OKC, OK August 2023

Kids & Pets

way we

For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.

BUILT BY Matteson Custom Homes

Celebrating

Faithful

CASADY SCHOOL

9500 N. Pennsylvania • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.749.3100 • casady.org

Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.

to the past while moving bravely into the future.

Welcome to our annual Kids & Pets issue!

Who doesn't love to read about and see cute photos of kids and pets?!

One of my favorite pieces in this issue comprises photos of some of our advertisers' pets. I was impressed with the volume of photos we received. Maybe I shouldn't have been, though. Americans (and people the world over) do LOVE their pets!

Speaking of which...one of our other stories shines the spotlight on the nonprofit Peppy’s Pantry, whose mission is to ensure that no dog goes hungry and that no pet owner has to give up their pet due to a lack of resources for food. They are always happy to get volunteers as well as donations, as they are 100% donation driven.

Look also for our story on Barking Dog Bakery, where the bottom line is offering products that support the health of your dog. Everything they produce, including all-natural dog biscuits, cakes and pastries, is focused on clean eating.

On the kids side of the equation:

While still a student at Arizona State University, Amy Hutchens developed a clinical interest in childhood obesity, children’s health behaviors and physical activity. Now an assistant professor in the Fran and Earl Zieger College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, she continues to develop and conduct research on this topic that is so important, especially here in Oklahoma. Make sure to read about her research and her work at OU inside.

Do you have a child, grandchild or other relative that has been tested to be on the autism spectrum? If so, you'll want to read Holland Pediatric Therapy founder Diane Holland's recommendations on how to help better prepare a child with autism for returning to school.

Looking for a family-friendly place to vacation before school starts? I recently traveled with family to Branson, Missouri. It's been many years since my last visit, and I found lots of changes! You'll read about our Silver Dollar City experiences as well as our trips to a cave, wax museum (see related photo, this page), aquarium, mirror maze, mini-golf park, and Table Rock Lake. If you go, the issue will be narrowing down your to-do list. If you've already taken your summer vacation, Branson would still be a great fall destination. Lots more to read about inside. Happy reading!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com

405.541.5650

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kaylin Hill | kaylin.hill@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Staci Elder Hensley, Kaylin Hill, Peter Levinson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsey Davies, Kaylin Hill

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Sisters Delee Smith and Jennifer Kiersch. 2: City Lifestyle publisher Jimmy Darden at the OKC Gala 3: More than $325,000 was raised, bringing the zoo closer to completion of the quest to bring the African savanna to Oklahoma with Expedition Africa. 4: The gala featured African-inspired food and music. 5: Jimmy Darden pauses for refreshment during the zoo tour. 6: Gala attendees get a behind-the-scene tour of the zoo the “easy” way: via golf cart. 7: Beautiful place setting carries an African theme.

Photography by Kaylin Hill

SAME-DAY ONLINE APPOINTMENTS. Physician directed. Medication delivered to your door. FDA approved weight loss medications. Full-service online urgent care.

TIME IS MONEY. WE’VE GOT YOU.

TESTOSTERONE VIAGRA RYBELSUS

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @CityLifestyle_OKC

1-3: The Fountains off SW 104th, between Penn and May in OKC, celebrate the 4th early. Activities on June 4 included a parade and thematic clothing. The Fountains at Canterbury plan to make this event an annual one.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

FAM Exhibit on Display Through Aug. 31

A pop-up exhibit titled 200 Years of Doctrine of Discovery: Johnson V. M'Intosh and the Indian Removal Act is on view through Aug. 31 in the Tribal Nations Gallery of the First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City. Presented by the museum and the University of Oklahoma Law Library, this exhibit features historical documents never before shown publicly.  For tickets and more info on the museum, visit FAMOK.org

Scan to read more.

First American Museum Wins Prestigious Awards

The First Americans Museum recently was presented the 2023 American Association for State and Local History’s in Progress Award and the Award of Excellence for its exhibition WINIKO: Life of an Object, Selections from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian . The AASLH Leadership in History Awards are the most prestigious recognitions for achievements in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/OKC

Our Inheritance

An Ode to Mother Earth

While the title “Our Inheritance” may not initially evoke thoughts of nature, this new exhibition at Exhibit C Gallery in Bricktown (running through Oct. 31) beautifully intertwines the two, honoring the intrinsic bond between nature and First American culture. It’s a theme that holds great significance for the four featured artists, who deeply treasure this connection.

