Owensboro Parent - August 2012

August 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 1www.OwensboroParent.com

3 OWENSBORO PARENT . August 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com


Jordan Grace Hayden

Jordan passed away after more than three months of battling

complications caused by HLHS, a rare heart defect. Jordan Grace

touched so many people in her short life, including us at Owensboro

Parent. We were honored to feature her story in our magazine. Our

thoughts and prayers go out to the Hayden family.

M a r c h 2 1 , 2 0 1 2 - J u l y 1 2 , 2 0 1 2

T h i s i s s u e d e d i c a t e d t o

This issue marks our one year anniversary. One year ago to the release of this issue we introduced Owensboro Parent magazine to the community. We didn’t know how people would react, but we believed in the message and we believed in the method. As a team, we felt strongly that if we produced a publication with unwavering commitment to quality and honesty that others would join in our vision. And they did.

So today, let me take a moment to say “thank you.”

Thank you to each and everyone who has read an issue and shared it with friends and family. Thank you to all who have contributed to our online conversations through our website and our Facebook page. Your voice is heard loud and clear. Thank you.

Thank you to each of the advertisers who believed in us and supported us through the past twelve issues. Thank you for allowing us to represent your businesses while helping us build our platform. There is no way Owensboro Parent is possible without you. Thank you.

To the families that were featured in months past. Thank you for allowing us to tell your story. Your lives and life experiences have inspired our town. To some, our hearts were broken for you. And to others, we have rejoiced for you. Thank you.

Let me not fail to thank the Owensboro Parent team. Ashley, Jeff, Robert, Jodi, Jonathan and Taylor, you guys are the best! And to all the writers, photographers and printing staff, thank you.

Lastly, I want to thank my wife. Natalie, you fully embody what it is to be a parent. The love you show our children is unconditional and selfless. You are the driving force behind this magazine.

Thank you,

Publisher, Owensboro Parent [email protected]

P.S. Wondering who that cute group of kids is on cover? Those are the little ones of the Owensboro Parent team. They are the inspiration and the research department. And don’t let those smiles fool you, this was one tough photo to take!

Publisher/Creative Director

Jason Tanner

[email protected]

Editor

Ashley Sorce

[email protected]

Account Executives

Jeff Sorce

[email protected]

Jodi Tanner

[email protected]

Jonathan Tanner

[email protected]

Robert Williams

[email protected]

Graphic Designer

Taylor West

[email protected]

Contributors

Christina Dalton

Casey Hamilton

Danny May

Jaime Rafferty

Christy Ramey

Lora Wimsatt

Contact Information

Owensboro Parent Magazine

PO Box 23237

Owensboro, KY 42304

(270) 314-5240

www.owensboroparent.com

facebook.com/owensboroparent

twitter.com/owensboroparent

issuu.com/owensboroparent

Cover Photography

Jason Tanner

Cover Models

L to R: Ella Tanner, Lydia Tanner,

Ethan Tanner, Wilson Williams,

Emmie Williams, Avery Sorce.

Advertise

Owensboro Parent is a FREE

magazine because of community

support.

Thank you to the great group of

businesses & organizations who

advertise with us.

If you want to contribute to the

success of our magazine, we

would love to hear from you and

will work to develop an

advertising partnership that will

not only benefit you, but also the

parents of Owensboro.

from the publisher

august 2012


back to school [8]

college days! [10]

pop quiz [12]

ready or not [14]

family adventure [16]

reduce allergies and asthma [18]

single mothers [20]

[24] vision and eye exams

[26] hope floats

[28] smothers park

[32] facebook photos

[34] behind the billboards

[38] character counts

[40] august calendar

[34]

[12]

[28][10]

[26]

[08]

[38]

august features

[10]


We always have ice cream for breakfast for a birthday. Birthdays are

very special in our family! - Meghan Spurrier

At our house it is all about the birthday boy or girl. They pick out their

special birthday dinner for Mamaw’s house and we spend the day

doing the things they love best. The kids love staying at a hotel and

they have choosen a little weekend vacation in lieu of a big party for

the past couple years. - Sarah Johnson

With four kids and three birthdays so close together and right before

Christmas, we don’t have huge parties. Each child gets to help

bake and decorate their own cake--whatever flavor they want and

homemade! They get to choose what’s for dinner on their special day

and have a friend over to spend the night. They love decorating their

own cake so much and get more creative each time!

- Lou Ann Bearley

This month Owensboro Parent is celebrating our first birthday! That’s why we

asked you how you celebrate birthdays in your family. Here are a few of our favorite

Facebook responses and winners of tickets to Malco’s Summer Kids Film Fest.

parent talk

august 2012


schoolback to

{ b y : l o r a w i m s a t t }

Academic growth

is important! But

school involves so

much more than

a child’s progress

from learning

his ABC’s to

understanding the

nuances of classic

literature.

And children across the Owensboro / Daviess County

community are filling their backpacks with sharp pencils,

new crayons and smooth, clean paper.

Parents remind their children to do their best this year … to put

forth their best effort, to explore and learn and grow.

Most children have a “favorite subject” in school.

It’s easy to build on their natural enthusiasm for that

subject, whether it’s reading, science, social studies,

music, art, physical education or anything else.

Academic growth is important! But school

involves so much more than a child’s progress from

learning his ABC’s to understanding the nuances of

classic literature. The classroom is also a “garden

spot” for a child’s social development as well.

Students of all ages – from the 3-year-old

preschooler to the high school senior – learn

important, lifelong lessons at school in areas that

don’t show up on any report card. These are the

lessons involving relationships.

So as children of all ages and all grade levels are preparing for

“back to school,” Moms and Dads can take this opportunity to

gently encourage their sons and daughters to excel in the area of

“mathematics” – but not the math that has anything to do with

numbers and calculators and algebra.

An anonymous poem says it best:

“A friend should be mathematical –

He should multiply the joy,

Divide the sorrow,

Subtract the past

Add to tomorrow.

Calculate the need

Deep in your heart

And always be bigger

Than the sum of your parts.”

Help your child learn a lesson that will have

more of a positive impact on his or her life than all

the homework in the world.

Teach him to multiply the joy – to congratulate the kid who

wins the race in gym, compliment the kid with the amazing science

fair project, celebrate with the student who knew that polar bears

family life


are invisible to infrared cameras because of their transparent

hair.

Encourage your child to divide the sorrow – to speak to the shy

new kid who just moved to town, cheer on the kid who always

strikes out in kickball, take the seat next to the kid who is sitting

alone on the school bus.

Urge her to subtract the past – to not remind anyone at high

school about the kid who threw up in kindergarten, make an

effort to be friends with the kid who wasn’t easy to get along with

last year, and invite everyone to her birthday party – even the girl

who stole her BFF.

Teach him to add to tomorrow – to offer to be a “study buddy”

for the kid who never gets 100 on the spelling test, meet for extra

practice with the kid who is their main competition for “first

chair” in orchestra, look for opportunities to share genuine

compliments and words of encouragement to those who need it

most.

“Back to School” is the perfect opportunity to remind your

child – sometimes the most valuable lessons we learn in life are

those that are not graded.

Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She enjoys the everyday

blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.

OP


“To educate a person in mind and not in

morals is to educate a menace to society.”

