August 2015 MetroFamily Magazine

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AUGUST 2015

BUSTED! 6 COMMON FOSTER CARE MYTHS MAKE AN ENDOF-SUMMER SPLASH Five fabulous waterfall hikes KID-FRIENDLY TULSA Top spots for family fun in T-Town GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS & FAMILIES

See our calendar for 167 stellar events!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Communities of Faith, Service and Knowledge We are proud to have more than 20 schools in the Catholic Schools system in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, offering educational options for children of all ages.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that our schools support parents in their efforts to form well-educated young people who live out their faith in a world sorely in need of hope, love, and integrity.

We strive to share our deep and profound love for our Church and assist families in raising generations of people who are dedicated to living in right relationship with God, making tough moral choices rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Church, and recognizing Christ’s presence in everyone we encounter.

Our schools offer excellent academic and co-curricular programs that are infused with religious truth and values reflecting Christ’s Gospel call to love one another. We are committed to preparing students for life in today’s Church and society. Our focus is grounded upon the development of the whole person of the student, spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.

We hope you will visit one of the many excellent Catholic Schools in our Archdiocese and experience the unique and diverse character of each school community firsthand. We also hope that you will consider a Catholic education for your children—it is an investment in the future of your child, but also in our world.

To learn more, contact one of our schools or our Office of Catholic Education at (405) 721-4202.

Call or Visit a Catholic School Today.

St. Philip Neri

St. James the Greater Catholic School

Bishop John Carroll School

PreK3 - 8th Grade Midwest City, OK stphilipnerischool.com 405.737.4496

PreK3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK stjames-catholic.org 405.636.6810

PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK bjcs.org 405.525.0956

St. Eugene Catholic School

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Mary’s Catholic School

Pre-3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK steugeneschool.org 405.751.0067

PreK - 8th Grade Edmond, OK StElizabethEdmond.org 405.348.5364

PreK3-8th Grade Guthrie, OK stmarysguthrie.eduK12.net 405.282.2071

Christ the King School

Rosary School

PreK3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK ckschool.com 405.843.3909

National Blue Ribbon School PreK3 - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK rosaryschool.com 405.525.9272

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

St. John Nepomuk Catholic School

All Saints Catholic School

PreK3 - 8th Grade Yukon, OK sjnok.org 405.354.2509

PreK-8th Grade Norman, OK allsaintsnorman.org 405.447.4600

Secondary College Preparatory Grades 9 - 12 Oklahoma City, OK mountstmary.org 405.631-8865

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Secondary College Preparatory Grades 9 - 12 Oklahoma City, OK bmchs.org 405.842.6638

go

guide...

The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 18, Number 8

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

44

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor Heather Davis, Jennifer Sharpe, Lindsay Cuomo and Erin Page– Contributing Writers Emily Hart and Brittany Smith– Contributing Photographers

Cool off with hikes to these impressive Oklahoma water features

HAVE A STORY OR BIG EVENT? We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-601-2081 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com.

TURNER FALLS PARK

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price & Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Shelly Sanderson–Business Development Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc.We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 OKC, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2015, All Rights Reserved.

14

TULSA ROAD TRIP Find top Tulsa spots to explore with kids on an end-of-summer day trip.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

18

FOSTER CARE MYTHS Learn about foster care in Oklahoma. You might be surprised by these myth busters!

48

REAL MOM OF THE METRO Meet a mom who shares a love of reading with local kids.

6 New Tools for Back-to-School 8 Editor’s Picks: Great Volunteer Opportunities 10 After-School Activities Guide 26 Mom Humor: Summer Is Made for the Last Minute

28 Calendar of Events

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we start our series on foster care and provide ideas for weekend getaways to Tulsa and area waterfalls worth the drive.

G

rowing up, I never had much luck with first impressions.

Especially on the first day of school.

On my first day of kindergarten, I was double dog dared by a classmate to steal the teacher’s recess whistle. I wasn’t usually mischievous but I took double dog dares very seriously and made the worst first impression I could have made with my new teacher.

The first day of middle school was going to be my second chance to start things off on the right foot. That was spoiled when I tripped on the curb getting out of my mom’s minivan and landed face first in a patch of sharp stickers on the grass. Not only did I miss the first bell because I was pulling the spikes out of my knees, but I had to walk in the classroom bloodied and humiliated.

Surely my first day of high school would be better, I thought. Just in time for the first day of my freshman year, I had an unfortunate boogie boarding incident on an end-of-summer lake trip that left me with two black eyes.

Growing up believing first impressions were everything made it tough to recover from these rocky starts. Only in adulthood have I decided to dispel the idea that I have to make a splash right away.

Looking back, I realize my first day nerves often got in the way of me enjoying new beginnings.

First days can be tough for kids and adults alike. Whether your kids are at a brand new school or just going up to the next grade, they’ll likely be anxious about meeting their classmates and performing for their new teacher. Parents can be nervous about new classroom dynamics and unpredictable experiences.

Let’s take the pressure to perform off and just soak up the excitement of a new start.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

E T A R B E T CEL S A L S ’ R SUMMEAH WITH HURRDREDS OF HUN EVENTS age 28 p METRr O n o s t star Calenda

r Enter ou contestsig! to win b

OKC PHILHARMONIC ADMISSION IS ONE OF SEVERAL PRIZES WE’RE GIVING AWAY THIS MONTH.

• After-School Activities Giveaway: You could

win a series of classes from these businesses: Soccer City OKC, Little Spanish Bridge, Velocity Dance Center, Twist and Shout Training Center and Studio J School of Dance.

• Fiddle Focus Talk Learn: Just in time for back-toschool, win one of three sets of handy sensory products especially useful for kids who need to fidget to learn.

• Join the fun and enter to win one of our 100 Days of Summer Fun prizes (a new one available each Friday)!

• Win a Kids Club membership to OKC

Philharmonic and enjoy three special family concerts and other great prizes.

Find more and enter at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

THIS MONTH’S COVER: Cover Kid winner Harper, age 7, is a Harrah cheerleader who loves to tumble. When she’s not working on her gymnastics moves, she enjoys reading.

Her favorite thing to read is the “Ivy & Bean” series.

Special thanks to Macy’s Quail Springs for providing outfits for our Cover Kids winners.

!

W WO

PHOTO BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

family buzz

We’re buzzing about

Going Back to School

BY HANNAH SCHMITT MANAGING EDITOR

If you have a child at a public school in the metro area, you’re probably familiar with the rating system the Oklahoma State Department of Education uses to assess school performance. Their Report Card method gives A-F grades to campuses based on specific criteria: student performance based on assessment scores and student growth comparing current scores to the prior year.

Of Oklahoma City’s district campuses, 10 schools received an A score, 10 got a B, 15 got a C, 17 got a D and 42 received an F. The scores are disappointing to say the least. But most parents know that just as a child is more than a test score, a campus is more than a report card rating.

The Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, a non-profit member organization that assists public schools with development and curriculum, has partnered with

GreatSchools to gather information about local schools to better equip parents when making decisions about education. The result of their efforts can be found at www. greatschoolsoklahomacity.org. The website takes a comprehensive look at the success and shortfalls of Oklahoma schools in addition to providing the basic information on test scores.

On the site, users can click on a school in the state and instantly see not only the Oklahoma State Department of Education rating, but an assortment of other information like a GreatSchools Rating, the number of students enrolled and even whether or not before and after care is provided.

The GreatSchools Rating is on a 1-10 scale based on test scores in addition to other data like academic growth and college readiness.

The site also provides a detailed snapshot of test scores broken out by subject, grade

Sounding Off Going back to the classroom is such an exciting time! We asked our Facebook fans to tell us what they’re most excited about in this back-to-school season. Here are some of your responses: Leesa C.: The excitement! My kids are always so excited for the new start.

Brandie L.: I actually like my kids home so not a lot for me. If I had to pick I guess no guilt if I take me time in the mornings instead of hanging out with them.

Young H.: More time to run errands without bringing them along.

Tamara L.: Shopping for supplies and clothes!

Casey D.: Getting back into a regular routine.

Stephanie B.: Getting errands done kidsfree but also seeing his excitement that he’s going into a “bigger grade.”

Callie C.: Keeping them in a routine and watching them discover new topics at school.

Ashley C.: We homeschool, so my favorite thing is that your kids go back and my kids get to go to their favorite places without the crowds. Lol! Heather L.: A routine, so I can exercise in the mornings.

Laetitia A.: Paying less for day care.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

and the percentage of students proficient in a subject compared to the rest of the state.

Community reviews even feature feedback from local parents in the district. Even if you find your child’s school is less than stellar, the site has tips for parents to help advocate for education and worksheets to help fill in the gaps.

Shining a Light on

Foster Care

The nation is in a foster care crisis and Oklahoma is no exception. In the U.S., more than 400,000 children were living without permanent families in 2013.

In Oklahoma, there are 9,500 foster children—1,700 in Oklahoma County.

With just 5,243 approved foster homes in the state and 930 in the county, hundreds of local kids are without a home and family. There are 461 children in Oklahoma without a placement, 113 in Oklahoma County.

Per the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Pinnacle Plan, the target goal of recruitment of foster homes for 2015 was 904 new homes. As of May 2015, 739 new homes have been approved. To meet the goal, Oklahoma needs 165 new foster homes, preferably more so that all foster children have the opportunity to be matched with the family that best fits their needs.

At MetroFamily Magazine, we’re tremendously passionate about Oklahoma families and children. We desperately want to see 165 local families step up and open their homes to children who need families.

As we’ve set out to discover more about the issue and the needs of local foster children, we’ve learned a lot and cannot wait to share it with our readers.

We’re putting together a series of 12 articles that will run in our magazine over the next year. These articles (see page 18) will shed light on the important role you can play in giving local children a place to call home. We’ll delve into important issues, help dispel myths about foster care and answer your questions about becoming a foster family. Starting this month, you can find these features in our magazine and find special blog posts and other resources at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ foster. If you have a special foster story to tell or would like to be put in touch with foster care experts, please email hannah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

400,000 In the U.S., more than

children were living without permanent families in 2013.

In Oklahoma, there are

9,500

foster children.

1,700

in Oklahoma County

5,243

With just approved foster homes in the state

930

in Oklahoma County

461 There are

children in Oklahoma without a placement.

113

in Oklahoma County

165 Oklahoma needs

new foster homes, preferably more so that all foster children have the opportunity to be matched with the family that best fits their needs.

STATISTICS PROVIDED BY KATELYNN BURNS AND SHEREE POWELL AT OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (OKDHS)

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AUGUST 2015

Editor’s Picks: Great Volunteer Opportunities

On page 10, we feature a guide to after-school activities for kids. In addition to fun and educational programs, a great way for kids to spend their spare time is to volunteer to help others. Not only is it important in developing gratitude and growing awareness about the needs of others, but volunteering can help older kids develop leadership skills and make them stand out as candidates for scholarships and college opportunities. Here are some terrific volunteer opportunities for families to do together and teens to do on their own.

OKC Beautiful 3535 N. Classen Blvd.

525-8822 www.okcbeautiful.com

more about the foster care system and spend time with other kids who live at the facility.

Volunteers accompanied by an adult can serve in a variety of capacities on-site like mentoring, being a reading buddy or planning recreation activities. Families can also volunteer to put together welcome baskets or work on campus beautification.

The Regional Food Bank 3355 S. Purdue 600-3161 www.regionalfoodbank.org

Why We Love It: The Regional Food

Bank is a great volunteer opportunity for teens and families because they have multiple volunteer sites throughout the metro and short-term projects that accommodate busy schedules.

Their long-term project for ages 16-18 is called Hope Corps and is a volunteer internship program. The application deadline is Sept. 1. Find the application at www. regionalfoodbank.org/fight-hunger/hopecorps.

Volunteers also are encouraged to take part in distributing food with the Senior Mobile Market and Fresh Food Mobile Pantries.

Volunteers meet a truck at a designated location and help bag food and pass it out to community residents.

Other opportunities are available at the Moore Food Resource Center (2635 N. Shields, Moore) and at the Volunteer Center (3355 S. Purdue Ave.).

Why We Love It: OKC Beautiful is

a non-profit working to enhance the image of Oklahoma City through outreach and community projects. The organization is currently accepting applications for their teen board. The board plans and executes service projects, helps make decisions about the direction of the organization and learns about the operations of a non-profit. The deadline to apply is Aug. 28. Find an application at www.okcbeautiful.com/programs/teen-board/ application.

Infant Crisis Services 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.

528-3663 www.infantcrisis.org

Why We Love It: In addition to several volunteer opportunities for families with kids ages 10 and up, Infant Crisis Services is looking to fill positions on their Teen Associate Board. Students govern their own board with an executive committee.

They learn leadership skills and provide help to others by carrying out the mission of the organization: feeding and diapering Oklahoma’s neediest babies and toddlers.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 9. Find an application at www.infantcrisis.org/teenassociate-board.

Feed the Children 333 N. Meridian Ave. 942-0228 www.feedthechildren.org

Why We Love It: Feed the Children is

a local non-profit that aims to end childhood hunger. The organization invites kids ages 12 and up and their families to volunteer in their Teacher Store, which provides free books and school supplies for teachers from more than 80 school districts across Oklahoma.

Volunteers are needed to sort and organize the supplies for teachers to use. Additional volunteers are needed to fill boxes with food and personal hygiene products to be shipped to families in need across the Midwest.

To find more volunteer opportunities for families, visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/volunteer.

White Fields Children’s Home 7127 County Line Rd., Piedmont 302-5123 www.whitefieldsok.com

Why We Love It: White Fields

Children’s Home houses local boys who have experienced multiple failed foster placements and have nowhere else to go. The facility provides them a home and family atmosphere. Volunteering here offers a unique opportunity for kids to get to know

TEENS HELP PREPARE FOOD AT THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Saving People Money Since 1936 ... that’s before there were shopping carts.

GEICO has been serving up great car insurance and fantastic customer service for more than 75 years. Get a quote and see how much you could save today. geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO | local office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO

After-School Activities Guide In addition to helping your child learn, develop skills and build confidence, participating in after-school activities can also aid in your child’s healthy development. The perfect extracurricular activity can have benefits way past the lessons or games themselves; they are an excellent place for children to learn perseverance and other important character traits and life skills.

Our 2015 After-School Activities Guide is here to help you find a great way to get your child involved this school year. Search it online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/after-school-activities.

Venue

Address

Contact

Dates Fees

Details



Abrakadoodle OKC Art Studio

103 N Broadway, Ste 8, Moore

405-818-5417, www. abrakadoodle.com/ok-metrooklahoma-city-register/

Ongoing

$85-$350/ month

Specialty art classes focus on painting, drawing, design or history. Ages 6-14.

 

Backbeat Garage 3718 Wynn Dr, Edmond

800-503-0287 x 88, www.midiforkids.com; www. themusicandmathconnection. com

During See school year website for pricing

After-school & weekend keyboard and guitar ensemble instruction for grades 1-6. Your child becomes part of a band. Daytime & weekend classes using the power of music to discover the fun of math for ages 3 to 6.

   

Bouncin Craze

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond

405-607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com

Ongoing

$7.50/ child

Drop-in, indoor active play on inflatables. Ages 2+.

