Meet the Child Care Council Staff

Introducing Bobbie D.

Robin @ Kids Matter

I am happy to introduce you to Bobbie.  She is an outgoing, friendly, and happy go lucky person.  I have never seen Bobbie without a smile on her face.  She is originally from Hardinsburg, Kentucky, but moved to the Lexington area to live for several years.  It was during that time that she came to work for the CCC as a billing specialist.    Last year she returned to live in a little town outside of Hardinsburg.  Bobbie loves small town life and is happy to be close to her roots.  She is currently working as an Administrative Assistant in the Elizabethtown CCC office.   Bobbie said, “My dad is the most influential person in my life.  He drilled right and wrong into me and my two sisters.  Everything I learned, I learned from him.”  One of her fondest childhood memories is of playing outside in the rain in an old time metal wash tub.  Bobbie’s teen idol was Elvis Presley.  Her favorite Elvis movie is, “Kissing Cousins”.  She recalled watching it in the back of a pickup truck at a drive-in movie theater.  She still loves him to this day…movies, music, everything… 

Bobbie’s first job was as a teacher’s aide in a kindergarten classroom.  However, most of her life was spent running a sporting goods store.  She really enjoyed that because of working with kids of all ages who were involved in sports.  After selling the store, she came to Lexington in 2006 and took the job working for the CCC. 

Family is very important to Bobbie.  She stated, “Family means everything; I couldn’t live without them…well, I could, but I wouldn’t want to.”  She has two grown sons.  Each of her sons is married and has a son and a daughter.  In Bobbie’s present location she is about halfway between them, so she can easily visit each of their families.  When asked what she is most proud of in her life, she replied, “…raising my two sons to be wonderful grown men and fathers.”

Bobbie said that she loves everyone at the CCC, and wanted to give a shout out to her former Lexington co-workers…she misses you!    She said, “The CCC is an excellent place to work and we do excellent work for families and children.”  Where does Bobbie hope to be 5-10 years from now?  “… retired on the beach in Florida!”  Sounds good….I think I could handle that too, what about you?

Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette

Belinda @ Kids Matter

If you were to start listing your pet peeves, where on that list would email fall? With me, it ranks right up there in the top five. Several years ago, I embarked on a project called Get It Write. The project provides training on how to use email properly and delivers a comprehensive look at how to utilize email efficiently and effectively. The information contained in this article is very minimal in comparison to the project, but it does highlight the most common complaints.  You may think, how complicated is email when we use it every day. Well, think about it… if it’s in your top 10 list of pet peeves then there has to be a problem somewhere!

Top five complaints:

1.     People don’t respond in a timely manner or don’t respond at all.

2.     Content has a harsh tone.

3.     Content is not well thought-out and organized.

4.     Content has numerous misspellings and lacks proper punctuation.

5.     Misuse of group email, causing an overload on servers and inboxes.

Timeliness:

This is where the many shades of gray come into play. What is priority for one person may not be for another. That being said, there should NEVER be an email that goes without a response if a question has been asked. Email is a form of communication, just as if you were standing in front of a person having a face to face conversation. Would you allow the person you are conversing with to ask a question and you not answer? The objective is the same via email conversation. Out of common courtesy, a response should be sent within 24 hours. By not responding, you are conveying to the writer that the content of the email is not important. Writers should not take the lack of response as a personal attack. The content is deemed not important, not the writer.

Tone:

Emails are easily misinterpreted due to the reader projecting their own emotion into the email. Business emails are meant to be direct and to the point. It may sound curt, but in reality is no different that standing in front of your boss taking instructions. No one is out to get you. Your personal feelings should remain in check when conversing via email. You cannot see tears in an email, so the reader may not know that you are upset. Maybe the writer is having a bad day. Nothing sets a person off quicker than flaming (criticizing harshly via email). When writing emails do NOT use all capitalization, this conveys anger and yelling to the reader. Do not over use the exclamation point such as !!!!! (which are called bangs) and places great emphasis in the tone. Conduct yourself professionally just as if you were having a face to face conversation.

