Owensboro Parent - April/May 2023

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Contents

April // May 2023

29 2023 Kids Takeover Check out all the winners of our Kids Takeover Ad Design Contest and read stories written and illustrated by kids in our community.

22 Difference Makers Three siblings saw a need and decided to use their artistic talents to help.

IN EV ERY ISSUE

D ISCOV ER

9 Around OBKY

54 What Makes Owensboro a Great Hometown for Kids A view from third graders at Estes Elementar

8 From the Editor

10 Parent Profile

KEEPING IT REA L

24 Self-Starter Discover a local teen who owns her own successful small business

26 Epic Youth Camp This youth camp introduces kids to skills needed for high-demand trade jobs.

12 Real Life with Lora Wimsatt What Kids Have to Say About Mother’s Day 14 Hashtag MomFail Henry and Simon take over Jamie Johnson’s column and answer what they would do if they were home alone for an entire day.

MA KING IT 16 Recipe Neopolitan Cupcakes 18 Craft Time Egg Carton Flower Craft

56 The Book Nook Mom’s a Main Character 58 Self-Care for All Ages Discover how self-care can make us aware of our own emotional and physical needs.

OUT & A BOUT 64 Events Calendar Our list of fun things to do around town this season!

66 Kids Meal Deals Check out these local kids meal deals!

FROM OUR REA D ERS

68 Mommy & Me Photos submitted to our Facebook page sponsored by Owensboro Health!

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BEHIND THE SCENES

IF YOU GOT TO BE A KID FOR THE DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Ashley Wedding

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sleep in! Maybe watch my favorite show on Netflix. Eat junk food. Then take a nap.

Zero responsibility or decision making for the day! :)

”

Katie Albers Christina Dalton Jamie Johnson Laura Murphy Katy Tierney Melody Wallace Lora Wimsatt Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Andrea Roberson Monica Tapp STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Plain ON THE COVER

Morgan Hawes Photo & Illustration by Jamie Plain

DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

to ashley@tannerpublishing.com To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at

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ADVERTISING

Eat Pizza Hut buffet and make some awesome bicycle ramps to do sweet tricks!

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ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Brock Quinton

888-304-5416.

ONLINE owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent

Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support.

Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise.

For more information about advertising call 270-297-1600 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

instagram @owensboroparentmag twitter.com/owensboroparent PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 270-297-1600

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

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If I could be a kid again for one day, I would spend the whole day at a swimming pool and eat as much ice cream as my stomach could handle!

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I would paint all day without worrying about making a mess, and focus on creativity instead of overthinking technique.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Reed's Top Picks SAVING MARBLES FOR A YES DAY!

These marbles are like our chore system. My mom gives me, Avery and Mason marbles for chores and if we go above and beyond or if we do extra things around the house. We can cash in a full jar of marbles to get a prize or we can save up and cash in five jars for a Yes Day! We are trying to save up for a Yes Day. If we get a Yes Day I will do a LEGO scavenger hunt, get Starbucks, go the movies and get popcorn and candy, and I would let my brother and sister pick the rest of the things so that we all get the same amount of things to do.

MAKE YOUR PARENTS CRAZY WITH HEDGEHOGS!

I hide these hedgehogs around the house to annoy my mom. She will try to find them and she can’t. If she can’t find them, I give her a hint. One time I tricked her on how many there were. I told her there were four hedgehogs, but there were only three. She was so mad! You should get some hedgehogs and hide them around your house too!

A FUNNER WAY TO PLAY WITH LEGO!

LEGO is fun to build with! But a LEGO scavenger hunt is funner! We build things from around our house.

We hide the creations that we make with the items from around the house. We give them a creation that leads them to where the first thing is. They will find a second creation there and then go to the third. This is better than just building because you get to spend time with your family and it's funny when they can't find your creations.

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from the editor

AROUND OBKY

Written by Mallory Albers

CHECK OUT KENTUCKY YOUTH CHORALE ON APRIL 25

Kentucky Youth Chorale (KYC) is a community wide young singers chorale program for students ages 8 - 16. The current directors are Madison Wells, Pam Howell, and Anna Sparks. Anna Sparks accompanies us on the piano as we sing with Madison and Pam. When Ms. Sparks directs, Jubilee plays the piano for her.

This was my first year as a member of the Kentucky Youth Chorale and I have had a lot of fun. I am learning how to sing properly: precise vowel pronunciation, efficient singing posture, and commanding stage presence. The choir is preparing a selection of spirituals for our spring concert. We would be honored to have the Owensboro community to enjoy our show on April 25, 2023 at Third Baptist Church, Owensboro Kentucky.

Interested in joining KYC? Visit kentuckyyouthchorale.org

FUN AT WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN!

Contributor Spotlight:

Enjoy Mariachi in the Garden on May 25, 2023 from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. They are having Real Hacienda with the Mariachi band. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy all these amazing sights and sounds with your family! Bring maracas and a festive spirit on VeinteCinco de Mayo to this fun-filled celebration.

Interested in going? Visit wkbg.org

Lydia Tanner Illustrator

A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

They will be having a Mother’s Day picnic boxed lunch on May 14th at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. It will be going on from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. While you are eating a boxed lunch, you are able to take some photos of your families to remember this day you have spent with your mom. Explore this beautiful garden full of flowers and other fascinating plants. Are you considering this family fun experience to show how much you love your mother? Visit wkbg.org

MALLORY ALBERS is rocking 6th grade at Daviess County Middle School. She is a musician, an artist, a super big sister and a follower of Christ.

Lydia Tanner is a 4th grader at Heritage Christian School.

She loves playing softball and volleyball. When she’s not playing sports she can be found drawing, painting and serving others. For this issue of Owensboro Parent, she used an iPad to draw illustrations for several stories.

Lydia has an older sister, older brother, younger brother, and a puppy named Bear. When she grows up she wants to be an artist!

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AROUND OBKY

PARENT PROFILE

Natasha Stanley Natasha Stanley is a wife, mom of two girls and owner of Bella Ragazza. Discover how this mom and small business owner finds work life balance and how her children changed her mindset when it comes to fashion.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. My husband, Tyler, and I have two girls, Sloan and Hart. Having a 4 and 5 year old makes life lots of fun. We love to travel and take vacations. Our family is always on the go with dance, t-ball, school, church activities and other events for kids going on in Owensboro.

TELL US ABOUT BELLA RAGAZZA. Bella Ragazza opened in May 2013. It was always my dream to open a store. I have always been in the retail industry and worked in different aspects and wanted to learn as much as I could to have my own store.

We started in downtown for six years and really learned a lot about my customers and their needs. Moving to Wesleyan Park Plaza in 2019 was a big leap with a big reward. We went into the Covid shutdown shortly after moving and that’s when I realized more than ever what my customers need. Building relationships and offering convenience and attention is why people want to shop small.

HOW IS IT BALANCING WORK AND KIDS? The saying “it takes a village” is so true! And I have a village. Our family is our lifeline.

They are so hands on with my kids and my business. My father-in-law runs my kids to where they need to be and delivers packages to customers. I have an amazing amount of love and support and I feel so blessed everyday to have the family and friends that God gave me.

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HOW DO YOUR GIRLS INFLUENCE YOU AS A BUSINESS OWNER? Having children changes just about everything in your life. Especially your mindset. Building confidence in women has always been the mission, but looking at that mission as a mom of two girls means even more to me. Seeing them light up when they feel good about what they are wearing is pretty amazing. My youngest, Hart, feels on top of the world when she’s in a princess dress or has on a necklace. Sloan loves being comfortable. She gets giddy when she’s wearing even a stained t-shirt that was given to her by her Nana or Meme because it makes her feel loved and knows it came from someone special. Clothing can seem superficial to some people, but I think it can make you feel powerful. It doesn’t have to be glamorous or trendy. Seeing my kids feels confident, having fun and feeling loved in clothes is pretty cool. I don’t think that feeling has to end at childhood.

Women need that just as much, if not more.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEING A SMALL BUSINESS IN OWENSBORO? I have said so many times that I’m so glad I decided to move home to Owensboro to start my dream. I had lived in other places and didn’t see that for my future. My plans weren’t God’s plan and it’s amazing to see what Owensboro has done for my life, my confidence and my dream. Customers have become friends and family. On my worst day, getting to go to work just to be around my staff can turn everything around. They bring me joy and a feeling I wish everyone could have at their job. Being a small business that builds intimate connections with people where you feel like you really know someone is really special in Owensboro because it’s full of really genuine people that truly care about you and want you to succeed. OP

Keeping it Real

R E L ATA B L E S T O R I E S F R O M L O C A L PA R E N T S A N D G R A N D PA R E N T S

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KEEPING IT REAL • REAL LIFE WITH LORA WIMSAT T

What Kids Have to Say About Mother’s Day

T

alk about serendipity: The Owensboro Parent “Kids Takeover” issue coincides with Mother’s Day – an opportunity for all those hardworking moms on staff to sit back, kick their shoes off, relax, and let the kids do all the work.

Hahaha! Okay, but seriously, this is one of the most fun issues of the year, and one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year, so let’s see what happens when we mix them up.

