Owensboro Parent - June 2012

June 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 1www.OwensboroParent.com

3 OWENSBORO PARENT . June 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com


It’s funny how the small things in life seem to make the biggest impact. Although most memories are attributed to major events, I feel it’s those moments most consider ordinary that define who we are.

My life has been shaped by a father who never took for granted the small things. As my baseball coach, my music instructor and my spiritual mentor, my dad poured himself into everyday life. Combining all those moments into what would become a foundation for my life. And now, as I raise my children, it’s my hope that I can learn to make every small thing count. Every morning prayer said with Ella Grace on the way to school. Every wrestling match with Ethan while we laugh until it hurts. And with Lydia Jane, who will soon enter this world to find a dad who is set on pouring everything he has into her life. I hope this issue of Owensboro Parent, filled with ways to enjoy the small things, inspires you to make every moment count. After all, this life is fragile and tomorrow is not promised.

Publisher, Owensboro Parent [email protected]

Publisher/Creative Director

Jason Tanner

[email protected]

Editor

Ashley Sorce

[email protected]

Account Executives

Jeff Sorce

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Jodi Tanner

[email protected]

Jonathan Tanner

[email protected]

Robert Williams

[email protected]

Graphic Designer

Taylor West

[email protected]

Contributors

Christina Dalton

Dean Ehrenheim

Dr. Brian Gannon

Cam Matthews

Danny May

John Moore

Jaime Rafferty

Christy Ramey

Jan Ward

Lora Wimsatt

Contact Information

Owensboro Parent Magazine

PO Box 23237

Owensboro, KY 42304

(270) 314-5240

www.owensboroparent.com

facebook.com/owensboroparent

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Cover Photography

Jason Tanner

Cover Model

James, son of Jimbo and Kristen

Rhineburger.

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from the publisher

june 2012

Jacob Helwig

Owensboro Parent would like to offer the Helwig family our deepest

sympathy with the loss of their son, Jacob. Diagnosed at age 16 with

Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor that attacks the soft tissue of

the body, Jacob was known for his faith, strength and courage.

1 9 9 4 - 2 0 1 2

This issue dedicated to


celebrating fatherhood [8]

playing it safe this summer [10]

daddy’s girl [12]

drastic measures [14]

a princess named stefanie [16]

sports and parents [20]

it’s about having fun [22]

dive into swimming [24]

[26] discovering disc golf

[27] take me out to the ballgame

[28] romp

[30] facebook photos

[32] off to the races

[34] plan your family’s stay-cation

[37] kids eat free

[38] calendar of events

[32]

[08]

[27][10]

[12]

[30]

[14]

june features

[10]


“Patience is finding something to do in the mean time.”

- Lisa Spencer Grigsby

“Keep your ears open and your mouth shut and you will learn more.”

- Jil lianee Roberts Starks

“Always keep God first in your life and NO CREDIT CARDS!”

- Katie Case

“Check your oil.” (Advice before every road trip from my dad.)

- Michel le Nebel

“Put God first, your family second, and work hard. Your integrity is in your control.”

- Alecia Potter Meyer

“If it was meant to be... Love will always come back. If not, let it fly.”

- Julie Carrico Hodges

Father Knows Best-- We asked our Facebook fans to post the

best advice they ever received from their dad. These are a few

of our favorites, short and simple, but perfect fatherly advice.

Thanks for contributing!

parent talk

june 2012


family life

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

The day everyone takes Dad out to eat … and he picks up the

check. Or the family holds a cookout … with Dad at the grill.

But that’s the way Dad wants it.

Ask any guy how he felt when his wife first announces the

news – “We’re going to have a baby” – and chances are, he’ll say his

emotions were a mix of excitement … and fear.

A lot of men are overwhelmed as they realize they will be

responsible for raising a baby – a child.

For some new fathers, this is an opportunity to relate to their

own dads in a new way. One young father said it this way: “I had

a newfound appreciation for my Dad. I’m sure he felt anxiety

through the years, but as a child, I can say I never felt that or sensed

that from him. I began to also reflect on the things he taught me,

by word and by deed, and then how large a responsibility I felt in

attempting to do the same for my children.”

For other men, however, the trepidation of impending

fatherhood is increased because they didn’t have a close relationship

with their own dad, or their father was not involved in their lives.

“Me and my dad didn’t ever have a strong relationship, so one

thing I want to do is make sure my daughter knows she can tell me

anything, no matter what it is, and I will always be there for her,”

said one first-time dad.

Another young dad said he learned one positive thing from

an absent father: “It showed me how I didn’t want to be,” he said

simply.

Men who previously considered their most important job

around the house to be taking out the trash once a week now say,

“The biggest responsibility of being a father is teaching what’s

right and what’s wrong, and for my child to grow up and know how

important family is.”

“I began to think about how great my parents were and how big

those ‘parent shoes’ must be,” another man said. “For the first time

in my life, a little person was going to look to me for their every

need – what an awesome responsibility this was and is!”

Dads quickly realize that their children depend on them

for more than food, clothing and shelter – little ones also learn

important “life lessons” from Daddy. That prompted one father

to reflect: “I want my children to live by the Golden Rule – ‘treat

others as you would like to be treated yourself.’ I make the effort

to live life this way, and honestly, I’m not as close to perfecting this


as I want to be. But I’d want my children to know this about me in

an effort that they would live this out in their own lives as they grow

up and mature into adults.”

Being a “Daddy” changes everything. As one man said: “It

makes me excited every day I get to wake up and see her little face

in the morning. Now there is never a day I am down because I know

when I get home, she will be there waiting for her Daddy.”

One of the best ways a man can take care of his children is by

taking care of their mother, as shared by this Daddy: “The one

thing I want my daughter to know is that her mother is the most

loving and caring person I have ever met in my life, and that her

father is a lucky person to have married her mom. We have the best

child in the world and we love watching her grow every day.”

There is a special relationship between fathers and sons as the

dad sets the expectation for what kind of man he wants his son

to be. However, those blessed with daughters quickly discover that

“Daddy’s Little Girl” has taken over his heart.

“I have always believed that a father sets the example for who a

man should be and how he should act, especially toward a woman,”

says the father of two girls. “I constantly remind myself that my

relationship with my daughters will have a great impact on what

they look for and expect in a man.”

Although many men struggle to put their feelings into words,

the love for their children comes through.

“My little girl is the best thing that ever happened to me,” said

a first-time Daddy.

Even though the lifelong adventure of fatherhood might begin

with uncertainty, many men find guidance in remembering their

priorities: “I learned that a Dad has to have a heart that seeks to

please God first in his life. If my kids can say their Dad tries very

hard to please God, then I’ll consider my role as a Dad a success.

All the other ‘Dad qualities’ hinge off of this one.”

One Dad said it all when he replied, “I love my children more

than life itself and I consider them a gift from God.”

Even if that gift involves grilling your own burgers on Father’s Day. .

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

blessings and adventures of life, especially her family.

OP

Here’s a great father’s day gift idea. Learn more at www.rompfest.com.


“To educate a person in mind and not in

morals is to educate a menace to society.”

Theodore Roosevelt

family life

playing itsafe oversummer break Ahhhh, the warmer days of summer

are finally here! The smell of the grass,

the crack of the bat, and the splash of the

pool are upon us. But summer fun can

also mean hidden dangers, if parents let

down their guard. Here are some simple

reminders to keep us and our children

injury-free all summer long.

{ b y : d r . b r i a n g a n n o n }

1 Most summer activities are outside, meaning

under the blazing sun. So sunburn is a real risk,

especially when children are outside for such long

periods during the heat of the day. Sunscreen should

be reapplied every 1-2 hours when outside and active

(in other words, sweating), more often if

children are in the water. We usually

remember this at the beach, but it’s

exactly the same sun, even at the

baseball diamond or the playground.

Hats and shade are also helpful to prevent sunburn,

and have the added advantage of being easier on the

eyes than full sun. The best time of day for infants is

early morning (before 10 a.m.), when the temperature

has not reached its peak, and the sun is not as bright.

2 Hydration is always important with

physical activity, but when the outdoor

temperature hits triple digits, the fluid

requirements go even higher. Believe it

or not, the best sports drink occurs in nature,

manufactured by God: water. All the others have


some advantages if you need extra salt or sugar for energy, but really

hydration, pure and simple, is the key. Experts recommend taking a

water break every 20 minutes during hot, humid weather, especially

for athletes involved in vigorous activity (like football or baseball).

