Owensboro Parent - June / July 2020

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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Contents

June // July 2020

36 PAW-SITIVELY PERFECT PETS Meet the top ten fur babies of our latest Pet Photo Contest, including the winner, a special goat named Hazel.

28 Pinky’s Read how single mom Sheila Crowe is raising her two daughters and living her dream, one snow cone at a time.

32 It’s All About Her: the Writings of Roxy Rickard Roxy is one unique girl. Not only does she have a keen sense of fashion, but she is also a published author, at the young age of 14.

37 A Gift of Love & Laughter 9-year-old Carly Roby has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. But that didn’t stop her family from gifting her a special swing for her backyard.

IN EV ERY ISSUE

8 From the Editor 9 Around OBKY 10 Parent Profile

KE EPING IT REA L

12 Father Time OP regular contributor Scott Kenworthy shares how the Covid-19 pandemic has taught him lessons on time just before Father’s Day. 14 Real Life with Lora Wimsatt The classroom looked a little different in Spring 2020, but we were together in spirit.

16 New Baby in A New Normal Katie Albers interviews three local families who had or will have a baby during the Covid-19 pandemic.

perfect, colorful summer treat you don’t want to miss!

22 Craft Time Fourth grader Grace Millay shares a buzzworthy summer craft with Owensboro Parent.

24 Pet-Lover’s Lunch Box Win some cool parent points by being creative with your kids’ lunch.

D ISCOV ER

49 8 Summer Activities for Kids This summer will look a little different with social distancing measures still in place. Discover some at-home fun you can have with your kids this summer.

18 Hashtag Mom Fail Being quarantined with kids is no joke.

56 Parental Control Christina Dalton answers your most difficult parenting questions.

MAK ING IT

57 Keep the MICA Shots Getting your digital photos organized and printed

20 The Recipe Box These rainbow popsicles are a

58 The Book Nook Looking to hook your kids on stories this summer? Your public library has you taken care of with Hoopla on the phone or tablet.

65 Full House 2 adults. 4 kids. 20 pets. You have to meet this Owensboro family!

FROM OU R REA D ERS

68 Work-From-Home Coworkers See your photos submitted to our Facebook page.

72 Say What?

We asked: “If you didn’t have screen time and were stuck outside, what would you do all day?”

SPECIA L A DV ERTI SIN G SECTION

39 What’s Next?

Find expert advice from some of Owensboro’s most trusted businesses on what’s next after the Covid-19 pandemic.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

WE LOVE OUR PETS!

EDITOR

Ashley Wedding CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melody Ann Wallace Elizabeth Muster Laura Murphy Katie Albers Grace Millay Lora Wimsatt Scott Kenworthy Christina Dalton Jamie Johnson Jamie Alexander

Henry

Oakley

EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC DESIGN

Andrea Roberson Eric Bivins Monica Smith STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Alexander

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Dave Mackey Jalapeno

To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Gleason

ONLINE owensboroparent.com

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ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

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TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of

PUBLISHER

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Jason Tanner

of businesses and organizations who advertise.

2624 New Hartford Rd, For more information about advertising call 888304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

ne ti n a r a u Q s ' y e l Ash Must Haves

from the editor I think I speak for everyone when I say 2020 has been weird.

Who could have imagined a time when families are quarantined to their homes, retail stores and restaurants are either closed or severely restricted and masks are the latest fashion accessory?

I can’t get a haircut, I feel like all I do is load the dishwasher and do laundry, and I was in charge of the last third of my children’s 2019-2020 education?!

Maybe it’s the pregnancy. Maybe it’s being cooped up in this house for weeks on end. But I have been going through a major organizing phase.

I have gone through old keepsakes (like these sweet elementary photos) and organized them into bins, finding room for them in the basement for long-term storage. I have gone though kids clothes and toys and purged what they don’t need.

But the Covid-19 crisis was a little more uncertain for me than others. Why? (Big announcement coming….)

Gardening has been my outlet. When Drew and I married, the kids and I moved in with him in his house in Philpot. The yard is full of flowers (from the previous owner, not my husband) and Avery and I have had a blast making arrangements. We also have a started a huge vegetable garden, planted a raised bed of strawberries and a blueberry and raspberry bush. Being pregnant, I can’t leave the house much during this quarantine, so being outside in our yard has been my saving grace.

I’m expecting my third baby. Drew and I have been married for seven months now and never dreamed God would bless us with a baby this fast, if at all. Six years ago I shared my infertility issues with you. Avery and Reed are blessings that I never take for granted (even during quarantine when I hear “MOM!” 4,395 times a day). But this pregnancy, while not plagued with fertility treatments and relentless negative pregnancy tests, has brought its fair share of uncertainty and emotions.

Drew was not able to come to my 20 week ultrasound, where I got the first real glimpse of our sweet boy. The renovation we need to add to our small house in the country has been put on hold, leaving us nowhere to start a nursery for our son. (This nesting momma is not handling that one very well.) And we are unsure of what hospital restrictions will look like in September when we are due to meet our son.

But despite all of this, I am trying to remain as positive as possible. I am adjusting to this new normal and plan to continue this new-found sense of family time and disconnection from life’s distractions into the summer. We don’t know when our typical summer go-tos will open, so we plan to make the most of our summer at home. For us that means gardening, crafts, taking Drew’s classic convertible out for a drive on the backroads of eastern Daviess County, new recipes, lots of popcorn and movie nights, camping with bonfires, bike riding and fishing.

I am not a cook. If you asked my kids what I cook best, their answer before quarantine would have been Chick-fil-A. (That’s not even a joke... they really told people that.) But with lots of time on my hands, I have been cooking and baking like crazy — all with the help of eMeals.

Drew’s brother and his wife gifted us the recipe subscription app that plans meals for you and then has a feature that takes your recipe ingredients and sends it to the online grocery shopping service of your choice. Cooking has never been so easy and with categories like “kid-friendly meals” and “pantry meals,” the recipes are affordable and the kids actually like them!

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Preparing for our son has been the most fun during quarantine. I can’t go out and shop for him and I can’t even prepare his nursery because our sweet addition to our family means we need an addition to our house, which has been put on hold with Covid-19. But I have been busy making Pinterest boards, registering online and working on his baby book.

This summer issue of Owensboro Parent is a little different too.

We typically share a Summer Guide with you, complete with all the things you can do around the community. Instead, we have created our own Summer Guide with the help of some loyal advertisers, where you will find lots of ideas on how to maximize your family time this summer. And with lots of families adopting new four-legged family members during this quarantine, we moved up our pet issue to this summer, giving you a lot of fun pet tips and tricks. (You can’t miss the story about one Owensboro family that has 20 pets!)

We know this time has moms and dads at their wits’ end, but know that we at Owensboro Parent are right there with you. We hope that our magazine can bring you a little humor, advice, or tips to occupy your endless amount of time. We will get through this together, Owensboro.

Is it gross to admit I don’t know how long it has been since I washed my hair? I don’t know what day or even what month it is, let alone the last time I washed my hair — which is in desperate need of a trim! My trusty ol’ WKU hat has been my BFF the last two months.

AROUND OBKY

FARMERS’ MARKET WILL HAVE NEW GUIDELINES THIS SEASON

Things will look a little differently this season at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market opens for the season.

New procedures in places this year include: • Limited shoppers — the Market board recommends only one person per family get out to shop if at all possible.

• Specific entry and exit points — shoppers must travel in one direction to help ensure distancing guidelines are followed.

• Preferred use of cards instead of cash — While it is up to each vendor on how to accept payment, Market officials said they are encouraging everyone to use cards.

The market also has a credit card machine where people can swipe their card to get tokens, and all of the vendors accept those tokens.

• Recommendation of shopping by looking rather than touching — Shop with your eyes more than your hands. While a lot of people want to pick up items and look at them to feel and smell, Market officials ask shoppers to limit that as much as possible.

• Other safety measures include having hand sanitizer available and having spots marked on the pavement to remind people to stay 6 feet apart.

HOLIDAY WORLD TO USE VIRTUAL QUEUING THIS SEASON

Guests at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will be able to wait in virtual lines for rides this year, as the park is implementing a queuing technology to ensure safe distancing measures.

Holiday World had to delay the start to their season but announced opening day will be June 14.

In early May, the new queuing strategy was announced as part of an agreement with accesso Technology Group, a company that has long provided services such as online ticketing for Holiday World. This will be the first time the park has used the accesso LoQueueSMvirtual queuing service.

After selecting a ride or attraction on their mobile device, guests will be placed in a virtual queue and a countdown will begin. When it’s their turn to ride, guests will be notified to proceed to the attraction. Park attendants will conduct a contactless scan of the QR code on the guest’s smartphone to redeem the ride reservation.

The virtual queuing technology dynamically adjusts to unpredictable variables such as guest flow and operational changes, allowing venues to employ real-time capacity optimization and realtime communication with guests via their own mobile device.

DCPS, OPS ANNOUNCE SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM PLANS

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Both Daviess County and Owensboro public schools have summer feeding programs provided free to any child less than 18 years old. Both districts will provide breakfast and lunch for two days at a time, with meals available to pick up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Social distancing guidelines still need to be followed at all times.

DCPS Pick-up sites (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): • Burns Elementary School – 4514 Goetz Drive • Meadow Lands Elementary School – 3500 Hayden Rd. • Sorgho Elementary School – 5390 KY 56 • Daviess County High School – 4255 New Hartford Road Mobile routes: • Gemini Drive Apartments – 2260 Carpenter Drive • Chuck Gray Court Apartments – 650 Chuck Gray Court • Towne Square Court Apartments – 4825 Towne Square Court • Town and Country Mobile Home Park – 418 Reid Road • Colony Mobile Homes – 2016 Arlington Park Boulevard • Riverbend Pointe – 501 Office Lane OPS Drive-thru sites (11a.m.-12:30 p.m.): • Cravens Elementary School — 2741 Cravens Avenue • Estes Elementary School — 1675 Leitchfield Road • Newton Parrish Elementary School — 510 Byers Avenue • Owensboro High School — 1800 Frederica Street Mobile routes: • 10:50-11:05 a.m. — Greentree Apartments • 11:10-11:25 a.m. — Fifth and Hale streets • 11:30-11:45 a.m. — Third and Hale streets • 11:55 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Cadillac Motel • 11-11:20 a.m. — Dixiana Court Apartments • 12:25-12:45 p.m. — Chesterfield and River roads • 11:30-11:45 a.m. — Eighth and Jackson streets • 11:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. — Sixth and Hall streets • 12:15-12:35 p.m. — Seventh Street and J.R. Miller Boulevard

Steve Bratcher Newton Parrish Elementary School principal Steve Bratcher was named the new Owensboro Public Schools Chief Academic Officer.Bratcher has been with OPS for 27 years. During that time he has served as a classroom teacher at Cravens and Newton Parrish Elementary schools, as a curriculum facilitator at Cravens, and for the past 16 years as principal of Newton Parrish. After so many years leading Newton Parrish, Bratcher is excited for a new challenge in a district leadership role.