I checked in with three of my grandkids, who are always game for a little Q&A with Granma. Zeke is 7, Brody is 8, and Briley just turned 12 – a combined 27 years of experience in observing their respective mothers!

We started with the basics: What IS Mother’s Day, anyway? Brody had the best answer: “It’s kinda like a birthday for Moms.” (But will there be cake?!?)

Asked why Moms rate a special day dedicated just to them, Zeke responded, “Because they got you out of their stomach.” Well, he’s not wrong; that’s a good reason to celebrate, all right.

But now it was time to get down to serious business. The kids were asked what their mothers do, specifically, to rate a day on the pedestal. According to Zeke, his mother “used to rock me,” but those days are gone. Now, “She does the dishes and that’s all.”

Brody, perhaps thinking back on a long winter season of strep throat and flu, had a ready answer: “Whenever I’m sick, she stays home and takes care of me.”

Briley was a little more observant: “Mom gets me food and gets me stuff like clothes. She also helps me with

stuff like homework. When I come home from school and I have math and I don’t really understand, she comes and helps me. She’s okay at math but she helps me start to think about it and we look back at the video my math teacher posts.”

When pressed for more specific examples of things their mothers have done to make them happy, Zeke came through with shining colors: “One time she got me a Taco Hot Wheels car. She loves me and I love her. I like to spend time with her.”

Brody said his favorite thing about his mother is that “she surprises me. She takes me somewhere and she plays with me.”

Briley gave her mother credit for her kitchen skills: “She makes really good food, like her five-cheese ziti.”

All three children are convinced they have the best Mom in the world. Zeke’s explanation was simple: “She is gooder than daddy.” (Sorry, Dad.) Brody rattled off a list of his own: “Because she is kind and because of all the stuff she can do, like cook and drive me places. She is always nice to me.”

Briley expanded on that thought, saying her mother is “nice to everyone.

She is kind, loving, happy and hardworking. She teaches me how to cook.”

Although Briley hasn’t mastered fivecheese ziti yet, she said, “I’ve learned how to make ramen noodles on the stove. I’ve also learned how to make brownies and cookies by myself. She taught me what measuring cups I need to use and how much I need of everything and how to turn the oven on.”

All three kids gave credit to their moms for their dedication to their

careers … even if they weren’t exactly sure what their mothers do for a living.

Briley, however, had this observation about her mother, a special education teacher: “She’s very kind. She is always helping the kids at school even if it’s hard. Most people won’t do her job so she knows she has to work hard for them.”

And all three have their own ideas about how they plan to show their mothers how much they are loved and appreciated.

Zeke has committed himself to “doing the dishes, folding laundry, cleaning my toys, feeding the dogs and brushing my teeth without being told to.”

Brody will keep it simple: “Surprise her with a gift.”

Briley will put her love into action: “I will help her clean the house and tidy it up, give her a note and tell her that she’s good, and just tell her that we love her.”

They may not realize it, but when asked if they had anything else to say, these kids’ final remarks turned out to be the best gifts they could ever give to their mothers.

Zeke – whose mother always tells him he is her favorite little boy – said, “She’s my favorite little momma … and I’m going to be taller than her one day.”

Brody said, “I’m going to give my Mom hugs and kisses.”

And Briley said, “When I grow up, I want to be as kind as her.”

So Happy Mother’s Day to all you Moms out there. Put your feet up, relax, and let the kids take over … returning the love you show them every day of the year.

OP

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

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KEEPING IT REAL

H A S H TAG M O M FA I L

HENRY AND SIMON TAKE OVER Written by Jamie Johnson

Last year, my son, Henry, took over my column for the Kids Takeover edition. He wrote about ways to entertain your children, like getting them a pet inchworm. This year, Henry is back, along with his little brother, Simon.

I asked the boys what they would do if they were home alone for an entire day. I typed out their responses and had very little editing power. Like any normal kid, they talk a lot about doing the things I don’t like them doing, such as watching YouTube and playing video games. I was hoping for something a little more wholesome, but it is their turn to take over!

My name is Simon. I like Pokémon. I am five! I like playing Roblox. I go to kindergarten at Cravens Elementary. If I was home alone, I would watch TV and watch YouTube.

I would plant a tree. Because I’ve never done it before. I’ve never painted a picture.

Actually, I have. I like to paint. I just haven’t done it with real paint. For lunch I would eat a meat stick and a cinnamon roll and drink juice. Not water juice, normal apple juice. I would paint an Easter egg. I would play basketball and we would do a video game against adults. I would give myself a wedgie. Ha-ha I’m so funny. And I would paint a house when I grow up. And when I grow up, I want to build my own house. I want to be the president.

Hello, my name is Henry Johnson and I love dogs. I am in second grade at Sutton. I also like being home alone. Today we are going to write about what I would do if I was home alone. The first thing I would do is go upstairs and go on YouTube and watch other people play video games. Then I would go into the living room and finish Harry Potter the Goblet of Fire. Then I would come into my mom and dad’s bedroom and take a nap.

After that I would get on my bike and ride around the street. And then I would get on my mom’s phone and call my cousin Ross to come over. We would have fun and play some video games. And then Ross would leave. Then for lunch I would have a pickle toast sandwich. And then I would take another nap, but this time with my dog. Then I would feed my dog. I would go upstairs and watch some more YouTube. And then I’ll play Pokémon on my Nintendo. Then I would go in the garage to get some Funyuns.

And then I’ll eat another pickle toast sandwich and a banana for dinner. After dinner I’ll have dessert then go outside and ride my bike down the street. And then I would come back at 7 p.m. and go to sleep. And that’s what it would be like if I was home alone. I won’t really be home alone since my dog Newman is there, but it’s still home alone. We hope you like our takeover. Please read this to your kids. They will like it.

OP

JAMIE JOHNSON is a full-time working mom to two little boys, wife to Logan, and part-time writer. Her pieces have been featured in HuffPost Parents, Motherly, Today Parents and PopSugar Moms. You can follow her blog at HashtagMomFail.com!

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ENJOY TOGETHER

Photo by Jamie Plain

Making it

CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN

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MAKING IT • RECIPE

NEOPOLITAN

CUPCAKES Recipe by Hannah and Ella Jit Photos by Jamie Plain

We’ve enjoyed baking from a young age with our parents and have special memories in the kitchen together. One of our favorite family traditions is baking at holidays for our business, Love Cakes. Our favorite treats to bake are around Christmas time. We love the fudge, bark, cookies and mini cakes we make. It’s a lot of fun seeing everyone smile and enjoy our treats.

What’s a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than baking a special treat for your Mom? These are the perfect spring desserts to celebrate your Mom. We love these delicious cupcakes and hope you do too!

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INGREDIENTS: Cupcakes: ›› 1 3/4 cups, all-purpose flour ›› 2 teaspoons baking powder ›› 1 teaspoon salt ›› 1 stick unsalted butter, room temp. ›› 1 cup sugar ›› 3 large eggs ›› 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ›› 2/3 cup buttermilk, room temp. ›› 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder ›› 2 ounces semisweet chopped chocolate Buttercream: ›› 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp. ›› 1 cup (15g) strawberries ›› 2 1/2 Tbsp heavy cream ›› 2 cups (230g) powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS: Cupcakes: ›› Preheat to 350. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt. ›› Beat butter with sugar in mixer, on medium for about 5 minutes.

One at a time, add eggs, beating until combined. Add vanilla. In two batches add in flour, buttermilk, then flour again. ›› Whisk cocoa powder and 1/4 cup hot water in bowl until smooth. Add 10 ounces of batter to bowl. Stir and add chopped chocolate. ›› Layer, chocolate, then vanilla batter. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool completely before removing.

INSTRUCTIONS: Buttercream: ›› In electric stand mixer, whip butter on medium-high until very pale and fluffy, 6-8 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of bowl. ›› Blend strawberries in food processor until finely ground. ›› Transfer strawberries to whipped batter, blending until combined.

Stir in heavy cream and powdered sugar, whipping for 4-5 minutes on medium-high, until fluffy. ›› Finally . . . enjoy!

HANNAH JIT, 13 years old, enjoys reading, writing, and piano.

ELLA JIT, 10 years old, enjoys science and loves to swim.

OP

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MAKING IT • CRAFT TIME

Here is a fun craft for you to do to celebrate the Spring season, Earth Day, and crafting! It is a great way to use typical things that you would throw away, into a super fun craft!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: ››Egg carton ››Fun colors of paint! ››Paper straws (I used green ones) ››Hot glue gun (Get a parent’s help for this) ››Different sizes of yellow pom poms INSTRUCTIONS: ›› Cut the egg carton into flower shape (round each corner) ›› Then paint the carton however you like! ›› Let it dry depending on what kind of paint you are using. ›› Put a large dob of hot glue in the center of your egg carton; put a large yellow pom pom in the center of the glue dob and then surround it with tiny ones. (I used 8 in my example). ›› Then use the hot glue to stick the straw to the egg carton to create the stem. ›› Let your flower dry for a couple minutes and then your beautiful blossom has formed!

OP

Egg Carton

FLOWER CRAFT Written by Avery Sorce // Photo by Jamie Plain

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If you make these adorable crafts, be sure to tag a photo of them on our social media accounts! We would love to see them!

