October / November 2023 - Owensboro Parent

October // November 2023

A local family who goes all out for Halloween in honor of St. Jude.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ACTIVITY?

We usually spend at least one evening on the family farm, roasting hotdogs and s’mores. It’s a great time to slow down and spend intentional time together!

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Ashley Wedding

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Albers

Jamie Johnson

John Kirkpatrick

Andrea Millay

Laura Murphy

Melody Wallace

Lora Wimsatt

Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ashley@tannerpublishing.com

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Brock Quinton

Making a fire to make s’mores with the family!

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Andrea Roberson

Monica Tapp

STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Plain

ON THE COVER

Levi Tanner

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Dave Mackey

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ONLINE

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“

Every fall I look forward to picking pumpkins at a pumpkin patch to paint and display on my front porch!

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Ashley's Top Picks

from the editor

Fall has arrived, and it’s my absolute favorite season — cozy sweaters, nights on the back porch by the fire, and my annual rewatch of Gilmore Girls (IYKYK).

The onset of leaves changing and cooler temps also means the return of our Family Favorites contest! It’s a time when we celebrate the businesses that make our local community truly special.

With our family’s crazy schedule, this Skylight Calendar is an absolute lifesaver! It is a little bit of an investment, but seriously, I don’t think we could live without it. This calendar syncs to our phones, has the capabilities for multiple lists and keeps track of chores for the kids that they can check off as they complete. It is color coded for each member of our family and is the only thing that gets us to the right appointment for the right kid or the right field for the right sport.

JEWELRY WITH A MESSAGE

These are pieces of the “be... collection,” a line of jewelry from local nonprofit founder Amanda Owen, who happens to be my boss at Puzzle Pieces. She has a social media platform where she advocates for individuals with disabilities and encourages families through their individual journeys. This be... collection is meant to remind women to be the woman they dream of being, are meant to be, are scared to be. What a powerful message for us women who often get lost in our roles as wife and mom!

LOOK AT THIS THROWBACK!

Demi and Ryker Clark were the Cover Kid winners in our September/October 2015 issue. That year our contest brought in over 9,000 votes and these twin cover cuties won with nearly 1,000 votes. Demi and Ryker are now 11 and in the sixth grade at Daviess County Middle School. Demi is a Pantherette and enjoys time with her friends and all things girly. Ryker plays football and basketball and enjoys hunting and fishing.

The 2023 Family Favorites contest is a testament to the incredible businesses that local families have voted as the best in our town. These establishments go beyond being places of commerce; they become integral parts of our lives. They’re the doctor’s offices that know our families’ stories, the businesses that know us by name, the parks that echo with laughter on sunny afternoons, and the family-owned restaurants where countless celebrations have unfolded.

As parents, we know the importance of these businesses in our daily lives. They offer not just products and services but experiences, memories, and connections. They are the beating heart of our communities, and they deserve recognition and gratitude.

This year’s contest has shown us once again the power of community spirit. Families from all walks of life came together to cast their votes. It’s a reminder that, even in our fast-paced world, there’s something deeply comforting about the bonds we form within our local neighborhoods.

So, as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty of this season and the connections we’ve built. Congratulations to all the local businesses that have earned their place as Family Favorites, and thank you, readers, for being a part of this year’s contest!

Wishing you a wonderful fall filled with warmth, togetherness, and the joy of discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.

DART

Borrowed Hearts, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving foster children, received a financial boost on Wednesday as the Dart Foundation presented them with a $42,000 grant. The organization will put the funds toward providing new shoes and duffel bags to children in foster care with the goal of enhancing their sense of self-esteem and belonging.

Amanda Van Bussum, the founder and president of Borrowed Hearts Owensboro, expressed gratitude for the grant.

“This grant is a huge gift to us. It allows us to tackle a couple of projects that have been like dream projects for us, but we just didn’t really have the means to tackle,” she said.

Van Bussum said the funding will allow Borrowed Hearts to ensure that every child in foster care locally can receive new shoes at least twice a year. She said what makes the initiative special is that the children will have the opportunity to choose their own shoes, promoting a sense of autonomy and normalcy in their lives.

In addition to providing new shoes, Borrowed Hearts plans to introduce duffel bags to accompany the hygiene packs already distributed to new foster care placements.

CRUSENBERRY STILL PURSUING BASEBALL DREAMS, SHARES HIS STORY WITH COUNTRY HEIGHTS

Tristin Crusenberry lost his hearing due to meningitis when he was 15 months old, but he never let that slow him down. Crusenberry has continued to pursue his passion for playing baseball at the collegiate level, and just as importantly he also enjoys sharing his inspirational story. Crusenberry was recently presented with the 2023 National Baseball Congress Most Inspirational Player Award, given to the player who has been the most inspirational player in the league not only on the diamond but off of it as well.

Crusenberry — currently a starting pitcher for the semiprofessional team the Liberal Bee Jays of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (RMBL) under the National Baseball Congress — spoke at Country Heights Elementary in August.

Crusenberry attended Country Heights growing up, and fondly remembers the good times he had in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program with his teachers and his fellow students. Country Heights is where he first started playing baseball as well, he said.

“It’s a very big blessing for me to get the opportunity to speak to the students and share my story of where it all started,” he said. “Hopefully I can help to inspire them and help them believe in themselves like I believed in myself.”

Owensboro Parent featured Tristin’s story in 2013.

Tristin was born in March of 2003, just two weeks early and in relatively healthy condition. It wasn’t until he turned 13 months old that he contracted bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Tristin soon joined the 20 percent of people who experience hearing loss after receiving a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

At 15 months old, Tristin’s parents Tom and Christy tried using hearing aids and weekly therapy at the Wendell Foster campus. By the time he was 18 months old, Tristin reached the narrow window still available to him to have cochlear implants.

Student Spotlight:

Sophia from Meadow Lands Elementary was recently recognized with the school’s Astronaut Award. According to her teacher, “Sophia is such a positive student. She always has a smile on her face and gives 110% on anything she does.”

Mikhail is a student at Daviess County Middle School. He recently got a shout out for being an outstanding student. His teacher said, “Mikhail is outgoing with teachers and students. He is respectful and responsible in group work and participates in class discussions. He works hard in class and on his assignments. Mikhail always tells teachers to have a good day!”

FOUNDATION GRANTS BORROWED HEARTS $42,000 TO SUPPORT FOSTER CHILDREN

Valerie Reid Reel & Katie Reid Clark

Valerie Reid Reel, mom of three girls, and Katie Reid Clark, mom of two boys, are the fifth generation (along with their brother, Brad) to lead the way at Reid’s Orchard, an Owensboro landmark. The two sisters were born and raised on the Orchard and are now taking a major leadership role in the family business, expanding what they offer to better serve local families. Get to know this dynamic duo and how they balance their busy lives.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLES AT REID’S ORCHARD.

Katie: I grew up watching how to maintain and manage the Orchard. In college, I decided I wanted to come back home and work in the family business. I started to take Ag Business and Horticulture classes. In 2009, I graduated from WKU and started full time at the Orchard. I now have four greenhouses and grow over 2,000 hanging baskets, ferns, bedding plants, herbs, vegetable plants and over 3,000 mums. I also manage our store, making sure fresh-produce, orchard-related products and other items are ready, washed and stocked.

Valerie: I’ve been Event Coordinator for the Orchard since about 2007. I coordinate weddings, the Reidland Play Area, corporate events, birthday parties, Markets Days, school tours and other events.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS WITH YOUR SISTER AND FAMILY?

Katie: The best part about working with family is the strong support system you have. You can always rely on each other during both the ups and downs of business ownership. It is rewarding working with my sister. We have become best friends and our kids get to grow up with each other on the Orchard.

Valerie: You get to work with your best friend everyday! We also both have different roles but can help each other out.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVING YOUR CHILDREN IN YOUR GENERATIONS-OWNED FAMILY BUSINESS?

Valerie: Growing up in the family business, we could see first-hand how hard the generations worked to keep the Orchard up and going. Now, we are offering the same for our kids. They are here every day and see what their grandparents, aunt, uncle and mom do each day.

