Owensboro Parent - November / December 2013

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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. November//December 2013

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nov // dec 2013 Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner jason@owensboroparent.com Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com

from the editor

Advertising Sales Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”

Graphic Designer

“Yes, Avery?”

Taylor West

“Hi.”

taylor@owensboroparent.com

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”

Distribution Manager

“Yes, Avery?”

Steven Morris

“Banana.”

Contributors

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”

Dr. Brian Gannon

“Yes, Avery?”

Gail E. Kirkland

“Toes.”

Being a parent can require so much of us. We don’t always get it right, but we try our best every day. And I love that this magazine can bring us all together. We all share a common goal: to successfully raise healthy, well-behaved, faithful, smart, thriving children.

Parenting can be overwhelming at times… downright exhausting at other times. But, as I have said many times, we are in this together.

Avery was born the second month we published this magazine, so I have truly taken your advice from the time I became a mom. For Thanksgiving, we borrowed an idea from ParentTalk to create a special tradition of our own. So when she was a baby, just shy of three months old, I painted Avery’s little hand and smushed it on a crisp, new tablecloth. Much to their confusion, I made our whole family do the same, adding adult-sized hands to surround Avery’s tiny imprint. Now, for our family, Thanksgiving is a little more special when we pull out our handprint tablecloth and place it on the dinner table. Although it only has two years of handprints on it, we see the empty space remaining on the cloth and look forward to filling it with memories to come.

If I may, can I now offer you some advice? Relax this holiday season.

Your house does not need to be perfectly decorated with Pinterest projects. You can have a restaurant cook the turkey this year. And so what if you don’t get all of your Christmas shopping done early like you promised yourself? Choose your family and making memories over to do lists and perfection. The holidays are meant to be about those you love.

Happy Holidays from Owensboro Parent!

Christina Dalton Elaine Martin Danny May Jaime Rafferty Melody Wallace Lora Wimsatt Printing Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky Contact Information Owensboro Parent Magazine PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240 www.owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent issuu.com/owensboroparent Cover Photo Captured Moments Photography Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Parent is available by visiting owensboroparent.com/subscribe Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support.

Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.

Thank you, If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work

Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com

to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro.

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. November//December 2013

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november // december FAMILY LIFE

no matter what [06] halfway around the world [08] beautiful chaos [10] DISCOVE R

parental control [14] beyond the checkup [16]

CO MMU N I T Y

[24] one sweet girl

[24]

[26] love wins [30] facebook photos [32] our faves [34] kids eat free list [36] calendar

[06]

christmas letters [22]

[26] [08]

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[10] [32]

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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family life

they go together

no matter what

{ by: lora wimsatt }

P

apaw spends hours – and way too much money – arranging

the turkey, who has time to shop and thaw a turkey and toast bread

haybales, corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds on the front lawn.

and run to the store at the last minute for eggs, and no sooner do

Never mind that for years, he has ridiculed those displays

you get back from that madhouse than you realize you are also out

while driving down the neighborhood streets. This year, he has a

of sage.

granddaughter who likes autumn decorations. You know he really

would do anything for “his little princess” when he stuffs his

any attention because there’s not a store-bought turkey in the world

favorite pair of jeans (the old ones with the frayed hem, patched

that can make up for the pride and joy you see on her face when

knee and ripped pocket) with wadded-up newspapers to make a

everyone oohs and ahhs as the turkey is carried in (on that ivory

scarecrow to complete the presentation.

Papaw also drives to the store to buy trick-or-

treat candy, something he never gave a thought to doing in all the years gone by, but this year, his little granddaughter is coming to his house dressed as a puppy or a gerbil or, well, he’s not really sure what she’s supposed to be, but she’s a cute one.

From Halloween, it’s a fast ride to Thanksgiving.

That’s when we see Granma rummaging around the attic, basement and/or storage building in the back

But she makes these same threats every year and nobody pays

The house gets smaller and smaller every year, just as the family gets bigger and bigger

platter with gold trim) and it is pronounced, year after year, as the biggest, prettiest, most perfect turkey there ever was.

The house gets smaller and smaller every year, just as the family gets bigger and bigger, and if nobody remembers your niece’s boyfriend’s name, that’s okay because he hasn’t taken his eyes off his iPhone screen since he got here.

No sooner does the echo of “Amen” fade away but it’s off to the races – reindeer or otherwise –

yard to find the salt and pepper shakers that look like

toward Christmas.

the pilgrim boy and the pilgrim girl; the placemats

If the grocery store was a zoo on the day before

shaped like autumn leaves; and the giant turkey platter, ivory with

Thanksgiving, that’s nothing compared to south Frederica and

gold trim around the edges that matches nothing, but it’s, well, it’s

Highway 54 on the day after.

the turkey platter, and Granma has always used it, and her mother

before her, and her mother before her.

to maximize success with the early bird specials and is barking

Mom is in the kitchen fussing over the turkey and the dressing,

assignments like a drill sergeant to privates: Who goes for the

and she says again that next year she’s going to let Old Hickory do

flatscreen TV, who makes a beeline for the GPS, who grabs the

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Your sister-in-law has mapped out a plan of attack designed

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Kindle and who nabs the PS4. Your suggestion of starting the day with breakfast is met with hoots of hilarity, although your aunt is merciful enough to suggest bringing a thermos filled with coffee.

Strong coffee.

There’s also significant negotiation required in planning who

will be where and when on Christmas morning. Now that there are grandchildren, there are two sets of grandparents eager to see the little ones open their stockings first thing … but although you believe in Christmas miracles, there is only one dawn even on this magical day.

Compromise wins the day, with stockings at one house and

dinner at the other, but diplomacy is still required to maintain the appropriate holiday spirit.

Even though Aunt Mittie and Aunt Emily aren’t speaking to

one another (again), they are both invited and they will both come, and it’s a simple matter of putting them at opposite ends of the table and being sure to rave equally over Mittie’s seven-bean salad and Em’s chocolate chess pie.

Because these are the holidays … this is family … and they go

together, no matter what.

OP

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

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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family life

christmas halfway around the world { by: gail e. kirkland }

P

arents are accustomed to going the extra mile for their children.