AVERY SORCE is a sixth grader at Daviess County Middle School. She loves to craft and draw, read (especially Harry Potter) and play soccer.

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P L A C E S T H AT M A K E O W E N S B O R O G R E AT

Photo by Jamie Plain

Community

THE PEOPLE AND

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COMMUNITY

DIFFERENCE MAKERS Written by Laura Murphy // Photo by Jamie Plain

E

ight-year-old Lillie Dunn has proven that no one is too young to make an impact on their community. What started as a radio ad for a Safe Haven Baby Box sponsored by Right to Life Owensboro, led to Dunn and her two siblings raising more than $5,000 in a short amount of time.

“My husband was driving in the vehicle a couple weeks ago when the 90 second ad came on the radio advertising the Right to Life chili supper fundraiser,” Lillie’s mom, Julie Dunn, explained.

“When it mentioned the baby box, Lillie was talking to her dad about it and said she wanted to give money towards it.”

After learning of a baby who was

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recently surrendered in Bowling Green, Lillie knew she wanted to get involved in raising money for this cause.

While Lillie wanted to go door to door to ask her neighbors for donations, her mom had an idea. Lillie and her siblings loved creating art, so her mom suggested they take their artwork and sell it. After a social media post introduced their idea, the supportive response was almost immediate.

“Our kids were all in!” Julie said. “My husband thought maybe we will get $30 and I thought maybe we will get a couple hundred dollars – we never expected it to get this big.”

Orders started pouring in, some

requesting duplicates of already claimed pieces. During the days leading up to the chili fundraiser, Lillie, and her brothers, Elliot (10) and Jesse (5), worked together to fulfill orders. By the night of the supper, their endeavors had raised almost $2,000.

“At this point, the post had only been on Facebook for two days,” Julie explained. “I can remember thinking that if we got to $2,500 that would be an awesome amount, but since then we doubled that.”

In total, over 70 pieces of artwork have been sold, some with as many as a dozen duplicates requested. As far as what Lillie thinks of the success, she is

proud to be a part of something that helps save babies’ lives.

“I am most excited about getting to hear that a baby could have their life saved by being put in this baby box,” Lillie said. “I feel surprised that my money raised could help this baby and I am also surprised that I raised this much.”

The Dunn family, who homeschools, describes this fundraising effort as a pivot moment for them to focus on an important community connection.

“Lillie has always had a tender heart. When she hears of a need, she wants to help. A big thing for her and for me as a mom is that our small efforts can make a difference. I am glad my kids are learning this lesson now at 10, 8 and 5. They can make a difference,” Julie said.

While Julie is proud of her three children and their efforts to raise

money for a great cause, ultimately she is thankful to draw some attention to the potential impact a Safe Haven Baby Box could have for desperate mothers and babies at risk.

Despite the Safe Haven Law, which allows a baby to be surrendered anonymously and without fear of prosecution at a staffed police station, Dunn heard of a baby in Wisconsin who was recently abandoned in a field and didn’t survive. Stories like this reiterate the importance of raising money to bring the Safe Haven Baby Box to Owensboro.

“Who knows if it could happen in our community? It’s a good option for a hard situation. I don’t want to put my kids in the spotlight as much as I want to put the baby box in the spotlight.

This is huge,” Julie said.

Lillie Dunn started with the desire to help a local cause and now she wants

to continue to help others in the future.

She is already brainstorming ways to keep the momentum going.

“I like to fundraise,” Lillie said.

“Next, I want to help raise money for Care Net.” While some children may feel small and insignificant, Dunn says this experience is teaching her children a lesson about making a difference.

“I never felt that way as a kid, that I could do something significant. My kids can now see needs in the community and things outside themselves,” Julie said. “Their time, effort and talents are being used for something bigger than themselves – that’s priceless. I could not have dreamed up an opportunity for my kids at this age and God set it in our laps.”

To donate to the Safe Haven Baby Box, visit www.rtlo.org.

OP

LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has four kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily, Josiah and Judson. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.

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COMMUNITY

SELFSTARTER

Discover a local teen who owns her own successful small business Written by Laura Murphy // Photo by Jamie Plain

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M

onica Montgomery, a sophomore at Daviess County High School, has a pretty impressive resume. The young entrepreneur has experience as a social media manager, videographer and real estate assistant.

At just 16 years old, Monica has established M Squared Productions, with plans to continue to expand her business in the future.

When Monica was still in elementary school, she was already dreaming of working in video production.

“When I was 8 years old, I had been playing guitar and taking lessons.

I never got into it,” Monica said. “I was watching YouTube all the time and watching bloggers. I begged my parents to let me quit guitar and start a YouTube channel.”

Monica was excited when they agreed to let her start her own channel, naming it “Growing up with Monica,” a move that eventually led to her first paid gig in videography.

“I started making videos for about two years. By age 10 or 11, I bought my first equipment—a Canon camera,” Monica said.

Monica later purchased a MacBook and editing software. As she expanded her arsenal of tools and gadgets, new opportunities emerged.

“Local Realtor and entrepreneur Matt Brown needed a videographer for a project and asked me if I could film it,” Monica said. “I told him I would bring all my camera stuff and film it on one condition—I told him if he liked it, he had to hire me.”

After being hired for her first job, doors began to open one after another for Monica, who started creating more videos and helping real estate agents and other small businesses post to

their social media.

“When I was 13, I was working as an assistant for a local real estate agent,” she said. “When he left to go to a new company, I went with him.”

What began as a personal YouTube Channel allowed Montgomery to find her passion for editing and video creation.

“It didn’t take me very long to realize I didn’t want to be on that side of the camera,” she said.

“I love the editing aspect of projects.”

Within the next year, Montgomery expanded her clientele to serve several clients at once, managing social media pages, creating spotlight videos for the sponsors of a local youth camp with Habitat for Humanity, and eventually diving even deeper into assisting local small businesses.

“One summer, I became an assistant for a real estate agent. We would stage houses, arrange furniture to make everything look pretty, move things from one house to another, and pick out paint colors,” Monica said.

Perhaps one of the biggest accomplishments for Monica happened recently, when M Squared Productions became an LLC. Although she can’t be the sole owner until she turns 18, Monica is already learning many aspects of running her own business.

One of those lessons Monica has learned is to invest in help, specifically hiring her brother. Though he might live right down the hall, the siblings take the work they share very seriously.

“It’s perfect for him—he does posters, graphic designs and fliers,” Monica said. “He doesn’t love it like I do, but he does enjoy it. It’s nice for him to be able to make money, too.”

Montgomery is thankful for her business to be a family affair, with her

parents offering to do their part of their daughter’s business.

“They love it—they have always been super supportive of me. My dad or mom will pick me up and get me where I need to go since I don’t even have my license yet,” Monica said.

Some of her past and current clients include Junk Pro by Jereme Wilner, Greater Owensboro Realty, Justin Rightmyer, E.P.I.C Youth Camp, and Kelly Burke. She has also helped create videos for Kentucky Farm Bureau and Heritage Christian School.

After creating her official business name and a stronger social media presence, the clientele will likely continue to grow.

Recently, Monica has also started to offer drone services, using her drone to shoot the inside of a house for sale.

“I launch the drone, drive the drone down and go straight in,” Monica said. “It’s perfect for real estate videos.”

From teaching herself the ropes of making YouTube videos to and using free software on her mom’s laptop, Monica is proud of how far she’s come.

“I love what I am doing. I used to think I’d pursue my mom’s career and be a loan officer. I don’t know if it’s still in the cards for me or not,” Monica said. “I do know I’d like to have more employees and continue to grow my business. Part of me thinks I’ll continue to do this.”

As far as future plans for college and beyond, she is keeping her options open there, too.

“I don’t want a ton more social media management right now. Next year, I’ll start early college and have a little more flexibility. I used to think I’d get out of Owensboro, but I don’t really want to. I love our community. It’s a great place to grow up.”

OP

LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has four kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily, Josiah and Judson. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

25

COMMUNITY

EPIC YOUTH CAMP Written by Melody Ann Wallace

26 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

ELECTRIC PLUMBING

INNOVATION

CONSTRUCTION For families with children who don’t travel out of town during spring and fall breaks, it can often be a struggle to entertain little minds and keep them engaged. EPIC Youth Camp has created an opportunity to not only engage children during this time away from classroom instruction, but also introduce them to essential skills needed for future work in high-demand trade jobs. EPIC is a three-day half-day youth camp that runs from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and was designed to serve children ages 5 through 18. After seeing tremendous success during Fall Break of 2022, EPIC will be returning to the H.L. Neblett Community Center, Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, and Girls Inc. Apr.5-7, during Spring Break.

“It turned out to be greatly appreciated by those community centers because the leaders of those centers are looking for activities for those kids and it was good to

glimpse into future careers in HVAC, welding,

courses offered at Owensboro Community

and energy efficiency. After seeing a need to

and Technical College. In order to reach

educate young people on the importance

that audience, Stephens suggested the

of skilled trades, local business owner

idea of reaching out to children in already

and Habitat for Humanity board member

established day camps, such as the H.L.