Organization:

Think about what you are going to say. Put it into an order that the reader can easily follow such as: problem, cause, fix, and predicted results. People are much more open to hearing a problem, if they hear the problem and the fix at the same time. When presenting a person with a problem the first thing on their mind is, not another problem! Eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed by stepping up and offering a solution. Never send an email with a one sentence statement… I have a problem. Emailing is not texting. Write complete thoughts and resolutions. Don’t be afraid to bullet or outline the content for easy following. You want to make a point and have it clearly followed by the reader.

Grammatically correct:

Proper spelling and use of punctuation are key factors in a successful email. There is absolutely no reason the writer cannot proof read and check for spelling errors. There is not a 30 second time limit on writing an email. Take the time to write it correctly and proof read it multiple times. If you can’t take the initiative to write a proper email, don’t expect the reader to take the time to figure out what you are trying to say.

Group emails:

At the top of each email you will see a “To” “CC” and “BCC”. Learn to use those fields appropriately when using group emails. The “To” field is directly to the person you need to convey the information. The “CC” field is a carbon copy which is sent to someone for informational purposes and probably doesn’t require a response from them. The “BCC” field is a blind carbon copy and is used for confidentiality purposes. The person in the BCC field remains unseen by people in the “To” and “CC” field. Even more importantly… know when to “reply” and “reply all”. Sometimes it is important to communicate to a group as a whole. Seldom is it ever necessary for each member to reply all to a group emailing. Let’s think about the impact this could have on the server, inboxes, and what it will do to the email platform. One person sends an email to a group of 20 people. That’s 20 emails. Those 20 people respond to all. That’s 400 emails (20x20) bringing the total to 420 now. Let’s say the conversation continues and each of the 20 responds to all again. Within just a very few minutes a total of 820 emails (20+400+400) just crossed the server slowing the process down to a crawl and clogging the server for important emails that need to go out.

Email responsibly. Write with professionalism. Read without emotion. Communicate effectively and efficiently.

Mothers and Daughters

Mothers and Daughters

Belinda @ Kids Matter

“Probably, there is nothing in human nature more resonant with charges than the flow of energy between two biologically alike bodies, one of which has lain in amniotic bliss inside the other, one of which has labored to give birth to the other. The materials are here for the deepest mutuality and the most painful estrangement.” Adrienne Rich, Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution

As a daughter, and a mother of a daughter, I will be the first to admit there is a fine line walked. Feet in proper position and arms extended outward, we tread softly and gingerly down that line, back and forth, most of our lives. We want to be the daughter that makes our mother proud, yet we want to be the mother that makes our daughters proud. It’s an inner battle that sometimes bleeds over into our daily lives. How do we seal and preserve the bond that is the inner sanctity of the relationship?

Women, throughout history, agree on one thing… there is no simple answer. Relationships are tricky, be it with spouses, parents, or children. Keeping relationship balance is hard. There are times throughout life when one must give more than the other and there are times when both have to give an equal amount. When the daughter is a child the mother gives way more than she receives. When the mother becomes advanced in age, it is the daughter doing the greatest percentage of giving. In between, however, lays a whole span of time when the shift of giving swings back and forth like a pendulum on an old grandfather clock. It is during this time that estrangements can and often do occur. How you choose to handle those situations is what, in the end, defines your success as a mother.

The key, in mother daughter relationships, is honesty and open communication by both parties. Maybe you feel you can’t be open and honest because it would hurt her feelings. I can assure you of one thing… honesty is much more appreciated than dishonesty. As my husband likes to say, “What is she gonna do, take away your birthday?” Don’t be afraid to be open and honest in your mother daughter relationship. Chances are, if you aren’t, whatever foolishness you did as a child will come back trifold on you as a parent, with your own children. Life has a funny way of paying you back.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mommas out there, and especially to my own! I love you, Mom, always have and always will!