Bouncin Craze II Art N Craze

9333 W Reno, OKC

405-470-7000, www.bouncincraze.com

Ongoing

$7.50/child each venue, $12.50 for both

Drop-in, indoor active play on inflatables for ages 2+. Art N Craze includes drawing, painting, coloring, play-doh and chalk stations, plus projects available for purchase.

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring

In your home or alternate location

405-478-3515, www. clubztutoring.com/okc

Ongoing

Varies

One-on-one tutoring with certified teachers for pre-K–adult in all subjects. Also SAT/ACT prep and writing assistance. Students with learning disabilities/ADD welcome.



College Nannies + Tutors

1333 N Santa Fe Ave, OKC Ste 116

405-513-6060, www. collegenanniesandtutors.com/ edmondok

Ongoing

Call for pricing

Fully-customized one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages. College tutors focus on meeting the unique needs of the student. For K-12.

 

Downtown YMCA of Greater OKC

1 NW 4th Street, OKC

405-297-7700, www.ymcaokc.org

During See school year website

Before- and after-school care that includes visual and performing arts, reading, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, fitness, science and character development. For ages 5-12.

 

The Dance Department

1110 S Air Depot Ste 11, OKC

405-732-7722, www. thedancedepartmentokc.com

Classes $35-$50/ begin 8/17 month

Instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop , leaps and turns, tumbling and creative movement.

Multi-class discount available. Ages 3+.

 

Earlywine Park YMCA

11801 S May Ave, 405-378-0420, OKC www.ymcaokc.org

During $60-$90/ school year week

Before- and after-school program provides games, arts and crafts, science projects, service learning, nutrition information and character development.

Ages 6-12.

 

Edmond Parks & Recreation

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

405-359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec

Ongoing

Call for pricing

Social painting, dance, theater, yoga, arts and crafts, guitar, basketball skills, basket weaving and more. Ages 2-adult.



Edmond Parks & Recreation Archery

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

405-359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec

Ongoing

$30/month After-school archery program. Ages 8-17.

 

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

27 E Edwards, Edmond

405-340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

Session 1: $12/hour 9/2-10/11 Session 2: 10/20-11/22



   

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

A nonprofit arts organization offering visual and performing arts classes. Ages 3 to adult.

After-School Activities Guide Venue

Address

Contact

Dates Fees

Details

 

Ginger’s Music OKC

6008 NW 120th Ct, OKC

405-722-2379, www.gingersmusic.com

Fall classes Starts at begin $230/ 8/25 semester

Ginger’s Music and Movement program (MusikGarten) is designed for children birth to age 7 and graduates students into keyboard classes. Voted MetroFamily’s Family Favorite for music programs. Free trial class available.



Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma

6100 N Robinson, OKC (headquarters)

405-528-4475, www.gswestok.org

Academic year

$15/year

In a year at Girl Scouts, girls explore and develop leadership skills, build courage, confidence and character. They discover science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through special activities. Financial aid available. Grades K-12

 

Guthrie YMCA

114 E Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie

405-282-8206, www.ymcaokc.org

During $60-$90/ school year week

Before and after-school care program runs from 6:30am until school begins and from the end of the school day until 6:00pm at Cotteral Elementary School. Ages 4-12. Half-day preschool program for ages 4 & 5 also available.

   

Gymboree Play & Music

OKC: 11940 N May Ave & NORMAN: 255 34th Ave SW

OKC: 405-755-3445, NORMAN: 405-307-8454, www.gymboreeclasses.com

Current session 8/1–10/31

$65+/ month

Play, music and family classes for children up to age 5, plus open play times.

Little Spanish Bridge

2000 NW 150th St, OKC

405-805-6283, www.littlespanishbridge.com

Ongoing

$59-$160/ month

Unique classes held 100 percent in Spanish with excitement for the little ones and the entire family.

Full-immersion environment where Spanish is the main language making it a natural and spontaneous process.

Key:



Sports & Active Programs

 Appropriate for preschoolers 

Arts



Enrichment

 Drop-in

Be a part of OKC's best children’s and maternity consignment SALE • August 23-29 Stop by and visit us!

OklahomaState Fair Park

Check us out on facebook at facebook.com/JBFofOKC

Cox Pavilion Building Shop Sun 12p-9p • Mon 10a-9p • Tues-Thurs 10a-4p • Fri 10a-9p • Sat 10a-2p Sell your kids’ items as a consignor and earn up to 70% Save money and make money with JBF! It’s all here under one roof!

Smart! Many items discounted an additional 50% off on Friday and Saturday!

shop. sell. save. smart!™

jbfsale.com

Free Admissionwith this ad on SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Consignor registration and details available onlne

11

AUGUST 2015

After-School Activities Guide Venue

Address

Contact

Dates Fees

Details

 

Mad Science of Central Oklahoma

14020 N Western Ave, Edmond

405-285-9643, www.okc.madscience.org

Ongoing

Varies

Provides hands-on STEM activities, learning and fun to schools, daycares, churches and other after-school programs. Call for details. Preschool–8th grade.

 

Mitch Park YMCA

2901 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

405-330-4016, www.ymcaokc.org

During school year

$70-$90/ week

Before & after programs built around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Curriculum includes youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance available. Ages 5-12.

    

Northside YMCA

1000 N Pennsylvania Ave, OKC

405-751-6363, www.ymcaokc.org

August-May

$60-$90/ week

The Y’s before and after program provides homework help, character development, science, dance, arts, Girl Scouts and more. Ages 5-12.

OCU Community Dance Center

2501 N Blackwelder, 405-208-5508, OKC www.okcu.edu/communitydance

Classes begin 9/7

$45-$100/ month

Dance classes include tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and creative movement. Scholarships available. All ages.

Oklahoma Sports Fencing

24 NW 144 Circle, Edmond

405-755-4195, www.oksportfencing.com

Ongoing

$60/month

Exciting Olympic sport fencing classes for ages 7-adult.

Equipment provided. Basic class meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Ages 7+

   

Paint' N Station

7906 N May, OKC

405-842-7770, www.paintnstation.com

Ongoing

$7+/activity

Drop-in hands-on art activities like canvas printing, paint’ n take same day and pottery fun. Coming this fall: Cookies & Crafts. Call for information. All ages.

Rankin YMCA

1220 S Rankin St, Edmond

405-348-9622, www.ymcaokc.org

During school year

$60-$90/ week

Before & after program built around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Curriculum includes youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance available. Ages 5-12.

  

Rockwell Plaza YMCA

8300 N Glade Ave, OKC

405-621-5858, www.ymcaokc.org

During school year

Financial assistance available

After-school program includes homework, games, arts & crafts and more. Full-day care available on school breaks and holidays. Ages 5-12.

Sam Noble Okla Museum of Natural History

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman

405-325-1008, www.samnoblemuseum.org

Register by 9/18 for fall session

$50 for nonmembers/ $40 for members

Spike's Club meets for five weeks and focuses on investigating animals and the natural world. Students explore galleries, study museum objects, play games and create science projects. Grades 1-5.

 

Sensational Kids, 5701 SE 74th St OKC 405-840-1686, & 14715 Bristol Park www.sensationalkidsokc.com Inc Blvd, OKC

Ongoing

$65-$120

Occupational and speech therapy related to social interactions, handwriting, dressing, coordination and more, held weekly, bi-weekly or bi-monthly. All ages.

Fees may be covered by individual insurance.

   

SoccerCity OKC

4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC

405-748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com

Ongoing

$14/class

Lil’ Kickers Child Development Program for 18 months-9 years. 50 minute age-appropriate sessions teach technical soccer skills and mastery. Call for free trial class.

SPARK After School Program

First Presbyterian Chucrch 1001 NW 25th St, OKC

405-525-0018, www.fpcokc.org/spark

Ongoing

$30-$70/ week

Before & after care includes homework help, tutoring, art, activities and snacks. Full-day care available during school breaks. 2-Star DHS Facility. Enrollment fee $35.

Ages 6-13.

 

Studio J School of Dance

420 S Santa Fe Ave, Edmond

405-348-3377, www.studiojdanceok.com

SeptemberMay

$50+ monthly,

Offers ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary and clogging classes taught by a staff with a combined 65 years of experience. Students also learn respect, responsibility and positive body image. Ages 3-18.



The Studio of The Sooner Theatre

227 E Main St, Norman

405-321-9600, www.soonertheatre.com

Sept-April

$360-$510/ year

Performing arts classes in musical theater, play, dance technique, improv, voice and more. Enrollment begins 8/10 and 8/11. For ages 3-18.

 

Tinker Primetime Nicoma Park

1200 Hickman Ave, Choctaw

733-9622, www.ymcaokc.org

Begins 8/18

$60-$90/ week

Before & after program where kids receive help with homework and participate in nutritional lessons and activities. For ages 4-12.

 

Tinker Primetime Westfall

13239 NE 10th St, Choctaw

733-9622, www.ymcaokc.org

Begins 8/18

$60-$90/ week

Before & after program where kids receive help with homework and participate in nutritional lessons and activities. For ages 4-12.

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multi-class discount available

AUGUST 2015

After-School Activities Guide Venue

Address

Contact

Dates Fees

Details

 

Tinker Primetime Indian Meridian

1865 Indian Meridian, Choctaw

733-9622, www.ymcaokc.org

Begins 8/18

$60-$90/ week

Before & after program where kids receive help with homework and participate in nutritional lessons and activities. For ages 4-12.

 

Twist and Shout Training Center

Edmond, Norman & Tulsa

Edmond: 775-9491, Norman: 573-9974, Tulsa: 918-622-5267 www.shouterspirit.com

Ongoing

$85-$100 per 8 weeks

Competitive and non-competitive tumble & cheerleading. Ages 4 & up.

  

Unpluggits Playstudio

575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond

405-340-7584, www.unpluggits.com

Ongoing

$7-$50

Paint’n take crafts, paint-your-own pottery and playground open weekdays until 6pm or later. Drop-in Paint’n Play (ages 2 -10) includes easel painting, stamping and sand tables. Check calendar for afterschool pottery workshops.

   

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell Ave, #11, OKC

405-721-8807, www. oklahomacitydancestudio.com

Begins 8/24

$35/month

Dance studio with classes in a variety of styles.

Ages 2-18.

Victory Dance

4401 N MacArthur Blvd, OKC

405-717-1250, www.victorydance.tv

Enrollment begins 8/5; classes begin 8/31

$50-$65/ month

Dance education for beginning through pre-professional levels, including Pre-K dance, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and competitive dance teams. Ages 3 -18.

YMCA OKC Youth Sports & Aquatics Programs

Various locations

www.ymcaokc.org/children-youth/ youth-sports

Ongoing

Varies, see website

Each YMCA branch offers different youth sports, aquatics lessons and swim team opportunities throughout the year. See website or call the nearest branch.



Key:



Sports & Active Programs

 Appropriate for preschoolers 

Arts



Enrichment

 Drop-in

Join the #1 ranked cheerleading and tumbling gym in oklahoma 2015 Summit Champions • 2015 NCA Champions 2015 State Power tumbling Champions • 3 time USAF World Cheer Champions!

Classes & Teams Age 4 & up ALL LEVELS

Competitive & Non-Competitive Cheer • Competitive & Non-Competitive Tumbling Birthday Parties • Cheer and Tumble clinics & camps Edmond 405-775-9491 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

exploring oklahoma with children

One Last Summer Hurrah in

Tulsa

PHOTOS & WORDS BY LINDSAY CUOMO

A

s the last days of summer break wind down, your family might be looking to enjoy a fun getaway. Whether you have just a day, weekend or longer, Tulsa’s proximity to the metro offers plenty of options for fun in whatever amount of time you have available.

With a quick two-hour drive up the Turner Turnpike or, as a change of pace, a leisurely trek up historic Route 66, Tulsa grants travelers a home-away-from-home feel with plenty of family-friendly sights to see. Packed with unique museums as well as a recently revitalized downtown, your family has a lot of activities to choose from, whatever your interests.

The Arts and History Philbrook Museum of Art Tucked inside an upscale neighborhood, Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art takes on a whole new approach to an art museum.

Originally the home of oilman Waite Phillips that he gifted to the city, the museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests are swept back in time to the grandeur of the 1920s and the success of the oil industry in Tulsa during that era by the beautifully preserved Villa Philbrook. In addition to the thousands of works of art on display, guests are treated to exquisite architecture and picturesque gardens. Some of the rooms are preserved so visitors feel as though the Phillips family has just stepped away. Families can weave in and out of the building as attention spans permit, enhancing the experience for all ages. The on-site La Villa Restaurant uses herbs grown in the museum’s Secret Garden to season the gourmet cuisine. Weather permitting: your family can dine al fresco with a beautiful view of the gardens, serenaded by swinging period music. If your schedule allows, plan your visit on the second Saturday of the month when the museum offers free admission as well as free family-friendly art activities, tours and scavenger hunts for kids of all ages. The Philbrook is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and admission is $9 for adults and free for kids under 17.

LOVE

Where It Takes You.

Bob Moore Subaru Summer Memories Sales Event 13010 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-9049 www.bobmooresubaru.com

2015 Forester 2.5i FFA-01 MSRP $22,195. WAC. See dealer for details. "Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations.

Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2015 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.”

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AUGUST 2015

PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART

Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art Another mix of art and history, the Gilcrease Museum houses the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. The exhibition began as the private collection of oilman Thomas Gilcrease and was given to the city in 1954.

The museum is now under the care of Tulsa University, in partnership with the city of Tulsa. This collaboration is revealed by the vast collection of art and artifacts relating to the discovery, expansion and settlement of North America.

The iconic Sacred Rain Arrow sculpture by famed Native American artist Allan Houser greets visitors as they enter, an image easily recognizable to any Oklahoman who owns a car (the statue is featured on the state license plate). The museum’s archives are full of important historical documents including a handwritten letter penned by Thomas Jefferson. The museum hosts Funday Sunday on select Sundays (next one is 8/16) offering families free admission as well as art-making stations, art hunts, interactive spaces, the Kids Site and the Kravis Discovery Center.

The Gilcrease is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and admission is $8 for adults and free for kids 18 and under.

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre For a more interactive experience in the arts, take in dinner and a show at the Spotlight Theatre. Home to America’s longest-running play, The Drunkard and The Olio. This family-friendly evening includes a variety show featuring dancers, musicians, jugglers, magicians and an audience sing-along of oldtime tunes. The director is Tony-nominated writer-actor Joe Sears, the co-creator of the hilariously famous Greater Tuna series.

The audience takes their part in the show as they launch tomatoes at the villains. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for kids and reservations are required. Doors open at 7 p.m., the sing-along begins at 7:15 p.m. and all the action comes to an end around 10 p.m. with a singing of God Bless America.

Science & Nature Tulsa Air & Space Museum and Planetarium The Tulsa Air & Space Museum and Planetarium takes visitors on a journey of aviation from the first hot air balloon flight in Tulsa to Oklahoma’s war efforts during World War II and beyond. Launch a space shuttle from mission control, test your flying skills in the Viper F-16 Wind Tunnel, listen to the live radio feed from Tulsa’s airport tower and get an up-close look at an F-14A Tomcat, Navy HTL-7 Bell Helicopter and a variety of other military vehicles. If you are still in the mood for more exploration, take a seat in the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium and encounter extreme planets, stars, galaxies, black holes and constellations, all in high definition. Then, head outside to the Discovery Center to step aboard a retired American Airlines MD-80. Once aboard, passengers are treated to a guided tour including a view of the cockpit, interactive exhibits and a screening of The Pursuit of Flight. To top off the experience, the museum’s location, right next to the airport, grants guests a look at modern aviation in action as planes land and take off at the Tulsa airport. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under. General admission includes one planetarium show.