The Lee family is taking that to a whole new level—and a whole new country. Daughter Kaitlyn, 22, is teaching English in Bulgaria as a Fulbright Fellow and will be in Vidin, Bulgaria, for 10 months as part of her commission. That time frame encompasses Christmas, a time when the Lee family (mom Joetta, dad Denny, Kaitlyn and brother Colin) have always been together. Yet, the Lees have never travelled beyond the United States . . . until now.

“I am so excited, so excited! All of the other ETAs, the teaching assistants, here think it’s really cool that my parents are going to travel—for the very first time—to Bulgaria,” Kaitlyn said with

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. November//December 2013

an immeasurable amount of enthusiasm. Having been abroad since early August, Kaitlyn was tuning in to the family interview via Skype, offering her perspective. “I don’t think Mom can go 10 months without seeing me,” Kaitlyn said with a slight chuckle.

Her mom quickly affirmed that emotion. “It’s huge to me; it’s very huge,” Joetta said. Denny interjected, “She (Kaitlyn) is the world traveler.” Kaitlyn had previously gone to Strasbourg, France, for three months, as part of Centre College’s study abroad program.

That opportunity helped ease her into a travelling abroad mindset, since it was with a larger group of fellow students transplanted abroad. Now this world travel experience is attracting the rest of

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her family. The Lees’ giant leap from having never left the States to going halfway around the world began quickly. “I think we talked about it from the time we knew she was going,” said Denny, who confirmed that Kaitlyn initiated the whole idea.

The more than 20-hour travel plan will mimic the same route Kaitlyn took to get there: Louisville to Chicago to London to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Although their itinerary is still in the works, they will tour Sofia before going on to Vidin, which is near the Romanian border. Vidin is a 4-hour tour bus ride from Sofia, 5 hours via the Communist-era train system. The city of Vidin is primarily pedestrian, with shops, schools and groceries all within a15-20 minute walk. Once they arrive, the family will stay at Kaitlyn’s apartment, which is provided as part of her Fulbright Fellowship. The Lees are excited to see where she lives and teaches, as well as meet her mentor teacher face-to-face. “What’s still up in the air is what we do after that, whether we stay in Bulgaria and go to a ski resort, or whether we travel to Prague (Czech Republic)…or Thessaloniki (Greece),” Joetta explained. They may opt for hostels as they travel throughout the countryside. The plans matter little.

The being together matters most. “We’ve never travelled. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. . . “ Joetta said.

The added touring and travelling will occur before and /or after Christmas. On Christmas Day, the family plans to be at the apartment, simply celebrating the joy of being together, albeit 5,000 miles from home. “I just want to wake up on Christmas morning

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at Kaitlyn’s apartment and enjoy having all the family there together,” Joetta said. Kaitlyn hopes to have a small Christmas tree; she lives on the fifth floor with no elevator in the building. Small is the operative word. Joetta envisions the family cooking their traditional Christmas meal (including baked ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables or what’s available at the market) and just hanging out together that day. Christmas cookies, banitsa (a pastry filled with Bulgarian white cheese) and baklava are on the sweets list. Other family traditions include reading Luke 2, opening a few gifts, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and playing cards—especially Euchre. Since they wouldn’t understand the language, Joetta said it’s unlikely the family will be attending a Christmas Eve service.

If it were any other Christmas, the family would be travelling to Illinois, where Joetta’s family lives. Kaitlyn had jokingly said the whole family needed to come to Bulgaria so they all could be together for Christmas. Three are doing just that.

“It’s just been so cool listening to Kaitlyn, hearing about all her experiences, and seeing all her pictures. I’m just so thrilled that she’s having that experience, but I’m also a little envious. Gosh, I want to have some fun, too . . . plus, it’s Christmas and this would be the first time we would not be together, so we’ve got to be together,” said Joetta, whose voice trailed at the very mention of being apart at Christmas.

OP

Gail recently retired from DCHS, where she taught journalism and English.

She is a mother of twins, a Meme, and sports enthusiast.

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family life

beautiful { article by: jaime rafferty

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|

photo by: jason tanner }

chaos

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A

ccording to The Twins Foundation, “A woman’s chance of having twins is approximately one in 90 in

the United States. Of these, one third are identical, one third are same-sex fraternal and one third are opposite-sex fraternal.”

Rebecca Haines grew up as the fifth child in her family.

However, she and child four were born on the same day in the same year. She’s a fraternal twin.

Her mother thought she was having one child and was surprised when her obstetrician told her she was not finished delivering; there was another child to birth.

Rebecca loves being a twin. She had a built-in best friend. Growing up, she prayed for twins of her own someday.

In college, Rebecca met and fell in love with Branden Haines. Her dreams of parenthood were shared with her beau throughout their courtship.

Just after their one-year anniversary, the Haines’ discovered they were pregnant. As if that weren’t great news, the doctor heard two little hearts beating. They were elated…over the moon…pleasantly shocked.

Rebecca’s prayer had been answered…TWINS! Jack and Ben, identical twins, were welcomed to the Haines family in February 2010.

Rebecca and Branden trudged through sleepless nights

and learned to function on an hour and a half of sleep all the while smiling.

Just as a normal routine began, Rebecca’s learned she

was pregnant again. Branden says his wife felt as if she were having twins, AGAIN!

As she spoke to her obstetrician, Rebecca said she was

told it was highly unlikely. However, Rebecca’s intuition was correct, again they would have twins.

Branden, a local insurance agent, works daily helping

individuals/families plan for the future, regardless of circumstances. Feeling this same urgency, Rebecca says he told her after the second announcement, “I have to go to work and make more money.” Being a planner, Branden now had to feed a family of six.

In June of 2012 Rebecca, Branden, Jack and Ben welcomed two bundles of joy, Henry and Oliver, who, like their older brothers, were identical twins.

The Haines family grew by four babies in less than 18 months. Mom admits it’s chaos, but it’s a beautiful chaos! www.OwensboroParent.com

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family life

Though they look alike, Rebecca and Branden say that each boy

her energy level is high and she addresses what the day brings with

is uniquely his own.

an impressive schedule that makes everyone, especially their boys,

successful in their home.

Jack is the “ham,” life is very exciting to him and he never meets

a stranger.

Ben recently came out of his shell and his vocabulary has

schedule humor. It presents itself frequently. For example, the older

expanded vastly. He has no fear!

boys say, “Good Morning!” in the evening just so they don’t have to

go to bed. That’s genius!

