Metro Family Magazine September 2016

Ent chil er you d in r our

COV KIDER Sea S rc h

Det ails Insi de

SEPTEMBER 2016

TEEN BUCKET LIST 18 iconic OKC experiences PANHANDLE PERFECTION Hit the road out west THRILLS ON HORSEBACK Top spots to ride in the metro FAIRS & FESTIVALS GALORE Fair season fun in our calendar

See our calendar for 244 September events!

Create. Take. Bake.

The Perfect Pizza Night

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS BETHANY

ENID

NORMAN

PONCA CITY

3030 N Rockwell Ave 405-787-7907

204 S Van Buren St Family Video Plaza 580-237-1037

320 12th Avenue SE across from BancFirst 405-701-5775

901 E Prospect Ave 580-765-7272

MIDWEST CITY

NW EXPY

101 N Douglas Blvd Douglas & Reno - next to Crest 405-455-3000

6401 NW Expressway 405-603-4646

9501 N May Ave Mill Creek Flooring - El Chico 405-286-3232

MUSTANG

OKLAHOMA CITY

YUKON

815 SW 119th East of Western 405-378-0116

618 W Vandament Ave next to Family Video 405-265-4141

EDMOND 3248 S Broadway 405-509-2979

EDMOND/DANFORTH 2000 W Danforth Rd Santa Fe & Danforth East of Walmart 405-844-3100

EDMOND/QUAIL SPRINGS 15001 N May Ave 405-286-3400

3

$ OFF

425 SR152 Hwy in Pebble Creek Plaza 405-376-2380

OKLAHOMA CITY HEFNER

NORMAN

7755 W Hefner Rd across from the Post Office 405-720-7272

1354 N Interstate Dr North of Braums 405-364-5000 MFM

4

$

MFM

Any Pizza, Any Size

Fresh Salad

Excludes Faves and Dessert Pizzas

Choose from any regular menu salad

IN-STORE ONLY. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with

IN-STORE ONLY. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with

other offers. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Limit 3. Expires October 2, 2016.

other offers. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Limit 3. Expires October 2, 2016.

THE VILLAGE

$

10

MFM

11

$

MFM

Large Herb Chicken Mediterranean

Large 5-Meat Stuffed

IN-STORE ONLY. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with

IN-STORE ONLY. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with

other offers. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Limit 3. Expires October 2, 2016.

other offers. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Limit 3. Expires October 2, 2016.

go

guide...

The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 19, Number 9

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2016

10

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Assistant Editor Heather Davis, Erin Page, Mae Kiggins, Angela Botzer– Contributing Writers Emily Hart and Mark Doescher– Contributing Photographers Brittany Viklund–Contributing Illustrator

OKC Teen Bucket List

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 sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

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. Address: 318 NW 13th St Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2016, All Rights Reserved.

14

BUDGET CUT WOES How local schools are coping with financial cut-backs

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

26

A DAY IN THE LIFE Get a peek inside the life of metro mom & business owner Britnee Lesser

28

WILD WEST ROAD TRIP Discover family fun in Oklahoma's panhandle

9 Editor's Picks: Top Spots for Horseback Riding 20 Mom Humor: My Family's Dirty Laundry 22 Making Your Own Backyard Fairy House

24 Parenthood Simplified: Keys to Contentment 50 Expert Panel: Tips for Raising Teens

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we help you and your teen discover new ways to bond, send you on a panhandle road trip and kick off fall with tons of autumn festivals and events.

r u O r e t En ! s t s e t n o C

I don't make a habit of being jealous of 14-year-olds but I wonder what my teenage years would have been like if I'd looked as effortlessly cool as our cover model.

Maddie was one of several winners of last year's Cover Kids Search and I was blown away to discover not all teens experience the awkward years that make them run from a camera.

I've done my best to bury any and all photos of me at Maddie's age and I can't be alone. Most people don't recall their teenage years with fondness. For some, it's shame about their odd body type, their acne, the embarrassing crushes they had or all of the above.

ENTER OUR COVER KIDS SEARCH

On page 10, find a list of 18 fun things to do with your kids before they turn 18. The list is meant to spark some ideas for connecting with your teens in new and exciting ways, which can be a challenge as they mature and become too cool to hang out with their parents.

For others, it's simply not a good memory because of the poor choices that marked that stage of life. However you look back on your teenage years, you probably recall them more and more as you watch your children enter that stage of life.

On page 50, our local experts weigh in on how parents can foster independence while keeping teens safe. It's a delicate balance but these experts shed light on specific ways to manage expectations and navigate these ever-changing relationships.

Teenage years bring a whole new set of concerns and challenges to parenthood. We've tried to provide some helpful insights in this issue to calm your nerves about what's ahead with your quickly-maturing kids.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

On a side note, if your teen is as photogenic as Maddie, encourage him or her to enter our Cover Kids Search!

Cover Kids Search: MetroFamily is looking for big smiles and bright personalities to grace our 2017 covers. Find details and register your child at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids.

There is a $25 entry fee (or $50 for up to five total entries).

All entrants and their families are invited to enjoy a fun party from 1-5 p.m. on Sept. 25 where they will meet MetroFamily staff, enjoy hands-on activities, have their child’s photo taken by Prints Charming Photography and meet characters from Forever After Parties. This exclusive event will be hosted at the Park House Event Center of Myriad Gardens. The first 200 families to register will receive a goody bag full of great coupons, tickets and offers from our advertisers. Special thanks to our platinum sponsor Oklahoma Dental Association and photography sponsor Prints Charming Photography.

See OKC Giveaway: Win a fall staycation from the OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau including a one-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Bricktown and four tickets to the OKC Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma and Myriad Gardens. Deadline to enter is Sept. 30.

EdFest Giveaway: We're giving away 20 wristbands to the KidsZone at Edmond's popular EdFest hosted on Oct. 14 at the Downtown Edmond Festival Marketplace. This annual street festival benefits Edmond Mobile Meals and features food trucks, local beer and wine tastings, a live band and plenty of familyfriendly activities. Enter between Sept. 20 and Oct. 10.

Enter at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests THIS MONTH’S COVER:

FF O K C I K

FALL

DREDS N U H WITH ILY EVENTS 32 OF FAaM on page r starts Calend

Maddie B. is a Cover Kids Search winner who lives in Norman with her parents Stacy and Shannon, her brother Landon, and their two dogs, Buddy and Buster. She loves animals and University of Oklahoma sports and her favorite subjects in school are choir, history and family and consumer science. She recently signed with The Agency Dallas and is pursuing her dream of being a model.

!

W WO

PHOTO TAKEN BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

family buzz

We’re buzzing about

Giving Back

BY HANNAH SCHMITT

Our readers often ask us for ways to volunteer together. We love to see families serving local communities and ServeOK is hosting a unique opportunity for families to learn more about giving back.

Amazing ServeOK Race on Sept. 24 will feature clues and activities across Oklahoma City to give participants an inside peek at how some local non-profits operate.

"We're really excited to get people involved in seeing what's out there in the community and how they can bring awareness to local needs," said Jennifer Lester, ServeOK's executive director.

Lester's hope is that families learn more about the charity efforts happening in town on the day of the event in a way that sparks a life-long interest in helping others. Participants will register as teams and each team will get to visit three to five

non-profits on the day of the competition. At the end of the event, a finish line party will be hosted for participants where representatives from participating non-profits will be on hand to answer questions.

"As a child, I went with my family to volunteer at different things a lot," Lester said. "It certainly taught me to think beyond myself and to serve someone not just because they're in desperate need but because it builds communities and raises awareness about supporting others in different situations."

Families are encouraged to register together and Lester believes older children will gain

a lot from the experience. Preregistration is required. Visit www.serveok.org/amazingrace to register your team. The cost is $50 per team/vehicle (team sizes can be two to five people). Shirts are available for an additional $10 each. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept.

24 at First Church (131 N.W. 4th St.).

Pitch in this month

to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month The American Childhood Cancer Organization reports 15,780 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S. About a quarter of them won't survive the disease. Those who do survive endure treatment and circumstances many adults can't even imagine. September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

We hope our readers will honor the occasion by participating in one of these local events.

Three ways you can support local kids during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: 1. Sign up for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.

This year's race will take place Sept. 24 at Wheeler Park (1120 S. Western Ave.) with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude staff members have developed treatments that have pushed the overall childhood cancer survival rate

from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened in 1962. The event funds continued research as well as covering the costs of treatments for other families. St. Jude patients never pay for treatment or for the travel, housing or food costs associated with treatment. There are many ways to be involved. Start a fundraising group, join an existing team or simply participate individually to raise money and awareness for St. Jude's cause. See event website for details about cost to participate. Registration starts at 7 a.m., ceremony starts at 8 a.m., 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m. and walk starts at 8:35 a.m.

2. Buy a ticket for the Make-A-Wish Oklahoma 10th Annual Lexus Raffle.

Even if you don't have time to volunteer at a non-profit, you can support local kids this month by purchasing a raffle ticket in the Make-A-Wish Oklahoma 10th Annual Lexus Raffle. Through Sept. 14, purchase a $100 raffle ticket to support Make-A-Wish as they provide magical wish experiences to Oklahoma children suffering from serious METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

6

SEPTEMBER 2016

illnesses. Make-A-Wish gives kids with cancer a break from their illness to experience a moment of happiness and normalcy. Your donation will enter you to win one of three prizes: a 2016 Lexus RX 350 provided

by Lexus of Tulsa & Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City (valued at $48,289), an Apple iPad Air 2 and an Apple Watch Sport.