ARTICLE BY LACEY LETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLIN HILL

Through my art, I seek to explore the intricate relationships between the land, the people and the spirit world.”

In his large-scale oil painting titled “Shaman Dreams #1,” vibrant blues and yellows of sky and land are inspired by his time growing up on the Navajo reservation.

“I like to use bold brushstrokes, vivid colors and elaborate details to capture the vibrancy, energy and richness of Native American stories and traditions,” he said.

“This exhibition is a tribute to the landscape’s vital role in First American heritage,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation.

“Each artist’s personal interpretation comes alive, and it is powerful to see.”

One of those interpretations of nature and heritage comes from artist and Potawatomi citizen Peter Paul Bruno, who stated: “As a Native American artist, I am deeply inspired by the beauty and complexity of my cultural heritage.

Oklahoma City resident Alexandra Brodt will display her “Dreamscapes” series of illustrations, a colorful and explorative approach to nature inspired by her actual dreams.

“It feels like a story, something I’m searching to piece together and tell. Elements from Native stories are

big, imaginative and magical, and I can feel those qualities resonating in these pieces,” Alexandra said.

Western Shoshone native Topaz Jones McCoy started oil painting at just 10 years old. She uses symbolism and surrealism to showcase a contemporary view of nature.

For her, First American heritage is a constant source of motivation for creativity.

“They are infused with my multicultural identity, which is important for me to capture and express because I believe that exploring self-identity sets artists apart. Introspection can create unique stories and images that can’t be replicated or appropriated because they are solely my experience,” she said.

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: Tulsa resident and Chickasaw citizen Brent Brander's oil on canvas, "Snodgrass Trail”

RIGHT: Peter Paul Bruno’s “Shaman Dreams #1” depicts a special place in Navajo tradition called Ship Rock, known as the site where all beings emerged into the world.

THIS PAGE, TOP: Two works in Choctaw artist Alexandra Brodt’s “Dreamscape” series, created using acrylic, posca markers and gouache paint

RIGHT: This 2020 painting by Chickasaw artist Brent Brander, called “Redwoods Sunshine,” was created using oil on a panel with a palette knife.

LEFT: Potawatomie citizen Peter Paul Bruno describes “Noon Third Mesa” (18X24” oil-on-linen) as representing one of the three regions of the Hopi Nation. It portrays the bright sun and landscape of the area.

Brent Brander, a Chickasaw citizen, keeps his heritage alive through art.

“Through my paintings, I aim to capture the vast beauty, complexity and diversity of the landscapes that surround us,” he said. “Every landscape has its own unique spirit and energy, and it is my goal to capture and convey these qualities to the viewer through my art.”

At its basic roots, nature is a feature of life that evokes all five senses. The beauty of the sunset, the feeling of cool, crisp air, the sound of firewood burning and the taste of the vegetables we eat are all a reminder that nature is what encompasses everyone and inspires all of us. And for these artists, it’s also a way to keep their heritage alive.

Proudly owned by the Chickasaw Nation, Exhibit C Gallery is located at 1 E. Sheridan Avenue in Bricktown, Oklahoma City.  FMI visit ExhibitCGallery.com .

“EVERY LANDSCAPE HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE SPIRIT AND ENERGY, AND IT IS MY GOAL TO CAPTURE AND CONVEY THESE QUALITIES TO THE VIEWER THROUGH MY ART.”

TOP: Brent Brander and an unidentifed guest stand next to one of his artworks.

MIDDLE: Chickasaw artist Brent Brander’s 2023 oil painting, “Morning Clouds”

BOTTOM: Potawatomi artist Peter Paul Bruno’s “Dawn Black Mesa” (16X20, oil)

Chasing a Remedy for Childhood Obesity

Nurse & Marathon Runner Amy Hutchens Researching Parenting Practices and How They Influence Children’s Health Behaviors

ARTICLE

BY

STACI ELDER HENSLEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLIN

HILL

It’s well established that obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States— Oklahoma, in particular. Among those on the front lines battling this crisis is Amy Hutchens*, R.N., Ph.D., who is adding to the knowledge base that will encourage and provide additional tools for parents to keep their children active.