Theodore Roosevelt

family life

collegedays! Everyone at our house loves this time

of year (well, everyone but my husband

David). It’s not because of the weather

or going to the pool, but rather because

it’s “Back to School” time. Although my

daughters, Kaitlyn, 22, and Kendall, 18, no

longer need to load up on school supplies,

we still anticipate the displays and crowded

aisles filled with paper, pencils, folders, and

all of the latest Crayola crayon products.

However, this year back to school looks quite

different for our family. Kaitlyn, who graduated

from college this past spring, is returning to continue

her education in a masters program and is thrilled

to have her first apartment. Kendall, on the other

hand, just graduated from high school and will begin

a new adventure as a college student in a few weeks.

Needless to say, our school supply list has changed

from markers and folders to comforters and towels,

college-size refrigerators, and a plethora of storage

bins.

Being the parent of a child who is graduating

brings mixed responses from others. The most

often heard is “Oh, how sad that your daughter is

leaving home!” On the contrary, I feel we must have

a positive attitude and view this as a developmental

milestone for our children, much like learning

to walk, talk, the first day of school, and getting a

drivers license. Each of these stages evokes precious

memories, but we know as parents that we can’t

freeze time. Although separation is difficult for both

the parents and child, we must embrace this amazing

opportunity for our children. Just as I was thrilled to

watch the girls climb on that big yellow bus as they

entered kindergarten, I know that it was equally

exciting to get a phone call from Kaitlyn about an

awesome grade on a mid-term or being elected as

an officer in her sorority. Presently, Kendall and I

{ b y : k e l l y m o o r e }

Kaitlyn, Kelly & Kendall Moore. Photo by Jason Tanner.


are having a blast searching for items to make her dorm room feel

like home. Because her dorm is in the same part of campus that

I lived in my freshman year at UK, this seems like a trip back in

time. I know that my perspective will definitely influence the girls’

attitudes about being away from home. Therefore, I choose to see

the glass as half full!

When each of our daughters entered high school, I remember

the principal making a very important point that I feel is applicable

to college as well. The importance of becoming involved in some

type of club or activity was highly encouraged. Because David

and I both had outstanding college experiences, largely due to

our involvement on campus, we could not agree more. Since most

college students will become a little fish in a big pond, I see this

as an exceptional piece of advice. The options are limitless: bible

studies, Greek life, intramurals, service clubs, philanthropies, etc.

There is something for everyone, and this is the best way to connect

with others who have similar interests and a great way to make new

friends!

Although friends are important, they in no way fill the void

of not having your parents. Many will argue that once a child

graduates from high school, their job, as a parent, is complete. This

could not be farther from the truth. While Kaitlyn and Kendall

are technically considered adults, they will agree that we still take

any available opportunity to teach a lesson or discuss important

issues. Solicited or not, once a parent, always a parent. Obviously

our children are not physically with us, but hopefully those lessons

that parents have instilled since birth will continue to be with them

when they are making important decisions.

College is definitely a bridge between childhood and adulthood.

Although this is certainly a bittersweet time – no games or tennis

matches to attend, fussing about too much Facebook or Twitter

time, or worrying about whether projects made it to school - we

must think of how fortunate we are to have two exceptional

daughters who have the opportunity to attend college. Yes, you will

see me shopping for school supplies in the days to come. However,

my basket will be full of shower caddies, hangers, desk accessories,

and laundry baskets. With all of the fun we are having decorating,

we must not forget…girls, you are going to college to learn! Adding

in some notebooks, pens, and binders will also be a must for our

school supply list.

Kelly Moore and her husband, David, have been blessed with two wonderful daughters. She is the Staff Developer at Sorgho Elementary School.

OP


It has been one year since the inception of Owensboro Parent Magazine.

What a fantastic year for this magazine. Don’t you sometimes think…

how did I ever know what was going on before?! I know I do. I would

like to take this opportunity to thank Owensboro Parent Magazine for

allowing me to be part of such a wonderful collaboration of community

partners and providing this magazine to our parents.

I have been writing for Owensboro Parent Magazine for almost a year

and on their special one-year anniversary, I thought it would be only fitting

to mention that in terms of anniversaries, the first year is traditionally

paper. I love all things technology, but I also love paper! I love the feel of a

crisp newspaper or a brand new issue of Owensboro Parent in my hands.

I hope they have many more anniversaries to come!

Summer can be a time when my tried and true parenting techniques

leave my mind. Schedules become more relaxed, bedtimes become later

and mornings are a thing of the past. My child informed me that she

couldn’t go to bed when it’s still daylight outside…point child.

Pop Quiz: (There are no “wrong” answers, but there is a better answer).

1. Your child refuses to put their dirty clothes in the hamper but instead

spreads them all over the house.

A You follow the path of destruction and pick up their dirty clothes for

them.

B You tell the child, “This is the LAST time I’m picking up your dirty

laundry!”

C You pick up their dirty clothes, pile them on their bed and tell them,

“I’ll be glad to do the laundry that makes it in the hamper….AND I’m

treated with respect.”

D You leave the dirty clothes out until they are standing up on

their own.

Correct Answer: C

If you answered this correctly then you have been trying some of the

new parenting techniques offered through Owensboro Parent Magazine.

Love and Logic parents use very few words when things are going bad

and lots of words when things are going well. Love and Logic is all about

making your life easier by adding empathy with a heavy dose of love.

Daviess County Public Schools has partnered with Owensboro Public

Schools to offer you a variety of parenting classes all year long. All classes

are free to the public. All you have to do is register. It’s never too late to

make a change for the better.

September 4th to October 2nd (Tuesdays)

Becoming A Love & Logic Parent® • 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Tamarack Elementary

No childcare provided. Please call 852-7561 to register.

September 4th to October 2nd (Tuesdays)

Becoming A Love & Logic Parent® • 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

DCPS Learning Center

Childcare provided. Please call 852-7561 to register.

October 16th to November 20th (Tuesdays)

Getting Back to the Basics • 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m

Owensboro Middle School South

Childcare provided. Please call 686-1159 to register.

October 17th to November 14th (Wednesdays)

Active Parenting for parents, step parents and guardians • 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

DCPS Learning Center

No childcare provided. Please call 852-7187 to register.

Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator

for Daviess County Public Schools.

