Volunteers are the key to keeping costs down.

“We can always use volunteers during the daytime on Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m,” Paschedag told me. “Or, come by on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. We’re also looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, coordinating other volunteers, and publicity. If you would like to hold a fundraising event to benefit RecycleNow, or can offer us some media assistance to let the community know what we’re doing and when we’re open please call!” v

RecycleNow is located at 1830 North 8th Street in Paducah. They can be reached a 270-933-1049 or by visiting

www.recyclenowpaducah.com.

Their hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 61

kidsbits

Just Do It! A Teenager’s View of Volunteering, Leadership, and Government

by Robin Gericke

Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

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id you vote on Election Day? You might have heard statistics about how many Americans vote. Well, I can tell you this: 100% of teenagers 13 to 17 years old didn’t vote. It wasn’t because we didn’t want to go out in the cold, didn’t want to choose between the two candidates, or whatever other excuse people have for not voting.

Simply put, we can’t vote. However, just because we can’t choose who we want as our country’s leader does not mean we have no say in how our country, state, and city is run.

Teenagers can make changes by volunteering, being involved in their communities, and learning how to lead. I can’t vote for the candidate who has a good plan for feeding the hungry, but I can serve food at the Community Kitchen. I can’t vote for a mayor who has the best plan for the city, but I can campaign for him. I can’t vote for the leader of our country, but I can learn how to be a leader

myself. In twenty years, the teenagers of today could be leaders, candidates, and mayors. That is why we need to be prepared to serve and lead in our communities.

Volunteering: The President’s Volunteer Service Award Volunteering is a great opportunity for teenagers to serve their community. It might be hard to find a job, but volunteer opportunities are always available. Even though volunteering doesn’t give you a weekly paycheck, it is a great way to get work experience and also try new things you might consider pursuing as a job in the future.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was created by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, founded in 2003. PVSA was created to thank Americans for volunteering and encourage even more volunteer service.

American citizens, ages five and up, can participate in PVSA. All you have to do is sign up online and then log your hours throughout your chosen twelve month period. Depending on your age category and the number of hours served, you can win a gold, silver, of bronze level award. Families and groups can also combine their hours if they register under the family and group category.

I am a participant in this program, and I would encourage every teenager to sign up, whether they volunteer regularly or want to be encouraged to volunteer more. It is very rewarding to see all the hours you served. If you set a goal to achieve a certain level award, it is an encouragement to serve more hours to reach that goal. To win an award, your records must be reviewed by a certifying organization, which are often local groups of participants. To learn more about PVSA, sign up as a volunteer, or become a certifying organization, please go to psva.org.

Leadership: Future Business Leaders of America Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the world’s largest and oldest business student organization. Its first chapter was started in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1942. As the name implies, this association’s goals are to “develop competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work; create 62 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise; encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community; develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism; encourage and practice efficient money management; and facilitate the transition from school to work.” (fbla.org)

GenJ also organizes Student Action Teams to campaign in state, Congressional, and presidential elections.

Today, there are four divisions of this nonprofit education association. FBLA is for high school students, and today, this division has 215,000 members. The newest division, started in 1994, is the Middle Level FBLA for students in grades 5-9.

There are over 20,000 Middle Level FBLA members. Phi Beta Lambda is for college students, and it reaches over 11,000 participants. With over 3,000 members, the Professional Division is for businesspeople, FBLA-PBL alumni, educators, and parents who support FBLA’s goals. Over 11,000 advisers guide the growth and work of the Future Business Leaders of America. Many local schools have an FBLA chapter, so to sign up or learn how to start your own chapter, go to fbla.org.

I didn’t vote, so I can’t say ‘Now the leader I elected will make the changes I want.’ If I want to see changes, I must strive to make them myself. This challenge to serve, lead, and shape our communities isn’t just for teenagers; it is for everyone.