Amy Rodgers Amy Rogers is a special education teacher at McLean County Middle School. Rogers, who has been a teacher for five years, runs the PASS program, which stands for Positive Approach to Student Success. “I help students who struggle, not always academically, but specifically socially,” Amy said. Most recently, Amy has been serving others by making masks during the Covid-19 crisis. As of mid-May, she has made a total of 623 masks. “I’m not charging for them because I just want to help,” she said. “I want anyone who wants a mask to have one. I wouldn’t want someone to not get one just because of the cost.”

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AROUND OBKY

PARENT PROFILE

Brandon Dukes BRANDON AND HIS WIFE BRITTNEY HAVE MADE SOME HILARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS DURING QUARANTINE — FROM THE KOALA CHALLENGE TO THE FLOOR IS LAVA CHALLENGE (WHERE HE WORE THIS OUTFIT), BRANDON AND HIS WIFE KNOW HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE DURING AN UNCERTAIN TIME!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. I am Brandon Dukes. I am a 36-year-old family man. I have been married almost 12 years to my wife Brittney and we have two kids — Bronson, 7, and Bristol, 6.

I teach young minds at Owensboro Middle School.

I am an Owensboro native. My family and I attend Owensboro Christian Church on a regular basis.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? It is so fascinating to watch our kids grow and learn. I love it! I love making them smile. I love providing them with opportunities that I didn’t have, which is kind of difficult being as blessed as I was growing up. I also feel blessed to help mold a new generation.

FROM YOUR QUARANTINE FACEBOOK VIDEOS, YOU SEEM LIKE A FUN, GOOFY DAD. IS THIS IMPORTANT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR KIDS? To be honest, the things I do on social media are irrelevant in relation to my kids. Typically, I don’t post things on social media. However, during the current quarantine situation, the wife and I thought this was just a great time to spread joy and happiness. If we could create one smile, then we were successful. I get to see what social media looks like at the middle school level and it scares me to some degree.

I try not to intertwine social media in our kids’ lives. I want them to value face-toface relationships. I do value making my kids smile and laugh, in hopes to create lifelong memories.

FROM YOUR QUARANTINE FACEBOOK VIDEOS, YOU SEEM LIKE A FUN, GOOFY DAD. IS THIS IMPORTANT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR KIDS? Believe people when they say they are there for you. When someone offers help, take them up on their offer. When they say, “you are loved and supported,” they mean it! I have countless, loving relationships because of the support that God has placed in my life through many amazing people.

WHAT IS THE BEST FATHER’S DAY GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Each year my wife blesses me with a collage of pictures of our kids holding letters that spell “Daddy.” The kids are always making goofy faces. She has given me this gift for many years. It is neat to see how the kids have changed and their goofy reactions.

WHAT PARENTING ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER DADS? I am no expert at this parenting thing.

Therefore, I feel out of place to say anything. Parenting is something that requires lots of patience and I don’t have time for that. :-) On a more serious note, my primary advice for parents would be to simply be present, grateful for each moment, good and bad, and have fun with your kids. I believe that life is too short to live your life being so serious all of the time.

FUNNIEST PARENTING MOMENT? Is it chasing my daughter through Walmart with her pants down? Is it getting splinters out of my son’s bottom?

Is it riding a twin mattress downstairs?

Or, could it be my daughter asking Santa for a “Grandma Scooter” for Christmas. It is just too difficult to choose.

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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

Photo by Jamie Alexander

FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 21

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KEEPING IT REAL

Father Time

By Scott Kenworthy

F

or a moment time has stood still. Eerily still.

As I write this article, our community still finds itself under quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you’re like me, over the past several weeks, you’ve often asked, “What day is it?” Or maybe, “How important is it that I shower?”

Perhaps even, “Could this be used as toilet paper?”

Days have felt like weeks and weeks like months.

With Father’s Day approaching, I have been reflecting upon time and what the passage of time means for our most fundamental relationships.

I haven’t seen my father since February. He lives three hours north of Owensboro, so apart from

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FaceTime we haven’t been able to get together. A day will come when I won’t be able to see or talk to him any longer. When it does, all I’ll have are the memories I carry with me and the values he left behind.

Though we hope to have many more years with him and my mom, my job requires me to sit with many families who wait too long to reflect on such matters. So, in honor of fathers, and out of respect for time, let us consider what we have received from our dads and what we are passing down to our children.

My father serves as a model of consistency. He has worked with the same company since graduating from Butler University in 1975.

That’s 45 years. Though he does

exceptional work, I’ll most remember what he has offered our family. If my brother and I were competing, he was there. If we needed help with our homework, he was willing. A ride to practice, he drove and even let us choose the music. I remember one week in college when I was the guest preacher for a church of ten people (10!) in rural Tennessee. He and Mom showed up thirty minutes before the service began. I can’t think of a significant event in my life he has missed.

Dad has no ego. He has his own talents and interests but, as we grew up, his stuff never came before our stuff. When he left for work in the morning, he would scrape the ice of my windshield or move my car into

Photos contributed by Scott Kenworthy

the garage so it would be warm. If I wanted to practice my jump shot, he would rebound. It didn’t matter that he had worked a full day or commuted ninety minutes. It didn’t matter that he had just mowed the grass or that he had a volunteer event later that evening. It didn’t even matter if the big game was on TV. He was always present.

He does the same for his grandkids and even other people’s kids today. You see, my dad plays the piano. Do you have any idea how many students he has accompanied for solo and ensemble competitions over the years? My ears bleed just thinking about it. And he never asks for a dime. The man has remarkable patience. All of the above comes from

a deep place of love.

Consistency. Humility. Presence.

Patience. Love.

I want to take all the good my dad has passed on to me and share it with my children. Now, there are things my father didn’t do with me that I hope to do with my kids. Or mistakes he made I hope not to repeat. My son will have similar experiences with me, positive and negative. And he will have the same with his kids.

Even the best dads leave scars.

Your father may have dealt you a difficult hand. His legacy may largely be one of pain. Perhaps you’ve even passed that pain on to your children.

The good news is that, for a moment, time has seemingly slowed down.

The season we’re emerging from

has afforded a unique opportunity for reflection. You get to make the decision about what you will continue moving forward and what you will replace. You help decide what your legacy will be.

One of my favorite books teaches

that life is a vapor. We are here one minute and gone the next. The author’s advice: do the good available to you today. This slow-moving season won’t last. You’ll look back and wish you had made amends with your father, passed on better values to your children, or invested the time needed to make lasting memories.

Take this moment for what it is, a

gift.

Now pay the gift forward.

OP

SCOTT KENWORTHY has served as the lead pastor of Owensboro Christian Church since 2013. He and his wife, Sarah, were born and raised in Indianapolis, 10 miles apart, but met in Knoxville, TN. In his free time, he enjoys sports, reading, movies, board games and quoting 90s sitcoms.

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KEEPING IT REAL • REAL LIFE WITH LORA WIMSAT T

A

Together... A

PART

nyone who ever wondered what it was like back in the days of

to know. Greater minds than

printed on the back of a box,

mine will debate that question

or

in the months ahead, but here’s

handwriting

the one-room schoolhouse may

what I do know, based on what

grandmother on a faded index

have found their answer this year.

I’ve seen and heard from my own

card.

children, grandkids, colleagues

was the kitchen, the living room,

and friends:

will – the children wrapped up

the bedroom, the garage … Maybe

Kids may have learned some

those treats and tied the packages

it’s more accurate to say there

of the most important lessons

with bright ribbons and gift tags,

was a lot of learning taking place

of their entire lives during this

carefully and neatly wrote “Thank

in a lot of one-house schoolrooms.

event.

you” notes and “I miss you”

Or maybe not. After all, there

Teachers

across

our

For

older

students,

U.S.

community did an amazing job –

history became more interesting

absolutely incredible – in rising

as they watched news broadcasts

up almost overnight to transform

of national, state and local leaders

their lesson plans from the way

discussing

they would have presented them

to the outbreak of the deadly

in the traditional classroom to

virus. Science and biology were

making them accessible to kids

suddenly more real and relevant

and their parent/teachers at

… and members of the medical

home.

profession were finally given their

And as far as educations go,

rightful due, hopefully inspiring

we all learned a lot about Non-

future generations to explore

Traditional Instruction, Google

careers in this heroic field.

Classroom,

Hangouts,

Clever,

their

responses

“Specials” like art and physical

a

great-

of

Then – for extra credit, if you

messages, and hopped into their car seats as Mom drove them to the homes of their teachers and friends to deliver these tokens of appreciation and thoughtfulness.

I think it’s fair to say that

everyone has passed this test with flying colors, graduating from this unprecedented school year … if only because the curve leans generously toward the side of “We did the best we could.”

This will all be over someday,

and things will go back to what

more.

by imagination. Chalk art on

Math, science, history, we

the driveway, hopscotch on the

normal, but we will appreciate it

were all unraveling a mystery

sidewalk and long walks with

more than we ever did before.

that all started with a big bang:

parents, siblings and the family

A worldwide outbreak of the

dog lasted as long as you wanted

on the Spring of 2020, we will

coronavirus, Covid-19. It doesn’t

– or until the thick sticks of chalk

remember it as the year we

get much bigger than a pandemic.

were worn down to stubs – with

learned

no bell to signal an end to the fun.

lessons of all: We are stronger

Kids measured ingredients

not because we are together in

wondered if their kids were

to make brownies, cupcakes and

one room, but because we are

learning everything they needed

cookies,

together in spirit.

and

worried

and

following

only

spidery

education

worked

limited

the

DoJo and more. Much, much

Parents and teachers alike

were

deciphering

directions

we used to take for granted as

And when we reflect back

the

most

important

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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DISCOVER

New Baby IN A NEW NORMAL

By Katie Albers

J

olynne and Jonathan Chapman scheduled the birth of their second little boy for Friday, March 13. Everyone teased them about the potential for bad luck in picking such a date, but as Owensboro began to shut-down due to the risk of Covid-19 over the following few days, the Chapmans realized it had been perfect timing.