OP

family life

POPquiz{ b y : c h r i s t i n a d a l t o n , m s s w , c s w }


THURSDAY

• 5:00 Snap Jackson and the Knock on Wood Players

• 6:00 Some Rye Grass

• 7:00 Jesse McReynolds & Friends,Tribute to Jerry Garcia,Songs of

the Grateful Dead

• 8:15 Vince Gill

• 10:00 Greensky Bluegrass

• 11:45 After Party: Farewell Drifters, Renegade String Band

FRIDAY

• 10:00 Grandview Junction

• 11:00 Higher Ground

• 12:00 Don Stanley & Middle Creek

• 1:00 Renegade String Band

• 2:15 Belfry Fellows

• 3:30 Monroeville

• 4:45 Town Mountain

• 6:00 The Farewell Drifters

• 7:20 Lonesome River Band

• 8:40 The Deadly Gentlemen

• 10:00 Punch Brothers

• 11:45 After Party: Bawn in the Mash, Belfry Fellows

SATURDAY

• 10:00 County Line Bluegrass

• 11:00 Kentucky BlueGrass AllStars and Arnold Shultz Revival

• 11:45 Snap Jackson and the Knock on Wood Players

• 1:00 The Expedition Show

• 2:15 Newtown

• 3:30 NewFound Road

• 4:45 Bearfoot

• 6:00 Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three

• 7:20 The 23 String Band

• 8:40 Carolina Chocolate Drops

• 10:00 Old Crow Medicine Show

• 11:45 After Party: The Deadly Gentlemen, The 23 String Band


ready ornot!{ b y : c h r i s t y r a m e y }

“Mom, where’s my book bag?” “Mom, have you seen my

shoes?” “Oh, by the way, I need a paper signed and $10

today!” Does any of this sound familiar? These questions along

with shouts of, “Hurry up! You’re going to be late!” or “I can’t

believe you’re not ready!” can all be a part of your morning routine

when school starts – or maybe not? Maybe there is a better way!

With some forethought and preplanning, school mornings do not

have to become shouting matches. Here are some strategies that

can get your school year started on the right foot – Ready or not!

Before school starts – Talk! Communication is key. Ask questions about classes your

children will be taking, clothes they will wear, and specific needs

and supplies (each school has a list at local stores). Give them

choices. Sometimes it might be necessary to narrow those choices

due to price or because they can be overwhelmed by all the possible

selections.

Set some ground rules. As parents, we are aware that success

takes discipline and now is the time to help children develop self-

discipline.

Explain your standards and expectations to your children.

During this conversation, rewards could be discussed for meeting

certain goals. One year my son and I decided on a trip to Holiday

World if he had a certain number of AR points by the year’s end. It

worked!

Discuss when homework should be completed. Also consider

which extra-curricular activities fit in to everyone’s schedule

and budget. Remember, the more activities, the greater amount

of planning needed in order to eat supper together or have clean

clothes.

Get Organized!Clean out drawers and closets of outgrown or unworn clothes and

shoes. This will make enough space for the new things and a way

to see it. Pick out clothes ahead of time and put them in a drawer

or on a shelf so decisions each morning are simple. Make sure the

entire “outfit” and accessories are together.

Also organize a study area for each child. They should have

a space where school work can be completed. Experts differ on

whether music can help or hinder the homework, but your child

probably has a preference. Provide resources such as a dictionary,

thesaurus, calculator or computer to accomplish their assignments.

Let them be creative with their space or shared space for homework.

Organize a central location for papers that need your attention.

The first few days of school are the worst, so help your child be

responsible with these forms by asking them to put the papers in a

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tray or folder you have labeled for this purpose.

Organize a supply shelf at home. Tape, glue, paper, stapler and

staples as well as extra pencils and a pencil sharpener are all

necessary for school assignments and projects. Keeping a few

sheets of poster board, colored paper and markers handy could save

you a midnight run to the store, which I learned from experience in

1994! Extra batteries of various sizes might also be helpful.

When school starts Get Up! (on time) Of course, there is one very important element to all this

preparation – get up on time!

Give each child an alarm clock and let them be responsible for

their own time management. I once had a professor who told the

story of delivering his first-grader to school in pajamas because

she didn’t get up in time to get dressed. Guess what? It never

happened again!

With the alarm clock comes the discussion about when the

bathroom will be available and how many people will need it.

Younger children typically require less time than teenagers. Note:

Beware of bad hair days. This phenomenon can disrupt event the

calmest of days.

Make sure

everyone knows

what time the bus

runs, or the car has

to leave. Training in time

management starts at an early age

and is a necessary life lesson.

Being prepared mentally and physically can help those

first few days of school go much smoother. Send your child to

school knowing you have communicated expectations, encouraged

responsibility, and organized your home for a successful school

year. Yes, you will still get into an occasional panic situation, but

planning ahead, getting up on time, and positive encouragement

will go a long way toward keeping the school mornings peaceful!

Christy Ramey is the Daviess County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer

Sciences. She has been married for 38 years and have three children and three

grandchildren.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people

regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

OP

Of course, there is one very

important element to all

this preparation - get

up on time!


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{ b y : a s h l e y s o r c e }

When local lawyer David Johnson saw an overwhelming population of juvenile delinquency and teens serving court

appointed programs for a variety of first offenses, he knew something needed to change. Fully believing that these teens needed better foundation and a relationship with God, Johnson sought out help. When a college roommate put him in touch with Chris Dillbeck, the idea of Greater Owensboro Young Life was born. For some teenagers, a series of bad decisions can lead them down a path they may never be able to change. For other teenagers, bridging the gap between their church life and their every day life can be difficult. Young Life, a high school missionary organization, is attempting to help teens find better pathways and balance in their lives by speaking the teenage language and earning trust. It is this trust that

will allow YL leaders into these teens’ lives to talk about God and their relationship with Him. Chris Dillbeck, now the Area Director of Young Life of Greater Owensboro, stresses that YL is a part of the church—not just one church, but all local churches. “Young Life is the feet on the ground to help empower churches,” Chris said. According to Chris, “We all fight for significance.” He believes this is why some teens make bad choices. “But the only way to [find significance] is giving back to who created us.” Through a mentor-based program, Young Life is present in Apollo High School, identifying juniors and seniors as leaders and helping them mentor freshman entering high school. Only established in Apollo, YL hopes to be in every area high school in the future.

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adventurefamily


Chris believes that Young Life leaders help find where their mentees are “looking for life” and find opportunities to help support or change that search in a nonjudgmental way. “Every person desires real, authentic relationships,” Chris said. “We are wired to be connected to something greater than ourselves.” But Young Life serves more than just high school aged students. Any child’s foundation and set of values begins at home. That’s why YL promotes Timber Wolf Lake Family Camp, a Labor Day weekend retreat in Michigan, aimed at bringing families closer together through adventure, fun and solidifying relationships with Christ. At Family Camp, Mom and Dad are leaders of their family, but they are leading them in being fun. Chris says this is different than the typical family vacation, where dad plays a round of golf, mom reads a book, and a put-put night might be the only true family time with the kids. Family Camp promotes the entire family having adventure together. Chris says it’s important to stress that this camp is not mosquitoes and bad food. “Parents have been blown away after Family Camp,” Chris said. “The kids are always ready for the next year.” Lori Brubaker took her two children, Xander, 7, and Raylee, 5, to Family Camp last year. “The camp itself resides on hundreds of acres of land and the minute you turn into the drive you feel Gods presence around you,” Lori said.

“Children and families ate together, prayed together and enjoyed many activities together as well,” Lori said. “Each night we had club, which would begin with gathering songs, comedic skits, prayer and then break-out sessions where the children would get to do fun things just for them while the parents received good Christian leadership by various presenters and ministers.” Lori plans to return to Family Camp this year with her children and husband, who was unable to go last year. Last year the Brubakers enjoyed zip lines, go carts, ropes courses, a giant swing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, family Olympic games, carnival night, hoedowns and much more. But for Lori, it was something else that she remembered most. “God spoke to me at YL camp,” Lori said. “He showed me what is truly important in my life. He brought me closer to my children and closer to my friends and neighbors that share in my same values and beliefs.” Last year, five local families made the trek to Michigan for Family Camp. This year Chris and Lori hope to have at least 12 families attend. If you want more information, please feel free to contact Chris Dillbeck at Young Life directly. [email protected] Want more information on Timber Wolf Lake? Visit: timberwolf.younglife.org.