A Rose for Mother

by Cleo M. Shoffstall

Another Mother's Day is here,

Bringing joy and pleasures new,

On this special day, Mother dear,

I want to remember you.

I cannot give you costly gifts,

And I've told you this before,

No matter what I give to you,

You give back much, much more.

I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose,

Gathered in the early morn,

This rose you planted in my heart,

The day that I was born.

In kindly, loving thoughts of you,

And with the faith you still impart,

The rose I give to you today,

Is the love that's in my heart.

Meet the Child Care Council Staff

Introducing Ashley E.

Robin @ Kids Matter

Ashley is originally from Eastern Kentucky.  She grew up in the Prestonsburg area and graduated from Big Sandy Community and Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.  Her fiancé talked her into moving to the Lexington area, so she came, liked it, and stayed.  Ashley was always interested in working in the field of business.  She chose to study Business Administration, in hopes that it would allow for more flexibility in finding a job.  However, she hopes to one day go back to school and further her education in the finance field.

Ashley came to work at the CCC a couple of years ago.  She was not happy in her previous job, and had some friends who worked here and recommended it to her when there was a job opening.  Ashley said, “I like working for the CCC because of what it stands for.  I like coming to work because we’re helping the community people make their lives better.”

As the parent of two children (Cameron 2 years, and Chloe 7 months) Ashley’s goal as a parent is to raise them in a way that they feel they can come to her with anything, good or bad.  She said, “I want them to do well.  I want to give them the tools to have a better life than me, and I want them to have fun while they are kids… and just be kids.”  She tries not to be too strict or too loose with them.  It’s a hard balance to keep sometimes, but she tries to stay in the middle.   She stated she is happiest when her children are happy.  For her to see them smiling and playing together is the best feeling in the world!  Her pride and love for her children was palpable as she spoke of them during the interview. 

In her spare time, Ashley has started to focus on fitness.  She likes walking and has recently started the Couch to 5K program.  In June, she plans to walk in the CCC 5K, sponsored by Fox 56.  It will be her first 5K.  Walking and exercise are a great pastime that we probably all need to take part in more often.  Good luck in the 5K, Ashley!

I asked Ashley what she is bad at that she would like to be good at, and her reply was that it would be really awesome to be able to draw.  She is amazed by what other people do, while she “can’t even draw a circle”.  Perhaps that makes her better able to appreciate the work of those who are more artistically talented.  What is the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen?  “It’s definitely not the birth of my children… that was disgusting!  It would probably be watching the sunset or sunrise on the beach.”  Ashley loves to be on the beach.  It’s the favorite spot for family vacations every summer.  Ashley plans to stay working here at the CCC for many years to come.  She also looks forward to being a “soccer mom,” taking her kids to practice and school events.  Her goal is to just enjoy life with family. What a great goal to have!

Tornado Safety

Tornado Safety

Robin @ Kids Matter

According to Tornado Project Online, nearly 1000 tornadoes touch down in the United States each year.  They have occurred in every month of the year, but spring in the Southeast is considered “tornado season”. 

Here are some things you can do to reduce your chance of being injured in a tornado:

·       Be alert to the onset of severe weather.  It is important to be watchful of severe weather and take steps to get to safety in time.  Be watchful of what is happening outside.  Some signs of tornado danger are: a “funnel-shaped” cloud, a sickly greenish colored sky, a sound like a waterfall rushing that turns into a roar as it gets closer, debris dropping from the sky, and a strange quiet that comes within or shortly after a thunderstorm. 

·       Know the terms tornado “watch” and “warning”.  A watch means that the conditions are present for a tornado to be possible.  A warning means that a tornado has been sighted and you should seek shelter right away.

·       Have a plan for your family.  Have a safe place such as a basement or an interior room with no windows to go to.  Know where the closest public shelter is if you are outside or in a home with inadequate protection.  Go there before the storm hits.  Also have drinking water, a battery operated radio, and flashlights in this location. 