On Friday evening procedures were normal, the grandparents came to gush over baby Luke. Jonathan came for a visit but then went home to tend to their toddler. On Saturday, they received word that only Jonathan could come to visit in the hospital, and by the time they discharged on Sunday, new rules were emerging that even dads could not come and go freely.

Since being home, the hardest part for Jolynne has been the guilt over keeping the grandparents from their kids. They are tempted to take the risk, but Jolynne and Jonathan just feel that with a brand new baby and her father in delicate health right now, the potential consequences are just too dangerous. Jonathan does all the errand running and they are cautious about his outings using disinfectant before allowing anything into the house. Big brother, Levi, is home from daycare and missing his friends, but everyone is adjusting to this new normal.

Megan and Jonathan Hill assumed that they were ready for the arrival of their third baby this spring. Just like her older brother and sister, baby Hannah would probably need to be 16 OWENSBORO PARENT

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induced after her due date. So there should have been at least another week to prepare. That was the plan.

But babies don’t follow plans!

It was the first week of April. Due to the quarantine, Megan had already begun working from home and taking precautions to limit contact with others. At Megan’s 39 week appointment she was told that no progress was being made and so they would see her in another week. The very next morning Megan’s water broke. Having never had this happen on its own, Megan called her doctor’s office, and they encouraged her to head to the hospital. Under normal circumstances this would have been an easy bit of advice to follow, but with the threat of Covid-19 clamping restrictions onto the community and the hospital, Megan convinced the doctor’s office to allow her to come there for a check first. She did not want to risk exposure of the virus on a false alarm.

The nurses at the doctor’s office confirmed for Megan that she was in fact in labor and needed to head to Labor and Delivery. Jonathan was at home with the older children and in the surprise of the timing had to scramble to pack and to find childcare. In the meantime, Megan drove herself to the hospital to check in. As she approached, Megan realized that the hospital entrances were now rearranged so that the Emergency Room and Labor and

Delivery were the same location.

Nurses in full gowns and masks waited outside the entrance to meet patients as they entered. They took Megan’s temperature and asked her a barrage of questions about how she felt, where she had been, and who she had been around. Then she was finally admitted.

Meanwhile, Jonathan contacted his parents who live in Louisiana.

The plan was always for them to come stay with the older kids and help in the early days when the baby came home. In preparation, they had self-quarantined themselves for the two weeks prior. They quickly packed their bags and began the long trip up.

Jonathan had to be ready with everything when he arrived at the hospital because once he came in, he was asked to remain there until Megan and new baby, Hannah were discharged. No other visitors would be allowed. Fortunately, Jonathan made it to the hospital in time.

Everything went smoothly and after 24 hours or so, the family was released to go home. Everyone felt it would be safer to send them home than risk exposure in the hospital with a lengthy stay.

Since being home, the Hills are doing well. This strange time has been tricky for shopping. They try to plan ahead and purchase online to limit shopping trips, but they have found that some supplies, like certain

sized diapers, are hard to find.

Also, Megan’s parents, who live in Louisiana too, continue to work and so have not been able to visit due to risk of virus exposure. That has been hard for everyone.

Ivy and Matt Morris are expecting their second child in July.

Ivy has a responsible but laid back attitude about the whole quarantine situation. Before the community shut down, Ivy was a hairdresser and her doctor cautioned her that this profession was one of especially high risk for exposure due to the close nature of the work. Ivy was not too worried, but now sees what a blessing being at home these last few weeks has been.

She lets Matt do the errand running to limit her contact with others. However, they do continue to visit with both sets of grandparents.

They all limit their contact to the family circle so the grandparents can continue to enjoy time with Ivy’s and Matt’s older child. Their biggest prayer right now is that all of the restrictions and concerns about Covid-19 will be resolved by the time their new little one comes into the world.

Every adventure into new life is unique and special. But, the COVID-19 quarantine situation is causing many of the “normal”

aspects of pregnancy and birth to be affected.

The staff of the Women’s Pavilion have made several adjustments to ensure the safety of their patients since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

More and more visits are being conducted through telemedicine.

Before in-office appointments patients are interviewed by phone to ensure they are not displaying signs of illness.

Patients are encouraged to come to the office alone and so video chat has become a regular fixture of the ultrasound experience.

All staff wear masks to protect the patients and themselves.

Once at the hospital, the staff have made the move to full masks, face shields, and gowns during delivery.

“We have been very fortunate that so far we have not had any positive patients or staff members and I really think it is because we are taking social distancing guidelines very seriously,” says Dr. Angela Dawson at the time of this writing.

However, there is a comprehensive plan in place if an expectant mother does arrive for delivery with Covid-19.

“We are fortunate to have an excellent team working on this plan and are using data from other

institutions where there have been several Covid-19 positive deliveries as our guide,” Dr. Dawson said.

Because pregnant women can contract Covid-19, Dr. Dawson recommends that her patients work from home if at all possible. If this is impossible, she suggests to her patients to begin maternity leave at 2-3 weeks prior to the expected due date to limit exposure during this time. This is especially important to protect the newborn baby after delivery. There are cases of newborns contracting the virus.

Some women are experiencing greater anxiety during this time and Dr. Dawson encourages those women to be open with their healthcare providers and to reach out to friends and family for support.

“Postpartum depression and anxiety can certainly be exacerbated by social isolation,” she said. “Stay in touch with friends and family via FaceTime or other social media platforms. Remember that social distancing is temporary and is meant to keep families safe.”

Despite all the inconveniences that quarantine has brought us, bringing new life into the world will always be essential. With each new life, we also see a renewed hope that we will get through this together.

OP

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).

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17

KEEPING IT REAL • HASHTAG MOMFAIL

Quarantined with Kids

By Jamie Johnson

I

am writing this in late April, so by the time you read it, we might be out of quarantine. At least I hope so.

If we are still in quarantine, I hope

yourself. But the versions that have less

life experience and teeny tiny attention

my kindergartener wants to be a ninja

spans and no emotional regulation.

and will jump off of anything he can

climb with no worry of breaking bones.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.

that this article brings you a little joy

Exhale. Open your eyes.

and you can see the end in sight.

are wrestling on the rug covered in dog

Covid-19 has really rocked our

The house is still a disaster, the kids

One day, I won’t have to worry that

One day, I won’t have to mute my

Zoom call so that I can yell, “You can’t eat ALL the skittles for

worlds — literally turned them upside down.

breakfast, just one pack!”

So many people have

One day, I won’t get to

taken this time of slowing

play hide and seek from my

down as a sign that we

kids and sit in the bathtub

have been too caught up

drinking beer because THEY

in our crazy lives. That

NEVER LOOK THERE!

it’s time to chill out and

learn how to knit finally,

so many Nerf guns that I

or do a 5,000 piece puzzle.

One day, I won’t load

start to get little blisters on

Maybe grow a bonsai tree

my fingertips. Then get hit

or watch the birds eating

with the exact foam bullet I

from the bird feeder while relaxing in your sun room

loaded.

with a mug of hot coffee.

babies to bathe and little

Then

there

is

the

One day, I won’t have

boys with boo boos to kiss.

fraction of us that are probably reading this article. This

hair and you haven’t washed your hair

article in a parenting magazine. Those

in so many days you lost track.

quarantined with kids is just that. A

of us that are quarantined with kids.

Being quarantined with kids is no

doesn’t work magic, but sometimes you

little sweet and a little sour.

joke. Quarantined, working from home

just have to stop and take a deep breath.

while teaching your school-aged kids

Along with the whiff of a toddler’s

and changing diapers is possibly the

diaper that needs to be changed.

best way to test the tiny bit of patience I

do have.

one day.

now weave baskets while blindfolded.

So, this is for all you parents that

Closing your eyes and breathing

This is what we are going to MISS One day, I am not going to have to

It is all sweet and it is all sour. Being

So if you are reading this and we

are still in quarantine, I hope you are enjoying it as much as you can. I hope you have picked up a new hobby and can Just joking, all I hope is that you

have spent the last six weeks trapped

yell at my kids that we can’t go to the

haven’t lost your mind yet. You got

in the house with tiny versions of

emergency room.

this!

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!

18 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

ENJOY TOGETHER

By Jamie Alexander

Making it

CRAFTS, RECIPES, AND ACTIVITIES FAMILIES CAN

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

19

MAKING IT • THE RECIPE BOX

Photos and recipe by Jamie Alexander

Rainbow

Popsicles 20 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

If you’re looking for an easy summer recipe, these popsicles are filled with fun, bright colors and have a birthday cake flavor that your kids are sure to love!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› ›› ›› ››

Vanilla pudding Food coloring (rainbow colors) Popsicle molds or small paper cups Popsicle Sticks

INSTRUCTIONS: ›› You can either make instant pudding by following instructions on the box, or get your vanilla pudding straight from a pre-made snack pack. ›› Divide the pudding into seven equal bowls (or however many colors of the rainbow you’re including - I used six). ›› Mix each bowl with the food coloring, then layer the colored pudding in your molds (layering should be easy due to the thickness of the pudding). ›› If using paper cups, aluminum foil can be used to keep popsicle sticks in place, by covering the lid of the cup then piercing the sticks through the center of the foil. ›› Freeze your popsicles for six hours (or until frozen).

HF

JAMIE ALEXANDER is nationally published culinary and commercial photographer working as a full-time staff photographer for Tanner Publishing. She has a knack for making tasty food and pretty art. See more of her portfolio at jaastudios.com.

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

21

MAKING IT • CRAFT TIME

A BUZZWORTHY CRAFT

by 4th Grade Highland Elementary student Grace Millay // Photo by Jamie Alexander

Today I am going to show you how to make a bee. The reason I chose this was because I’m from Highland, so I thought this would be a good way to represent my school! Even if you are not a Highland Hornet, this could still be a fun summer craft! Have fun!