Ashley is a first-time mommy, a not-so-newlywed, an organizational freak and the

editor of this awesome magazine. (Which is, of course, a totally unbiased opinion.)

OP


You can help relieve some potential allergens that may be

affecting your child’s allergies or asthma during school.

•Before school starts, schedule a meeting with teachers and the

school nurse to discuss your child’s allergic condition

•Remind your child about his/her allergy and asthma triggers.

Encourage children to ask teachers for help when symptoms

worsen.

•If your child is allergic to certain foods, ask school cafeteria

staff and teachers to avoid those and suggest safe alternatives

or have your food-sensitive child bring a bag lunch to school

each day.

•Make sure auto-injectable epinephrine is with your child for

emergency situations, and that teachers and the school nurse

know how to use it properly.

•Inform physical education teachers and coaches about asthma

and warning signs of an exacerbation that could trigger exercise-

induced asthma.

It is important to have good communication with school

personnel about your child’s condition, but it is also important

for your child to see an allergist/immunologist for an evaluation

before the school year begins.

Allergy & Asthma Specialists PSC is proud to be the only

office providing board-certified allergy and asthma care in

the Owensboro area. A Louisville native, Dr. Lee S. “Stant”

Clore, Jr. began the practice over ten years ago and added Dr.

Kelly S. (Hagan) Brauer, an Owensboro native, in 2008. Julie

Crowe, a longstanding employee of our practice, completed her

APRN degree and began seeing patients in our office in 2011.

Both doctors are diplomates of the American Board of Allergy

and Immunology and are skilled in allergic and non-allergic

nasal problems, asthma, food allergies, eczema, and other

skin conditions. We provide care to patients of all ages, both

pediatric and adult.

Please call our office today to schedule your appointment with

the experts!

Going back to school is a fun and exciting time

for children and parents. However, it is also an

important time to remember that children with

allergies and asthma face challenges in the

classroom. These challenges can range from

discomfort that makes it hard to concentrate

on schoolwork, to symptoms that reduce a

child’s ability to participate in recess or physical

education class, to life-threatening reactions

from food allergies or insect stings.

{ p a i d a d v e r t o r i a l }

OP

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reduce your child’s allergies and asthma


OP


Throughout history, women credit motherhood as one of

the most rewarding roles they play in life. However, it can

also produce challenges for moms who, by circumstance

or choice, are raising children solo.

{ b y : j a m i e r a f f e r t y }

According to the Child Welfare League of America, nearly 32% of children

live in single parent homes. Though Daviess County numbers are slightly

better at 25%, research suggests these children have increased risk for poor

self-image, comprehension difficulties, emotional disruptions, behavioral

challenges, educational setbacks and more.

Some might assume, regardless of the quality of the parent in the home, the

child/children are destined to fail, but that simply isn’t true.

Churches and organizations across Owensboro disagree with the idea that

mothers and their children are defined by statistics or are destined to become

one, especially if the Together Strong (TS) ministry has anything to say about it.

TS formed from a concerned group at Macedonia Baptist Church seeing

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singlemothers:together

strong


the need for outreach and support for single mom families. This

group hopes to help by sharing a hope with an eternal impact on

the lives of mothers and children open to the message of a God who

cares, sharing time with others experiencing the same plight and

coping with the demands while keeping your sanity and a smile.

Local mother, “Kimberly” asked not to be fully identified, but

shared her story with Owensboro Parent. Kimberly didn’t enter

into parenthood alone; she was married but now finds herself a

divorced, single mother. Trying to find the balance of mothering in

what Kimberly feels is a “couple’s world” is exhausting, lonely and

self-sacrificing so that the child’s needs can be met.

In an ironic transverse, Kimberly initially joined Together

Strong to minister to single moms. She didn’t imagine that in a

matter of months she would be the one needing the group’s support.

This group of women, including Kimberly, transformed what

began as a heartfelt burden into an opportunity to help single

moms find their place in the Lord. Their ultimate goal to help

their children find a peaceful place, a place that leads them away

from being another single parent statistic.

Together Strong researched Arise Ministries and saw that God

had a plan for them to help mothers lighten the load of being a

single mother by offering a two-day conference designed with their

specific needs in mind.

With determination, this committee secured Arise Ministries

co-founder Pam Kanaly along with Shelley Pulliam who will both

provide these mothers with insight and words of encouragement for

this conference, which will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church.

Single Mothers’ Survive ‘N’ Thrive Conference

6:30 p.m., Friday, September 28 and continue

Saturday, September 29 until 1 p.m.

The conference includes:

Door prizes

Decadent desert reception

Catered lunch

Special gift

Child care for kids up to 5th grade

For just $10, Mom can attend with her children and have a

day devoted to her growing spiritually; so that she may help her

children beat the statistical odds.

Scholarships are available thanks to local business owners and

individuals, who also see the importance of getting of this event.

Through the kindness of others, the barrier of cost has been removed.


discover

Kimberly is already registered. She would not have chosen this

path of motherhood, but is thankful that single moms will have

a weekend for soul-searching and growing closer to God. She’s

looking forward to connecting with moms dealing with similar life

circumstances.

Kimberly says, “We (single parents) feel that we are the only

ones hurting and this is an opportunity to share struggles with

others who understand.” That’s just one of many reasons Together

Strong answered the call to provide this event.

From the conference, Kimberly hopes to have a deeper

connection/walk with the Lord and will take time to reflect on

what God has planned for her and her son.

Together Strong anticipates that moms will walk away with

a renewed spirit of surviving and thriving that positively

impacts their children and future generations to come.

The time to register is NOW! If you are a single mom,

don’t miss this opportunity. Registration deadline is

September 21.

You can register online at

www.togetherstrong.org or at the following

locations: Yellow Creek Baptist Church,

Heritage Baptist Church, Owensboro

Christian, Bellevue Baptist Church, Walnut Memorial Baptist

Church, and MentorKids Kentucky or by calling (270) 313-7645.

To send donations:

Together Strong

C/O Macedonia Baptist Church

4839 Millers Mill Rd

Owensboro,KY 42303

OP

Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as

a hobby. She lives is Owensboro

with her husband, Paul and their

two children.


discover

{ p a i d a d v e r t o r i a l }

August means it is back to school time. School supplies, clothes, physicals…..check! But what about “Can your child see?”

