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Summer Camps & Activities Guidepages 15-17

YARD SALEPlanning Tipspage 10

BIRTHDAYPlanning & Hot Spotspages 12-14

The CrosbysAn Egg-citing Family!

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FOSTER PARENTINGpage 23

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There was a worrisome sign on the garage door when I pulled up. “The dog will chew on anything within his reach.” The big dog that came snuffling up to greet me was just part of the menagerie at the Jon and Kristy Crosby home. Dogs, cats, children and (wait for it…) chickens! “Yes, we have chickens.” Kristy Crosby said. Her husband Jon explained, “We had a barn with no purpose and Kristy had read about raising backyard chickens. She wanted six.” “But he kept bringing home more until we ended up with 36.” Kristy said. “I wanted our boys, Hayden and Heath, to know that food came from more places than restaurants and grocery stores.” So, last summer the Crosby family started Elrod Egg Ranch and raised a garden. Heath, age seven, feeds the chickens and gathers eggs after school each day. He is a hard worker and is dedicated to his poultry. Each chicken has a name and he keeps track of all of them. Hayden, age 11, is Heath’s bodyguard, fighting off roosters with a broom, a shovel, tobacco stick -- whatever weapon is handy. The poultry business is just part of the Crosby family legend.

Eggceptional FamilyThe Crosbys - An

Jon is one of those blessed men. When he was 15 years old he started having great pain in his shoulder. When his parents took him to the doctor it was decided that he had tendonitis and was treated as such. Then he had a minor car accident causing his shoulder to swell immensely. When a bone biopsy was run they found osteo sarcoma, a deadly form of cancer that starts in the joint and goes to the lungs. The only children who survive are those who are treated when it is still local. He was treated at St. Jude’s Hospital 25 years ago and is cancer free. The Crosby’s lifestyle is busy. Heath attends McNeil; Hayden, Bowling Green Junior High School; Kristy is in Pharmaceutical Sales. Jon has recently been named as field representative for US Senator Rand Paul. They are all very active at Living Hope Church where Jon and Kristy have attended 19 years. Kristy teaches a class and Jon is a Worship Leader. But, when you mention the name Jon Crosby, everyone thinks MUSIC. You might be remembering Orchestra Kentucky Retro concerts with his wonderful voice and quick wit. Or, it could be him currently singing with Skip Bond and the Fugitives. If Jon has

his way, you’ll be thinking of his band. “I have a great time with the group I put together, Jon Crosby and the Rescue Blues,” Jon said. “We have a ton of bookings coming up for weddings and parties.” Or maybe you just think of chickens.Note: The Crosby’s chicken house was struck by lightning March 2 and burned down. They are in the process of rebuilding. <

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april/may/june 2012i n th i s i ssue

Lemonade for a Cause6 Alex’s Lemonade Stand

events

Event Calendar24-25 Kid, Teen & Family Events

arts

health & safety

Teacher Appreciation22 Homemade Gifts

Preventing Injury26 Staying Safe with Sports

Beautiful Teeth7 Orthodontics

Wellness11 Light of Chance Program

Foster Parenting23 How You Can Help

education

Yummy Mommy18-19 Tips & MOMS Club

features

Summer Camps15-17 & Activity Ideas

Bowling Green Parent is a quarterly publication for Bowling Green / Warren County and surrounding areas. We generate 10,000 free copies of this issue which can be picked up at over 200 local family-friendly businesses in six counties. For a list of locations: www.bgparent.com/about/distribution

To inquire about advertising, call 270-792-7228 or email info@bgparent.com.

Katie Frassinelli, Publisher and Creative DirectorCarolyn Cossey Pitchford, Editor-in-Chief

All material and information, which appears in Bowling Green Parent Magazine, is presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or child care expert if you have any questions concerning you or your Family’s well being. Bowling Green Parent Magazine presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained in the magazine. Bowling Green Parent Magazine takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of statements in any of our articles or segments. We rely on independent writers and reader responses to present us with ideas and informational material.

THANKS to our supporters & contributors!Without the advertisers in BG Parent, we would not be able to bring this FREE publication to you! Please thank them by visiting their business, and tell them you saw them in BG Parent! We are also thankful for our talented writers and contributors who volunteer their time to bring you fresh stories. If you are interested in contributing, please email your idea to info@bgparent.com.

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from the editor Welcome Spring! Thank you, Readers, for responding to our January survey! We were overwhelmed with all the submissions to our request for input! And the survey says: You enjoy articles written by local experts about education, the arts, sports, travel and issues that affect families. It’s important to you that we don’t have paid content. We found that you refer us to your friends, pay attention to our advertisements and use our calendar! We are listening to everything you told us in that Reader Survey and we will work hard to be the best magazine in town. Here’s a great tip- BGP has even more useful information online on our Facebook page, facebook.com/bgparent, which is updated every day with activities, opportunities and bargains in the area. Don’t have your copy of BG Parent? Go to our website, bgparent.com, where our calendar is always available with all the regional cultural and educational opportunities. We know what families like. We hope you enjoy this issue full of articles written by local experts and friends as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.

Cara & Katie

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle& The Great Cloth Diaper Change5

BECOME A FAN...Contest with

prizes, fun ideas and more!

Birthday Parties12-14 Planning & Places

Dimes Make a Difference8 Relay for Life

Yard Sale Tips10 Why, When, Where, How

Backyard Birding4 A Natural Hobby

Gravity Grand Prix9 BB&T All-American Soapbox Derby

Travel: Washington, D.C.20-21

On the Cover: Jon and Kristy Crosby with sons Hayden and Heath. Photo by Bob Pitchford.

Win a Trip to Forrest Hills

A Proud Member of the

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Backyard Birding Spring is in the air and so are the birds. Kentucky’s state bird, the red cardinal, is in your backyard wanting to be fed. The American goldfinch is turning yellow and flitting everywhere looking for thistle. The small black and white chickadee is singing its sweet ’chickadeedeedee’ song. Add the tufted titmouse and the chatter of the Carolina wren to this wonderful world of birds and you can enjoy all of this at home.

Feeding the birds with your children is a fun activity that will plant the seed for love of nature. There are window feeders that work great from your kitchen window. It’s fun to watch them pick up a seed and fly away and come right back for another. The birds are entertaining with their antics at the window, landing two or three at a time. It’s laughable to see who wins out and the birds often look right in the window as if to say “who are you?”

Another favorite bird family is the woodpeckers. The downy woodpecker is the smallest with black and white on his back and a spot of red on his head. He has a squeaky “kikikiki” call that makes you laugh. They love to come to suet feeds hanging from trees or from a shepherd hook close to windows. They may stay for

About the author: Jeftie Sawyer is the owner of the Wild Bird and Nature Store and Pet Nanny business on Lehman Avenue in Bowling Green, Kentucky along with her husband, Gerry. She is an enthusiastic birder, gardener and hiker.

quite awhile pecking away at the suet or seed cake. They like backyards and being around people.

Placing bird feeders in your backyard will bring birds up close. I recommend choosing a feeder that will attract all the birds such as a hopper style or a no-no bird feeder. You can fill the feeders with many different seeds that the birds, like black oil sunflower seed,

safflower, thistle, a nut and berry mix.

Kentucky is on the migratory trail of birds going from the north to the south. You never know what new bird might light at your feeder and thrill the whole family. It might be something as exotic as a rose breasted grosbeak.

The ruby-throated hummingbird arrive in April and stay into the early fall. Hang several feeders in your backyard and they will be zooming everywhere and making the sweetest little tit-tit sound. What fun! They shimmer in the sun and are so small and move so fast they are hard to see.

Teaching your children to bird watching is something they can enjoy their entire life. Wherever they go they can look up, see the birds, hear their sweet sounds, hopefully identify a few and remember being at home was where it all began.<

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Reduce Reuse Recycle Everyone is telling our kids to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, but do our kids really understand what that means? This Earth Day, April 22, why don’t you do a fun “UPcycled” craft and use the opportunity to talk about using our resources wisely and why that is important. Then eat up at a great local restaurant or plan a local dinner. The first thing you can do is to get them talking about the issue. A great video I like to show others is called “The Story of Stuff.” In a semi-cartoon format it describes the production process of all of our stuff and the resources it takes to make them. It’s less than 25 minutes and is a GREAT conversation starter. Check out their website for the video and other discussion questions. The direct link is available by clicking this story on the BG Parent website. For an older crowd (like teenagers) I would consider watching a documentary about an issue that hits close to home in Kentucky. There are very compelling documentaries about mountain top removal, for example, that would be insightful and make for great conversation. Talk about waste even in your own home. Ask your teens if they buy things they don’t need or if they fail to reuse things that have life in them before throwing them away or repurposing. Are they wasting energy in

the house? Turning out lights when not in the room, cranking heat up when no one is home, and letting the water run the whole time when brushing teeth is wasting resources (and money!) Plan for this fun craft afterward. Many of us have this one item that can be re-used for a fun UPcycled project- an old computer keyboard. You know the old one in the basement? You can use everything on it, from the keys to make jewelry, to making billfolds from the circuit sheets from the insides of the keyboard. There is a direct link to videos showing how to do some cool projects listed on the Bowling Green Parent website. Finish by picking up some pizza at a great local place like Green Grounds Café and Pub or go out for a wonderful meal at Home Café.