3. Make a meal for families of children with cancer.

The staff at the Toby Keith Foundation's OK Kids Korral believes there's really nothing like a home-cooked meal. That's why they work hard to coordinate volunteers to create hand-prepared dishes for the families of the pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center, Peggy & Charles Stephenson Cancer Center and other area facilities.

Volunteers prepare dinner for families at least five nights a week. To learn how you can volunteer to make a meal, call Jordan Keith at 405-271-6552 ext. 30800 or visit www.tobykeithfoundation.org and click the Volunteer tab.

New Series on OKC Education

L

ast month, as thousands of Oklahoma City area students returned to the classroom, parents and teachers throughout the metro area got a glimpse at how local school districts are getting creative in cutting costs.

Oklahoma faces a $1.3 billion budget shortfall for the current fiscal year, which resulted in a nearly $110 million budget cut for public education through June. More cuts have been announced for the current fiscal year, including the State Board of Education’s recent decision to cut $38 million from the School Activities Fund.

Cleveland Elementary School, along with Classen School of Advanced Studies and its feeder elementary schools, has implemented later start and end times to save more than $700,000 by staggering bus routes across the district.

“If it saves the district money and keeps a position from getting cut, I will happily sit in traffic,” said Kate Glasson, a 5th grade teacher at Cleveland whose daily commute to Norman was affected by the 4 p.m. end time.

Glasson worries how the later start will burden households with full-time working parents. Evans has a flexible schedule, but her husband works full-time and will no longer be able to take their daughter to school or volunteer in the mornings.

Mallory Evans' daughter, Charlotte, attends Cleveland and she's concerned that the later end time means less family time in the evenings and less time to provide Charlotte with supplemental arts and educational opportunities she no longer gets at school.

Still, their family sees the benefit of the change.

“I respect their decision to cut costs in ways that don't impact the teachers' pay or quality of education,” Evans said.

Edmond Public Schools conducted surveys and held open meetings to gain feedback METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

7

SEPTEMBER 2016

from employees about how to implement cuts for this year. Jason Engelke, assistant principal for Washington Irving Elementary School, feels fortunate that EPS has been a good steward of taxpayer money and proactively invited its teachers to be part of the decision-making process. To avoid layoffs and increased class sizes, Edmond teachers agreed to work one day less this school year, and district administrators two less, saving the district around $400,000.

“We would rather take a cut in pay than lose fellow teachers,” said Engelke. “Both site level and district level administration teams are very lean and doing more with less.”

Moore Public Schools started planning for cuts 18 months ago; while leaders didn’t know the severity of the shortfall, they saw it coming. An energy management team saved the district $1.2 million in energy costs by removing items like lamps and refrigerators from classrooms.

“It allowed us to post for critical need teaching positions this summer because we had the money to do it,” said Moore Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines.

Norman Public Schools is focusing on what they will still be able to accomplish this year. Thanks to a $140 million bond issue, the district will continue to remodel and add facilities across the district, open freshman academies and college career centers in both high schools, and provide all high school and middle school students with individual devices, thanks to a technology initiative.

The bond issue funding is earmarked solely for capital improvements and initiatives with a significant instructional impact.

principal for Irving Middle School.

“This is how we move the district forward even during challenging times,” said Dr. Joseph Siano, superintendent of Norman Public Schools. “We have a community that has supported us through bond issues because they want these kinds of things for their students.”

Last month, The Greater Chamber Oklahoma City hosted their annual State of the Schools event to update the community on the state of education in the metro. The district's new superintendent, Aurora Lora, shared some ways she'd like to see the community pitch in to help Oklahoma City's students in the midst of deep budget cuts. One very simple way for local parents to help out is through Donors Choose. Visit www.donorschoose. org and search your zip code to find out what needs teachers right in your neighborhood have. The site even shows you how to make your dollar go further by indicating which products have the support of businesses that will match your donation dollar-for-dollar.

Norman is also intent on regular communication with teachers and principals, being upfront about the challenges the district is facing and extending support.

“I’ve received a collective message from my district leadership that we are in this together, creativity will ensue and I am not alone in problem-solving,” said Jonathan Atchley,

How you can help right now

With our doors open to all, the Y brings together people from all backgrounds and supports those who need us most.

We take on the most urgent needs in our community and inspire a spirit of service in return.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

As local parents are more concerned than ever with how budget cuts are going to impact education, we're starting a threemonth series on education in this issue. Flip to page 14 to read the first installment of the series, which includes tips from local educators about how parents can fill the gaps in their children's education.

Find out more about the Y and our programs at YMCAOKC.ORG.

8

SEPTEMBER 2016

Great Spots for Horseback Riding As summer fades to fall in Oklahoma City, our minds shift away from splash pads and picnics to hay rides and hot chocolate. Horseback riding is an offbeat fall activity your whole family can enjoy together. Here are a few places in the area to get acquainted with a new four-legged friend and try out a new skill.

S&S Farms

Cross Creek Stables

Why We Love It: You won't believe

Why We Love It: In addition to

3401 N.E. 10th St. www.okcbyhorseback.com you're just a few minutes away from Bricktown as you mount a gentle horse for a scenic trail ride. The 160-acre property also boasts fishing ponds so you and your family can make an entire day out of your visit. Trail rides start at $15 an hour.

Cadence Equestrian Center 14150 S. Pine St., Edmond www.cadenceequestrian.com

Why We Love It: If you want a more

in-depth lesson in proper riding technique, lessons at Cadence Equestrian Center are the way to go. This Edmond riding center offers riding opportunities for kids as young as 5.

Book a lesson if your whole family wants to learn to ride together or enroll your child in one of Cadence's camps to give them a crash course in all things horsemanship. Half-hour lessons start at $40.

2200 Danforth Rd., Edmond www.crosscreekstablesokc.com traditional horseback rides and lessons for entire families that want to learn to ride together, Cross Creek Stables stands out with their monthly Parent's Night Out. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. one Saturday night a month, the stables welcome kids to ride horses, play games, do crafts and eat dinner. The cost is $55 and upcoming Parent's Night Out events are Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10.

The Riding Stables 7900 S.E. 104th St. 405-794-8850

Why We Love It: On a crisp fall

day, nothing could be better than a scenic horseback ride around Oklahoma City's Lake Stanley Draper. The Riding Stables offers 6,000 acres of riding area around the lake and will provide riders with a horse to match any

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

9

SEPTEMBER 2016

skill level. Rides start at $25 and are offered 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and reservations are required.

Silver Wind Stables

24413 N. May Ave., Edmond www.silverwindstables.com Why We Love It: Whether you're

interested in formal lessons or just a relaxed trail ride through this scenic 700-acre Edmond property, Silver Wind Stables can accommodate you. Lessons are offered in both English and Western disciplines and start at $40 per lesson. One-hour trail rides are available for groups as large as eight people for $50 per rider. Reservations are required.

[Editor's Note: Find our complete list of places in the Oklahoma City area to ride horses at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ horseback-riding]

local family fun

Teen Bucket List

18 things to do with your kids in OKC before they turn 18

O

ne day you're caring for a newborn and before you know it, you're sending him or her off to college. They grow up fast and the teenage years can be some of the hardest for finding ways to connect with your kids. We've rounded up 18 local experiences to try with your kids before they turn 18.

1. Check out a food truck park Resolve any argument about personal dinner tastes and preferences and settle into one of Oklahoma City's two food truck parks for a relaxing dinner with your teen. Delmar Gardens (1225 S.W. 2nd St.) and Bleu Garten

(301 N.W. 10th) both offer a rotating selection of food trucks serving up an assortment of cuisines.

2. Race to the finish A little friendly family competition is good for everyone. Take your teen to Pole Position (2905 N.W. 36th St.) where you can each climb into a go-kart and battle to the finish line.

3. Pick produce Oklahoma City's farmers market scene is an exciting place for you and your teen to discover locally-grown produce and products.

Visit an area market and select something to cook together. Find a complete list of local markets at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ farmers-markets. Most are open through October.

BY HANNAH SCHMITT, PHOTOS PROVIDED

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

10

SEPTEMBER 2016

4. Soar together A one-of-a-kind attraction that's new to the city is iFly (13600 Pawnee Dr.), where visitors can simulate skydiving in a thrilling wind tunnel. It's a perfect outing for celebrating a special occasion or event with your teen.

5. Roll retro More than a bowling alley, Dust Bowl Lanes (421 N.W. 10th St.) offers an unforgettably old-fashioned bowling experience. Your teen will adore the nostalgic feel and delicious food delivered straight to the lanes.

6. Cruise the canal A trip down the Bricktown Canal on a water taxi (ticket booth at 111 S. Mickey Mantle) never gets old. Catch up with your teen on a tour of one of Oklahoma City's most iconic attractions.