Henry knows what he wants and goes after it. He enjoys being a

The boys are now 3.5 and 2 year old and they don’t have to

big boy with his older brothers.

to coach and said of the 8 children, his two boys were the challenge.

Oliver is the peacemaker, the sensitive one who is trusting and

Branden recounts Jack and Ben’s first soccer season. He elected

watches his brothers on the sidelines.

They would kick around the ball a couple of times then head to the

The Haines frequent local shopping, restaurants and

sideline to introduce themselves to parents. It was hard for him not

community events. Sometimes they are met with opinions or

to laugh as he reflected on his coaching experience. Two laughs for

misunderstandings, but greet others with grace and kindness and

the price of one!

feel blessed by their boys.

Branden likewise is a blessing to Rebecca. She told him during

otherwise), certainly poses its challenges, but takes help as offered,

their courtship, though graduating college, that it was her heart’s

making life in the Haines house more enjoyable. She and Branden

desire to be stay-at-home mom. He told her he would do his best

encourage others to do as they do, embrace each moment, because

to make that happen. Rebecca beams, “He made my dreams come

they go by so fast, even in the midst of beautiful chaos!

Rebecca knows being the mother of multiple children (twins or

OP

true!”

Rebecca is honored to be Branden’s wife, but he confidently

boasts of his bride, “I could NOT do what my wife does.” He says

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Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her husband, Paul and their two children.

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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discover

{ Q&A with christina dalton,

M S S W, C S W

parental

control

}

A: Kindergarten can be a very difficult

Q: I have an 11-year-old girl and I find

transition for any child.

There is

myself arguing with her constantly. I

nothing that you did wrong. Some kids

am wondering if you think this is a

transition very well and for others it is

phase? Am I being tested? Because if

harder. The first thing I would advise

I am being tested, then I am failing! I

Q: My child just started kindergarten this year and it has not been a pleasant

you to do is talk to his teacher and see

don’t know how to stay a parent and

what he or she might suggest first. I

not quit worrying if she is mad at me.

have worked in elementary schools for

Help?!

experience. I feel like I did not prepare him or I did something wrong. The teachers say that he cries, acts out and it has not really gotten better yet. Do you have any suggestions?

14 years and I have seen many children have a difficult time starting school.

A: I think we are being tested all the

It could be that they don’t want to be

time! And I think we all fail every

away from mom or dad, they are not

now and again. If you are a parent

used to such a structured schedule or

then you are being tested. It’s nice to

even as simple as they are very tired

think that it’s “just a phase” because it

and have not adjusted to the demands

makes us feel like there is an end to it.

required of them.

I would suggest

I do agree that kids go through lots of

trying to entice your child with some

phases in their lives. I’m not so sure

type of reward system. You could put

on the arguing being a phase though.

up a chart and make it fun. Let him

I feel like it is kind of like eczema, it

put up a sticker or draw a smiley face

comes and goes and has flare ups. You

for every day that he does well in school

have to pick your battles and take on

and at the end of a week he gets to go to

the issues that are of most importance

his favorite place. It might be that you

to you. It is so easy to get mad at your

need to make the goals even smaller

child and then worry that they are mad

and just go day by day. But please

at you. It’s never a good feeling when

don’t feel that it is something you

someone is mad at us. I think that it

have done because it’s a very

is important as parent you stand your

common problem. I think if you

ground on certain issues and try not

and the teacher work together that

to worry about your child being mad

things will eventually get better for

because they won’t stay mad. That’s

both you and your son. Best of luck!

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the important thing to remember--

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they don’t stay mad. It may feel like they are going to be mad

it was crazy. Do you agree with this style of parenting?

forever because they are very good at it and their skills probably

A: This is a delicate question to answer because I do not judge

only improve as the teenage years approach. Please keep in mind

other parents because no one knows what another person has to

that if you give in or try to make it up to your child the ground

live with and what they go through on a daily basis. I am glad to

that you are losing will take twice as long to regain if not longer.

give advice and hopefully someone reads something that might

You want to be the parent that says what you mean and does what

help them in some small way. I will, however, agree with you in

you say. Not the parent that gets mad and then takes your child

that I am seeing more and more parents who alter situations to

out for ice cream afterwards. Like I said, pick your battles and

fit the child’s needs. It is something to think about as a parent

the ones that really matter need to be taken seriously.

because it teaches children that when something is not going their way, then we will fix it. Life does not work like this and the

Q: I am writing in as a complete bystander and this may seem like

younger a child can figure out how the real world works the better

a silly question. What is your opinion on parents that never want

prepared they will be for life.

OP

their children to misbehave? I am talking about small children. I saw a couple that took turns eating in a restaurant, one would take the child and leave while that parent ate and vice versa. I thought

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Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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discover Q: My child is a poor eater. She eats about one good meal a week. People keep telling me she will eat when she is hungry.

Is this ok?

A: The answer depends to some degree on the age of the child.

Babies get most of their calories from milk during the first year, generally taking about 25-30 ounces a day, and other food is just extra. But after the first birthday, children gain weight much more slowly. They usually cut their milk intake roughly in half when they switch to whole milk, to about 15-20 ounces a day.

After the first year, children should get more than half their calories from other foods, and less than half from milk. The most important issue for the child, however, is not variety, but rather control. Children between about 15 months and 5 years old crave control. And eating is one of only three things children can control completely, the other two being sleep and toileting.

Everything else parents can “force” the child to do, but nobody can make a child fall asleep, go in the potty, or actually swallow the food.

So, once parents realize the issue is not nutrition, but rather

control, then it helps to reframe the problem. Let the child have control in a restrained but appropriate way, and she is less likely to demand control inappropriately. Make sure that at least one meal every day includes foods the child usually eats. Let her help you prepare or design the meals (for example, “We are having chicken tonight. Would you like green beans or carrots with that?”) And when introducing foods, do it gradually, maybe one new food a week. And only expect a few bites, maybe even put the new food on the parents’ plates and not the child’s. That

{ by : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }

beyond the checkup

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makes the new item more alluring. Many children who appear to eat poorly are often snacking all day, so they are simply not hungry at meal times. One way to manage this is to tell the child (not in the middle of an argument over food during a meal) that if she chooses not to eat what you offer at the meal, then there will be no snacks until the next scheduled meal, even if that means an overnight fast for the child. If you stick to this plan, the child will only refuse to eat for a few nights, usually not more than 3 or 4.