EVERYDAY!

About the author: Sara Ferguson is the Recycling and Surplus Coordinator at Western Kentucky University. She is the mommy of two adorable dogs, Dorothy and Elphaba. In her spare time she is working on DIY projects from Pinterest for her upcoming fall wedding to her wonderful fiancé Taylor and practicing her sign language skills for an ASL certificate.

Bowling Green will be participating in an international cloth diaper changing event on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Registration is open to participate in the Bowling Green event, which will take place at 11am at the National Corvette Museum. In addition to the Great Cloth Diaper Change world-recording setting activity, there will also be various vendor booths, giveaways, a silent auction benefitting the RDA, a ‘stuff with fluff’ donation box, and other family-friendly activities.

For more information or to participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Change, call 270-467-8836, visit Facebook.com/GCDCBGKY or register online at www.gcdcbgky.evenbrite.com.

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Lemonade for a CAUSE Summertime means warm weather and sunshine. Why not add some fun and participate in an Alex’s Lemonade Stand on June 30 with some new friends including Liz Scott, mother of Alex Scott, the child who inspired the nation with her determination to fight childhood cancer. The lemonade stands raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures and is coordinated locally by 18-year-old Greenwood High School senior, Riley Miller. It’s personal for her. She has lost two baby brothers to a rare form of cancer. “The first year we had about 20 stands. Last year there were 40 stands and 400 volunteers.” Riley said. “We would love to double that this year!” Carol Miller, Riley’s mother continued. Riley has raised $140,000 in the six years she has coordinated stands in Bowling Green and was honored as 2011’s Stand Host of the Year for Alex’s Lemonade Stand – a national organization that raises money for childhood cancer research. The Miller family organizes all the stands, volunteers and donations. Riley explained, “Each stand will have one person in charge of a stand and recruit their own volunteers. Sometimes people will call and just want to

help at a stand. We will match them up with someone needing workers.” Carol continued, “Usually, people will set-up in a business parking lot or in their neighborhood.” Each stand registers online with Alex’s Lemonade Stand allowing it to get credit and people to make donations online. Some of the lemonade, cups and ice come from generous community donations. “We are always looking for donations. We’ve received cups from Wendy’s and lemonade from Houchens in the past. Everything is accepted gratefully. It’s a day of neighborhood generosity and fun.” Riley said. The lemonade stand itself can be whatever the volunteer wants. And Carol says that they have had some very creative volunteers. “Everyone thinks it’s us. But it’s really the volunteers. Some stands will offer cookies or other refreshments. Last year one stand had pony rides.” When people come to the stands, everything is a contribution. “No donation is too big or too small,” said Riley. “We’ve had pizza delivery guys come by and give us their tips they’ve gotten that day, and we’ve had people pay $1,000 for a cup of lemonade.” At the end of the day, there is a Grand Stand sponsored

by Compton Orthodontics where all the money is gathered and counted by Independence Bank. It’s a festive event. For more information, go to bgparent.com/lemonade. To host a stand or volunteer contact Riley Miller on Facebook or email alexslemonadebg@insightbb.com<

How to Host Your “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”

About the Contributor: Riley Miller is an 18 year old senior at Greenwood High School. She has been coordinating Alex’s Lemonade Stands in Bowling Green for seven years. Riley enjoys sports, music, acting, writing, and hanging out with friends.

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SMILE With Beautiful TEETH Probably the two most frequent questions I get from patients, friends, and family are: “When should I bring my child in for an exam?” and “Will my child need two sets of braces?” While the smile and bite can be improved at any age, some orthodontic problems are more easily and best corrected at specific periods of growth and development. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen for their initial consultation by age seven. Why age seven? By this age, the back teeth, or molars, have grown in, thus establishing the bite. Then your orthodontist can look for “front-to-back” and “side-to-side” tooth and jaw relationships. Early screening can increase the likelihood of achieving a beautiful, well-functioning bite and smile for your child. Most problems (like mild crowding or spacing) do not require treatment at this early age, but your orthodontist can predict and advise you on what future treatments may be necessary. Conversely, some children will require treatment between the age of seven and nine. This treatment is usually directed at correcting crossbite and underbites. An easy way to identify a crossbite or underbite is to have your child bite with their back teeth together and smile. Look for any upper teeth that bite inside (or on the tongue

side) of any of the lower teeth. Your orthodontist can diagnose this best. Other early treatments may involve correcting severe overbites, severe crowding, reducing the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and preserving space for extracted baby teeth. This is all achieved with a combination of partial braces, expanders, headgears, etc. All early orthodontic treatment is aimed at reducing the need for permanent tooth removal, avoiding possible jaw surgery as an adult, and reducing the future treatment time and complexity with adolescent braces. The majority of orthodontic problems such as mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or overbites are easily corrected between the ages of 10-14, depending on the child’s dental and body development. This is typically known as “comprehensive treatment” or “Phase II orthodontics.” It usually involves full braces with or without the use of appliances such as expanders for widening the jaws and bite correctors to align the jaws. Your orthodontist can time specific treatment with growth to achieve the optimal result. Although treatment may not begin for several years, age seven is the best time for an initial screening appointment so that the timing of future orthodontic treatment can be planned for the best result.<

About the author: Dr. Compton received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown College, Doctorate of Dental Medicine from UK and Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Buffalo. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Compton maintains memberships with the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists and Pennyrile Dental Society. He is active in the community as a supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand and is a Board Member for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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Dimes Make a Difference They’ve had co-workers, friends, students, spouses, and children fall victim to cancer. That’s why the staff and students at Cumberland Trace Elementary join together each year to become one of the top Warren County Relay for Life (RFL) teams. “No one is immune to the effects of cancer. I think everyone has a story to tell. My daughter Stephanie survived leukemia,” Team Leader Melinda Riedel said. Laura Sanders, RFL team member explained, “Cumberland Trace became involved eight years ago through now retired teacher Judy Poling whose father had cancer. Now we have teams of teachers, students and parents. We even have parents of former students participating with us. We raise $8,000-$15,000 each year for Relay for Life.” The school has a Children’s Relay for Life in coordination with the PE teacher and a field day in May after testing is completed. The mini-Relay mirrors the adult program with a beginning ceremony, skits and an opening lap for the students. Last year the kids gathered money in water bottles, calling their collection “Dimes Make a Difference.” The teachers participate in an even larger way. Throughout the school year they are fundraising. “We really like to eat.” Melinda laughed. “We share a lot of meals.” Teams of teachers take turns bringing meals to school on food days. The other staff members buy those meals for $5.00. It’s a deal that can’t be resisted.” Laura said. “We lost a team member, Teresa Rone, to cancer. Now, we have extra special meals in her honor. Because

she was a lunchroom employee we call those dinners ‘Teresa’s Diner.’” “We have a yard sale in the spring and fall, a silent auction at Christmas, serve concessions at the primary musical, and staff members with side businesses donate percentages from sales,“ Melinda listed. The Cumberland Trace team will attend the June 1-2 Warren County Relay for Life at BGHS football field along with 4-5,000 other participants. Because the Warren County Relay is the biggest in Kentucky it has been chosen as an open enrollment site for an active cancer research program study called Cancer Prevention Study 3. This is a 20 year study open to people ages 30-65. For more information about this program go to cancer.org/cps3.<

About the Contributors: Laura Sanders has taught Kindergarten 14 years. She is married to Steve Sanders and has two sons, Will, 10 and Sam, 6. Laura likes to read and travel. Melinda Riedel has been a teacher 28 years, is married to Bill Riedel, has a son, Stephan, and a daughter, Stephanie, a leukemia survivor. Melinda loves to exercise, read, shop, and go to the beach. Her best friend is her twin sister Margaret.

The excitement will be electric May 18-20 at Phil Moore Park in Bowling Green as race fans meet to cheer for boy and girl racers, age seven through 17, competing in the BB&T All-American Soap Box Derby. “Soap box derby racing for a kid is either instant love or they hate it.” Ron Cummings, three-time chairman of the local BB&T All American Soap Box Derby said. “And they don’t know until they go down the hill. I call it ‘the thrill of the hill.’” The Soap Box Derby has a long history in Bowling Green, rumbling down the treacherously steep College Street in front of Cherry Hall before disappearing in the 70’s. The race was resurrected in 1998 by David Holland and Roger LaPointe, who got the support of the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green and Mike Murphy of Scott Murphy Construction who built a track at Phil Moore Park. The primary goal of Soap Box Derby is to provide young boys and girls an opportunity to spend time with a caring adult as they build their racer, to teach lessons about sportsmanship and self-confidence, and to provide kids with the thrill of competing in a racer they built themselves. Racers are no longer built from scrounged parts. The cars are now constructed from official kits purchased

WOOHOO!! It’s the Gravity Grand Prix!

through the race organization. At the local track, kids have the opportunity to compete in any of three racing divisions, stock, super stock and masters. The top three winners in each division get to compete at the national All-American competition held in Akron, Ohio. Rick Wilson, Area Executive of BB&T said, “We are proud to team with the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green as the title sponsor of the BB&T All-American Soap Box Derby.” BB&T sponsors the winners’ trip to Akron and pays to ship all the cars. Each racing division is co-ed. The Stock division for ages seven through 13 provides entry-level competition

About the contributor: Ron Cummings is the Owner/Broker of ERA Premier Realty Partners; president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green Ky and three-time chairman of the BB&T All American Soap Box Derby. Ron is a father of five children and one grandchild. His son Joshua finished third in the world at the 2010 All American Soap Box Championships in Akron.