TOP PHOTO: WHEELER DISTRICT BOTTOM PHOTO: SPOKIES

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

11

SEPTEMBER 2016

7. Discover something new and unusual

11. Experience nostalgia

Perhaps the most interesting museum in Oklahoma City is the Museum of Osteology (10301 S. Sunnylane Rd.). It's a perfect stop for teens as it puts the weird and wonderful on display in an educational way.

8. Guarantee screams

Join DSACO for the

Down Syndrome Festival & 5K October 1, 2016 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 5K starts at 8 a.m. $35 registration fee Festival is free and open to the public, and begins inside the ballpark at 9:45 a.m.

Frontier City (11501 N. I-35 Service Rd.) boasts thrills at every turn for older kids.

Bring out the kid in yourself by boarding some of your teen's favorite roller coasters with them.

9. Give back One of the most impactful things you can do for your community and for your children is volunteer together. There are endless opportunities for you to volunteer with your teen. Find them at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer.

Take your teen back in time with a trip to Winchester Drive-In (6930 S. Western Ave.). Let your teen take the wheel to enjoy a family-friendly flick complete with classic concessions.

12. See OKC from above The Wheeler District is Oklahoma City's newest booming area and the biggest reason for visiting the neighborhood is to take a ride on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel (701 S. Western Ave.). The ride once stood on the Santa Monica pier but was erected in the local district earlier this year. Snap plenty of photos as you enjoy the sweeping views of the city from the top of the ride.

13. Explore nature indoors

10. Set out on a river adventure

While the children's area at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W. Reno) beckons little visitors, older kids will love a tour through the Crystal Bridge, an indoor rainforest environment boasting plants from around the world.

Thrill-seeking teens will love stepping out of their comfort zones at RIVERSPORT Adventures (800 Riversport Dr.). Take to the new roaring rapids attraction in a kayak or simply enjoy the facility's exciting adventure course complete with trip across the Oklahoma River on a zip line.

Before they get too old, every Oklahoma City kid needs to experience a live production at Lyric Theatre (1727 N.W. 16th). This Plaza District icon puts local talent in display in an endlessly entertaining

14. Soak up some culture

www.dsfestivaland5k.com

All proceeds stay in Oklahoma and benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

12

RIVERSPORT RAPIDS SEPTEMBER 2016

way. Upcoming shows include "Fully Committed" and "The Rocky Horror Show."

15. Remember OKC's past Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial (620 N. Harvey Ave.) with your teen can be a reflective and memorable experience. The visit will be a great reminder to you and your child about the importance of giving back to the community and the values that make Oklahoma City stand out.

16. Explore a new neighborhood Oklahoma City's urban core has experienced a tremendous boom in recent years. There's no better way to experience that than to climb onto a bike and explore a new area. If you don't have your own bike, pick up a rental from one of several Spokies stations scattered throughout the downtown area. They offer easy access to areas like the Plaza District, Paseo Arts District and Midtown. Find a station at www.spokiesokc.com.

17. Stroll a street festival One of the best ways to discover Oklahoma City's unique neighborhoods and spark your teen's curiosity is at one of the city's many regular street festivals. From the First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker and Hudson Ave.) to Auto Alley Shop Hop (Broadway Ave. between NW 4th and 10th Streets), these monthly festivals offer an exposure to local arts and culture in an environment older kids are sure to love.

18. Have an off-beat movie night Most teens love going to the theater but upgrade to an extra-special movie night by finding a unique film at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The museum's art house cinema offers a refined theater experience that will stand out from all the rest.

For a monthly list of local events perfect for teens, visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/5-Things-to-Do-with-Teens-in-OKC.

IFLY

FRONTIER CITY

Budget Cut Woes metro school districts brace for the worst

BY ERIN PAGE

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUND, WWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM

HOME SCHOOL DAY for

L

ike many of her fellow teachers, Kate Glasson began the school year anxious and overwhelmed

by Oklahoma’s ongoing budget cuts to public education.

Glasson has taught 5th grade at Cleveland Elementary School in the Oklahoma City Public School District for 10 years.

This year brought increased class sizes across her school, cuts to a lauded art program, the addition of a new math program but no corresponding materials and the loss of three facilities employees whose positions were cut after more than 20 years with the school.

shortfall and the mid-year cuts were atypical.

“We’ve had to set priorities,” said Dr. Joseph Siano, superintendent of Norman Public Schools. “We maintain focus on our classrooms and classroom teachers and the programs across the district that have the most impact to the most students.”

Bret Towne, superintendent of Edmond Public Schools, worries that Oklahoma’s failure to offer teachers comparable wages, benefits and working conditions to surrounding states means our colleges and universities are providing “a subsidized export pipeline of well-trained teachers.”

“Morale is at an all-time low,” said Glasson.

“We will have a smile on our faces when our children enter our classrooms but it will be different.”

Oklahoma faces a $1.3 billion budget shortfall for the current fiscal year, which resulted in a nearly $110 million budget cut for public education through June 2017.

More cuts have been announced for the current fiscal year, including the State Board of Education’s recent decision to cut $38 million from the School Activities Fund.

“My biggest concern is that she's going to be getting a fast-food quality education: cheap and lacking in quality or depth,” said Mallory Evans of daughter, Charlotte, who attends Cleveland. “Not through any fault of the faculty at Cleveland but they are just not capable of producing anything worthy of our kids with the tools they are given.”

Oklahoma City Public Schools faces a $30 million budget shortfall. Norman Public Schools experienced a $2.3 million reduction from January to June this past year, with an additional reduction of up to $4.5 million later in the year. Edmond Public Schools is implementing $3.5 million in budget cuts this school year. Moore Public Schools took a $3.1 million hit last fiscal year. Most districts have eliminated staff, reduced programming, increased class sizes and are operating with fewer materials.

In July, Oklahoma City Public Schools announced an additional 50 percent cut of fine arts budgets, reduction of elementary student budgets from $25 to $15 and a cut of all library media budgets.

Programming cuts will

Budget cuts aren’t new to any of Oklahoma’s school districts but the size of this year’s

October 10 - 10am-2pm

FREE Home School Day is designed for family learners and home school groups to come, experience, and do!

Enjoy activities and demonstrations throughout the galleries. Visit the Winnie Mae Cafe for lunch or our outdoor picnic areas.

Scavenger Hunt • Hands On Activities • Historical Interpreters

“We have to look at how we fund government in Oklahoma,” said Towne. “We need a bi-partisan plan to adequately fund education and all core services.”

In the meantime, public school districts across the state are making tough choices about how to implement budget cuts and parents are anxious about how their kids will be affected, not just this year, but over the course of their educational careers.

“State budget cuts have devastated this district,” said OKCPS board member Carrie Jacobs. “We are down to the bare bones.

Children are bearing the burden for now, but Oklahoma will bear the burden in the long run if we have a generation of students who didn't get the education they deserve.”

Home School Groups & Families

have lasting effects

Lisa Laughlin, English teacher at US Grant High School in OKCPS, is most concerned about losing elective courses and afterschool programming.

“For so many of our students, that elective course is the only reason they show up to school,” said Laughlin. “It is the best part of their day and it’s their outlet to escape.”

Regular exposure to and participation in the arts has long been shown to benefit students across not only their academic courses, but also character and self-esteem development.

As an OKCPS mom and speech-language pathologist for Oklahoma schools, Deirdre Fudge sees firsthand that students regularly participating in fine arts experience reduced drop-out rates, increased attendance, a rise in creativity and an appreciation for team building. Fudge has watched the district’s support of arts and science programs dwindle over the years, even before the budget crisis reached its current peak. When

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

15

SEPTEMBER 2016

Participate by contacting education@okhistory.org or (405) 522-3602 education@okhistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

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.

Glasson first began teaching at Cleveland, the school had full-time science, music, art and PE teachers and a part-time strings teacher.

“We were considered an arts and science specialty school and we delivered on that,” Glasson said. “Our students performed very well on standardized tests and students got a very well-rounded education.”

Though art, science and strings have since been cut at Cleveland, the school’s PTA raised funds to partner with Allied Arts to provide an art class to students once a week.

The same can’t be said for schools across the district.

Norman Public Schools cut its innovative

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

405.216.5240

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

16

SEPTEMBER 2016

French Immersion program at Reagan Elementary School, saving the district upwards of $400,000. Begun in 2012, the program provided kindergarten through fifth graders instruction in both English and French. Kisha Shelton had already been granted a transfer for her daughter to attend Reagan when she learned it had been cut.

“We were looking forward to the brain growth and development that happens when learning a new language at a young age,” said Shelton.

A similar enrichment program will be offered across the district this year, allowing students from the program to continue to interact with the language and culture, while

also reaching the other 350 kids who weren’t previously exposed.

“We don’t want to lose the whole essence of work we have done,” said Dr. Siano. “It’s not the program we had envisioned and wanted to duplicate across the district, but we had to look at it in a different and more affordable model.”

Jason Engelke, assistant principal for Washington Irving Elementary School in Edmond said while programs like PE and music remain in place in Edmond, those teachers have to teach more classes with less time to develop lesson plans. According to library media specialist Lauren Collings at Central Elementary School, the Putnam City School District has maintained music, arts, library and counseling programs at the elementary level. While other districts are cutting positions like hers, she says her district has provided great comfort and support to its teachers and students. Moore Public Schools has reduced fine arts and athletic budgets but Moore Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines said he’s dedicated to preserving and protecting these programs in his district.