About 75% of the school day is spent in visual activities, mainly reading and writing, and 80% of what a child learns is through the sense of sight. The Kentucky General Assembly identified problems with vision as one of the major factors in limiting a child’s ability to learn and succeed in schools. So therefore, Kentucky law (KRS 156.160.8 [g]) was passed in 2000 requiring proof of a vision examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This form has to be submitted to the school no later than January 1 of the first year that a child is enrolled in a Kentucky public school, public preschool, or Head Start. So when should children have a comprehensive eye exam by an Optometrist? The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently begun recommending annual eye examinations for all children, which the American Optometric Association (AOA) has recommended as well. The AOA says a child should first visit an optometrist for an initial comprehensive eye exam at 6-12 months of age. The optometrist will check for symptoms of eye disease, crossed-eyes, lazy eye, opacities that would hinder light from reaching the back of the eye and developmental problems. The child should have another eye examination at age three. The doctor will check eye health, eye movement skills, focusing abilities and whether or not common vision problems like nearsightedness,

farsightedness, or astigmatism are present. Up to 13 % of kids 0-5 years of age have some type of vision condition. The child should then have another eye examination at age 5. At this time up to 25% of kids have some type of vision condition compared to 13% at age 3. All parents are encouraged to have their children’s eyes examined for amblyopia and other problems that may not be obvious to you or even you child’s teachers. After age 5, children should have yearly eye examinations to maintain good binocularity and 3D vision while their depth perception is developing. One survey of more than 7,000 children 6-11 years of age showed that 9.2% had an eye muscle imbalance, a disease condition, or other abnormality in one or both eyes. Another recent study found that 15% of those students entering high school had nearsightedness. So what if your child doesn’t mention any problems? What are some signs to look for? If your child loses place while reading, avoids close work, holds books closer than normal, tends to rub their eyes, has frequent headaches, turns or tilts the head, squints, uses a finger to maintain place while reading, omits or confuses small words when reading aloud and/or consistently performs below academic potential, then they could be suffering from an undiagnosed vision issue. Most children don’t know what “normal” vision is and just assume how they see is how the world should look. So let’s make our children’s future brighter by making sure they don’t miss out on the important things today.

Owensboro Family Eye Care is a full-scope optometry practice in Owensboro, KY.

Learn more at www.ofecc.com

OP

for back to school time

criticalvision & eye

examinations are

discover

August 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 25www.OwensboroParent.comwww.O

There are thousands of families waiting anxiously for that special person to make a sacrifice in

order to save a life. You can explore for yourself at www.donatelife.net andwww.organdonor.gov


{ b y : c a s e y h a m i l t o n }

Gina and Lee Goatley of McLean County know how important it is to always appreciate the everyday small

things they get to do with their son Dylan. Gina says that even if her kitchen is dirty or other tasks needs to be completed, if Dylan wants to play a board game, she stops everything to sit and play with him. This is because Gina and Lee know that their time with their son is precious. Dylan, age 19, was born with DiGeorge syndrome (also known as 22q deletion syndrome) and doctors told the Goatleys that he would never walk or talk or be normal in any way-- that he wouldn’t live to see his first birthday. At age one, doctors informed the Goatleys not to expect Dylan to live to be 5 years old. So his parents definitely cherish all the time they have with their son.

What is DiGeorge Syndrome? DiGeorge Syndrome is caused by a missing piece of chromosomal material on the 22nd chromosome and passed on by parents with the disease. However, it can only be detected through genetic testing. This genetic disorder occurs in one in 2000 live births. No two people are known to have the same symptoms. Over 180 anomalies may accompany a diagnosis of DiGeorge including heart defects, feeding and swallowing issues, breathing issues such as asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, hearing and orthopedic impairments, autism spectrum disorders and learning differences. Dylan was diagnosed at the age of 6 weeks, and Gina quickly learned that few resources were available to parents of

children with the disorder. When she researched in a medical library, she was only able to locate one paragraph in a book that addressed this syndrome. This paragraph also indicated that the ultimate outcome of DiGeorge was death. Even today there are few physicians who are familiar with the disorder, so Gina and Lee must drive Dylan to Nashville monthly to see a doctor at Vanderbilt Hospital. But Gina knows that with appropriate medical intervention, DiGeorge does not have to be a devastating diagnosis. However, despite the fact that there are now three Facebook pages along with conferences, support groups and medical information on the Internet, many people are still unaware of the existence of DiGeorge Syndrome.

Missing P ieces Therefore, in an effort to educate parents and build awareness of DiGeorge in our community, Gina joined Ashlee Hamby of Henderson, who has a four-year-old daughter with DiGeorge, to form “Missing Pieces,” a support group for parents and families of people with this syndrome as well as other genetic disorders. At their monthly meetings, the group invites guest speakers who help parents understand IEP’s (a student’s specialized education plan for school), Michelle P waivers (a program allowing individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities to remain in their homes rather than be institutionalized), and other issues parents with special needs children face on a daily basis. Gina also likes to share the successes of her son and other children in the group so that parents can see that there is a

hope f loats

community

always appreciate the small thingsLee, Gina & Dylan Goatly. Photo by Jason Tanner.


light at the end of the tunnel, and she wants people with younger children with DiGeorge to know that there is help available to them, as well as things their children can do to flourish and be involved in our community despite their exceptional needs. One thing she is most proud of is that Dylan goes daily to the Hugh Edward Sandefur Training Center (HESTC) located in the Wendall Foster Center where he attends a work program for people with mental and cognitive disabilities and is paid for the work that he accomplishes. This serves to build Dylan’s self esteem and confidence. The group welcomes and invites anyone who would like to attend their meetings the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Cigar Factory Mall complex, room #199.

Hope Floats EventMissing Pieces will be holding a free public event on

Saturday, August 25th from 4 - 7 p.m. at Panther Creek Park. Many different community resources will have

representatives present to answer questions and offer information on a number of special needs issues. Nailed Too,

a contemporary Christian/Southern rock band will entertain while attendees and their children can play in the bounce house, have their faces painted, or participate in the cake walk. Food and refreshments will be provided free. At 6:30 p.m., environmentally friendly balloons stuffed with information about DiGeorge syndrome will be released in the hopes that someone will find the information and contact the group with questions or pass the information on to someone who needs it. Everyone is invited to be involved by coming out and making it a family-fun evening. Remember to bring your lawn chairs to comfortably enjoy the band. Last year they had about 100 attendees and they hope to greatly exceed that number this year.

Casey Hamilton is the mother of two blessings, a daughter and son (ages 10

and 6). She is the Education Coordinator and an instructor at Owensboro

Community & Technical College.

OP

Ashlee Hamby, one of the founders of “Missing Pieces”

successfully lobbied to make the week of August 25th

“DiGeorge Syndrome Awareness Week” in the state of

Kentucky. A mother in the state of Colorado quickly

followed Ashlee’s example and was able to have the

same week designated in her own state.

Dedicated to Awareness


the all-new

PARKsmothersan excluse look at owensboro’s new, one-of-a-kind park, located on the ohio river || opening august 24th

Photos by Jason Tanner.

community


discover


the all-new

PARKsmothersSmothers Park Grand Opening Schedule

Be a part of the biggest event in downtown Owensboro!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

7:00 p.m. Col. Shelton Freedom Memorial Rededication Ceremony

A small portion of the park will be open for this ceremony to honor the men

and women who have fought to ensure the freedom that we enjoy today.

Friday, August 24, 2012

5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Smothers Park Grand Opening

Live entertainment featuring Mudd River Union on the River Overlook at the

west end of the park

5:30 p.m. Playground and Spraypark Opening Celebration

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the celebration as Smothers Park is

opened for the first time. We will kick-off the festivities at 5:30 when the

spraypark is officially opened for kids of all ages to enjoy.