After the first hour of practice, children may benefit more from sports

drinks, since the sugar boosts energy levels.

3 Swimming lessons are wonderful to help children conquer fear

of water, but they should not be used to “drown-proof” a child.

Children younger than about 7 still need “touch supervision,” with a

responsible adult within arm’s distance at all times.

Pools also should have locked gates, so children

cannot gain access to them without the help and

supervision of an adult (This includes inflatable

pools, which present their own set of dangers.)

4 If visiting a beach on vacation, please note the flags that show

how safe the water is on a given day. Children should NEVER be in

the water when the red flags are out, because of the danger of choppy

seas, and potential riptides. Riptides are extremely

dangerous waves, occurring when the water at the

bottom is pulling out to sea even though the water on

top appears to be calm or going toward shore. Every

year dozens of people (often adults) drown at beaches

prone to riptides, many of which have no lifeguards. If faced with a

riptide, where you feel yourself being pulled away from shore by the

undercurrent, try to float to the surface and swim parallel to shore

until the water is calmer. NEVER FIGHT AGAINST A RIPTIDE;

YOU WILL LOSE EVERY TIME!

5 Waterskiing and other boating activities can be lots of fun

for older children and teenagers, but they still require careful

supervision. Always remember life jackets, even for strong swimmers,

because rivers and lakes are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to

currents and assessing the depth of the water. Always

be sure there is a designated driver for the boat, who

will not be drinking. At least one supervising adult

must be sober, in the case of emergencies. Most bad

boating injuries are directly related to impaired drivers.

6 Regardless of the activity planned, an emergency medical kit

should be a key part of packing. I would suggest making sure you take

bug spray, sunscreen, pain relievers, itch relief medicines, bandages for

minor injuries, and any routine medications, especially an EpiPen (with

a current expiration date!) for any serious allergic reactions to foods or

insect bites. Topical antibiotic ointment is helpful for cuts and scrapes,

and topical hydrocortisone is available without a prescription to relieve

itching from bug bites or poison ivy. Take a pair of tweezers for tick

removal if going camping or to a wooded area. And if carsickness is an

issue, don’t forget the antinausea medicine for any car

ride longer than an hour or so. Avoiding milk can

prevent some of the unpleasantness of cleaning car

seats during the vacation.

Outdoor fun in the summer is loads of fun, whether

traveling long distances or playing at home. A

few basic precautions can help families avoid an

unplanned trip to the hospital or clinic, which may

tarnish your cherished memories.

For more information visit the American Academy

of Pediatrics online: http://www.aap.org/

Dr Gannon is a seasoned traveler with children, having cleaned lots of car

seats and gone through dozens of tubes of sunscreen the past few years.

OP


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

In the spring of 2012 Amy Arnold

Bellamy became a published author,

along with her Daddy, at the release of

“their” book, “Kentucky Family.”

family life

Photos by Jason Tanner

Life changed for Amy Arnold Bellamy and family in spring

of 2010.

Amy’s father, Pete passed away suddenly from a heart attack

during a tennis match with friends.

Pete left behind his wife Gail and two grown children, Russ

and Amy, Amy’s husband, Jason, and precious granddaughter

Savannah.

Amy was “Daddy’s girl” and felt growing up in the Pete

Arnold home was special. In fact, she boasts, “It was fun to be

his daughter!”

Pete worked hard to be a good Dad, but also played hard

with his children. He often said, “Russ and Amy, you are the

best toys I’ve ever had.”

Amy can’t deny the characteristics she and Pete shared. Both

outgoing and talkative, making their bond more iron clad. Both

loved music, especially playing their instruments together. Both

had an affinity for reading and writing, Amy became a middle

school language arts teacher while Pete wrote songs and short

stories.

Writing a book was on Amy’s “bucket list,” a list compiled

at her dad’s encouragement. Pete wanted his girl to pursue her

dreams; none were out of reach, so her list was long. He would

affectionately tell her to “get busy.”

Amy shared her authoring aspirations with her Dad but was

met with her own self-doubt. As her biggest fan, Pete urged that

with God all things are possible.

With his passing, Amy realized both of their dreams. God

gave her clarity as she would finally write that book that once

seemed only a dream.

Amy began her “homework” compiling stories while also

reaffirming a commitment to faith, family and fun that her dad

instilled. With that in mind, a theme resonated she couldn’t

overlook-- Pete was just a good ole’ boy that loved the Lord,

his family and life. It may not be fancy, but it’s funny and faith

filled.

This lives on in those who knew Pete and now those who

want know him, thanks to his daughter.

In the spring of 2012 Amy Arnold Bellamy became a

published author, along with her Daddy, at the release of “their”

book, “Kentucky Family.”

Readers may shed a tear recounting Pete’s sudden death, but

moments later Amy provides his humorous retelling of boyhood

antics with his brothers like flying a paper airplane, on fire, into

a pile of clothes, while Mom wasn’t home.

Amy shares, how moments before walking the aisle to be

married, her bridesmaids have a giggling fit. Worried she had

something out of place that could cause embarrassment, she

inquires about their laughter, only to turn and see her daddy in

daddy’s girl


a clown nose, lovingly reminding her that she told him his job for

the day was to make sure there were no tears. He had done his job!

Even in death God is using Pete’s gifts to provide laughter.

As funny as he was, Pete was serious about raising children

who loved the Lord and respect others. Being raised by a single

mother helped him become a better husband and father. He

wasn’t too prideful to admit he didn’t have all the answers.

Amy recalled a time in teen angst she behaved badly and

Pete had to address the situation. In broken honesty he told his

daughter, “I don’t have a dad – sometimes I don’t know what I’m

doing and you’ve got to help me out.”

It’s this vulnerability provided by Amy (and Pete) that gives

a glimpse into the life of a real family. By the last page, every

person may wish they too would have grown up an Arnold.

Feelings surrounding her father’s passing are still “fresh” for

Amy, but being raised by him was an honor, and she is thankful

for the time he was in her life.

They never left anything unsaid, including “I love you.” Her

book is just another “I love you” to her parents, brother, her

husband and daughter.

Pete kept his love for God, his wife and children alive through

the memories he left in their hearts and on paper. Amy gives

readers the

opportunity

to know the

daddy who

e n c o u r a g e d

her, guided her

and took time to

show her how to live

a faith-filled yet fun life

in marriage and parenthood.

Life growing up as an Arnold wasn’t

perfect, but Pete tried to give the family nothing but his best, a

goal his daughter also has now. Amy would agree, it was close

enough to perfect for her because she learned about what really

matters in life from being her Daddy’s girl!

For more information about “Kentucky Family,”

please contact Amy at [email protected] or at

www.amazon.com.

Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her

husband, Paul and their two children.

OP


There are times when a parent may need to take drastic measures.

By drastic, I don’t mean shooting your child’s laptop full of bullets

or publicly humiliating them on a street corner. I recently watched

a program highlighting parenting gone too far and the events I

described are real. As I watched each story, I thought to myself--

it doesn’t have to be this difficult, does it? Often times kids act out

because they simply can. They don’t respect parental authority.

They may not believe the warning that you’ve given out for the

hundredth time and why should they?!

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

This is the story of a family--Mom,

Dad and their three boys (all of

elementary age)--that took drastic

measures to regain their credibility.

These parents took control back and

in return gained enormous respect

that may have been lost somewhere

along the way. The biggest problem

that these parents faced was fighting

in the car. Imagine, if you will, three

boys arguing, fighting and bickering

on the way to each and every place

you went. Just the thought sends a

little shiver down my spine. This

family life

drasticdrastictimes call for

measures


particular family had a trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth”

rapidly approaching. Luckily for them, they were taking my

parenting class and at the time we were covering something called,

Strategic Training Sessions. To summarize a training session, you

pick an issue that is a huge problem for you and devise a detailed

plan to eradicate it, planning for every twist and turn that may

happen.

So….back to my family. They decided to do a “fake” trip to

Disney before the real one, and fingers crossed, the boys would

argue and Dad would turn the vehicle around and rip Disney from

their tiny, little fingers. This is exactly what took place, suitcases

were packed, loaded in the car and they headed for Disney on a

lovely Saturday morning. Not a mere 20-30 minutes into the trip

the fighting began and Dad said, “I will turn this car around if

you guys don’t quit fighting!” How many times had they heard

that before?! About 10 minutes later, Dad gets off on an exit ramp,

turns around and gets back on the interstate, only this time headed

in the opposite direction of Disney. He never spoke a word. These

were the words they heard coming from the backseat, “We’re

so SORRY! We’ll never fight again! Dad! Mom! We promise!!!!