Should we complain about something we have the power to change, from litter on the side of the road to homelessness in the community? If you want to change to world, do it - whether you’re in kindergarten or retired, an adult or a teenager like me. v

The Paducah chapter of GenJ was started in 2006. The group has monthly meetings the first Friday of the month, and a local public servant speaks at each meeting. The club does several service projects a year, such as packing boxes to be sent to soldiers for the HUGS project, serving at the annual Hope Banquet, ringing the bell for Salvation Army at Christmas, and campaigning for conservative candidates. For more information about the Paducah chapter, please email jsjjwhite@comscast.net. If you would like to learn more about GenJ or find a chapter near you, go to generationjoshua.org.

Government: Generation Joshua Founded in 2003, Generation Joshua (GenJ) is a national organization with local chapters for teens interested in government and politics. The goal of GenJ is to teach the next generation of leaders how to use their beliefs in politics.

They acknowledge that not everyone is called into politics, but everyone needs to be equipped to stand up for what is right wherever they choose to serve. Today, GenJ has 7,500 members and over 100 clubs nationwide.

Since 2004, GenJ has annually hosted a leadership summer camp called iGovern, where campers learn about government and participate in mock elections and a mock Senate. www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 63

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fatherhoodfodder

Gathering Around the Festive DVD Player

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s Christmas approaches, I bring out our collection of classic yuletide DVDs and pop one of them into the player each evening. Before you know it, our television set has celebrated Christmas with style and drama, while we watched spellbound from the couch.

A Christmas Story is about a boy who campaigns relentlessly for a Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas. But his mother and father (and every other adult he encounters) tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” My own dad would have been as likely to buy me a BB gun as he would a live hand-grenade.

“You want a gun?” he used to say, “Join the Army.” Now that I’m a grownup I feel much the same way about guns. But even so, when the kid finally unwraps the BB gun, for the

64 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

by Rick Epstein Purchase Parenting & Family Magazine

boy in me, it’s a delightful surprise each time and a true miracle of Christmas.

Another yuletide classic with special meaning for me is A Christmas Carol. There are at least a half dozen variations of it, but it seems Charles Dickens can’t write a bad one. It’s always a tale of a man who has forgotten the meaning of Christmas, and a succession of ghosts demands that he cheer up and act nicer or they’ll kill him. I have a tendency toward bah-humbug crabbiness myself, so the story has been known to make me hit the “pause” button, make popcorn for the children, and put the tiniest one on my knee.

Miracle on 34th Street is about a man who falls in love with a woman who does not believe in Santa Claus. Eventually he

convinces her there is a Santa Claus, which becomes the foundation of their relationship. My wife likes this movie, but after 15 years of marriage to me, she believes the couple could be wrong about Santa Claus. My daughters like this movie, too. But they are distracted by the byplay between a little girl and a bewhiskered old man, and, no matter how many times I point it out to them, they miss the point of the story.

Namely: Unless you want a bagful of surprises, beware of men who want you to believe the unbelievable.

It’s a Wonderful Life is another favorite. It’s about George Bailey, a nice guy I can relate to. Like me, he has a lovely wife, three kids, a rundown house, and needs a quick bushel of

money to straighten out his finances. I always weep at the end- after I’ve looked out the window and found that my neighbors are not rushing up my front walk bringing me fistfuls of cash.

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That’s because I sometimes get confused as we phase-in video life and phase-out real life. The problem is that Christmas and everything else - joy, sorrow, pain, redemption – are done so well in the movies. The dialogue is written by experts and spoken by other experts. Singing is done by people with good voices, and those who romp in a winter wonderland seem to have the best snow and somehow know how to wring the most fun out of it. Their noses don’t run, either.

One evening last December, my daughters Sally and Wendy, then ages 8 and 5, decided they’d turn off the TV and go caroling. They walked up to the corner singing “Rudolph the Reindeer” to a street full of closed windows.