Allyson Sanders approached Kellems. The

Neblett Community Center, Girls Inc., and

two brainstormed ideas and soon brought

the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club.

on Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jeremy

Stephens

a low income family…with more kids than

Association of Owensboro Executive Officer

money in the bank,” Stephens said. “I wonder

Richard Stallings. The team pooled their

as an adult looking back, why weren’t there

resources and collaborated to create the first

more opportunities for me? I don’t think the

EPIC Youth Camp during Fall Break of 2022.

trades were promoted to me at all. If they

an

Home

activity-based

approach,

the camp focused on the four key trade plumbing, innovation and construction. On day one, campers experienced the power of electricity by viewing motors that caused fans to spin, and competed on virtual welding machines provided by Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC).

In order to better understand the necessity of adequate plumbing, students were given PVC piping and competed in teams to see who could create the most effective design to move water from one area to the other.

Students were able to learn the purpose behind wall insulation by filling massive plexiglass walls with shredded paper. On day three, construction day, students worked with Stephens to construct a wall to be used in a future Habitat home.

“That’s the part where they get to really

Homes new home sales consultant Shawna

put themselves in the project and know they

Kellems. “They were more than excited to

are in that home,” Stephens said. “That’s just

have us come back.”

the neatest thing that I get to do.” the

three-day

camp,

When it comes to explaining the

campers are encouraged to use problem-

importance of home building and home

solving, critical thinking, and effective

ownership, Kellems said it has become part

communication skills, as well as their

of her personal mission.

imaginations, to work as teams in order to compete in fun, hands-on projects.

“Initially they took their bodies and

were, I think I would have done that instead of going to college.”

skills used in creating a home: electric,

be able to provide that for them,” said Jagoe

Throughout

“I remember being a kid…I came from

Builders

Using

and

“I come from a background where homeownership wasn’t even on the radar—I love putting the idea in their minds that that

Stephens said it soon became a priority to do a better job of letting kids know what their future options are and discovering a way to get that information to them as young as possible.

“If we can get this information to them at an earlier time, they know this can be a possibility for them,” Stephens said.

As a parent, Habitat board member, and

someone

who

works

in

higher

education, Sanders said, when working with college students, it became abundantly clear that there was a critical need for younger audiences to understand the value of local resources, as well as the importance of skill trades and home ownership.

“It cannot be denied that younger people need more education in regards to their options prior to adulthood,” Sanders said. “Parents are working and teachers are teaching, so it’s on the community at large to step up and bring back the village mentality that it’s all of our jobs to ensure that young people are getting the necessary tools to be good citizens and obtain good futures filled with good paying jobs, home ownership, and education.”

EPIC Youth Camp is able to provide

created a building with doors and competed

is a possibility,” Kellems said. “I hope to help

children with a variety of hands-on,

to see who created the best building,”

them connect the dots so they can make

interactive learning experiences thanks to

Kellems said. “They really enjoyed that part

those dreams become a reality.”

the generosity of many local businesses and

The main goal of the EPIC founders

business owners. If you would like to become

was to reach a younger audience and

a bronze, silver, or gold level sponsor,

Along with home building and home

educate them about Habitat for Humanity,

please contact Shawna Kellems at shawna.

ownership, students are also offered a

home ownership, and the skilled trades

kellems@jagoehomes.com

of it and cheering each other on and working together.”

OP

MELODY WALLACE is a mom, stepmom and JAG specialist at Apollo High School.. She runs on caffeine, good deeds and the inspiring stories of others.

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

27

28 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

We are excited to reveal our 2023 Kids Takeover!

For this special section, we asked our local elementary schools to pick an outstanding student author to write an article about their school or community. With some help from their incredible teachers, these writers interviewed, wrote, illustrated and photographed all of the content in this section.

Special thanks to our friends at Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, Owensboro Catholic Schools and Heritage Christian School. We couldn't put this issue together without your help!

Don't miss the ads, all of which were completely designed by local elementary school students with the hope of their original artwork winning our contest. Each business judged the entries and chose the winners. Owensboro Parent staff added some of our favorite picks in too!

DAVIESS COUNTY TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION KENTUCKIANA ANIMAL CLINIC RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OWENSBORO DERMATOLOGY RIVERPARK CENTER OWENSBORO HEALTH JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO GATEWAY URGENT CARE LIBERTY FINANCIAL DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL DIAMOND LANES ALLERGY & ASTHMA SPECIALISTS LANCE & CO. JEWELERS

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

29

Designed by:

Seth Mayfield Age: 10

1900 Southeastern Pkwy Owensboro, KY (270) 684-8954 www.dctfcu.com

Designed by:

Kathleen Godinez Age: 11

1500 East 18th St. (270) 684-2949 kentuckianaanimalclinic.com

Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union

Gabbi Williams Age: 10

Kentuckiana Animal Clinic

Harper McDonald Age: 11

30 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Designed by:

Macy Lee Age: 12

1100 Walnut Street (270) 689-6500 | www.rvbh.com

Aria Miller Age: 9

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

31

Designed by:

Lexie Willis Age: 11

2821 New Hartford Road (270) 685-5777 OurFamilyDerm.com

Designed by:

Zakariah McCormick Age: 8

101 Daviess St. (270) 687-2787 RiverParkCenter.org

Owensboro Dermatology

De’Angelo Whittington Age: 11

RiverPark Center

Nevaeh Baughn Age: 12

32 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Designed by:

Johana B. Age: 11

Regional Hospital 1201 Pleasant Valley Rd. (270) 417-2000 owensborohealth.org

Eberle Goebel Age: 11

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

33

Designed by:

Adele Page Poyal Age: 9

2705 Breckenridge St. (270) 684-9580 owensborodancetheatre.org

Designed by:

Dawson Quisenberry Age: 11

3245 Mt Moriah Ave, Ste 10 2804 Frederica St www.mercyurgentcare.com

Owensboro Dance Theatre

Tessa Lynn Age: 10

Gateway Urgent Care

Rafe Wathen Age: 11

34 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Designed by:

Bella Martin Age: 10

2925 Wimsatt Ct. E (800) 685-2085 libertyfinancial.com

Ermelinda Francisco Age: 10

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

35

Designed by:

Jack Cunha Age: 10

2020 Frederica St. • Owensboro, KY (270) 684-6144 www.dcplibrary.org

Designed by:

Caroline Redfern Age: 9

3030 New Hartford Rd. (270) 684-3201 www.willsanimal.org

Daviess County Public Library

Emily Taylor Age: 9

Wills Animal Hospital

Darion Havan Age: 11

36 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Designed by:

Stella Payne Age: 9

410 Carlton Drive 1901 Triplett Street www.diamondlanes.net

Diamond Lanes

Graham Davis Age: 11

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

37

Designed by:

Sawyer Midkiff Age: 10

3604 Wathen’s Crossing (270) 684-6144 owensboroallergy.com

Designed by:

Noah Ledford Age: 9

2730 Frederica St. (270) 686-0001 www.lancecojewelers.com

Allergy & Asthma Specialists, P.S.C.

Oscar Ruiz Age: 9

Lance & Co. Jewelers

Stella Mason Ages: 11

38 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

39

Kids Takeover

Road Trip Games Created by Avery Sorce

My brother and I love to play games in the car! This is a fun activity to do on Spring Break.

You can play BINGO and see who can get four in a row, or see who can get the most!

A license plate from a state that begins with “M”

A picture of a hamburger

A sign for an airport

A dog (or any pet) in a car

An arrow

The letter "Q"

Something with Daviess County, Apollo, Owensboro or Owensboro Catholic

A picture of an ice cream cone

A blank billboard

The name of someone in the car

A water tower

A picture of pizza

Sunglasses

A body of water

A flower

A unique colored car

40 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

ROAD TRIP CROSSWORD 1

ACROSS 3. Something that helps block the sun from your eyes.

2 3

4. The holiday of which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

6. The item that transports you to different locations.

4

5

7. Kids love to run and play in it, it is green, soft but itchy.

6

DOWN 1. Cute animal that delivers eggs to kids.

2. A bright plant that typically grows in the spring.

7

3. Break from school, first week of April.

5. BigSearch star that makes Earth bright.

Spring Word

E Q FMG L Z F J P I Z C V K F C R N S R U Down MB R E L L A A Spring Break 1. A cute animal that delivers helps block the sun from your I A I Q P W K F eggs T BtoHkids!

C K O Flower 2. Y a bright plant thatRtypically M I R KW R C Lgrows Y W inOthe K spring I Basket hich we celebrate the A L N KWD G I P H O T P G K Bloom 3. break from school, first week of April. s.

V S E G Q S S F N U I WW F S Umbrella 5. big star that makes Earth bright! nsports you to different H N K E B N U E S GD C E V U Easter L M Y Q A K N C J E B D K R Z Grass n play in it, it is green, soft E A B R S Q S Z C G V R L G T Sunshine O A G E K L HDG V R U E E E Puddle I A S H E I I L I N K P Z A Z Chick E PW T T V N CO L HD FWK April I R F S E N E K V C R E X D B Rain Q I K X Y R N I NGG R A S S E L K I B L OOM L N K U Z L Across

AVERY SORCE is a sixth grader at Daviess County Middle School. She loves to craft and draw, read (especially Harry Potter) and umbrella sunshine April play soccer. Spring Break

flower

easter

puddle

basket

grass

chick

rain April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

41

Kids Takeover

Can’t Find Your

Green Thumb?