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And remember, many children are so busy snacking all day and

so exhausted from their daily routine, that by 6:30 or 7 pm, they are just not hungry, no matter what you offer. So they may not be trying to be difficult, but simply have already met their caloric needs from snacking at daycare or preschool. If you try all these strategies and your child still does not eat, please consult your child’s doctor. It may be helpful to offer a chewable vitamin every day to take the place of the variety she is not getting. But she also needs a weight check, detailed dietary history, and exam, to be sure she is not having medical problems that either decrease her appetite, or lead to problems with certain foods.

In the teenager, eating only once a week would be a sign of a

serious eating disorder, requiring evaluation by a mental health professional or eating disorders clinic, particularly if the child is very thin, losing weight, or not having a regular period. Some of these girls need to be in the hospital for feeding therapy and counseling.

Q: My child’s doctor seems to discourage me from giving water to my child. I am both nursing and giving solid food, and do not want to introduce whole milk until after he is a year old. Is water OK to give?

A: Water is great, if the child is taking adequate calories from other sources. Most babies and toddlers only need about 2-4 ounces of water a day. They need calorie-dense feedings, so if they are to be fed something other than milk, we prefer food and drink with some calories, like regular foods and juices or milk products. Water is fine for children who are older and better able to self-regulate.

But the younger child (less than a year) has less control over his intake, only taking what the parent chooses to offer. So we prefer that parents offer items that have more calories or other nutritional value, rather than large amounts of water.

OP

I expect this to be my last column for Owensboro Parent, since I will be starting a job with the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in December. I have greatly enjoyed my time in Owensboro and contributing to the Parent magazine, and I will sorely miss the lovely people of Owensboro who have supported my practice. Thank you for a wonderful seven years.

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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discover

{ paid advertorial }

fafsa tips

Some documents to gather with your student beforehand include: Their Social Security number (it’s important to enter it correctly on the FAFSA!) You and your spouse’s Social Security Numbers if your child is dependent student (guidelines to what makes your student Independent or Dependent can be found on the FAFSA website.)

Your student’s driver’s license number if you have one

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application

T

he Free Application For Federal Student Aid application, commonly known as the FAFSA, can be done entirely online by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to type the

address in correctly and don’t be scammed by companies that claim to be able to file your application more quickly or get you more grant money by paying them a fee. The official FAFSA application is ALWAYS free and when filled out properly can give you estimates of what federal money you qualify for immediately upon completion.

To be prepared to do your FAFSA on January 1, which is the earliest a student can fill the form out for the aid year they plan on attending college, it is important to have all your documents lined up and ready to go. You will most likely as a parent want to sit down with your child and help them to complete the FAFSA at least for the first time.

It is also a good idea to go ahead and apply for your FAFSA pin numbers, which you

will use to sign your documents, before you actually sit down on January 1 to complete the application. You can apply for these by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. Once you are issued this number be sure to write it down for safe keeping as you will use it multiple times through your student’s time in college.

If you still feel uncertain about completing the FAFSA on your own, talk to the local high school guidance counselor to see if there are any events where FAFSA application help is available or if the school has any additional resources to help your student with the process. Many times, once people get through having completed their very first application, they realize that it is much easier than what they thought. In fact FAFSA has made many strides to streamline the process including IRS data retrieval online, which eliminates many errors on the front end of entering tax information.

OP

Alien Registration Number if your student is not a U.S. citizen Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for the student and for your spouse and yourself if you have a dependent student. If filling out your FAFSA before you have completed your taxes for the year it is acceptable to enter in the information as estimates and picking the option of “will file.” This will place your student in line for any “first come, first serve” money that they qualify for should it run out before you officially have your taxes complete. Just keep in mind if you do this, you will need to return to the FAFSA form later and make corrections based on the final tax return information.

Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans noneducation benefits.

Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for the student, and for you if you have a dependent student.

Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.

Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro 18 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

OP

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November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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{ b y : d r. b r i a n g a n n o n }

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. November//December 2013

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discover

in the quick! { paid advertorial }

Parents can help prevent a common and painful foot problem in children by following a few simple tips:

A

n ingrown toenail is defined as a condition where the

Dr. Block’s Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

toenail impinges on the soft tissue either on the side

• Teach older children how to trim their nails properly.

or at the end of the toe. This condition is primarily defined

Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them

by symptoms. A curled toenail does not necessarily mean

too short.

one has an ingrown nail. Only if the nail digs into the skin and causes pain and/or infection does it constitute an

• Make sure children’s shoes fit. Shoe width is more

ingrown toenail. Ouch!

important than length. The widest part of the shoe

Parents can help prevent a common and painful

should match the widest part of your child’s foot.

foot problem in children by following a few simple tips.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition we treat in

• If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, you can

children. Tight shoes, tight socks, and incorrect nail

reduce the inflammation by soaking the child’s foot in

trimming are to blame for most cases. In other cases,

room-temperature water and gently massaging the side

children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve.

of the nail fold.

Sometimes kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant

• The only proper way to treat a child’s ingrown toenail

pain. Over time, the nail may break the skin and lead to

is with a minor surgical procedure at our office. Parents

dangerous infections. Here are my recommendations to

should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These

help parents prevent ingrown toenails in their children.

dangerous “at home surgeries” carry a high risk for

Always remember...its not normal nor neccessary for your

infection. Antibiotics may be percribed to children with

feet to hurt. Bluegrass Foot Centers is here to help!

infected ingrown toenails.

OP

The Bluegrass Foot Centers in Owensboro & Henderson

Visit online: www.bluegrassfootcenter.com or call: 866-570-FEET www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

21

community

{ by: elaine martin }

christmas letters

It’s the magical time of year when the mail carrier will soon be loaded down{ with b y : dar .heavy b r i a n bag! gannon

S

oon mailboxes will be spilling with red and green envelopes,

have any desire to read the latest about that perfect neighbor

complete with photos of siblings and their pets, all donned in

from your childhood that has now spawned 4.5 pristine children?

their matching argyle sweaters. My refrigerator will be just like

You know the one – she will give details about her offsprings’

yours, covered with smiles and Christmas tree clip art.

accomplishments, from their award winning interpretive dance

about Jell-o, to their vast knowledge of the Latin, Spanish, and

Pictures and wishes for a happy New Year are awesome, but

let’s agree that it is time to address something rather serious.

Turkish languages.