Tours and the MaxFlight Simulator are available for an additional charge.

Discovery Lab, Tulsa Children’s Museum The Discovery Lab at the Tulsa Children’s Museum sits at the cross section of adventure, education and fun. Designed to use real stuff in new and different ways, kids and adults alike are inspired to create and innovate in exhibits like The Workshop.

Throw caution to the wind and climb to the ceiling in tunnels and a suspension bridge made with miles of packing tape.

Make your return to ground level using the 30-foot slide also made entirely of packing tape. Keep the kids active in the Move It! exhibit which offers a full-body experience of physics in action. Use your shadow to play music, crawl through the Bungee Maze, swing in the Rope Jungle, roll, slide, and bounce in the Arena and create incredible art with the Pendulum Swing. The toddler area, specifically designed for the youngest visitors, offers sensory play with a variety of hands-on activities for babies to young walkers. Discovery Lab is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $6 for anyone 2 years old and up.

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AUGUST 2015

TULSA ZOO

Tulsa Zoo Voted America’s Favorite Zoo in 2005 by Microsoft Gaming Studios, the Tulsa Zoo is a treat for families visiting Tulsa. The size, layout and design make for a full day of family fun. Wander the winding shady pathways as you discover wildlife from around the world. Explore four distinct climates and the animals that call each home in the WildLIFE Trek. Take in the silly and exciting antics of white ruffed lemurs from Madagascar, sea lions at the Helmerich Sea Lion Cove and penguins in the African Penguin exhibit. And, from now until Aug. 31, experience a prehistoric adventure of enormous portions at Zoorassic Park 2. While not a typical zoo animal, you can’t help but be in awe of the 40-foot long, animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex and his friends. Designed with an alarmingly lifelike appearance, the dinosaurs move and roar and some even spit! The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 3-11 years old and kids 2 and under are free. Zoorassic Park 2 tickets are $5. The zoo is located in Mohawk Park, which charges $2 entry fee per vehicle on weekends.

TULSA ZOO

Oklahoma Aquarium Home to the largest bull sharks in captivity, the Oklahoma Aquarium takes visitors on an undersea adventure not commonly found in our landlocked state. The interactive facility invites guests to view jellyfish, seahorses, barnacles, sea urchins and impressive predators like sharks, pet shrimp and sea stars and feed turtles and stingrays tasty treats.

Explore beyond the ocean and learn about what is swimming in Oklahoma lakes and rivers in the Aquatic Oklahoma exhibit. Fish and reptiles aren’t the only aquatic animals you’ll see at the Aquarium. The Ozark Stream exhibit features river otters, beavers and raccoons. And coming soon is a sea turtle experience. Be sure to check out the daily feeding schedule to further enhance your experience. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, admission is $15.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids 3 to 12 years old and free for ages 2 and under.

Tulsa Botanic Garden An up-and-coming Tulsa hot spot is the Tulsa Botanic Garden, a short drive outside of the city. Once complete, the gardens will be well worth the trip. The Garden’s 170 acres and rural location offer plenty of room to wow. Designed for inquiry and imagination, the Children’s Discovery Garden aims to integrate knowledge about the natural world. The two-acre fantastical wonderland will be centered around Stream Valley and the Spring Giant, a 15-foot rugged stone face water source, surrounded by the Meadow featuring tall grasses and flowering perennials. A grove of post oaks will house a tree fort. After more than a year of construction, the Children’s Garden is slated to open in October of 2016. Currently, the Gardens are open Fridays and Saturdays, April through October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dress for nature and explore the seven-acre lake and nature trail.

Sports & Recreation

League baseball, Tulsa Revolution, arena soccer and Tulsa Athletics NPSL, semipro soccer. ONEOK Field, home to the Drillers and the Roughnecks, offers all the traditional game day flare with a picturesque view of downtown Tulsa as the backdrop.

When the kids need to get up and move, families can enjoy a spacious kids’ play area complete with a playground and splash pad or walk around the mezzanine and sample all the stadium delicacies you desire.

Big Splash Water Park Most Oklahoma summers require a way to beat the scorching heat. What better way than a trip to a water park? Big Splash Water Park will cool you down with The Master Blaster, Oklahoma’s largest and only water roller coaster. Also enjoy The Silver Bullet, which blasts riders 72 feet in seven seconds.

The park also offers a lazy river, wave pool, slides, a high dive, rock wall and The Little Splash with slides and activities geared toward younger children. The park is open seasonally from late May to mid-August.

Entry is $20 for those over 48 inches and $15 for those under 48 inches. Daily hours vary. For a discount, stop in after 4 p.m. for the short swim price of $9 per person or the Sunday Fun Day price of $13 per person.

Guthrie Green If you are looking for an outing to slow things down and is easy on the budget, head over to Guthrie Green, an urban park and entertainment space named after Oklahoma singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie.

This peaceful oasis, open since 2012 in the heart of Tulsa’s Brady Arts District, offers a calendar jam packed with special events, festivals, concerts, fitness classes, movies, a weekly market and food trucks. Visitors also can enjoy sprawling gardens, a splash pad and more. Check out www.guthriegreen.com for an up-to-date listing of events.

Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

With six professional and semi-professional teams, Tulsa offers a variety of athletic entertainment year round: the Tulsa Shock, WNBA basketball; Tulsa Oilers, American League hockey; Tulsa Roughnecks, USL Soccer; Tulsa Drillers, Double-A Minor

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AUGUST 2015

1:00 pm 2:00 pm 2015-2016 SERIES I CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL

Debunking 6 Myths Of Foster Care F rank Alberson was abused by his parents until age 6. A failed adoption was followed by bouncing from foster care placement to placement until age 18. After taking a landscaping job at Anderson University in Indiana, Alberson dreamed of earning a college degree. With no family and no support, he accumulated enough grants and loans to attend Anderson University. Alberson met a friend in his dorm who took him home for the holidays, knowing he had no family with whom to celebrate. That friend’s family eventually adopted Alberson at the age of 18. Alberson is now the executive director of White Fields, a home for abused and neglected boys whose parental rights have been terminated.

Located in Piedmont, the sprawling campus offers structure, stability, therapeutic care and family to boys who’ve experienced multiple failed foster care placements, as many as 30 in the two years before they come to White Fields. These children literally have no place else to go. With graduated levels of care on one campus, Alberson and his team help their boys heal, find a sense of belonging in an onsite foster home and prepare them for adulthood.

Takeisa Sims was placed in kinship foster care as a newborn. Addicted to drugs, her biological mom asked a cousin to care for Sims until she could get her life together.

Though reunification was in the plans for Sims early on, her foster mom eventually became her legal guardian, her only foster placement and her permanent family. When Sims says the word “mom,” she’s referring to her foster mom: “She raised me; she’s my mom.” Even so, throughout childhood and now into adulthood, Sims continued to have a relationship with her biological mom and siblings, thanks, she says, to her foster mom’s support. Now pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Oklahoma so ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUND, WWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM

she can help other children in foster care, she firmly believes her biological mom deserves credit for the woman she is today, too.

“I thank my mom for the selfless act of giving me up. I know she’s had problems and done things she regrets, but I also know she’s always loved us.”

Alberson and Sims represent the vastly different experiences of the more than 9,500 children in out-of-home care in the state of Oklahoma. Like Sims, some are in state custody as a result of parents facing difficult situations, battling substance abuse, living in poverty or not having the skills or resources to parent successfully. Like Alberson, others have suffered abuse. Some can be safely reunited with their biological parents after a time in foster care. Others will need a new forever home. Regardless of their final destination, children in state custody need respite in the form of a secure, loving foster family.

“I believe that if someone has an ability to help a child in need, they also have a responsibility to help them,” said foster mom Carrie Tanner. “We need more people to take responsibility and step up to help these kids.”

Fear of the unknown Sunbeam Family Services, an Oklahoma City non-profit serving vulnerable children, seniors and families through services like foster care, recently conducted a focus group of current, former and potential foster parents. All agreed that the greatest fear associated with becoming a foster parent is that of the unknown. But those who had fostered children agreed the benefits outweigh the challenges.

“You’re helping heal and reunite families,” said Erin Engelke, chief external relations officer for Sunbeam. “Foster parents are serving as a bridge and building toward something much greater.”

The words “foster care” often have negative connotations in our society: disturbing news stories, abused children, criminal parents.

But current and former foster kids like Sims want the public to know that despite the myths and stereotypes about them, they are just children, who desperately need someone to love and invest in them.

“My mom didn’t know what she was doing at first,” said Sims, whose foster mom also fostered Sims’ biological brothers, along with several other non-relative children.

“But she treated us like she’d have us forever, even though she didn’t know how long we’d stay. If you give a foster child that love, like any child, you can make a tremendous difference.”

Dispelling the myths of foster care

One barrier that keeps many from becoming foster parents is fear of the unknown. To give a realistic look at what to expect when becoming a foster family, here are some answers to common foster care questions.

Foster kids are bad, 1damaged or have done

something wrong to be placed in foster care.

LILYFIELD

Christian Adoption and Foster Care

Our Mission

A Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth.

Children are placed in foster care through no fault of their own. Approximately 70 percent of foster children in Oklahoma need care as a result of neglect, which typically results from biological parents who don’t have the resources or skills to parent. Neglect can stem from poverty, mental illness, substance abuse or the cyclical nature of the system, which shows parents who have been in foster care are more likely to have children in foster care.

Around 28 percent of children in foster care have experienced physical abuse, and 3 to 5 percent have been sexually abused. It is true that foster children have all experienced some level of trauma, which can result from being taken from their homes or moved to multiple placements.

“That’s what much of being a foster parent is,” said Jennifer Brown, child welfare program supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, “learning to parent a child who’s been through trauma.”

While potential foster parents often worry they’ll have no say over the age, needs and background of children placed in their home, the opposite is usually true.

“We encourage our families to learn and communicate to us what age, needs and background of child that their family would best care for,” said Natalie Houtz, independent living coordinator & foster care specialist for Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care, a non-profit foster care and adoption placement agency in Oklahoma City.

Angels Foster Family Network, a non-profit foster care placement agency in Edmond, helps match parents to the best foster child for them by requiring potential foster parents to take a personality test. The results

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Vision

At Lilyfield we serve children, youth, birth, adoptive and foster families by sharing God’s love in our community.

We are committed to excellence in service and the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus as we: • Promote safety and stability for children • Equip, prepare and counsel birth, adoptive and foster families • Guide children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency Our programs include: adoption, services for birthparents, foster care, care connect post placement counseling and independent living (for girls who have aged out of foster care so they can continue their education).

Lilyfield.org

501 E. 15th, Ste. 400A, Edmond AUGUST 2015

405.216.5240

help Angels determine if parents have the personality, mental stability and patience to handle the challenges that come with fostering a child. Much thought and care is given to those children who have suffered abuse at the hands of their biological families.

“Children who have been severely abused are evaluated before placement and put into a home that accepts their needs and therapy plans,” said Jennifer Abney, executive director of Angels. “Those children who suffered from sexual abuse are thoughtfully placed in a home with older children, or no children. They receive specific therapy to help them recover.”

kids will be 2a badFosterinfluence on my

biological or adopted kids, or harm my family in some way.

This myth also stems from the misconception that the majority of foster children have been abused, and will in turn abuse others. While foster children are likely to act out and need specific care and therapy to work through what they have endured, it’s unlikely they will cause harm to a family. The majority of issues foster parents encounter with foster children are not unlike the challenges any parent faces.

“Foster care brings an immense amount of change to any family; however, its impact often has as many positive effects as potential negative effects on a family’s biological children,” said Houtz. “Foster care allows biological children to see firsthand that all families are different and that can be a good thing, even though it is often difficult to navigate.”

Encouraging biological and adopted children to participate in foster care training, and teaching them how to communicate any concerning behaviors by foster children is vital for potential foster parents. After placement, parents should communicate regularly with biological and adopted children about how they feel, behaviors they’ve witnessed and concerns they have.

Ongoing training and counseling for the entire family is also key to long-term success.

At White Fields, the staff has the benefit of evaluating and working with their boys over an extended period of time. It’s a given

that biological and adopted children will be exposed to situations they may not have otherwise. Engelke, whose family fostered children when she and her sister were young, said being part of a foster family enriched her own life growing up. She learned to focus less on herself and more on the needs of others.

not equipped to 3beI’ma foster parent, and I’ll have no support.

For foster placement agencies like Angels, Sunbeam and Lilyfield, support doesn’t end when the training is complete and a child has been placed with a family. Agencies serve as liaisons between OKDHS and their foster families, and they each offer ongoing training and learning opportunities, individual and family counseling and support groups for parents, children in the home and foster children. Lilyfield even provides meals during the first few days following a new placement. Angels parents have 24/7 access to their social workers, who make regular visits to their foster families and attend all parent visitations and court dates. Foster mother Carrie Tanner credits Angels as the reason she’s still fostering.

“There were times when we were ready to give up because it can be so stressful and heartbreaking,” Tanner said, “but they have given us so much support and we have never been alone to do this ourselves.”

Evidence of the tight-knit bond among the Oklahoma foster care community, Angels offers two unique programs to any child in foster care and their foster parents.

Angels’ HALO therapy program helps foster children, and their foster parents and siblings, understand and deal with reactive attachment disorder. Therapists work with the foster children on attachment and bonding activities, while parents separately receive training to help their foster children learn to trust them. Angels’ new daycare facility will open this fall in response to many foster families’ challenge to secure daycare on extremely short notice for children placed in their homes.

Organizations like OK Foster Wishes exist solely to provide support to foster children and foster families, with gifts for Christmas and graduation and parties to any child in Oklahoma foster care. Citizens Caring for Children hosts an annual back-to-school

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AUGUST 2015

drive for children in foster care, with clothing and backpacks full of school supplies.

Church of the Harvest in Oklahoma City hosts an annual camp for foster children and the church also hosts Foster Parents’ Nights Out, where foster, adopted and biological children can be dropped off for the evening.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Oklahoma County provides trained court appointed volunteers to help advocate for the best interests of individual foster children in the court system.

Support even extends to social media. Lana Freeman, recruiter/trainer for St. Francis Community Services, a non-profit foster and adoption placement agency, created and manages the Foster Care and Adoptive Association of Oklahoma Facebook page, where current and potential foster families can ask questions, celebrate successes and discuss challenges.

Foster care will 4 lead to adoption.

“The purpose of foster care is first and foremost the restoration of the biological family,” said Houtz. “A foster family’s role is to provide a safe and nurturing home to a child while connecting to the biological family in ways that are safe, healthy and help the biological family improve their ability to care for their children.”

As of June 2015, 47 percent of foster children in Oklahoma County have a plan to be reunited with their biological parents. Foster moms Whitney Hollingsworth and Joyce Estes both have adopted children they have fostered, and they have also experienced great joy in mentoring biological parents who can eventually be reunited with their children.

The Estes family’s first placement, two girls under age 2, required Estes to communicate directly with their biological parents since the girls couldn’t. After talking on the phone a few times and meeting them in court, Estes realized how much they loved their children.