Written by Stella Clark // Illustrated by Lydia Tanner

I

f you have seen any house tours on

three things and some fertilizer.

plant in this space? If you think you

social media, most people have a

So now you know what you need

are going to forget about this plant,

dead plant somewhere in their house.

to take care of plants but how do you

put it somewhere you will see it often.

That dead plant used to be in my house

take care of plants? Well, different plants

You probably want to get a succulent

too, but now I have many thriving

need different things. The best way to

because you don’t need to water them

plants. Most people get a plant, forget

know about your plant is to search it

that often. If you can’t tell when a plant

about it, or just don’t know how to take

online or look at the care card. At Lowes

needs water I think a White Anne is a

care of it. I think we all have been in that

and other sellers when you find a plant

great choice because when they need

situation with a plant that needs help. If

you like look at the tag and right there

water they start to droop. Another thing

you do have a plant at home or want to

is how to take care of your new plant.

to think about is to get the plant you

get plants in your home, you have come

If you think you need more help you

think will match your room/house.

to the right place!

can always look at videos on how to

Plants are easy, fun, simple, and

Plants are not as hard as people

take care of that plant. You also need

not too messy. If you really think about

think they are. Of course there are plants

to know what light you can provide for

it, plants are like easier pets. They

that are hard to take care of, but those

that plant so it gets proper light.

don’t make noise or pee on your new

are pretty rare. If you have light in your

Some plants might need something

rug. Just having plants in your room

house, water, and air you are almost

you can’t provide. Such as light water or

can brighten the space and make it

there! The three main things plants

special things such as trimming leaves

cozy while also being modern. If your

need are water, sunlight, and oxygen.

and more. So if not all plants are for

friends are coming over you can show

Most houses have these three things,

you what plants are? Before you get a

them your new plant skills and have

so you have the basics to take care of

plant look at where you want to keep

bragging rights. Now take all of this new

plants. Beginner plants only need these

it. How much light could you give a

knowledge and get some plants!

OP

STELLA CLARK is in 5th Grade at West Louisville Elementary School. She enjoys taking care of plants and animals, swinging, listening to music, and BTS.

42 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

43

Kids Takeover

Mrs. Harper Leaving a Legacy Written by Zane Corum

W

hat makes a great leader? Well, you have to be caring, respectful,

and most importantly, kind. And that’s exactly what Mrs. Harper has done for 13 years as principal at Country Heights.

She also made an impact while as a teacher at CHES and other schools for her almost 30 years of experience in education. She’s made this school the fun and unique way that it is. Sadly, her career is coming to an end, as she is retiring after this school year.

At Country Heights we have a word for every year, and “legacy” is this year’s focus word. And if you’re wondering, legacy means “your influence on the lives of others in your family or community.”

Our ASL sign of legacy at CHES shows the hand movements of “looking back and giving to others.” That’s just perfect for Mrs. Harper because she has made a big impact at this school and will be remembered in the future. I know it.

and then sends her stuffed animal husky

confident, and proud!” She wants others

named Curiosity, to visit the class for

to feel valued and loved all the time. After

the day. The next day, they share their

reading Mrs. Harper’s quote, it stuck with

learning on the news with Mrs. Harper

me and it reminds me that others really

and the rest of the school.

care. It’s a really inspiring quote because

The book of the year is something

it not only means to motivate others but

special that Mrs. Harper started several

it also helps me with feeling confident

years ago. Last year, all students received the book Wonder or We’re All Wonders.

Some examples that she does that will

The main idea from these books is that

make her remembered are the school

everybody is their own unique person

news, the book of the year, and the way

and we should be kind to each other.

she empowers others to push harder to

This year’s books of the year included:

be successful.

Togo and Leonhard, Togo, or Balto.

and proud of myself. And that’s not all.

She’s done soooo much more stuff that others will remember in the future.

I may be a fifth grade student and will be going to another school next year, but wherever I go, Mrs. Harper will always be kept in my heart, and hopefully

The School News is a daily routine

These books are all about real-life

before our learning starts where the

huskies who were courageous, hard-

yours, too. All 500 students and staff at

whole school watches Mrs. Harper and

working, and synergized to save a town

Country Heights love her so much and

her guests talk about important events

from a disease.

will remember the fun stuff she did with us in her time at CHES.

or cool things happening in a specific

Mrs. Harper is also one of those

grade. Currently, she is choosing classes

people that get you motivated for the

WE’LL MISS YOU, MRS. HARPER,

to show their learning. She does this by

day. Her key to success is “working

BUT YOU’LL ALWAYS BE A HUSKY! WE

drawing teacher names out of a bucket

hard to help others feel empowered,

LOVE YOU!!!

OP

ZANE CORUM is a fifth grade student at Country Heights Elementary. Along with his love of writing, he enjoys spending time with his family watching Kentucky basketball games and visiting Disney World!

44 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

I

t’s almost summer! That also

3 tips to stay motivated at the end of the school year Written by Evelyn Tiul Laj

to go to bed is also a good thing.

means that we are really close

Another way to stay on track

to the last day of school! I usually

is to keep your responsibilities

like to finish off my school year

straight. Just because you are

strong. Finishing the year on a

about to leave school doesn’t

good schedule helps me stay

mean

focused even though it’s so

responsibilities! Sorry to break it

exciting that the last day of school

to you but you probably will still

is near. I think everyone should

have homework and tests.

stay

motivated

and

you

still

don’t

have

focused

My last tip is to set goals for

during the last weeks of school,

yourself to finish during the last

and here are some ways you

weeks of school. This goal can

could do that!

be as simple as getting better

My first tip is to go to sleep

at math. Maybe you’re stuck on

around the same time every night.

something, ask for help! It’s better

Going to sleep at the same time

to ask for help than to struggle.

every night will help you keep a

I hope you can finish your

steady schedule and will help you

year off strong. Remember to stay

stay focused. Setting a good time

motivated!

OP

EVELYN TIUL LAJ is a fourth grade student at Burns Elementary School. She enjoys riding her scooter, participating in after school clubs, and loves to read new books!

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

45

Kids Takeover

The Art of Volunteering Written by Eberle Goebel

M

rs. Jamie Reames is a standout

used our state flower,

Art teacher at Heritage Christian

the Goldenrod. She had

School. She goes above and beyond

gone out and picked real

providing supplies, planning to teach

Goldenrods for us to use.

our class, and she does it with kindness.

She could have simply

At our school the Art Teachers are

given us a coloring sheet

volunteers.

Mrs. Reames has been

to complete, but Mrs.

my class volunteer Art Teacher from

Reames wanted us to

Kindergarten to 5th grade.

This is

press the real-deal flower.

very motivational to see her coming

We took the Goldenrod

on back and trekking through it even

and pressed it onto paper.

though our class is not the most well-

Then we cut up orange,

behaved class. We can be kinda loud

yellow, and white paper

and obnoxious, but she comes back

and used it to decorate all around the

week after week.

Goldenrod. Then we had a picture of

She provides quality art supplies

the state of Kentucky split up into the

for our class. The projects she teaches

natural regions. We wadded up little

include things like a Van Gogh painting

bits of tissue paper and each region

of the Sunflowers, how to do an optical

we did in a different colored tissue

illusion, teaching us imagery. We have

paper.

painted on canvases, tree bark, wood,

Western Coal Field Region and I used

and paper. Mrs. Reames has taught

red tissue paper for that region.

For example, we live in the

When we were working on paper mache bowls for Mother’s Day, she had us pick from three different fabrics and some kids were taking a long time to pick one. Mrs. Reames did not rush anyone and helped them make the right fabric selections for their moms. That paper mache bowl turned out so good my mom actually

Mrs. Reames is so kind that I’ve

kept it and places it out for others to

never heard her raise her voice during

see! Mrs. Reames is always smiling

During 4th grade we had a

class. Even when she is trying to teach

and she makes me look forward to art

year long project of learning about

us a new technique or a complicated

class.

Kentucky and compiling a scrapbook.

project and kids keep talking when she

Mrs. Reames is a lovely person

She helped us do two projects to put

is talking, she is sweet and kind with

and I’m thankful she is a volunteer at

in our scrapbooks. One of them, we

her words.

Heritage Christian School.

me to look at the world around me to see different objects I can use in art.

OP

EBERLE GOEBEL is a 5th grade student at Heritage Christian School. She likes to play volleyball and basketball. She enjoyed reading the entire Nancy Drew series. She loves avocados, Chick-fil-a, and her dog, Murray.

46 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE! Written by Claire Dunlay

T

here

are

recycling.

many It

benefits

helps

of

recycle.

a living for people who might

reduce

Recycling also conserves natural

the amount of waste that is sent

resources. This is because it takes

to landfills, it conserves natural

less energy and resources to recycle

resources, and it helps create jobs in

materials than it does to extract new

the recycling industry.

materials from the earth. This means

otherwise be unable to find jobs.