Amy currently is an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, which is where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

While still a student, she developed a clinical interest in childhood obesity, children’s health behaviors and physical activity, and she continues to develop and conduct research on the topic. Along the way, she completed her Ph.D. in nursing and health care innovation from Arizona State University, where she was named as its Outstanding Graduate.

“I focus on physical activity because I love to exercise, and I’ve even run the New

York City marathon and 12 half-marathons here in Oklahoma,” Amy said.

“I became interested in obesity because of the obesity epidemic.”

She noted that childhood obesity impacts nearly 20% of children and adolescents in the United States and is a serious health problem.

“My research focuses on parenting practices and how they influence children’s health behaviors. The majority of parents who exercise will have children who exercise. I am working on the development of interventions aimed at supporting and improving parents’ health behaviors, which will hopefully impact their children’s health behaviors and future generations.”

Amy noted that family provides the social context where our behavior patterns develop, and that a parent’s beliefs and actions about physical activity and nutrition directly predict their child’s patterns and risk for obesity. Low

socioeconomic-status children are disproportionally impacted by overweight and obesity, she added, saying that “effective family-based prevention programs, like those I am trying to develop, must combine information on the link between parenting, children’s physical activity and eating behaviors.”

Originally from Purcell, Amy said that she loves to learn and became interested in teaching while in college herself. After teaching licensed practical nurses (LPNs) at a technical college for several years, in 2010 she joined the OU College of Nursing faculty, where she’s been ever since. She teaches nursing pharmacology classes, as well as two back-to-back courses on the human experience of acute and chronic illness.

“I love the students, my colleagues and the opportunity to learn more and create new science,” she said. “Working with college students is fun. They are smart, entertaining, high energy, and I love that they

are learning how to save a life. That is a critical skill. This generation is open minded and innovative. They are always thinking of new and creative ways to do things, and they inspire me to think differently.”

Amy’s influence on her students is strong and positive, and she consistently receives rave reviews from them. In 2019 she was chosen by her colleagues to receive the college’s Excellence in Academic Teaching Award. Her knowledge of nursing education also was recognized at the highest level when the National Council of State Boards of Nursing asked her to contribute questions for their official national council licensure exam for registered nurses.

She also has earned numerous academic and professional honors to date, including being named a national March of Dimes Oklahoma Nurse of the Year finalist in 2015. Her research has been published and presented in multiple outlets, including The Journal of School Nursing and at annual meetings for the Society of Behavioral Medicine and the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science.

In addition to her professorial duties with OU, Amy serves on the Oklahoma Nurses Association board and is in the midst of her third term as its membership development director. (ONA is the professional association for all Oklahoma registered nurses.) In her role she travels around the state and works with ONA

members to address professional issues like nurse-force ratios, patient safety, workplace safety and scope of practice.

“Our vision is to improve the health of Oklahomans through advancing professional nursing practice,” Amy said.

“There is still a shortage of nurses at the bedside, and this impacts safety and health outcomes for everyone. I can impact this in a positive way by continuing to train nurses and advocating for safe conditions at the bedside. Achieving this goal through my role as an ONA board member is very rewarding, because I feel like I can make a difference for the profession of nursing by advocating for a culture of safety and eliminating barriers to practice.”

With all that she has on her plate, Amy said her family provides “the best support system a person could ask for!” The family includes her children, Ian and Raegan Hutchens, parents Tommie and Judy McPherson (who are longtime central Oklahoma farmers), her significant other, Brandon Philbin, and the family’s Maine Coon cat, Sirius Black.

“I believe the key to happiness is meaningful relationships,” Amy said. “I am very grateful to have so much support and love.”

*Editor’s Note - As per OU requirements, Amy Hutchens notes that her opinions and conclusions are her own; they do not necessarily represent the university.

“I focus on physical activity because I love to exercise, and I’ve even run the New York City marathon and 12 half-marathons here in Oklahoma.”