1

Paint a toilet paper roll yellow.

2

Cut black construction paper into three strips.

3

Glue the strips on the toilet paper roll.

4

Then, take a piece of yellow construction paper and cut out a circle.

5

Then glue it on top to make a head.

Draw a cute face!

6

Cut blue construction paper to make wings.

7

Then take black pipe cleaner and make them into antennas to decorate.

22 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

For older kids, add some cute ribbon for even more decoration.

We made this into a bee wind sock with some black and white ribbon.

Or use what you have around the house.

Tissue paper is a great alternative.

FACTS ABOUT

Honey Bees Honey bees are super-important pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables. This means that they help other plants grow! Bees transfer pollen between the male and female parts, allowing plants to grow seeds and fruit.

Honey bees are fab flyers. They fly at a speed of around 15 mils per hour and beat their wings 200 times per second!

Each bee has 170 odorant receptors, which means they have one serious sense of smell!

They use this to communicate within the hive and to recognize different types of flowers when looking for food.

The average worker bee lives for just five to six weeks. During this time, she’ll produce around a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.

The queen can live up to five years. She is busiest in the summer months, when she can lay up to 2,500 eggs a day!

Sadly, over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and the reason remains unknown. Referred to as ‘colony collapse disorder,’ billions of honey bees across the world are leaving their hives, never to return. In some regions, up to 90% of bees have disappeared!

HF

12 FLOWERS THAT ARE GOOD FOR BEES: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Lilac Lavender Wisteria Mint Sunflowers Poppies

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Black-eyed Susan Honeysuckle Lantana Snapdragons Sedums Coneflowers

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

23

MAKING IT

Pet Lover’s LUNCHBOX

You don't need to be a Pinterest queen to make some extra-fun school lunches for birthdays, special occasions, or holidays!

It's as easy as using cookie cutters or "sandwich cutter kits" found in grocery stores. Watch for more lunchbox themes and inspiration in upcoming issues!

Photo by Jamie Alexander

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. June // July 2020

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26 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

PAID ADVERTORIAL OWENSBORO HEALTH

Online Classes Available for Expectant Parents O

wensboro Health Regional Hospital is here to help expectant parents prepare for their new arrival. The

Maternity Services department is offering virtual facility tours, online classes and more to make sure moms-to-be are ready to welcome their newborn, even during COVID-19.

Jessica Crisp, Director of Nursing, said the team is excited

to offer parents the opportunity to virtually tour the facility, because it can help expectant parents know what to expect and ease anxiety on delivery day. “The tour is an actual walkthrough of each unit and it helps prepare you for what you will experience when you come to the hospital,” she said. “After the tour, there is also a question and answer session with one of our prenatal educators. Expectant parents can inquire about anything they want to know about their stay and learn the most up-to-date visitor guidelines. It is a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with our facility and some of our prenatal team members.”

Virtual tours aren’t the only offering. Since families can’t

attend in-person classes at this time, Maternity Services is hosting online prenatal education classes. Courses offered virtually include the Prepared Childbirth Class Series, the Baby Care and Safety Class and a Breastfeeding Class. The breastfeeding course is led by an Owensboro Health lactation consultant, and the others are hosted by prenatal instructors.

if they have questions. Once signed up, participants are contacted with instructions for accessing the online course.

If parents are interested in a course that isn’t offered online, educators can work with them on an individual basis.

As expectant parents plan for delivery day, they must

remember that special visitor guidelines are in place to keep new moms and babies safe. Visitor restrictions limit who can be present at the hospital, but technology allows families to stay connected.

“Patients have been able to use FaceTime and video calls, and

many other ways to connect with their families and show off their new additions,” Crisp said. “If patients do not have a device to use, we are happy to work with them to make this happen.”

“One of our most popular classes is the Sibling Class,” Crisp

Even though things may look slightly different as the facility

said. “This is a wonderful class to get other children involved

takes extra precautions to keep patients safe, Crisp said they

and excited about the birth of their new baby brother or baby

don’t want you to be worried about coming to the hospital.

“We want our moms-to-be and their family members to know

sister.”

The Sibling Class is not online, but it’s been adapted to

that we take pride in providing safe, high-quality patient care,”

complete at home. Parents who sign up for the class are emailed

she said. “Our patients are our number one priority. Our team

a course guide and handouts to help them teach their children.

members ensure that our patients and their newborns will be

A sibling t-shirt, coloring book and stickers are also mailed to all

safe and well taken care of. Owensboro Health is dedicated to

participants.

providing excellent care, and we are excited to take care of our

new moms and their babies.”

For all classes, expectant parents can sign up online at

OwensboroHealth.org/Pregnancy or by calling the Prenatal

For the most up-to-date information about visitor

Education Registration Line at 270-417-5303. They can also contact

restrictions and enhanced patient safety measures, visit

prenatal education at PrenatalEducation@OwensboroHealth.org

OwensboroHealth.org/Visit.

HF

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

27

PINKY’S How one single mom is living her dream and teaching her daughters

By Laura Murphy // Photos by Jamie Alexander

28 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

W

hen Sheila Crowe took over Pinky’s SnowCones & Snacks in 2015, she

was one step closer to achieving her dream of owning her own restaurant one day.

Crowe, a single mom, was looking for a way to supplement her income and give back to her community at the same time.

With Crowe working part-time at the

Neblett Center, she had to figure out a

kids about hard work. Crowe says her

way to balance her new business with

children enjoy their mom owning the

her work and family life. Since she

business, too.

enjoyed interacting with customers,

she says the demands of learning the

the nachos,” SheLia said. “I love that

business were worth it.

my mom owns it so I can get all that

nachos that I want.”

“We basically had to give up our

“My favorite part about Pinky’s is

summer to make it work,” she said. “We

run from April to the end of September.

was parked was sold, leaving Crowe no

It’s really fast-paced believe it or not.”

choice but to relocate. She would have

to move her business, but was unsure

In addition to snow cones, Pinky’s

In 2019, the property where Pinky’s

offers other food items such as all-beef

where she would go.

hotdogs, nachos, and walking tacos.

Crowe’s daughters, Aliehs, age 13, and

need to find another parking lot to go

SheLia, age 9 help run the business.

to,” Crowe said. “I didn’t want to just

relocate to some random place.”

“My kids help take orders, they are

“They were basically telling me, you

my co-workers and can do just about

everything,” she said. “They can run

could easily move to a new spot in

the snow cone machine and make the

a different part of the city, Crowe

nachos. They take orders and collect

was adamant about staying near her

cash, which helps them with their

original location.

math too.”

One aspect of the business that

I wanted to be. I grew up in this

Crowe most enjoys is her involvement

neighborhood on Elm Street. My dad

within the community. When local

worked a lot to support us in a single-

elementary schools hire her for school

parent household. It made sense for

wide events, Crowe enjoys serving

me to want my business to stay here,”

hundreds of students in one day.

Crowe said.

Pinky’s

has

given

her

the

Although she was aware that she

“This is the neighborhood where

Once she purchased a new location

opportunity to offer giveaways, host

just down the road, she had quite a

fundraising events, and teach her own

bit of work to do. After completing

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

29

renovations on the parking lot, adding landscaping, and new signage, in addition to renovating the floors and paint,

Crowe

was

ready

to re-open in July 2019.

According to her, it became an unexpected future benefit to be pushed to move before she was ready.

“It’s so crazy because I

had this goal the whole time of running my own business and not having to get up and work a full-time job. I wasn’t ready to make that move last year but I was forced to make

that move,” Crowe said.

restaurant full time. The

“This brought me closer

ultimate goal is for her

to my goal.”

to be her own boss while

providing for her family.

Aside from Pinky’s, the

entrepreneur has another side job through baking.

Thanks to the Kentucky Home Bakers law that passed in 2018, Crowe says she has been making cupcakes, popcorn balls, and strawberries to come up with extra income by

“This

is

only

the

beginning for us here in Owensboro in the food industry. It’s ‘us’ because it is me and my kids. I want to get something built on that property and I am going to own

working out of her home.

it,” Crowe said. “I was

She calls this venture

looking to invest in my

part of a bigger picture,

community down there

to be done working for

and this has all been a

people and open her own

blessing in disguise.”

HF

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

30 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

31

I

t is apparent by the fact that 14-year-old

Roxy

Rickard

refers to herself as an “awkwardly extroverted introvert,” that the Owensboro Middle School eighth grader has quite a sense of humor.

Her published memoir, Not to be Conceited, But It’s All About Me, is a 90-page behind-the-scenes look into the teenager’s unique, and often accident prone, daily life.

With

chapters

detailing

everything from her love of the 80s and fashion, to memories of sloth and spider bites, Roxy’s sharp wit is evident throughout every page. Although she will readily admit that she does not always easily recognize sarcasm, the often soft-spoken free-spirit is not afraid to share the realities of growing up.

“I like telling all the crazy

things that I do, to my friends,” Roxy said. “I thought it would be fun to make a book out of those crazy things — I like making people laugh.”

Not to be Conceited is Roxy’s

second published book in the past two years, thanks in part to the

IT’S ALL ABOUT HER:

The Writings of Roxy Rickard

By Melody Wallace // Photos by Jamie Alexander

32 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

after school commitment of OMS English teacher Jenny Hudson who spent an afternoon a week for six weeks with student authors during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

NaNoWriMo was conceived

on the notion that writers would attempt to craft and complete an entire book manuscript during the 30-day span of November.

Published author and Owensboro Public Schools District Literacy Coach

Amy

Bellamy

brought

the Young Writers version of the

NaNoWriMo

Owensboro

program

Middle

and

to

High

Schools three years ago.

Hudson said students were

nominated by their teachers to participate in the project, and were then asked to fill out an application form prior to participating.

“We sent out teacher recommendations to language

arts teachers and then used an application process to narrow it down from there,” Hudson said. “We narrowed it down to about 10 and had five of the 10 finish, which is actually pretty good. There were some that got started and were like, ‘This just isn’t for me.’”

Out of the 10 students selected this past year, five

seventh and eighth graders completed the process. But few have equalled the accomplishments of Roxy, who saw the publication of her second novel before her 14th birthday.