Unemployment is a big problem in America, but recycling can help with that.

Recycling helps to reduce the

that recycling can help to reduce the

In conclusion, the benefits of

amount of waste that is sent to

amount of pollution that is produced.

recycling are many and varied, but the

landfills. This is because recycling

Recycling will help conserve natural

bottom line is that it is good for the

takes

resources.

environment. Recycling conserves

the

materials

that

would

otherwise be sent to landfills and

Finally, recycling helps create

turns them into new products. This

jobs in the recycling industry. This

reduces the amount of waste that

industry provides jobs for people to

is produced, and it also reduces the

collect, sort, and process recyclable

amount of space needed for landfills.

materials. These jobs can help to

to help the environment, recycling is

There will be less waste if people

reduce unemployment and provide

a great option.

natural resources, reduces waste sent to landfills, and creates jobs for people. So, if you’re looking for a way

OP

CLAIRE DUNLAY is a fifth grader at Meadow Lands Elementary School. She enjoys listening to Taylor Swift music.

Our Home Written by Elliot Cox

P

eople

don’t

realize

it,

but

Walmart, Sam’s, Meijer, even Kroger,

slushies, buying delicious popcorn, and playing on the playground. We

Owensboro is the most special

they greet me. They may not notice

place in the whole world. I don’t

it, but their good deeds make it the

have to be at my house to feel that

wonderful city we live in. We don’t

I’m at home. Everywhere you go,

have a really big city, but big enough

you meet friendly people. I travel a

to always meet new people.

When I’m hungry I get speedy

“Welcome to Owensboro” I don’t

service, because everybody works

stress. I relax when we cross that

hard. Out wonderful city is very

wonderful little Blue Bridge.

happy and festive. For example, at

like I’m at home. When I check out at

of July. Me and my family go to the Convention Center and jump on

lot, but once I see the sign that says

When we cross the bridge I feel

also go all out on holidays like Fourth

inflatables then get a table and watch the beautiful and sparkling fireworks.

Like I said before the reason

Friday After Five, me and my family

Owensboro

loved

because everyone includes you.

walking

around,

getting

feels

like

home

is OP

ELLIOT COX is 9 years old and attend the Owensboro Catholic 4-6 Campus and is a beast on the soccer field. He enjoys reading, drawing and eating a lot of oranges.

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

47

Kids Takeover

Family Fun

Boredom Busters Written by Hallie Wilhite // Illustrated by Lydia Tanner

W

hen you are at home there are many activities you can do at home with family to entertain yourself.

For example, if you play a sport you could practice and catch a ball, or you could even go on a walk with your family. Another thing you could do is go in the backyard and play with your pet, or you could even play a board game with your family and friends. If you can’t do any of those things, you could bake with your family and create a new recipe, or maybe you could get some popcorn and watch a movie. Another thing I like to do is paint. It takes a long time, but every time you do it with company, time

never matters. If you have a sibling or friend who likes playing video games you could play a game that you both enjoy together.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could even reach out to your local school to find family activities that they offer. My school, Tamarack, always makes everything fun with family nights and projects. At Tamarack they host family fun nights. For example, they host Tamarack Edge Ice night and the Tamarack Carnival. When you go to the Edge Ice family night, you can meet up with your friends or even convince your parents or siblings to ice skate with you.

At Tamarack Carnival night, there are always large, thrill-seeking rides that friends and family can enjoy, and even game booths to earn prizes.

There are plenty of ways to “bust” your boredom at home and at local events! It doesn’t matter if you get rid of your boredom at home or at events, it just matters that you figure out at least one way and you have fun doing it! It’s super important to spend time with your family and friends because it can mean a lot to them, and it could strengthen your relationship with them.

OP

HALLIE WILHITE is a fourth grade student at Tamarack Elementary School. She loves drawing, creative projects, and all things athletic (but mostly softball).

48 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Making a Difference Written by William Starnes

W

hat would you say if I handed you a plate with no food? A glass with no drink? A desk without a chair?

A TV without a remote? Socks, but no shoes? A school with no school counselor? NO, THANK YOU! Ms. Tines and Mrs. Travis are two rock star school counselors that make big impacts at Sutton Elementary everyday. In fact, it starts first thing in the morning. When kids get dropped off in the morning, Mrs. Travis is always waiting for them in front of the school. You can count on Ms. Tines to deliver all the important information the students need to know each day at morning assembly.

Both ladies are great influences on the students of Sutton Elementary. Kids look up to Ms. Tines and Mrs. Travis, and they should. These stars are the definition of good role models. They have positive attitudes and model for the students appropriate choices and interactions with fellow classmates.

The students at Sutton are Ms. Tines’s and Mrs. Travis’s first priority. They seem to ‘belong’ in Sutton Elementary.

They really are just a perfect fit. Fit like…..the basketball to the hoop. The key to the lock. If Sutton was a bottle, the school counselors would the cap.

These two counselors make a positive impact on the school. I am very grateful to have them. They have made a big difference in the lives of the children and in Sutton Elementary. Every time someone talks with either of these counselors, Ms. Tines and Mrs. Travis have the opportunity to make an impact on their mental health. They show empathy and friendliness throughout their work. If someone is sad, the counselors are there. If someone has a problem, the counselors are there. If there is a problem, the counselors are there.

Heck, it sounds like the counselors are always there for the children!

I know one time I walked into the guidance office grumpy and sad. After 15 minutes of talking and reasoning, I walked out happy and bright. (If you know me, that was a difficult task for Mrs. Travis!)

Ms. Tines and Mrs. Travis are amazing guidance counselors and even better people in general. Sutton Elementary is blessed to have these two great women on our staff as school counselors! As a fifth grade student, I would like to thank you for all the time and effort you put into helping me in six years here at Sutton!

OP

WILLIAM STARNES is in 5th grade at Sutton Elementary. He enjoys writing short stories and graphic novels in his pastime, as well playing pick-up basketball and having nerf wars in the neighborhood with his buddies. He will be playing his last season of baseball at Southern Little League this spring. Lastly, but certainly not least, he enjoys worshiping the Lord with his friends and family at First Baptist Church and is looking forward to 4-H and church camp this summer!

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50 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Discover

ADVICE AND TIPS ON H OW TO M AKE PARENTING AN D L IFE EASIER

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

51

DISCOVER

What Makes Owensboro a Great Hometown for Kids A VIEW FROM THE 3RD GRADERS AT ESTES ELEMENTARY Written by Katy Tierney // Illustrated by Lydia Tanner

W

hen I told my students they were

lot of great indoor and outdoor activities,

arcade with fun games. Elite Air was their

going to be featured in Owensboro

parks, restaurants, and quite a few big

favorite according to Demarion because

Parent they were so excited. The editor

towns within a three hour drive. Here is

“you can play dodgeball, you can run

sent us a list of ideas and away we went

our list of what makes Owensboro a great

and jump, play in the ballpit, there’s an

narrowing it down. I told them to think

hometown for kids.

obstacle course, jungle gym and zip line.”

like a writer and pick a topic that they were passionate about, a topic that made

There’s just so much to do in there. The

PARKS

AMC movie theater came in a close third.

ideas immediately come into their head.

Owensboro has more than 25 parks

They love that it’s inside and they have

When we chose to write about what

around town, the students all decided

tasty popcorn while enjoying a movie.

makes Owensboro a great hometown for

Smothers park was their favorite. Kayla

kids, their eyes lit up. They love it here

said, “I like the park because it has swings,

and they love calling Owensboro home. I

slides, and monkey bars. It helps kids get

Raegan said, “Ice skating is great for

started thinking of my view on the topic

their energy out since there is so much to

kids, you can learn how to skate, spin,

as a parent raising children in Owensboro

do.”

skate backwards and hang out with your

and I had to agree, there is so much that makes this town a fabulous place to grow

friends.” Bella added that “it’s a great way

INDOOR FUN

up. Is it a major city? No! Do we have a

Elite Air and the Escape Room topped

million things to do around here on a daily

their list for indoor fun. They love the

basis? No! What we do have is access to a

escape room because they also have an

52 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

EDGE ICE CENTER

to spend time with your family and your friends.”.

CHAUTAUQUA SKATEPARK

With the skate park being within walking distance of many of their houses, they spend a lot of time there. They love that you can take your skateboard, scooter, or bike and learn to do tricks. It’s a great place for them to hang out with their friends and have fun. Caden said, “lots of kids go there so it’s fun.”

Shyne,

and

his

dad,

Jazz,

both

commented on the topic saying, “There are so many places to play, like waterparks, and we have the best schools. It’s such a peaceful place with a lower crime rate.”

Demarion said, “All of my friends live in Owensboro. We have a great school and great sports, which allow us to make

of our favorites are what’s listed above.

faces when they say Owensboro is home.

friends outside of school. It’s so pretty

They could all agree that Owensboro is

I feel the same way for my kids. Watching

here and I feel safe everywhere I go.”

safe, beautiful and full of awesome things

them grow up in a town where they have

We made quite a long list of things the

to do. They love their school and their

so many friends and so much family makes

students love about Owensboro, but some

community. You can see the pride in their

Owensboro a great place to call home.