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in simplified cars. The Super Stock Car division, ages 10 through 17, lets the racers run in a more advanced model. The Masters division - ages 10 through 17 - allows racers to show off their own creativity and design skills. On a budget or just testing the waters? Used cars

are readily available, says Cummings. Four construction clinics will be held at Phil Moore Park this year. Construction Clinic 1 - and first time driver runs - will be held on Saturday, April 7 starting at 8:30 a.m. The other three clinics will be April 21, 28 and May 12, 8:30 a.m – 1 p.m. For more info about Soap Box Derby racing go to bgparent.com/soapboxderby and visit bgkiwanis.org/soapbox or contact race director, Ron Cummings at (270) 535-2191.<

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Yard Sale Tips ‘Tis the Season of upcoming Spring and Summer Yard Sales. The Yard Sale seems to coincide with the yearly ‘Spring Cleaning’ that most of us do, (whether small or large scale). It is the time to purge what you no longer want or need. With this in mind, we thought it a good idea to provide some helpful tips when it comes to your next Yard Sale.

WHY?Why have a yard sale?• You have accumulated things that you just don’t use or want anymore or have outgrown items (toys, clothes)

• You are storing items that you have not used in a year or more, are relocating or had a death in the family

• Financial strains have created a need to come up with cash fast, (ie: unemployment, debt, unexpected financial burdens) or to avoid creating debt.

• To fund a purchase or to teach your children the value of money and commerce

WHEN?When should you have a yard sale?• In general, Spring, Summer and Fall are the best times to have a sale, with emphasis on early Spring.

• Weekends falling on or immediately after the 1st and 15th of the month are better as these are often pay days

• Participate in community/neighborhood yard sales

• Have a yard sale when your friends or family are available to have ample help and avoid handling solo

WHERE?Where should you have a yard sale?• If you live in an apartment complex, check with management and your neighbors about using common areas for your sale, or reach out to friends or relatives

about having the sale at their home. (Move your vehicles to make space for others to park.)

• Avoid having a yard sale at your location when an established larger sale is taking place elsewhere, such as South Central Ky’s 400 Mile 68/80 Yard Sale, (May 31–June 3) and the 31W Treasure Hunt (traditionally the second weekend in Sept.). Instead, gather up your goods and set up on the route of the sale.

• Have alternate plan in the event of inclement weather, such as tents to protect property and people and a backup date if the sale has to be rescheduled.

WHAT TO DO?What to do to prepare and execute?• Official Spring Season starts in March, so start gathering up items now! Go thru closets, storage areas and facilities, garage, attic, basement. Scan your home; do you have items tucked away in drawers or closets that are not being used? Generally speaking, if you have not used it in a year or more, consider selling it!

• Find a location to start storing your sale items. Get boxes, start filling them up and mark them ‘For Sale’.

• Clean items that are dirty! You will get more for an item that looks in good condition.

• Price your items! Do this before the sale and not the day of the sale! Try and price most items to move; in other words, low. If you have items that you have a bottom line price for, price slightly higher leaving room for haggling, (only seasoned yard sale patrons haggle, which is only about one third of all who visit your sale). Remember, the point is to get rid of this stuff!

• Have all items priced and physical layout of your yard sale prepared 24 hours before the sale, (be sure to organize like items together when presenting for sale)

• Get some sleep! Most yard sales tend to start at sunrise, which means you will need to have your inventory out and ready to go before the first customer arrives.

WHEN IT’S OVER?What to do with leftover items?• If you have a lot left over, try again! Schedule another sale in the next few weeks

• Ebay / Craigs List – try and sell online

• FreeCycle – post it online to give away

• Donate – Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent

Yard Sales can be fun and do not have to be a physical and mental challenge, but preparation is the key. Enjoy the benefits of your efforts in the form of extra cash and more space in your home!

About the author: Mari Whitlow is an 8 year resident of the Bowling Green area - a transplant from St. Louis, Missouri. Her love of the Warren County area developed into a commitment to volunteer work and partnership with two other women in Bowling Green, (Elisabeth Fielder-Hix and Karla Andrew), to start the Kentucky Savings Group, which is the parent to BG Couponers, BG Yard Sales and Poor House Princess websites and Bowling Green Savings on Facebook. Their focus is to help the community save money by using coupons and practical family savings. Much emphasis is paid to community involvement and volunteer work.

Tools of the Trade

Advertise your sale at least one week in advance

1. Newspaper- paid ad, or choose a free classified ad (BG Daily News offers this service)

2. Online - Facebook, Craigs List, bgyardsales.com

3. Signs – in your neighborhood and along nearby main roads (have your date and times very visible)

4. Message Boards – post smaller signs inside laundry mats, groceries and anywhere that allows you to put up a community message

1. Black Sharpie Markers

2. Masking Tape

3. Coin box or bank bag (and change for sale day)

4. Pen and Paper for record keeping (handy when items belong to different people)

5. Poster Board

6. Staple gun (for sign hanging) – check your

local municipality for sign regulations

7. Balloons

8. Stickers (for pricing)

9. Tables – Tables – Tables!

10. Drinks, Water and Snacks (to sell)

11. Rope (to string up for items to hang)

12. Clothes hangers

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Light of Chance Launches Wellness Program If you walk around your neighborhood, you might be hard pressed to find children running or riding bikes like we did when we were kids. Physical activity-based games have been replaced by video games, ipods and social networking websites, and the results have not been flattering. In 2008 – at the urging of Western Kentucky University’s track coach, Erick Jenkins – Light of Chance Founder, Eric Logan toyed with the idea of adding a wellness program to his already multifaceted nonprofit organization. The idea seemed like the perfect addition to his thriving, community-focused organization, however, Logan found himself a bit too busy with Light of Chance’s other programs. Organizing the annual Dust Bowl, Save the Dream Credit and Debt Management Program and Aspire proved to be too demanding at the time. Thus, the wellness program would have to sit on the shelf. Fast forward a year: Logan found himself becoming increasingly more motivated to bring the program to life, after discovering that childhood obesity was

a huge epidemic in America, and that Kentucky was ranked third. He was then propelled to set his plan into motion, resulting in Get Set Go, a free, fun and comprehensive health initiative that encourages youth,

grades K-8, to become more active and healthy through nutrition and physical activity. Get Set Go strives to increase youth physical activity and show them how to make healthier eating choices in their existing environment. Logan successfully launched the pilot program for Get Set Go at Western Kentucky University in 2010. In 2011, he partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to provide Get Set Go during its program on Mondays and Wednesdays and with

Bowling Green Parks and Recreation on Thursdays, servicing over 150 children weekly. WKU’s Exercise Science Club, the Finish Line Youth Foundation and the Barren River District Health Department all are partners in the program. With Get Set Go, children participate in both traditional and nontraditional physical exercises such

Strives to Improve Health among Youth

About the author: Shawn Whitsell is a Nashville-based freelance journalist, activist, spoken word artist, writer, actor, producer and director. He is the founder of the Destiny Theatre Experience and Focused Dreams Films, and an organizer for the Shades of Black Theatre Festival. He is the father of a beautiful five-year-old little girl by the name of Destiny.

as zumba, aerobics, kicking, dance and yoga. They also learn new and healthier ways to eat and prepare food. Logan would like to see Get Set Go change lives and dispel myths that healthy foods cannot also be tasty. “We listen to what the kids want,” Logan says. “We try not to make it like school. We make it real interactive.” “I’m learning with the kids,” he continues. “We’re learning and growing together.” Well said.<

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Birthday Party Planning birth•day (bûrth d )noun. 1. the anniversary of one’s birth. OR …2. A mother’s day to spend excessive amounts of time, money and maybe a tear or two shed all in the effort of exceeding any expectations of the child’s celebration when in reality they really just want a cake and presents.