“That’s kind of what makes her stand out,” Hudson said,

“She hasn’t done it once, she’s done it twice.”

Roxy’s first book, Chasing Buckley, which she wrote as a

seventh grader, was a fiction novel about a mother trying to find her austic son who ran away in the midst of Hurricane Katrina.

“My school asked me if I wanted to write a long story

again and I like humor so I made this a funny one,” Roxy said.

Roxy said she wrote her latest book over the span of one

month and then spent two to three more months editing the content to reach approximately 16,000 printable words.

At 43 copies, Roxy said she has sold more of her second book than her first. Both books were published through and are available for sale on Amazon and offer Roxy an opportunity to receive a small royalty from the monthly sales.

“A lot of people who have bought my book have come up

to me and said that they laughed at my stories,” Roxy said.

“I really think that they’re all pretty funny, mostly the ones where I get hurt because that happens a lot. But I don’t go to the hospital — it’s never been that serious.”

Roxy’s father Storm, who is also an OPS educator, finds

joy in the irony that his daughter is shy around others in public, yet doesn’t mind sharing her personal mishaps in print.

“It’s funny thinking of an introvert writing and shining

a light on herself and all of the follies she’s experienced in a little over a decade,” Storm said. “I think that the stories and a lot of the premise of the book is a normal situation where a mishap will happen.”

Although Roxy’s parents recognize that the majority of

the topics she covers in her memoir can often be perceived as embarrassing, Storm said they are proud that she has found a platform through writing to be able to share these moments with others.

“This avenue and opportunity to produce her novel —

she’s able to tell a lot about her(self) and how she came to June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

33

be who she is,” Storm said. “So brilliant, so bright, so weird — she gets to show people outside of her tight knit group who she is. By it being in written form, she’s able to mitigate the responsibility.”

While Roxy is open to writing more

OMS

The Roxie Pickrell Award

recognizes a student with

great

ability,

uniqueness of their names personalities,

of

Randy

Bryant. “This award

Despite the

and

Principal

Operations

as

artistic well

as

someone who treats others

Roxy

in a very caring and appreciative

books and does occasionally refer to

Rickard and Roxie Pickrell have

herself as a published author, her dream

had several shared experiences. From

way. The winner of this award was Roxy

is to embrace her love of animals and

living on the same street and attending

Rickard.”

the same kindergarten class as little girls

to later playing in the band after school,

created in memory of 13-year-old OMS

the two shared a friendship and a love of

seventh

future sloth encounters will be more

creativity.

died unexpectedly of a brain tumor in

positive than her last, should she choose

November of 2019.

become a zoologist. After reading her memoir, one can only hope that her

that career path.

Both of Roxy Rickard’s books, Chasing

So, it should come as no surprise,

The

Roxie

Pickrell

grader

Roxie

award Pickrell

was who

that during the first week of May, Roxy

Rickard was the first ever recipient of the

same month that Roxy Rickard and the

Coincidentally, November was the

Roxie Pickrell Award.

other seventh and eighth grade students

Buckley, and Not to be Conceited, But It’s

were working to complete their novels

All About Me, can be found on Amazon.

year in honor of Roxie Pickrell,” said

34 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

“We created a new award this

for NaNoWriMo.

Other 2019-2020 OMS student authors of mention: Kierra Arbuckle Johnson, Sophomore Year Georgia Calhoun, A Goose In the Middle of the Ocean Eliza Beth Francis, Phoenix Rising Isabel Bauer, Two Septembers Agoç

OMS language arts teacher and NaNoWriMo club sponsor

Jenny Hudson said November was a difficult month to try to complete the novels because of the impact Roxie Pickrell had on the other students and those around her.

“She was a very special young lady, very mature beyond her

years,” Hudson said. “Roxie died on the 11th of November — she left on fall break and never came back. We met once a week, but we didn’t meet the week they had the funeral. It was an unusual time to do it [write and publish novels], especially for what was going on for those seventh grade girls.”

Hudson said that, although November was a difficult

month for both students and staff, Roxy Rickard stepped up and helped guide the NaNoWriMo sponsors and students through the finishing and publishing process of their novels.

Coming alongside her OMS classmates in a time of need, is

just another example of why Roxy Rickard received the award of her namesake. Roxy’s parents shared the news of the award on social media after a private presentation was made.

“The ceremony looked a little different this year, but the

pride we feel is just as strong,” Roxy’s father Storm said. “Even more so, to receive the honor as the first recipient of the Roxie Pickrell Award, for great artistic ability and a genuine care for others...Knowing Roxie Pickrell, and watching her grow up, we are beyond proud.”

HF

MELODY WALLACE is a mom, stepmom and seventh grade language arts teacher at College View Middle School. She runs on caffeine, good deeds and the inspiring stories of others.

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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36 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

A GIFT OF LOVE & LAUGHTER

By Elizabeth Muster • Photos by Jamie Alexander

IF

you’re searching for laughter in this time of uncertainty, look — or listen, rather — no further than to 9-year-old Carly Roby.

In fact, I couldn’t help but grin as I heard Carly’s incessant giggles in the background while interviewing her mother on the phone.

Carly doesn’t laugh because life is easy. Life with no sight, no speech, impaired hearing, and a feeding tube is quite the opposite. Born with cerebral palsy, Carly is confined to a wheelchair, is prone to seizures, and has undergone many surgeries. But mother Carla Roby reiterated multiple times that Carly is “a happy girl who loves everybody and everybody loves.”

This past Christmas Carly received an invaluable gift, a wheelchair swing. The present was inspired by a treasured moment that her cousin Blake Edge had captured on video a couple years before. During a family reunion, Blake’s mother and Carla’s mother were swinging Carly in a blanket. Everyone was “laughing like crazy,” and the look on Carly’s face was “pure joy.”

When Blake saw a wheelchair swing online, he wanted Carly to have one of her own. Even though she had a swing at her house, Carly was outgrowing it quickly. With Carly’s muscle-tone issues, Carla had difficulty lifting her daughter into the swing.

As Blake scoured the internet, “the room started spinning” because prices were in the thousands.

Maybe he could fashion one from old pipes and materials?

Next, Blake texted a picture to his uncle, Tom Jones, owner and president of Industrial Mold

and Machine. Tom readily agreed with Blake’s “thoughtful idea.” At Thanksgiving, the two stealthily measured to see if Tom’s design would fit in Carly’s yard. During the month of December, Tom and his fabricators cut and welded the frame from new materials. Blake’s friend and owner of D&K Powder Coating, Brian Ray, sandblasted and powder coated the swing.

At the 2019 family Christmas celebration, Tom and Blake surprised Carly and Carla with the swing.

In early April, installation of the swing was a family affair. The front ramp folds down, so Carly can “roll right off the sidewalk, up the ramp, and onto the swing,” said Blake. The wheelchair locks into place and Carly swings — and laughs — as long as anyone can push her. Carla is thankful for the “big family that loves [Carly] and takes good care of her.”

Now that Carly can’t attend Country Heights Elementary School or the Wendell Foster Campus due to the coronavirus, the swing is even more precious. Her other favorite activities like swimming, playing at the park, going to the movies, and riding horses at Dream Riders are also closed. Even the Bar-B-Q Festival 5K which she participates in with Team Karlie has been cancelled.

Like most kids her age, Carly gets tired of playing in the house. “She loves being outside taking in the fresh air and the various sounds,” Carla said. So when the weather is nice, Carly can be found outside going for a stroll, blowing bubbles, and of course, swinging.

The cost of the swing has never been mentioned, as Carly’s “deep belly laughs” are certainly priceless.

HF

ELIZABETH MUSTER is the mother of a four-year-old, the wife of a funeral director, the library media specialist at Burns Middle School, and an aspiring author of children’s books.

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

37

38 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WH AT ’S

NEXT ?

The COVID-19 crisis has turned the world upside-down. Owensboro families have adjusted to unemployment or working from home, an influx of government stimulus funds, limited supplies for the home and closed restaurants and retail. As summer approaches and the restrictions of COVID-19 lighten, families are now faced with adjusting to a new normal. What does life after the Coronavirus pandemic look like?

How can we emerge from quarantine more successful than ever? Here you will find expert advice from some of Owensboro's most trusted businesses on what's next.

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

39

40 OWENSBORO PARENT

. June // July 2020

WHAT’S NEXT? • LIBERT Y FINANCIAL — A DIVISION OF ETFCU

People Helping People

Liberty Financial, with two

retail offices and a brand-new mortgage facility in Owensboro, is proud to demonstrate the international

credit

union

philosophy of “people helping people” while providing products and services with the greatest financial return to our members.

Now a division of Evansville

Teachers Federal Credit Union (which

entered

the

Kentucky

market in 1992 when it merged with Owensboro Public Schools Federal Credit Union), Liberty Financial

was

established

in

Owensboro in 2002 as First Liberty Financial Mortgage, and quickly became one of Western Kentucky’s top mortgage lenders.

Its reach has only grown since it joined forces with ETFCU in 2017, with offices now also located in Bowling Green, Louisville, and

Provide

“Best

in

Class”

technology and customer support Demonstrate and maintain

minimum credit scores for both FHA and Conventional programs.

Plus, we offer a $500 gift card on

financial strength

purchase or construction loans of

At Liberty Financial, we know

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maintain our first-class reputation,

and a rate match guarantee, along

we are invested in the financial

with discounts for those who also

success of the community and our

have a fee-free Vertical Checking

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meet with our members when they

– an account that pays 3.30% APY

see the need.

on deposits up to $20,000 with no

minimum balance requirement.

We also have the widest variety

of options for home seekers,

including

programs or start the mortgage

low-

or

no-down

You can learn more about our

payments; 100 percent financing

application

opportunities for teachers, police

liberty.financial/mortgage, where

officers,

firefighters

you also can schedule an in-person

the

and EMTs; construction loans;

appointment with one of our

community realize the dream of

VA and HELOC (home equity)

lending officers.

home ownership

loans; SmartMove (for borrowers

refinancing

Adam, and all of us at Liberty

Greater Nashville, Tennessee.