[insert sobbing and loud wailing] Pleeeeeaaaasssseeeee……..”

Dad told the class that he didn’t know what he would have

done if they had actually behaved that day! Back in the car, Dad

wasn’t angry. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t even have to

explain why he had turned around. They knew! Dad told them

when they returned home that hopefully they would make better

choices next time and maybe they could try again next year. Just

imagine being an 8- or 9-year-old thinking that you are headed to

Disney World and because of YOUR bad behavior it’s ruined. No

Mickey. No Minnie. Space Mountain, buh-bye! The devastation

would run deep and hurt badly. Turns out that the boys ended up

calling their Dad’s boss and asked if their Dad could please have

more vacation time because they had ruined their trip. The end

of the story is that Dad, Mom and the three boys went to Disney

World two weeks later, on the original planned date and I quote,

“It was the best vacation we’ve ever been on as a family and no

one argued!”

Moral of the story: When Dad says he will turn the car

around…HE WILL!

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

for Daviess County Public Schools.

OP


stefanie

Once upon a time there was a princess named Stefanie who was

born a beautiful 6-pound, 15-ounce bundle of joy. Initially, she

had no problems, or so it seemed. We wouldn’t discover her limitations

until she was 15 months old, when she developed hydrocephalus,

fluid on the brain that has only a few causes. In Stefanie’s case, the

cause was Hurler’s Syndrome, an inherited metabolic disorder and the

prognosis was very bleak. No cure. Hurler’s also comes with a variety

of other issues, including diminutive stature, mental retardation, joint

stiffness and bone malformation, and clouding of the corneas. But

hope arrived one afternoon when she was seen by a geneticist at the

health department. The same doctor had mentioned the possibility

of a bone marrow transplant when he made the initial diagnosis, and

I asked again about it. He felt it wouldn’t even be a possibility for her

as she had no living siblings. (Her only brother had died of pneumonia

as an infant.) A nurse who overheard the conversation gave me the

number of another mother who knew about bone marrow transplants

and might be able to connect us with a doctor.

Back at home that afternoon I called the number the nurse had

given me and told our story to a doctor who would listen, and without

knowing it, the adventure had begun. Stefanie had a bone marrow

transplant at 21 months with the donor being her dad, who actually

matched her almost perfectly, the first of many miracles for her. By

the first anniversary of her bone marrow transplant, the hydrocephalic

shunt was removed. Four years later right before she started

kindergarten, she had her first corneal transplant for the clouding of

the corneas. She wore a cute pink eye patch to school to protect it from

injury or infection. The next year the other eye was repaired. More

miracles.

Her limitations were always in the eyes of others. To her dad and

me, she was perfect. But most of all she found her own way around every

single obstacle. Stefanie hardly ever complained, but some times her

shortness bothered her. I remember praying with her one night when

she asked God to just make her medium. She didn’t have to be large.

But Stefanie’s power came across best in a miniature body. I don’t know

how many times Luke and I were told that she had us wrapped around

her little fingers. But I didn’t care; nothing she asked of us was ever

hard. We weren’t the only ones captivated by her. Her smile and laugh

were contagious. She could and would talk to almost everyone. Once

family life

a princessnamed

{ b y : c a m m a t t h e w s } Photo by True Reflections Photography

Luke and Cam Matthews lost their daughter,

Stefanie, just 26 years old, on April 21, 2012.

She was no ordinary child, touching the lives

of anyone she encountered. Owensboro

Parent was happy to welcome Cam as a

special writer for this month’s issue. This

is Stefanie’s story, told by a proud mother,

forever changed by the life and positive spirit

of her daughter.


she had met you, she never forgot you. Tell her your birthday once and

it was saved permanently. Everyone was equal in Stefanie’s eyes, which

allowed her to sit in the lap of a principal (without asking first), play

with the ears of a superintendent at a ballgame, hug the custodians

every day, buddy up to the lunch ladies, console teachers through hard

times, make friends with a fellow students of all walks, ignore that

some folks were giants compared to her, and in general make everyone

who ever met her even once fall in love with her. She gave love freely

and was rewarded many times over. Every aunt and uncle and cousin

was her “favorite.” One was the favorite in Utica, another Handyville,

yet another in Glasgow, or Owensboro, or Orlando, or Birmingham.

She was never the diplomat, so whoever was with her at the time was

her favorite. Thank goodness Luke and I were with her all the time,

so we had permanent favorite status. As my sister-

in-law so aptly said, “To know Stefanie was to love

Stefanie.”

Stefanie was never afraid to let anyone know

what she needed or wanted, and we’re pretty sure

she always got it. But she was neither greedy nor

selfish, often giving away stuff. Stefanie once

proclaimed that shopping was her life, but she was

one of the most generous people I have ever known.

She was always willing to share her stuff because

truthfully people were her life. She loved attention

and she loved to give attention. Stefanie had a deal

with her Papaw that if she gave him a hug she’d

always find a dollar in his pocket. She shared this

little game with several uncles and great uncles and before we knew it,

she was reaping dollars everywhere she went. When one great uncle

died, everyone in his family made up for his absence and the missing

dollar. One of Stefanie’s hobbies was making coasters with Perler

beads, many of which she would design especially as a gift for someone.

She was prolific, making 10 or so any given week. Eventually, we had

a surplus of these, so I purchased a plastic storage box to keep them in.

Whenever she needed to give a gift, she would sort through that box

until she found the exact right one. Her first year at Apollo, Luke and

I deposited enough money in her lunch account for a month, but two

weeks later, I was told she needed more funds. When I asked where all

the money had gone, I was told she was getting breakfast each day, too.

That afternoon in the car, I asked her why she was getting breakfast

at school when she refused to eat at home. (She was never much on

breakfast.) Stefanie informed me that she was buying breakfast for

some of the special needs kids in her class that wanted it. I told her

we probably couldn’t afford to keep doing that, but I also told her

that I loved her giving spirit. I learned to be much more giving and

thoughtful by her example. She has kept the Matthews clan connected

to each other with frequent phone call updates as to what is going on

with each family. We’ve always joked that if you didn’t want particular

news to circulate, you’d best not let Stefanie know because it would be

national news in moments.

Stefanie loved everything Disney, but especially Tinker Bell. She

was part princess, part spunky fairy, part child, part wise old woman.

She dated the passage of the year by how close to “Disney Time” it was.

She once told us that the best part of Disney was that we three were

together all the time, focused on each other and nothing else. No work

or household chores or other obligations to distract us from her. And we

loved that, too. After one trip, we made her room and bathroom over,

designed by her to express her love of Tinker Bell and the princesses.

She was totally in awe of the characters at the parks,

kissing their noses, cautioning them about certain

behaviors, wishing them happy birthday, tickling

their bellies, dancing with them, and basically,

loving on them. She had favorite restaurants, too:

Chef Mickeys, Garden Grill, and The Crystal Palace

– though food took second place to the characters.

Her favorite park was Magic Kingdom with it’s a

small world and Haunted Mansion as her favorite

rides.

She did NOT like to be called “honey,”

“sweetheart,” or any other substitute for her name.

She would declare she was “Stefanie.” In fact, at

Kosair Children’s Hospital recently the doctors

told her that she was a puzzle. She was 26, which meant she was an

adult. Trust me, she made sure everyone understood that despite her

diminutive size she was an adult. But the doctors stated that she was

also tiny like a child. So they asked her to tell them what she felt she

was-- a child or an adult. Her response was, “I’m Stefanie.” And that

summed her up perfectly.

Last November we celebrated her 24th anniversary of her bone

marrow transplant, amazed at how well she had been all those years.

She hardly ever caught anything worse that a little cold. Then in

February she had to undergo dental surgery to repair several teeth with

cavities. Unfortunately, when the dentist got in there, he discovered

that because her teeth had very short roots, seven teeth had to be pulled.

He was also amazed that she had a monster abscess on one tooth that

would have had most adults groaning in excruciating pain. We knew

Stefanie had a high tolerance for pain, acting both as her enemy and

her friend. Her little body did not alert her (or her Mom and Dad) that

it had had big problems going on for some time. She seemed to recover

well at first as the gums healed up, eating her favorite foods-- chicken


and macaroni ‘n cheese. But then she quit eating and just getting her to

eat a tiny meal took an hour. As she began to lose weight, we took her

in to see the doctor. Except for the failure to eat, Stefanie seemed fine.