Katie: Having my kids involved in the Orchard is incredibly important to me. They get the opportunity to learn about agriculture, nature, and the value of hard work all while being at the place they love. We are always exploring new opportunities to keep the Orchard growing because my dream is that my children will one day want a role in the orchard business.

FALL IS A BUSY TIME AT REID’S! HOW DO YOU FIND WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Katie: Fall is a very busy time at the Orchard. Balancing life and work can be tricky. Both of my boys are very active in sports. I don’t ever want them to feel like they can’t play a sport because of the Orchard. Again, I have a great support system. Every family member pitches in when it comes to the kids.

Valerie: When Fall hits, I call it survival mode. We just jump in and make it happen. Come November, we can calm down a little and breathe. Taking trips away from the Orchard is a must.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PARENTS RAISING A FAMILY AND RUNNING A BUSINESS?

Katie: The advice I have for the other parents is you just need to learn to go with the flow. Be able to adjust to unexpected situations. In the end, it will always work out.

Valerie: It can be really hard but also very rewarding. My best advice is to keep the kids involved in some way.

Keeping it Real

The Timeless Magic OF HALLOWEEN

Autumn! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Halloween and Thanksgiving jockey for the title of “best fall holiday,” with votes generally divided between kids for Halloween and adults for Thanksgiving.

But really, when it comes to Halloween, there’s a little bit of a kid in all of us.

Readers of a certain generation (ahem) remember their childhood Halloweens as a time when store-bought costumes were a status symbol.

You felt sorry for kids who wore what were obviously “homemade” costumes, most often sheets converted to ghost shrouds, or the hodge-podge of mismatched items that served as the official uniform of the hobo.

You felt fortunate that your costume had been purchased at Ben Franklin, Value Village or Fashion Fair. These costumes were made out of a thin, shiny material that can only doubtfully be called “fabric.”

You stepped into the jumpsuit-style costume – carefully, so as not to rip out the already-precarious seams – and tied the plastic strings behind your neck. Presto! If you were a boy, you were now a pirate or a super hero or a monster. If you were a girl, you were a princess. That was pretty much it for the girls.

Masks were made of molded plastic, painted with garish colors, and included

eye holes that never lined up with your actual eyes, and perhaps a hole or two in the general vicinity of the nostril area. Not that it helped.

Breathing was nearly impossible, and almost immediately your hot breath started to steam up the inside of the mask so that it became wet and sweaty. You were secretly glad when the thin strap of elastic finally snapped; it was giving you a headache and pulling your hair anyway.

So you discarded your damp, dented mask into your treat bag and continued bumblebeeing your way from one neighbor’s house to another, hollering “Trick or treat!” as if anything but “treat” was really an option.

Later, you dumped out your bag on the living room floor and waited impatiently as your mother sorted through your stash to make sure there were no razor blades or hypodermic needles lurking among the suckers, Snickers and SweeTarts.

She usually confiscated one or two items – coincidentally her favorite candies – and spent the rest of the evening refereeing arguments about whether one fun-size candy bar is an equal trade for two bubble gums. (Answer: It is.)

These days, many kids still wear store-bought costumes, but the quality is almost always a lot better and they are

more likely to include elaborate props and realistic make-up.

And girls, thankfully, can be whatever they want.

But many kids wear home-made outfits that put Hollywood designers to shame. The time, talent and – let’s face it – money that are invested in these costumes is truly amazing.

So this Halloween, a reader of a certain generation (ahem … that’s me) will be sitting on my front porch, watching the parade of awesome characters as they make their way up my sidewalk. Some may hesitate a little as my dog barks a welcome from the back yard, but I will smile and wave and hold up a pumpkin-shaped bowl of candy to encourage the children to come a little closer so I can see you, my dears, trying not to sound like the witch luring Hansel and Gretel to her gingerbread cottage in the woods.

I will ooh and aah at each costume, regardless of how simple or elaborate it may be, and drop generous handfuls of candy into their bags and buckets.

“Happy Halloween,” I will say to the children.

And to the parents hovering in the background, I will say, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” OP

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

BACK to BASIC

Ihate to be this person, but I cannot hide who I am. I am basic. Saying someone is basic is usually an insult. Below is the exact definition from dictionary.com, the slang edition.

Basic characterizes someone or something as unoriginal, unexceptional, and mainstream. A basic girl is said to like pumpkin spice lattes, UGG boots, and taking lots of selfies, for instance.

I don’t find myself to be unoriginal, unexceptional, and mainstream. Can’t you guys let me love Taylor Swift without insulting my intelligence?

You won’t find me drinking a pumpkin spice latte, but you will see me slurping an extra-large iced coffee as a little treat in the morning on the way to work.

I do wear UGG boots, but they are from 2001 so I don’t know if they even count. They are stained from wearing them in the snow while walking to parties in college – without a coat, I might add.

I am not taking a lot of selfies, but my phone camera is full of pictures of my kids, dog, and screenshots of DIY projects that I will never do.

Here is a list of the basic things, some fall related, some not, for which I believe people should stop judging:

FALL-SCENTED CANDLES:

Do you have something against the smell of gingersnap cookies? Do you hate the scent of a baked apple strudel? Appreciate the joy it brings to your nostrils.

LEGGINGS:

I have no words. Leggings are what I live in when I’m not at work. They

are sensible. You can bend, squat, hold kids, vacuum your house, rearrange furniture, do a quick workout, and power wash the fence. Leggings have multiple uses and women are multitaskers.

RUNNING INTO CURBS WITH OUR CARS:

This is not something that basic people do, this is something that everybody does. I saw you, Sir Judge-ALot, in the Starbucks parking lot that is far too small, and you ran right over the curb.

LARGE CUPS FOR WATER:

I like to stay hydrated. I drink a lot of Diet Mountain Dew and I must balance that out with a large amount of water. Do I have a Stanley? No. I have a cheap $30 cup. But people still judge.

WEARING HOODIES:

Fall is a time to relax and be comfortable. Get cozy by the fire. And what is cozier than a big sweatshirt with a hood you can put up when you feel antisocial? Nothing. Nothing is better. A sweatshirt without a hood just doesn’t cut it. You need protection for your ears when it starts getting cold.

WATCHING REALITY TV:

We all have our vices. Mine might be watching other people look for love on trashy television. Reality TV is something I can watch without having to think. It’s my escape time. My reality TV obsession is similar to everyone else’s obsession with watching the same episodes of Friends over and over.

I hope that this year, you take it easy on us basic girls. We are just trying to live our lives the best we can.

Have a great fall, y’all! 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!

Making it

Photo by Jamie Plain

GRAVEYARD DIRT CUPS GRAVEYARD DIRT CUPS

Recipe & Photo by Jamie Plain

This Halloween, give your kids a treat that’s both spooky and delicious with these graveyard pudding cups! Made with chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, these cups are sure to be a hit. To make them even more festive, decorate them with tombstones made from Milano cookies and black icing. Your kids will love digging into these graveyard pudding cups!

INGREDIENTS:

›› 1 (3.9 oz) pkg chocolate instant pudding mix

›› 2 cups milk

›› 8 oz. cool whip

›› 1 pkg Oreo cookies

›› Milano cookies (cut in half), edible marker (or writing frosting)

Optional types of Halloween decorations: Gummy worms, candy pumpkins, candy bones, ghost marshmallows, Halloween sprinkles.

DIRECTIONS:

›› Crush the Oreos in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin. Set aside.

›› In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

›› Fold the cool whip and approximately 1/4 of the Oreo crumbles into the pudding.

›› Layer cookie crumbles and pudding mix into small glasses.

›› Cut Milano cookies in half to make “gravestones.” Use an edible marker to add a “RIP”, then stick it into the pudding cup. Decorate with other optional Halloween treats.

›› Chill 1 hour before serving. OP

JAMIE PLAIN is a 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.