“They worked so hard,” said Estes. “The court said ‘jump,’ and they jumped. I was very touched that they wanted to do anything they could, that it was not acceptable to them for their kids to be gone. And they were touched that I was caring for their girls and for them. We developed a good partnership.”

Now successfully reunited with their parents for three years, the girls have a new sister.

Estes talks to the mom nearly every day, babysits all three girls occasionally and calls them “extended family.”

control. We’ve all been in hard places. You can be their best chance from breaking the cycle and getting out of bad decisions.”

When reunification isn’t possible, adoption by a loving family is the next best option.

While Hollingsworth and her husband fostered a baby with medical needs, they stayed in close contact with the biological mom, who was struggling with sobriety.

When the mom decided she couldn’t parent the child, she asked Hollingsworth if she’d consider adopting her. The adoption was recently finalized, but Hollingsworth is committed to helping her keep a relationship with her biological mom, now incarcerated.

She writes letters, sends photos and plans to visit soon.

Though Hollingsworth admits frustration with biological parents, she also said her heart breaks for them, recalling one mom she’s mentored.

parents 5 Biological have failed their

children, and they don’t deserve to get their kids back.

“Most birth parents who have their children taken away are stuck in a situation where they just need help,” said Tanner. “A birth parent has to choose to work a plan to get their children back. That work is hard, but parenting isn’t meant to be easy.”

Brown works with families who’ve been referred to and investigated by OKDHS, both those who’ve had children removed and those who’ve been deemed safe to keep their children in the home. Brown reiterates that many of these families have no access to parenting resources, and their work with OKDHS is sometimes the first they’ve had help understanding how to parent safely and successfully.

“We use an evidence-based model to help them improve their parenting skills, help them understand how to discipline their children, even really basic things like keeping their house clean,” said Brown.

Estes, who initially fostered to adopt, has become an advocate for reunification, and now realizes that foster parents help more than just the child—they help the whole family.

“All kinds of things happen to people to get them where they are, it’s not just one thing,” said Estes. “They’re not out to mess up their kids’ lives, but sometimes things get out of

“If she had what she needed to take care of her children, she would have done it,” she said. “But suffering through domestic violence, living in shelters and hotels … she didn’t want any of that to happen to her. At the end of the day, she loves her children and wants the best for them.”

my 6heartIt willto givebreaka foster child back.

“This is most certainly always true,” said Abney. “It is the role of all foster parents to love a foster child unconditionally and not to foster to fill a personal need. However, these children belong to someone else. Until the court makes a decision to terminate parental rights, these children need to feel like you are supporting them in every way, which means helping them get back home.”

Hollingsworth, like many foster parents who develop positive relationships with biological parents, still sees several of her former foster children. One recently went on vacation with her husband. Another stayed with her family for several weeks while his parents went through a separation and needed time and space to figure things out.

Estes explains to friends and family that worrying about the heartbreak associated with parting with foster children means you will be able to love them enough to give them a great home, however long that may last.

“Although it is incredibly painful to love a child, then have them leave your home, that child’s need for a loving, nurturing home is far greater than any grief or loss we might experience,” said Houtz. “As a foster family builds a relationship with a biological family, often the foster family can become a support and mentor to that biological family, allowing them to maintain connection with a child after they return to their biological family.”

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AUGUST 2015

Be the one “I could never do what you do.” “My lifestyle wouldn’t accommodate foster children.” “I’m afraid.” “Someone else will take care of those kids.”

ENROLL IN AUGUST

Classes Start Sept. 8 Audition and Non-audition classes for grades pre-K-12

FUNdamentals of Improv Acting Musical Theatre Musical Theatre Productions Private Voice & Guitar Musical Theatre Dance Technique Tap Hip Hop and more!

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These are words foster parents hear regularly. Foster parents are often placed on pedestals as martyrs, fighting the good fight while the rest of us applaud them from afar. It’s true that foster parenting isn’t for everyone, but there are countless opportunities to directly play a supportive role in the life of a foster child or foster family.

White Fields is seeking foster families to live on their campus, but they’re also seeking community members to serve as mentors and tutors to their boys. Angels Foster Family Network needs volunteers to rock and play with and tutor foster children in their new daycare. Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care needs volunteers to provide child care for monthly support groups, mentor teens in foster care, host a foster child for the holidays, and mentor and support women who have aged out

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AUGUST 2015

of foster care and are attending college.

Sunbeam Family Services needs volunteers to provide child care while foster parents receive training. All the agencies are seeking families and individuals to provide respite, or short-term, care for foster children.

“As a foster parent, you go through so many emotions … anger, loss, frustration, happiness, sadness, joy and hope,” said Tanner. “But eventually you hit a point where you realize that your feelings and emotions are not what this is about. It’s about saving children who need us, and whatever they are going through, whatever they need, it’s just more important than everything else … even you. Until enough people figure that out, Oklahoma is going to remain in a foster care crisis. It’s not enough to pray that these kids will find someone.

You have to be that someone.”

[Editor’s Note: Learn more about becoming a foster parent and find volunteer opportunities to support foster children, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/foster.]

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What is OK 5210?

OK 5210 is an initiative to promote healthy eating, promote active living and prevent childhood obesity in Oklahoma. The 5-2-1-0 slogan names the healthy living message by encouraging behaviors associated with healthy weight in children including: • 5 or more fruits and

“

vegetables,

BY JESSICA MISUN, METROFAMILY

W

• 2 hours or less of screen

ow! I wonder how that family makes time for exercise?”

time,

• 1 hour or more of physical

activity and

• 0 sugary beverages.

We all have thought this to ourselves at one time or another. You know “that” family. The one that always looks healthy, happy—and they are always moving. How do they do it? One sure answer is that they are doing it together!

A family’s lifestyle plays a major role in childhood obesity. This makes it even more important that healthy living become a family affair. The OK 5210 program can help your family institute healthy behaviors by making small changes one step at a time.

Four simple behaviors can elicit change in families.

Angela Jones, director of Health and Wellness Initiatives with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, tells us that obesity is one of the most pressing public health issues today and has become the most common chronic disease in childhood.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity for Oklahoma children in poverty is more than one in three (36.3 percent). Although Oklahoma children are more likely than their counterparts nationwide to be physically active for at least four days per week, they also are more likely to spend two hours or more in front of a television or computer screen. They also tend to make poor nutritional decisions, including very limited fruit and vegetable consumption.

In 2009, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City launched www.OK5210.org through funding from the YMCA of the USA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The website provides free resources and information to Oklahomans regarding ways families can adopt a healthier lifestyle. In 2014, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City began partnering with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to incorporate the OK 5210 message into their broader Wellness Initiative to provide a simple and effective model for improving health.

What are the goals and objectives?

Raise the awareness in the community of the benefits of exercise and good nutrition to create a culture of overall community wellness.

Don’t let your child become a statistic!

According to the authors of the American Academy of Pediatrics statement, the average 8-year-old spends eight hours a day using various forms of media, and teenagers often surpass 11 hours of media consumption daily. More than three quarters of teenagers have cell phones, and teens ages 13 to 17 send an average of 3,364 texts per month.

Studies continue to prove that sugary beverages are linked to thousands of deaths worldwide per year (diabetes, heart disease, cancer). The consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks appears to take the lives of approximately 25,000 American adults annually, according to an assessment published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation.

ARTICLE SPONSORED BY THE YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City and www.ok5210.org

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Improve the infrastructure in the community to make it easy and fun for all central Oklahomans to take part in a simple and sustainable regimen of daily exercise, of choosing healthy food options and of developing a healthy lifestyle.

Increase the availability and awareness of parks and public space facilities and grounds for programs that encourage individuals to participate in daily exercise.

Include physical activity, nutrition and basic health education as part of the school curriculum for all school students.

Provide both school and non-school based opportunities for children & teenagers to learn and practice healthy lifestyle habits.

How is the OK 5210 program being employed in our community?

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has awarded almost $300,000 to organizations in our community and is projected to award $1 million over the next five years. There are nine grantees in Oklahoma County. These organizations are dedicated to the OK 5210 message and the positive impact that their participants realize when adopting these healthy behaviors. For more information about these community programs, go to www.occf.org. Interested in becoming an OK 5210 partner? Visit www. ok5210.org and select the Partnerships tab.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What are some important tips for implementing the OK 5210 healthy living behaviors? fruits and vegetables: • Try a bite: Offer fruits and veggies and encourage everyone to try a few bites. It can take seven to 10 tries to like a new food.

• Encourage kids to help you choose fruits and vegetables at the store.

• Try adding vegetables, such as green or red peppers, to chili, stew and spaghetti sauces. Some kids are more likely to eat these if they are chopped small.

hours or less of screen time: • Set time limits on screen time for the whole family. Then stick with the limits.

• Try keeping the TV, computers and videos out of the kids’ bedrooms.

• If your family really likes video games, try those that make you move such as Dance Revolution, Wii Fit, Dance Central, Your Shape and Kinect Sports.

hour or more of physical activity: • Move more! Physical activity helps decrease stress, improve sleep and increase energy.

• Make an “activity” jar. Let the child(ren) randomly pick an activity slip out of the jar that the whole family can participate in together.

• Check out www.OK5210.org for recreational resources in Oklahoma City.

sugary beverages each day: • Be a role model – drink water throughout the day.

• Serve water or low fat milk at meals. If healthy alternatives are available, kids will drink them.

• Give everyone a water bottle to take to school or work and refill it often.

For a family that does little to no activity, what can they do to get started?

Focus on one behavior at a time. Do not try to institute everything at once. Choose one and stick to it. Once you have formed that healthy habit, add an additional behavior. Before you know it, you will have conquered all four.

How can families get involved?

Take action now by taking the OK 5210 Pledge! Pledge to make three changes: one change for myself, one change with my family and one change with my friends. Visit www.OK5210.org to get your pledge card and to take advantage of all of the valuable information available to get your family started on the right track to healthy living!

Also, come together and share your stories by joining other families on Facebook and Twitter @OKC5210.

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What other resources are available?

There is a ton of free information at your fingertips! Find family tool kits, tip sheets, school curriculum and lessons, web links and more at www.ok5210.org/Resources.

mom gets the last laugh

Summer Is Made for the Last Minute

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, WWW.EMILYMGBA

B

LL.COM

ack to school time … ahhh! That sweet time when we say goodbye to late mornings and late nights and hello to fruit bars hastily unwrapped and called breakfast as we dash out the door hoping to not get a tardy so early in the academic year.

I say bitter because my younger daughter likes to read … text messages. Yeah, that’s just about it. As an avid reader myself, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me that she doesn’t like to read. It does.

But, I also know that she’s her own child and I let her find her passions elsewhere—like the softball field. Usually, I’d read with her a book that we would both find interesting, which is to say, she’d pacify me as I read a book I loved from my childhood.

I’d like to say that our summer was carefree and footloose. But, I’d be lying. It was not the relaxing brain break that summers past always have been. In fact, it was very daunting for one reason and one reason alone: the bittersweet Summer Reading Assignment.

Then, in the blink of an eye, my baby grew up and got her first summer reading assignment. The choice was hers: She could read one of four books and return to school in the fall ready to share, discuss and create based on this book. I thought it was a beautiful idea. I mean, what kid doesn’t love choices? I was so excited for her that I read all four books in order to support her as she buckled down to read.

I say sweet because my older daughter loves to read. She always has.

In fact, I knew that reading would be her passion that fateful morning when she was just five years old and she asked me to buy her more Junie B Jones books because she had just read all of them. Oh yeah, and by morning, I mean four. In the morning. When she was old enough to have summer reading assignments, she felt like the luckiest girl in the whole wide world. Her words, not mine.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

I recommended a book for her. Of the four, this was the one I felt she’d enjoy the most.

She dismissed my recommendation with the flipping of her hair and the rolling of her eyes, choosing instead, a book I knew she’d hate.

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In just a matter of days, she told me that she really didn’t care for the book. I asked her how much of it she’d read and she assured me that she knew what she was talking about.

But, if numbers were important, she read five pages.

She picked up book number two. She assured me that she’d at least read through the first three chapters before she dismissed the book.

And by read, she meant skimmed and by three chapters, she meant three pages. Then we were onto book number three.

Book number three, of course, smelled bad, felt weird and didn’t have any color on its cover. She didn’t even need to open the book to know that there was no way she was going to enjoy that book. No way at all.

Finally, with only two short weeks left of summer, she picked up book number four.

This was the book I just knew that she’d love. The book I just knew she’d enjoy the best. The book I just knew would have to do because we were running out of time, and we’d run out of options. It was sink or swim … or, in summer reading terms, read or

fail (like half the kids who forgot all about summer reading assignment until the first day of school).

With book four in her hand, she analyzed the cover, turning the book over and over and

“I also know that she’s her own child and I let her find her passions elsewhere.” over in her hands, checking out the front and the back. I’d like to think she wasn’t trying to see if she could just get by from looking at the cover. But, I’m a smart momma, and she’s a witty kid—that’s exactly what she was doing.

Finally, she cracked open the book and perused the first few pages. At one point, she even cocked her little head to the side and turned back a page or two in interest. I wanted to high five myself, but I knew I had to keep quiet. Like the elusive snow leopard of Central Asia, I didn’t want to spook her and have her retreat to her room, bookless.

Finally, with only 36 hours before school was to commence for the new school year, she shut the back cover of the page with a smile on her face. She had finished the book and seemed to actually enjoy it. Her summer reading assignment had taken, well, all summer.

It was my turn to flip my hair and roll my eyes. Momma knows her baby. And her baby likes books with pictures.

Heather Davis is an Oklahoma momma, writer and bibliophile. Her latest book, “Life With Extra Cheese,” is now available on Amazon.com. You can contact her at www.minivan-momma.com

FOSTER CARE Be part of the conversation at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/foster METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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calendar

august

events this

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND IT AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CALENDAR

RUN THIS TOWN SERIES—AUG. 1, 8 & 15 For three Saturdays in a row, runners and walkers will make a nighttime trek on foot through different areas of downtown in support of three non-profit organizations active in Oklahoma City.

The first race in the series, the Downtown Dash, runs through beautiful Midtown, Heritage Hills and Mesta Park neighborhoods in benefit of downtown Oklahoma City initiatives. Second in the series, the Blaze 5K & Hero Homecoming starts and ends at the Chesapeake Boathouse and weaves along the Oklahoma River Trails to benefit the Limbs for Life Foundation and those in need of prosthetic care. The final race, the Midnight Streak, heads out through Automobile Alley to raise funds for Oklahoma Contemporary. Participants can register for one, two or all three races. $35, $5 discount for three-race participants. 8pm.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.DOWNTOWNOKC.COM/RUNTHISTOWN Photo courtesy of Run This Town

OKLAHOMA COUNTY FREE FAIR—AUG. 21 & 22 Get an early taste of fair action at the 101st Oklahoma County Free Fair at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd). The whole family can enjoy the 4-H Indoor Carnival, OSU Insect Zoo and a variety of exhibits featuring photography, science & technology, fashion, entomology and horticulture. Kids 19 and under can test their snacking skills in the Ice Cream Sundae Contest or take part in the Kiddy Tractor Pull, for kids 2-12 years old. Check out local culinary talents in the Ice Cream Freeze-Off, Saucy Salsa and Pie Baking contests. Then, head over to the barns for the horse show and poultry & rabbit exhibits. All exhibits and activities are free of charge and open to the public Friday, 2-7pm; Saturday, 9am-noon.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.OCES.OKSTATE.EDU/OKLAHOMA PHONE: 713-1125 Photo courtesy of Oklahoma County Free Fair

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calendar MIDSUMMER NIGHTS FAIR—AUG. 21 & 22 As one of the largest nighttime art festivals in the metro, Midsummer Nights Fair is a annual summer tradition, benefiting the Norman Firehouse Art Center. Nestled in Lions Park (Flood Ave & Symmes Street, Norman), the fair offers a one-of-a-kind community atmosphere. Highlighting regional artists, fair-goers can stroll grassy pathways to browse original works of art and chat with the creators.