-AMY HUTCHENS, R.N., PH.D.

for the love

of pets

City Lifestyle Publisher, Advertisers Share Photos of Their Beloved Pets: Dogs, Cats and Even a Goat

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

Pets, be they dogs, cats or other (including goats!), provide us with unconditional love, can help alleviate stress and lower blood pressure, and provide companionship. They also entertain us (think of all the pet-related YouTube videos!).  For this, our Kids & Pets issue, we asked our advertisers to share photos of their pets, and many happily responded.

1. Dan Rudder with Renaissance Stone and his pet goat, Nicoal

2. Tracy Ann Miller with Credent Wealth Management and her dog, Coda Kaye

3. Will Blake and Sydney Moore Blake of Vesta Foundation Solutions with their dogs, Violet and Indiana “Indy” Jones

4. Jo Meacham with Urban Kitchens and her dog, Jack

5. Nichol Vagrosky of Victoria Nichol with her dog, Bentley

6. City Lifestyle publisher Jimmy Darden with his dog, Iceman

Get Out of THE BOAT

IS FEAR KEEPING YOU FROM ACCOMPLISHING THAT NEXT BIG THING IN YOUR LIFE?

ARTICLE BY PETER LEVINSON

In 2011, Tara and I were in a small boat off the coast of Puerto Escondido, Mexico, for some deep-sea fishing. For most of the twohour trip, the excursion guides had been chumming the waters with bits of fish behind the boat.

Despite our rods in the water and our guides’ best efforts, we had yet to catch any fish. The sun was out, the day was hot, and the water looked cool. Tara stood in our small boat and asked the guide, "Can I jump in?"

The two guides looked at each other, then at Tara, to the bits of fish they had been throwing into the water, then back at Tara and, with a shrug, said, “Si, sure.”

Without hesitation, Tara jumped in. As for me, my eyes went wide. Then I thought, “Yeah, I want to jump in, too!” But unlike Tara, my body did not move. It stayed seated in the bench seat. I looked over at Tara swimming in the open ocean with slight envy, but try as I might, when I attempted to muster up the courage to jump into that open water with her… nothing happened. My brain might have said, “Let's do this!” but my body said, “Hell, no; we’ve been chumming the water.”

After a bit, Tara climbed back into the boat, and the excursion continued.

My thoughts about it did not. I asked myself, "Was I really OK with my wife being out there by herself? If something had happened, would I not have rather had it happen to me than her?"

And when I looked at it, she was fine. She had this great experience swimming in the open water with sea turtles. Oh, did I not mention sea turtles were swimming around the boat?

Now when I am faced with an adventure or challenge that requires me to get out of my safe comfort zone, I tell myself, “Peter, get out of the boat,” and jump into it. No matter what. Nothing great happens sitting on the sidelines. Life will not just happen for you.

Is fear keeping you from accomplishing that next big thing in your life? Is the idea of being uncomfortable keeling from making that much needed change?

Challenges will only sometimes sort themselves out. It will take you to muster up the courage and jump into those unknown waters.

And when you do, as my wife did for me that day, you will encourage others to make leaps of faith in their lives.

It's now your turn to "Get out of the boat."

“CHALLENGES WILL ONLY SOMETIMES SORT THEMSELVES OUT. IT WILL TAKE YOU TO MUSTER UP THE COURAGE AND JUMP INTO THOSE UNKNOWN WATERS.”

Levinson is the eXp Branch Office Broker for the Levinson Real Estate Team. Find more information at forsaleokc.com or

Branson or Bust

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY DAVIES AND PROVIDED

SILVER DOLLAR CITY, AQUARIUM, WAX MUSEUM AND BEAUTIFUL TABLE ROCK LAKE AMONG ATTRACTIONS

On June 17, I packed my bags and took to the road for a summer vacation in Branson, Missouri. With me were my sister Lori; niece and City Lifestyle columnist/photographer Lindsey Davies; and Lindsey’s 6-year-old son, Liam. Oh, and two dogs!

Branson was one of the three options we had considered, the others being the beaches of Corpus Christi or the mountains of Colorado. We chose Branson in part because of the relatively short drive time (necessary with a rambunctioius 6-year-old and two aging furbabies).