PUMPKIN PICASSOS

PUMPKIN PICASSOS

Written by Ashley Wedding

Create a fun and colorful pumpkin craft with pipe cleaners and pony beads. This activity is perfect for kids and can be a great addition to your fall or Halloween decorations. Here's how to make it:

MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED:

›› orange, green and brown pipe cleaners

›› orange pony beads (varying colors if possible)

INSTRUCTIONS:

›› Take 6-7 pipe cleaners and overlap them in their center. Twist them together at the center to form a spider-like shape.

›› Thread pony beads on to the pipe cleaners, leaving a small amount of space at each end.

›› Twist all the ends together to secure the beads.

›› Add green or brown pipe cleaners for the stem and/or vine.

You can also get into the season with some DIY painted pumpkins. Transform plain ceramic pumpkins into works of art that are perfect for decorating your space, adding a touch of fall flair, or even giving as special gifts. These pumpkins feature shades of orange, but you could opt for Halloween colors, rainbow or anything your child wants – let their creativity run wild! OP

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

Photo by Jamie Plain

ASHLEY WEDDING is the editor of Owensboro Parent Magazine. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, and their three kids, Avery, Reed and Mason.

FAITH OVER FEAR FAITH OVER FEAR

Written by Melody Wallace

When Mendy Rue’s 13-year-old son John asked to stay the night with a friend and his brother after church so the three could go fishing the next day, she didn’t think twice before giving her approval. The next morning, her whole world changed. Instead of the phone call she had been anticipating to coordinate a time to pick John up, Mendy answered the phone to the sound of a worried mother’s voice on the other end of the phone uttering the words, “He’s not breathing.” What the Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS) 2023 Middle School Teacher of the Year didn’t realize at the time was that a student she had taught in school over 17 years earlier, would be the one credited with saving her son’s life.

The Lifesaver

Meagan Griffin Bradfield was working from home on Monday morning, July 17, when her husband let her know that Alex and Jaxson Moore were fishing with their friend (John) at her pond.

“Two times before, these two little boys asked if they could fish in my pond — this was the third time they went fishing,” Bradfield said. “They said they would catch and release. I told them if anything happened, let me know.”

Photo by Jamie Plain

Bradfield said a little while later she heard a knock on the door, but when she answered she didn’t see anyone there. When she looked out the window, she noticed one of the boys wading in the water, which she said was about 4 feet deep. She thought he must have dropped his rod in, but before she could react, she said Alex pushed through the door

“He said, ‘My friend drowned!’’ Bradfield said. “I ran down there and skimmed the water and I said, ‘Where’s he at?’ Then I saw his red shorts.”

It was then that Bradfield, a former EMT with Nashville Metro EMS, pulled John’s water-soaked body as far as she could to the edge of the bank while Alex called 911. She recalls fearing the worst when seeing the loss of color and distinct shade of blue in John’s face and body.

“His body was so full of water and too heavy…I couldn’t get him out,” Bradfield said. “I told the boys to go sit by the tree

and not look back. I dragged his body and put him on my knee and began CPR.”

She said she performed six rounds of CPR before crying out to God for help.

“I’m not a church-going girl,” Bradfield said. “I say my prayers and I believe in God, but I looked up at the sky and I prayed, ‘God I cannot do this,’ and I gave one last breath.”

It was at that moment, Bradfield recalls, that John pushed pond water back into her mouth and a coal-like substance began to drain from his left nostril.

She said the color soon returned to his face and, by the time the fire department arrived, he was breathing and responsive.

Manic Monday

Mendy had just dropped off her daughter Ellie for band camp at Daviess County High School (DCHS) when she received the life-changing call from Alex and Jaxson’s mother Biranda that

John wasn’t breathing. Mendy knew few details at this point, and soon learned that John had apparently had a seizure and fallen into the pond where the boys tried to keep his head above water before going to Meagan for help.

Knowing her husband Ryan was leading band camp in McLean County, she called her best friend of 22 years and godmother of her children, Melissa Embry, to help her navigate the situation.

“I was still in bed when she called and she said, ‘They think John’s had a seizure and he’s fallen into the pond — I’ve got to go,” Embry said of the conversation with Mendy.

The two met at DCHS, and Mendy began driving to Greenville Hospital while Embry handled the logistics of speaking to the EMTs, calling John’s pediatrician, Dr. Mason, and returning phone calls and text messages. After discussing the situation with Dr. Mason,

Meagan and John met for the first time on August 5. Meagan did not know John’s name or that his mother, Mendy, was her former eighth grade teacher when she rushed into the pond to save him. Although she was initially nervous about the first time meeting him, she felt relief in seeing he was OK and back to his energetic self. John gave Meagan a signed baseball and puzzle piece as a way to say “thank you” for saving his life. The two items are still displayed on Meagan’s mantle.

the decision was made to life flight John to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Ryan met Mendy at the Muhlenberg County Airport in Greeneville where the two were able to see John before he was flown to Nashville.

“We got to see him before he flew, but we could not go with him because of the weight limit, which just absolutely devastated me,” Mendy said. “I got in the car with Ryan and we tried to make every call we could make to take care of things.”

Mendy said by the time she and Ryan arrived at the hospital, her parents were there and John had already been admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where they placed him on a ventilator because his lungs were bleeding.

“I got there and my mom tried to prepare me to see him,” Mendy said. “It didn’t really bother me to see him that way because I had a trust and a peace that they were doing the best for him and knew how to do their job.”

From there, Ryan and Mendy tried to piece together exactly what John had gone through that morning.

“We were hearing bits and pieces from here and there to try to figure out what

happened,” Mendy said. “It wasn’t until Monday night when Meagan asked to talk to the doctors (on speakerphone) that we learned he was under the water and she had to get him out of the water, and that he was blue and she did CPR.”

After hearing Meagan share the story of the morning’s events, Mendy asked John’s nurse to show them where the chapel was while they took John for further testing.

“I knew there was nothing else I could do in the moment, but just pray,” Mendy said. “That sweet nurse showed us where the chapel was and asked if she could pray with us. It may not have been a big deal to her, but it meant a lot to us.”

Mendy said doctors pumped pond water out of John’s stomach and pushed air into his lungs at a really high rate to help keep his lungs from bleeding. As a result, part of his lung collapsed, requiring a chest tube to be inserted on Tuesday. John describes having the chest tube in as “the worst pain I ever had in my life.”

Ryan and Mendy were able to share a hotel room that was located on John’s floor. The couple took shifts sleeping and staying up with John, who would wake up

every so often and respond as needed and expected.

Just when their strength was really being put to the test, she said, God stepped in, yet again.

Community Support

Word of John’s accident spread quickly throughout the Owensboro, McLean County, and band communities, and two separate prayer vigils were organized by McLean County and the Embrys.

“Our family sat in the living room and prayed and realized how powerful it was for our own (13-year-old) son Caden to pray for his friend,” Embry said of planning the prayer vigil at Owensboro Christian Church (OCC). “We thought, there has got to be a way for these kids to use the power of prayer to show John how much he is loved.”

Members of the boys’ baseball teams, and their opponents, showed up in uniform to demonstrate their support. The OCC middle school sanctuary room was also filled with friends, co-workers, and members of the community, including Alex and Jaxson Moore and Meagan.

Mendy said they had taken John to do

some procedures during this time, so she and Ryan went downstairs and watched the livestream of the prayer service on their phones.

“It was really touching to see people that cared about our family and cared about him too,” Mendy said, adding that they were “overwhelmed in a good way” by the outpouring of support and generous donations given to their family.

“Ryan and I are not ones to take, we are usually the givers,” Mendy said. “People just rallied around us. You don’t really know how big your village is until you need them, and we needed them.”

Mendy said that things began to turn around after the prayer vigils. Physical therapists came in to get John moving and when he stood up for the first time, all of the pond water from his lungs came rushing out of the chest tube.

“He was really in pain, but once he stood up, gravity did its thing and all of

that stopped,” Mendy said. “They took the chest tube out later that day and he was great.”

John used sign language and a whiteboard to communicate until the breathing tube was removed, from there his energy (and appetite) quickly returned. During his week-long hospital stay, a battery of tests were performed to rule out meningitis, Lyme disease, neurological damage, and to rule out cardiac activity versus seizure activity.