6:00 p.m. Launching of the Fountains

To kick off Friday After 5, the Mayor will launch the signature fountains on

the west end of Smothers Park for the first time.

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday After 5 presented by the City of Owensboro

at the RiverPark Center

Experience the best of FA5 with the Louisville Crashers on the RiverPark

Center patio, Woodabenz in the UniFirst Courtyard, and displays by the Ow-

ensboro Police Dept., Owensboro Fire Dept., and Owensboro Public Works

Dept. down the new Veterans Blvd.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Static Displays and Open House at the Owensboro

Regional Airport

Get up-close and personal with the aircraft and enjoy the opportunity to

meet some of these amazing pilots.

1:00 p.m. Owensboro Air Show

All eyes will be on the skies over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro as

performers showcase vintage aircraft and amazing aerobatic maneuvers.

community


facebookphotosIt’s our birthday-- the big ONE! We asked you to send us photos of your child celebrating his/her birthday. Covered in cake? Opening

their presents? Perfect! These are a few of our favorites!

community


Life for the family of Megan Miller was forever changed in

an instant. Now, six years later, the Miller family remains

committed to their seat belt campaign in hopes of saving others from

going through the same pain they endured.

By now you’ve seen the “Buckle Up for Megan” billboards along

the bypass, down Frederica, and all over town. You may have even

seen the Millers featured in the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety’s

commercials on TV or noticed one of the 2,000 or so stickers on the

back of cars and trucks.

“All of those things,” Mischelle Miller, Megan’s mother, says,

“are meant to be little reminders for people to buckle up. We just try

every way we can think of to get that message out. The way we see it,

if one person sees a billboard or a sticker or a t-shirt or whatever and

remembers to wear their seat belt, then we’re making a difference.”

One of the earliest efforts to spread the “buckle up” message

was setting up a cause on Facebook. With the support of Megan’s

friends and family, numbers skyrocketed, recently surpassing the

10,000-member milestone, which is quite an accomplishment,

because it means the Millers can now accept donations through their

Facebook cause. But first they need to file the paperwork to acquire

a Federal I.D. number for non-profit status to be officially known as

Buckle Up For Megan Miller. Inc.

The Beginning The morning of March 19, 2006 started as a normal Sunday

morning. Megan and her younger sister Morgan had just left

church and were heading toward Hwy 54 on the bypass when the

car suddenly started swerving and flipped several times. Morgan had

her seat belt on and only suffered minor aches and pains. Normally,

Megan wore her seat belt too. But for some reason she didn’t have

hers on that morning. Consequently, she was thrown from the car

and suffered fatal head injuries.

Daviess County High School, where Megan was a junior,

immediately started urging their student body to remember to

community

behindthebillboards

{ b y : d a n n y m a y }

A story about the

Buckle Up for

Megan Campaign


buckle up. Megan’s friends started handing out “buckle up” stickers

and t-shirts at school and the campaign was born.

Making a Difference Just one month after Megan’s wreck, another DCHS student

wrecked and flipped her car. This time, though, the student did have

her seat belt on. Amazingly, she had a “buckle up” sticker on her

car, which flew off during the wreck and landed in her floorboard.

The administration had that car brought to the school lawn and

displayed “saved by the belt” on the marquee.

Mischelle’s first “event” happened purely by circumstance.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) had a booth set up

at DCHS to hand out key chains and bracelets,

but they also had some seat belt information as

well. Someone called Mischelle and told her she

should come sit at the booth too. Soon after, the

group that became known as “Lifesavers” formed

with the help of Carrie Kimbrell as the faculty

advisor.

“Lifesavers really took off in 2008, the year

that Megan would have graduated,” Mischelle

recalled. “There were a lot of members that year,

mostly Megan’s friends and of course Myles

and Morgan (Megan’s brother and sister), so we

started planning lots of events.”

Those events grew to include seat belt checks, mock crashes,

rollover simulators and information booths at community events.

This year the Lifesaver Club has a core group of around 40 students

who help plan events, make giveaways and handouts and volunteer

to work the booth at events.

Eventually, the Lifesaver Club began scheduling events in other

schools and out in the community. Partnering with Keith Todd, the

media director for the Kentucky Transportation Department, and

Cory King with the State Police really took things to the next level.

That’s what got them access to rollover simulators and crash

test dummy suits they use at their events. The newest thing is a

“texting and driving” simulator to raise awareness about the dangers

of texting while driving. Recently, they set up a mock crash in

Whitesville and took the rollover and texting simulator to Union

County High School. There was also a mock crash set up at Apollo,

but it was canceled because of a bad storm, which gave Mischelle the

opportunity to speak to the entire senior class.

C ommunity Involvement Beyond school events, the Millers have set

up booths at Reid’s Orchard Apple Fest for

the past six years, Friday After 5 several times

and sponsored a float in the Christmas parade.

They’ve also presented at the Noon Optimists

Club and the Big Rivers Safety meetings.

“The thing is, people my age and older, we

were raised not having to wear our seat belts,”

Mischelle explains. “It wasn’t a law in Kentucky

until the month Megan died. So anytime we can

talk to adults it’s just as important because they

can take the message and be an example to their

kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or whatever. If we can touch

just one person, then we’ve made a difference. And then they take

it home.”

The Millers hope to continue to find new ways to partner with

other community organizations to remind people to buckle up. A

yard sign campaign is also in the works.


Recognition It’s easy to see how focused and determined the Millers are about

their cause. Because of their relentless effort, the Office of Highway

Safety has recognized them for several state and national awards.

The first was the “Public Advocacy Award” in 2007, just one year

after Megan’s death. Then in March of 2009, they were presented

with the “Drive Smart Kentucky Highway Safety Award.” The most

prestigious came in 2011, when they received the “Outstanding

Public Service Award” plaque from the National Highway Safety

Administration at halftime during a UK Football game.

Another great honor came as a complete surprise to Tim and

Myles, who were treated to pit passes at Kentucky Speedway for last

summer’s NASCAR Truck Series race at Sparta. Tim sells parts to a

company called Flexco, who is a sponsor for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

The owners of Flexco arranged for Kyle Busch to meet Tim and

Myles, and then used their advertising spot on the side of Kyle’s truck

to display a picture of a “buckle up for Megan” billboard instead.

Kyle told them he was honored to drive for their cause and that night

his wife even tweeted about being touched by the Miller’s story.

The buckle up campaign is obviously a love-driven passion for

the Miller family. But six years into it, I get the sense they are just

getting started. The awards are nice, but it’s not about that. It’s about

constantly reminding people to make a life-saving decision. It’s also

a way to find purpose, meaning and closure.

“I miss her like crazy,” Mischelle concludes, “but I’ve found peace

because of what we’ve done. It’s helping me grieve. Somehow it helps

me get past it. I know that she’s by my side. And we can’t quit now.”

Danny May is a husband and father of two boys. He is also the youth minister at

Our Lady of Lourdes, where his family sits two pews over from the Millers every

Sunday.

community

OP

To learn more about Megan Miller’s story and find out how you can contribute to the cause, visit:

http://www.causes.com/causes/131734-buckle-up-for-megan

Get involved!


Hoping to instill such qualities as responsibility, respect, fairness, and citizenship, these officers have designed and implemented several programs for local kids.