Yes, it is time for us to be honest about a very touchy subject….

Christmas letters. Wait, I see that smile on your face because

same effect on you. For me, after I read about the ideal life of

you know exactly what I’m talking about. You are not looking

a third cousin who helped deliver Princess Kate’s royal baby, I

forward to reading about Cousin Gertrude and her year-long

look around and see my reality…forgotten towels in the washing

detailed search for a new eggplant recipe, are you? Do you truly

machine that now smell funny, a cracked iPod screen, all while I

22 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

I may be wrong to assume that holiday updates have the

www.OwensboroParent.com

}

discover receive a One Call from my child’s school that she has a negative

others to smile and enjoy the daily adventures of their own family.

lunch balance. I can actually be disappointed with my cozy

little life if I allow myself to compare it with the unreachable

favorite quotes:

accomplishments of others. I strive for contentment, but it can

be a struggle when it appears everyone who has me on their

everything else…that means I’m obnoxious.” Sally, tooting her

mailing list has won the lottery of life events.

own horn about her “amazing” dexterity.

About six years ago, I decided to do something about this

To give you a sense of our holiday tradition, here are a few “I use my left hand for basketball and my right hand for

“Once you lose your first tooth, you get a whole lot more spit.”

chaos in my mind. I LOVED my peanut butter fingerprinted

Hattie, making a most obvious observation after losing her first

car windows, and I was going to be proud of it! I read an article

tooth in a gummy worm.

that recommended various twists on traditional Christmas

letters. One suggestion caught my eye. It was a Family Top Ten

melt them down and make a car!” Greg, after picking up the

List, and I was instantly SO excited. I got to work, trying to

umpteenth pin all of us girls drop or leave behind.

remember some of the highlights from the previous year. The

funny thing is that the most important memories for me may

self-appointed yet misinformed Saftey Monitor one sunny day.

not be exciting to someone else, but they meant the world to me.

One particular year, my daughter did not win a Preschool Nobel

claim that her elementary school is haunted by ghosts.

Prize, but she did learn to use the potty. To a parent, those two

accomplishments are both pretty close to awesomeness.

in heaven for this!” Me, as Greg and I head to Daytona, leaving

his parents with our girls for an entire week.

I took those life events and turned them into quotes, thereby

“If I collected all the bobby pins in our carpet, I could

“Don’t look right at the sun – you’ll go blonde.” Lily, as the “I know it is true – I asked a 5th grader!” Sally, validating her “Your parents are surely going to earn jewels in their crowns

creating a yearly Top Ten Things Heard in the Martin Household

letter. I added explanations to the sayings, so that my extended

food like this every night.” Hattie, slurping up her spaghetti at

family would have a better understanding of how my little family

Fazoli’s and revealing her growing geography knowledge.

unit did life together. My intent was not to boast about my life, but hopefully to let the quirkiness of our everyday happenings allow

www.OwensboroParent.com

“When I grow up, I want to live in France so I can eat Italian OP

Martin views each day as an adventure in her roles as wife, mom, owner of Pigtails and Cowlicks, and writing coach at Meadow Lands Elementary School.

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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community

one sweet girl

T

he holidays bring several months that offer an abundance of sweet candy treats, large indulgent meals, and homemade

baked goods. These temptations are difficult for even the most disciplined of individuals to resist. The circumstances are even more difficult for someone living with diabetes. Once someone has been diagnosed with diabetes; every carb, every ounce of

sugar,

every bit of insulin, matters to their overall health and wellness on a daily basis. Doctors Michael Fowler and Andrew Bremer, both endocrinologists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, see and diagnose hundreds of patients a year. Recently a patient wrote of her journey with diabetes in such an inspiring way that the doctors

{ by: melody wallace }

felt inclined to request that it be published in the monthly medical annals. The response to the published article was such a positive and powerful one that they have now asked the patient to speak to families at the upcoming Diabetes Family Fun Day event at the end of October, and to medical students at the university in November.

These events would be exciting opportunities to educate others for any adult dealing with diabetes, but what makes this story even more remarkable is that the patient who wrote the article was a 12-year-old girl.

Sydney Speed is a beautiful, athletic seventh grader at Daviess

County Middle School that was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of seven. Her parents first noticed that something was wrong when she complained of constant thirst, headaches, and being tired often. She recalls times where she “came home, got a water bottle, and laid on my bed.” On sunny days, when she would typically want to go outside and enjoy the weather, she found that all she wanted to do was sit inside and watch television. Sydney said sometimes she would drink a Dr. Pepper or eat some Skittles in an effort to try and relieve the symptoms, when in reality the increase in sugar actually made the symptoms worse. In the midst of Sydney’s symptoms, her mother had a conversation with another mother whose child had diabetes. It was then that the pieces started to come together so that they could finally find a solution. After a short hospital stay in Owensboro, and a trip to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Sydney’s family began the journey of a family with a child diagnosed with diabetes.

Vanderbilt gave Sydney a bear named “Rufus” so that she could practice giving him the injections that she would soon need to self-inject. From there, she and her family established habits and routines to help control her sugar levels. At age 13, diabetes has become such a routine part of Sydney’s life that she makes each step look effortless. During the school day she routinely checks her blood sugar levels, calculates the carbohydrates of each meal, recognizes when she feels low, knows when to take a few glucose tablets, and when to visit the school nurse. After school, she is an active member of both the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams, as she has been 24 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

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for several years. She is also part of the Student Technology Leadership Program, a writer for the school Panther Press newspaper, a member of

what to look for

the Elite Panthers, Student Council, and Academic Team.

When asked if she has ever had a bad day or a day where she wishes

she had never been diagnosed, Sydney says that when she is sick or has a stomach bug, her blood sugar will get low and stay low. In the past some of those moments have caused her to briefly think, “I don’t ever want to see another piece of sugar in my life.” Aside from those infrequent times, Sydney handles her diagnosis with grace. When others ask questions about her daily routine or some of the things that she has to deal with, she will usually tell anyone anything they want to know. She is honest and forthright about her feelings while still maintaining a positive outlook.

As she stated in her article in the June 2013 edition of the Pediatric Annals, “Diabetes is a blessing in some cases, such as mine, because it gives me ambitions, dreams, and goals in life…Diabetes is like a pit bull.