Liberty Financial’s mission is

simple: Help

members

of

Demonstrate and maintain integrity, honesty, good judgment,

Physician

and legal compliance

available

Strive to offer the most advanced products available

nurses,

through Loans

up

to

Liberty);

(with $1

process

online

at

Heather, Bruce, Jamie, Lindsay,

funds

Financial would like to say thank

million);

you to all our members. The best

KY

compliment we could receive is a

Housing opportunities with low

referral to your family and friends.

condominium

loans;

and

June // July 2020 . OWENSBORO PARENT

41

WHAT’S NEXT? • TRIPLE CROWN REALT Y GROUP

Emerging trends that may shape the local real estate market.

Working from Home Before 2020 working from home was a transition that was emerging more and COVID-19 has accelerated this process. As a result, buyers may be less concerned with proximity to employment and more interested in what the location of the home has to offer. Is the home close to parks and other outdoor activities? Does the home offer amenities like a pool or exercise room? Does the home have dedicated office space? People will be more apt to live further out into rural areas if there is high speed internet access.

Cooking The Covid 19 pandemic restrictions have fostered the necessity for

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. June // July 2020

families to start eating at home more often. Many families have noticed the health, social, and financial benefits of preparing meals at home. While a great kitchen has always been an important home feature, this may become even more important. Homes with increased pantry space, abundant meal preparation space and modern appliances will be most attractive to buyers.

Virtual Tours Buyers and sellers will have undoubtedly noticed that the traditional way of selling homes has changed. Digital signing software is being used to sign contracts more often. In person open houses have been suspended and in person home

showings have had some restrictions, such as wearing masks and shoe coverings. This is where virtual tours have proven to be immensely helpful and much more popular. Guidance from the Kentucky Real Estate Commission has changed on an almost monthly basis and as we follow the guidelines closely there may even be a time when clients sign purchase contracts for homes they have never physically entered.

Only time will show the ripple effect to our local and national housing markets.

Triple Crown Reality Group is prepared to assist our clients in this ever-changing market.

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. June // July 2020

WHAT’S NEXT • EDWARD JONES

FINANCIAL FOCUS HOW SHOULD YOU PUT RECOVERY PAYMENT TO WORK? You may have received, or

the virus. However, first look for

education or any other goals

soon will receive, a payment from

other ways to reduce these costs.

you may have, and given the

the government as part of the $2

For example, the CARES Act also

recent market downturn, with

trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief

provides assistance and payment

investment

and Economic Security (CARES)

deferral for federal mortgages

may

Act. How can you make the best

and federal student loans. Your

opportunities. Or, you could use

use of what you receive?

financial institution also may

your payment to eliminate, or at

First, here’s what to expect: If

be offering assistance if you do

least reduce, any high-interest,

you file taxes as a single person,

not have a federal mortgage or

non-deductible debt you may be

you’re eligible for a one-time

student loan.

payment of up to $1,200, but

consider delaying your taxes until

carrying.

this amount decreases if your

July 15, when they are now due.

You might also

adjusted gross income on your

find

prices some

down,

you

compelling

Support charitable organizations. During this difficult period,

2019 tax return (or 2018 return

Build an emergency fund. In

if you haven’t yet filed for 2019)

any economic environment, it’s

was more than $75,000, and the

a good idea to keep three to six

payment is eliminated altogether

months’ worth of living expenses

if your income was $99,000 or

in cash or a cash equivalent –

more. If you’re married and file

and in these challenging times,

jointly, you’ll get up to $2,400,

this type of emergency fund may

reduced for incomes over $150,000

be more necessary than ever.

and eliminated at $198,000. You’ll

Plus, by having such a fund at

also get an extra $500 for each

your disposal, you may be able

dependent child under age 17.

to avoid dipping into long-term

investments to pay for unexpected

taxable income, even if you don’t

costs, such as a major car repair.

itemize. (This rule only applies to

So, what will you do with

this payment? Here are a few

the demands on many charitable groups are greater than ever – and these groups could use as much support as possible. And now, thanks to another provision of the CARES Act, when you contribute cash to charitable organizations, you can receive a tax deduction – known as an above-the line deduction – of up to $300 from your

charitable contributions made in

suggestions: Invest for other goals or

2020.)

Use it for current expenses.

reduce debts. If you already have

Of course, you may well need the

an adequate emergency fund, and

money to help meet your current

you feel that you’re financially

for your CARES payment – so plan

expenses,

particularly if your

stable, you could use your CARES

ahead and make the moves that

employment has been affected by

payment to invest for retirement,

are best for your situation.

You can find some good uses

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY EDWARD JONES FOR USE BY YOUR LOCAL EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR. EDWARD JONES. MEMBER SIPC.

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WHAT’S NEXT? • INDEPENDENCE BANK

A United Community The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much uncertainty. But as we look forward, it’s important that we continue to stand united as a community. Below are ways that you can show local love to individuals and businesses in our community, because when our community is stronger, we all succeed.

Volunteer at a Local Non-profit While these organizations have been monetarily affected, and donations can always help, consider also calling a local non-profit and asking how to use your time and energy to give back. There may even be tasks you can complete from your own home as social distancing guidelines continue to remain in place.

Donate to Local Food Banks and Shelters If you find you have extra food and supplies around your house, or household goods you want to get rid of, consider donating those items to a local food bank, shelter or non-profit. These organizations have been continuing their work to provide for those in need during these uncertain times and you can help.

Show Your Appreciation

Shop and Support Local

A hand-written note can go a long way to say thank you and let someone know you appreciate what they are doing. Consider picking a group of essential workers in our community and send them a note saying thank you for what they do.

Shop local first and support the businesses who are the backbone of our community. Purchase a gift card now to be used at a later date. You can even show your appreciation by posting a review on their website or social channels, or tag them in a post about your favorite products on your own page.

Unprecedented times can be trying and going through hard times can easily be an excuse to do less. Let’s make it our reason to do more.

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Discover

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

Photo by Jamie Alexander

Summer activities for kids

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49

DISCOVER • SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

KI DS FLORAL ARRANGING 101 SPONSORED BY WELBORN’S FLORIST

As with any children’s project, the key to success is to get all the prep work done ahead of time. Pick flowers from your own yard or grab some at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market.

Before you get your kids involved, clean the flowers so they are ready to go. Clean all the extra leaves off the stems, separate individual blooms from multi bloom stems and cut stems to a manageable length.

ALL ABOUT THE PREP WORK —

For a great local option, check out the Welborn’s Floral website for fun kid flower kits. These flowers are guaranteed to be beautiful and ready to go for your kids very own bouquet — and only $20!

Depending on the age of your children, you may want to prepare your vase or container yourself. Make a grid on top of the vase with floral tape or waterproof packing tape. Make squares on the top of the vase by running 2-3 pieces of tape one direction, and 2-3 the opposite (think tick tack toe board). This helps keep the flowers in place while your florist in the making creates.

L E T T H E F U N B E G I N — Once the vase and flowers are prepped, it’s time for your kids to dig in and create.

Remember, there are no rules. Sit back and watch them explore, design, create, smell and delight.

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PERFECT FAMILY OUTI NG PARK SCAVENG E R HU NT S P O N S O R E D B Y D AV I E S S C O U N T Y PARKS AND RECREATION

Live in the city limits? Explored every inch of your own backyard? Daviess County Parks offer local families acres and acres of family fun. From walking trails to fishing, county parks are still a great outing despite social distancing restrictions.

6 WAY S TO S PRU CE U P A KID’S RO O M WIT HOUT BR EA KIN G T HE B ANK S P O N S O R E D B Y R YA N R U T M A N

Think creatively about ways to reuse things you already own. Turn old toys in to drawer pulls, frame old fabric to create wall decor, use hand-me-down furniture pieces for a pop of old flair.

This Yellow Creek Park scavenger hunt is sure to keep your kiddos busy and get the family out of the house for some fresh air and fun. Can you find all of these things at Yellow Creek Park?

1. REPURPOSE.

C AB O O S E S C H O O LH O U S E

2 . P A I N T E D F U R N I T U R E . Paint is the most flexible and economical decorating go-to out there. While the common application is on the walls, try sprucing up a vintage family furniture piece stashed away in the attic. It can make all the difference between grubby and glorious.

C AB I N

Wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years, and the price of rolls has risen as well. You can save by making a collage of leftover wallpaper pieces to prettify a dull wall, sliding closet door or bookshelf. The colors, pattern and layout are up to you.

DU C K/G O O S E

3. WALLPAPER COLL AGES.

Spruce up your kids’ space by making covering their headboard in vibrant colors. With fun fabric, it’s a simple task that can be learned just by watching Youtube videos.

4. MAKE A CHARMING HEADBOARD.

DI S C G O LF B AS K E T GAZE B O FO U R LE AF C LOVE R FI RE RI NG PI NE CO NE ACO RN

5 . P U T O N D I S P L A Y W H A T Y O U A L R E A D Y H A V E . Bring in some geometric shelves or make your own, and put your favorite things on display.

Don’t bother going out and buying fancy decor when family heirlooms and keepsakes make the best decor. Throw in a couple plants, and you have a more modern look.

Garland doesn’t have to just be for Christmas or parties, and you certainly don’t have to buy it. With some quality paper and string you can create your own garland to make a sea or racing them room. Or just cut out fun designs to hang over a window.

6. CREATE YOUR OWN HANGING GARL AND.

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DISCOVER • SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

DIY A PPLE S LU S H I E S SPONSORED BY REID’S ORCHARD

Reid’s Orchard is a community landmark. Families have been going to the orchard for fresh fruit and veggies for generations.

And while the Reid family offers everything from flowers to pies to produce, they are arguably most famous for apples. And the orchard’s apple slushy is the perfect summer treat!

Reid’s understands that summer at the orchard may look a little different this summer, so they are offering Owensboro Parent readers a quick and easy recipe to make their slushies at home. ›› First, pick up a gallon of Reid’s delicious apple cider. ›› Freeze the cider in a muffin tin or ice cube tray. ›› Once ready, pop the frozen apple cider cubes out. (Hint: run

the tray upside down under hot water for a second, but be sure to have something to catch them!) ›› Blend the frozen cider with a little extra cider from the jug. ›› Pour into a cup and enjoy! Be sure to post your slushies to social media and tag Owensboro Parent and Reid’s.