OP

KATY TIERNEY is a third grade teacher at Estes Elementary. She and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters, Harper & Tilly. Her large, extended family and career always keep her on the move. She loves reading with her daughters and spending all the time she can with her family and friends.

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DISCOVER • THE BOOK NOOK

Mom’s a Main Character Written by Katie Albers

Celebrate the joy and drama of being a mama with this issues’ featured books. All of these titles and more can be found at your Daviess County Public Library.

Super Mom

by Cindy Jin

BOOK NOOK

A board book highlighting the superhero powers of mothers.

With vivid colors, playful rhymes, and silly scenes, it is perfect for little readers.

CHALLENGE

Mama Says

by Rob D. Walker This beautifully illustrated picture book features wise words from mothers to their sons. It features 12 different languages alongside scenes of mothers from around the world to remind us that a mother’s love is universal.

Let Me Hold You Longer

by Karen Kingsbury This bittersweet lyrical picture book reminds us to cherish every moment of growing up.

My Mom the Pirate

by Jackie French This easy reading chapter book is the hilarious tale of a boy whose mom has a crazy job. And when a devastating flood hits their town, her job skills just might come in handy.

Road Trip with Max and His Mom

by Linda Urban Max’s mom is planning a road trip to a family reunion with a roller coaster ride on the adventure list. But Max is nervous about all these new experiences and especially about leaving his dad behind. Sometimes family is a tricky thing to define.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club

by Heather Vogel Frederick Four very different middle school girls are brought together through a book club to read Little Women with their mothers. With these new friendships and the wisdom of the March girls they will navigate the drama that is middle school.

For Moms: Begin a five-year memory journal.

Give each day of the year a page, and organize the page to eventually hold memories from five different years.

Each day record a sweet moment with your children.

When you return to that day and that page in the years to come you will have a collection of sweet moments to reflect upon.

For Older Kids: Find a copy of your favorite book from when you were very young, the one that your mom read to you every night.

Snuggle together and read it to her as a thank you.

For Younger Kids: Set a goal to read a book with mom every day.

Document your goal with a sticker chart.

KATIE ALBERS grew up in Owensboro and loved words so much that she became a school librarian and even alphabetized her family: Josh, Katie, Lance, Mallory, Noelle, Oaken, and Polly (the cat).

54 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

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DISCOVER

Self-care for all ages Written by Christina Dalton

W

e all know that self-care is

teaching and modeling healthy self-care

steps so that they feel less overwhelmed

important for us as adults,

habits for any age. When we teach our

than before.

but it is also important for our

children about self-care at a young age,

The benefits of this practice are two-

children. It is critical that we model ways

this will teach them that their mental and

fold. You get to teach your children how to

for children and teenagers to learn how

physical health is important. Remember

identify their own physical and emotional

to take care of themselves. Self-care for

that our kids often learn more from what

needs. You are also practicing self-care for

all ages can help us be more introspective

we do rather than what we say.

yourself and we all need some extra care.

and make us aware of our own emotional

Self-care is unique to the individual

You are creating a foundation for success

and physical needs. This can help all of us

and what works for one person may not

for your children that will benefit them

be more prepared for what life throws at

work for the next person. You can model

well into adulthood. Your child will be able

us. Even the smallest acts of self-care can

what taking care of yourself looks like for

to become more independent and learn

improve relationships, decrease stress and

your children. Remember to start small

how to take care of themselves.

increase overall health and wellness.

with kids. Think about a task that may

Teach basic skills. Think about areas

Kids are tiny sponges that soak up

cause frustration for your little one. When

such as diet and hygiene. When you feed

everything we do as adults. We can teach

you are exploring self care for littles, just

your child healthy foods, giving them a bath

them healthy ways to care for themselves

keep in mind their age and developmental

and brushing teeth, you are developing a

but we can also teach them unhealthy

level. If they are having a hard time at a

foundation of healthy habits.

ways that we handle stress. We can all be

task, try taking a break and modify the

56 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Below I have some self care activities

that you and your child can try together. I

fuels imagination, creativity, problem

You can practice what is called a 3-step

did some research to get some ideas from

solving skills and well-being. Give yourself

compassion break. This is something that

children aged 4 and up regarding ways that

permission to play. These activities don’t

you can model for your children. The first

they like to take care of themselves. These

necessarily have to be structured but you

part is to acknowledge when something

are great activities to do together and

do need to have fun.

has been stressful. The second part is to

create connections between you and your

Create quiet family time. A few

acknowledge that stressful situations are

child all the while taking care of yourself as

moments

songs,

part of life and other people experience

well.

reading a bedtime story or hearing about

this as well. Lastly, ask yourself, “What can

Don’t be afraid to be silly and have

your child’s day before bedtime can create

I do right now to be kind to myself?” When

fun. Activities like coloring, painting,

connection. When you prioritize this

your child sees you go through this and

and playing are less likely to feel like

slow down time, it helps to create lasting,

talk about it, you are setting them up for

work and they create emotional outlets

healthy habits.

success to follow in your footsteps.

of

singing

favorite

and foster connection. Music and dance

Use mindfulness to be present in the

There is no wrong way or right way

can have positive effects on your child’s

moment. Every time we come home, we

to perform self-care. You have to find

development and self-awareness. Music

have the opportunity to shift our mental

what works for you and your family. All

is a great self-care activity and has been

focus in a positive way. Remind yourself to

families are different and enjoy different

known to improve mood and promote well-

leave what happened at work in the past

forms of self-care. The earlier that you

being. Consider using background music

and be present in the current moment

can start teaching these habits, the

to improve a frustrated or anxious child to

now. Your middle and high school children

easier it will be to incorporate them into

improve overall mood.

may think you are being weird but you are

their daily lives. Practicing self-care will

modeling healthy self-care strategies and

help you manage whatever stressors life

hopefully they will follow suit.

throws your way.

Children want us all to put our phones away and play. Playing together

OP

CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, LCSW is a District Social Worker for Daviess County Public Schools.

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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DISCOVER

OWENSBORO HEALTH

Avoid Overuse Injuries as Spring Sports Start

A

s the snow melts away and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived. And

for kids, that means it’s time to dust off their sports equipment and get ready to hit the field. Spring sports allow children to get active, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships. Whether it’s baseball, softball, soccer or track and field, there’s a sport for everyone.

For middle school and high school athletes, especially those who focus on one sport year-round, doctors encourage a well-rounded approach to training to avoid overuse injuries.

“Staying

active,

staying

healthy

and playing multiple sports has been shown to be very beneficial to mental health and physical health, so when you specialize too early, you lose out on that,” Justis Soltz, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Owensboro Health, said.

“You only train your body to do certain

have to do increasing reps and go to

recover. Dr. Stolz recommends that

intense camps. This mindset only adds

people who play sports take a full break

to overuse injuries, Dr. Soltz said.

for a least a couple of weeks each year.

In

the

Owensboro

Health

And if you’re having pain issues, seek

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Walk-in

medical attention rather than trying to

Clinic, he has seen more shoulder and

“tough it out.”

elbow injuries as spring sports begin.

Owensboro

One of the simplest prescriptions is rest.

“We’ll start to see things like Little

specific motions, you increase the risk of

League shoulder or Little League elbow,

overuse injuries, and then these are the

and if you catch it early enough, it’s a

kids that oftentimes will quit. They’ve

period of rest, but you’re not going to

been playing only baseball since they

lose your whole season,” he said. “I’ve had

were 10 years old, so when they get to 14

kids come in, and they’ve been hurting

or 15, they’re done.”

for five months, and they sometimes

convenient

Health

orthopedics

offers and

a

sports

medicine walk-in clinic for just these sorts of injuries. Patients ages five and up are welcome; you don’t have to be an athlete to be treated. The clinic treats walk-in patients for many types of needs, including sprains, fractures, carpal tunnel, old and new injuries, sore

Dr. Stolz adds that in these specialized

need up to four or five months of rest

players, there’s a high risk of overuse

without throwing just to get back. So,

joints, concussions and more. Located

injuries that can result in a significant

the earlier you catch it, the better.”

in the Pleasant Valley Medical Building,

Regardless of age, it’s important

Suite 500B, the walk-in clinic is open

for all active individuals to take time

Monday through Friday from 8 to 11

Student-athletes can sometimes feel

to prepare themselves for the activity

a.m.; no appointment is necessary. Visit

pressure only to play one sport, or that

through stretching and stretching. Rest

OwensboroHealth.org/WalkIn to learn

to advance to college-level sports, they

is equally important and lets your body

more.

loss of playing time and threaten their future in sports participation.

58 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

OP

April // May 2023 . OWENSBORO PARENT

59

DISCOVER

CASA OF OHIO VALLEY

Child abuse is more prevalent than you think.

A

t least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. This is likely

health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs

an underestimate because many cases are unreported.

responds to stress. The more ACEs a child experiences,

The children of Daviess County are unfortunately just as

the more likely he or she is to suffer from things like heart

impacted by abuse and neglect. Did you know that there

disease and diabetes, poor academic achievement and

were nearly 600 children who had a substantiated case of

substance abuse.

can change brain development and affect how the body

abuse, neglect or dependency in 2022?