Yes, I’m fairly certain there are no awards (that I know of ) given for throwing an over the top child’s birthday party. But somehow as parents we feel the need to do everything but have fireworks, ponies and hire Justin Bieber himself to sing “Happy Birthday” just to make the birthday boy/girl enjoy THEIR special day. Birthdays have become the new “event” for children. Some of the “Sweet 16” parties on the popular MTV show even make weddings look like just a cook out. Yes, as parents some of us (me included) have turned a simple celebration into a new form of competition but it doesn’t have to be that way. As a seasoned party planner I have a few tips for planning your child’s birthday party without losing your mind (and budget). I always suggest sticking with a theme. More than likely your child has something in mind; a favorite cartoon, movie or place. Utilizing the themed toys

you already have to decorate and use at the party will not only save you money but is also a guaranteed hit with the birthday boy/girl. If your child is into cars or princess, use what you have to decorate the table, front door or have them out for the guest to enjoy. While sticking with the theme think about not only having great food and drink but make the party interactive as well. There are many games you can incorporate a theme to. Throwing a cars birthday party? Have the guest make their own race hats and stage a race or obstacle course with prizes (party favors) for each of the participants. You’ve knocked out a craft, activity and favors all in one! Birthdays are to be a special day of celebrating the person you love and doing things for them just because you care. My husband (though I’m sure he doesn’t share this with the guys while playing a manly game of golf ) still looks back and remembers how special his mother always made his birthday. Even after many years (sorry honey) it’s not the cake and decorations that he remembers but the effort she made to make his day special. With that being said, it doesn’t take a large budget, tons of gifts or anything else material to make a birthday party special. It just takes tailoring the

About the Author, Marissa Brown: As a loving wife and mother of two toddlers 14 mos. apart, it takes creativity, an abundance of patience and a whole lot of Jesus to guide everyday into a loving and learning experience.

day around what brings a smile to the birthday boy/girl’s face. Now THAT will always make for a successful birthday party. I’ve got lots of great party ideas for you to use. You can find me at “SWANKY SOIREES” on Facebook or Marissa Smith Brown (http://pinterest.com/rissa331/) on Pinterest. Remember, enjoy your celebration and remember what you’re celebrating. Happy Birthday friends!<

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It’s LITERALLY A Party! Kids love books... so why not plan a party themed after their favorite story? Here are a few ideas to get you started, and visit our website for more photos and "how tos" for these themes. You can also check out our Birthday Party board on Pinterest!<

Fancy Nancy, Ooh La La!What little girl doesn't love the Fancy Nancy books? Create a fun 'tea party' by encouraging guests to wear their Sunday's Best, then provide embellishments like feather boas, sunglasses, tiaras, necklaces and

more. For activities, offer themed crafts for party goers like jewelry

making , ceramic painting and purse decorating. Keep your decorations fun and inexpensive by making oversized tissure flowers in a variety of colors. For

snacks, offer tea sandwiches, cream puffs (available in the

grocery freezer section), mini cupcakes and a 'build your own' sundae bar. Of course, don't forget storytime with your favorite Fancy Nancy book! <

Curious GeorgeWe loved Heather Watt Phillips’ take on this classic tale.

Her son Dax’s 2nd birthday party popped with curiosity AND color! The tablescape is a combination

of purchased character items, plus bunches of bananas that doubled as a snack, and a black band was added to the cups then inverted on plates to create the infamous yellow hat.

Kids will especially love the 'take home treat' station... Heather rolled up pages from Curious George to create unique popcorn holders, and

had jars of colorful candies and sweets. Behind the candy buffet hung yellow and red streamers, a giant number ‘2’ made with pages from Curious George, colored dots on fishing line and homemade pinwheels. The cupcakes were adorned with the faces of characters from the book, cut out with scalloped scissors. See more of Heather's craftiness on www.bgparent.com!<

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Birthday Party DirectoryBRIMS (Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science) | 270.843.9779, www.brimsbg.org. Now booking fun and educational science themed birthday parties.

Chaney’s Dairy Barn | 270.843.5567, www.chaneysdairybarn.com. Enjoy build your own sundaes, drinks, games, balloons, room space for 2 hours plus the playground area, $100 for up to 10 kids ($10 each additional). Add on a hayride for only $25.

Chick-fil-a (1766 Campbell Lane) | 270.782.6807. Celebrate your birthday with the cow and your friends at Chick-fil-a. Goody bags, brownie cake, and kids meals included with party package.

Dinosaur World, Cave City, 270-773-4345, www.dinosaurworld.com, $6 per person for groups of 12 or more with advance reservations. Price includes all park exhibits and use of picnic area by Playground.

Historic Railpark & Train Museum | 270.991.7449, www.historicrailpark.com. Party includes train rental for 4 hours, 3D train cake, table cover, juice box drinks, train theme plates, napkins, forks, balloons, bubble whistle party favor, delivery & set-up for $195 (capacity 12). Reservations required 4-8 weeks in advance.

Hopscotch’s Playplace | 270.842.0420 | www.hopscotchsplayplace.com. Jump, Tumble, Climb and Play at this indoor playground and party center for ages 6 and under! Packages start at $99 for two hours of play time on the bounce house, climbing system with slides, dress-up area, play house, grocery area, train table and more! Packages include up to 10 children. Additional children may be added to private parties for $5 each.

Hot Rods Baseball Game | 270.842.0420, www.bghotrods.com. For $200, 10 kids will receive a box seat ticket to the game, hot dog, drink, souvenir, a special visit from Axle the Bear and a birthday cake! Adult guests (without the food and goodies) will receive a special group rate of $8.50.

Kentucky Down Under | 270.786.2634, www.kdu.com. $7 per child (age 3-14) and $12.50 per adult includes admission and 1 hour use of outdoor party space. $5.50 more per child you get a hot dog or sandwich with chips, fruit snack, KDU mug and prize.

National Corvette Museum | 270-781-7973, www.corvettemuseum.org. $10 per child (min. 10 kids) includes use of party room and admission to museum for each child and an accompanying adult. Add $5 for kid’s meals. Car-themed craft activities available.

Otte Golf Center, 5800 Scottsville Rd., 270-781-6072. Miniature golf, driving range, batting cages and ice cream. We also have mini golf birthday parties!

Paint ‘n Place | 270.783.0830, www.paintnplacestudio.com. Kids can enjoy plaster painting for only $90 (up to 10 kids, $8 each additional). This also includes party invites and paper products. Pottery painting parties also available.

Spa Fabulous | 270.842.2172, www.spafabuloussalon.com. Choose from a variety of fabulous packages that include everything from horse drawn carriage rides to limo pick-ups, pajama parties, tea parties and more.

The Bead Store | 270.904.4944. For only $10 per person, guests make a bracelet from a huge selection of beads, and get use of the party room for two hours. Bring your own food, cake, decorations. If less than 10 people, it is an additional $20 for the room.

The Skate Box, 506 Three Springs Rd. | 270-843-3394, www.skatebox2.com. Several packages available starting at $75/party, includes 10 kids plus birthday child. Use of party area, skates, isce cream, soda and paper products included. Add on pizza and more!

The Sweet Life, 135 East Main St., Scottsville | 270-239-7632. Come celebrate your “sweet” birthday with us. We offer cakes of all shapes and sizes, as well as Chaney’s ice cream, cupcakes, candies and lots of other sweets.<

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Summer Camp & Activities GuideThere are lots of things to keep your kids busy throughout the summer! Check out the listings and ads on the next few pages for a selection of offerings!

Community Education Summer Activities Fair, Monday, April 23, 5:30pm. Bowling Green High School Arena. Pre-school-12th grade one-stop shop for information on the activities, camps and other programs offered during the summer in our community.

A wide variety of programs will be represented including academics, art, aviation, basketball, cheerleading, chef camp, church activities, dance, football, mathematics, music, police academy, reading, soccer, sports, volleyball, all-day all-summer programs and more. There is no charge to attend the fair. To reserve a table at the fair or for more info, contact Debi Wade Jordan at 270-842-4281 or e-mail djordan@commed.us.

Bob Pitchford Aviation Summer Camp July 10-11 & Jim Bohannon III Aviation Summer Camp July 12-13. Bowling Green/Warren County Regional Airport. 270-842-1101, www.bgwcairport.org. Students ages 10-15 will take part in learning aircraft instruments, engine & aircraft design, use of aeronautical maps, navigation, flight planning, weather, careers, communications, glider competition, practicing take-

offs & landings on flight simulators and assist in flying a Cessna 172 with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Financial aid available. Sponsor a child for $269.

Camp Big Red, WKU. One-Week Sessions: June 4, 11, 18, 25, Jul. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. $125/session. www.wku.edu/campbigred. Children ages 6-12. Hosted by WKU IM Rec. Sports Dept. for 18 years allowing campers to experience positive group interactions in a safe and fun environment. Registration for current WKU Faculty/Staff/Students begins April 6. Registration opens to WKU Alumni and the general public on April 9.

Camp Happy Days 2012, Session I June 11-28, Session II July 12-31, Camp Happy Days is special needs camps for children and adults ages 6-35 with mental, physical, and intellectual disability. The day camp provides a safe and fun environment for all participants. FREE *Pre-registration is Required* Kummer/Little Recreation Center. 270-393-3249.

Camp Loucon, Leitchfield, loucon.org/camps.php. rising 2nd-12th graders. Youth will grow in their relationship with God, meet new friends, be challenged, build confidence, and apply what they learned to their everyday life.

Crossfit Old School Kids Camp, 512 College St., 270-904-1657, crossfitoldschool.com. Two camps: June 11-14 and July 23-26. 8-11am, age 3-7; 12:30-3:30pm age 8-12. $125 includes snack & giveaway. Camp encourages fitness by combining elements from gymnastics, strength training, and body weight exercises with cardio.

Dance Arts Ballet Fantasy Workshop “Cinderella”, 270-842-6811, danceartsofbg@yahoo.com. Ages 4-10. Meets six Saturdays Aug. 18-Sept. 29 (off Sept. 1) from 3:30-5:00pm. Rehearsal Oct. 13. Performance Sun. Oct. 14, 2pm at the Corvette Museum. $160 includes lessons, activity book, costume, two tickets (dancers will not need a ticket).

Dance & Theater Camp - “Rio”, July 16 - July 21, Dance Arts of BG, 270-842-6811. Ages 4-10, $125, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Early drop-off 8am, late pick-up 6pm. Performance Sat. Classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Drama, & Music.