“These are things we have to keep in play to keep students actively engaged and in school,” said Romines. “We would lose kids if we didn’t have these programs.”

Teachers must do more with less

When Stephanie Anderson, an English teacher at Putnam City North High School, returned from holiday break in January, she and her colleagues found their copy room void of paper. Scared the paper supply needed to last until May, administrators locked up all paper and teachers had to ask their principal for a ream at a time. A teacher for 15 years, Anderson has never seen anything like it.

“Seeing the state budget crisis in the news directly affect something so simple like paper made everyone more worried about the future,” Anderson said.

Laughlin hasn’t been able to update textbooks and supplemental resources that align with new standards. She deals daily with a lack of classroom supplies, faulty printers and outdated technology. Glasson worries about how she will teach a new math program without any of the materials.

While her principal and parents could use PTA funds to pay for the materials, the district won’t agree to it because other students wouldn’t have access to those same materials.

“I completely understand this desire to keep things equitable but our district is far too large and diverse for a 'what's good for one is good for all' mentality,” Glasson said.

Glasson and others aren’t certain how they will teach without proper materials and resources. But they press on out of obligation to teach their students each day to the very best of their abilities, regardless of the resources available to them.

“Schools, teachers and students are being asked to do more with less,” Anderson said.

“That is a very scary situation because the children of Oklahoma suffer.”

As Collings considers the circumstances of her colleagues across the state, and the state government’s culpability in bringing Oklahoma to this point, she is confident in Oklahoma teachers’ abilities and passion for their profession.

“Public school is taking a brutal beating on the floor of the legislature,” Collings said. “However, each day, public school teachers arrive at school willing to go above and beyond for every child. Their goal is to provide the best education possible, no matter the financial circumstances.”

Fewer staff means larger classrooms

Edmond Public Schools will eliminate approximately 30 staff positions this year.

Norman Public Schools had to eliminate 150 positions, 40 of them certified staff. Moore Public Schools has handled the majority of cuts through attrition. As positions are eliminated or not rehired, that means more work and more students for remaining staff.

“I'm concerned with teachers being stretched thin, again,” said Rebecca Argo, a language arts teacher at Putnam City’s Capps Middle School, who is teaching an additional core class and grade level to make up for cuts at her school. “I know I'm capable of teaching two grade levels, but it's scary.”

In her second year of teaching, Argo has already seen lifelong and new teachers alike get burned out and leave the profession.

“We want teachers to stay in Oklahoma, but if we’re underpaid, overworked and don’t feel like our professional opinions are valued, then what is the point in staying here?” Laughlin asked. “The threat against our students’ education has become a problem too big to ignore and we’re not going down without a fight.”

While that fight is in play at the Capitol, kids across most districts will see an increase in

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

17

SEPTEMBER 2016

classroom sizes. Glasson anticipated more than 30 students in Cleveland’s second grade classrooms. Fudge is worried about classes of 35 students or more at Classen SAS. Romines said his own sixth grader has larger classes than what he, as a parent and administrator, believes is optimal.

“This is not what is best for our kids or our teachers,” Romines said. “But if the money isn’t there, it isn’t there.”

As a parent and teacher, Anderson sees the detriment to behavior, individual instruction, teacher-student relationships and developing life-long learners as classroom sizes increase.

“So much emphasis is given to the bottom 25 percent to bring up testing scores and the school report card grades that many teachers don’t have time to challenge advanced learners,” Anderson said. “My daughter is an advanced reader; as long as she is not a behavior issue and does her work, she won’t necessarily be ‘on the radar.’ That scares me.”

In a smaller class, Anderson said teachers would be better able to differentiate instruction and challenge advanced students while also helping those who are struggling.

Moore is combating teachers lost to attrition by hiring certified teaching assistants.

The district’s assistant superintendent of elementary schools regularly visits schools to determine where help is needed.

“To me, this is a positive,” said Greg Waggoner, assistant principal of Fairview Elementary School. “They alleviate some work off the teacher and have a positive impact on the kids.”

Seeking change Many educators agree the future of public education in Oklahoma is highly dependent on how the state budget shakes out for the rest of the school year and whether November’s elections bring about change for the entire system. Many educators and administrators are cautiously optimistic that change is coming.

“With so many current and former educators running for elected positions in our state, I am hopeful that Oklahomans will soon see successful representation for students, teachers and schools,” said Collings.

“Appropriate school funding, increased teacher pay and a reduction in ineffective high stakes testing are the most important changes that need to be made to improve education in Oklahoma.’

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

18

SEPTEMBER 2016

Until system-wide change is a reality, parents can incite small change now by volunteering their time and much-needed supplies to their children’s schools as they are able.

“Ensuring the best education possible happens for each child means parents are involved, attend events at the school and both sides are effectively communicating on a consistent basis,” Atchley said.

Waggoner has been pleased to see local businesses and community members taking a vested interest in Moore schools.

Businesses have sponsored school parties, individuals have served as tutors and churches have helped provide holiday gifts to needy families.

“Property owners want schools to be successful because that boosts the economy in your area,” Waggoner said. “It [also] helps takes the pressure off teachers and builds a sense of them not being in this alone.”

Parents can also make a lasting impact at home. Educators agree that reading with or encouraging your child to read every day is essential to their academic development.

Anderson said many students in a typical high school classroom read two or more grade levels below where they should be.

With the loss or reduction of extracurricular activities at school, parents should seek those opportunities elsewhere to instill creativity and a love of learning. Evans will be signing her daughter up for piano lessons and classes at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute to make up for her diminished art classes at Cleveland this year. Finally, communicating regularly with your child’s teacher is a simple means to offer support for both the teacher and your child’s education.

“As a high school teacher, I often only hear from parents if a grade is low,” said Anderson. “However, in conversations with parents, I am able to provide information beyond the grade. I can say how your child is doing socially, emotionally and offer insight they as teenagers are not always willing to share.”

Administrators agree that despite the uncertainty facing public education, they will keep a positive outlook this year.

Engelke stays focused on helping his students progress and on maintaining a positive work environment for his teachers.

“We cannot give our teachers a raise,” said Engelke, “but we can share a smile and joke and a common goal of working for something bigger than ourselves, which is teaching and empowering children.”

JOIN US Sunday, September 18, 2016 as we move and groove at a new location!

• Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 West Reno • 11 am to 6 pm • Kindie Artists, Creative and Movement Activities, • Healthy Food Trucks, and More!

As always, free to the public Benefitting arts programs of The Children’s Hospital VOLUNTEERS 501(c)3 charity

Scaramucci Foundation

Supporting sponsors & Activity partners: Bumbershoot PR, Angels Foster Family Network, OKC Dodgers, Schools for Healthy Lifestyles, Dead Center Film Festival Oklahoma City Philharmonic, OKC Boathouse, OKC Mom’s Blog, Jerrod Beck

mom gets the last laugh

My Family’s Dirty Laundry

ND, WWW.BRIT TANY VIKLU ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANY VIKLU

From the moment our children are born, we begin to teach them independence.

We teach them to swallow, then eat, then gum, then chew. We teach them to hold up their heads, then sit up, then crawl, then toddle, then walk. We respond to their cries, then their babbles, then their jabbers and then their complete sentences. Each milestone brings with it a little bit of joyful triumph as our babies stretch their wings and prepare to fly into life. But it also brings a touch of tears as we know that they are moving slowly away from us, becoming their own creatures.

Except when we teach them about laundry. That brings us tears of frustration as we curse Adam and Eve for even bringing about the urge to cover our bodies, thus, necessitating clothes and the act of cleaning them.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

ND.COM

A few years back, after I’d washed the exact same outfit of my older daughter’s and she hadn’t worn that outfit in at least a year, I decided it was time that she learn to do her own laundry.

I set aside one Saturday in the early fall, devoting it to all things laundry.

I had her sort her laundry into colors and shades. I had her carefully determine the size of the load. I helped her learn about the various products and their functions and smells. I showed her the dial and how to select the exactly right cycle for what she was washing. I taught her to transfer laundry from the washer to the dryer and how to select the correct heat for her items. Then, when the dryer completed its cycle, I had her take the freshly laundered clothes back to her room, fold them and put them away.

The kid was ready for the laundry Olympics if I do say so my own self.

20

SEPTEMBER 2016

This seemed to work out fine. On laundry day, I’d do the rest of the family’s laundry and she’d finish up her laundry last. She was perfectly fine with going last—in fact, she insisted on it.

When it was time for her younger sister to begin doing her own laundry, our oldest child gathered her under her arm and tutelage and showed her the laundry ropes.

Again. I was surely candidate for Mother of the Year, friends. I beamed with pride and revealed in the fact that I’d just cut my own personal laundry duty in half.

A few weeks later, with both girls doing their own laundry, I found them squabbling in the laundry room. I hoped the Mother Of The Year committee didn’t make a surprise dropin at that exact moment.

“I don’t want to go first,” my younger daughter appealed to me in her best baby-ofthe-family voice. “I want to go last because I hate folding.”

Hate folding. That’s an interesting take on going last.

“Yeah, well,” her sister interrupted, “It was my idea in the first place.”