It’s been years since my last trip to Branson, and I found it greatly changed, with a mind-blowing number of things to do, most of them family-friendly.

We visited Silver Dollar City, the popular 1880s-themed park, on a Wednesday, thereby avoiding some of the huge throngs of folk who come over the weekend.

In the kiddie zone, Liam most enjoyed the FireHouse Play Place, a two-story interactive training course filled with foam balls, hoses and cannons for mock firefighting practice.

His other favorite attractions were the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train ride, in which “train robbers” briefly interrupt the ride in a humorous stick-up attempt; swinging bridge; and Grandfather’s Mansion, featuring mystifying rooms with slanting floors, mirrored walls and dizzying effects.

I had hopes of riding the Fire in the Hole, billed as “the world’s most historic indoor roller coaster,” which will be retired at the end of the 2023 season, and making my third or so tour of Marvel Cave, around which the theme park was originally built, but neither really worked well with a child Liam’s age.

However, we enjoyed a glassblowing demonstration, visiting the many quaint shops dotted throughout the park, and checking out the downhome food options at Molly’s Mill Restaurant.

We split our visit into a morning and afternoon session to more fully enjoy the experience. Patrons may come and go as they like during the day of their visit; just make sure not to lose your tickets!

Silver Dollar City offers numerous thrilling rollercoaster and other rides, live shows, and 18 dining options. SDC’s Ozark Summer Celebration ends Aug 27. For details, visit SilverDollarCity.com.

What else is there to do in Branson? As it turns out, a lot!

We bought tickets to the Aquarium at the Boardwalk (AquariumattheBoardwalk. com), which were pretty pricey at over $200 for four tickets, but they turned out to be a bargain, as your purchase also allows access (within the next two days) to the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Hanna’s Maze of Mirrors and Shoot for the Stars Mini-Golf. We visited them all, some twice!

We also visited Talking Rocks Caverns ( TalkingRocksCavern.com), which is smaller than Marvel Cave but really quite beautiful. We only made it through part of the tour before Liam decided it was all a bit too much, but I’m glad we got to see as much as we did. Definitely worth your time! Our last full day in Branson, we visited nearby Table Rock Lake ( VisitTableRockLake.com) for an afternoon of swimming. Table Rock came in at the top spot in Travellersworldwide. com’s listing of the 14 Best Lakes in the U.S. in 2023.

As for the dogs, they were able to go with us inside Big Bass Pro Shops in Springfield on our way to Branson. They also accompanied us to the lake and on a short trail hike. The rest of the time, they were happy to hang out in our room at the pet-friendly La Quinta By Wyndham.

If you go: Check out Silver Dollar City’s White Water water park (open through Aug. 27) and the Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise. (Both linked off SDC’s home page.)

Silver Dollar City offers several thrilling rollercoaster and other rides, live shows, and 18 dining options.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: The Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City is billed as the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster. We passed on this one! (Photo provided) | BOTTOM LEFT: 6-year-old Liam Davies gives Silver Dollar City’s swinging bridge a try. | BOTTOM RIGHT: Liam loved the FireHouse Play Place, a two-story interactive training course filled with foam balls, hoses and cannons for mock firefighting practice. | THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT: Ham it up for fun photos using handy props at Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum. (Photo by Lindsey Davies) | TOP RIGHT: Talking Rocks Caverns near Branson is one of several caves in Missouri that’s worth the trip. Warning: It does have steep steps going down some 100 feet. (Photo by Lindsey Davies) | BOTTOM: Explore 10 zones of fish & fun at the Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson. (Photo by Lindsey Davies)

Baking Only The Best:

BARKING DOG BAKERY OFFERS HEALTHY, ALL-NATURAL DOG TREATS TO OPTIMIZE PET HEALTH

For Sherri Lanier, baker/owner of Barking Dog Bakery, the bottom line is offering products that support the health of your dog. Everything they produce, including all-natural dog biscuits, cakes and pastries, is focused on clean eating.

“There is no reason for there to be salt, sugar, preservatives or excess fillers in what you feed your dog,” Sherri explains. “All of our products are baked with five ingredients or less.”