The number of deaths and injuries that result from tornadoes has drastically dropped over the last half century.   Technological advances in being better able to predict tornadoes and the ability to alert the public at a moment’s notice via TV, internet, and phones are attributed with this decrease.   However, the most important part is still to be aware of the approaching storm, and take steps to get to safety in time. 

Follow this link for a Tornado Safety Crossword Puzzle that will help you brush up on your storm knowledge.

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports

Julia @ Kids Matter

               If you, like me, were a kid growing up in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, there are several things about the first Saturday in May that you are born knowing…

1.   Hats

2.   Plecher, Lucas, and Baffert are household names.

3.   Secretariat’s real name was Big Red, and his colors blue & white.

          But what is it like? What is it like for a Kentucky girl like me, who rode horses like her mother before her? What are my traditions with the Derby? For me, I usually don’t attend the Derby or parties; I like to watch the coverage all day at home with my mother and brother. Derby Day is a HOLIDAY! We love to snack, drink, snicker at clothing choices made by female attendees, and sneer vehemently at certain trainers whose techniques we don’t agree with.

          We watch the races leading up to the “big one” with a certain impatient edge that comes with Derby Fever. Then, I hear the famous, “RIDERS UP!” and small flutters occur in my belly. The trumpet calls the riders to post. “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster plays, and I choke back a sob of Kentucky pride as these magnificent creatures trot to the gate. Millions of eyes are on my home, my state, my commonwealth; I couldn’t be happier.

          Like any athlete, you see the determined and slightly wild look in the thoroughbreds’ large rolling eyes. Their nostrils flare, sensing the thousands of people and their excited energy. The flanks tighten and mouths slightly froth at the anxiety to be free and run their hearts out. They line them up, which can take a few minutes if you have some unruly ones who are spooked by the smallest things. My breath is held as lock them in. My mother instinctively curls her hands, as if once again holding reins, and turns to me and states, “I just want a clean round…”

          AND THEY’RE OFF! Two heart stopping minutes of jumping, screaming, pleading, cursing, crying, and cheering that seem to last an eternity. When you think you can’t scream any harder you hear the famous, “AND HERE THEY COME DOWN THE BACK STRETCH!”

          There are between 12 and 22 thundering horses with dirt covered jockeys looking for the outside break. And millions of spectators screaming in unison, “GO BABY, GO BABY, GO BABY!” Then someone crosses the finish line. Was it the favorite, the first timer, the filly, was it your pick?

          It’s over, and we are finally able to breathe once more. We instantly begin to chatter about the race highlights before the famous roses are draped across indeed, a ‘good baby’.

          If you don’t watch the Derby, you should! It’s A-mazing! You can find all things Derby at http://www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/security-information. Local coverage (in Louisville) is from 7AM – 10AM with NBC national coverage starting at noon on NBCSN and 4PM on NBC with race time approximately 6:20PM and show ending at 7:30PM. (All times are EDT)

          Two recipes common on Derby Day are “Derby Pie” and Mint Juleps. You just have to give them a try!

“Derby Pie”

The pie was created by George Kern and his parents in their restaurant in Prospect, Kentucky.  It is a chocolate and walnut mixture, in a pastry crust.  The original recipe has remained a secret, so we do not have that recipe.  Following is a recipe for possibly the best pie I have ever had.  So, try it... you’ll like it.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips

3/4 cup pecans, chopped

9 inch unbaked pie shell

Directions:  Combine all ingredients except the pie shell.  Mix well.  Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until brown on top.

Mint Juleps (Mock)

Ingredients:

4 -5 mint sprigs

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups cold water

3/4 cup lemon juice

1 1/2 quarts ginger ale (or Ale8 1)

Thinly sliced lemon (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Rinse mint and discard stems.

2. Mix sugar, water, and juice in medium bowl.

3. Stir in mint leaves.

4. Let stand 30 minutes.

5. Fill large pitcher with ice.

6. Strain liquid over ice.

7. Add ginger ale and lemon slices.

8. Serve in tall glasses with lemon slices to garnish.

Happy Derby Day Everyone!