“Going last was your idea?” I asked for clarification, trying to understand the logic of middle school girls.

“Yeah,” she explained. “If you go last, you get to keep your laundry in the dryer all week long and tumble it when you’re ready to wear it.”

Oh … I was beginning to see the light. I was raising one evil genius.

Upon investigation, the girls were arguing over who would go last at completing their laundry. While it was a fairly big argument and laundry soap pods were used as ammunition, I was still fairly excited about the fact that they were offering the other the preferred “first dibs” on the laundry room.

“Why don’t you just take it out and fold it?”

I suggested, thinking about all the times I could have just left my own laundry in the dryer and tumbled it. How wonderful would my morning have been had I just been able to slip into a warm, wrinkle free outfit fresh from the dryer.

Only, that’s not at all what the argument was about.

If it were possible to hear eyes rolling, I would’ve heard their eyes rolling at me in the

laundry room.

“I hate folding,” my youngest reiterated.

“Well, so do I!” my oldest cried, pleading her own case.

Being the good momma, I did what all good mommas do. I bowed out. “Let me know how you solve this and if you need help folding, just holler.”

Then I stepped from the laundry room, leaving both girls with their hampers of a week’s worth of unsorted laundry. I stayed out of view but not out of earshot.

My oldest began the negotiations. “If we set the load to extra large, I bet we could fit both hampers in here at the same time.”

My youngest was a forgiving counterpart.

“Great idea.”

And that’s when they learned to work together … as they overloaded and overflowed our washing machine.

Heather Davis is a momma, a writer and has been removed from the Mother-Of-The-Year short list. She is the author of several books, all available through Amazon.com.

St. Luke’s Edmond Children’s Center

OPEN SEPTEMBER 6!

900 N. Sooner Road, Edmond, OK stlukesedmond.org

LOOKING FOR GREAT TEACHERS! | ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY! LIMITED SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!

Call 232-2391 for more information.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

21

SEPTEMBER 2016

Backyard Magic Making fairy houses inspires imagination and fun using natural materials from the outdoors.

O

n one of my visits to Ireland years ago, I discovered I was intrigued by mystical-looking fairy rings near The Burren in County Clare, and later, the folklore of fairies. There is a magical air in Ireland on any occasion and while the lore of fairies probably didn’t originate there (the folkloric origins are more Germanic, Celtic and GrecoRoman) I usually associate fairies with Ireland and the British Isles.

Besides one of the most well-known fairies, Tinker Bell from J.M. Barrie’s play "Peter Pan" and later the famous Disney movie of the same name, fairies have appeared in folklore and tales for centuries.

BY ANGELA BOTZER

One of the most beloved, fun activities for children with an interest in fairies is making small fairy houses, whimsical houses made with natural materials.

The imagination can run wild with ideas on how to create and furnish these small houses.

Materials can be found in backyards, public parks and woods, along streams, the beach or the mountains. First, find a quiet place to build the fairy houses. Ideal places to put the fairy houses could be a nook or hollow in a tree, on the ground, in a carved out depression on a rock or a hidden place in the corner of a vegetable or flower garden.

Building Your Fairy House Now, the fun part: the imagination can go wild with what to use. Velvety soft moss can make a small pillow or a cozy rug. Green leaves have a variety of uses; if large enough, as a tent house, or small, cut into squares for books. Gather twigs, stones, rocks and crystals to make pathways to lead the way to

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

22

SEPTEMBER 2016

the fairy house door.

Imagine what the fairy house should look like, the size and where the house will be situated. Will it have a pathway? Is it hidden?

What will be the overall shape of the house?

To structure the house, twigs bound by twine or grass can be used; you can also use these to construct window frames. Special fairy house foundations could also be made from a deserted bird’s nest. Roofing can be constructed of wide or narrow strips of bark or shingles made from pinecone sections.

Decorating Your Fairy House The art of decorating is a delight. Flowers, flower petals, feathers, decorative glass (for safety, parents should check for sharp edges first), can all serve as decorations around windows and doorways. The fairies may like a patio, bordered by small pebbles and flower petals.

Look for materials that could act as beds, tables and chairs. Acorn caps, shells and

small flat pebbles or rocks make great furniture. Little swatches of fabric could serve as curtains, rugs, bed coverings and pillows.

Other items could come from home, such as necklaces, jewelry, snips of fabric or some small cherished doll furnishings. While most fairy houses put an emphasis on using natural materials, let your kids feel free to decorate with items they like.

Just like moving into any house, the decorating is the fun part, with personalizing your fairy house. Arrange tables, chairs, beds and perhaps a fireplace for the fairies to keep warm. Set out books made from folded leaves on a tiny shelf. Mica and other flat shiny objects could serve as mirrors. Fairies apparently love snacks. A tea set made out of halved berries, with a larger berry for a teapot would be welcoming.

If your fairy house is close by to your home, you can always add to it, refreshing the books made of leaves, fairy food or the grass woven rug and so on.

Fairy houses can be created in all seasons, with each season offering different objects to

use. You can also leave seasonal snacks for the fairies, berries, herbs and flowers in the spring, summer and fall and seeds and beans and a tiny bit of bread in the winter. Perhaps make a little pond or even just a mug of water for them to drink could be added.

One of the benefits of building and creating fairy houses is that it’s a peaceful experience.

It’s the chance to be in nature, to be quiet and be creative. You might want to build a small fairy village with friends.

Find special items for building fairy houses at these Oklahoma City businesses: The Garden Gnome Bonsai, 4141 N. Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, 405-521-8733 Tony’s Tree Plantation LLC, 3801 S. Post Road, Oklahoma City, 405-455-7700, tonystreeplantation.com

Dads and moms, remember to take photos of the fairy houses and perhaps keep them in an album. There is no age restriction to making fairy houses; it’s a meditative and therapeutic way to connect with nature and yourself, relaxing and fun. Building fairy houses encourages creative thinking, offers something for families to do together and gets everyone out in nature and sunshine.

Myriad Botanical Gardens occasionally offers fairy garden construction classes for kids. Check their online schedule for details at oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.

Will Rogers Gardens also offers regular fairy garden events. Learn more at www.okc.gov/active.

Be a part of NORMAN's best children’s and maternity consignment SALE • October 9-15 Stop by and visit us!

Cleveland County Fairgrounds

Check us out on facebook at facebook.com/JBFofOKC

615 E. Robinson, Norman 73071 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 HALF-PRICE on Friday and Saturday!

jbfsale.com

shop. sell. save. smart!™

$5 off $50 purchase on Wed, Oct 12 with this AD METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Consignor registration and details available onlne

23

SEPTEMBER 2016

Parenthood Simplified 6 Keys of Contentment for Cultivating a Happier Family Home

Parenting is one tough gig. Whether you have a newborn or a teenager about to leave your home, you know firsthand the demands and joys of the parenting journey. It can sometimes seem nearly impossible to parent effectively, care for the family home and meet work expectations, let alone find time for self-care.

Our homes are our sanctuaries and the foundation for our family’s unique culture.

Dream of what your family needs to live cohesively in your home. What can you do today to move in the right direction to create a home that handles the demands of family life? Contentment does not mean gaining everything you desire but finding joy in the little pleasures that already surround you.

Carve out time to meet your own needs and model the necessity of self-care to your children. Create a home and life that sustains you and your family, bringing joy to your journey together.

Consider the following six suggestions for discovering greater contentment in your home and life:

Comfort Like a honeyed cup of tea and a warm blanket on a brisk day, your home should also soothe your spirit and offer you respite from the world. Are there little nooks and crannies for you and your family to lounge and find rest? Your home doesn’t need to be magazine beautiful, but it should feel like a break from the stresses of work and school.

Familiarity When you come home after a long day away, does your home feel like an extension of your family? By that we mean it should reflect your family’s values, interests, and unique character. We all express ourselves in our homes differently--whether it’s through art on the walls, framed family photos, or loved piece of furniture. Embrace the quirks of your home that make it a reflection of your family culture.

Simplicity

BY KATE SAFFLE AND MELISSA RISENHOOVER OF COHESIVE HOME

Homes should only contain the objects, art, furnishings, and tools that bring contentment or are useful. Are there items in your home that are gathering dust or cluttering your rooms? When there is less stuff to manage, there is more time to actually use the home

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

24

SEPTEMBER 2016

as it is intended: for hosting gatherings and dinners, communing with your family and finding rest from the outside world. Don’t let clutter steal away your time, energy and happiness.

Spiritual Look deep within yourself or within your faith to cultivate deep-rooted joy. Find solace in prayer, meditation, reading and conversation with others. Whether you are religious or not, ignoring the spiritual component of your life is like trying to tango without a partner. You can try but the dance becomes so much more beautiful and fluid with both halves. So don’t neglect your spirit but nurture those needs.

Physical Our bodies are designed to move: dance, play, run, love and work. Do you use your body in ways that fill your cup and bring you joy or wear you down? Consider the physical needs a daily requirement and schedule in a happiness-inducing activity, whether that’s taking a walk with a friend, chasing your kids around the park or gardening in the backyard. Movement is good, so get with it!

Mental We are also thinking and expressive beings with a capacity to learn and continually grow.