F.O. Moxley Community Center Summer Fun Camp, Session I: May 29th - June 22nd Session II: July 2nd - July 31st . Open to youth 5-13 years old. Registration Fee: $45.00 per person. Weekly Camp

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Fee Structure on city of Bowling Green website bgky.org. Join us on an extraordinary journey of exciting themed days, trips, and events designed to captivate kids. Campers experience programs geared to their specific ages. Lunch will be provided. For more info call 270-393-3249

Lil Lady Dragon Player Development Volleyball Camp, July 16-19, Warren Central High School. 270-842-7302, ages 9-15, $55 newcomers, $45 returning campers. Learn the game of volleyball, develop skills, participate in drills & have fun!

Summer Camp for Academically Talented Students (6th- 8th grade), WKU Center for Gifted Studies. Jun. 10-20. Class offerings in a wide range of topics from humanities to math & science. $1,800 residential (includes all activities, meals, housing), $900 non-residential (includes activities, weekday lunches, dinner and dance on last Thursday). First come, first serve. www.wku.edu/gifted

Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (7th-10th grade), WKU Center for Gifted Studies. Jun. 24-Jul. 14. In-depth study of one topic. $2,400 (includes all activities, meals and housing). www.wku.edu/gifted

Summer Rail Camp, June 11, 12. 8:30am-11:30am, Historic Railpark & Train Museum, 270-745-7317, www.historicrailpark.com. ages 5-8. “Dinosaur Rails”. Kids will experience a fossil dig and climb on miniature dinosaurs provided by Dinosaur World, sing songs, play games and make crafts combining kids love of trains and dinosaurs! $20 per child or $30 for 2 or more children in the same household.

Sunburst Youth Theatre’s Day Camp, June 4-15, Public Theatre of Kentucky, ages 7-18, $75/week, 270-781-6233, www.facebook.com/ptkbg. Students are divided into groups according to age and functions as an acting troupe. Build props, scenic painting, sound, lighting, costuming and act in a play.

Super Summer Club, Eagle ROC and Youth Activities Program, Community Education, June 4–July 31 (tentative) 7am-5:30pm M-F. K-2nd, 3rd-5th and 6th-8th (completed grades as of May 2012). 270-842-4281, www.commed.us. Safe, enriching summer programs that, via fun activities (classes, field trips, swimming, etc.), enrich developmental areas including academics, self/social awareness, creative expression, physical development, cognitive expansion and recreational pursuits.

Vette Camp, July 16-20, National Corvette Museum. Session 1 8am-11am grades K-2, Session II 1-4pm grades 3-5. $100 per child, includes snacks. Tour the Corvette Plant, ride in a Corvette, automotive themed activities. Register at www.corvettemuseum.org or 270-467-8852. Space limited to 20 campers per session.

How would you like to SCORE an AWESOME birthday party for your

child and nine of their closest friends?

Hot Rods Birthday Party Package Includes:- 10 home game tickets- opportunity to meet a Hot Rods player- hot dog, drink & dessert for each guest- visit from the mascot- in game birthday recognition- unlimited use of the kids play area

(Total retail value $200)

To enter, watch the Bowling Green Parent Facebook Fan Page to see how you can win this party package!

SCORE a Birthday Party

with the

BG HOT RODS!

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YUMMY MOMMYThe salon isn’t the only place to get a star worthy blowout! Make it happen at home by following these tips:

1.Wash your locks with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. (Volumizing products pump up hair cuticle.) Apply conditioner only to the ends so you don’t weigh the hair down. Suggestion? Neutrogena Clean Volume Shampoo.

2. Use a volumizing mousse at your roots only. Try a product like L’Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Volume Mousse.

3. Blow dry hair upside down, lifting roots to add volume just as a rough dry.As hair becomes almost dry, pin the top portion out of your way so you can work from the bottom up.

4. Using a medium round brush, grab hair at the roots and then run down the strands moving the dryer over the brush in a downward motion (this flattens the cuticle to help prevent frizz)

5. When your mane is dry, mist it with a thermal straightening spray that is heat activated. Try Dove Heat Defense Therapy Mist.

6. Now you’re ready to flat iron, use hot rollers or simply go as you are. But remember- only flat iron from mid shaft to ends so that you don’t flatten out the volume in your roots and hot rollers should be sitting ON TOP of your head for extra volume, not dangling at your shoulders.

7. Last, use a tiny drop of shine serum thru your ends to ensure a super glossy movie-star finish. Try Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum.

See? You CAN do it just like your hairdresser! It just takes some tips and time! <

About the author: Tammy York is a hairdresser at Ohana’s with 11 years experience. She is a Redken color specialist, certified in Platinum Seamless Extensions. In her quest to become the best hairstylist she can be, she has traveled to Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale to further her education and learn the latest in cutting edge styles.

Mastering the Bombshell BLOWOUTCole SlawIngredients:1/2 head of cabbage, shredded1/2 onion cut into small dice2 large carrots, shredded1/2 cup raisins1 cup Miracle Whip2 T sugar

Directions:Mix all ingredients together, then add salt and pepper to taste. Serves six or more.

Peach CobblerIngredients:4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced2 cups sugar1/2 cup water1 stick butter1 1/2 cups self-rising flour1 1/2 cup milkCinnamon to taste

Directions:Combine peaches, 1 cup sugar and water in a saucepan, mix well and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Put butter in a 3-quart baking dish and then in the oven to melt. Mix remaining sugar, flour and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour over the butter, do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, slowly pouring in syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Serves six or more.

Learn how you can win a trip to Forrest Hills Mountain Resort on page 20!

recipes fromFOrresT HiLLs MOUnTain resOrT

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MOMS CLUB When you are a parent, you know there are ups and downs, and most of the time all you need to get through your latest challenge is a set of listening ears and perhaps reassurance or advice. That’s exactly what MOMS Club is about. The international non-profit organization is “Moms Offering Moms Support” and has a wide variety of club sponsored activities designed to provide fun, companionship, education and support to the members and their families. The group also performs a number of service projects to help needy children and others in our community.

The Bowling Green chapter of MOMS Club meets once per month for a social, but also offers many other activities and events several times a week including play groups, field trips, MOMS Night Out and more. Club member Cinnamon Kintzel says that while the group is not just about play dates, all of their activities (except MOMS Night Out) are kid-friendly. Examples of activities include bi-weekly “Stroller Fit” walks, luncheons, potlucks, craft activities, visits to the library for story time, trips to area attractions and more.

“We moved to Bowling Green from Budapest, Hungary in Fall 2007,” said Club member Tunde Dugantsi. “I joined MOMS Club in March 2008 when I was looking for things to do with my two-year-

old son. This is a wonderful group for all moms, but especially helpful for newcomers. Our activities help to know the community better and keep us and the little ones busy.”

To stay connected, the group has a Facebook Group Page, email list-serv and monthly newsletters. “Our mailing list is helpful to get practical advice in life’s every day little challenges,” Tunde said. “It’s just priceless to have a group of ladies I can always talk to

Pictured: Mattie McPherson, daughter of Ashley and &, feeds french fries to Konner Andrew, son of Keith and Karla, at a MOMS Club outing at Basil Griffin Park. Photo by Karla Andrew.

Pictured: Scott Waste Management invited the MOMS Club over for a show and tell of garbage trucks! Photo by Amanda Reckard.

and have fun with.”

Regular membership is $25 for a year, and Associate membership (typically for moms who aren’t able to participate as much) is $10. Financial assistance is available. To learn more about the MOMS Club, visit the local website at www.momsclubbg.com or the national site at www.momsclub.org. If you’d like to join them for an outing and see if you’d like to be a part of the group, email momsclubofbg@gmail.com or call 270-681-0306 and leave a message. <

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Destination: Washington, D.C.by bike, bus, canal, foot and hoofOn your mark. Get set. Gallop! If you’re heading to Washington DC this year, plan to park your car at the hotel and get out and experience the sights by several different methods: by horseback, bicycle, open top double-decker tour bus, canal boat ride and, of course, on foot.

Ped-friendly

Although it stretches out over 68 square miles, Washington DC is eminently walkable, with the city divided into four

quadrants – Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast – and the U.S. Capitol building at its center. The best way to stroll the highlights, history and little known haunts? Cultural Tourism DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails, the official – and free – walking trails of DC. Take the self-guided Civil War to Civil Rights tour and follow John Wilkes Booth’s escape route after he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. See the site where Clara Barton, Civil War nurse and Red Cross founder, ran her Missing Soldiers Office.

Visitors can access Cultural Tourism DC’s Downtown Heritage Trail and Greater U Street Heritage Trail via mobile app, which features location-aware maps, historic images and first-person interviews with DC

notables. You can also download these tours as audio journeys that relate the city’s stories with voices

from the past and more than a dash of drama. Tour these heritage walking trails at your

own pace, following signs that combine stories, historic photos and maps, while poking into shops and eateries along the way.

The wheels on the bus

With more than 50 museums and 70 art galleries in addition to the scads of monuments, visitors may opt for

the Gray Line open-top double-decker bus for a narrated hop-on/hop-off tour

comprising three routes and more than four dozen sightseeing stops. Tickets are good for

24 or 48 hours – a very wallet-friendly means of transportation for enjoying a birds-eye view of DC’s hotspots while on the coach and choosing which landmarks to explore at a more leisurely pace off.