MAKE YOU R OWN PI ZZA N I G H T SPONSORED BY MELLOW MUSHROOM

Step up your pizza night with a DIY pizza kit from Mellow Mushroom. Your kids will love the process of making pizza “from scratch” and you will love the ease of grabbing the supplies from Mellow. The steps are easy: ›› First, call 270-684-7800 and order your DIY pizza kit. ›› Once you get home, involve the whole family in making dinner. ›› Sprinkle your surface and dough with cornmeal. ›› Gently flatten the dough. ›› Form 1-inch crust with fingers around edge of the dough ball. ›› Press down and flatten middle with your fingers to

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release any air bubbles. ›› Stretch dough using tops of hands, not fingers. Slowly pull outwards in a circular motion. ›› Stretch a little more than 10 inches in diameter. Use the guide drawn on the pizza box lid. ›› Spread the sauce inside the crust. ›› Sprinkle with cheese. ›› Add your favorite toppings. ›› Carefully slide your pizza onto a pan. ›› Bake for 10-15 minutes at 425 degrees. ›› Pizza is done when the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. ›› Sprinkle crust with butter and parmesan.

S PICE U P YOUR TACO TUESDAY SPONSORED BY REAL HACIENDA

What better way to break up the monotonous family dinner than with a family fiesta? Make it easy on yourself though! Grab Real Hacienda to go for the whole family and focus on the fun activities you can do with your kids.

Gather up those empty tissue boxes from around the house and get to work on a fun and festive mini piñata. They’re so easy to whip up — fill the empty box with candy and decorate the outside with spare tissue paper. Family fun that doubles as party decor and a candy dispenser.

MINI PIÑATA —

No matter how old you are, there’s something so fun and playful about dancing around with maracas. Homemade ones can be a fun craft project with the kids — fill a plastic Easter egg with dried rice or beans and hot glue craft stick or sturdy straw to the egg. Easy maraca that you can the decorate with markers or fun tape.

DIY MARACAS —

Keep kids busy with craft-your-own paper sombreros for your family fiesta. Hot-glue upside-down paper cups to the center of paper dinner plates. Set out glue and decorating supplies—like pompoms, mini-ball fringe, and pipe cleaners—and encourage the kids to style their hats.

SOMBRERO STATION —

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DISCOVER • SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

AL L E R G Y F R E E PL AY DOU GH RECIPE SPONSORED BY ALLERGY AND ASTHMA SPECIALISTS

A lot of the most popular craft supplies contain food

INSTRUCTIONS

allergens. This includes items like paints (egg, milk,

›› Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot.

wheat and soy), crayons (soy) and slime (corn). You can make some of these items at home with safe

Add water and oil. ›› Cook over medium heat until the mixture pulls away

ingredients. Here is a recipe for rice play dough that is

from the sides of the pan (about 5 minutes), stirring

a great substitute for commercial brand play doughs

constantly. Adult supervision suggested.

and modeling clays, which often contain wheat, a top ›› Add vanilla extract. This if for smell, not taste. Mix

allergen.

thoroughly. Put play dough on a clean surface. When cool enough to handle, knead lightly. Store in an

INGREDIENTS

airtight container.

›› 1 1/4 cups rice flour ›› 1/2 cup salt ›› 2 teaspoon cream of tartar ›› 1 cup water ›› 1 tablespoon oil

NOTES

Add food coloring to the water to make colored play dough. Liquid watercolors can also be used. Food coloring can stain hands, clothing and surfaces.

Use vanilla or other extract for scented play dough.

›› 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Add sparkles during the hand mixing time for sparkly

›› Food coloring/sparkles (optional)

play dough.

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RECYCLE D JE WELRY A RT SPONSORED BY RILEY & CO.

This is a perfect summer activity for kids of all ages. Not only are you recycling old materials, but you are creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art that preschoolers and teenagers will want to wear.

Now, this does require the use of old magazines, which will be cut and transformed into beautiful beads. While we think every issue of Owensboro Parent is worth saving forever, we understand if you want to cut up the pages of our hard work for this fun family craft.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Magazines Scissors White school glue Straw Pipe cleaner (or yarn or a shoelace if you’d like to make a necklace)

›› ›› ›› ›› ››

To prepare, cut various strips out of colorful magazine pages. The strips ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 inches.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL DO:

›› Start rolling a magazine strip firmly (but not tightly) around the

straw. Once it goes around one full time, put a few lines of glue down the inside length of the strip. ›› Begin rolling the magazine strip around the straw. Don’t worry if glue squeezes out, this is actually beneficial for the finished product.

Once the strip is completely wrapped, rub excess glue around it to firmly secure the end. ›› Carefully slide it off of the straw by pushing the end of the bead that is farthest up the straw. If there is glue residue on the straw, wipe it off or just cut off that piece and move up to the next section, otherwise, the magazine strip will stick to it and not come off cleanly. ›› Place beads on a nonporous surface to drive. Once the glue has dried, you can create your own bracelet necklace.

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DISCOVER • Q&A WITH CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW

parental control How can I support my 9-year“ old during this pandemic when he already deals with anxiety?”

a:

This is a great question for what we are all experiencing right now. Speaking from my own personal experience, I can understand how important this is for you to be able to help. I have experienced my own bouts with anxiety and it can be a real struggle.

One of the first things I want you to think about is knowledge is power. Your son may just want information and when he has that information his anxiety level should immediately drop a little. We can all experience great anxiety from not knowing. Our own minds and thoughts can intensify a situation to such a level that we create chaos in our minds. Information can have the opposite effect and provide calm. When thinking about what information to share, make sure that you think about where your child is developmentally and what information is appropriate to share.

The second piece of advice I would give you is to stick to normal routine as much as you can during this time.

I know that is a hard one because so much has changed.

My child has always been very routine oriented and when that changes she doesn’t like it. We have tried to get up at the same time, eat breakfast, and take time for lunch in between my work and her online studies. I can tell you it

has helped. I realize what was normal before doesn’t feel normal now, but you can still find what that new normal looks like now and try to stick to it. This will help with anxiety because your son will know what to expect.

We talk about taking care of ourselves, but our little people need self-care too. The kids, like your son, who have been so taken out of routine, missing teachers and friends and maybe scared of what is going on in the world need self-care too. I encourage you to do the things that your son likes to do for fun. I have had the most fun taking on my child’s interests. My daughter likes to read Japanese Manga books. It took her 30 minutes just to teach me how to read it. They read those books backwards and right to left. We have had so much fun with me sharing one of her favorite things to do.

Lastly, try to remain positive. I know when you experience anxiety you often find situations more threatening than they really are and it is hard to turn that off. I can’t stress this one enough. You need to tell your son that even though this is a different time we are living in that the adults are working on it and they are going to figure it out. Try to replace some of that anxiety and stress with all the amazing and positive things that people are doing in the world.

CHRISTINA DALTON, MSSW, CSW is a Family Resource Center Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools.

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OP

Keep the MICA Shots!

Getting your digital photos organized and printed.

By Katie Albers

S

o much has changed in the last decade.

Our first child was born 11 years ago and sitting on our bookcase are three fat photo albums stuffed with photos of him as a baby and toddler. My 9-year-old has five beautifully designed full-color photo books. My 5-year-old has a stack of 4x6 photos thrown in a box. And my poor 2-year-old... I think the only printed photos we have of him were given to me by his Grandma.

It’s not that I take any fewer photos, and I’d like to blame it on the busyness of mothering four kids. But, the truth of it is all of those photos are stuck on my phone, and I have not prioritized their organization or proper display.

If you can relate, and if you want to make a change, here are some suggestions for getting those adorable digital photos onto paper for the whole family to enjoy.

The first step is to take a deep breath. You do not have to go through all of your photos in one sitting. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and see how much you can get done. You’ll probably have so much fun looking at old

photos, you’ll let that 10 minute buzzer go right on by!

Time to start deleting! Open your photos app and keep scrolling until you get to the very oldest photos on your phone. As you look at each photo, ask yourself is this photo a MICA shot?:

Memorable?

Interesting?

Clear?

Attractive?

If the answer is yes to all four then the photo is worthy to be printed.

Otherwise hit delete and move on. Be sure to cut out all the duplicate photos while you’re at it.

After you have weeded out all the old junky photos and caught up to the present, take a quick moment to see how much memory you have freed up on your phone! Then set a weekly reminder to take a couple minutes to go through your past week’s photos with the same criteria.

Now it’s time to print these

beautiful memories!

Did you realize that the very place where your phone already saves all your photos likely has a service built-in to make prints and photo books? Both iPhoto and Google Photos offer easy to use photo book makers. They will even find the faces you request and put the pictures on the pages for you, no designing required. Super simple, get it done!

However, if you’ve been inspired by organizing your pictures and you want to dedicate the time to designing your own digital scrapbooks, I suggest giving our very own locally owned Weir’s Photo a try. Their website is easy to use, offers many different photo products, and the very friendly staff at Weir’s are just a phone call away for any questions you might have.

They can even help with creating your perfect photo display and the quality of their printing is unmatched!

Don’t let any more time go by with your precious memories floating in cyberspace. It’s so much more fun to sit together with a photo book in your lap. I better go get busy sorting photos too!

OP

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).

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DISCOVER • THE BOOK NOOK

Hooked on Hoopla

Free audiobooks bring families together.

By Katie Albers

Looking to hook your kids on stories this summer? Your public library has you taken care of with Hoopla on the phone or tablet. Hoopla is a digital library of ebooks, audiobooks, music and videos. The Daviess County Public Library makes this service available to its members for free so if you have a library card, you can download the app and have thousands of stories at your fingertips. Summertime is especially good for audiobooks with the family.

Listen to a funny story around the breakfast table to get everyone laughing from the start of the day.

Big Nate

The Unteachables

by Lincoln Pierce

by Gordon Korman

Turn on an adventure novel for your car trips to keep imaginations swirling as you travel.

The Dragonet Prophecy

Allies

by Alan Gratz

by Tui T Sutherland Take a break in the afternoon to share a realistic novel that opens up conversations about tough topics.

A Long Walk to Water

New Kid

by Jerry Craft

by Linda Sue Park Or end the day with a classic tale that you can relive while your kids discover it for the first time.