Then one day her little tummy, which was always a little chubby due

to the Hurler’s, ballooned out. An emergency room visit showed some

issues in her liver. Before we knew it, Stefanie and I were in the back of

an ambulance headed to Louisville with Luke following behind in our

car. Five days later her stomach was still very swollen, a colonoscopy

had uncovered a cancerous polyp (which they felt had been contained),

and we were joyfully headed back home with a long list of discharge

orders for us and her primary care physician.

Over Spring Break, she and I spent our time either watching Disney

movies or running to various labs for one test after another. On Friday,

April 6, her doctor called to tell me the test results. The CAE test for

cancer cells is at 0.0 – 3.0 normally, but Stefanie’s was over 700. The

doctor and I discussed when to admit her as it was Easter weekend.

Since he felt nothing significant would be done until Monday, we made

the decision to wait until Monday to admit her, allowing her and us to

enjoy time at home with more Disney movies. When I turned to tell

her what the doctor had said, I began to cry and my sweet little girl

said, “This is a shock to you, Mom.” As always she was more worried

about me than herself. I called Luke who immediately came home as

caring for Stefanie has always been teamwork for us. We three entered

the hospital on Monday, April 9, praying that the cancer would be

treatable, and Stefanie even seemed a bit perkier that morning. The

next three days were spent enduring one test after another with the

prognosis looking bleaker with each one. Through it all, Stefanie kept

that incredibly positive attitude that had characterized her all her life.

When doctors, nurses, or visitors asked how she was doing, she said,

“Okay” or “Fine.” One time she answered, “I don’t know,” and my

heart ached. She was a little warrior, attempting without complaint to

do whatever we or the doctors were asking of her in order to get better.

But none of us realized the day we entered the hospital that we’d only

have two more weeks together. The worst news came on Thursday after

the results of a CT scan of Stefanie’s liver showed what one doctor

called a nightmare. Stage 4 metastatic cancer throughout her abdomen,

including her liver, colon, and ovaries with an unknown origin. I sat

at a nurse’s station listening over the phone as the doctor continued

his gruesome description and praying that in spite of all I was hearing

that God would perform one more miracle for a little girl who was

the epitome of all God wants of each of us. The process of caring for

Stefanie sped up at this point. She was scheduled for surgery early the

next morning, but until the surgeon opened her up we had no idea of

how extensive the procedure would be. The fluid on her belly that had

family life


discover

prompted our concern was drained and the surgeon removed a tumor

on her colon (ultimately the origin of her cancer) and re-sectioned it

so that she did not have to have a colostomy. He also removed one

cancerous ovary, though nothing could be done for the liver. We felt

hope and our goal became to get her to Disney World one more time.

The very next day, Friday the 13th, Luke and I learned that Stefanie’s

cancer had spread into the connective tissue, which is worse than in the

liver, and in someone as small as she was, basically untreatable. But

the hope was still there that we’d get her out of the hospital and off to

Orlando. At the time she was in CCU for close monitoring, but doing

very well after major surgery. Her only complaint at that moment was

the catheter. She wanted it out. In fact, when she learned that it would

come out Friday morning, she woke me at midnight to let me know

it was Friday, and it needed to come out now. She was remarkable.

By Saturday we were back upstairs, she was walking, talking, watching

movies, playing with stickers, and even eating a little. Stefanie was

more herself than she had been in a month. And the days progressed

pretty much in that fashion with us learning we might get to go home

Sunday or Monday.

Saturday, April 21 began well with Stefanie taking a walk, doing

physical therapy for her legs, and drinking her favorite, Dr. Pepper.

In the afternoon, she announced she wanted to sit on my lap, and I

was so ready to hold her again. Most moms don’t get the opportunity

to hold their adult kids in their laps, but it is still one of my fondest

memories of her. Late in the evening just as a blood transfusion was

almost complete, Stefanie became very agitated and uncomfortable;

her speech slurred and her blood oxygen levels plummeted. Luke and

I were holding her hands, reminding her over and over that we loved

and would always love her. Within a few short minutes, she was gone.

No fear, no pain. Except for all of us left behind whose lives she had

forever changed.

Though I am a school teacher, Stefanie was my teacher every single

day. She has taught me that for all my organized lists, nothing is more

important than people. She treasured every day and helped me see

beauty, fun, and happiness in so many little things. Her impact on

people is difficult to explain; however, all of us long to be cared about,

and Stefanie did just that for everyone she met. In the days since, we

have heard so many Stefanie stories, and each resounds with her love

and joy for life. Our home was never quiet when she was there; instead,

it was a warm place full of laughter, hugs, and talk. Our home is quieter

now, but the overwhelming warmth of so many Stefanie memories

remains. OP


discover

{ b y : j o h n m o o r e }

discover

sportsand why parents do what they do

Ever wonder if all the travels, hotels, team meals, uniforms, and

other sacrifices we make for our kids so they can play sports

are really worth it? How about all the time away from family?

Summer vacations no longer feel like vacations, and those family

dinners and good, old fashion, last minute get-togethers don’t seem

to come around as often.

So why do we do it? It is often said that our kids learn much

more from our actions than our words. All these actions described

above are teaching two very good lessons, sacrifice and discipline.

There were countless hours of transporting me to practice, not just

local games, but often drives to other states even before the sun

came out. Uniforms always washed, food packed, and all the while

trying to encourage me to give my best effort. I’ll admit it wasn’t

until later in life when I started running my own kids around that

I realized all the sacrifices my mother had made.

But it is this same sacrifice that when your child becomes an

adult they will need to draw from to manage their lives. Whether it

is at home, advancing their educations, or even their careers, there

will be plenty of times they will need to make sacrifices, and your

example will be living proof. We can only hope they remember,

but again that’s what makes this an even greater sacrifice!

Even more important than the sacrifice we demonstrate may

be the discipline we are encouraging. Discipline is the ability to

motivate oneself in spite of negative forces or ideas. We can all use

more discipline in our lives, and I will be the first to admit, mine

seems to come and go at times. Regardless, I don’t know where I

would be if I did not have my experience from sports to draw from.

Again, my mother set the example. How many times do you not

feel like getting out and taking your child to practice or missing

a game because of a social event so they can play in a game?

Somehow you find the will power to get up and do it.

Discipline includes will power, hard work, and persistence. In

the competitive real world we all live in, these traits are almost

a must. Your child is learning this first hand. There will be

plenty of days they will not feel like playing, maybe even seasons.

Regardless, if they truly want to be the best they can be, they will

need discipline to overcome these negative forces and continue to

work towards their ultimate goals.

Sports really do teach us many important life lessons. The next

time you feel a little tired or start looking for reasons to encourage

your child not to participate, remember it may not be until years

later that all the rewards are reaped. Dig deep, be willing to sacrifice

a little more, and know the discipline you are demonstrating and

they are living can have a positive impact on their lives for years to

come. You are building a base that your child can draw on, all the

while getting to enjoy watching their development first hand.

John Moore, entrepreneur and fitness freak, owns Legends where he combines

three of his passions-- family, fitness and fun. He enjoys the opportunity to bring

Western Kentucky the coolest, newest items in form, function and fashion.

OP

June 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 21www.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


it’s abouthaving fun{ b y : d e a n e h r e n h e i m }

Youth sports can evoke many images…good and bad. I

remember an “Aha!” moment that reminded me about the

true nature of sports. My second son was playing center field on his

first T-ball team. He had his game face on. He anxiously bounced

back and forth from one foot to the other, just waiting for the kid on

the other team to whack one out his way.

Then it happened. The ball was hit and bounced out near the

unmanned pitching mound (remember, this was T-ball). The ball

dribbled out past second base into center field. Trevor snatched

up the ball and readied his throw. But he stopped in mid-swing.

Without moving his lips, his body language shouted, “What the

heck?” Then I looked at his target. Why was anyone surprised… the

first baseman was chasing a butterfly and oblivious to any baseball

game being played. The runner passed by first without a challenge.

Then Trevor looked to his next mark, second base. There sat his

second base players, twin girls scooping up dry dirt in their hands

and making perfectly shaped pyramids. Runner rounded second.

By this time, Trevor, clever 4-year old that he was, saw the reality of

the situation and began running after the hitter, arm stretched out,

ball in glove, racing to make the tag. By this time it was too late and

the hitter gained, what I am sure, was his first infield home run.

Frustrated beyond belief, Trevor dropped the ball, slapped his leg

with his glove and walked back to center field pushing his chin into

his chest and shaking his head the whole way.