For instance, the Grand Tour route encompasses The National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the 15 museums of the Smithsonian, the National Archives, the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Other double-decker routes include Arlington National Cemetery and one of the capital’s most famous neighborhoods, Georgetown, whose founding in 1751 beat DC’s by 40 years. Gray Line also has lots of themed tours, including DC in a Day, DC After Dark, Mt. Vernon & Old Town Alexandria, and Spy City.

Rollin,’ rollin,’ rollin’

You can also tour the monuments and memorials by bicycle. Bike and Roll has several tours, including a three-hour Capital Sites bike tour to learn about the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court and the Smithsonian museums, among other landmarks. The three-hour Monuments bike tour rolls along to the White House and Washington Monument and these

Many of Washington DC’s major attractions are free and open to the public, including the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art and the national monuments and memorials. Washington DC’s most popular ticketed attractions – The Newseum, National Museum of Crime & Punishment, Madame Tussauds, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Washington Monument and International Spy Museum, allow visitors to avoid waiting in line by pre-reserving tickets for a small fee.

The Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, Ford’s Theatre, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian museums do not require tickets, but check their schedules in advance to take advantage of guided interpretive tours, lectures, IMAX movies and other programs.

Tours of the White House are available only by advance arrangement through your member of congress or senator. You can contact your representative or senator’s office up to six months in advance

inFOrMaTiOn www.Washington.orgto request a tour. More information is available at WhiteHouse.gov.

A new family-fun eatery is the casual seat-yourself Burger, Tap and Shake: Six and eight buck chuck burgers (custom blend on-premises with 30-day aged, naturally raised Pineland farms beef chuck and brisket, char-griddled and served on a buttered and toasted house-made bun), signature shakes, fries, drafts, “shaketails,” their own label BTS Root Beer served up on metal sheets lined with paper under the watchful eyes of an enormous neon illustration of George Washington.

2012 is Gray Line DC’s “Year of the Family.” Check the website for family and child rates.

Pictured are Bella, Hunter and Sierra Durkee of Bowling Green, KY on one of many trips to D.C.

Kids’ Eye View

Imogen and Archie Stephens, ages nine and six respectively, live in Washington DC and consider the nation’s capital their personal playground. The two siblings, the children of TrendyKid founders Mark and Rachel Stephens, offer their top five faves:•The White House.•The Newseum – DC’s most interactive museum, great for older kids.•National Building Museum – fun for hands-on boys, with excellent tours for the budding engineer.•National Zoo•Smithsonian museums – all in one location and you can hit them all in one day. Don’t miss the National Museum of American History – not just because of the “Night at the Museum” movies; overall, it’s just a great place to visit. <

of Washington, D.C.

Bella, Hunter and Sierra Durkee at Mt. Vernon

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Memorials: Vietnam Veterans, World War II, Lincoln, Jefferson and the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, allowing plenty of time to put down the kickstand and explore in depth. To see the monuments lit up, choose the nighttime versions of these tours.

Peddling through the streets is a fun way to get acquainted with DC, choose the sites you wish to return to and find appealing eateries for lunch and dinner. Most of the tours are categorized as “easy,” but there are a few labeled “moderate,” including a Bike & Boat Tour of Mt. Vernon and a Historic Old Town Tour.

A horse of a different, er, view

Leave the monuments behind for a more rustic appreciation of the nation’s capital in one of its most beloved parks. One-hour guided horseback walk-only trail rides are offered for all experience levels on 13 miles of bridle paths at the Horse Center in Rock Creek Park. Besides riding stables, this 1,754-acre urban oasis encompasses tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, dozens of picnic areas and a forested network of trails for walking, jogging, cycling, bird watching and taking

some scrapbook-worthy photographs.

In the Discovery Room at Rock Creek Park’s Nature Center, visitors can page through 200 nature books, listen to a cacophony of wildlife sounds and, if a park ranger is available, meet residents including Pokey the eastern box turtle and Oscar the king snake. At the planetarium – the only one the National Park system – free weekend shows include “Seasonal Night Sky: When I Wish Upon A Star” and “Exploring the Universe.” Also in Rock Creek Park: the National Zoo with more than 400 different species of animals, including Giant Pandas who make their habitat along the new Asia Trail. Because the zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, admission is free.

Canal zone

Board a mule-driven canal boat, the Charles F. Mercer, for a slow-paced ride along the historic C&O Canal, which begins in Georgetown. Park rangers in period costumes describe what life was like in the Potomac River Valley in the 1870s for the families that lived and worked on the canal as expansion pushed ever westward.

Mark Myers/C&O Canal National Historical Park

About the author: Kathy Witt is a freelance writer and the author of the historical middle grade novel, The Secret of the Belles, which the late Cammie King Conlon (“Bonnie Blue Butler”) called “a beautiful read, and another amazing tribute to the phenomenon that is Gone With the Wind.” Visit Kathy’s website at www.KathyWitt.com and her blog at www.TravelinTales.com.

4-night package at Forrest Hills in Dahlonega, GA for a family of four in either a two bedroom cabin or bi-level

king suite (depending on availability - no holidays please) with breakfast included daily, plus chuck wagon dinner one night

and a horseback or carriage ride!

ABOUT FORREST HILLS MOUNTAIN RESORTForrest Hills Mountain Resort is located in the North Georgia Mountains in the Gold Rush town of Dahlonega. Guestrooms include deluxe and rustic cabins, bed and

breakfast suites and a variety of group lodging spread over 140 beautifully landscaped and mountain acres. The family-owned resort, now in its 35th year, specializes in destination weddings with onsite wedding planner, wedding and reception packages and honeymoon cabins and groups/family reunions with onsite coordinator, lodging and facilities. A conference center can accommodate up to 200. Resort amenities include several dining options (onsite restaurants, picnic lunches, chuck wagon dinners), spa, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, horseback riding, carriage rides, nature trails, basketball court, sand volleyball, free Internet, gift shop and a library of movies to take back to your to room and enjoy. Learn more about Forrest Hills at www.foresths.com.

Register to win this fantastic trip online at www.bgparent.com.

WIN A Family Trip!Forrest Hills Mountain Resort

During the course of this one-hour excursion, you’ll pass lock houses and other historic structures with the boat rising eight feet as it passes through a lock.

The canal is located in The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, home to seven visitor centers, including the historic Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, from where the mule-propelled journey departs. Also at this visitor center are interactive exhibits about the cascading rapids, 20-foot waterfalls and Mather Gorge and, if you head downstream a half-mile, you’ll be able to see the Great Falls themselves.<

Cherry Blossom Trees in bloom by: Destination DC

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Being the child of a teacher, Teacher Appreciation Week was one where we always did something special for our educators. It’s not easy caring for 20+ children who are not your own, so little rewards or gestures of appreciation can go a long way! Here are a few items you and your child can make for this special week! For more photos, visit our website where you can also ‘pin’ these crafts to your Pinterest boards!<

Pretty Pen

Supplies Small Flower Pot Floral Foam Ink PenSpanish moss Floral tapeSilk Flowers Glue Gun

1. Glue floral foam in bottom of flower pot.

2. Cut flower from stem, hot glue to top of pen.

3. Wrap pen, starting at base, tightly with floral tape (stretch tape to make it tacky)

4. Stick pen in flower pot and top with moss.

Shabby Chic Flower Vase

SuppliesWhite puff paint Matte white spray paintGlass jar, cleaned with label removed

1. Draw a design on the jar with the puff paint, applying even pressure. Allow the paint to dry fully.

2. Apply a light coat of spray paint to the jar. Let dry, then repeat, applying 2 or 3 more coats.

3. Present filled with hand-picked buttercups or other flowers.

Teacher AppreciationHonoring Teachers May 7-11, 2012

Plaid Pencil PailSuppliesScissors Measuring tape2 colors of grosgrain ribbon Hot glue gunEmpty tin can (washed, label removed)

1. Measure the can (height and circumference) and cut strips of ribbon (one color, height of the can - enough strips to go all the way around; second color, circumference of the can, enough strips to cover the can vertically.)

2. Arrange the longer pieces on a table with the sides just touching. Apply hot glue to a shorter ribbon and lay at the end of the longer pieces to hold them together.

3. Starting at the glued end, weave the short pieces of ribbon, over and under the long ones. Keep the ribbons tight, and place a bead of hot glue at the top and bottom to keep the short pieces in place. Trim any excess, and use a lighter to prevent frays on cut ends.

4. Wrap the ribbon rectangle around the can and hot glue into place. Add a ribbon to the top (and bottom if necessary) for a finished look.

5. Fill can with pens, pencils, a fresh pair of scissors, ruler and any other goodies!

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FOSTERING Fostering and adopting are rewarding experiences, allowing families to give a child in need a safe, loving and nurturing home. Whether this home is temporary through foster care or permanent through adoption, foster and adoptive parents are making a beautiful commitment to a child’s lifetime. Foster care is a program, run by the Kentucky Division of Protection and Permanency (KDPP), which allows foster parents to care for minor children who have been removed from their biological home. There are a number of reasons why children might be removed from their biological home, including abuse and neglect. Often, parents who have had their children removed from their home are given a plan to follow, which will result in their regaining custody of their children, upon successful completion. The KDPP provides foster parents with a per diem, which is a reimbursement for meeting the child’s needs to care for a child. The per diem is provided to cover expenses for housing, food, school and recreational expenditures, nonmedical transportation, babysitting, respite, some clothing expenses and an allowance for the child. Additionally, most children in out-of-home care are eligible to receive a medical card. For those who are not eligible,

DCBS is responsible for medical expenses. There are several steps in certification to become a foster parent. Prospective parents should start by attending an orientation meeting where they will complete a basic screening questionnaire. This will gather general background information and determine if any regulations need to be discussed before continuing with the process. After the orientation, the couple will participate in 30 hours of preparation training held in the evening and/or Saturdays. The sessions help applicants make an informed decision about fostering or adopting through the KDPP. During and after this training period, the families planning to foster will complete a home study with a Recruitment and Certification worker.