(If no one hears it, is it still caroling?) As the girls yodeled their way home, the young couple next door heard the disturbance and invited them in for hot chocolate, thus creating a scene of festive neighborliness with that cinematic just-rightness that we cherish.

I was working late and missed the whole merry adventure.

I wished I’d had a video recording of it, but that’s one of the beautiful things about The Real as opposed to The Fake. It happens, unposed and unrecorded, and then it’s gone. The little pang of sadness because you missed something is also blessedly real. Although I personally do not carol, I respect any foray into reality, where inconvenience and dead-ends are the rule and all dialogue is performed clumsily by amateurs who make it up as they go along.

I think this year I’ll see if we can give the DVD spinner a rest and try to experience the Christmas season first-hand, making a big deal out of selecting a tree and decorating it, reading aloud some good seasonal stuff, briefing the kids about the First Christmas, and messily making Christmas cookies.

At bedtime I’ll tell them stories that won’t be eclipsed by higher-quality productions. We’ll see how the season goes without the usual anesthetic.

As philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said (more or less), “If life is mean, at least turn off the darn TV and find out.” v Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

66 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

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communitynews

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Celebrating Family Folklore WKCTC writing contest winners

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nspired by the true-life novel Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) hosted a Family Folklore writing contest in which students were encouraged to tell a story that represented a piece of their family’s history. WKCTC is hosting a number of activities and events this school year to help generate interest and participation in the One Book, One Campus, One Community Read, which will culminate in a visit from Jeannette Walls herself in March. A large number of entries were received, and the eight judges selected the following students as contest winners.

(L to R) - Nathaniel McKendree, Donna McClain, Sydney Jones (Both Nathaniel and Sydney are Commonwealth Middle College Students). Not Pictured: Emily Shekell

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 67

The winners of the contest were announced during a One Book presentation titled "The Art of Horse Training." Pat Blaine, WKCTC education coordinator and horse enthusiast, moderated the discussion. Three local horse owners and trainers shared their expertise on topics such as various horse breeds, sizes and colors of horses, and the best way to break or train horses. Much of the discussion revolved around the adventures in Half Broke Horses.

The following are excerpts from the winning contest entries.

Each story can be read in its entirety on the WKCTC One Book, One Campus, One Community Read web page at, http://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/en/student_life/onebook/project.aspx

Winner: Donna McClain, Graves County September, When I Was Ten The elders were waiting the formality of my verbal acquiescence as a pastor politely pauses for the bride’s “I do”. As we all stood starting at each other on the squishy green church carpeting, I only felt the weight of one gaze. A sudden epiphany enveloped me like a fire-warmed blanket on Christmas morning – I am my Daddy’s child. Even though my six older siblings would argue the point deep into eternity, at that exact moment of my ten years of existence, I knew for a fact that I was the only one of us seven children who was like Daddy. When I looked into his eyes, blue as the Arctic Ocean, yet warm as violet petals in a sun drenched field, I saw his heart. I suddenly understood how he had come to be the man standing before me. I understood why he was loved by everyone who had ever had the privilege of knowing him. I understood how he was happy every day when he woke up just because he woke up that day. I saw how he could remain such a loving, caring father of seven rambunctious children, each child different from the others, each causing his hairs to sprout gray for different reasons. As I looked into those crinkleframed blue oceans brimming with love, I knew I would meet this challenge the same way Daddy had met every challenge of his life.

Honorable Mention: Sydney Jones, Graves County “…Horses and Freedom are Synonymous” That “BAM!” was the last that 32-year-old John Hopkins heard. He’d heard gun shots around him for years, but never once did he think his last one would be in the presence of Chocolate and Chip, his seven year old quarter horses. This “shot heard ‘round the world” had taken away his whole world— his wife, kids, and beloved horses. His enemies had won this battle.