It couldn’t have been scripted any funnier. I learned that day

that T-ball was not about baseball. T-ball is backyard fun for kids

and parents. Of course it should teach the fundamentals of baseball

(hitting, catching, running), but for kids it’s not about winning or

losing, it’s about having fun! After seeing this episode, I realized

what a challenge these parent coach volunteers had in coaching

T-ball. It was like herding cats.

Coaching your child in T-ball has its own set of challenges and

is very different from coaching your children in more sophisticated

levels of athletics.

I was able to help coach my two oldest sons in high school

swimming. I enjoyed having that shared experience and felt I could

help them reach their potential. But I was not their main coach and

felt awkward sharing too much information with them at meets

and practices. They were good about dad helping out, but as my

little T-ball outfielder Trevor, now 21, said to me the other day, “I

don’t know that I was always ready to hear what you had to say back

then.” And it was true, not bad nor good, just true.

It is important to determine if coaching your child will build

that great experience sports can create.

One parent coach success story is track and cross country coach

Tony Rowe of Daviess County High School. He coached both of

his boys at County. Not only was he “dad,” he was a productive

coach, having 10 Kentucky State Championships and numerous

individual state champions.

Mark Rowe is currently following in dad’s footsteps and has

advice from an ordinary dad

discover


coached track and cross country at Owensboro High School since

2010.

“I liked running for my dad. It was an exciting time and I didn’t

know any other way,” Mark said. “I knew if I ran I would run for

him. My best memories are cross country and track meets growing

up.”

Coaching when things are going great is easy. But when your

child athlete hits an athletic plateau, things could be strained.

“I know it had to have been tough at times for my dad,” Mark

said. “Especially my senior year; I didn’t run as strong as I had

hoped. But we both worked through it together.”

Coach Rowe says, “I tried not to put too much pressure on my

boys. I tried to be dad at home and not talk too much about running

there.”

Second son Matt, now coaching with his father at Daviess

County, mirrored the comments from brother Mark, but added,

“On those times when you just think your Dad (coach) is being too

hard on you because you are his kid, you just have to learn to brush

that off-- I mean don’t take it personally.”

Remember, it’s their memory and experience you are trying to

shape. For those ready to step into the parent coach role, here is

some ordinary advice to consider:

Separate the Parent from the C oachDon’t bring the game or practice home. Make sure when you leave

the field, pool, court or track you take some time to shift gears into

parent mode.

Treat Your Child Fairly Parents know more about their own kids than they do other kids.

Don’t use that against them. Allow them to be kids and act like

kids. Even though your expectations may not be unreasonable, you

can’t expect perfection all of the time. The natural tendency may

be to push them harder because of that special insight. Don’t treat

them differently

because they

didn’t make their

bed; don’t focus on

what happened in the

‘parent world’ when you

are coaching.

Talk Openly with Your Child Treat your child like an athlete. But also explain

that there may be times when the roles between parent and coach

become blurred. Allow your child to respectfully share when they

believe that is happening. As coach, you have an opportunity to

watch and shape your child like no other time, but creating good

communication is essential to benefit from this opportunity.

Establish Rules of C onduct Part of communication is establishing some clear expectations.

One coach set a rule that any parent who yelled at an umpire would

get their kid benched. That meant, even as coach, he couldn’t yell

at the umpire because he didn’t want to bench his own son. In

addition, make sure you set those same clear rules of conduct for

your child and for you.

Keep First Things FirstRemember your primary role is parent. Don’t let anything interfere

with that. Keep in mind that sports are an experience for the kids

and they should enjoy that experience. If you can coach and help

create that positive experience-- all the better. These memories,

good or bad, will be for a lifetime.

jor life. Embrace the moments you share with your dad.”Dean Ehrenheim, with his wife Jeanette, is raising four great kids. He regularly

writes about his experiences in parenting, coaching and wellness. His email is

[email protected].

OP

Advice for those

ready to step into the

parent-coach

role.


{ b y : j a n w a r d }

The fittest and fastest swimmers in the world will soon be on

world view in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Many children

will watch the Olympics and get inspired to give competitive

swimming a try, with gold medal stars in their eyes.

While the reality is that very few of them will ever realize

that dream, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t give competitive

swimming a try. My favorite book as a child was “The Olympic

Dream.” I can’t even find a copy now, but when I was 9, 10, and 11,

I read this book over and over until it fell apart. I was nationally

ranked as a 10-year-old (in the top 10 in a few events). Yet, I am

not sitting here today writing about my time in the Olympics.

That dream was never realized. So why would anyone choose

competitive swimming as a sport?

A Life Shaped by Swimming When I look back over my lifetime, I would not be the person

I am today if it hadn’t been for competitive swimming. I took

lessons at age 3, and at 5, joined the local USS swimming team, the

Ashland Aquabears. I started swimming for the Paul Blazer Varsity

High School team in 3rd grade, which led to receiving 10 varsity

letters. The rules were a little different back then!

After high school, I continued my swimming career--with a

swimming scholarship--at Transylvania University. These were

four of the best years of my life. I learned what it was truly like to

be part of a team, how hard work and dedication could really pay

off. Literally, sometimes.

Not only was swimming my primary sport for most of my life,

it was also my primary source of income. I started teaching lessons

at age 13, lifeguarding at age 14, and at 18, I served as head coach of

the local club team I had swum for all my life. I started a master’s

swim team (yes, for “old” people) while attending occupational

therapy school in Nashville. I ended up coaching a summer club

team as well.

I have continued to find ways to be around the pool or open

water. After college, I continued with swimming by competing in

triathlons. I was a little unusual because most triathletes start with

running or biking and then pick up swimming. So I often coached

triathletes on swimming, their weakest link.

I qualified for the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships in

1997 and 1998. Many people thought this was an impossible feat,

but swimming prepared me by showing me that working hard and

dedicating myself to an end goal, anything was possible.

As I was beginning my career in Occupational Therapy, I

just couldn’t stay away from the water. Not long after moving to

Many children will watch the Olympics and get

inspired to give competitive swimming a try.

swimmingdive in to

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Owensboro to pursue my career as an occupational therapist,

I got the opportunity to be an assistant coach for the local

USA swim team, the Owensboro Marlins. Then, as fate

would have it, the Aquatics Manager position opened

up at the OMHS Healthpark, and with that job, the

position as the assistant coach would continue!

Why NO T Swimming?I have a hard time seeing why most kids don’t choose

swimming over other sports. Physicians and physical

therapists praise swimming as one of the best ways to

stay in shape.

Swimming• works most muscles in your body all in the same

workout due to water resistance, promoting a toned,

strong body;

• creates a strong body “core,” because the hips, back and

abdominal muscles must work together to create effective and

efficient swimming;

• promotes greater lung capacity and a consistent intake of oxygen

since both aerobic and anaerobic systems are worked; and

• boasts one of the lowest injury rates of all sports!

The Best of Team and Individual Sports One great aspects of competitive swimming is that everyone on

the team gets to participate! It is a team sport in which individuals

compete. Most USA swim meets offer 12-15 events per age group,

so everyone can compete and find something at which they are

successful.

Children can begin with lessons, transition to summer league,

join a year round club team, compete in high school and even

continue their career through college. It is sport that rewards

hard work and dedication unlike any other.

The efficiency of swimming doesn’t come easily to most. To be

exceptional, you have to put in the time. Not everyone will make

the Olympic Team, and that’s true of any sport. But swimming

is one sport where you and only you are responsible for your

individual success. And, by dedicating your life to swimming, you

never know what awaits you later in life!

Jan Ward is the Aquatics Manager at the OMHS HealthPark and the Assistant

Coach of the Owensboro Marlins.

OP

OP


How To P layHere’s how it works: it’s basically golf with Frisbees. Instead

of a flag in a hole on the green, you have a basket that catches

the disc when you get close enough to “putt.” Just like in

regular golf, each basket has a par depending on the length

and level of difficulty. Instead of “teeing off,” each basket has a

starting “box” that gives you a few steps to wind up and throw.

The strategy comes in how you throw. The two most common

methods are the side-arm-throw or the across-the-body-throw.

Serious disc golfers have fancy bags full of discs for certain

shots: drivers, putters, short range, long range, discs that curve

left, discs that curve right, etc. But I’m a weird one: I have two

discs that I really like and that’s all I ever use. It may not sound

like all that much fun just throwing a disc, chasing it, and then

throwing it again. But I’m telling you, once you see that first

nice throw fly perfectly and land right where you aimed it,

you’re hooked!