At the heart of the fair is the Children’s Art Wall. Young painters along with local artist instructors can leave their inspired mark on this creative community composition. The Central Tent offers even more art interaction with free family-friendly, hands-on activities, artist demonstrations and portrait drawing of a live model. And, to serenade all the action, a full lineup of local bands will perform on two stages. Free admission. 6-11pm.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.NORMANFIREHOUSE.COM PHONE: 329-4523 Photo courtesy of Norman Firehouse Art Center

OKLAHOMA CITY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL— AUG. 27-29 For more than 30 years, the Oklahoma Storytelling Festival at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) has delighted audiences with nationally-acclaimed artisans skilled in the art of telling a tale.

In a collaboration of storytellers Jim Mays and Megan Wells, families can go on a bug-sized adventure called Crawlies during the free hourlong family matinee on Saturday complete with a corresponding art activity. The festival also features evening performances and workshops geared towards adults including the popular Find Your Own Voice workshop where all three storytellers tell the story of Apollo and his son Phaeton in their unique way. Festival attendees can enjoy complimentary museum admission and explore the 18-acre facility highlighting the history of Oklahoma. The museum’s Winnie Mae Café will be open serving up a variety of lunch options. Family Matinee, Saturday, 10-11am.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.ARTSCOUNCILOKC.COM/STORYTELLING PHONE: 270-4848 Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma History Center

WIGGLE OUT LOUD FAMILY MUSIC FESTIVAL— SEPT. 6 The Wiggle Out Loud Family Music Festival at Bicentennial Park (500 Couch Dr) returns for its third year to get kids of all ages movin’ and groovin’. With a focus on health, local food trucks will offer healthy menu options to snack on while top local and national bands, including local favorite Sugar Free Allstars, Uno, Dos Tres Andres and Trout Fishing in America, entertain. Kids can get in on the musical action in the Instrument Playground, the Garage Band tent or at the Stomp Experience where kids learn how to use their body and ordinary objects to create music. Free admission. 11am-6pm.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.WIGGLEOUTLOUD.COM Photo courtesy of Myriad Botanical Gardens METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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JULY 29-AUGUST 1

Fall/Winter Sale

September 11-12 HOURS Friday - 8 am - 7 pm Saturday - 8am - 2 pm (1/2 price sale on Saturday) LOCATION

Mayfair Church of Christ 2340 NW 50th / OKC Consign your fall and winter children's clothing and earn 65% - 70% of your sales!

New this sale: Schedule your drop off appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday before the sale at our Edmond offices located at: 501 E. 15th St., Ste. 400A

Passitonkids.com For more information: Contact Lilyfield passiton@lilyfield.org

405.216.5240

Lilyfield Christian Adoption & Foster Care is excited to host the Pass It On Kids sale where all the proceeds will help more children find loving families!

Research Center Book Sale at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features books on a variety of topics including genealogy, Oklahoma history, US and military history, education, biographies and more as well as vinyl LPs, prints of historic photos and maps and periodicals. Prices vary. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 10am-4:45pm; Saturday, 10am-3pm.

525-5225, www.okhistory.org

JULY 30-AUGUST 2 In the Heights at Sooner Theatre (101 E Main St, Norman) is an award winning musical that shares a story of the vibrant community of New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 2 & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org H&8th Night Market in Midtown Oklahoma City (Hudson Ave between NW 6th & 10th St) is a monthly family-and-pet-friendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks. 7-11pm. 633-1703, www.h8thokc.com Full Moon Bike Ride & Run at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a leisurely hour ride and timed training runs. Lights and helmets required. $5 suggested donation. 8pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Native American Storytelling at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Grab a blanket and settle in for an evening of Cherokee heritage storytelling with Dr. Leslie Hannah of Northeastern State University. 6pm. For ages 6 and up. Preregister. www.okc.gov/active

JULY 31-AUGUST 1 Industry Flea in Midtown Oklahoma City (399 NW 10th St) is an open-air market featuring 40 plus vendors of vintage clothing and furniture, art, locally-made food and more. Friday, 5-10pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm. www.industryflea.com

AUGUST 1 • SATURDAY Outdoor Games at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features ladder ball, scavenger hunts and more. For ages 6 & up. Preregister. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society at Oklahoma Country Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th St, Del City) features three professional bluegrass bands each playing 25-minute sets. Adults, $8; kids under 12, free.

6:30pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org

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FREE Annual Gospel Concert Series at Inspiration Hill (880669 S. 3330 Rd, Wellston) features a variety of gospel music artists on the first Saturday of each month from May to October. Donations accepted. 7pm. 356-4051 R5 in Concert with Jacob Whitesides at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Free with park admission. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com FREE Internet Cat Video Festival at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a 75-minute collection of the web’s finest cat videos as well as food trucks, live entertainment, painting activities, ice cream and face painting. Pre-show fun begins at 7:30pm and Movie screens at 9pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Leonardo’s 20-year Celebration at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E Maple Ave, Enid) features a family friendly birthday party complete with cake for all party guests.

Admission is $5 all day long. Museum open 10am-5pm; birthday party, 2-4pm. 580-233-2787, www.leonardos.org

AUGUST 1, 8 & 15 Run This Town Race Series in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features three scenic 5K runs. Each race runs through a different part of the downtown area. Participants can race in one, two or three races. $30-$35 per race. 8pm. www.downtownokc.com/runthistown

AUGUST 2 • SUNDAY FREE Back to School Bash at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (304 SW 134th St) features music, food, games, door prizes and inflatables as well as school supplies for all children present, ages pre-k through 12th grade. 3-4pm. 799-9799, www.chbchurch.org

AUGUST 3 • MONDAY FREE First Mondays for Kids at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) offers complimentary admission for kids 17 & under. General admission does apply to guests 18 and older.

Adults, $8; seniors (65+), $6; kids (17 & under), free. 10am-5pm. Also held: 9/7. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

Check out our list:

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ back-to-school

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THROUGH AUGUST 4 Oklahoma City Dodgers vs New Orleans Zephyrs at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 Mickey Mantle Dr). $8 and up. See website for game times. Also held: 8/5-9 vs Colorado Springs, 8/15-18 vs Tacoma, 8/19-22 vs Reno.

218-1000, www.okcdodgers.com

AUGUST 4 • TUESDAY FREE Parents Helping Parents Support Group at Oklahoma Blood Institute Edmond (3409 S Broadway, Edmond) features a guest speaker to offer parents support and resources to families who have a child of any age using alcohol or other drugs on the first & third Tuesday of August & September. 6:30pm. 642-8193, www.parentshelpingparents.info Oklahoma Energy vs Los Angelas Galaxy II at Taft Stadium (Northwest 27th Street and May). $12 & up. 7pm. 235-5425, www.energyfc.com Also held: 8/15 vs Real Monarchs SLC, 8/29 vs Austin Aztex

AUGUST 3 & 4 FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the LEGO Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway). Kids ages 6-14 can build a LEGO Kangaroo to take home. The mini model must be completely built in-store. Preregister. Registration is first come, first served. Quantities are limited.

5pm. stores.lego.com/en-us/

AUGUST 4-8 Billy Elliott at Civic Center Music Hall Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre (201 N Walker) is presented by Lyric Theatre. It recounts the story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey, with the music of Elton John, as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. $25-83. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 pm & 8 pm. 297-2264, www.lyrictheatreokc.com

AUGUST 6 • THURSDAY FREE Back to School Bash at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) is a come-and-go, fun filled evening featuring OSU Insect Adventures, the largest live insect petting zoo in the state. 4-6pm.

979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

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FREE Artist in the Park at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explorers of all ages can explore nature through art during the monthly artist series. Take a relaxing evening stroll along the trails and talk with a guest artist about their nature inspiration. 6-8:30pm. Also held: 9/3. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE Movies in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features an outdoor screening of Alexander and the Terrible, the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. 9pm. www.cityofyukonok.gov

AUGUST 6-8 FREE Rush Springs Watermelon Festival at Jeff Davis Park (Rush Springs) celebrates the watermelon harvest with seed-spitting contests, arts & crafts, carnivals rides, live entertainment, a 5K Watermelon Run, free watermelon and more. Thursday & Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 7am-7pm. 580-476-3101, www.rushspringswatermelonfestival.com Tarzan the Stage Musical at True Oak Fellowship (20 Worley Dr, Tuttle) is based on the Disney film and presented by The Oklahoma Children’s Acting Guild. Adults, $10; kids, $5.

7pm on Thursday & Saturday. 392-2747, www.oklahomachildrensactingguild.com

AUGUST 7 • FRIDAY Christian Family Fun Day at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno) features We Were Fiction in concert and a screening of When the Game Stands Tall. House FM will broadcast from White Water Bay and offer families discounted admission.

Use promo code “House.” $16. 10:30am-11pm.

478-2140 ext 334, www.whitewaterbay.com FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker & Hudson Ave) features guest artists, art exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks on the first Friday of each month. 6-10pm. Also held: 9/4. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com FREE GLOW Music Festival Series on the Oklahoma River (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features live music from local bands, sand volleyball, river activities, food trucks and the free FAA Credit Union Summer Movie, Planes: Fire & Rescue. 6-10pm. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org/glow

FREE Movies on the Prairie at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial) features an outdoor screening of Wild America. Blankets, chairs and bug spray recommended. Preregister. Donations accepted.

9:15pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

THROUGH AUGUST 8 FREE American Quarter Horse Youth World Championship Show at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features talented young riders and their horses as they compete in different classes and events to earn the title of World Champion. See website for a complete schedule of events. 948-6704, www.aqha.com/youthworld

AUGUST 8 • SATURDAY FREE 18th Annual Arcadia Lake Sweep at Spring Creek Park (Lake Arcadia, Edmond).

Grab your gloves and sunscreen and help clean up the lake grounds. Volunteers receive free brunch and a shirt while supplies last. 7-10am. 216-7471 FREE Fish Scales and Tales Class at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a discussion about native and invasive fish and how officials manage the local fish populations. For ages 8 & up. Preregister. 3-4pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Feeding 5000 & More at OKC Faith Church (I-40 & Portland Ave) features FREE backpacks full of school supplies as well as food to school age kids in kindergarten to 12th grade while supplies last. Donations can be made online or at the church. 8-11am. 948-7100, www.okcfaith.com FREE 2nd Annual Support the Kid for Cancer Car Show at Anthony’s T.V. & Appliance (5701 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features a variety of makes and models of cars and trucks, OKC Jedis, face painting and more. The show benefits Support the Kid. $20 to register a car. 8am-1pm.

535-5033, www.carshow4cause.org/events FREE Back to School Round Up at Alameda Church of Christ (801 E Alameda, Norman) is a family fun day featuring free backpacks with school supplies, lunch, an information fair for parents, kids’ activities and free haircuts. 9amnoon. 321-0788, www.alameda-streams.org FREE Back to School Slip ‘N Slide Family Celebration at Family of Faith Church (13500 SE 15th St, Choctaw) features family activities, inflatables, hot dogs and a 100-foot Slip ‘N Slide.

Kids also can receive nearly new clothing and school supplies while supplies last. 10am.

769-8751, www.familyoffaithok.com

Into the Woods

Peculiar Pollinators Tour at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Learn all about pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, even beetles. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite pollinator. Best suited for ages 6 and up. Preregister. Members, $5; non-members, $7. 1-2:30pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

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August 14 | Bickham-Rudkin Park | Dark

Admission is free, concessions are $1 each.

In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown at the MAC at 7pm. edmondparks.com | 405.359.4630

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FREE Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features artmaking projects inspired by works of art on view at the museum. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for visitors of all ages and all levels of art-making experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. All supplies included. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Dancing for a Miracle at Embassy Suites (2501 Conference Dr, Norman) features local celebrities, business leaders and philanthropists in a ballroom dance competition benefitting the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The evening will include a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, a meal and a star-studded ballroom dance competition. $150. 6pm. 271-2208, www.okchf.org Color Run Night at Remington Park (1 Remington Pl) features a glowtastic 5K with color zones, illuminating bubble zones, photo opportunities, glowing color shows and music. $45-$55. 8pm. www.thecolorrun.com/night/ oklahoma-city FREE Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (180 W Brooks, Norman). Fans ages 14 & under can meet their favorite players and coaches and bring one item to get signed. Must be accompanied by an adult.

8am. www.soonersports.com Chillin’ with Chocolate Class at the Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center (3400 NW 36th St).

Learn about the cacao tree and how to make old fashioned chocolate ice cream. Preregister. $10.

10am-noon. 943-0827, www.okc.gov/active FREE Chasing James Performance at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel Ave) features a childcentered musical lineup for little ones to enjoy on the second Saturday each month. 11-11:30am.

848-2330, www.green-bambino.com The 48-Hour Film Project Premiere Screening at Crossroads Movies 8 (7400 Crossroads Blvd) features locally-made films made in one weekend.

One film group screening, $10; both, $15. 2 & 4pm. www.48hourfilm.com/oklahoma-city-ok FREE Ghost Tour at the University of Oklahoma (660 Parrington Oval). Discover the mysterious side of OU through historical tales and firsthand accounts from past and present students and staff. Preregister online.

8pm. 325-1188, visitou.wufoo.com/forms/oughost-tour/

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AUGUST 9 • SUNDAY Miles of Miracles Bike Tour at Edmond Route 66 Park (Post Rd & Rt 66) features a scenic tour through the countryside of Edmond with 62-, 44- or 23-mile options available benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. $35, 7am. www.edmondkiwanismomtour.com FREE Film Screening presented by the Jewish Muslim Film Institute at the Emanuel Synagogue (900 NW 4th St). Enjoy a free screening of the film Free Men followed by refreshments and a discussion of the film. RSVP required. 1:154:15pm. www.jewishmuslimfilminstitute.com FREE An Accordion Affair Concert at Yukon Czech Hall (205 N Czech Hall Rd, Yukon) features a performance by the Oklahoma Accordion Club. 2:30-4:30pm. 949-0394, www.OKAccordions.com 12th Annual Parent Child Championship at Kickingbird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth Rd, Edmond). A parent/child duo can compete in a two-person team scramble. Price includes green fee, cart, range balls and prizes. $90 per team.

1pm. 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com Chaparral Energy Family Sundays at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 Mickey Mantle Dr.) features a home game and family-friendly activities including inflatables, crafts and face painting as the Dodgers face off against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. $8 & up. 4:05pm.

218-1000, www.okcdodgers.com Also held: 8/16 vs Tacoma.

AUGUST 11 • TUESDAY Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a themed story time on the second Tuesday of each month.