Secret Garden

The Boxcar Children

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

And don’t forget the littlest listeners!

The Berenstain Bears Series

by Stan and Jan Berenstain

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The Pigeon series

by Mo Willems

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PAWS-ITIVELY

PERFECT PETS

Photo by Jamie Alexander

Pets hold a special place in a family's home. Our four-legged friends become less like pets and more like a member of the family. That's why we were so excited for the Second Annual Owensboro Parent Magazine Pet Photo Contest!

In this year's contest, we had 124 total pet entries. We put their adorable photos online and had nearly 900 votes come in. Meet our winner, Hazel the goat, and her family on the next page.

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PAWS-ITIVELY PERFECT PETS

Meet Hazel Winner of our pet photo contest!

By Ashley Wedding • Photos by Jamie Alexander

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Chris and Jenny Burns never

handful of chickens. Since then they

dreamed they would one day own 74

have grown to 74 animals. Some

animals. Chris is a Sergeant for the

they purchased, some were given to

Owensboro Police Department and

them and some were born at Blue

Jenny has worked in the insurance

Line Acres.

industry for eight years. The couple,

along with their oldest daughter

year and a half ago that we would

Abby, 15, son Christopher, 13, and

have all of these animals, I would

Payton, 12, moved to their 25-acre

have laughed,” Jenny said. “But now,

home in February 2019.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I

“We don’t technically have a

have always loved animals but I

farm, by definition we have a ranch,”

never dreamed it would happen this

Jenny said. “We don’t grow crops,

fast! We have learned so much over

we just have lots of animals.”

the past year.”

Ready

to

jump

into

the

“If you would have told me a

The Burns’ animal line up

country life, the Burns contacted

consists of 10 goats, 8 sheep, 2

the

of

donkeys, 2 horses, 23 chickens, 10

Agriculture and officially named

ducks, 3 turkeys, 1 rabbit, 5 dogs,

their ranch Blue Line Acres. At the

9 cats and a fish. All of the animals

time, they had 3 dogs, 3 cats and a

have names except for some of the

Kentucky

Department

chickens because, as Jenny says, it is

personality! She is very energetic and

nearly impossible to tell them apart.

loves to climb and jump off anything

and everything!”

But one special Blue Line Acres

animal won the hearts of the Burns

family. Meet Owensboro Parent Pet

an important role. Not only do they

Contest winner, Hazel! She was born on

provide companionship, but they have

April 1, 2020, and is a Pygmy/Nigerian

taught the Burns kids so many life

Dwarf goat. Her mom, Barb, is a Pygmy and her dad, Carl, is a Nigerian Dwarf.

“When you have as many animals

as we do, it was extremely difficult to pick which animal I wanted to enter,” Jenny said of Owensboro Parent’s contest. “But we all have a special bond

Some of Hazel's pet siblings

For the Burns family, animals play

lessons. Not many kids can say that they have helped deliver goats, sheep, dogs and cats and hatched chickens.

But on the other side, the kids have experienced the heartache of losing animals as well.

with Hazel! When she was a week old,

“They work just as much as my

we noticed that her mom was having

husband and I on caring for the

difficulties nursing her so we had to

animals,” Jenny said. “And rarely do

step in and start bottle feeding her. So

they complain. They know that these

multiple times a day we would bring

animals depend on us to make sure

her inside and argue over who would

they have plenty of food and water and

get to feed her. She has the sweetest

a clean warm place to sleep.”

OP

ASHLEY WEDDING is the staff writer for Tanner Publishing Co. and editor of Owensboro Parent. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, daughter, Avery (8), and son, Reed (5).

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PAWS-ITIVELY PERFECT PETS

SIT, STAY, SMILE! Thank you to all who participated in our 2020 Pet Photo Contest! So many adorable pets were entered that we couldn’t help but share a few more. Here are the top ten photos voted on by the readers!

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Is Your Family Ready for a Pet? The first two questions to ask yourself when considering a pet for your family: ›› Is your child ready to help take care of a pet? ›› Are you ready to supervise?

The primary pet-ready characteristics to look for in your child are: ›› Obedience. Your child is able to understand basic, age-appropriate instructions and do as he is told. This is important not just for pet health and care, but also for the safety of pets and kids.

How to Involve Children in Pet Care Bringing a pet into the family is a great way to teach a child responsibility. This can be true for families that already have pets as well, by increasing the jobs associated with the pet that your child completes. Here are some ways children can help, based on their age: Toddler and preschoolers.

Children this age can help adults with some basic pet chores such as pet grooming and putting new bedding in cages. However, children under age 6 should always be supervised with pets of any size, for chores or play.

›› Gentleness. Your child can control the force with which he touches or plays with an animal. ›› Responsibility. If you plan to give older children chores, such as feeding or walking the

Elementary school years.

Children in this age range may be able to keep their own small caged pets or fish. You will still need to supervise the general care

and maintenance of the animals.

They can also take on greater responsibility for entertaining, feeding, and grooming larger pets, such as dogs and cats. At this age, depending on the size and obedience of the animal, dogs and kids can learn to walk well together.

Junior high and high schoolers.

Preteens and teens can provide pet care without direct supervision, but you will have to check to make sure that they are indeed walking, grooming, feeding, and cleaning up after the pet as they are supposed to do.

Young adults.

At this point, many younger people are leaving home — and their pets.

Decisions must be made about who will take over care while they are gone.

pet, you should be sure that they can – and will – do so at the appropriate time.

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FULL HOUSE

2 PARENTS + 4 KIDS + 20 PETS

By Laura Murphy • Photo by Jamie Alexander

U

Heather and Bryson Phillips enjoy

are actually allergic to the saliva when cats

having a full house. In addition to

groom their fur with it. Since the allergens

their four children Ashton (age 15),

are from the saliva, even hairless cats are not

Ella (age 13), Annalise (age 6), and Lennon (age 3),

hypoallergenic.

they are also the proud owners of 20 pets. Their

love for animals has allowed them to teach their

fluffy,” Phillips said. “Siberian cats are unique

children about the unique needs of animals and

and act more like a dog. When you call him, he

about taking ownership for their care.

comes running to you.”

“They each have their own pets and then

“Our hypoallergenic cat is actually really

Each of their animals requires unique care.

we have the family pets,” Heather Phillips said.

The sand boa is a type of snake that burrows

“Each of my kids have responsibilities taking

down in the sand. Phillips says that this type of

care of the pets who stay in their room.”

snake cannot escape because they cannot climb

and grip. Ashton takes the snake out once a

Lennon has a fish tank which he gets help

cleaning each week. Annalise has four crabs and

week to feed it tiny mice.

a chinchilla, Ella has a hamster and a recently

acquired ferret, and Ashton has a Chinese

Annalise clean the chinchilla cage,” Phillips said.

Crested Chihuahua mix and sand boa living in

“I have a pop up tent the kids all get in with the

his room.

sugar gliders. They climb all over us and jump

on us — all six of them.”

“The kids are pretty responsible for feeding

“I help the 3-year-old feed his fish and I help

the ones in their rooms and cleaning the cages,”

Phillips said. “They do really well. Everyone

and said she can recall her parents allowing her

takes care of their stuff and everyone does a

to have pretty much whatever she wanted in the

great job. My husband lets me do it because he

way of pets. She had four sugar gliders, a fish

knows I love it.”

tank and a dog living in her room when she was

in high school.

Family pets include Malone, a Standard

Growing up, Phillips lived in the country

Poodle, six sugar gliders and a parrot they

owned until recently. Phillips said her younger

really heard of sugar gliders,” she said. “I loved

two children are allergic to tree nuts so they had

having animals in the home. All of them have

to rehome the bird because one of her children

different personalities.”

kept grabbing the food.

“This was 20 years ago when no one had

There are many benefits to having a variety

The family has another unique pet, a

of pets in the home. Phillips believes it is

hypoallergenic Siberian cat named Kush. Since

beneficial to teach the kids about the specific

the family has allergies to regular cats, this pet

care required and different food needed for each

was the perfect fit for them.

of their pets.

According to Phillips, hypoallergenic cats

“Our own kids love it,” she said. “A lot of the

are missing a certain enzyme that other cats

kids’ friends are scared of some of our animals.

have. She says contrary to popular belief, people

People get freaked out by stuff that’s different.”

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Phillips’ love of animals even extends

Now

she

has

completed

more

Between taking care of animals and

into a successful, artistic side gig she

than 80 animal portraits for friends,

her commissioned artwork, Phillips stays

started over a year ago when a friend

friends of friends and even complete

pretty busy. But she wouldn’t have it any

asked Phillips to paint a portrait of her

strangers. Phillips was commissioned

other way.

late dog.

to paint portraits of a beetle and a lion

“It was my first pet painting,” she said.

for someone from New York. With pet

life and love of all creatures,” Phillips said.

“I hesitantly said yes because I was afraid

portraits so successful, Phillips has even

“I want them to have a great childhood

I wouldn’t be good at it but I really felt bad

started taking commissions for portraits

and that’s why I have let them try having

for her so I agreed and did it.”

of people too.

pretty much any animal they want.”

“I think it’s great for kids to experience

OP

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

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FROM OUR READERS

WORK-FROMHOME COWORKERS The COVID-19 pandemic caused many Owensboroans to begin working from home — giving them brand new coworkers.

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FROM OUR READERS

WORK-FROMHOME COWORKERS Follow Owensboro Parent on Facebook to submit your photos!

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FROM OUR READERS

Say What?

Our readers asked their kids following question:

“If screen time was not allowed and you were stuck outside, what would you do all day?”

“Drive my red car fast and play on dirt mountain.”

“Fish & catch minnows in a creek.”

“Fish & ride bikes with my brother & play soccer.”

- Kamdyn, age 11

– Koleson, age 13

– Baylor, age 5

“Ride my bike, do some chalk art, play in water.”

– Annesleigh, age 8

“Ride my bike and play basketball with my brother!”

– Graci, age 5

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“Ride my bike, my scooter, chalk, plant peas and green beans (a garden). Go on a nature walk and talk to neighbors around the neighborhood and play with my dog.”

- Brooklyn, age 8

“Rides bikes & play all day.”

– Kyndrix age 5

“Bike and try to get in.”

– Ben, age 6

“Play basketball.”

– Damon, age 9

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