Do you nourish your mind with thoughtprovoking reads, conversations and emotional support? If you’re a parent, particularly a mother, you’re probably familiar with “mommy brain.” Find ways each day to nudge your brain toward deeper thoughts.

Like our bodies, our brains need exercise too.

By making self-care a regular priority, you’ll find it also brings joy to your life.

We understand how tempting it can be to put your own happiness aside to meet the challenges of modern parenting. So much is expected of parents today! But we promise that evaluating your home and life in the six key areas above will bring greater contentment to your parenting journey.

And finally, when the days feel long and the expectations too much, remember that tomorrow will be a fresh start for creating your cohesive and joyful family home.

Kate Saffle and Melissa Risenhoover, two best friends who met as neighbors in Oklahoma City’s Belle Isle neighborhood, share a passion for guiding families toward stress-free parenting through simplifying.

They host the Cohesive Home Podcast as well as offer resources for crafting a happier, values-driven home. Find out more on their website www.cohesivehome.com and connect on Instagram @cohesive_home.

.

Mummy & Son Dance Put on your best costumes and come dance to the Monster Mash, Thriller, One Eyed Purple People Eater and more! We will have snack food, beverages and a Mother & Son costume contest.

Saturday | October 8 Ages: 3–7, 6–7:30p | Ages: 8–12, 8–9:30p Fee: $30/couple & $10/each additional boy Registration is required by Wed., Oct. 5

Register Today!

405-359-4630

EdmondParks.com Follow us on

A Day in the Life of

Britnee Lesser PHOTOS BY MARK DOESCHER

B

ritnee Lesser lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Scott, a software developer at Life Church, and their two children, Samuel, 2, and Lucy, three months. She is the creator and owner of children’s clothing brand Ragamuffin Threads, which she operates from her home.

2:07 a.m. I am awakened by a series of squeaks and grunts, and

eventually a full-blown wail. I roll over with one eye open and lift Lucy from her bedside bassinet. I groggily change her diaper, and prop myself up to nurse her. I scroll through my phone or watch TV on my laptop to keep from dozing.

2:50 a.m. Lucy seems satisfied and I can barely keep my eyes

peeled open another moment. I give her a final cuddle, swaddle her up and lay her back in her bassinet.

5:30 a.m. Squeaks, grunts and wails… this sounds familiar. Can it be she’s hungry again? Repeat the process from start to finish.

6:15 a.m. Lay Lucy back down as Scott’s alarm starts to sound. He rustles awake and hops in the shower. I doze back off.

7:30 a.m. Scott rouses me to say goodbye before he leaves for

work. No sooner than he walks out the door, the little blue baby monitor on the night stand kicks on. “Mama! Mama! Wanna play!”

Samuel is awake.

7:35 a.m. Exhausted, I roll out of bed, peek in at Lucy who is

starting to wiggle around, slip into my robe and saunter to the other side of the house to get my bouncing toddler from his crib.

8:15 a.m. Diaper has been changed, hands have been washed and METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

26

SEPTEMBER 2016

kisses have been given. It’s time for breakfast. I fire up the stove, scramble an egg and serve it with yogurt and fruit. Meanwhile, Lucy launches into a protest from her bassinet. I guess she’s ready for breakfast, too.

9:30 a.m. Both babies are fed. Samuel plays with his tractors on

the coffee table and Lucy rests in her swing while I answer a few work emails, update my business and personal social media accounts and unload the dishwasher.

10:00 a.m. It’s been a rainy week. Samuel wants to splash in the

huge puddle in our backyard that he’s spotted from the window. I eventually agree to let him. He happily wades in up to his calves and begins throwing all of his toys into the water. I seize the peaceful moment to make some coffee and toast and fold a load of laundry.

10:45 a.m. Just as I’m finishing my second cup of coffee, the

world’s muddiest, messiest toddler squishes into the kitchen. “Wanna wash it off! Wanna wash it off!” he repeats, with his legs and arms spread out to his sides. I guess it’s a morning-bath kind of day. I plop him into some soapy water in the kitchen sink and give him a good scrub.

11:00 a.m. Lucy is hungry again. I have a hundred things to do but

I sit back down on the sofa and choose to enjoy the time spent cuddled close to my sweet girl. Meanwhile Sam, who is still getting used to this big brother gig, is enviously begging me to get in the floor with him and play with his tractors.

6:40 p.m. Warm up leftover lasagna from last night and plop it on the table for a quick and easy dinner.

7:15 p.m. Scott volunteers to give Sam his bath, but I inform him

that he’s already had one. We all work together to bathe Lucy instead.

We have lots of fun and giggles watching her wiggle and kick in her little bathtub.

7:45 p.m. We all retreat to Sam’s room for some evening family time. I nurse Lucy while Scott and Samuel play with Play-Doh and cookie cutters and push trains on their tracks.

8:00 p.m. Prayer time, lots of kisses and lights out for Samuel.

8:15 p.m. I race back to my office to continue working on my Ragamuffin orders.

11:30 p.m. Wow! Is it really that late? I have been sewing for more than three hours and the time has flown. I slump to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shower.

Midnight Nurse Lucy one last time, wrap her in her swaddle,

give her a big kiss and lay her down. Say a prayer of thanks for my beautiful family and all of God’s blessings. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m asleep… until those sweet little tell-tale squeaks, grunts and wails wake me again.

[Editor's Note: Find Britnee's line of children's clothing at www. ragamuffinthreads.com.]

11:40 a.m. Wrap Lucy up on my chest in my handy baby wrap. Sit on the floor and play with Sam. Push tractors, race Hot Wheels, read books, put together a puzzle or two and sing a few songs.

12:15 p.m. Lunch time! Grilled chicken, green beans and

blackberries are served. Another coffee for mom? Don’t mind if I do!

When he’s finished eating, Samuel gets some TV time while I catch up with a few other small business owners about collaborations and other opportunities.

12:45 p.m. That glorious moment in parenthood has arrived: nap time! I read Sam one more story and lay him in his crib. He doesn’t protest. He has always been a happy sleeper.

1:00 p.m. I nurse Lucy one more time while stuffing a hastily-

made PB&J and a handful of Cheetos into my mouth. The baby falls peacefully asleep and I nearly do, but there’s too much work to be done! I return Lucy to her swing and hustle to my office.

1:15 p.m. The familiar whir of the sewing machine fills the room. I

recently released a patriotic collection of baby and children’s clothing through my online shop, Ragamuffin Threads, and I currently have 32 open orders awaiting my attention. This is one of my only pockets of quiet time to squeeze in some sewing.

3:00 p.m. Sam is hollering for mama from his crib. I shut the

sewing machine down. Whew! Four orders are halfway finished!

3:57 p.m. I suddenly realize that all three of us are still in our

pajamas. I guess we need to get dressed. Samuel has toddler soccer class in an hour!

4:30 p.m. Both of the kids are cleaned up, dressed, fed and ready to go. Me? A ponytail, yoga pants and bare minimum makeup will have to do. It’s time to be on the road!

5:09 p.m. We meet Scott at the indoor soccer complex. We’re nine minutes late, but we did our best. Lucy cried through the car ride, and Samuel repeated “NO, Lucy! NO, Lucy!” in a dramatic whine.

Frazzled, I sit in the car and nurse her again while Scott hustles Sam inside to catch the rest of his class.

6:00 p.m. Time to head back home!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

27

SEPTEMBER 2016

7 Reasons to take kids on a

Panhandle Road Trip

WORDS & PHOTOS BY MAE KIGGINS

T

he panhandle of Oklahoma covers a large area and contains many diverse landscapes. Taking your kids on a panhandle road trip means exposing them to red rock cliffs, beautiful prairies, lush forests and rocky mesas. Along the way, find family fun at an impressive children's museum and expansive city park unlike any other. There's a lot to explore, so load up the car and get ready for some guaranteed fun and a few unexpected adventures.

Oklahoma's Highest Point Make your first stop Black Mesa State Park in Kenton, home to the highest point in Oklahoma. There are two separate areas to this park: Black Mesa State Park and Black Mesa Nature Preserve. Black Mesa State Park is home to Lake Carl Etling, a picnic area, tent and RV campsites, group camping and hiking trails. The highest point in Oklahoma is located in the Black Mesa Nature Preserve. Both are managed by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

The tri-state border is located at this park, allowing visitors to stand in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado all at the same time.

Another highlight includes dinosaur tracks discovered in the 1980s and believed to be created by a theropod. Only about a third of the tracks remains due to erosion but kids love seeing these impressive pieces of history.

There is an abundance of wildlife in this rural part of the state. Golden eagles, antelope, horny toad lizards and big horn sheep are just a few of the animals you could see on your journey. If you enjoy fishing, take a break at Lake Carl Etling where the trout are abundant. But along with the beautiful there is also the dangerous. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.

The highest point in Oklahoma is located at Black Mesa Preserve and it is a whopping 4973 feet. The hike to the highest point is 4.2 miles one-way. The hike is not especially strenuous, except for the assent to the top of the mesa, but it is long. If you’re not up for

that long of a hike, more trails are available at Black Mesa State Park that are shorter but still offer beautiful views.

Black Mesa State Park offers tent and RV campsites. Restrooms, showers and dump stations are available. If you’re not camping, day admission is free and the park is open from dawn to dusk. Call 580-426-2405 for more information.