Mendy said that in her more vulnerable moments she found comfort in Tasha Layton’s song “Into the Sea,” and it became her constant reminder that everything was going to be okay.

“I thought, ‘God’s got this and he’s going to take care of our kid,’” Mendy said. “I never thought I was going to lose him, I just didn’t know if he would be the same.”

Moving Forward

John came home on Tuesday, July 25 after having an implantable loop recorder (ILR) device, similar to a pacemaker, implanted in his chest to monitor his cardiac activity. He was also sent home on daily seizure medication. Two weeks after returning home, he was cleared to return to normal activity and attended baseball practice. After returning home from the hospital, John had another seizure at school and was diagnosed with epilepsy at his most recent doctor’s appointment.

As far as what the future holds, Mendy said they are glad to have answers. The doctors have given John no physical limitations at this point, and he hopes to return to his normal life and activities.

She said that she does not allow worry about John’s future health to consume her, because she has faith that everything is going to be OK. OP

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

Heroes in the Community, Pillars of Their Families

MEET THREE LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS AND DISCOVER THEIR CALLING TO SERVE OTHERS

Written by Andrea Millay

September 11, 2001. This date has made a lasting impact on the world. No matter where you were, or what you were doing, you watched the news coverage of this fateful day. It was a time of fear and uncertainty. Americans looked for help in every direction possible. Help came. It came wearing a uniform, risking its life to save others.

September 11, 2016. A date I will never forget. After dedicating 27 years of his life to being a first responder himself, my dad,

Jeffrey Millay passed away. How ironic and fitting that he passed on a day both wrecked with pain, but saturated with a feeling of hope and perseverance.

October 28 is National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. In celebration of this special day, and first responders who bravely serve their communities, I will be highlighting three local first responders, sharing their stories and dedication to their families.

Julie DeJarnette PARAMEDIC,

AMR OWENSBORO

Julie was an EMT for 17 years and has been a paramedic for nine. For 21 years, she has dedicated her life to serving Daviess County. Julie’s children have grown up with her as an EMT or paramedic, therefore she had to find a way to balance her professional life with her home life. Julie admits that sometimes the balance

Photos by Jamie Plain

can be difficult, however she makes sure to set time aside a few times each week to focus on her family. As a family, they will eat dinner, play card games, or make s’mores just to have that intentional time together.

“Our oldest son is in college and works his own job, which makes it a little more difficult,” Julie said.

However, Julie still juggles her busy schedule with her children’s schedule to spend as much time together as possible, by making time with family intentionally and not taking overtime shifts on days everyone is free.

Julie’s husband is a deputy sheriff. With both working in emergency services, Julie said the detail to careful decision making their careers require has influenced their parenting.

“Our sons have grown up hearing stories about our jobs and that has helped them make more mindful decisions.”

Julie did say they tried not to shelter their sons from the dangers of the world. She explained that the chaos on the job helps to keep things in perspective when it comes to

raising children. They recognize big versus small and they “try not to sweat the small stuff.”

As for the children in the community, Julie hopes they see her and all other paramedics as a helper and a safe person. She also wants the community to be educated on the EMT and paramedic roles, because they are quite different. EMT provides basic life support, whereas paramedics provide advanced life support. Paramedics can start IVs, administer medications, decompress a collapsed lung, intubate and much more. Most people don’t realize there’s such a big difference in the skill set.

“I want to be viewed as a positive role model to kids, especially young girls,” she said.

When Julie began her career as a paramedic, the profession was predominantly male. She wants to inspire young girls who may find interest in becoming a paramedic or any other emergency responder.

Being a paramedic is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding, as well as dangerous at times. However, it is

very rewarding, Julie said.

“If you are interested in a career in emergency services, by all means do some research,” she said, stressing the importance of making family a priority and focus.

According to Julie, her family and sons needed her more than any employer, so be intentional with your family time, and don’t pick up too many overtime shifts.

Kelsey Skaggs DETECTIVE, DAVIESS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Kelsey has been in law enforcement for almost 10 years, two of those as a detective, and has spent the last year as a supervisor. But the beginning of her career was the most demanding.

“As a new law enforcement officer, there was no balance between work and home, it was all work,” Kelsey said.

As her years of experience grew, Kelsey began to put things in perspective. She learned that life is precious and that if

allowed, she could spend unlimited hours on the job. So, when time comes that she is able to spend it with her family, she does. Her husband and bonus daughter, Presley, understand that if she misses out on a game, dinner, or school event it is because someone else needs her more.

Kelsey and her husband, a former firefighter with Owensboro Fire Department, agree “that in this career, dedicating a few hours to a victim can be life changing.” Therefore, her family supports her in her career and encourages her to help as much and as often as she can.

Kelsey’s parenting has been influenced by her career. She understands that stability, logic, trust, respect, and love all start within the home. She says that no matter how protective or strict you are as a parent, when a child leaves the home, they are able to make their own choices.

Therefore, she says that “a good foundation of being smart, experienced, and stable” sets a child up for success. She wants to encourage her bonus daughter to be free in her innocence, but also to understand

respect for all adults. She believes in open communication and “letting her know what the world is capable of and hoping she never encounters anything less than amazing experiences.” Kelsey is passionate that her career encourages her to hold tight to the small moments and to value her family.

Kelsey wants the children in the community to understand that emergency personnel are human too. Just like most any profession, emergency workers also have families and homes.

“We are just trying to make a positive difference in the world, one call at a time,” she said.

As far as advice for new emergency service workers, Kelsey said, “take care of yourself – it is impossible to “pour from an empty cup.”

Kelsey has a passion for the job that she does. She wants to make sure that when at work, her time and attention is dedicated to the person she is helping. Similarly, when she is not at work she wants that same time and attention to be dedicated to her family.

She wants to “love with every ounce of

her heart and to pour into her family, her kids, her friends, and her animals” as much as she can. She encourages anyone going into a similar career choice, or in a similar career wanting to start a family, to be intentional about the time and attention you have and how you spend it.

Brannon Pendergraft LIEUTENANT, OWENSBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Brannon Pendergraft, a husband and father to three daughters, is a Lieutenant for the Owensboro Fire Department, where he has been for over nine years.

Despite a demanding career, Brannon balances his work schedule with family time through making his job part of his daughters’ lives. His oldest daughter, now 9 years old, has grown up at the fire station. He is gone 24 to 48 hours at a time, so he welcomes his family to the fire station when he is on duty. Brannon says there is a “family feeling”

within the station and families are always welcomed. The girls will also come to City events he is working, like the Owensboro Air Show or Fourth of July fireworks.

His time with his girls is just as intentional off duty.

“When I am home, I spend every moment I can with them. Even if I am simply working in the yard, they are right beside me,” he said.

For young firefighters with children, or those looking to start a family, Brannon said it is important to make the job part of the kids’ lives.

Firefighters miss a third of their children’s lives because of their dedication. Therefore, they miss special moments, like tucking in their children every night. However, there are ways to make up for that time and to fill that void by spending time with them whether it’s intentional on his days off or a quick trip by his wife and girls to the station while he’s on duty.

“I have a lot of titles in my life and firefighter is way down the list, but to them it is their favorite,” he said. “My girls love that their dad is a firefighter.”

Brannon says that the situations he encounters in his line of work has impacted his decisions in parenting. He has trained to be prepared in the worst-case scenarios and he feels like he takes care of his family in the same way.

“If we are at a swim party, I feel like I am always the lifeguard,” he said as an example.

He avoids panic mode at all costs by being prepared for stressful moments.

Brannon wants the children in the community to feel a sigh of relief when they see a firetruck.

“The umbrella of our job is so complex,” he said. “I want people to see us as a ‘safe haven,’ who can help them whatever their problem may be.”

There is an excitement from children when they see a firetruck, flashing its lights. Those lights symbolize a sense of security and safety. Firefighters are seen as heroes in the community, and Brannon wants children to feel that “beacon of hope.”

Being a first responder is a demanding career, but also one of the most rewarding out there. From the daughter of a fireman, who grew up watching him sacrifice time with his family to dedicate his life to another, I know just how demanding it can be. Intentionality is a recurring theme.