68 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

A few hours before that deafening gunshot struck the city of Water Valley, Kentucky, a civil war veteran of three years had just gotten home from the raging war. He had arrived just in time for supper, and could smell, from the end of his driveway, the delicious roast and potatoes simmering on the stove. A hard three years had passed and he was almost certain the fighting he had done for the Union had been profitable.

By noon, John had finally received the hearty, home-cooked meal he had been waiting for, for days. After his family had talked with him, congratulated him, and showed him how much they had missed him, he decided to go greet his big, one thousand pound babies. As he walked outside, he began calling for them, but they didn’t coming running, as they usually did. I’m sure they’re in the barn enjoying some hay and oats my wife gave them earlier, John thought to himself. John made his way to the old, run-down barn that he had meant to fix up before he had left for war. The horses, though, were absolutely nowhere to be found.

Honorable Mention: Marshal County Hallie’s Comet

about the day doing chores, tending to the animals, and playing outside. Mammie was in the kitchen cooking supper when she went into labor. She hollered at Pap to tell him what was happening and went to lie down in bed. Back then, women had their babies at home, sometimes without a doctor. Seeing that this was Mammies’ sixth child, she was pretty knowledgeable about having babies at home. Pap tended to Mammie throughout the day and kept the children quiet so she could have some peace. A few female cousins came over to help with the labor and keep Mammie comfortable.

Emily Shekell,

On May 19, 1910, Mammie was pregnant with her sixth child. It was a gorgeous spring day and everyone went

www.purchaseparenting.com December2012 • 69

That night, the baby was getting closer to comin’ but something outside just wasn’t right. The neighbors were pitchin’ a fit because there was something in the sky and they had no clue what it was. Pap ran outside to see what all the commotion was about and knew exactly what was happening. Halley’s Comet was passing over and in later reports; it would be told that her tail touched the Earth.

Pap said people were takin’ cover and running into their homes and lockin’ themselves in because they were scared, but Pap being a retired schoolteacher wasn’t scared, he was mystified. He was so caught up in watching the sky that he didn’t hear Mammie’s screams as the baby

was born. One of the cousins came out to get him and he went inside to meet his sixth child, a daughter, whom they named Hallie Comet. They spelled it a little different but it was pronounced the same.

Honorable Mention: Nathaniel McKenree, McCracken County Prohibition?

Rumrunner, bootlegger, moonshiner, and great-grandpa all mean the same thing to me. It was traditional for myfamily to gather around my great-grandparent’s exuberant Christmas tree after enjoying the feast of feasts.

After all the younger adults (my parents, aunts, and uncles) would tell their relatively boring stories of what happened to them during the previous year, my grandparents would tell stories of their past and occasionally their parents’ past, too. In 2005 my grandpa told the best account of anyone’s young-adulthood I had ever heard.

The 1920s, more commonly referred to as the Roaring 20s, was a prosperous time for many people. Paul, my great-grandpa, was no different in this matter. He was different, however, in how he became prosperous: moonshining.

That’s right; Paul ran his own speakeasy out of his basement. Because he lived so far into the Appalachian Mountain range, Paul could do almost anything he wanted. He didn’t follow hunting, driving, or pretty much any laws at all, so why should he follow the new Volstead Act? His speakeasy became the biggest hangout in Carter County. Paul Greyson was easily the most recognized name in all of Eastern Kentucky, but this story isn’t about his rise to fame. My favorite tale about Paul starts in late 1927 and is about the day he met his wife Barbara. v