Where to P layThe two most popular courses in Owensboro are at Panther

Creek Park (South entrance) and Yellow Creek Park (back by

the trails), but you can also find some baskets strewn across

campus at KWC. Branching out a little further, Vastwood

Park in Hancock County has a really nice course and there’s

also a course over at Mesker Park in Evansville. Once you’ve

mastered the local courses, Bowling Green has seven courses or

something ridiculous like that.

Getting StartedThe most important thing about disc golf is you can’t use regular

Frisbees. Disc golf discs are designed with a special material

and weighted so they fly low and straight or curve a certain

direction. You can buy discs at Legends or order them online.

Innova and DiscKraft are two of the most popular brands and

prices start around $12 and up, depending on brand and range.

Word to the wise: never buy a green, brown, or camouflage

disc because they’re even more difficult to find in the weeds or

woods. My friend made that mistake. Trust me, you’ll save time

and frustration buying really bright discs. That is until I can

patent my next million dollar idea: discs with a built in locator

that whistles back when you clap for it. (Man, I’m a genius!)

So get out there and discover disc golf! Maybe I’ll see you on the

course this summer.

Danny May is a husband, father of two boys (4 and 2), and works at Our Lady

of Lourdes Catholic Church.

disc golf

I won’t lie-- I probably haven’t thrown my discs

since our kids were born. But there was a time when

I played twice a week or more. And I can’t wait until

our boys are old enough to play with me. Because

that’s the thing-- anyone can play disc golf! And

after you have your discs it’s free to play.

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

OP

discovering

discover


The Owensboro Oilers are ready to start their 40-game season

competing against four other teams in the Ohio Valley Summer

Collegiate League (OVL for short). Oilers president Charlie

Pierce said the Oilers recently moved to Chautauqua for

several reasons: the lighting is better for night games, there’s

more parking and there are better bathroom facilities. The

Oilers definitely have a hometown feel, featuring several local

graduated high school and college players. And here’s the best

news: general admission tickets are $5, 55+ are $4, and kids

12 and under are free! Season tickets start at $40 and this year

they’ve started a brand new family season pass, which gets your

whole family into to every home game for just $75! You can check

the schedule at www.owensborooilers.com or call Charlie Pierce

at 929-6203.

You could also travel just down the Natcher Parkway, to Bowling

Green. Playing off the Corvette claim to fame, the Bowling

Green Hotrods have a new stadium (built in 2009) and lots of

promotions to fill the stands, including fireworks every Saturday

night home game. Recent guest celebrities include “Mr. Belding”

from Saved by the Bell for teacher appreciation night and 80s

wrestling star “Sergeant Slaughter” for military appreciation

night. One of my favorites is bark at the park night, where you

can bring your pets along. Christian Family Radio WCVK also

sponsors Faith and Family nights a couple times a season, which

include a concert. The Hotrods are a class A minor league team

and they are actually the farm team for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tickets start at $7. Check www.bghotrods.com or call (270) 901-

2121 for more details.

The “Great American Pastime” is in full swing. You can always drive to St. Louis or Cincinnati for

some major league action, but if you’re just looking for some good ole fashioned baseball, then you

have to look no further than Chautauqua Park to “root, root, root for the home team.”

take me outto the ballgame

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

OP


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

The last weekend of June, Bluegrass music will take over

Owensboro at the 9th annual ROMP: Bluegrass Roots &

Branches Festival.

`The festival, unique to the Owensboro community, will feature

a “mesh of traditional Bluegrass Americana and country music,”

said Danny Clark, International Bluegrass Museum Marketing

Director.

Last year ROMP introduced a new,

more modern line-up, according to Clark,

which tapped into a larger fan base,

introducing new people to Bluegrass

music. Clark says that a third of the

ROMP audience will be from out of state

and expects over 12,000 people to come out

to Yellow Creek Park for music and a full

pallet of activities.

Clark says around 30 craft vendors will set up shop at Yellow

Creek for the festival, selling handmade, quality items, including

crafts made from recycled goods.

This year, ROMP will debut numerous organized children’s

activities for the first time. Something for the kids will be available

the whole weekend event.

“This is a good family-friendly event,” Clark said.

The Kentucky All-Stars is a featured, kid-centered event. The

concept is simple, the museum hopes to grow the biggest Bluegrass

band on Earth, holding Saturday lessons for several months! The

group, consisting mainly of children, not only have great fun

playing great music together, forming

family bands and youth bands, but

also aim to preserve our bluegrass

music, indigenous to the state.

The Kentucky All-stars have

doubled since last year. During the

festival, 200 to 300 young musicians

will perform.

Kids age 14 and under are

free and a new discount for high

school students was implemented this year.

The International Bluegrass Museum produces ROMP as a

primary fundraiser. All money from the festival directly funds the

museum. OP

community

rompbluegrass roots & branches festival


You may purchase tickets for ROMP online at rompfest.com or by calling (270) 926-7891

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


facebookphotosTouchdown! Home run! Goal! Here are some of our favorite

photo submissions of your kiddos playing their favorite sports. Thanks for sending us your photos!

community


Ron Leonard believes his wife, Connie, who lost her battle to breast cancer in February, is present at every race. “Though she is not here with us today she still continues to to push us down the hill,” Leonard said.

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

racesoff to the

community

For Ron Leonard, The Owensboro Lions Club Soap Box

Derby is a family affair.

The family began their racing career in 2002, when Lenoard’s

nephew, James, entered for the first time. In 2003, they added

another car with niece, Lauren, who was the first to go to Akron

for national competition. In 2005, another niece, Kelsey, entered

a car in the race. Soon Leonard’s sons, Aaron and Jacob, both

entered the race, with daughter Kaylee designated as family

cheerleader.

Leonard even believes his wife, Connie, who lost her battle to

breast cancer in February, is present at every race.

“Though she is not here with us today she still continues to to

push us down the hill,” Leonard said.

This family believes that Soap Box Derby brings them closer

together, noting the quality time, communication and team work

from each member strengthens their family unit.

“It’s fun, you get to be with family, and you get to travel to

exciting places, like racing in a mall,” according to Aaron, Jacob

and Kaylee Leonard.

The Leonards buy their cars as a kit from the All-American

Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, following a rulebook that all

racers must follow when building a car.

“Soap box derby becomes your life,” Leonard said.

The Soap Box Derby is a great opportunity for family

involvement with a child’s interest, according to John Austin,

one of the Owensboro Lions regularly involved.

When soap box racing began in the 1930s to 1950s, the child

was supposed to build the car themselves. Early car kits were not

like the kits today, which include fiberglass or composite bodies

with floorboards and hardware that usually requires the help of

a parent or other adult.

The All American Soap Box Derby Association is the

sanctioning body of the races. Based in Akron, Ohio, the

association began in 1933. They govern the conduct of races as

well as the rules of the sport including car construction, weight

limits and distributions. Racers range from 7 to 17 years of age

and compete in one of three divisions-- Stock, Super Stock and

Masters. There is also a Super Kids division for developmentally

challenged children, a race that will hopefully return to

Owensboro in 2013.

Photos by Jason Tanner


Winners in each division of a sanctioned local race earn a trip

to Akron Ohio to participate in the Nationals, which are held in

July each year. The young drivers are treated like racing stars that

entire week, addressed as “champions.” Additionally, drivers can

earn points by racing throughout the year on the Rally Circuit

and thereby also earn a trip to compete in the Nationals.

The Owensboro Lions Club re-introduced the Soap Box

Derby race in the Owensboro community in 2001 as a fundraising

activity. The funds generated by the race are used in efforts to

serve the community through traditional Lions Club eye care

fundraising as well as contributions to various charities and

scholarships in the community.

The new, local track in Owensboro will host Rally races and

draw competitors from a broad geographical area.

“There were drivers from Tallahassee, Indianapolis,

Chattanooga and St. Louis at our first two Rally races,” Austin

said.

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


plan your family’sstay-cation{ b y : c h r i s t y r a m e y }

With input comes ownership and more joy in the journey!

With summer here, it’s time to rest, rejuvenate, and spend

quality time together. However, increasing prices for

gasoline, airfare, lodging, and entertainment may make this

year’s summer getaway shorter or scaled back some. But that

doesn’t mean that you have to do without a vacation, just take a

stay-cation.