It gets a bad reputation that it doesn’t always deserve. Having diabetes doesn’t make you any different than anyone else. In fact, it makes you extraordinary. With diabetes, I do all the things that all my friends and family do. It never holds me back and never will. It has helped shape me

Every day approximately 80 children and adults are diagnosed with Type I diabetes. The symptoms may present themselves differently in adults than children, and are often mistaken in the early stages for common illnesses such as the flu.

Signs and Symptoms · Increased thirst · Frequent urination · Extreme hunger · Weight loss · Fatigue, drowsiness, or lethargy · Sudden change in vision, or blurry vision If your child presents with more than one of any of the above symptoms you may want to consult your pediatrician. Additional information can be found through the following resources:

into who I am today and it has helped to sculpt who I want to be when I’m an adult.”

OP

Melody Wallace is a teacher at DCMS who finds new blessings each day in her roles as teacher, wife, mom, and stepmom.

MayoClinic.com – Type I diabetes in children Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Sydney’s article can be found by searching: Pediatric Annals A Fresh Perspective

OP

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

25

community

love { by: danny may }

wins O

wensboro Parent strives to share stories of families in our

To you, this is mom and dad. It’s all you’ve ever known; it’s all

community. At the same time, we respect the families

that’s ever been real.

that share their stories with our magazine. This story is true

and based on Jason, a teenager from our city. Per the family’s

life was that you even survived at all. By the time you were

request, we are keeping this story anonymous. Now, Jason

removed from your biological mother at three months old, you

lives a life that seems like a Hallmark Holiday Movie. But it

still weighed your exact birth weight and still suffered from

could have just as easily been a tragedy. This story is one of a

withdrawal symptoms like sleep irregularity, malnutrition,

hundred and fifty similar cases of foster families here in the

and other complications. Your first placement to foster care

Owensboro/Daviess County area.

was more than the couple could handle, so at seven months old

you were placed in your second foster home.

By now, you’re old enough to know what people think: that

Born heavily addicted to drugs, the first miracle of your

“foster” means temporary. As in, “not your real family.” But

to you, the word “foster” doesn’t come before the word “son” or

older girls had already gone off to college. The youngest was a

“home” or “family” or “parents” anymore. Not in your mind.

sophomore in high school. As your parents would later explain,

26 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

It was a nice home. A working farm actually. The two

www.OwensboroParent.com

they just felt like they had more love to give and lots

two year old.

to offer other children. Your mom says fostering is

a calling, and “once you have it you can’t not do it.”

or going. Growing up you never knew any other

So after 30 hours of training, home visits, extensive

way. Over the years you’ve had more than 100 foster

background checks, and all the references were

brothers and sisters. Some lived in your home for

written and checked, your parents were approved to

several years. Others were just there overnight until

foster.

an aunt or uncle or other family member could be

You were too young to remember it now, but you

notified to come take them. Sometimes your house

had visits with your biological mother when you were

was full of kids. Sometimes you got the whole room

a baby. She would come to your house and visit with

to yourself.

you and your parents. Eventually, the visits became

fewer and further between. Then she terminated

reasons your parents began fostering and continue

her rights when you were two years old because she

even after adopting you. Your mom believes that

realized she couldn’t care for you properly. After all

foster care is her mission in life. “Others feel called

the paperwork was finalized, your parents adopted

to Africa,” she says, “but this is the mission the Lord

you and your house officially became your forever

has for me.”

home-- a four-year process from start to finish. So

now that your parents’ first three children were

for you and for your mom and dad. You love a little

grown and out of the house, they started over with a

brother or sister for years but then you have to watch

www.OwensboroParent.com

In your house, there were always kids coming

As a teenager, you understand more fully the

It’s not always easy, though. It hurts sometimes;

the numbers 7,355 children were placed in out-of-home care in Kentucky Average age:

7 years old Average number of months in foster care:

22.5

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

27

them go. Now that you’re older you realize how awful some kids’ situations are and just what kind of abuse and neglect other kids your age have to suffer. It makes you realize just

learn more

how blessed you truly are. One of your foster siblings who was just placed in your home is 7 years old and this is her fifth home. Fifth! How did you get so lucky?

How it works:

Next year you will graduate. And although your parents joke

Foster parents receive a monthly stipend as reimbursement for

about showing up with their wheelchairs and walkers because

food, basic needs, and other expenditures. But it shouldn’t be

they’re so old, they wouldn’t change it for the world. They don’t

looked at as a “job” or a supplemental income. It’s about the

regret for a single second spending the last 18 years raising you.

welfare of kids.

They simply cannot imagine their lives without you.

You’ve lived a special definition of love. And sacrifice.

You’ve watched it heal the brokenness in the world that you have definitely not been immune to or shielded from.

As the holidays approach once again, you’re reminded of

family. Your forever family. And the traditions you can’t wait to pass on to your kids – one day. But for now, it’s Christmas

The need: According to DCBS, more parents are always needed in the foster care program because the need is so great, especially for families who are willing to accept sibling groups (so they don’t get split apart.)

and your junior year. And 2014 will ring in your senior year.

Your life is an open book and it’s yours to write. As the chapter

Contact:

of your childhood comes to a close, it’s a wonderfully happy

If you are feeling “called” to be a foster parent, please contact the

ending.

Department of Community Based Services at 687-7491.

OP

Danny May is a husband and father of two boys (3 and almost 5). He is also the Director of Family Life at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

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www.OwensboroParent.com

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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community

photos from facebook

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

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www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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our faves Elf on the Shelf

Adapted by many families as a fun Christmas tradition, Elf on the Shelf can be fun for both kids and parents. Elf on the Shelf is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists. The premise behind this magical elf is simple: a family adopts the elf, gives it a name, the elf receives its Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole each night to tell Santa Claus about all of the day’s adventures. Each morning, the elf returns to its family and perches in a different place to watch the fun. Children love to wake up and race around the house looking for their elf each morning.

There are two simple rules that every child knows when it comes to having an elf. First, an elf cannot be touched; Christmas magic is very fragile and if an elf is touched it may lose that magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole.

Second, an elf cannot speak or move while anyone in the house is awake! An elf ’s job is to watch and listen. Elves typically appear in their families’ homes at the beginning of the holiday season (around Thanksgiving). On Christmas Eve, the elves return to the North Pole with Santa Claus--until next year!

Facebook and Pinterest are full of clever ideas of elves and their nightly adventures. These are a few of our favorites.