An Open Heart

About the contributor: Fonda Walker is a Social Services Clinician I who has worked for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for 17 years. Fonda works on the Recruitment and Certification Unit in Warren County. She enjoys spending time with her family, husband, Larry and two children, Katie, age six and Brady, age three. In her spare time, she enjoys catching up with friends and extended family members. She is from Franklin, TN but graduated from WKU with a degree in Psychology/Sociology. She loves her job and working with foster/adoptive families and helping families.

Potential foster parents are required to complete a background screening for criminal history or reports of child abuse and neglect. They also participate in home and health inspections and must have a medical exam/doctor’s statement. To protect the children being brought into unknown homes, complete character references, including credit references, personal references and references from adult children living outside of the home must be included. Every child deserves a loving, stable place to call home, and right now there are many children and teens in Southern Kentucky who have no home. Won’t you consider opening your heart and your home? <

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area events & activitiesMUSIC & THE ARTS

Blues Brothers Review, SKyPAC, Apr. 10, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

Stop Kiss, WKU Theatre & Dance, Gordon Wilson Theatre, Apr. 12-17, Thur-Sat, Mon & Tues 8pm, Sun 3pm, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/pcal/in-production

Camelot, Orchestra Kentucky VIP Series, SKyPAC, Apr. 16, 7:30pm, 270-846-2426, www.orchestrakentucky.com

Young Frankenstein, SKyPAC, Apr. 18, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

Mike Super Magic & Illusion, SKyPAC Apr. 21, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com

Jacksonian Days Beauty Pageant, Allen County-Scottsville High School Auditorium, Apr. 22

An Evening of Dance, Russell Miller Theatre, Apr. 26-30, Thurs- Sat, Mon 8pm, Sun 3pm, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/theatre-and-dance

Becky’s New Car, Public Theatre of Kentucky, Phoenix Theatre, Apr. 26-May 13 Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, 270-781-6233, www.ptkbg.org

Jacksonian Days Grandest Ole Opry, Allen County Scottsville High, Apr. 27, country and bluegrass music live performances

Watercolor Class, The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center (Tucker Way), Mondays, Apr. 30-Jun. 11, 10am-12pm. Preregistration required, bring a 9- by 12-inch cold-press paper pad and #1 and #8 round brushes. $45, 270-745-0942

Last Chance to Dance, WKU Theatre & Dance, Russell H. Miller Theatre, May 1, 4pm, 270-745-5845, www.wku.edu/theatre-and-dance

The Before Broadway Series Presents: Ordinary High, WKU Theatre & Dance, Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre, May 4, 7pm, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/theatre-and-dance

An Arthurian Tale, Capitol Arts Youth Theatre, Capitol Arts Center, May 4-6, Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm, 270-782-2787, www.capitolarts.com

Golden Dragons Acrobats, Family Fun Series, Southern KY Performing Arts, May 4, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

CATS, Broadway Series, SKyPAC, May 13, 3:00, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

Jon Reep, Octane Series, SKyPAC, May 19, 7:30, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

“Designing Women Live”, Phoenix Theatre, May 17-20, Thur- Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, $10-$12, 270-782-3119, www.fountainsquareplayers.org

Riverdance, Special Events Series, SKyPAC, May 22, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, TheSkyPac.com

Bowling Green Gallery Hop, Various art locations around town, Mar. 16, 5-8pm, thebowlinggreengalleryhop.com

Concerts in the Park, Fountain Square Park, Jun. 6, 14, 21, 28, 12pm, 270-782-0222, downtownbg.org

Riders in the Sky, SKyPAC, Jun. 8, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

Mamma Mia, Broadway Series, SKyPAC, Jun. 12, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com

“Seussical the Musical”, Phoenix Theater, Jun. 21-24, Thur-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, $12-$14, Many Dr. Seuss characters are brought to life by this musical, 270-782-3119, www.fountainsquareplayers.org

Nashville Backstage, SKyPAC, Jun. 23, 7:30pm, 270-904-1880, theskypac.com

FESTIVALS & MAJOR EVENTS

Arbor Day, Kereiakes Park, Apr. 12, 9am-12pm, activities, inflatables, free trees, tree planting items, storm water information, tree care & planting demos. 270-393-3111, www.bgky.org/tree/events.php

SOKY Book Fest, Apr. 20-21, Children’s Day Fri., Book Fest Sat. 270-745-4502, www.sokybookfest.org

Jacksonian Days Dogwood Festival, Scottsville Square, Apr. 26

Herb Festival, Wild Bird and Nature Store, Apr. 26-May 6, 9am-6pm daily, 270-746-0203

Jacksonian Days Street Fair, Scottsville Square, Apr. 28, Heritage Day, Cruise-In, 5K Run/Health Walk, Quilt Show, Arts & Crafts, Grandest Ole Opry and more, www.scottsvilleky.info, 270-237-4782

Glasgow Highland Games, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Jun. 1-3, 270-651-3141, glasgowhighlandgames.com

i love bg Day, various locations, ending at BG Ballpark, Jun. 2, 270-782-0800, iheartbg.com

Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party, BG-WC Regional Airport, Jun. 9, Gates open 5pm, Dinner 6pm, music from Skip Bond and the Fugitives 8pm, $30 adults, $15 children ages 6-12, www.aviationheritagepark.com

Summer for Soldiers, Wha-Bah Steakhouse, Jun. 16, music, performances, vendor booths, collection for care packages to send overseas.

EDUCATIONAL

Free Household Electronics Recycling & Document Destruction Day, National Corvette Museum, Apr. 21, 9am-1pm. $5 cash for CRT monitor, microwave, tvs under 36”; $25 cash for console or projection tvs, or tvs over 36”. 502-554-9995 x118.

Expectant Parent Fair, The Medical Center Auditorium, Apr. 22, 1-3pm, helpful information on healthy pregnancies, baby care and safety, vendors that cater to expectant parents and babies, 270-745-1543.

Asthma Management Class, The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center (Tucker Way), Apr. 25, 2-4pm. Preregistration required. Help children and adults learn what happens during an asthma attack, steps that can be taken to prevent the attack, how to use inhaler properly and the importance of developing an action plan. 270-745-0942

English Gardens Using Roses and Perennials, Wild Bird & Nature Store, Apr. 28, 11am

Girls Day Out, Sloan Convention Center, Apr. 28, 10am-4pm, vendor booths

Herb Garden Design and Cooking with Herbs, Wild Bird & Nature Store, Apr. 29, 3pm

Rivendell Prevention, Education, Treatment Conference, Sloan Convention Center, Apr. 30-May 4, Registration $125, 270-843-1199

Seasonal Perennial Gardens, Wild Bird & Nature Store, May 5, 11am

Mother-Daughter Tea, Medical Center Auditorium, May 12, 3pm, featuring the children’s book, “The Irises’ Secret, author Virginia Davis and illustrator Jane Ward Kehrt. $8, register 270-745-1010

Seminar: Why a Good Night’s Sleep is Important to Your Health, Medical Center Sleep Center, May 22

Babysitting Clinic, Medical Center, Wed, Jun. 13 & 27, 9am-2pm. Prepayment and registration required; class size limited. Boys and girls age 11-17 will learn about safety, how to handle emergencies and basic tips for caring for children of all ages. $20, includes lunch, course materials and a T-shirt.

The Medical Center Men’s Health Tune-Up, BG Ballpark, Jun. 16, 6pm, free health screenings, 270-745-1010 or 1-800-624-2318.

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Junior Naturalist Program, Lost River Cave, May 19, 2-4pm, ages 6-12, $50 for all 6 programs, $10 individual session, 270-393-0077, lostrivercave.com/kidsactivities.html

Trains, Trains, Trains Story Hour, Historic Railpark and Train Museum, Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10-11am, ages 3-8, 270-745-7317, historicrailpark.com

FAMILY FUN

It’s a Nano World Science Exhibit, National Corvette Museum thru April 15. $10 adults, $5 kids age 6-16, children 5 and under are free or $25 family admission. www.corvettemuseum.org, 270-781-7973

Hopscotch’s Easter Jubilee, Apr. 6, 4-7pm, $7 age 6 & under, siblings $5. Adv. res. req. 270-842-0420.