Have a family meeting:Every vacation begins with a plan, so bring the family together,

maybe around a bowl of popcorn, and give everyone a calendar

to fill out. {Remember: Making memories does not have to

involve spending money. It just needs to be an experience you

share together.}

At your family meeting, plan a calendar of events that might

include:

· Trips to visit relatives

· Visits from friends

· Vacation Bible School

· Free close events (See OPM’s calendar of events each issue)

· Library visits

· A farm visit

· Trip to an orchard

· A picnic in the park

· Backyard activities

· Swimming

· Water games at your house (Ask others over to play.)

· Board game nights

· Make homemade ice cream. (Call the Extension Office at

685-8480 for directions to prepare Bag in a Bag Homemade Ice

Cream - no equipment needed.)

· Plan a scavenger hunt one evening.

· Watch 4th of July fireworks.

· Plan back-to-school shopping and events.

· Build a birdhouse.

You will be surprised at how fast your calendar fills up and how

excited your children will be as they look forward to each day.

family fun


P lan theme weeks:Here are some examples:

Airplanes

· Go to the airport and watch the planes land and take off.

· Read books about World War II planes.

· Watch movies that involve planes.

· Investigate the Wright Brothers.

· Build a model airplane from recycled items.

· Tour the Owensboro Science Museum.

Plan lots of outside activities

One of my son’s favorite activities was to lie down in the grass

at night and watch the sky. He, of course, would not do this

alone, but with his dad, who could point out planes, stars and

satellites!

· Catch lightening bugs. (I promote catch and release.)

· Catch frogs.

· Look for a praying mantis.

· Watch ants build and carry dirt.

· Go fishing.

· Bird watch; name them by keeping a record; and then research

their tweet!

Farm Animals

· Visit a farm with animals.

· Visit a petting zoo.

· Go to a pond and observe all the bugs, frogs, fish, turtles, etc.

· Draw pictures.

· Check out books from the library.

· Watch Charlotte’s Web.

Other Activities

· Make an obstacle course and time the team or individual.

· Teach kids how to use the stopwatch to see how fast they can

do it. Then challenge them to improve their time.

· Do fun relay races. (Use spoons, brooms, balloons, ping pong

balls, clothes, etc.)

All of these are activities that teach us to look and listen.

Let the family decide where to go, what to do and how much it

could cost. Then everyone contributes to the “vacation fund”

in some small way. With input comes ownership and more joy

in the journey!

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.

OP


community


SaturdayDenny’s (after 4:00 p.m.)

Texas Roadhouse (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

RocaBar (11:00-2:00 p.m.)

SundayTumbleweed (all day)

Texas Roadhouse (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

RocaBar (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm)

Salsarita’s (all day)

MondayShoney’s (up to 2 kids eat free with adult purchase)

T.G.I. Fridays (all day)

Zaxby’s (5:00 to 8:00 p.m. - kids eat for 99

TuesdayApplebee’s (all day)

Fazoli’s (all day - kids eat for 99 cents)

Pizza By the Guy (all day)

Salsarita’s (all day)

Denny’s (all day)

Beef O’Brady’s (4:00 to 8:00 p.m.)

WednesdayOle South BBQ (4:00 to 8:00 p.m. 2 kids eat buffet

w/ adult purchase)

ThursdayBee Bop’s (after 5:00 p.m. w adult meal)

Captain D’s (2 kids w adult meal)

Who doesn’t love to save money? We have compiled a list of restaurants offering children discounts. If you see one we missed, Contact the editor at [email protected]. *Please be sure to contact the resturant for specific details. Discounts are subject to change and Owensboro Parent is not responsible for incorrect listings.

kids eat free

family fun


FRIDAY, JUNE 1FLIGHT SIMULATOR The Owensboro Museum

of Science and History; 11 a.m.; 122 East 2nd St.;

owensboromuseum.com or (270) 687-2732.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Familiar Faces (R&B Dance

Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Heath & Molly Eric

in the Courtyard; Street Fair: Soap Box Derby

Festival; 6 -10 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or fridayafter5.

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 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or

ubouncepartyhouse.com.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Theatre Workshop of

Owensboro brings “The Sound of Music” to the

stage at The Opryhouse for their 2012 Summer

Musical; Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays

and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. 418

Frederica Street; (270) 683-5333.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2FREE SOAP BOX DERBY The annual contest

for youth racing, using home-built cars. The

winners here go on to compete in the Akron,

Ohio National Championships. This year is the

inaugural race at the new track at Ben Hawes

Park and also features demos and workshops

by the USA Luge Team. Contact John Austin,

(270) 852-3823 for details or visit www.

owensborolions.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 Frederica St.;

dcplibrary.org.

BURNS PLAYGROUND FUN DAY There will

be a craft/yard sale with several booths set up

including vendors such as Tastefully Simple, Avon,

Tupperware, Thirty-One Gifts, etc. There will be a

car wash, scrimmage games, basket raffle, 50/50

raffle and more.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC See event description on

Friday, June 1.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO RECITAL Summer

recital from Johnson’s Dance in RiverPark Center’s

Cannon Hall; 101 Daviess Street; (270) 687-2787.

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].

june 2012

family fun


OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Fulton

Railroaders at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua

Park, 7:05 p.m.; www.owensborooilers.com.

FREE SUMMER MOVIE ON THE RIVER “The

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

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

www.riverparkcenter.org.


Friday, June 1.

MONDAY, JUNE 4FREE SUMMER READING KICK OFF WEEK All

day, every day through Friday, June 8; Monday,

June 4--Amazing monster bookmark drop.

Tuesday, June 5 All day--Big Foot Scavenger

Hunt. Wednesday, June 6, 2– 3 p.m.-- Halloween

in June Costume Contest. Come dressed in

a wild and creative costume…best dressed

wins! Thursday, June 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m.-- Meet

Skippyjon Jones. Instead of our regular storytime,

the library will have a very special visitor; Judith

Schachner’s famous character, Skippyjon Jones;


dcplibrary.org.

THEATRE WORKSHOP DRAMA CAMP The

weeklong drama camp include lessons on

teamwork, theatre games, stage make-up, lighting

and sound, costumes, confidence building,

and always include our fantastic scavenger

hunts! Each week will end with an evening

performance in our brand new outdoor theatre!

June 4 – 8; 11 a.m. – 12 noon; Grades K – 2; $50;

theatreworkship.org or (270) 683-5333.


Friday, June 1.

TUESDAY, JUNE 5FREE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM at

The Museum of Science and History All children

18 and under are welcome to partake of a lunch

at no additional charge, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.,

Tues. – Fri.; food must be eaten on site; 122 East

2nd St.; owensboromuseum.com or (270) 687-

2732.

FUN IN THE SUN Come help us celebrate the

kickoff for the summer feeding program! Create

amazing artwork using the power of the sun

and lean sun safety. Owensboro Dermatology

will be present to sun safety tips and provide

sunscreen samples. We will also be giving out

summer-themed door prizes; 122 East 2nd St.;


KIDS IN THE KITCHEN The Owensboro Museum






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



Friday, June 1.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6THE ABCS OF BEES The Owensboro Museum



THURSDAY, JUNE 7FREE 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.

OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Hoptown

Hoppers at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua Park,

7:05 p.m.; www.owensborooilers.com.


Friday, June 1.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Discfunktn’l Groove (Disco

Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Darby Haas in the

Courtyard; Street Fair: Disco Party; 6 - 10 p.m.;

(270) 687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.





always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or



Friday, June 1.

OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Marion

Bobcats at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua Park,


SATURDAY, JUNE 9HISTORYFEST 2012 The second annual

HistoryFest takes place at Yellow Creek Park.

Featured will be WWII re-enactments at the park,

as well as showcasing history from the 1600’s

through WWII in the Pioneer Village. For more

information, contact Jim Goodall at (270) 275-

4487.

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



Friday, June 1.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Tradewater

Pirates at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua Park,


THE SOUND OF MUSIC See event Description on

Friday, June 1.

MONDAY, JUNE 11MYSTERY AT BIOTECH SUMMER CAMP The

Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens and the

Owensboro Museum of Science and History

wants you to Come solve the mystery! The

Professor is missing and the lab techs are sick.

The activities for the week, can the students help

find Professor Nico Tiana (tobacco scientific

name) determine what is making the lab

techs sick while also having fun and learning

about basic botany and biotechnology? 9 a.m.

– 12 noon; For ages 9 – 12; Cost $1; Call for

information and reservations WKBG (270) 852-

8925 or OMSH (270) 687-2732.

FREE STORYTIME WEE Read for ages 2 and




TUESDAY, JUNE 12GREEN SMOOTHIES The Owensboro Museum






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



Railroaders at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13FREE BALONEY…OR NOT??? Meet legendary

explorer Sir Richard Ripoff who has travelled the

world in a quest for strange and unique objects.