Free with admission. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

AUGUST 12 • WEDNESDAY Shania Twain in Concert at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave) features her “Rock this Country” tour. Grammy Award nominated singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw will open the show. $42-$132. 7:30pm. www.chesapeakearena.com

AUGUST 13 • THURSDAY FREE Family Game Night at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). Expand critical thinking and problem solving skills with tabletop gaming adventures. Best suited for ages 9 & up.

4:30-6pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org

FREE The Mix: Free Outdoor Concert Series at DC on Film Row (609 W Sheridan Ave) features the best Oklahoma City bands every second Thursday of the month through October.

Food trucks begin serving at 6pm; music begins at 7pm. 607-8600, www.facebook.com/themixokc FREE Traveling to Discover the Natural World Class at the Norman Public Library Central (225 N Webster, Norman). Learn how to plan and prepare for nature-oriented travel.

Best suited for teens and adults. 7-8:30pm.

Also held: 8/20 & 8/27. 701-2600, www.pioneelibrarysystem.org

AUGUST 14 • FRIDAY Meet the Authors of Bob Has a Blue Thumb, Do You? at the Del City Library (4509 SE 15th St, Del City). Three young authors/ environmentalists, Ariel, Ava and Katie, share some storytelling and interactive displays that teach how to keep our creeks and rivers clean and healthy. Each participant will receive a signed copy of the book. Preregister. 2-3pm.

672-1377, www.metrolibrary.org FREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District (downtown Norman) features a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com Whodunit Dinner Theater presents Win, Lose or DIE at local restaurants (various locations).

Admission includes the show, full dinner buffet, soft beverages and dessert. Adults, $48; Kids, $24. 6:30pm. Also held: 8/21. 420-3222, www.whodunit.net FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday each month, rain or shine.

7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live Scorpion Hike at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a black light hunt with University of Oklahoma Zoologist Doug Gaffin.

For ages 8 & up. Preregister. $5. 7:30-9:30pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Movie Night in the Park at BickhamRudkin Park (E. 33rd & Rankin Terr., Edmond) features an outdoor screening of Into the Woods.

Admission is free and concessions are $1. Movie begins at dark. www.edmondparks.com Legacy of Love Dinner & Auction at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features dinner, a silent and live auction and special guest speaker Donald Miller. $40 & up. 6:30-9:30pm. 216-5240, www.lilyfield.org

AUGUST 15 • SATURDAY FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. Also held: 9/5. 10-11am, 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com

FREE Kids Martial Arts Seminar at National Martial Arts School (11720 S Western Ave).

Learn basic punching, kicking and blocking skills, how to use those techniques for self-defense as well as character development principles of the martial arts. Ages 4-12. Preregister. 10-11am.

692-7300, www.nmaschools.com FREE Storybook Drive-in at Almonte Library (2914 SW 59th St). Kids can turn cardboard boxes into one-of-a-kind cars just their size. Then, enjoy a story time flick from inside the comfort of the homemade cars. Popcorn and drinks included.

Preregister. Best suited for ages 3 to 5. 2-4pm.

606-3575, www.metrolibrary.org CSI - Critter Scene Investigations at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). What do the animals do when humans aren’t around?

Hike the woods of Martin Park to look for clues the animals may leave behind. For ages 8 & up. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Historic Tours in Downtown Edmond (various locations). Learn about the structures and the city history on a 45-minute, educational walking tour. Photos will be shown on the tours, revealing changes through the decades. $5. 3:30-5:30pm.

715-1889 FREE Summer Block Party in Downtown El Reno (Bickford Ave, El Reno) features great food trucks, live entertainment and activities for kids on the third Saturday of August. Downtown merchants will stay open late to welcome partygoers for extended shopping. 6-9pm. 262-8888, www.elrenomainstreet.com FREE Heard on Hurd in downtown Edmond (Broadway between Main & Hurd) is a pop-up celebration of all things local featuring local musicians, food trucks and businesses. 6-10pm.

715-5121, www.facebook.com/heardonhurd TobyMac in Concert at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Free with admission. Time to be announced. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com The 4th Annual Summer Craft Show at Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) features more than 75 handmade, vintage and boutique vendors. Free swag bags to first 200 shoppers. 9am-4pm. bllcreations@yahoo.com Leaf Bowls Craft Class at the Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center ( 3400 NW 36th St).

Use clay and leaves to make a small bowl to take home. Preregister. $10. 10am-noon. 943-0827, www.okc.gov/active Golf Family Fun Night at Kickingbird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth Rd, Edmond). Play 9 holes with the family with special junior tees set up and put around on the free putting course. $7 green fee; $7 carts. 5pm. 341-5350, www.kickbirdgolf.com FREE Dogs with Dogs Pet Adoption Event at The Goddard School (17440 N Western Ave).

Love on some adorable dogs and enjoy a delicious hot dog for purchase from Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs. Free admission, hot dogs for purchase.

6:30pm. 348-4442, www.goddardschool.com

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AUGUST 16 • SUNDAY

AUGUST 22 • SATURDAY

FREE Back to School Bash at Hafer Park (1034 S. Bryant St., Edmond) features music, food and games. Pack up the family, lawn chairs and a picnic blanket. 4-7pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

5K to Monet at Edmond Fine Arts Institute (27 E Edwards, Edmond) features a family-friendly 5K, live entertainment, food and art activities. $15 & up. 8am. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

AUGUST 18 • TUESDAY Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a come-andgo, open-ended Sea Creatures Watercolors art-making, geared toward kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Dress for mess. No registration required. Free with admission. 10am-noon.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

AUGUST 21 • FRIDAY FREE 3rd Friday Bloc pARTy in downtown Shawnee (Main St, Shawnee). Roam between quaint shops and stores to find unique art pieces, listen to live music and enjoy local food at this monthly event celebrating the most unique pieces of life in Shawnee. 5-8pm. 432-4131, www.facebook.com/BooOnBell FREE Dancing in the Gardens: Country & Western Night at Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Seasonal Plaza (301 W Reno). Serenaded by the Byron Berline Band, dance instructor Brian Franks with 360 Dance Studio demonstrates the art of Country & Western dance followed by free lessons. 7-10pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Premiere on Film Row in the Film Row District (W Sheridan Ave between Dewey & Shartel) features film screenings, live music, art exhibitions and gourmet food trucks. The monthly event highlights family-friendly businesses and attractions on Oklahoma City’s famous Film Row. 7-10pm. 235-3500, www.filmrowpremiere.com

AUGUST 21 & 22 FREE Oklahoma County Free Fair at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features a variety of county fair fun including an indoor carnival, contests, kiddy tractor pull as well as livestock shows. Friday, 2-7pm; Saturday, 9amnoon. 713-1125, www.oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma FREE Midsummer Nights Fair at Lions Park (Flood Ave & Symmes St, Norman) features regional artists of variety of mediums including pottery, jewelry, glass, sculpture, woodworking, children’s art activities and live music. 6-11pm.

329-4523, www.normanfirehouse.com

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Bug Collecting & Bug Bottles Workshop at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the why and how of bug collecting and tips of the trade to start a collection of your own. For ages 6 and up. Participants should bring a plastic water bottle. Preregister. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE The Village Lion’s Club Car Show at Duffner Park (10801 Victoria Pl) features 28 different categories of classic cars. Browse the vehicles, chat with the owners and snap some photos of your favorites. Free for spectators.

9am-2pm. 478-4786 FREE Fairy Discovery Tour at the Will Rogers Arboretum (3400 NW 36th St) features a stroll through the arboretum to learn about major types of trees and to spot any forest fairies. Preregister.

11am-noon. 943-0827, www.okc.gov/active Spirit Sprint 5K Run at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features a 5K and one-mile Spirit Stroll Fun Walk to benefit special needs recreation in Yukon. All participants receive a spirit shirt. Preregister. $25 & up.

8-10am. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov

AUGUST 22 & 23 FREE The Good News Festival with Franklin Graham at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave) features musical performances by Skillet, Lacey and Dae-Lee, with special guest hosts Amena Brown and DJ OPDiggy. No tickets are required. Seating is first come, first served.

Doors open 90 minutes before the festival starts.

Saturday, 7-9pm. Sunday, 4-6pm & 7-9pm.

702-0320, www.okcgoodnews.org Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at Oklahoma City State Fair Park (333 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features seasonal clothing items, baby and maternity gear and children’s toys and games. Free admission with our ad on page 11.

Sunday, noon-9pm; Monday & Friday, 10am9pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-4pm; Saturday, 10am-2pm. www.jbfsale.com

Get fun family events sent to your inbox. www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ weekend-picks

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AUGUST 23 • SUNDAY Color Me Rad 5K at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd). Participants run or walk just over three miles of twists and turns filled with colorful surprises. All participants will receive a new 2015 Tour t-shirt, a pair of kneehigh socks, a color pack and free photos from professional photographers. Adults, $45; Kids, $15. 9am-noon. www.colormerad.com

AUGUST 24-29 FREE Payne County Free Fair at the Payne County Expo Center (4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater) features livestock shows, a wide variety of agricultural exhibits, a carnival and fair food. See website for a complete schedule of events. 377-1275, www.pcexpocenter.com

AUGUST 25 • TUESDAY

THE ONLY PLACE MORE LOVING IS IN YOUR ARMS. Tour your local Goddard School and experience why it’s the best preparation for social and academic success.

Goddard Systems, Inc.’s program is AdvancED accredited.

NOW ENROLLING! EDMOND 405-348-4442 17440 N. Western Avenue EDMOND (NORTHEAST) 405-330-1313 6001 E. Covell Road

Angels of Destiny Fundraiser at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). Kevin Sorbo, star of TV’s Hercules and the movies Soul Surfer & God’s Not Dead, shares his inspiring message about his health battles.

Benefits Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services. $100; $150 per couple. 7pm. 949-4200, www.deaconessadoption.org

AUGUST 26-29 FREE Canadian County Free Fair at the Canadian County Fairgrounds (220 N Country Club Rd, El Reno) features a carnival, live entertainment on multiple stages, live stock exhibits, Farmhand Olympics, arts & craft exhibits, baking competitions, talent show, pet show and antique tractor pull. See website for complete schedule. 262-0683, www.canadiancountyfair.com

AUGUST 27 • THURSDAY Cleveland County Inaugural Chili Cook-off at Southwind Hills (468 SW 24th Ave, Goldsby) features a chili contest, silent auction, raffle and games as well as drinks, burgers, hotdogs and the fixings. Benefits the community outreach of Ducks Unlimited. Adults, $35; kids (under 17) $15; cook-off entry, $20. 6-10pm. www.ducks.org FREE Astronomy Nights at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Hang out with the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club as they check out the moon, stars and planets. 8:30-10pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

GoddardSchool.com The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2015

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FREE Traveling to Discover the Natural World Class at the Norman Public Library Central (225 N Webster, Norman). Learn how to plan and prepare for nature-oriented travel. Best suited for teens and adults. 7-8:30pm. 701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

AUGUST 27-29 Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features performances by some of the nation’s best tellers during three evening performances, a family matinee on Saturday and professional workshops. Prices vary. Thursday, 7-9pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com/storytelling

AUGUST 28 • FRIDAY FREE Opening Reception of New Exhibits at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). The museum will host an opening reception for two new exhibits Collision and Creation: Indigenous Arts of the Americas 1890-2015 and Eyes of the Lynx: Galileo, Natural History and the Americas. The reception is open to the public and admission is free.

Members, 4:30pm; public, 5:30pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org H&8th Night Market in Midtown Oklahoma City (Hudson Ave between NW 6th & 10th St) is a monthly, family-and-pet-friendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks. 7-11pm. 633-1703, www.h8thokc.com

AUGUST 28 & 29 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Range Round-up at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie) features 12 historic ranch teams as they compete in contests like the “Top Hand,” “Top Horse” and “Tough Hand.” Benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network. Adults, $15-$30; kids (6-11), $5; kids (under 5), free. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 8am. 1-800-595-RIDE, www.okcattlemen.org

AUGUST 29 • SATURDAY Moore War Run at Moore High School (300 N Eastern Ave, Moore) is an annual 5K celebrating and supporting the Moore high schools. Adults, $30; students (18 & under), $15.

7:30am. www.moorewarrun.com

FREE Library Mystery at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). Use library resources, creativity, problem solving and storytelling abilities to solve this book thief mystery. Best suited for ages 5-12. Preregister.

2-3pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org Worm Ranching Workshop at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about different types of composting and how to make a worm ranch of your own. For ages 6 & up. Preregister. $8. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active GloRun at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) is a nighttime 5K or one-mile fun run with a glowing twist. Proceeds from the race will benefit The Recovery Center. Fun run starts at $20; GloRun starts at $35. 6pm. www.glorunokc.com Full Moon Bike Ride & Run at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a leisurely hour ride and timed training runs. Lights and helmets required. $5 suggested donation. 8-10pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Eli Young Band in Concert at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Free with park admission. Time to be announced. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com The Malt Shop at the Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center (3400 NW 36th St). Learn about the origins of malt and how this awesome flavoring is used and created. Class will create homemade malted ice cream. Preregister. $10.

10am-noon. 943-0827, www.okc.gov/active FREE Mommy “Son”dae Dance at the Goddard School (17460 N Western, Edmond). Come dance the night away and enjoy wonderful ice cream for purchase from Roxy’s Ice Cream Truck. Free admission, ice cream for purchase. 6:15-9pm.

348-4442, www.goddardschool.com

AUGUST 30 • SUNDAY FREE Uptown 23rd Farmer’s Market in Uptown Oklahoma City (Walker Ave between 23rd & 24th St) is a family-friendly market featuring vendors and artisans selling goods along with activities, live music, workshops and other fun activities. 11am-4pm. www.uptown23rd. com/farmers-market

SEPTEMBER 3 • THURSDAY FREE Artist in the Park at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explorers of all ages can enjoy nature through art during the monthly artist series. Take a relaxing evening stroll along the trails and talk with a guest artist about their nature inspiration. 6-8:30pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks

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NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

Museum open Tuesday through Sunday

SEPTEMBER 4 • FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 5 • SATURDAY

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker & Hudson Ave) features guest artists, art exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks on the first Friday of each month. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com

FREE Loose Caboose Antique & Craft Festival in Downtown Purcell (Main St, Purcell) features collectibles, antiques, arts & crafts, locally made products, a children’s activity area, wine tasting and live entertainment. Free admission. 9-4pm. www.loosecaboosefestival.com

FREE GLOW Music Festival Series on the Oklahoma River (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features live music from local bands, sand volleyball, river activities, food trucks and the free FAA Credit Union Summer Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. 6-10pm. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org/glow National Wildlife Day Celebration at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a wild adventure party. Learn about making your backyard wildlife friendly, track Bigfoot through the woods of Martin Park during a telemetry demonstration, make fish prints and piece together clues at Critter Scene Investigation. Early registration is suggested $4.

6-8pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

IMPERIAL EGG in the

FREE Photography in Conservation at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explore the works of noted landscape photographers and take a look at today’s use of photography for conservation purposes.

Ages 8 & up. Preregister. 3-3:45pm. 297-129, www.okc.gov/parks

SEPTEMBER 5-7

Arcadia Western Heritage Festival and Rodeo at Arcadia Park (500 W 2nd, Arcadia) features a Blues Festival, street dance, talent show, vendor booths, parade, rodeo, Gospel Extravaganza & more. See website for ticket pricing & schedules. 396-2899, www.townofarcadia.com

FREE Arts Festival Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Community College (7777 S May Ave).