The products that Barking Dog Bakery produce are designed to help with your dog’s nutritional needs and optimize their daily health. In addition to soft treats, Barking Dog Bakery also features frozen yogurt, custom dog biscuits and even birthday cakes to celebrate your pup’s (or kitty’s) special day.

“Our products offer the benefit of being freshly baked and healthy for your pet,” she adds. “They supplement their daily diet, and can help with tummy issues, hips and joints and even skin issues.”

For pets with health concerns, Sherri and her staff can help create custom dog biscuits that will help with nutritional needs and can supplement the daily diet. For pets with allergies, the bakery sells wheat-, gluten-, soy- and corn-free treats A fully stocked boutique on site offers hand-selected cat and dog food, dental health products, locally made leashes and collars, pet clothes, toys and more.

Barking Dog Bakery is located at 2038 NW 30th St. in Oklahoma City and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Find more at BarkingDogOKC.com or facebook.com/BarkingDogBakeryOKC

ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT

Delicious Dog-Friendly Carob Cookies

Indulge your dog with these tasty treats, which are both delicious and healthy. These cookies contain only three simple ingredients, are quick to whip up and are perfect for dogs of all sizes. Carob is the main ingredient, which is a healthy, safe alternative to chocolate that pups can enjoy in moderation. In addition to being safe for dogs, carob powder is a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. These cookies are made with both carob and pumpkin puree, so they are rich in fiber that helps promote healthy digestion. The pumpkin puree also adds moisture and healthy vegetable nutrition. (Be sure to not substitute cocoa powder in this recipe, as it is toxic for dogs to ingest.)

To make dog-friendly carob cookies, combine equal parts of the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:

• Flour of your choice (all-purpose or any desired flour will work, but oat flour is a healthy gluten-free option that contains many vitamins and nutrients)

• Pumpkin puree

“Our products offer the benefit of being freshly baked and healthy for your pet.”

SUPPORTING DOGS & FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT

PEPPY’S PANTRY PROVIDES PET FOOD WHEN FAMILIES NEED IT MOST

PEPPY’S PANTRY

Nonprofit 100% Donation Driven

The founders of Peppy’s Pantry believe that our furry friends provide so much more than just companionship, they are also a source of unconditional acceptance and love. The mission of Peppy’s Panty is to ensure that no dog goes hungry and that no pet owner has to give up their pet due to a lack of resources for food. Peppy’s Pantry delivers free dog food to low-income families across the Oklahoma City metro area. The organization is 100% driven by donations, and delivered 50 lbs. of pet food to more than 500 families in need during its first year of existence, in 2022. Volunteers help deliver pet food and provide crucial support for the organization and the families they support.

Peppy’s Pantry is an Oklahoma City Charitable Organization, recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit.  Find out more at  PeppysPantry.com or call  405.652.9255.

ARTICLE BY DIANE HOLLAND, M.S.,CCC-SLP PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHAMARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

BACK TO SCHOOL

HOW TO MORE SMOOTHLY TRANSITION YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM

Transitioning from home to school can be challenging for all children, but especially for children with autism. There are several things parents can do to make the transition easier for everyone.

Step 1: Arrange a visit to the school. Tour all the areas with your child where he will participate. Visit the classroom and let him sit at his desk; visit and allow him to use the restroom that his class will use. If your child will eat lunch in the cafeteria, tour that area. Take a trip to the playground and allow some time to play on the equipment. Take mental inventory of the possible sensory challenges in each of the areas where your child will be (e.g., Does the toilet in the restroom flush too loud and cause a sensory reaction from your child?).

Step 2: Talk positively about the school experience while on the tour and for the weeks prior to starting school.

Step 3: Create a social story using pictures that you took on the tour. Write a simple narrative that describes the new routine of the school day. Read and review the story together often before the first day of school.

Step 4: Create a visual schedule using your photos so the new routine has predictability from day one.

Step 5: Discuss any of the sensory issues that you identified during the tour with your child’s teacher and other staff. Give your child noise-cancelling headphones, if needed. Plan carefully his wardrobe (this is not the day to wear the new, unwashed, shirt with tags).

Step 6: Collaborate with teachers; let them know your child’s strengths, specific sensory issues, and any concerns you may have.