Family Court Judges Jennifer Hendricks and Angela Thompson see cases like this every day in their courtrooms.

They took a moment from their busy dockets for a Q&A in order to give a better look at the growing problem of child abuse and neglect in Daviess County.

How many children experience abuse or neglect in Daviess County in a month or a year?

What do you see making a difference between the families who successfully leave the system and those who return to your court over and over?

What I see making a difference between the families who successfully leave the system and those who return to court over and over again is the individuals and families who have a strong support system in place; whether it be therapist, family, social workers, case workers, or providers, that they continue to reach out to rely on when they recognize they

On average, for the month of February 2023 there were

are struggling. These individuals have learned the warning

approximately 97 cases of dependency, child abuse and

signs when they need help and reach out before the issue

neglect filed in Daviess County. In 2022, there were

becomes an issue of dependency, abuse and neglect with

approximately 558 cases of dependency, child abuse and

their children. They have learned from the tools provided

neglect filed in Daviess County.

to them the first time and continue to utilize these tools in the future ultimately preventing their return to court in

How has abuse and neglect changed over the last few years? Was there an impact from COVID?

the future.

Abuse and neglect has changed over the last few years a

What can we do as a community to prevent child abuse and neglect?

lot due to COVID-19. Yes, there was definitely an impact

As a community in order to prevent child abuse and neglect

from COVID-19 regarding dependency, abuse and neglect

we need to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect

cases. In Kentucky, we are all mandatory reporters of child

and reach out to help versus turning a blind eye with

dependency, child abuse and neglect. During COVID-19

the outlook that “it’s not my problem” or “I don’t want to

children were not attending school, church services,

get involved” or “someone else will report it.” We are all

going out in public, etc. Therefore, issues such as child

mandatory reporters of dependency, neglect and abuse

dependency, abuse and neglect were not as well seen and

on children. Once the appropriate parties are aware of the

reported due to the children being at home with the alleged

issues a family may be facing, it is their goal to help provide

perpetrators.

the necessary tools to resolve the issue and hopefully prevent the reoccurrence in the future.

What are the most common challenges you see children/families in your courtroom face?

The most common challenges I see children/families face

What do you wish more people knew about child abuse and neglect?

in my courtroom is substance abuse issues coupled with

As shown by the numbers listed above, child dependency,

mental health issues, which ultimately affect the children’s

neglect and abuse affects a number of families throughout

home life.

Daviess County each month and each year. As a community it is a “us” problem and not a “their” problem. Let’s all take

Is there a long term-effect from abuse and neglect on children as they grow up? What do you see?

a stand against child abuse and work together to assist

Absolutely. There is a study regarding this very issue.

and abuse of children. I encourage everyone to reach out to

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially

organizations such as CASA, Cabinet for Health and Family

traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include

Services, Borrowed Hearts, Oasis, and other providers to

violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental

see how they can help take a stand against child abuse. OP

60 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

families to obtain the assistance they need during a difficult time to hopefully one day eradicate dependency, neglect

SCARY S TAT I S T I C S

At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States.

2 out of 3 children experience adverse childhood experiences before they turn 18

601

Number of Children in Daviess County who had a substantiated case of abuse, neglect or dependency in 2022.

215 Number of children at the end of 2022 in out of home care.

116 Number of children in Daviess County served by a CASA

39

Number of children appointed to CASA by a judge and waiting for a volunteer advocate

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62 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

Out & About

EVEN T S AN D ACTIVITIES FOR OWE NSBORO FAMILIES

7 LOCAL THINGS TO DO

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OUT & ABOUT

2

DCPL’S BABY/TODDLER STORYTIME MO N DAYS & THU R SDAYS 9:30 A.M. DAVIE SS COUNT Y P UBL IC L IBRA RY

{

Kids ages 0-2 and their caregivers are invited to join DCPL on Mondays and Thursdays for stories, songs, and movement to help them prepare for a life of learning. Stay to play and socialize with a craft or other activity!

3

1

DCPL’S PRESCHOOL STORYTIME M ONDAY S & THURS DAYS 10:30 A.M. DAV I ES S CO U N T Y P U B LIC LIB RARY

{

Kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to join DCPL Mondays and Thursdays for stories, songs, and movement to help them prepare for school. Stay to play and socialize with a craft or other activity!

BINGO FOR BAGS TO BENEFIT OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE A PRI L 21 AT 6:30 P.M. J ACK T. WE L L S ACTIVIT Y CE NTE R AT KE NTU C KY WE SL E YA N COL L EGE

{

Come play Bingo and win designer bags-Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach, Tory Burch, and More. One lucky gal will win a Louis Vuitton! Grab your girlfriends and join us for a night of fun!

Only $40 for 10 chances to win a designer bag! Plus a jewelry and popcorn bar! For more information, contact ODT at ODT1982@gmail.com or 270684-9580.

4

Farmer’s Market APR. 15-NOV. 4: SATURDAYS, 8 A.M. TO NOON ​J UN. 6-SEPT. 26: TUESDAYS, 8 A.M. TO NOON JUN. 1-AUG. 31: THURSDAYS, 4 - 7 P.M. 1205 TRIP L E T T ST

{

Shop fresh, locally grown produce and other local goods from your favorite vendors! Kick off the 2023 season on April 15 and celebrate the fifth year in the pavilion!

64 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

5

The Stand Against Child Abuse APRIL 14 KEN TUC KY WE S LE YAN COLLEG E

{

The STAND is a unique event, pulling together dozens of community partners who have an interest in the wellbeing of children and families. This event is FREE family and is open to the public. Activities provided include balloon animals, face painting, free giveaways, educational materials on abuse, coloring stations, a petting zoo and much more! Stand with us as we bring awareness.

A Pinwheel Proclamation will take place with Daviess County Family Court Judges on April 11 at 9 a.m. on the Kentucky Wesleyan front lawn. Students from Owensboro Public Schools iMiddle will “planting” pinwheels to bring awareness to child abuse.

7

Spring Bliss Market Day @ Reid’s Orchard A PRI L 16 FR O M 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. RE ID’S ORCH A RD

{

Enjoy 25 vendors, kids activities and a beautiful spring day at the farm! While you’re there, check out the beautiful flowers from Katie’s Greenhouses!

6

PIGTAILS & COWLICKS CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE A PRIL 21 - APRIL 22 OWEN S B O RO CON V E N T ION C E N T E R Stretch your budget! 500 families will be selling new or gently used children’s items at amazing prices at the Pigtails & Cowlicks Children’s Spring Consignment Sale! Clothing, toys, furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, boutique, and more. ALL for kids – from babies to teens!

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kids

OUT & ABOUT

meal deals

EVERY DAY

Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free

Dee's Diner - one free kids meal per adult meal purchase (in-house only, ages 5 and under)

kids meal with the purchase

MONDAY Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Up to 2 kids eat free (ages 10 & under) from 4-9pm with adult buffet purchase Zaxby’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal from 5-8pm Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée

of a signature sandwich Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals from 4-7pm; dine-in only

THURSDAY Dairy Queen (Frederica Location) – Up to 2 $1.99 kids meals Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free

TUESDAY

kids meal with the purchase

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Kids 12 & under eat for $2.99 all day every Tuesday when dining in!

of a signature sandwich

SATURDAY Lure Seafood & Grille – Free kids meal with purchase of

Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée Freddy’s – Free scoop or cone with the purchase of a kids meal on Family Night.

Kids can enjoy coloring pages, crayons, balloons and stickers!

Pizza Hut (South Frederica location) – 1 free child buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet from 4:30-7pm

66 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

adult entrée Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase

SUNDAY Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée; dine in only Beef O’ Brady’s – Free kids meal (ages 12 & under) from 4-8pm with each adult meal purchase; dine-in only

on the honor roll?

Bring your report card to these local restaurants & businesses for additional deals!

Orange Leaf – Bring in your report card and receive $1 off yogurt; a report card with straight A’s will receive a small cup free.

Ritzy’s (Both locations) – Ritzy’s has a “Scoops for Scholars” program. Students can bring in their report card each grading period to earn treats for each “A.” 1A = flavored soft drink (cherry, vanilla, or chocolate) 2 A's = single scoop of ice cream 3 A's = your choice of a hotdog, coney, hamburger, or cheeseburger 4 A's = double scoop of ice cream McDonald’s – All five Owensboro McDonald’s decided this school year that they will award a free Happy Meal to any student who gets straight A's on their report card.

Chuck E. Cheese in Evansville – A child can receive 10 tokens with a purchase if they bring in their report card.

Sky Zone in Evansville – All A’s= 1/2 off any jump.

A & B’s= $5 off any jump. Weekdays & Friday 2-7pm.

*This list is subject to change. Please contact restaurants to ensure their participation.

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FROM OUR READERS

Mommy

& ME!

Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!

SPONSORED BY

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FROM OUR READERS

Mommy

& ME!

Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!

SPONSORED BY

70 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

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FROM OUR READERS

Mommy

& ME!

Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!

SPONSORED BY

72 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

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74 OWENSBORO PARENT . April // May 2023

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