70 • December2012 www.purchaseparenting.com

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A Healing Sanctuary Massage . . . . .Page 19 www.facebook.com/ahealingsanctuarymassage Active Care Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 American Chillers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 49 www.amchiller.com Dr. Kelly Anunciato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 54 www.kellyanunciato.com Angie’s Originals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 www.angiesoriginals.com Animal Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 67 www.animaledZOOcation.com Back of the Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Bark Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Better Than Ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 65 betterthaneverhome.blogspot.com Bling It On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 65 www.facebook.com/blingiton2 Brad Rankin Photography . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 www.bradrankin.com Broadway United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 www.bumc-paducah.org Carey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 58 facebook.com/careysboutique Caring People Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 53 www.caringpeopleservices.com Carol Gault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 53 www.Carolgault.com Carson Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 www.thecarsoncenter.org Chrislyn’s Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 66 www.chrislyns.com Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 www.yourlifeyourbank.com Comprehensive Premier Medicine . .Page 64 www.drtinsleypaducah.com Creations Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 www.creationstheflorist.com Creative Canvas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 49 http://creativecanvasjill.blogspot.com Di Sorellas Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 70 Emerald Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 56 www.facebook.com/emeraldtherapycenter Energy Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 www.energyfitness.com Enix Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 69 Ethan Allen Design Center . . . . . . . . . .Page 1 www.ethanallen.com Extreme Entertainment Inflatables .Page 58 www.yourinflateableparty.com First Baptist Church Preschool . . . . . .Page 68 www.fbcpaducah.org Flanary Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11 www.flanaryvet.com Four Rivers Uniform Supply . . . . . . . .Page 68 Friends & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Gate 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 56 Green Turtle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 59 www.greenturtlebay.com Harmony Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 www.harmonyroadpaducah.com

Horses, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 46 www.horsesinc.org Hot Rocks Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 35 facebook.com/hotrockssalonspa Hwang’s Martial Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 69 www.hwangs-martialarts.com Jasmine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 www.cravejasmine.com Jenny’s Day Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 64 Jim Stott/Magic Classroom . . . . . . . . .Page 66 www.jimstottmagic.com Jordan’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Facebook.com/jordansmarket Ken Marvin Productions . . . . . . . . . . .Page 54 www.kenmarvinproductions.com Kentucky Oaks Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 www,kentuckyoaksmall.com Laura K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 www.laurak.blogspot.com Leaps and Bounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 67 facebook.com/leapsandboundsconsignment Learning Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 www.learningrailroad.net Life Care of LaCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33 www.lcca.com/lacenter Lone Oak Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 39 www.lochiro.com Los Garcia Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 23 Maiden Alley Cinema . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 37 www.maidenalleycinema.org Mailboxes Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36 Market House Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 51 www.mhtplay.com McCracken County Public Library . .Page 23 www.mclib.org Medical Spa 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 www.medicalspa7.com Merchants Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Metropolis Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 www.metropolistourism.com Mi Lindo Mexican Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Musical Fingers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Navan Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 www.Navanconsultation.net NECCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 38 www.necco.org New Haven Assisted Living . . . . . . . . .Page 76 O’Bryan Family Medicine . . . . . . . . . . .Page 40 www.Obryanfamilymedicine.com Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paducah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 71 www.obgynofpaducah.com Occasions Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 42 www.occasionsunlimited.com Off The Beaten Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 www.freewebs.com/ilvjnk Opthalmology Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 www.Paducaheyes.com Orthopedic Institute of Western Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 43 www.orthoinstitutewky.com

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p SnaH Shots!

Bitzi & Sassi

SMILE !

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Sm a rt P h o ne Us e rs INSTAGR AM Fo ll ow us on re n ti ng , a n d @pu rch a se pa on a n d s w it h ca p ti to o ph it bm su h o ts ! of #pp fs n a ps g ta sh a h e th

LEXIE!

NAMES OF THOSE IN PHOTO (PLEASE PRINT) : SIGNATURE (PARENT OR GUARDIAN) : PHONE: PREFERRED CAPTION : OK to print child’s last name? (circle one) YES NO

66

One photo per entry, please. If you would like your photo returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submitted photos and forms serve as a “photo release,” allowing Purchase Parenting & Family the onetime rights for use of the photo. Send to: Snapshots! c/o Purchase Parenting & Family, P. O. Box 8061, Paducah, KY 42002. You can also email your photos to purchaseparenting@comcast.net *Photo publication cannot be guaranteed due to the large volume of photos received.

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