Step 7: Make sure your child’s IEP is up-to-date and includes services and accommodations that best fit his current needs. Sometimes the IEP that was reviewed in the spring is no longer appropriate for the child’s needs in the fall.

Step 8: Relax. Your child (and you) will adjust to this new routine! Give it time.

Diane Holland is the owner and founder of Holland Pediatric Therapy ( HollandPediatric.com) and a certified speech-language pathologist.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 4TH - 6TH

DOCOKC Documentary Film Festival

THE AUDITORIUM AT THE DOUGLASS, OKC

The Oklahoma City Documentary Film Festival is Oklahoma’s only all-documentary film festival. Hosted within the Auditorium at the Douglass in Oklahoma City, this festival is sure to deliver relevant, powerful and fun documentaries right here in the Sooner State. DocOkc.org

AUGUST 4TH - 6TH

Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping

OKLAHOMA CITY FAIRGROUNDS, OKC

Show

From quality exhibits and informative seminars to insightful demonstrations, discover thousands of smart, stylish and cost-effective ways to design or renovate your home – including ideas on the latest in cabinetry and countertops, flooring, waterproofing, smart home automation, energy-efficient windows and exterior products. HomeShowCenter.com/Overview/Oklahoma3

AUGUST 5TH - 6TH

Horror Con

REMINGTON PARK, OKC

Anytime of the year is a great time to enjoy a good scare, especially during this two-day event that brings all kinds of horror genre fans from around the region. From costume contests and haunted walkthroughs to live entertainment and vendors galore, Horror Con is sure to delight all ages.  HorrorConOkc.com

AUGUST 15TH - 20TH

OKC Broadway Presents: Ain't Too Proud

CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL, OKC

Presented by OKC Broadway, this smash-hit Broadway musical tells a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal throughout a decade of civil unrest in America. Hear renditions of the group's hits "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and more during this unforgettable show.  OkcBroadway.com/AintTooProud

AUGUST 18TH - 19TH

Asian District Night Market

MILITARY PARK, OKC

Explore everything Oklahoma City's Asian District has to offer. Celebrate Asian culture with delicious cuisine, entertainment and stunning visual performances. The night's festivities will feature live music, Asian merchants and food trucks, a pho eating contest, cultural performances, a fashion show and more. AsianDistrictOk.com/Anmf

AUGUST 28THSEPTEMBER 1ST

Swiftwater Conference & Championship Games

RIVERSPORT RAPIDS, OKC

This three-day conference starts with flood and swiftwater incident training for first responders, then pits participants against each other in various river sports. Watch as teams battle for prizes in rowing, kayaking and swimming during this nationally televised event. RiverSportOkc.org/Events/Swiftwater-Conference

A sample of recently sold properties in OKC.

CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are not treatments for weight loss.

Build-Your-Own Cool Treats

TASTY DESSERTS OFFER OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY DELICIOUSNESS!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLIN HILL

Mochinut OKC is a renowned brand known for its delectable Mochi donuts and adorable atmosphere. Mochi donuts, originating from Hawaii, blend the best of American doughnuts with the distinct Japanese mochi. Such a fun place to bring the kids, your bestie or the entire family!

Find Mochinut OKC on Instagram or Facebook; email info@mochinut.com; or call 213.425.4888

Mochinut OKC is a renowned brand known for its delectable Mochi donuts and adorable atmosphere.

Mochinut’s diverse menu features a delightful array of treats, including Mochi Donuts, Korean Rice Flour Hotdogs, Bubble Tea Drinks, and Soft Serve.

The charm of Mochinut lies in its bubbly shape and delightful texture—a crispy outer coating that encases a soft and chewy interior.

YoNutz OKC - a realm where the ordinary is shattered, and extraordinary desserts come to life!

Prepare to embark on a delightful journey where the boundaries of dessert innovation are pushed to new heights at YoNutz OKC.

YoNutz’s fans passionately claim that they offer one the most awesome dessert experiences on the planet.

YoNutz OKC, a realm where the ordinary is shattered, and extraordinary desserts come to life! While donuts and ice cream individually evoke excitement, their ingenious concept combines the two to create a mind-blowing fusion that will captivate hearts and taste buds alike.