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www.OwensboroParent.com

DIY Ornament Wreath What you will need: Glue gun and glue stick stick Wire coat hange Pair of pliers Ornaments (plastic/shatterproof) Hint: You will need about 75-100 depending on desired size of wreath. You will want varied sizes of ornaments. Buy in bulk at the Dollar Tree or use this as an excuse to buy new ornaments for your tree and use your old ornaments for this project!

Steps: 1. Bend wire hanger into a circle -- doesn’t have to be perfect. Use pliers to help.

2. Untwist the top for the hanger to allow for ornaments to slide on.

3. Secure the tops of the ornaments with hot glue.

4. Slide ornaments onto hanger, varying sizes and colors.

5. Once the hanger is full, re-twist the top of the hanger.

6. Use the pliers to bend the top the of hanger into a nice hook.

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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the kids eat free list *The Kids Eat Free list is

subject to change. Please

Mondays

Tuesdays

Catfish Willy’s - $1.99 kids meal with the

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – free kids meal with the

purchase of adult meal

purchase of adult entrée from 4 – 8 p.m. for kids 12 years and younger

Grandy’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of regular adult meal

purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and Mirko Pasta – 2 free kids meals per adult

younger; kids get a special treat of icing

entrée purchase

their own cookie

Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon

Denny’s – 2 free kids meals per adult meal

available on website or Facebook page

purchase

Shoney’s – 2 free kids meals per adult

Fazoli’s - 99¢ kids meals with the purchase

entrée purchase from 3 – 9 p.m. for kids 10

of adult meal

years and younger Pizza Hut – 1 free child buffet with the

contact restuarants to ensure their participation.

If there is a discrepancy please contact Owensboro Parent Magazine.

Bob Evans – free kids meals with the

TGI Fridays – free kids meal with the

purchase of adult buffet from 5 – 8 p.m. at

purchase of adult entrée for kids 12 years

the South Frederica location.

and younger Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon Zaxby’s – 2 free kids meals per adult entrée

34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

available on website or Facebook page

www.OwensboroParent.com

Salsarita’s – free kids meal with the purchase

Saturday

of $5 or more adult entrée; dine in only

Maloney’s – free kids meals from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday Ole South Barbeque – 2 free kids meals per

Texas Roadhouse – 2 free kids meals per

adult meal purchase for kids 12 and younger

adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon

Sunday

available on website or Facebook page

Briarpatch – 1 free kids meal per adult entrée for kids 10 and younger

Thursday Bee Bop’s – free kids meal with the purchase of

Maloney’s – free kids meals from

adult meal after 5 p.m. for kids 12 and younger

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Captain D’s – 2 free kids meals with adult

Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill – free kids meal

meal purchase; dine in only

with purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and younger

Red Lobster – free kids meal with coupon available on website or Facebook page

Texas Roadhouse – 2 free kids meals per adult entrée from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ryan’s - 99¢ kids buffet for children 11 years and younger

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

35

november 2013 Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price.

Want to include your event? Contact the editor at ashley@owensboroparent.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

more “Absolutely Farmtastic Fun”! 11 a.m. – 6

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” TWO presents “Steel

GREAT PUMPKIN SMASH Don’t trash ‘em,

p.m.; Trunnells Farm Market, 9255 US Hwy

Magnolias” - A story of friendship and trust

smash ‘em! It’ll be a smash’em, bash’em

431; For more information, contact (270) 733-

set in a southern beauty salon where women

kind of day at Trunnell’s! Come assist in the

2222 or visit www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com.

come together to share their secrets, fears

destruction of any unsold pumpkins or bring

and love for one another; 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.;

your own! If you’ve always wondered what to

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the

TWO, Trinity Center, 407 W Fifth Street; For

do with your old pumpkins once Halloween

library every Saturday morning from 10:00—

more information contact TWO (270) 683-5333.

has come and gone, this is the answer! Join

12:00 for self guided fun and educational

us for our First-Annual Pumpkin Smash and

activities with a focus on literacy and school

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

bring them ol’ pumpkins with ya! Watch

readiness; Daviess County Public Library,

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

for more details on all the ooey gooeyfFun

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

we’ll be having with activities ranging from

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

a Giant Pumpkin Smash, Pumpkin Bowling,

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” See event information on

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

Farm Scene Investigation, getting lost in the

Friday, November 1.

Interactive Corn Maze, face painting and

36 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

calendar SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

veterans for the Annual Veterans Day Parade

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” See event information

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

along Second Street. Following the parade

on Friday, November 1. Sunday feature will be

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

this year, the city of Owensboro will have a

from 2 – 4 p.m.

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

fireworks display from the Ohio River. The

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

VFW will also host a Korean War Veterans Appreciation Dinner.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4 FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum

FREE OWENSBORO FIREWORKS DISPLAY

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for

To honor our veterans who preserve our

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m.

independence, the City of Owensboro

For more information, contact the Museum

fireworks display originally scheduled for

at (270) 926-7891 or visit their their website at

July 4 has been rescheduled for Saturday,

www.bluegrassmuseum.org.

November 9. Please check local media

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

sources for more information about the

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for $5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE VETERANS DAY PARADE Come honor our

www.OwensboroParent.com

celebration closer to the date; 8 -9 p.m.; For more information about the City of Owensboro go to www.owensboro.org.

BROADWAY AT RIVERPARK “ELF THE MUSICAL” ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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calendar

38 OWENSBORO PARENT

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www.OwensboroParent.com

poor toy-making abilities cause him to face

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,”

the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

the women give their workplace a dream

embarks on a journey to New York City to

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

makeover, taking control of the company

find his birth father, discover his true identity,

that had always kept them down. 7:30 – 10

and help New York remember the true

FREE SIT DOWN WITH SAYLOR Meet and

p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street;

meaning of Christmas; 7 – 10 p.m.; For more

talk with Daviess County Public Schools

For more information, visit http://www.

information, call (270) 687-2787 or visit www.

Superintendent Owens Saylor; 6:00-7:30

backalleymusicals.com

riverparkcenter.org.

p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

for self guided fun and educational activities

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

St.; dcplibrary.org

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” This show will feature

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

a brand-new score by seven-time Grammy

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

Award® winner Dolly Parton that includes the

“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event

blockbuster title song. In a hilarious turn of

information on Thursday, November 14.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

wildest fantasy - giving their boss the boot!