Browse original artwork by regional artists, watch community performing arts groups and sample a diverse selection of foods. Kids can explore hands-on activities in a Children’s Creative Center featuring a massive sand box and a variety of art and craft projects. Parking, $5. Saturday & Sunday, 11am-9pm; Monday, 11am-4pm. 682-1611, www.occc.edu/afo/

SEPTEMBER 4-12

SEPTEMBER 6 • SUNDAY

Oktoberfest at Choctaw Creek Park (Harper Rd. between NE 23rd Street and NE 10th Street, Choctaw) features homemade German food & continuous live entertainment for all ages, plus German dance groups, crafts & activities for children. See website for complete schedule. Adults, $5, kids (under 12) free. www.oldgermany.com

FREE Wiggle Out Loud Music Festival at Bicentennial Park (500 Couch Dr) is Oklahoma City’s free, family-centered outdoor music festival. Top local, regional and national touring acts will rock center stage, providing the upbeat soundtrack for a variety of health and fitness related activities spanning the park. All ages welcome. 11am-6pm. www.wiggleoutloud.com

SEPTEMBER 4-6

Create your own

Leaf Impression Pendants Craft Class at the Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center (3400 NW 36th St). Craft a nature-inspired necklace made from leaves and polymer clay. Preregister. $15.

10am-noon. 943-0827, www.okc.gov/active

Plan your Labor Day weekend with our comprehensive guide to local fun at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ labor-day

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Archery Classes at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) will guide students new to archery on proper form, safety, equipment technique and mental preparation. Best suited for ages 8 and older. Equipment supplied during class time. Preregister. $5. 2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

SEPTEMBER 7 • MONDAY FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western) features 40 plus tables of collectables for sale or trade, raffles and pizza. 9-3pm. www.greaterokchotwheels.com FREE First Mondays for Kids at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) offers complimentary admission for kids 17 & under. General admission does apply to guests 18 and older. Adults, $8; seniors (65+), $6; kids (17 & under), FREE. 10am5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

Pack up the family, lawn chairs and picnic blanket and join us.

Sunday | August 16 | 4-7pm | 359-4630 | EdmondParks.com Scan this to visit us at edmondparks.com Follow us on

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WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Evening Family Playtime at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features an hour of family play time meant to help children build social skills, promote learning and discover that the library is a destination for fun. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books.

Visit site for full list of dates, books and activities.

Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

5K RACE FOR ARTS ED REGISTER NOW

Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature in an encouraging environment using nature-centered play activities like hands-on games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Wednesdays, 10:30am. 2971429, www.okc.gov/active

8 p.m. Aug. 15 NW 11th and Broadway

Register:

oklahomacontemporary.org Or Run This Town: bit.ly/OKCRTT

Plus: food trucks, kids’ activities, and community art project

Presented by Kirkpatrick Bank

Wayback Wednesdays at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Zoo admission is $1 per person on Wednesdays in August. 9am-5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time.

Free with paid admission. Wednesdays, 1111:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Bringing Books to Life in the lobby of the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Garden (301 W Reno) every Wednesday. 10am, for ages 2-5.

Books are nature-themed and based on the season.

Children will also create a small craft after the story. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Art After 5 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) presents a chance to look at museum exhibits after hours then make your way to the rooftop for live music. Thursdays, 5-10:30pm. Free for museum members; $5 for non-members. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com Concerts in the Park at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (8700 E Reno, Midwest City). Bring a lawn chair to enjoy live tunes in this scenic Midwest City park every Thursday from 7-9pm. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) hosts a different craft each week.

Come-and-go, no reservation needed. Saturdays, 11am-3pm, ages 3 and up. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com

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FREE Story Time with Mr. Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features an interactive story time. Everyone gets a treasure and coloring pages. Saturdays, 1111:45am. 579-8800 FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday.

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com FREE Movies @ Mitchell at Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University Dr, Edmond). Watch classic movies on Saturdays. See website for a complete schedule. 7:30pm. 974-3375, www.mitchellhalltheatre.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm. 942-5545.

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. Free with paid admission.

Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com FREE Little Big Chefs Cooking Classes at Uptown Grocery (1230 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features easy recipes kids and adults can make together every Sunday. Preregister by Friday.

Ages 5-8, 2-3pm; Ages 9-12, 3:30-4:30pm.

509-2700, www.uptowngroceryco.com Critter Crunch at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the food sources of various animals in the wild, including snakes, turtles, fish and other reptiles.

Preregister. $2. Sundays, 2-2:45pm. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/active FREE Sunday Twilight Concert Series at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno).

Enjoy a free concert every Sunday on the Grand Lawn through Sept. 27. 7:30-9pm. www.artscouncilokc.com

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ONGOING EVENTS

NEW PERMANENT EXHIBIT! CurioCity at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd) is a thrilling science neighborhood set up inside the museum. Kids can encounter science like never before with small neighborhoods that each explore different scientific principals with interactive activities.

Free with museum admission. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am6pm. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org

FREE Holly Wilson: A Foot in Two Worlds at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features one-of-a-kind sculptures alongside impressive large-scale photography to tell unique stories. Monday-Thursday, 9ama10pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am-5pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27

Summer Kids Series at Warren Theatre (1000 S Telephone Rd, Moore) features kid-friendly screening of fun summer movies on Tuesdays & Thursdays. See website for full list of movies.

All-season pass, $15; individual tickets, $2. 10am.

735-9676, www.warrentheatres.com

Fabergé: Jeweler to the Tsars at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) gives rare access to more than 230 rare treasures by the House of Fabergé. From Imperial Easter eggs to tiny sculptures, photo frames and desk clocks, the exhibit features a hands-on station where kids can decorate their own Fabergé eggs.

Free with admission. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

THROUGH AUGUST 7

THROUGH OCTOBER

Summer Movie Fun Series at Harkins Theatre 16 in Bricktown (150 E Reno Ave). Enjoy kid favorites on the big screen every weekday.

The concession offers a kids combo including popcorn, fruit snacks and a drink to compliment the movie-going experience. All-season pass, $5; individual tickets, $2. 9:45am. www.harkinstheatres.com

FREE Orly Genger: Terra at Campbell Park (NW 11th & Broadway) is an art installment presented by Oklahoma Contemporary. The outdoor sculpture piece is made of 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope and painted with terracotta-colored paint. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

THROUGH AUGUST 6

THROUGH AUGUST 16 FREE ARTtech Exhibition at [Artspace] at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St) is a multi-media exhibit featuring computer generated, traditional, sculptural and mechanical pieces to share the life story of Oklahoma City animation studio Skyline Ink. Wednesday-Saturday, 10am6pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. 815-9995, www.artspaceatuntitled.com

THROUGH AUGUST America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66 at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) shares the history of and fascination with one of the world’s most famous highways through paintings, photographs, narrative and music. Free with admission. Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Admission to Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur St, Shawnee) all summer long. Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am-5pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org

THROUGH JANUARY 2016 FREE Enter the Matrix: Indigenous Printmakers at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 W Elm, Norman) explores how printmaking has become a matrix for cultural and artistic exchange, the critical sites of engagement and key figures. For indigenous artists, using paper as a medium for artistic expression manifests paper as a tool for self-determination, fostering dialogue about culture and identity, contributing to cultural survival. 10am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10am-9pm Thursday; 1-5pm Sunday. 325-4938, www.ou.edu Through the Eyes of the Lynx: Galileo, Natural History and the Americas at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) is a series of events and exhibits in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma’s 125th anniversary.

The exhibition illustrates connections between science, art, literature, music, religion, philosophy, politics and culture. 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 1-5pm Sunday. Adults, $8; seniors, $6; ages 4-17, $5; under 3 admitted free.

325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

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AUGUST 2015

5

Scenic Waterfall Hikes

BY MAE KIGGINS TURNER FALLS PARK. PHOTO BY LISHA NEWMAN

C

an waterfalls make you happy? Most people visit waterfalls because they are beautiful; but surprisingly, waterfalls have been shown to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost energy.

Waterfalls are an especially precious resource for little explorers. These water features are often surrounded by native plants and wildlife that all offer big adventure for families.

In recent summers, Oklahoma’s drought has made for less-than-impressive water features. However, an extremely wet spring has changed all that. Bubbling brooks, breathtaking falls and lush landscapes abound this summer in Oklahoma. Here are five mom-approved waterfall hikes for your family to explore this summer.

Before heading out on your adventure; consider a few things:

Do you want to hike to or drive up to the waterfall?

There are options for both in Oklahoma and there are varying levels of difficulty for hikes as well. If you’re visiting a waterfall with the whole family, the difficulty level you decide to tackle will probably be based on the age of your children. We’ve noted the difficulty level on each of these highlighted falls to help you prepare.

Do you want to swim?

Some of the parks allow swimming and some don’t. We’ve marked which destinations allow for swimming, but because waterfalls are natural features that change with the seasons, you’ll want to check with the staff at each water feature ahead of time if you plan to swim.

What on-site amenities are available?

Some of the waterfalls are in rural areas so there may not be options for eating out close by. We’ve listed which waterfalls have family-friendly amenities on-site like picnic tables and restrooms so you’ll be able to identify how long you can explore an area before the kids get too hungry.

Natural Falls State Park

Location: West Siloam Springs, about 190 miles northeast of the metro Restrooms: At Trailhead Picnic Facilities: At Trailhead Admission: $5/vehicle Difficulty Rating: Easy to Difficult Website: http://bit.ly/Natural_Falls

NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK. PHOTO BY MAE KIGGINS

General Information: Natural Falls State Parks is home to Dripping Springs, a 77-foot fall beautifully situated in the Oklahoma Ozarks.

Dripping Springs Trail provides access to the falls. The trail is paved but narrow and steep in some areas.

Don’t feel like a strenuous hike?

Dripping Springs can be viewed from an overlook and bridge. Both are a short, easy hike from the parking lot and handicap accessible.

Swimming is not allowed.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Turner Falls Park

Heavener Runestone Park

Location: Davis, about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City

Location: Heavener, about 200 miles east of Oklahoma City

Restrooms: Yes

Restrooms: Yes

Picnic Facilities: Yes

Picnic Facilities: Yes

Admission: Summer rates are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12 and free for kids under 5.

Admission: Free

Difficulty Rating: Very Easy

Website: http://bit.ly/Heavener_Runestone

Website: www.turnerfallspark.com General Information: Turner Falls is nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains and is the largest fall in Oklahoma. The fall can be accessed directly from the parking lot and swimming is allowed. This park also boasts three natural caves, a rock castle, hiking trails and plenty of concession stands. Check website for park alerts.

TURNER FALLS PARK. PHOTO BY LISHA NEWMAN

Difficulty: Moderate

General Information: In addition to a stunning waterfall and rock formations, Heavener Runestone Park holds the Heavener Runestone, a large stone containing ancient written characters known as runes believed to be from the Vikings. The waterfall is located along the main trail that leads out to the Runestone. The trail is paved and lined with rocks but does wind down into a ravine.

The trail is about 20 minutes round trip.

Swimming is not allowed.

Little Niagara – Chickasaw National Recreation Area Location: Sulphur, about 90 miles south of Oklahoma City Restrooms: Yes Picnic Facilities: Yes Admission: Free Difficulty Rating: Very Easy Website: http://bit.ly/Little_Niagara General Information: Little Niagara is just one of the many magnificent features in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Located across the road from the Travertine Nature Center, Little Niagara is the perfect way to cool off during the hot summer and fall months. Visit Antelope and Buffalo Springs nearby to add a little more adventure. Both springs are accessed via an easy 1.2 mile roundtrip trail adjacent to Little Niagara. The flow of the Little Niagara and the springs varies by season. The park’s website displays any alerts. Little Niagara can be found just east of the intersection of the 7 and 177.

LITTLE NIAGARA. PHOTO BY JOY FRANKLIN METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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HEAVENER RUNESTONE PARK. PHOTO BY LISHA NEWMAN AUGUST 2015

Don’t let an accident spoil your summer fun!

HEAVENER RUNESTONE. PHOTO BY FLOYD MORGAN JR.

McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area Trail System Location: Atoka, about 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City Restrooms: Yes Picnic Facilities: Yes Admission: Free Difficulty: Moderate

If you or your child has to wear a cast this summer, make sure it is a water cast so that swimming or bathing is not a problem!

Website: http://bit.ly/McGee_Creek General Information: This charming fall can be found along the Little Bugaboo trail, which follows Little Bugaboo Creek and is a three-mile round trip. The trail branches off from the West Branch trail, which can be accessed from the main park entrance road.

Flow varies throughout the season. Call for up-to-date information. Swimming, wading and playing in the water is encouraged.

Waterfalls are natural features and they’re always changing. Before visiting any waterfall it is a good idea to call the park or check the website to get an idea of flow level.

Most years the concern is low flow. This year there may be limited access because of high flow. Most are still open for viewing, but swimming may be closed.

Mae Kiggins is a former park ranger and mom living in Edmond. Find more tips for outdoor exploration on her blog, www. outdoorsmom.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

John W. Anderson, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Pediatric Orthopedics

405-947-0911 ext 270

www.okortho.com

o: r t e M e h ft oe Mom R

oy f the M b r etro: a D G a i Gin na Darb

Real

al Mom

y

BY JENNIFER SHARPE PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH, WWW.BRITTSEYE.COM

H

“

old up, wait a minute, let me put some reading in it!” That’s the chant shouted by about 50 kids who met daily throughout the summer at the Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program, a summer reading program created by local mom Gina Darby.

“I always try to take care of other people’s needs first,” Gina said, “because I believe that if I take care of other people’s needs, then everything else in my life will come.”

She created the literacy program out of a love for underprivileged youth and a passion for reading. The program provides a fun and safe place for kids to learn throughout the summer months. Kids attend the program and enjoy literacy and math activities and even meals.

“I believe reading really changes everything,” Gina said. “I see it in my own kids. We read more and then that really impacts a lot of other areas.”

The 34-year-old and her husband of 14 years, Milen Darby, have four children: Milen Junior, 9, Makye, 7, and twins Malachi and Gianna, 5. Gina was born and raised in Spencer, but has lived in Oklahoma City for almost two years now.

It goes without saying that at home, literacy is paramount, too.

“We incorporate reading in a lot of things,” she said. “I push the importance of reading at a very early age. Of course my kids sometimes complain that we read too much but the extra reading time has made such a difference. I know they’ll appreciate it later in life even if they complain now.”

Together, let's help your child reach his or her potential through individualized learning.

Gina has an English degree from Langston University and is working on a master’s degree in religion from Oklahoma Christian University. She authored her first book, Crucial Evidence, in 2014. The book features faith-based inspirations and she has a few other books in the works.

∙ Tuition–free, online public school ∙ Available to Oklahoma students in grades K–12 ∙ Oklahoma-certified teachers

Her passion for literature has been a strong influence on her life, as well as her military background. Gina was in the National Guard for 15 years. She retired in 2014 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After years of struggling with symptoms and side effects of treatment, Gina decided to handle the illness with an improved diet and strong Christian faith.