Play • Learn • Thrive

Services Include:

Occupational Therapy and SpeechLanguage Therapy

This part of the panhandle is remote and cell service can be spotty. Please plan food and gas accordingly. There are no hotels in the area but there are a number of bed and breakfasts and guest houses for visitors who want to stay the night.

Woodward Main Street Shopping Pushing on to Woodward, you’ll venture away from the desolate, wild surroundings and into more modern family fun.

Woodward boasts a unique Main Street shopping strip that offers about a mile of shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to get started exploring this charming town.

Crystal Beach Park Another top stop in Woodward includes Crystal Beach Park, a newly renovated complex featuring four separate playgrounds each with unique equipment. The facility also includes a ball park, outdoor arena, lake, walking trails, horseshoe pitching area, mini golf course and paddleboats. Most of the attractions cost less than $5. Call 580256-9990 before visiting for information on pricing and hours of operation.

Boiling Springs State Park While in Woodward, be sure to stop at Boiling Springs State Park. This state park gets its name from the springs that look like they are “boiling.” These springs create a green oasis in the middle of an otherwise dry climate. In addition to the clear, clean streams, rolling hills and lush forest make this an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

The Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) constructed many of the Park’s structures in the 1930s so visitors get to step back in time at this quaint park. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking and biking are just a few of the activities offered at this park. It’s open with no daily admission from dawn to dusk. Call 580-256-7664 for more information.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

29

SEPTEMBER 2016

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

(405) 840-1686

www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

Two locations to serve you 14715 Bristol Park Blvd., Edmond 5701 SE 74th St., OKC

Leonardo's Children's Museum

Leonardo’s is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $8 per person. Visit www.leonardos.org for more information.

A panhandle road trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Enid. This small town boasts one of the state’s largest destinations for kid-friendly fun: Leonardo’s Children’s Museum.

Cherokee Strip Heritage Center

Leonardo’s is a newly-remodeled museum focused on introducing kids to the arts and sciences with an Oklahoma twist. The permanent exhibits focus on local industry and Oklahoma’s place in world energy production. All of the exhibits are hands-on in some form.

The tinkering exhibit allows kids to build almost anything they can imagine, including using hammer, nails and saws. Train tables, Critter Clubhouse and medical clinic give kids plenty to explore.

One new feature of the museum is the toddler area with its own restroom and nursing station. Renovations will be continuing this fall and should be complete next spring.

Leonardo’s founders are Owen and Helen Garriott. Owen Garriott was one of NASA’s original six astronauts. Both he and his wife were born and raised in Enid and wanted to give back to the community. Helen was an art teacher and chose the name Leonardo after Leonardo Da Vinci.

A can’t-miss attraction at the museum is Adventure Quest. This three-story wooden castle playground is a wonderland. Not only are there bridges, swings and slides, there is also a dinosaur dig and water table (turned on only on odd days due to water rationing).

This is where science meets outdoor play.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

30

You can’t leave Enid without a tour of the Cherokee Strip Heritage Center. This museum explores the settlement history of northwest Oklahoma through five interactive exhibits and the Humphrey Heritage Village, a living history village containing original buildings dating back to the land run in 1893. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Learn more at www.csrhc.org.

Gloss Mountains State Park As you continue your panhandle trek, a stop at Gloss Mountains State Park is sure to impress. Just north of Fairview off Highway 412, this park boasts breathtaking views of unique granite cliffs. A short but strenuous hiking trail is available for visitors who want the best view of the red rock set against the short grass prairie and expansive sky.

Admission is free and the park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 580-227-2513 for more information.

[Tip from the writer: My family and I hiked the entire 8.4 miles to Oklahoma's highest point in Kenton and it took more than six hours. We are experienced hikers but it still pushed us to our limits. If you want to take the hike with young children, train first and prepare appropriately.]

LEONARDO'S CHILDREN'S MUSEUM SEPTEMBER 2016

LEONARDO'S CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IN ENID

Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

BLACK MESA STATE PARK

Subaru gets you closer to nature.

Bob Moore Subaru

13010 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-9049 www.bobmooresubaru.com 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 ďŹ rst.) Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2016 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See retailer for the Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations, program details and eligibility.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

31

SEPTEMBER 2016

September

Sun

Mon

Tue

Find all these September events and hundreds more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar 5

11

12

13

18

19

20

FREE Labor Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center all weekend

FREE Last Day of the Cleveland County Free Fair in Norman

perfect for preschoolers

great for teens

date night idea

fitness event

y p p a H Labo!r Day

4

Wiggle Out Loud! at Myriad Gardens from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

25 A Day Out with Thomas at the Oklahoma Railway Museum from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

FREE Storytime at Mustang Public Library at 9:30 a.m.

Oktoberfest in Choctaw through Saturday

FREE Roald Dahl Birthday Celebration at Norman Central Library from 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment at State Fair Park at 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

FREE Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art from 10 a.m. – noon.

26

27

FREE Homeschool Day at FREE Art Moves at various Edmond Historical Society & downtown locations at noon.

Museum from 10–11:30 a.m. & 1–2:30 p.m.

worth the drive

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

6

32

AUGUST 2016

Wed Thu

Fri

3

1

2

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

FREE Nature Tales Story Time at Martin Park Nature Center at 10 a.m.

FREE MetroFamily's Rock-a-Bye Baby Shower at Infant Crisis Services from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Early Explorers at Science Museum Oklahoma at 10 a.m.

21

Disney’s Newsies at Civic Center Music Hall at 7:30 p.m.

28

FREE Western Movie Matinees at the Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum at 1 p.m.

FREE McClain County Free Fair at the McClain County Expo Center in Purcell through Saturday

Opening Day of the Oklahoma State Fair (goes through Sept. 25)

22 First Day of Fall

29 Annual Scrabble Showdown Tournament at Castle Falls Event Center from 5 – 9 p.m.

FREE Geekinomicon at Cox Convention Center all weekend long

FREE Movie Night @ the Park presents Zootopia at Mitch Park in Edmond at 7 p.m.

Sat

FREE WestFest on Western Avenue from noon – 10 p.m.

FREE Septemberfest at the Governor's Mansion & Oklahoma History Center from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents Romeo and Juliet at Myriad Gardens at 8 p.m.

FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest in Edmond from 6 – 10 p.m.

23

24

National Cavalry Competition at Historic Fort Reno in El Reno from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

30 FREE

Oklahoma Regatta Festival in the Boathouse District all weekend

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

33

AUGUST 2016

FREE Big Wheel Nationals at Central Park in Moore at 4:30 p.m.

events this

september

SEPT 1 • THURSDAY FREE Rock the Route: Route 66 Anniversary Celebration in Yukon (Main St between 4th & 5th St) features live music, food trucks, shopping and family activities. 6-11pm. www.facebook. com/YukonsBestMainStreet66/ Sylvia at The Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison, Guthrie) features a modern romantic comedy about marriage and a dog. $15-$25. Weekly every Thursday-Sunday through Sept. 8, 8pm.

282-2800, www.thepollard.org

e Fre ing l Bowdays!

Monpresent a receoiputp

SEPT 1-3

you ’s Gr When y McNellie n . a urant from resta

The perfect summer activity!

The Liar at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (2920 Paseo) features a classic 17th century comedy about a love quadrangle. Braggadocio Dorante confuses the names of two young ladies, creating a love quadrangle that’s only further complicated by his inability to tell the truth. $15-$25. 8pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com

SEPT 2 • FRIDAY FREE Food Truck Triple Play at the Joe Carter Parking Lot near the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Reno & Joe Carter Ave) features a family and pet friendly street festival with live music, food trucks and cold drinks. 6-11pm.

218-1000, www.facebook.com/OKCDodgers FREE Dancing in the Gardens: Cha-Cha Night at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a Cha-Cha dance demonstration, a dance lesson and music provided by a DJ. 7-10pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Drive for Autism Golf Tournament at Fairfax Golf Club (4001 Fair Fax Dr, Edmond) benefits Autism Oklahoma. Individuals, $125; team, $500.

Lunch, 11:30am; shotgun start, 1pm. 315-6337, www.autismoklahoma.org

N Sumew Houmer rs Op en at 11 day-S AM unday !

Thur s

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker & Hudson Ave) features local artists, special themed exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks.

6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com

SEPT 2-4 Arcadia Western Heritage Festival and Rodeo at Arcadia Park & Downtown Arcadia (500 W 2nd St & Main St, Arcadia) features a Blues Festival, street dance, talent show and parade. Participation prices vary. See website for complete schedule. 396-2899, www.townofarcadia.com

Midtown OKC

421 NW 10th | 405.609.3302 dustbowlok.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

34

SEPTEMBER 2016

Geekinomicon at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features more than 15 actors, authors and more from popular shows and movies including Eric Roberts, Greg Grunberg and John Noble. $25 & up. Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. See website for schedule of events. www.geekexpos.com/ geekinomicon-oklahoma-city/

SEPT 2-10 Oktoberfest at Choctaw Creek Park (Harper Rd between NE 23rd & NE 10th St, Choctaw) features homemade German food & live entertainment for all ages. See website for schedule of events. Adults, $5; kids (under 12), free. www.oldgermany.com

SEPT 3 • SATURDAY FREE Fishing Days at Oklahoma City Parks (various locations). No city permit is required to fish on the first Saturday of the month; however a state license is required for anyone 16 and older.