Second Saturdays Street Fair, Fountain Square Park, Apr. 14, May 12, Jun. 9, inflatables, face painting, vendors, sidewalk sales, music, horse drawn carriage rides. www.downtownbg.org, 270-782-0222

Derby Garden Festival, Riverview at Hobson Grove, Apr. 21, Derby Brunch, 2 seatings, assorted vendors,

Preparing and Caring for Baby, Classes at Medical Center Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Info and registration at 270-796-2495 or themedicalcenter.orgA New Baby’s Coming Class (Apr. 5, May 31 or Jun. 21) 6-8pm (A siblings class for kids age 3 and up. Bring doll or stuffed animal. Includes tour of OB unit, view of nursery, refreshments and a video)Breast is Best (May 3) 6-8pmC-Section Class (May 15) 6-8pmFatherhood 101 (May 15) 7pm, Classroom 2Grandparents Class (Apr. 10 or Jun. 12) 6-8pmNewborn Care & Safety Class (Apr. 12 or 26, May 10 or 24 or Jun. 14 ) 6-8pm - Wellness Ctr. 1857 Tucker Way off Cave Mill Rd. in Chandler Park or (Apr. 27, May 25 or Jun. 29) 2-4pm - Fairview Center Annex.Nutrition During Pregnancy (May 29) 6-7pm, TuckerPrepared Childbirth ClassesOption 1: Six Week Series (Meets every Tues. May 1 – June 12) 6pmOption 2: One-Night Refresher (May 8) 6pmOption 3: One-Day (Apr. 7, May 19 or Jun. 16) 9am-1pmReady, Set, Go! (Apr. 19, May 17 or Jun. 7) 6-8pmTwins or More! (May 16) 6-8pm, Med. Ctr. Conf. Rm.

Educational Offerings

spring merchandise, reservations requested for brunch, 270-843-5565, bgky.org/riverview

Spring Antique and Garden Market, South Union Shaker Village, Apr. 28, 800-811-8379, shakermuseum.com

Beech Bend Amusement Park Opening Day, May 5

National Train Day, activities at Historic Railpark and Train Museum, May 12, 270-745-7317, historicrailpark.com

400 Mile Sale, May 31- June 3, dozens of communities, hundreds of yard sales, antique shops, vendors along Highway 68 across Kentucky, 270-782-0800, www.400mile.com

$5 Fridays, Hopscotch’s Playplace, $5 admission per child on Fridays in June. 270-842-0420.

SPORTS

Great Teddy Bear Run, Justice Center, Apr. 7, Parade leaves 11:15am, 270-783-4357, bracac.org

Jacksonian Days Demo Derby, Allen County-Scottsville Fairgrounds, Apr. 21

Jacksonian Days Open Horse Show, Allen County-Scottsville, Apr. 27

March for Babies, fundraiser for March of Dimes, Phil Moore Park, Apr. 28, 9am, 270-746-5411, marchforbabies.org

Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy

of this information, all information is subject to change. Please

call ahead to verify dates, times and schedules!

18th Annual Mini Corvette Challenge, benefit for Junior Achievement, National Corvette Museum, May 5, 270-782-0280, jaforkids.org

Olde Stone Run for PRIDE, The Club at Olde Stone, May 12, fundraiser for Operation PRIDE, 5k wheelchair race, 5k Run/ Walk, Pump and Run, Kids’ 1 Mile Fun Run, pre-pasta dinner Fri night, 270-745-0090, bgky.org/operationpride

15th Annual BB&T All-American Soap Box Derby, Phil Moore Park Soap Box Derby Track, May 18-19, Stock car racing 5pm Fri, Stock & Super Stock racing 6:30am Sat, awards 5pm, bgkiwanis.org/soapbox

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

Jul. 3 Citizens First Thunderfest Independence Day Celebration, National Corvette Museum Amphitheater, music, tethered balloon rides, children’s activities, fireworks extravaganza, gates open at 3pm, fireworks 9pm, $5 per person, $15 per carload, bgkiwanis.org/thunderfest

Jul. 4 Fourth of July Celebration, Barren River Lake State Park, beach party, live entertainment, fireworks at dark, 270-646-2151, parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/barren-river/default.aspx

Free Activities at Warren Co. Public Library

Smiths Grove Branch Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. 10:30am Craft Kids (grades K-6) Thur. 3pm

Graham Drive Afterschool Activities (Elementary) Mon. Book Club; (All Ages) Tue. Mac Lab Graham Troopers (School-Age) Wed. 3:30pm Teen Thursdays (grades 6-12) 5pm

Main Library Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 10:30am, Tue. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed., Thur., Fri. 10:30am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Tue. 11:30am Spanish Explorers (grades K-6) Tue. 4pm Peek-a-Boo Babies (6-18mos.) Fri. 9:30am Ky Youth Drama Society (grades 5-12) Wed. 4pm High Five Kids Club (grades K-5) Thur. 4pm Lego Club (age 5+) First two Tue. each month, 6pm

Kirby Branch Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 9:30am Kirby Kids (grades K-6) Mon. 3:30pm Kirby Babies (6-18mos.) Wed. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. & Fri. 10:30am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Fri. 9:30am Family Storytime (all ages) Sat. 10:30am

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Injury prevention should be a top priority for every athlete, coach and parent. People are unaware that their simple daily activities could potentially pose the most danger. Major injuries commonly occur in the shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles. Through daily strengthening and flexibility activities these problems can be easily prevented. Each activity should consist of a warm-up and a stretching session, before and after the activity. A warm-up as simple as two laps around a gym could wake up the body and central nervous system. The warm up should be followed by stretching. Dynamic stretching has been proven through research to be useful for athletes. This type of stretching allows muscles to reach a full range of motion through controlled leg and arm swings which ultimately end in a better stretch. Dynamic stretching has been shown to reduce muscle tightness which lowers the chance of injury. Static stretching is the most commonly known. Static stretching is used to stretch muscles while the body is at rest. With this type of stretching the group of muscles being stretched are taken to a point of tension, not pain, and held for an amount of time, no less than 30 seconds, but up to two minutes. Regardless which type of stretching you prefer before your workout, you

should make sure every major muscle group is stretched properly. Stretching should account for 10-15 minutes of your activity. By keeping your muscles flexible and reducing tension around joints of the shoulders, back, hips, knees and ankles will greatly reduce chance of injury during activity. As a beginner, you should start your workout routine mildly. Do not jump into exercising too quickly. By doing too much too fast you will greatly increase muscle soreness and injure yourself. When you start to feel your muscles gaining strength you can begin to gradually increase your workout load and intensity. By progressively increasing the intensity and activity you allow your body the time it needs to gain muscle strength and through stretching you will gain flexibility, aiding in injury prevention. A common misunderstanding about exercise is that you must push yourself to the limit every time you work out for it to be beneficial. That is false. Pushing yourself is apparent in exercise. However, pushing yourself to the point of injury is not what is supposed to happen. You know your body better than anyone. Knowing your body’s limitations will help you prevent injury during exercise. Allowing your body time to gradually progress through workouts, stretching pre and post activity

Preventing Sports Injuries

About the author: Courtney Jones is a senior at Western Kentucky University. She is pursuing a major in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition. Courtney is hoping to attain a career in the sport medicine field.

and knowing your limitations are three major keys in injury prevention which set you up for a successful and beneficial lifelong exercise program. <

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the book nook Potter Gray Elementary students are mega-readers! Whether their books are from classroom collections, the public library, home libraries or the school library, our students read a ton of books from a wide range of genres. Right now our upper grades friends are enjoying science fiction books such as the “Hunger Games” series (warning: pretty gritty, but some parents are cool with it), Jim Benton’s “Franny K. Stein” (not the perfect prom date)books, James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” series, and titles from the “Missing” series by Margaret P. Haddix. A favorite fantasy fiction collection is by Eva Ibbotson. These include “Island of the Aunts,” “Ogre of Oglefort,” and “Dial-a-Ghost.” These books will stretch the reading muscles of children in 4th grade and up. Erin Hunter’s “Warrior” and “Seekers” series are going gangbusters around here. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is based on stories from Greek mythology and are always rip-roaring. Horror fiction is definitely popular among our big kid readers as well. We offer the “Scary Stories…” series, by Alvin Schwartz, the Cynthia De Felice books, titles by Betty Renn Wright, and books by James Howe, who offers facetious horror, with his “Bunnicula” series. For

the least faint-at heart readers, books by Mary Downing Hahn are sure to chill some bones. Some of her titles include “Doll in the Garden,” “The Old Willis Place,” and “Wait ‘til Helen Comes” (don’t!). Popular biography series at Potter Gray include the Matt Christopher sports biographies and the good old standby: “Childhood of Famous Americans.” Our intermediate students have enjoyed looking at Russell Freedman biographies, such as “The Adventures of Marco Polo,” “Out of Darkness,”(Louis Braille), and, especially, “Lincoln: A Photobiography. Our primary level students are heavily into the “Wayside School” series, “First Little House” books, the Margaret Hillert first readers titles, first chapter books such as “Polk Street School” and “Horrible Harry” and “Junie B. Jones” selections. The “Magic Tree House” books are super-popular, and our younger students can’t wait to be able to read them. These are great books for any reluctant-to-read friends. Picture book faves are the Pete the Cat books, “Rocking in My School Shoes” and “I Love my White Shoes,” the “Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, the beautifully illustrated Jerry Pinckney books, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Whatever your choice is in children’s books, be sure

to lay in a good stock of them for summer reading, becau s e w h e n the pool is closed and your boring parents won’t take you to Holiday World, there is nothing any better than curling up with a good read.

About the author: Susan Bennett is the Baroness of Books at Potter Gray School. She is a Bowling Green native and College High grad. Her Ladyship earned a B.S. at Ohio U., and an M.S at U.K. and has been at Potter Gray for eighteen years. Susan is married to Ron Bennett and has two grown (so they think!) children who live in North Carolina.