Taking every opportunity and moment available to focus on family and children, making lasting, core memories – that is exactly what makes Julie, Kelsey, and Brannon the parents and professionals they are. We honor them this month and always for their dedication to our community and we celebrate them for their dedication to their families. OP

ANDREA MILLAY is an 8th grade teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She is a mother of three and bonus mom to one. She loves to fish, watch her kids play sports and Chick-fil-A.

HALLOWEEN WITH HEART HALLOWEEN WITH HEART How One Family's Spooky Decorations Raise Funds for St. Jude

Written by

Murphy

Paul and Lauren Westerfield have always enjoyed the fall season. Eleven years ago, Paul proposed to Lauren using pumpkins, so it’s no surprise that they enjoy growing a pumpkin patch every year. The couple now involves their two boys, Cooper (7), and Eli (3) and have taken their love of fall a step further into an elaborate Halloween display at their home.

“We have our pumpkin patch at my parent’s house every year,” Lauren said. “We also try to do a Halloween party each year— my mom thinks we are a little crazy.”

But this family of four has found a way for their passion for the season to help others.

Paul, who follows a Home Depot social media page to discover the launch of new products, came across information for Skeletons for St. Jude, a Halloween themed fundraiser that seemed too simple to pass up. At the time, Home Depot was selling these larger than life skeletons as a product on their website.

Skeletons for St. Jude originated in 2020,

when a man from North Carolina placed a St. Jude’s fundraising sign in his yard after a local news station aired his elaborate Halloween display.

According to their website, the efforts of one man evolved into a “nationwide effort of haunters to raise $100,000 dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 2023 Halloween and Holiday seasons, thus bringing the total raised to over a half a million dollars.”

It did not take Paul long to realize he wanted to use the props they had as a fundraiser to raise money, too.

“Last year, we had a lot of people drive by but we didn’t raise as much money as we hoped,” Paul said. “We had a steady flow of traffic, but we only raised about $300.”

Although many came to look at their impressive Halloween display, not many donated, which is something their family is working to change this year.

“We’d love to make a weekend of it like Stonegate does at Christmastime,” Paul said. “If we offer it multiple weekends, we

Laura

// Photo by Jamie Plain

could raise money for them and other nonprofits.”

Ultimately, the Westerfield family wants to use their tradition of decorating their yard with a giant skeleton, lights and displays into a tool for helping the community.

“I like to see the joy on the kids’ faces when I do it,” Paul said. “Our Christmas display is not as big yet, but we have enjoyed working on the Skeletons for St. Jude display. One little girl drives by with her grandma everyday.”

The display began to take shape starting August 1 with lots of new additions this year. There is a fubble machine, which is a combination of bubbles with fog, along with a Hocus Pocus movie playing outside and a 12foot skeleton to grab the attention of

those who pass.

The family also created homemade tombstones, pumpkin arches, graveyard columns, the front of a haunted house, and places for photo opportunities.

Turning this into a full family event, the Westerfields said their children are very involved and helped to make some of the decorations for this year’s display. This mom and dad said it is important for their family to support a good cause, but it is equally as important to instill the power of hardwork and community into their children.

“I was taught at a young age to be a hard worker. They are learning to be hands on and they want to build stuff, learn and do things,” Paul said. “But we are also teaching them there are kids

out there that do not have what they have. We want to teach them about charity because there are people out there that are less fortunate than them. Our goal is to be good parents and give them life lessons through everything we do.”

As far as future plans, the Westerfields have brainstormed having connections to local Halloween businesses such as Ghostly Productions and asking food trucks to get involved.

If you would like to visit the Westerfield’s Halloween display, their home is located off Reid Road on Carlsbad Lane near the Thruston Philpot Fire Station. Signs will be displayed on how you can donate to St. Jude. OP

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

THE PERFECT PICK

THE PERFECT PICK

Sasquash

A new pumpkin patch open on Daviess County’s east side by way of Sasquash Pumpkin Farm. Owned and operated by Vic Hearne and family, the farm boasts over 15 varieties of pumpkins, with some giant ones approaching 100 pounds.

Located at 2927 KY-142, the farm offers a family atmosphere with ample opportunities for adults and kids to take home a pumpkin. Hearne said they also have several photo opportunities, baked goods, and more.

“This is our first year,” Hearne said. “My son, Joe, had the idea of putting in a pumpkin patch and creating a family-friendly experience.”

The family opened the pumpkin patch to the public on September 16. Along with traditional varieties typically used for jack-o-lanterns, he said they have several decorative options as well.

Written by John Kirkpatrick

Joe Hearne and his wife moved back to Owensboro to be

Photos provided by Sasquash Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch opens on county's east side, offering 15 varieties of pumpkins

closer to family. Initially, they wanted to build a home on the piece of property where the patch sits, but after surveys, blueprints, and more, they decided it wasn’t economically feasible.

Instead, they purchased a home and some land on the outskirts of Owensboro but continually looked for opportunities to capitalize on the Philpot property. As a family, the Hearnes have always been dedicated pumpkin patch visitors, especially in Louisville, and they wanted to bring that same magic back to Owensboro with them.

“After we bought the home and land outside of town, we didn’t know what to do with the other land we had purchased,” Joe said. “We were always going to pumpkin patches in Louisville, so I told my dad we should look into it.”

The property where Sasquash sits has been in the family for decades, so it seemed fitting that the project would be a family operation. Joe put his graphic design skills to work and began drafting a logo and creating a web presence.

“I spent a small amount of money in advertising, and overnight, it blew up,” he said. “I had a digital marketing guy reach out, and he told me the engagement was what most businesses hope to have after three to five years. We just wanted it to be a small and fun thing to do, but it’s turned out to be much more.”

The family arrived at the name because of the many reported Sasquatch sightings in the area during the 60s and 70s. Pair that with the fact that pumpkins are a type of squash, and it’s the perfect play on words.

“There’s a fascination with the concept of Big Foot,” Joe said. “Folks are captivated by the icon. We’ve sold stickers, t-shirts, and more. You might even see a Sasquatch roaming the property,”

Sasquash has no events planned for the Fall, but they are considering pumpkin-chucking contests, hayrides, and more in the future.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to provide a unique spin on the pumpkin patch concept,” Hearne said. “One of the ways we sought to do this was through providing something more than the common field pumpkin.”

The farm offers unique varieties, including Big Maxes, which reach 100 pounds;

Fireballs, which boast beautiful colors; and Polar Bears, which are solid white. Joe attributed the overwhelmingly positive responses to people’s desire to experience new things and share those experiences with friends and family.

“We live in a world where social media is everything,” Joe said. “People take pride in their digital presence and want to show their friends and family that they’re doing fun and unique things. Sasquash is the perfect atmosphere to take photos, make memories, and enjoy time with friends and families.”

For more information about Sasquash Pumpkin Farm, visit them on Facebook. OP

JOHN KIRKPATRICK is Director of Public Relations for Brewco Marketing Group and a contributing writer for Owensboro Parent, Owensboro Living, GO Chamber, and the Owensboro Times. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Tara, and daughter, Laney.

We are excited to announce the winners of our 2023 Owensboro Parent Family Favorites contest, where you, our loyal and trustworthy readers, have the opportunity to make your voices heard. Hundreds of you cast your votes for your favorite local spots — from pediatrician to preschools, and sweet treats to boutiques. Take a look at all of the Family Favorites and see if your choices made the cut.

Favorite Kids

Eat Free Location & Kid-Friendly Restaurant BEEF O’BRADY’S

With a game room, some of the friendliest staff and of course, delicious food, it’s no wonder this is a kid favorite! And parents love a good deal! Every Sunday between 4 - 8 p.m., kids can enjoy a free kids meal at Beef’s! The offer is only available kids 12 & under when dining in with an adult meal purchase.

Favorite Kids’ Breakfast Spot DEE'S DINER

It’s no wonder that Dee’s Diner is Owensboro’s favorite family breakfast! Their food is delicious, but kids love their giant, fluffy pancakes!