{ b y : a s h l e y s o r c e }

countscharacter

community

For officers Sean Schlachter and Jeremy Henry, a day on the job

can be spent with little guys, not bad guys. As crime prevention

officers and D.A.R.E. instructors, Officers Schlachter and Henry

lead awareness and character programs aimed at local students.

“These students are our future leaders,” Officer Henry said.

“They will become city council members, business owners and

medical professionals.”

Hoping to instill such qualities as responsibility, respect, fairness,

and citizenship, these officers have designed and implemented

several programs for local kids at Owensboro Public Schools and

Owensboro Catholic Schools.

“If they have these characteristics, it will mold them into a

successful person,” Officer Schlachter said.

Brett Conder, 8, is a student as Owensboro Catholic K-3 campus.

He has been in OPD’s Officer Friendly program since kindergarten

and has been impacted by these two OPD officers.

“They teach us how to be safe and healthy,” Brett said. “I’m

trying to be a role model and help others.”

Brett remembers the lessons he learned in the Officer Friendly

program, but more than that, he remembers time spent with the

officers as fun.

“It means something really special to me,” Brett said. “They

gave up their time to help teach us.”

It is responses like these that make these awareness programs

L to R: Officer Jeremy Henry, Molly Oborski, Brett Conder, Kinsley Goetz, Jared Wink, Officer Sean Schlachter. Photo by Jason Tanner.


worth it for Owensboro Police Department.

According to Michael Hathaway, Public Information Officer, no

taxpayer money or departmental funds go to these programs. The

department relies solely on the D.A.R.E. Golf Scramble to fund all

of these youth programs.

But Hathaway contends that these are some of the most

important programs the department can provide.

“We are building character, but also allowing kids to get to know

law enforcement in a good way,” Hathaway said.

Character C ountsOPD implemented this program last year for the first time,

highlighting six pillars—responsibility, trustworthiness, respect,

fairness, caring and citizenship. The program stresses interactive

activities like role playing to help teach lessons based on these six

pillars.

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)

A police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teach children in

5th and 7th grade how to make better decisions, resist peer pressure

and live productive, drug- and violence-free lives.

Camp Kops (Kids Obtaining Positive Structure)

OPD officers host a camp for 25 – 35 kids from 4th to 7th grade

interested in law enforcement. Typically, these students come from

an underprivileged background and get to spend a few days with

local police officers focusing on character and leadership.

Explorer Post 766A police-training program, where students volunteer their time

to train in real life situations that local police officers face. This

program gives them a first hand opportunity to see if becoming a

police officer is something they wish to pursue.

LAW School (Learning Athletics Wellness)

This is an afterschool program, allowing OPD police officers to

connect with 4th graders, showing that officers are the good guys

and are there to help them.

Juvenile DiversionDesigned to help kids age 12 – 15 that have been charged with a

minor offense, this program promotes lessons on bullying, anger

management, decision making, drugs and suicide. Completion of

this program wipe the teen’s slate clean for their first offense.

Officer Friend lyFor elementary age students, this programs puts police officers in

schools to promote recognition and awareness.

Ashley is a first-time mommy, a not-so-newlywed, an organizational freak and the

editor of this awesome magazine. (Which is, of course, a totally unbiased opinion.)

OP

OP


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1MINI MOVIE – IMPACT EARTH Come to

StarLab and learn about comets, asteroids and

meteors at the Science & History Museum;

11 a.m.; 122 E. 2nd Street; (270) 687-2732 or

owensboromuseum.com.

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2

are free, unless they are the only child, adults

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

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2MINI MOVIE – ICE WORLDS Come to StarLab

and learn about ice on Earth the its role in the

eco-system at the Science & History Museum;

11 a.m.; 122 E. 2nd Street; (270) 687-2732 or





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


FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and

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

10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020

Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3MINI MOVIE – THE BODY CODE Come to

StarLab and learn about DNA and how our cells

function at the Science & History Museum;

11 a.m.; 122 E. 2nd Street; (270) 687-2732 or





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


FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Legally Wired (Pop Rock &

Dance Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Heath and Molly

Eric in the Courtyard; Street Fair: Dragon Boat

Festival Preview; 6 -10 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or

fridayafter5.com.

“ALMOST, MAINE” Romantic comedy set in the

mythical town of Almost, Maine at Trinity Center

by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro. Shows Fri

& Sat evening at 7 p.m., Sat & Sun matinees at 2

p.m. 270-683-5333

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4OWENSBORO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Come one, come all! The second Owensboro

Dragon Boat Races will be fun for the whole

family. Two teams of 20 will race each other

roughly 100 meters down the Ohio River in

Dragon Boats; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; English Park;

For more details contact (270) 926-1100 or

owensborodragonboat.com.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

Visit the library every Saturday morning from

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

activities with a focus on literacy and school

readiness; Daviess County Public Library, 2020


“ALMOST, MAINE” See event description on

Friday, August 3.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5FREE OWENSBORO PARENT BIRTHDAY BASH

Come help us celebrate our first birthday! It’s hard

to believe that we will soon be printing our 12th

issue, celebrating one year in business serving

the Owensboro community. What better way to

celebrate than with a one year birthday bash? We

want everyone to join in the party.

Join us at the RiverPark Center from 4 p.m. to

dusk. We will have fun events for the whole

family, including a magician, balloon animals,

inflatables, face painting, sidewalk chalk, birthday

cake and vendor booths.

We will also be announcing the winner of OPM

Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across

the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar,

where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price.

Want to include your event? Contact the editor at [email protected].

august 2012

calendar


Family of the Year as well as signup forms for the

next CoverKids contest.

Plan to end the night with the Sunday Movies On

The River hosted by the RiverPark Center.

FREE SUNDAY MOVIE ON THE RIVER “Cars II” on

the BB&T Plaza at RiverPark Center; 8 p.m.; 101

Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787 or riverparkcenter.

org.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES The new Mountain

Bike Trails at Ben Hawes Park host their first race.

The Kentucky Point Series race is included in

determining the State champion; contact Richard.

[email protected]

“ALMOST, MAINE” See event description on

Friday, August 3.

MONDAY, AUGUST 6FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




TUESDAY, AUGUST 7U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must



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


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must



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


THURSDAY, AUGUST 9FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




FRIDAY, AUGUST 10U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must

wear socks; $7 per child, children under 2 are

free, unless they are the only child, adults always

free; 5 – 9 p.m.; (270) 685-1255

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 After Midnight (Classic

70s Rock Dance Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Darby

Haas in the Courtyard; Gospel on the River with

Stillwater Quartet, Sons of the Father, and Jeremy

Calloway; Street Fair: Ag Night. 6 -10 p.m.; (270)

687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!






LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE an interactive

family show with lots of music, dance, skits, and

crowd interaction. You never know when you

might become part of the show. Tickets are $10

for adults, $5 for 6 to 12 years old, and 5 and

under are free. All tickets are general admission

and sold on our website www.lanhambrothers.

net or at the door. Our show is at the Diamond

Lake Resort theater, 7301 Hobbs Road; 7 – 9 p.m.;

Group tickets may be purchased by calling (270)

314-4331.






JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO REGISTRATION

Kids Inspired will be there both days with all

your dancewear and shoe needs. Classes

begin Tuesday September 4; Registration

from 1 – 6 p.m.; For more information email

[email protected] or call 270-684-

9580.




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


JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO REGISTRATION

See event description on Monday, August 13.




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


AUDITIONS FOR OWENSBORO DANCE

THEATRE, INC. COMPANY AND APPRENTICE

COMPANY for the 2012-13 30th anniversary

season. Audition is for intermediate to advanced

dancers 11 years and older, be prepared for ballet

and jazz class; 4 – 6 p.m.; at company school,

Johnson’s Dance Studio; For more information

email [email protected] or call 270-684-9580.








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


FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Bone Pony (High Energy

Rock) on the BB&T Plaza; Straight Laced in the

Courtyard; Street Fair: Date Night. 6 -10 p.m.;

(270) 687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

for self guided fun and educational activities

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

dcplibrary.org.

FREE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL A unique

blending of cultures come together to educate

the public through dancing, music, ethnic

fashions, food, arts and more. A celebration of

our diversity; First Presbyterian Church lawn,1328

Griffith Avenue; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; (270) 684-1467

or visit www.firstpresbyterianowensboro.com.

THE BIG O MUSIC FEST The best time in

Owensboro, will feature Country Superstar Blake

Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Gloriana, Joanna Smith

and LoCash Cowboys. Tickets can be purchased

through the website; Gates open at noon, with

family fun


performances beginning at 1 p.m.; Held at Reid’s

Orchard, 4812 Highway 144; bigomusicfest.com.

FREE CONCERT ON THE LAWN Join the OSO

for a night of movie hits featuring vocalist Rick

Bartlett. Event is FREE, although reserved tables

for eight can be reserved in advanced for a

charge; Pre-show activities start at 5 p.m.; (270)

684-0661 or theoso.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19DC4K (DIVORCECARE FOR CHILDREN) is a

13-week program designed to help children of

parents going through a divorce to begin the

healing process and move forward in their lives.

DC4K provides your children with a safe and

neutral place to recognize and learn to share their

feelings. Each session is filled with motivating

and exciting activities which include games,

role playing, discussion times, and journaling.

Music CD’s, snacks, and stories help children

relax as they find help and encouragement in

each session. DC4K is for children 5-12 years of

age. For more information, contact Tami Neel at

[email protected] or Bellevue Baptist Church

at 685-5103. Sessions will be held at 5:30 p.m. on

Sunday evenings at Bellevue Baptist, 4950 State

Route 56 (past Southern Star).

THE BIG D (DIVORCECARE FOR TEENS) was

created to promote a teen’s journey in healing,

identifying the hurt from divorce, and then

challenging them to find the strength to confront,

accept and heal from those hurts. Through

challenging the denial often associated with

their parents’ divorce, and helping the teen push

through anger issues, the Big D can help lead

teens into the freedom necessary to understand

and experience true forgiveness. The Big D is for

teens aged 13-18. For more information, email

Amber Survant at [email protected] or Bellevue

Baptist Church at 685-5103. Sessions will be held

at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings at Bellevue

Baptist, 4950 State Route 56 (past Southern Star).

MONDAY, AUGUST 20WORLD’S GREATEST BABY SHOWER All new

and expectant mothers are invited to attend

on August 20! Car seat safety checks available,

prenatal and newborn care tips, special guest

speakers, local exhibitors, refreshments and door

prizes. Mothers are welcome to bring one guest;

6 - 8 p.m.; Owensboro Christian Church, 2818

New Hartford Road.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and







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





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


THURSDAY, AUGUST 23FREE SMOTHERS PARK GRAND RE-OPENING

Join the party downtown as the Owensboro

family fun


Parks Department re-opens the beautiful

riverfront Smothers Park. The park will contain an

iconic fountain, Lazy Dayz (an outdoor children’s

museum & playground), a spray park, and the

new home of the Shelton Memorial. Included

in the festivities will be an exciting Air Show. For

more information, contact the Park Department

at (270) 687-8700 or visit owensboroparks.org.

See page 28 for an exclusive look at the park!

FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and







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


DCPS ALUMNI & FRIENDS FEST 2012 The

Foundation for Daviess Co. Public Schools

sponsors an Alumni & Friends weekend.

Beginning at Friday After 5 on the 24th, and

continuing on Saturday the 25th with a 3K Run

at Yellow Creek Park; Alumni & Friends Tent City

Meet & Greet in the Corporate Center parking

lot; and an Extravaganza on Saturday evening

at The Hines Center. For more information, visit

FoundationForDCPS.org.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 The Louisville Crashers

(All-Round Party Band) on the BB&T Plaza;

Woodabenz in the Courtyard. Street Fair: Grand

Opening of Smothers Park; 6 -10 p.m.; (270) 687-

2787 or fridayafter5.com.

FREE SMOTHERS PARK GRAND RE-OPENING

See event description on Thursday, August 23.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25OWENSBORO AIR SHOW As a part of the Grand

Re-Opening of Smothers Park, the Owensboro

Air Show will have displays of the aircraft at the

airport before putting on a thrilling show over

the Ohio River. For complete performance

information, visit owensboroairshow.com.

2ND ANNUAL HOPE FLOATS Hosted by Missing

Pieces Support Group. Enjoy a cake walk, bounce

house, face painting, food, a live band and a

balloon release. Bring a lawn chair and help us

raise awareness about 22q/DiGeorge Syndrome;

Panther Creek Park; 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library

every Saturday morning from 10:00—12:00

for self guided fun and educational activities

with a focus on literacy and school readiness;

Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.;

dcplibrary.org.

BANJOS & BRUNCH Fundraiser for Habitat for

Humanity held at the Southern Star headquarters,

4700 Highway 56. Call 270-684-3955 for more

information.

FREE SMOTHERS PARK GRAND RE-OPENING

See event description on Thursday, August 23.

DCPS ALUMNI & FRIENDS FEST 2012 See event

description on Friday, August 24.





family fun


family fun




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





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






FRIDAY, AUGUST 31D.A.R.E. GOLF SCRAMBLE An event benefitting all

Owensboro Police Department youth prevention

programming. Prizes will be awarded for first

place, second palce, logest drive, longest putt.

Lunch and snacks will be provided. Entry fee

$50 per player, $200 per team; Ben Hawes Golf

Course; Contact Officer Henry at 687-8825 or

Officer Schlachter 687-8826.




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


FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 The Velvet Bombers

(Classic Rock & Soul Party Band) on the BB&T

Plaza; Jubalson in the Courtyard; Gospel on the

River in Cannon Hall with Crossmen Quartet,

The Greesons, and Firm Foundation; Street

Fair: Brescia Bash; 6 -10 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or

fridayafter5.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!






SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2FREE SUMMER MOVIES ON THE RIVER “Puss ‘n

Boots”, on the BB&T Plaza at RiverPark Center;

8 p.m.; 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787 or

riverparkcenter.org.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and




THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and




FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 The Rigbys (Beatles group)

on the BB&T Plaza; Andy Brasher & Guests in the

Courtyard; Street Fair: Pet Night 6 -10 p.m.; (270)

687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.

Owensboro Parent - August 2012

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Transcript of Owensboro Parent - August 2012