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

39

calendar SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

KWC FALL OPEN HOUSE Tour campus, get

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

information on scholarship opportunities

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

and financial aid, meet with KWC Faculty to

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

discuss majors you might pursue, student life,

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

NCAA Division II athletics and more. Register

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

online at kwc.edu/visit or call the KWC

FREE HOLIDAY CARDS FOR VETERANS Help us

Admissions Office at (270) 852-3120.

spread some Christmas cheer by decorating

FREE TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Come

Holiday cards to be delivered to local

join the Teen Advisory Board, where we talk

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the

veterans; Ages 12 and younger; all day drop

about Ages 12 - 18; 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Daviess

library every Saturday morning from 10:00—

in; Daviess County Public Library, 2020

County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

12:00 for self guided fun and educational

Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

dcplibrary.org.

readiness; Daviess County Public Library,

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

activities with a focus on literacy and school

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

information on Thursday, November 14.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY Build, Play, and

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

“9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL” Please see event

Learn with LEGO! Ages 6-12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.;

information on Thursday, November 14. This

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica

show will be 2 – 4:30 p.m.

St.; dcplibrary.org.

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. November//December 2013

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults

www.OwensboroParent.com

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

for self guided fun and educational activities

FREE TURKEY SCAVENGER HUNT Ages 12

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

and younger; all day; Daviess County Public

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica

Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

St.; dcplibrary.org

FREE 77TH ANNUAL OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS

PARADE “Where Kentucky Starts Christmas!”

This special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area.

2013 will be the 77th year for the parade!

Bands, lighted floats, an historic calliope, and

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

St. Nick himself will entertain all ages. The theme for 2013 is “It’s All About the Child.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

park are also available. Display will be open

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

through January 2; 5160 Wayne Bridge Road;

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

SANTA AT GATTITOWN Come enjoy some

Open from 6-9 p.m. each night.

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

delicious food and fun games and even get

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

to visit with Santa; Gattitown, 316 N. Green

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

River Road, Evansville; (812) 473-3800 or visit

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

GattiTownEvansville.com.

www.ChristmasParade.net

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK An outdoor driving lighted tour with 400,000+ lights winding through Panther Creek Park. $3.00 charge per carload. Wagon rides through the

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

41

calendar HOLIDAY EMPORIUM HOLIDAY MART CRAFT

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

SHOW; pictures with Santa; Santa’s Sweet

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

BLUEGRASS JAM On the first Thursday of

Shop; Petting Zoo; Healthy Living Seminar

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

each month, head to the Bluegrass Museum

plus Healthy Cooking Seminar with Pam

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

to jam with other musicians. Jamming is for

Simon. A shopping extravaganza for all ages;

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

musicians of all levels and begins at 7 p.m.

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; For more information, contact RiverPark Center at 270-687-2770.

For more information, contact the Museum

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

at (270) 926-7891 or visit their their website at

RIVERPARK EYECARE ANNUAL HOLIDAY FRAME

www.bluegrassmuseum.org.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

SHOW 15 – 75 % off frames; 221 Allen St;

Visit the library every Saturday morning

(270) 685-4968 or riverparkeyecare.com.

from 10:00—12:00 for self guided fun and

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 –

educational activities with a focus on literacy

U-BOUNCE TODDLER TUESDAY; All must

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library,

and school readiness; Daviess County Public

wear socks; Children 5 and under get in for

2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org

$5 all night; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 HOLIDAY EMPORIUM HOLIDAY MART CRAFT SHOW; pictures with Santa; Santa’s Sweet Shop; Petting Zoo; Healthy Living Seminar plus Healthy Cooking Seminar with Pam Simon. A shopping extravaganza for all ages; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; For more information,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 SANTA IN THE PLAYHOUSE Santa will visit

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

the Western KY Botanical Garden in the

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

Playhouse from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Visit with

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

Santa and get a great photo! Call the Garden

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

for reservations and more information at (270)

always free; 5 – 8 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

852-8925 or visit www.wkbg.org.

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

contact RiverPark Center at 270-687-2770.

42 OWENSBORO PARENT

. November//December 2013

www.OwensboroParent.com

www.OwensboroParent.com

November//December 2013 . OWENSBORO PARENT

43

calendar SOUP DAY FOR KIDS “Celebrity” Chefs will prepare some delicious homemade soups and sweets to benefit the Goodfellows Club of Owensboro. Come to the Garden and have lunch and help children who are in need. A gift of $5 is requested, but more will be accepted! For more information, please call (270) 852-8925 or visit www.wkbg.org.

Contact Patti Acquisto at 684-9679.

HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K RUN/WALK 5K RUN/ WALK sponsored by the Owensboro Parks

Center, 101 Daviess Street; For more information, call (270) 684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com.

and Recreation Department. Beginning at

APPLE ARCTIC EXPRESS Presented by Maggie’s

the Dairy Queen on New Hartford Road and

Cakes & More and Reid’s Orchard, Come

continuing on the Horse Fork Creek Trail.

take a ride on the Arctic Express Train,

OWENSBORO DANCE TEHATRE’S NUTCRACKER SWEET CHARACTER BRUNCH

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must

Have brunch with some of the Owensboro

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

Dance Theatre’s characters from The

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

Nutcracker on the Cannon Hall Stage at

always free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

RiverPark Center; 10 – 11:30 a.m.; For more

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

information, call (270) 684-9580 or email odt1982@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

decorate ornaments and sugar cookies from Maggie’s, and watch The Polar Express on a projector screen; $10 per child, adults free; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday at Reid’s Orchard; For more information, call Maggie’s Cakes & More (270) 222-2201 or Reid’s Orchard (270) 685-2444.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE’S “THE

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

streets to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling

NUTCRACKER” The Owensboro Dance

for self guided fun and educational activities

carolers, storefront decorations, and

Theatre presents a Christmas classic with

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

indoor performers will make this evening

elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and the

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica

a reminder of the good old days of being

talents of over 100 community members as

St.; dcplibrary.org

downtown at Christmas. Second and Third

well as the theatre company and guest artists

streets from Daviess to St. Ann; 5 - 8 p.m.;

from KY Ballet Theatre; 7 p.m.; RiverPark

FREE HOLIDAY STROLL Stroll the downtown

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. November//December 2013

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www.OwensboroParent.com

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calendar

46 OWENSBORO PARENT

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