July 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 1www.OwensboroParent.com

July 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 2www.OwensboroParent.com

3 OWENSBORO PARENT . July 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com

4 OWENSBORO PARENT . July 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com

I still have vivid memories of pushing that red mower up and down

the weed-filled yard. My older brother trimming the fence line

while my papaw was cutting some overgrown landscaping back. It

was a hot summer day and I cant say I was thrilled to be out there.

Not many 12-year-olds would be. Truth is, I wasnt even sure whos

yard we were mowing.

We were making our weekly mowing rounds and had just finished

mowing my great aunts yard when my my papaw learned that her

neighbor was in need. So without hesitation, we walked over to her

house to take care of her yard. It was overrun with weeds and grass

and it wasnt easy to cleanup. But we did it to perfection.

When we finished and were headed home my papaw gave us a few

dollars out of his own wallet. It wasnt much, but it didnt have to

be. You see, he had been showing us all summer that its not about

the money. Its not about what we can gain for a job well done.

Its about helping others, with everything we have, and expecting

nothing in return. And when we realize that, we get ever so closer

to loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Occassionally I drive past that inconspicuous yard and remember

that summer day. All these years and Im still trying to figure out

how to give of myself like my grandparents do of themselves. And

while Im learning, I have my kids right here beside me. Were

going to help our friends, our family and our neighbors here in our

own city and around the world. And if the job calls for it, we may

even find ourselves pushing a red mower on another hot, summer

day.

Give freely,

Publisher, Owensboro Parent Magazine

jason@owensboroparent.com

Publisher/Creative Director

Jason Tanner

jason@owensboroparent.com

Editor

Ashley Sorce

ashley@owensboroparent.com

Account Executives

Jeff Sorce

jeff@owensboroparent.com

Jodi Tanner

jodi@owensboroparent.com

Jonathan Tanner

jonathan@owensboroparent.com

Robert Williams

robert@owensboroparent.com

Graphic Designer

Taylor West

taylor@owensboroparent.com

Contributors

Christina Dalton

Dean Ehrenheim

Dr. Brian Gannon

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 Model

Elizabeth, daughter of Tom &

Cindy Collier.

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Owensboro Parent is a FREE

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support.

Thank you to the great group of

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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

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not only benefit you, but also the

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from the publisher

july 2012

July 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 5www.OwensboroParent.com

parenttalk [7]

the last cupcake [8]

adoption adventure [10]

chores vs. contributions [12]

summer fun photos [14]

family of the year [19]

volunteer projects for kids [20]

[24] help someone

[26] foundation for service

[30] never look down

[32] taking the first steps

[34] veggie time

[36] big o music fest

[38] calendar of events

[10]

[08]

[14][10]

[26]

[32]

[20]

july features

[12]

6 OWENSBORO PARENT . July 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com

July 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 7www.OwensboroParent.com

Ever since our children were young, my husband I have looked forward to the 4th of

July concert on the river with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. We would set up

on the lowest level of the big steps overlooking the Ohio and lay out blankets on the

grass below.

Sometimes the concert would get off to a rousing start with jets flying over our heads.

By the time the music and the fireworks were over, our children were full from shared

meals brought by us and our friends and played out from trips up the steps to the

playground and the bathrooms. We would wait until most of the other families had left

before venturing up the hill, arms loaded with chairs, coolers and sleepy kids.

I have high hopes that someday this tradition will be carried on with my kids and the

grandchildren they bring along!

- Valerie Holcomb

We have probably 10 families that go in on fireworks at my brother-in-laws house.

We have a picnic and usually let off an hour or so worth of fireworks. Fun visiting and

seeing everyone and trying each others best summer dishes!

- Stacy Malott McRoy

Our family usually hosts a big 4th of July BBQ Bash. We always have a huge water

balloon fight in the afternoon, then we grill and eat. Once it gets dark, we have our

fireworks show and then theres a bonfire and smores! This year we will do all of

that, but we will also be hosting a week-long family reunion with about 120 people in

attendance!

- Brittney Reed Edge

We asked you to share your familys Independence Day

traditions with us and we received a lot of great stories!

Here are a few of our favorites!

parent talk

july 2012

8 OWENSBORO PARENT . July 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com

the lastcupcake

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

One idea is to look

for opportunities

to expand your

family activities

beyond your

own household.

For example,

look around the

neighborhood

to see if there is

someone who

needs assistance...

Lets face it: Most children are pretty self-centered. Its all about them. They dont want to share. The last cupcake is always theirs.

They want the shiny toy, the window seat and first pick of which

movie to rent.

Its easy for parents to give in. (How does it

look to argue with a 5-year-old over who gets the

biggest cookie?)

And most of these arguments will eventually

be outgrown. Well, except for the last cupcake; we

all want that!

But raising children is more than just

navigating these battles. Most Moms and Dads

understand that being a parent also involves a

responsibility to instill in their children a sense of

responsibility and giving toward others.

Even the youngest child can participate in

service to others through the everyday situations

in their own families.

For example, if the family is active at church, there are numerous

ministries to support. Even little ones can take part in projects to

collect food, clothing or money to help those in need.

If parents are members of an organization with a service

orientation, bring those conversations from the club luncheon to

the family dinner table. Talk about the projects

your club is supporting, and why they are

important. Be creative in finding ways for your

child to contribute.

However, its important to let the child make a

real contribution dont just hand him a dollar to

put in the kettle, or give her a can of soup to drop in

the collection box. Give your child an opportunity

to earn that dollar or buy the soup by doing chores

around the house. While youre at it, engage her

in a conversation about what kinds of items

groceries, clothing, health and hygiene products

might be appropriate for the circumstances.

Another idea is to look for opportunities to

expand your family activities beyond your own

household. For example, look around the neighborhood to see if

family life

July 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 9www.OwensboroParent.com

there is someone who needs assistance with lawn maintenance.

Kids can help rake leaves or mow grass. It may even be as simple

as asking an elderly or handicapped neighbor if they need help

moving their toter out front on trash collection day. Perhaps a

neighbor has a dog but is unable to take it for walk. This is a great

way to help out and get some family exercise at the same time!

And its important to remember that volunteer service is

not limited to donations and chores. Time time spent with

another person, talking, listening that can be the greatest gift

of all. And its a gift that truly blesses the giver as much as the

receiver.

Encouraging your child to be of service to others may very

well be the greatest lesson a parent can teach. Even better than

giving up that last cupcake.

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

blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.

OP

Speaking of cupcakes...

10 OWENSBORO PARENT . July 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com

Adopted children tend to have predictable challenges related to adjusting