Kids’ Favorite Donut Shop ROLLING PIN

Rolling Pin has been making their famous donuts in the heart of Owensboro for over 70 years. It’s their commitment to excellent fresh baked quality and exceptional customer service that keep Owensboro families lined out the door!

Kids’ Favorite Snowcone KONA ICE

The beauty of Kona? Choose as many flavors as you want! From Tiger's Blood to Monster Mango, create the flavor combinations of your dreams!

Kids’ Favorite Pizza Place DONATOS

Donatos pizza stands out for its delectable combination of premium ingredients, a perfect blend of cheeses, and a signature crispy yet soft thin crust, delivering an irresistibly delicious taste in every bite.

Kids’ Favorite Smoothie TROPICAL SMOOTHIE

Families love Tropical Smoothie Cafe because it offers a tasty and healthy menu featuring colorful smoothies, wraps, and bowls that make every visit feel like a tropical vacation for their taste buds!

Favorite Birthday Cake

BECCA BAKES

Becca Bakes owner Rebecca Westerfield started baking for a few close friends. Those friends began to tell their friends, those friends told their friends and as they say, the rest is history. Each cake is baked like she is doing it for her closest friend — and you can taste that in every bite! Check out Becca Bakes at her storefront, located at 4026 Frederica Street.

Favorite Family Food Truck

J’S GOOD GRUB

Favorite Sweet Treat ORANGE LEAF

Kids love Orange Leaf because it lets them create their own delicious frozen yogurt creations with a variety of flavors and toppings, turning dessert into a sweet, customizable adventure.

J’s Good Grub is owned by Jeremy “Jay” Johnson, and since launching in 2018 the food truck has done nothing but expand on its instant loyal following. J’s specializes in fresh, flavor-packed soul food and is wellknown for its Cajun ranch fries and boom boom shrimp.

Favorite Place for Swim Lessons

OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK

Whether you have a child who’s new to the water or you’d like to brush up on your stroke skills, private swim lessons are available year-round at the Owensboro Health Healthpark for 1-year-olds through senior adults with instructors who will tailor lessons to your needs and pace.

Favorite Gym with Child Care OAC

OAC offers a quality, clean gym daycare that allows kids room to run and is baby and toddler friendly with toys galore. Why? OAC says “Because the kids deserve it and our parents need it. We got you!”

Favorite Gymnastics Center

OWENSBORO GYMNASTICS

Owensboro Gymnast offers classes year round. Classes include balance beam, bars, vault, and tumbling.

Favorite Youth Sports League

OWENSBORO DAVIESS COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ODC Youth Football League is a non-profit organization formed in 1972 for football for ages 4-12 and cheerleading for age 5-12. ODC Football is home to over 1,000 players with over 45 teams for football and 250 cheerleaders.

Favorite Kids Theater Program

THEATRE WORKSHOP OF OWENSBORO

TWO exposes young people to new vocabulary and ways of communicating. Through the arts of dance, acting, and music, children learn how to communicate in a variety of unique ways.

Favorite Kids Art Class

ART LAB

Art Lab Owensboro exists to provide high quality art and STEM activities to children. They have structured their lab for flexibility to provide opportunities that will work for almost everyone. Art Lab offers everything from one-time experiences and weekly lessons to private parties.

Favorite Dance School

JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO

Whether your child wishes to make dance a profession or participates only for enjoyment and exercise, Johnson's Dance Studio has highly trained and professional instructors. Their studio offers a complete curriculum ranging in courses for the preschool student through the advanced professional. Great care and individual attention is given in nurturing the abilities of each student to their fullest potential.

Favorite Kids Music Program

KINDERMUSIK SPROUT & SING

Kindermusik Sprout and Sing is a Family Favorite because it provides a joyful and educational experience that nurtures children’s development through the magic of music and movement, creating treasured memories for parents and kids alike.

Favorite Orthodontist Office

WEDDING ORTHODONTICS

Wedding Orthodontics focuses entirely on delivering a beautiful smile that gives you confidence to face the world. “We know you are going to do big things, and we are grateful to play a small part in supporting you.”

Favorite Pediatrician Office

OWENSBORO PEDIATRICS

The doctors at Owensboro Pediatrics are committed to providing comprehensive medical care to children and adolescents in a caring and supportive environment. They value long-term relationships with their patients and their families.

Favorite Family Dental Office

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF OWENSBORO

Dr. Jay Crews and Dr. Patrick Gilbert are boardcertified pediatric dentists who specialize in providing comprehensive care for kids from infancy through their teen years, including special needs children.

Favorite OBGYN

DR. SUZANNE RASHIDIAN

Dr. Suzanne Rashidian believes in rising above the conventional, empowering women, and delivering exceptional patient care. She is committed to treating patients with respect and compassion while also emphasizing the importance of honest communication.

Favorite Mental Health Care Office

RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

River Valley Behavioral Health excels by providing comprehensive, compassionate mental health and addiction services that are tailored to individual needs, ultimately helping clients achieve better mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Favorite Allergy Office

ALLERGY & ASTHMA

For over 20 years now, Allergy & Asthma Specialists have been treating the residents of Owensboro and the surrounding regions for all manner of allergic diseases, asthma, and immunologic disorders. They believe in a personalized approach to patient care and they tailor treatment plans to meet the individual patient’s needs. They strive to treat all patients as they would treat their own family.

Favorite Urgent Care GATEWAY

With two convenient Owensboro locations, Gateway Urgent Care provides everyday family healthcare for ALL ages. They average a 16-minute wait time and are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Favorite Newborn/ Family Photographer

REFLECTIONS BY TALEA

Reflections By Talea Photography provides clients with custom, organic portraiture specializing in maternity, newborns, baby and family!

Favorite Place for Moms to Get Pampered

ALL ABOUT YOU SALON

All About You Salon has earned its reputation as the ultimate haven for moms, offering a serene escape where they can pamper themselves with top-notch hair and beauty treatments. With a dedicated and skilled team, relaxing ambiance, and a range of services tailored to mom’s needs, it’s the go-to destination for a well-deserved dose of self-care.

Favorite Place for Fun on the Farm

REID’S ORCHARD

Reid’s Orchard has been an Owensboro landmark for 150 years. From apple picking and the Reidland Play Area to market days and the Apple Express, Reid’s is a cherished destination for creating lasting memories together.

Favorite Place for Family Fun & Birthday Party Location

ELITE AIR

Featuring nearly 80 trampolines of different sizes, shapes and purposes, Elite Air is a great place for family fun! Being a family-owned trampoline park, they know just how important it is to do things together. And they offer a variety of packages that make this an ideal venue for a kid’s birthday party!

Favorite Kids Consignment Store

ROBIN’S RESALE & BOUTIQUE

Robin’s is a Christian run business that offers consignment for the entire family, as well as new, trendy boutique clothes for women sizes small through 3X. Embroidery and monogramming is also available.

Favorite Kids Shoe Store SHOE STOP

Shoe Stop is a locally owned family shoe store with shoes for men, women and children. Unmatched customer service and trendy style options make this an Owensboro must-shop location and family favorite!

Favorite Boutique for Moms BELLA RAGAZZA BOUTIQUE

A unique boutique that carries styles at affordable prices in a variety of sizes, with an elegant atmosphere and a welcoming and friendly experience.

Favorite Place for a Kid’s Haircut KLUTCH

With experienced barbers and a trendy atmosphere, Klutch is Owensboro’s favorite place to get a haircut! You don’t want to miss out on this one-of-kind barbershop haircut experience.

Favorite Summer Camp

CONNECT CAMPS

Connect Camps is a one-week, day camp for K-5th graders, filled with non-stop fun, engaging activities, daily faith-based lessons, and the chance to make lasting friendships. Your campers are sure to have an unbelievable week that they’ll never forget!

Favorite Place for Rainy Day Fun

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Daviess County Public Library provides residents the means to pursue lifelong learning and that starts with children! With reading programs, activities, a wide range of books and a very cool play area, DCPL is a great place to spend a rainy day!