Request a free info kit today or join us at an upcoming event to learn more!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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K12.COM/OK 866.467.0848 AUGUST 2015

How has motherhood changed you?

I’ve been forever changed since I’ve become a mother. Life is forever different because not only did my body change inside and out, my lifestyle changed. I had to care for little people who couldn’t totally care for themselves.

I am forever grateful for the blessing of my children’s father who has been a great parent throughout this process of raising children.

Describe yourself in five words.

Reliable, confident, loving, caring, headstrong.

What is your favorite advice about motherhood?

“Now I just pray over my body. I don’t have any regimen but prayer. I don’t have a medicine I take,” Gina said. “It’s my daily walk with God that keeps me healed. I have a pain that is always there, like in my fingers and in my legs, but His grace covers me.”

With her education and military background under her belt, Gina and her husband started the literacy program last summer with the support of Impact Athletics and Kancacha Kids. The program is open to ages 3 to 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays throughout the summer. She plans to provide a free after-school program this fall and spring with the help of sponsors.

Program attendees have access to educational courses, mentoring, homework help, teambuilding activities, athletics, field trips and free meals including breakfast, lunch and snacks.

“It’s beyond just literacy,” she said. “It’s loving on the children, teaching them discipline and structure, teaching them ‘yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir’ and

teaching them respect and how to say thank you.”

Gina recruits sponsors to help keep the program inexpensive, as many of the children she serves are from low-income families.

The eight-week program costs about $40 per week. While she does care a lot about academic skills, her main focus is just providing a helping hand to families.

“It’s important to realize it’s not always about us,” she said. “If your kids aren’t struggling, that’s great. But think about the kids who are. There’s so much room to help other people. If you can, contribute to others who are struggling. If you can’t contribute money, then volunteer your time. There’s a lot of room to help struggling families locally.”

The program meets at Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church (1425 N. Kelham Ave.). Gina is seeking sponsors and financial assistance to expand the program. For more information about donating or enrolling in the program, visit www.okylpokc.org.

Children watch more of what you do than what you say...speak less and do more.

How do you find balance?

By praying for discernment and direction.

How do you describe your parenting style?

We aren’t your modern parents. We structure our children in ways that will help them cope with life. We don’t offer our children a lot of electronics, they enjoy outdoors, swimming and learning about the Bible. We don’t watch a lot of television during the week or indulge in a lot of junk food. We teach our children to be respectful to adults and to maintain great ethical behaviors. We believe in different methods of punishment and we teach our children that every action gets a reaction—regardless of the action being positive or negative. We speak with our children daily of how each day went and we consistently encourage them to push themselves beyond their own abilities.

How do you banish stress?

I remember that some things are totally out of my control and stress only aggravates the situation and doesn’t offer a solution to my concern(s).

What motivates you?

Knowing that I don’t live my life for me only. My ultimate goal is to see someone else’s life get better because of the example I bring to the world.

&

ages stages Connect with other parents right here in Central Oklahoma!

"This is fantastic. There are not a lot of teen parenting groups. Only troubled teen stuff. Thank you for doing this." - Local group participant

New!

Close Faceb d Grouook ps

Ages

Ages

5-9

0-4

Ages

10+ Join our Facebook closed groups to find local resources, get advice and share experiences. Learn more and ask to join one or more of the groups by going here: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/closed-groups

resource

directories

GOT CHILDREN? THEN YOU NEED LOTS OF RESOURCES! INTRODUCING THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS. From pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party ideas and private schools, our resource directories—both here and online—provide local parents with the information they need to help their families and children thrive.

Check out these businesses and those you find at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ and be sure to tell them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.

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53 54 55 56

56 57

Family Services (page 53) Brain Balance Center of OKC Family Expectations Fit4Mom Oklahoma Institute of Allergy & Asthma After-School Activities (pages 53-56) Alliance Francais Backbeat Garage Fine Arts Institute Ginger’s Music Gymboree Play & Music, Norman and OKC Kumon Math and Reading Little Spanish Bridge Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art OCU Community Dance Oklahoma Sport Fencing SPARK After School Program Studio J School of Dance The Dance Department Velocity Dance Center Victory Dance Party (pages 56-57) Allison’s Fun Building Minds Bouncin Craze Frontier City/White Water Bay Jump!Zone Mad Science of Central Oklahoma Mobile Laser Forces Paint ’N Station

56 57 58 58 59

60 61 61 62

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Skate Galaxy Sooner Bowling Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park Family Fun (page 58) Dodge City Paintball and Laser Tag Unpluggits Playstudio Foster Care (pages 58-59) Angels Foster Family Network Bair Foundation CASA Circle of Care Sunbeam Family Services Retail/Restaurant (page 60) Green Bambino Jamberry Nails Jimmy’s Egg learning tree toy, books & games Once Upon a Child The Original Children’s Consignment Sale Education (page 61) Club Z In-Home Tutoring Westminster School Special Needs (page 61) Sensational Kids Total POSS-abilities Child Care (page 62) College Nannies + Tutors North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center Spontaneity Kid Care

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Struggling kids

• • • • •

get real help at Brain Balance.

“

The program changed everything. Jake’s improvement is undeniable.

- ALISON B., PARENT

”

How it works: The program balances and synchronizes left brain/right brain interaction. The newly strengthened connections improve behavior, social and academic performance.

Brain Balance addresses: • ADHD • Processing Disorders • Learning Disabilities • Behavioral Issues

Pediatric and adults Highest quality therapy Friendly and caring staff Flexible office hours Convenient locations

FAMILY SERVICES

You can't avoid life, let us get you back to living!

OKLAHOMA INSTITUTE of ALLERGY & ASTHMA www.okallergy.com

Edmond/OKC: (405) 607-4333 1810 East Memorial Road, OKC, OK 73131

Yukon/Mustang: (405) 265-1949 728 S. Mustang Road, Yukon, OK 73099

TEAM BABY FREE Workshops for New Parents

Use promo code FAMILY for a FREE gift on your first visit!

FREE CHILDCARE, BABY STUFF, & FOOD!!!

SIGN UP TODAY! 405.639.2054 familiesok.org Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant Number: 90FM0026. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

French Classes

FREE CONSULTATION

1-800-877-5500 brainbalancecenters.com Brain Balance Center of OKC 3545 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73134

FIT4MOM® classes provide fitness, friendship, and fun for you AND your baby!

Enroll for your first week free by contacting Mary Davis at: 405.921.5475 marydavis@fit4mom.com facebook.com/nokcedmond.fit4mom Now offering classes six days a week in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

Come find your village!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Alliance Française d'Oklahoma City

• Kids (ages 5-10) 5-week sessions Saturdays 10:00am - 11:00am • Adult classes, 6-week sessions Levels 1 & 3 Tuesdays Levels 2 & 4 Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:30pm Class Dates & Registration www.afdokc.org/education/french-classes Contact Us & Info email afdokc@gmail.com call 405-748-0868 visit www.afdokc.org

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

ONE FREE WEEK

taught by native French speakers for

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The Dance Department FREE TRIAL CLASS

Oklahoma Sport

Fencing

24 NW 144 Circle, Edmond

oksportfencing.com 755-4195

Fall Registration August 6 and 7

from 4 - 8 both days

N e w m e m b e r s s ave 2 5% w i t h t h i s a d .

CREATING FRIENDSHIPS ONE STEP AT A TIME Now enrolling for: Summer Camps Summer and Fall Classes

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

405-721-8807

info@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

FREE Dance Camp!

July 16: 6:00-7:00 pm August 1: 12:30-2:00 pm

Ages 3-10, Dance • Crafts • Fun

Enroll today at

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

JOIN US

For ages starting at birth.

this Year

for classes today!

free class on us*

BRING IN this offer*

Find a location and class schedule that works best for you at gymboreeclasses.com.

Norman: Redbud Plaza, 255 34th Ave. SW, Norman, OK 73072 405-307-8454 normanok@gymboreeclasses.com OKC: Shoppes at Northpark 11940 N. May Ave. OKC, OK 73012 405-755-3445 okcok@gymboreeclasses.com

Confidence.

A unique method with benefits for today, and for life.

Schedule a free placement test now at your local Kumon Math & Reading Center:

EDMOND - NORTH • Covell & Kelly

405.715.1111 • kumon.com/edmond-north EDMOND - WEST • 2nd & Santa Fe Ave.

405.216.9800 • kumon.com/edmond-west

©2014 Kumon North America

Now Enrolling!

Jo Rowan, Dance Dept. Chair

Dance classes for all ages!

Jazz

Small Class Sizes

Tap

Scholarships Available

Creative Movement Hip Hop

Trained Instructors Spring Showcase Performance

Ballet

Community Dance Center

405.208.5508

CommunityDanceCenter@okcu.edu

www.okcu.edu/communitydance

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Register Now to Save Your Spot

www.midiforkids.com

Select Oklahoma/Backbeat Garage/Edmond Studio to see classes offered.

See us at www.facebook.com/

*Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time at Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.

Math. Reading.

Join a MIDI for Kids keyboard or guitar class at our local studio.

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AUGUST 2015

backbeatmusicgarage or call 800-503-0287 ext. 88 3417 Wynn Dr., (behind Edmond Music)

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

a world of learning awaits!

Take a Ride with Us

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SPARK

School Year Before

First Presbyterian Church NW 25th & Western

Join us as we learn about Art with the Arts Council, get Homework help, play organized games, have tutoring in Math and Reading, enjoy snacks and relax in a safe, well-supervised environment.

School Breaks

Español para todos! Baby, Kids and adults! Bilingual Skills for life!

Little Spanish Bridge brings a class held 100% in Spanish! Children will learn Spanish through: Art, Music and Movement, Math Skills and Problem Solving, Science and Geography and much, much more. ALL IN SPANISH!

Call today to enroll for fall!

405 805-6283

www.littlespanishbridge.com

2000 NW 150th Street. Oklahoma City/Edmond

Mon.-Fri. 6:30am—6pm 2 Star facility

DHS

APPROVED!

Regular School Days

Website: fpcokc.org/spark

6:30-8:30am and 2:00-6:00

Want more info?

Rex, Gatewood, Horace Mann, Dove MS, Bishop John Carrol, Classen SAS and more.

BUILDING MINDS Building Success Through Hands-On Learning Fun

Birthday Parties with Lego® bricks!

www.Building-Minds.com

405-443-4530

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

–Benjamin Franklin

MOONBOUNCES • SLIDES • OBSTACLE COURSES • WATER SLIDES

PARTY GUIDE

PICK-UP A MOONBOUNCE FOR ONLY $165 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!

For more info, call or log on to

www.AllisonsFunInc.com (405) 447-1118

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AUGUST 2015

Call: (405)525-0018

PARTY GUIDE

Kool Things To Do! l

Plan the

KooWalk-in Canvas Painting $15

best party ever!

Pottery Painting

LemonAid

Pitchers & Cups!

Kool Ice Cream Bowls!

ď‚­ Every FRIDAY in August Enjoy LemonAid

Find more about these businesses and other party ideas at: metrofamilymagazine.com/ party-guide

842-7770 paintnstation.com

Paint your own pottery studio. 7906 N. May, OKC

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

FAMILY FUN

New Low Impact Paintball

PERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS

FUN FOR ALL

SparkSparktacular tacular Fun! Fun!

Our Special Needs Issue

AGES!

New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+) 8 Field Courses!

New Picnic Area!

New Playground!

All-Weather Building!

Birthday Parties!

After School Fun: • Ceramics • Paint-N-Take • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • Indoor Playground • Grown-ups Paint Nights

Contact us for more information:

(405) 373-3745

DodgeCityPaintball.com 16425 NW 150th in Piedmont Open Year Round, Groups & Walk-ons Welcome!

405-340-7584 www.unpluggits.com 575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond

You could win

BIG!

FOSTER CARE

Coming this Fall:

Enter all of our contests at: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com

405-601-2081

www.metrofamilymagazine.com

There are children in crisis situations all across the state who need a safe and loving home tonight. Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? You can be part of Circle of Care’s team as we work to provide help, healing, and hope to abused and neglected children. We stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and process.

www.circleofcare.org Call our local staff today to learn more! 405-463-6626 1501 NW 24th Street, Suite 214, OKC, OK 73106

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

FOSTER CARE

Do You Have a Heart for Children?

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

Do you want the

MANICURED LOOK for twice the wear and half the price?

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7 For all your breastfeeding needs, visit Green Bambino!

Contact me today! 405-408-6077 www.got2lovemynails.jamberrynails.net

Ms. De, Jamberry

Independent Consultant on FB

Available for birthday parties and fundraisers!

Now open Sundays 12-4

5120 N Shartel Ave. (405) 848-2330 GreenBambino.com

ALSO: WONDERFUL product for a Jamberry Birthday Beauty Day!

QUALITY KIDS’ STUFF FOR LESS! At Once Upon A Child, we have all of the stuff your kids need at everyday low prices. We've got a Stop in & see us now! great selection of gently used clothing, shoes, toys 13801 N Pennsylvania Ave and gear for kids of all ages-from newborn to N Oklahoma City 73134 tween. Plus, we'll pay you on the spot for the stuff your kids have outgrown!

405.286.3114

OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

For a list of upcoming events, visit our website!

EDUCATION

WE ARE...

WESTMINSTER

Pre-K and Kindergarten • Grades One through Eight 600 NW 44 Street • OKC • 405.524.0631 • westminsterschool.org

Play • Learn • Thrive

Services Include:

Occupational Therapy Speech- Language Therapy Social Groups We Specialize in Working with Children with: • • • • • •

Down Syndrome Autism ADD & ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder Cerebral Palsy Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays (and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare

2917 NW 156th ST. Edmond, OK

totalposs-abilities.com

Our innovative staff, state of the art facility and FUN gives your child Poss-ABILITIES!

Serving children living with: •

Accepting: BCBS, Health Choice, Tricare, Indian Health Services, Oklahoma Health Network, OSMA, Sooner Care and more...

• • • •

ADD/ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delays Handwriting Difficulties Gross & Fine Motor Delays Feeding Difficulty Sensory Processing Disorder

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

(405) 840-1686 www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATION

Serving Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!

Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond

SPECIAL NEEDS

405-607-4440

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

CHILD CARE

Date night?

Doctor's appointment?

Babysitter canceled?

Sign up

Fall s i h t g n i n Ope

Follow us on Facebook

today!

Located in Chase Plaza at Portland and Memorial 1/5 vertical: 2.25” X 6.418” 405-541-9072 www.SpontaneityKidCare.com

Child Care with a

Creative Twist! weekend picks

Nannies + Sitters

Customized Childcare Solutions Our nanny and sitter services are customized to meet your family’s individual needs, whether that’s a few evenings a month or multiple days per week.

It’s your family. You know what you need. Tell us and we will help find the right fit.

collegetutors.com/edmondok

405.513.6060

Proudly Serving Edmond, OKC, Norman + More

Infants - School age

Now Enrolling for NEW Full Time PreK Class

Class of 10 taught by fully certified teacher.

405-254-3147

North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Make the most of your family time with Weekend Picks, MetroFamily’s weekly e-newsletter with all the best OKC family fun.

Delivered to your inbox each Thursday, it features the top local events so you can plan for the weekend. metrofamilymagazine.com /weekend-picks

BEFORE YOU GO

TO SCHOOL

Be Lazy or Be Crazy at Water-Zooo BE YOU!

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Through August 16