Sir Ripoff will narrate his journeys and display

some oddities from his vast collection. This

program will be weird…recommended for ages 6

and up; 2 - 3 p.m. & 3 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County

Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 14ART HEROES: BAT FLIERS The Owensboro

Museum of Science and History; 11 a.m.; 122

East 2nd St.; owensboromuseum.com or (270)

687-2732.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




family fun


FREE COMIC BOOK WORKSHOP WITH TED NATHANSON Multiple sessions for ages 6-8 and

9 & up. Registration is required. Times to be

announced. For further info, visit www.dcplibrary.

org or call (270) 684-0211 ext. 5.

INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL The 4th Annual International Mystery Writers’

Festival returns in 2012 to RiverPark Center.

Original mystery plays performed in Cannon

Hall and the Jody Berry Cabaret Theatre. Check

the RiverPark website for schedules; 101 Daviess

Street; (270)687-2787.

FRIDAY, JUNE 15JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH on stage at

Trinity Center, Theatre Workshop of Owensboro;

Sponsored by Reid’s Orchard; June 15 – 24;

theatreworkshop.org or (270) 683-5333.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Mudd River Union

(Country) on the BB&T Plaza; Barbara Santora

in the Courtyard; Street Fair: Bourbon Festival &

Colgate Country Showdown; 6 - 10 p.m.; (270)

687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.

U-Bounce Open Bounce Night; All must



always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or


INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL See event description on Wednesday, June 13.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE! Visit the library





dcplibrary.org.

NHRA SUMMIT SERIES DRAG RACING Super

Pro, Powder Puff Street Car Race; 4731

Windy Hollow Road; (270) 836-2921; www.

windyhollowdragway.com.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH See event

description on June 15.

INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

See event description on Wednesday, June 13.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17 FATHER’S DAY



INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

See event description on Wednesday, June 13.

MONDAY, JUNE 18Theatre Workshop Drama Camp The weeklong

drama camp include lessons on teamwork,

theatre games, stage make-up, lighting and

sound, costumes, confidence building, and

always include our fantastic scavenger hunts!

Each week will end with an evening performance

in our brand new outdoor theatre! June 18

– 22; 11 a.m. – 12 noon; Grades K – 2; $50;

theatreworkship.org or (270) 683-5333.



FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




OWENSBORO OILERS Home Game Hoptown

Hoppers at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua Park,


TUESDAY, JUNE 19KIDS IN THE KITCHEN The Owensboro Museum



FREE LEGO BLOCK PARTY For kids ages 6 and

up; Registration is required; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.;

family fun



dcplibrary.org.



U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must



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



Bobcats at Owensboro Oilers, Chautauqua Park,


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20FREE FANCY NANCY TEA PARTY Come dressed

in your best glitz and glam for a very fancy tea

time; For ages 6 & up; 2 – 3 p.m. & 3 – 4 p.m.;


dcplibrary.org.




Hoppers at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua

Park, 7 p.m.; www.owensborooilers.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 21PENELOPE THE BAY ZEBU The Owensboro



687-2732.

FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and






OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Tradewater

Pirates at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua Park,

7 p.m.; www.owensborooilers.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22THE CHEMISTRY OF LIGHT The Owensboro



687-2732.

THE DAZZLING DAYLILIES: BALLOONS OVER THE GARDEN This event brings beautiful blooms

plus multiple activities for everyone to enjoy! Hot

air balloons will be at the Garden June 22-24;

Dazzling Daylilies Festival June 25-30; Check

the Western KY Botanical Garden’s website for a

complete schedule; 25 Carter Road; (270) 852-

8925; www.wkbg.org.




always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or




OWENSBORO QUILT SHOW The Owensboro

Area Quilters Guild brings their Quilt Show to

Brescia University at 717 Frederica Street, opening

at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and closing at 5 p.m. on

Saturday.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Caribou (Rock & Roll

Oldies Dance Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Rachel

Timberlake in the Courtyard; Gospel on the River

in Cannon Hall with Childress Family, Living By

Faith, and Deena Ashley. Street Fair: Big Red Bash,

DCHS 1971, WKU-O reunion; 6 - 10 p.m.; (270)

687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.






dcplibrary.org.


Railroaders at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua

Park, 7 p.m.; www.owensborooilers.com.



THE DAZZLING DAYLILIES FESTIVAL See event

description on Friday, June 22.

OWENSBORO QUILT SHOW See event


SUNDAY, JUNE 24JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH See event




MONDAY, JUNE 25FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and






TUESDAY, JUNE 26AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES The Owensboro



687-2732.




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


WALK & TALK & LUNCH IN THE GARDEN “DAYLILIES & THEIR PALS” Enjoy lunch and a

walk through the Western KY Botanical Garden;

25 Carter Road; 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; (270) 852-

8925 or www.wkbg.org.



family fun


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27TINY TRAINS The Owensboro Museum of

Science and History; 11 a.m.; 122 East 2nd St.;


FREE DRAGONS, DRAGONS, DRAGONS Learn

the fiery history of the dragon while making a

cool dragon craft to take on parade; 2 – 3 p.m. &

3 – 4 p.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020


FITNESS PALOOZA A day of fitness and the great

outdoors at the Western Kentucky Botanical

Gardens; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Check the Western

KY Botanical Garden’s website for a complete

schedule; 25 Carter Road; (270) 852-8925; www.

wkbg.org.



THURSDAY, JUNE 28ROMP: BLUEGRASS ROOTS & BRANCHES

FESTIVAL The 9th Annual River of Music

Party brings three days of bluegrass music!

Thursday will bring jamming and storytelling

at the Museum. Thursday, Friday and Saturday

nights bring concerts to Yellow Creek Park.

This year’s lineup includes headliner Vince Gill,

Old Crow Medicine Show, Carolina Chocolate

Drops, Punch Brothers featuring Christ Thile

and many more! For more information about

the festival, visit the Museum’s website at www.

bluegrassmuseum.org, or by phone at (270)

926-7891.

ART HEROES: FINGER PAINT The Owensboro



687-2732.

FREE STORYTIME WEE READ for ages 2 and






FRIDAY, JUNE 29MINI HERB GARDENS The Owensboro Museum



FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 The Jimmy Church Band (Motown Sound & Dance Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Jeff Wildman Hardesty in the Courtyard. Street Fair: Sunset Celebration; 6 - 10 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or fridayafter5.com.




always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or



Bobcats at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua


ROMP: BLUEGRASS ROOTS & BRANCHES

Festival See event description on Thursday, June

28.








dcplibrary.org.

NHRA SUMMIT SERIES DRAG RACING 1st

Annual JR Dragster Freedom Race; 4731

Windy Hollow Road; (270) 836-2921; www.

windyhollowdragway.com.



Hoppers at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua


ROMP: BLUEGRASS ROOTS & BRANCHES

FESTIVAL See event description on June 28.



SUNDAY, JULY 1FREE SUMMER MOVIES ON THE RIVER “Happy

Feet 2”, on the BB&T Plaza at RiverPark Center; 8

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

riverparkcenter.org.

MONDAY, JULY 2FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




TUESDAY, JULY 3U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT All must



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


FAMILY FREEDOM FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

Fireworks and family fun at Panther Creek Park.

Vendors open at 5 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:15

p.m.; 5160 Wayne Bridge Road; (270) 685-6142

or www.daviesscountyparks.com.


Bobcats at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua


WEDNESDAY, JULY 4INDEPENDENCE DAY!

FREE A CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN

SPIRIT View the fireworks from English Park

on the Ohio River as the City of Owensboro

celebrates the Fourth of July with music from

the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and

concludes with fireworks shot off from a barge

in the Ohio River. Gates open at 6 p.m., followed

by speeches, Color Guard, and fireworks

accompanied by patriotic music at 9 p.m.; (270)

687-8700 or www.owensboroparks.org.

OWENSBORO OILERS HOME GAME Tradewater

Pirates at Owensboro Oilers at Chautauqua Park,


THURSDAY, JULY 5FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and




FRIDAY, JULY 6FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Old School (Rock/R&B/

Motown Dance Band) on the BB&T Plaza; Aly’an

in the Courtyard. Street Fair: Couples Night;

6 - 10 p.m.; (270) 687-2787 or www.fridayafter5.

com.




always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685-1255 or


SATURDAY, JULY 7FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!Visit the library





dcplibrary.org.

family fun

Owensboro Parent - June 2012

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