Favorite Spray Park

HORSE FORK CREEK SPRAY PARK

With 23 individual spray features, frog, Cattail Twirl and a 20-ft. tall dumping bucket, the Spray Park at Horse Fork Creek Park is a kid’s dream come true! The addition of an accessible playground makes the park perfect for all kids to enjoy!

Favorite Place to Take a Family Hike

YELLOW CREEK PARK

Nestled along the wooded banks of Yellow Creek at Thruston, the 152 acre park features hiking trails, multipurpose sports areas, the Lambert Pioneer Village, and several outdoor pavilions. Other amenities that set Yellow Creek Park apart from other area parks include a swinging bridge, a refurbished one room school house, a stocked 7 acre lake, and multiple walking trails.

Favorite Park SMOTHERS PARK

Smother’s Park is undeniably a family favorite, known for its dynamic playgrounds, refreshing water features, and stunning riverside views that provide endless hours of entertainment and relaxation. Whether it’s picnicking in the shaded pavilions, splashing in the fountains, or taking in the river’s tranquility, this beloved park has something to delight family members of all ages.

Favorite Family Event ROMP

Families love ROMP for its captivating blend of live bluegrass music, interactive workshops, and a welcoming, festive atmosphere that creates unforgettable moments for music enthusiasts of all ages.

Favorite Daycare CHARLOTTE’S WEB PRESCHOOL & NURSERY

The educators at Charlotte’s Web believe that curriculum is everything that happens in the classroom — from meal time and playing to interacting with peers and lesson time. The trained staff never misses an opportunity to blend play with early education curriculum.

Favorite Preschool

SETTLE MEMORIAL PRESCHOOL

Settle Preschool offers a Christian environment for 3-year-olds through pre-kindergarten. Their goal is to offer a program rich in activities that promote the development of academic, social, emotional, and artistic skills. Their trained and certified staff facilitates individual and group instruction experiences. The preschool program is designed to be a partnership with families, for students to continue learning and growing at home.

Favorite Private School

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC

Owensboro Catholic Schools provide a quality education to its students in a disciplined, safe environment that is rich in tradition. They offer students and their parents a family atmosphere, challenging curriculum, caring and professional teachers and opportunities for spiritual and academic growth.

Favorite Elementary School

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC K-3 CAMPUS

The Owensboro Catholic K-3 Campus incorporates aspects of Catholic faith into their hands-on, engaging projects. Students learn innovation and strategic-thinking by creating, designing, and collaborating with peers. Students apply content knowledge and 21st century skills including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity to solve real-world problems.

Favorite Middle School

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL

At Owensboro Catholic Middle School, the goal is to foster the academic and spiritual growth of each student who enters the building. Faith is their number one priority but is followed closely by academics. They offer a variety of academic enrichment experiences including high school level courses as well as a smaller more conducive learning environment. Their students have demonstrated their academic success and have a variety of extracurricular activities to be involved in and expand on their talents both in and out of the classroom.

Favorite Principal

KRISTIN MILLER, OCS K-3

Kristin Miller is the principal of the Owensboro Catholic K-3 Campus. She has been with the Owensboro Catholic School system for 10 years. According to Miller, “K-3 is such a special school, full of much joy and enthusiasm for learning! I look forward to continuing to support our outstanding teachers and staff in their roles as we nurture our young students’ growth in faith and academics.”

Favorite Teacher

JEFF FRITZ, OCHS

Jeff Fritz has been a teacher at Owensboro Catholic High School for 31 years. He teaches a variety of math classes, is the Math Department Chairperson, co-sponsor of National Honor Society, and the assistant Bookstore Manager.

Favorite School Staff Member ASHLEY FULKERSON, ST MARYS OF THE WOODS

Ashley has been the administrative assistant at St. Mary of the Woods School since 2019. She always has a smile on her face to greet visitors that come into the school, and is always willing to help anywhere she can. Ashley keeps the school running smoothly and is a blessing to everyone!

Favorite High School

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Owensboro Catholic High School excels by fostering a culture of academic excellence and strong community bonds, while prioritizing individualized support for each student, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

Favorite Family Bank INDEPENDENCE BANK

Independence Bank is a great family bank due to its commitment to personalized service, community involvement, and a wide range of financial solutions that cater to the diverse needs of families, helping them achieve their financial goals and build a brighter future.

Favorite Family Insurance Provider

SETH LAWSON STATE FARM

Seth Lawson with State Farm is a great choice for families because he offers a wide range of insurance and financial services tailored to individual family needs, providing peace of mind and financial security for all stages of life.

Favorite Family Financial Advisor Office BAIRD

Baird is an excellent financial advisor for families because they provide personalized financial planning and investment strategies that prioritize a secure and prosperous future, aligning with the unique goals and values of each family.

Reading is Spooktacular!

Written by Katie Albers

Now the evenings grow dark much sooner And the shadows of the night are found. And the winds blow upon us much cooler. The leaves rustle as they float to the ground.

Gather your family one and all And be sure to turn down the light! Because nature reminds us that fall Is the season for stories of fright!

GHOULISH LEGENDS TO SHARE!

Campfire Stories for Kids

by Nicole Goodman

LAUGH IF YOU DARE!

The Ghosts Go Haunting

by Helen Ketteman

CHOOSE YOUR PATH WITH CARE

Hauntings and Heists

by Dan Poblocki

YOU BEST BEWARE!

The Bell Witch: Ghost of Tennessee

by Matt Bougie

Ghosts and Goblins

by Maggie Pearson

As a family, choose a keyword like “autumn” or “pumpkin” or “turkey” or any other word of interest.

Take a family trip to the library and search for books with your keyword in the title.

How many books can you find?

How many of those books can you read together in October and November?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

Adapted by Jeff

Zornow

Skeleton Hiccups

by Margery Cuyler

No Such Thing

by Ella Bailey

Ghost Island

by Shannon Gilligan

Pop-Up Surprise Haunted House by

Roger Priddy

Strange Sights in the White House and Other Hauntings in Washington, D.C.

by Megan Cooley Peterson

Ghosts in North America by

Paige V. Polinsky

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).

Owensboro Health Grows Pediatric Services

at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has worked to become a Pediatric Ready Certified Facility. Pediatric Readiness systematically includes pediatric-specific needs in all aspects of emergency department care. This means that everyone in the care team, including transporters and EMS, has the right pediatric equipment and knowledge to care for pediatric patients. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital’s emergency department is one of 10 facilities in Kentucky that have this unique certification and the only one in western Kentucky.

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is expanding its pediatric services to provide better care for our youngest patients. The hospital has pediatric hospitalists, child life specialists and pediatric-ready status. Those services, along with a level III neonatal intensive care unit and partnerships with other facilities for even higher levels of care, mean you can depend on Owensboro Health if your child needs care.

Pediatric Hospitalists

Heather Johnson, MD (pictured on right) and Rayana Johnson, MD (on left), are pediatric hospitalists at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. These doctors see hospitalized patients under the age of 18. Both physicians manage the dayto-day care of these young patients and provide prompt and complete attention to all their care needs, including diagnosis and treatment. They treat conditions such as asthma, gastrointestinal conditions, respiratory disorders, wound infections and many other common pediatric conditions. The patients are also cared for by pediatrictrained registered nurses.

Child Life Specialists

The goal of a certified child life specialist is to reduce the stress and anxiety children and families experience in a healthcare setting. The specialists are experts in child development and help pediatric patients cope through education, preparation and play. They demonstrate items the child may see, hear and feel before a procedure. For example, they show them the sterile towels, let them feel the saline and that it does not burn, and let the child touch any of the items used. This is especially true for anxiety-inducing tests like a CT, when a specialist can show the patient a video of another child getting the test and explaining what to expect. This can also calm parents’ worries during the visit.

Owensboro Health has partnered with Brescia University’s workforce development program to train up to 10 team members simultaneously with these special child-centric skills. This innovation in training allows the emergency department to provide child life services around the clock, seven days per week.

Pediatric Readiness

The emergency department team

OHRH has also added a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, Patience Naderian, to support interdisciplinary staff members in achieving optimal pediatric care and outcomes. Her extensive pediatric background is a monumental asset to Owensboro Health.

Level III NICU

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has a licensed level III neonatal intensive care unit that serves sick and/ or preterm babies 27 weeks and older. In the NICU, babies have a single patient room with a home-like environment to help the family prepare for home. With the help and support from Owensboro Health Foundation, the NICU is supplied with state-of-the-art equipment to be able to provide high-quality patient care to the area. The NICU is staffed 24/7 with a neonatologist and a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Partnerships for Higher Care

OHRH partners with nearby pediatric hospitals should a patient need a higher level of care. Partnerships and collaboration mean better care for everyone.

Learn more about pediatrics at Owensboro Health by visiting OwensboroHealth.org/Pediatrics. OP

Spooktacular Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating Creative Halloween Fun for Families

Halloween is a time of year when families come together to celebrate all things spooky and fun. While traditional trick-or-treating is a beloved tradition for many, there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy the holiday without hitting the streets in search of candy. Whether you want to stay close to home or venture into the great outdoors, these Halloween ideas for families offer a memorable and safe way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, put on your costumes, embrace the Halloween spirit, and let’s explore these creative alternatives to trickor-treating!

HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT

Set up an outdoor or indoor movie screening area and host a Halloween movie night for the family. Choose a lineup of age-appropriate spooky or notso-spooky Halloween movies, provide comfy seating, and offer popcorn and Halloweenthemed snacks for a cozy night in. You can even encourage everyone to dress up in costumes for the occasion.

Backyard Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Organize a pumpkin decorating contest in your backyard. Each family member can pick a pumpkin and decorate it using paints, markers, or craft supplies. Get creative with the designs and themes, and then have a contest to see who has the spookiest, funniest, or most imaginative pumpkin. Award small prizes to the winners.

HAUNTED SCAVENGER HUNT

Create a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard. Craft clues, riddles, or puzzles related to Halloween and hide them in different locations. Family members can work together to solve the clues and find hidden treats or surprises. Make it more thrilling by turning off the lights and using flashlights for added ambiance.

These Halloween activities provide a fun and safe way for families to celebrate the holiday without traditional trick-or-treating. They also encourage creativity, teamwork, and quality bonding time. So, get ready to enjoy a Halloween filled with laughter, excitement, and spooky surprises! OP

FIVE FAMILY-FOCUSED GRATITUDE PRACTICES to Consider Before Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to foster a sense of gratitude within your family. Here are five simple ideas to help you cultivate an attitude of thankfulness before the holiday arrives:

Gratitude Jar

Place an empty jar in a central location in your home along with some small pieces of paper and pens. Encourage family members to write down something they’re thankful for every day and drop it in the jar. On Thanksgiving, take turns reading these notes aloud as a heartwarming reminder of your family’s blessings.

Thankful Art Project

Provide art supplies like paper,

markers, paints, and colored pencils. Ask each family member to create a piece of artwork that represents something they are thankful for. Hang these creations around the house as a visual reminder of gratitude.

Family Gratitude Journal

Dedicate a notebook as your family’s gratitude journal. Set aside a few minutes each day for family members to jot down what they are thankful for. Share these entries with each other regularly, reinforcing the importance of gratitude.

Random Acts of Kindness

Challenge your family to perform random acts of kindness for others. These acts could be as simple as

writing thank-you notes to teachers, neighbors, or local essential workers. Doing good for others often reminds us of our own blessings.

Grateful Gathering

Host a family meeting where each member shares something they are thankful for and why. Encourage everyone to actively listen and express appreciation for each other’s thoughts. This practice helps build stronger family connections and reinforces gratitude.

By incorporating these gratitudefocused activities into your family’s routine, you’ll not only set a positive tone for Thanksgiving but also foster a culture of thankfulness that can endure throughout the year. OP

Out & About

LOCAL THINGS TO DO this season

DCPL’S BABY/TODDLER STORYTIME

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS 9:30 DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

Pumpkin and Pickle Festival

SATURDAY, OCT 21 9 A.M. – 6 P.M.

SUNDAY, OCT. 22 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. THE COTTAGE

Corn maze, pumpkin patch, over 100 arts & crafts and home based business vendors, pony rides, petting zoo, many food options including many pickle themed foods, pumpkin painting, and petting zoo. Live entertainment will be performing all day, both days. Some of the local favorites include Anabelle Whitledge, Dakota Hayden and Emmalee Chinn with many more.

DCPL’s Preschool Storytime

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS 10:30 DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

2023 GRADSA BUDDY WALK

OCTOBER 21 FROM 10 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to come join and help us celebrate our incredibly ABLE Buddies that are rocking their extra chromosomes! This is a free event, all donations are appreciated as this is GRADSA’s largest fundraiser of the year. Enjoy inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, pumpkins, a talent show showcasing some of the buddies’ talents, and GRADSA’s very special All Abilities Dance team.

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Harvest Festival

(Formerly Reid’s Apple Fest)

OCTOBER 21 - 22

DAVIESS COUNTY LIONS CLUB FAIRGROUNDS

The Daviess County Lions Club is excited to take over the Reid’s Apple Festival, rebranding the event to the Harvest Festival, to be held at the Daviess County Lions Club Fairgrounds. Visitors can expect craft and food vendors and great family fun!

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SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO

OCTOBER 21 FROM 12 - 3 P.M.

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

Wendell Foster’s Special Needs Expo is an opportunity for community agencies to collaborate in providing information about resources and services that will assist families in supporting a loved one with a disability.

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TRAIL OF TREATS

OCTOBER 26 FROM 5:30 - 8 P.M.

DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO

The family-friendly event will consist of over 60 booths sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Children and families will be able to trick-or-treat downtown while enjoying music and meet-and-greets from some of their favorite characters. The event will span both West 2nd St. and Veterans Blvd. from Daviess St. to Frederica St.

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PIGTAILS & COWLICKS FALL CONSIGNMENT SALE

OCTOBER 27OCTOBER 28

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER {

Stretch your budget! 500 families will be selling new or gently used children’s items at amazing prices at the Pigtails & Cowlicks Children’s Consignment Sale! Clothing, toys, furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, boutique, and more. ALL for kids – from babies to teens!

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Owensboro - Daviess County Christmas Parade

NOVEMBER 18 FROM 4:30 - 7 P.M. DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO

The Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade is where Kentucky starts Christmas! The theme for this year’s parade is “The Gift of Christmas.”

kids meal deals

EVERY DAY

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

MONDAY

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn - Up to 2 kids eat free (ages 10 & under) from 4-9pm with adult buffet purchase

Zaxby’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal from 5-8pm

Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée

TUESDAY

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

Fazoli’s – Up to 3 99¢ kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée

Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich

Huddle House – 1 free kids meal when you spend $6.99 or more on adult entrée

McDonald’s – $1.99 Happy meals from 4-7pm; dine-in only

THURSDAY

Dairy Queen (Frederica Location) – Up to 2 $1.99 kids meals

Trunnell’s 54 Deli – 1 free kids meal with the purchase of a signature sandwich

SATURDAY

Lure Seafood & Grille – Free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée

Freddy’s – Free scoop or cone with the purchase of a kids meal on Family Night. Kids can enjoy coloring pages, crayons, balloons and stickers!

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

Wheatgrass Juice Bar – Free kids smoothie with adult purchase

SUNDAY

Salsarita’s – Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée; dine in only

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

on the honor roll?

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

Ritzy’s (Both locations) – Ritzy’s has a “Scoops for Scholars” program. Students can bring in their report card each grading period to earn treats for each “A.”

1A = flavored soft drink (cherry, vanilla, or chocolate)

2 A's = single scoop of ice cream

3 A's = your choice of a hotdog, coney, hamburger, or cheeseburger

4 A's = double scoop of ice cream

McDonald’s – All five Owensboro McDonald’s decided this school year that they will award a free Happy Meal to any student who gets straight A's on their report card.

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

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

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

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

First Day of SCHOOL!

First Day of SCHOOL!

First Day of SCHOOL!