297-1426, www.okc.gov FREE Loose Caboose Antique & Craft Festival in Downtown Purcell (Main St, Purcell) features collectibles, antiques, arts & crafts, Made in Oklahoma products, a children's activity area, wine tasting and live entertainment. 9-4pm. www.loosecaboosefestival.com FREE Super Hero School at New World Comics (6219 N Meridian Ave) features an appearance by a different amazing hero each week. Occasionally, a villain or two might show up, too. All ages welcome. Also held: 9/17. 10:30am-noon. 7217634, www.facebook.com/newworldcomicsokc/ FREE WestFest in the Western Avenue District (Western Ave from NW 41st-43rd St) features live music, food trucks, shopping and more. Family festival, noon-4pm; concerts, until 10pm. www.westfestok.com Slide Outta Summer at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features nine inflatable water slides, music by DJ Shorty B and food trucks. All ages welcome. $5. 11am-4pm. 3594630, www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec/ Oklahoma State University Football vs.

Southeastern Louisiana University at Boone Pickens Stadium (700 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Ticket prices vary. 2:30pm. Also held: 9/10 vs Central Michigan, 9/17 vs Pittsburgh.

877-All-4-OSU, www.okstate.com FREE Your New Dog Workshop at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare (2811 SE 29th St). Learn how dogs think, learn and communicate, common

challenges of having a dog and appropriate games for kids and dogs to play together. No registration required. All ages welcome, however, please leave your dog at home. 11am. www.okc.gov/ departments/animal-welfare FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11 a.m.

FREE Red Brick Nights Street Festival in Downtown Guthrie (2nd & Harrison, Guthrie) features rotating pop-up shops, food trucks and live music. 5pm. 282-1947, www.guthriechamber. com/red-brick-nights/

SEPT 3 & 4 FREE Labor Day Celebration at Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr) features stomp dance and cultural demonstrations and special activities in the living village.

Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm.

580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

SEPT 5 • MONDAY FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western) features 40-plus tables of collectibles for sale or trade, raffles, pizza and more. 9am-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.

10am- 5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

SEPT 6 • TUESDAY Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a story and corresponding activity in various locations throughout the museum. Free with admission.

Also held: Sept. 20. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

SEPT 6 & 7 FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the LEGO Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) features a LEGO build for kids ages 6 -14 who are LEGO VIP members. Membership is free. Preregister, quantities are limited.

5pm. 840-9993, shop.LEGO.com/MinibuildRegistration

SEPT 7-10 FREE Pottawatomie County Free Fair at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features livestock competitions and exhibits, arts and crafts, commericial vendor and educational booths, food, live entertainment and evening carnival rides.

See website for complete schedule of events.

273-6092, www.freefair.org

SEPT 7 • WEDNESDAY MetroFamily’s Rock-a-Bye Baby Shower at Infant Crisis Services (4224 N Lincoln Blvd) features food trucks and family activities. Donations of formula, diapers and other baby essentials encouraged. A portion of food truck proceeds will go to Infant Crisis Services. 11am-2pm. 601-2081, www.metrofamilymagazine.com/shower

SEPT 7-11 FREE Cleveland County Free Fair at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson St, Norman) features carnival rides, tasty fair food, Celebrity Cow Milking Contest, 4H, FFA and OHCE exhibits and more. Free admission.

See website for complete schedule of events. 3604721, www.clevelandcountyfair.org

SEPT 8-10 Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents Romeo and Juliet at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8pm. $15$20. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com FREE McClain County Free Fair at McClain County Expo Center (2101 Hardcastle Blvd, Purcell) features livestock competitions, an antique tractor display, kiddie tractor pull, best dressed pet contest, food, live entertainment and more. See website for complete schedule of events. 229-2543, www.mcclaincountyfair.com FREE Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival at the Expo Center (400 S Veterans Pkwy, Claremore) features chili-cook off, children’s activities, car show, live music, vocal and dance competitions, antique tractor pull and a festival marketplace filled with vendors. See website for a complete schedule of events. 918-341-2818, www.bluegrasschilifest.com American Banjo Hall of Fame Inductee Celebration (various locations) features three days of festivities celebrating this year’s inductees, including welcome BBQ, a formal induction ceremony, a live performances at the museum, a concert and post-concert Afterglow Party. Prices vary. See website for complete schedule of events. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com

SEPT 9 • FRIDAY FREE South OKC Treat Food Truck Fest at Oakcrest Church of Christ (1111 SW 89th St) features an evening of family-friendly fun including food trucks, live music, family games and more on the second Friday each month from May to October. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and insect repellant. Proceeds from soda and water benefit Sky Ranch Elementary. 6-9pm. www.facebook.com/southOKCtreat/ ZooFriends Appreciation Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features free rides, discounts and keeper chats throughout the day for ZooFriends members. 9am-8pm. 424-3344, www.zoofriends.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

35

SEPTEMBER 2016

Don’t let an accident spoil your summer fun!

events this

september

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 FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday of the month. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live/ FREE Movie Night @ the Park at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features an outdoor screening of Zootopia plus a petting zoo on site.

Admission is free and concessions are $1. Movies begins at dark. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Floating Films in the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features a water-front screening of The Perfect Storm. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and watch the water-themed film from the banks of the lower pond or rent a tube to watch from the water. Tube rentals, $10. 8:30pm. www.boathousedistrict.org/floating-films/

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!

John W. Anderson, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Pediatric Orthopedics

405-947-0911 ext 270

www.okortho.com

FREE Book Signing at Full Circle Book Store (1900 Northwest Expressway). Author Russell Ferrell will be in the store to talk about and sign copies of his book The Bone War of McCurtain County - A True Tale of Two Men's Quest for Treasure, Truth and Justice. Activities includes author talk, readings, signing, drawings for gifts and refreshments. 5pm. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com

SEPT 9 & 10 Blake Shelton in Concert at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave) features new songs from his forthcoming album If I’m Honest and special guest RaeLynn. $36.75 - $81.75. 7:30pm.

602-8700, www.chesapeakearena.com FREE Western Days Festival at Mustang Town Center & Wild Horse Park (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a chili cook-off, a best dressed cowboy & cowgirl contest, gospel music concert, Western Stampede Run, pancake breakfast, car show, carnival, pet show, parade, rodeo and more. Most events are free to attend, participation prices vary based on activity.

See website for a schedule of events. 693-3086, www.mustangwesterndays.com Pass It On Consignment Sale at Memorial Road Church of Christ (2221 E Memorial Rd, Edmond) features quality, gently-used kids’ & maternity clothes, toys, furniture and baby items.

Items will be half price on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds benefits Lilyfield Christian Adoption & Foster Care. Free to attend. Friday, 8am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. 216-5240, www.passitonkids.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

36

SEPTEMBER 2016

Old Chicken Farm Vintage Barn Sale (12699 E Britton Rd, Jones) features vintage furniture, decor, handmade treasures, repurposed possessions and more. Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm. 740-1414, www.facebook. com/TheOldChickenFarm/

SEPT 10 • SATURDAY Piedmont Founders Day in Olde Town Piedmont (Piedmont & Jackson, Piedmont) features an eclectic array of junk, vintage, antique dealers, boutique & craft vendors, a parade, 5K, inflatables, the Piedmont Fire Department, an obstacle course for kids, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and more. Free to attend, participation prices vary. 7:30-2:30pm. 373-0072, www.piedmontokfoundersday.org Junklahoma at The Old Store (100 Monroe NW, Piedmont) is a junk, vintage, antique and boutique style show. 10am-4pm. 373-2093, www.facebook.com/theoldstoresjunklahoma/ Oklahoma City Fire Department Project for Life 5K Run at Regatta Park (701 S Lincoln Blvd) features 5K race and a 1 mile fun run to raise money for the Project Life program which provides smoke alarms to families in need. $30.

8-11am. www.signmeup.com/114356 FREE Harrah Day at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church Ave, Harrah) features a parade, live music, a car show, hot dog eating contest, tractor pull, fishing derby, 5K walk/run, health fair, fireworks show and more. 9:30am-9:30pm.

454-2190, www.harrahchamber.com Silver Star Community Team Benefit Car Show at Hemisphere’s parking lot (640 SW 19th St, Moore) features a car show benefiting St. Judes, The Women's Resource Center, Regional Food Bank, Moore Crime Stoppers and other non-profits. There will be trophies, cash prizes and a children's area. Free to attend. 10am-4pm.

793-1725, www.silverstarconst.com FREE Mesta Festa at Perle Mesta Park (NW 18th &Shartle Ave) features outdoor games, arts & crafts, live music, snow cones, food trucks, local artists and a beer & wine garden. Benefits the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association.

10am-5pm. www.mestapark.org FREE Septemberfest at the Governor’s Mansion and the Oklahoma History Center (820 NE 23rd St & 800 Nazih Zudhi Dr) is a free festival exploring the rich heritage and diversity of our state featuring more than 50 attractions including crafts, music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, agricultural exhibits, theater, face-painting and more. The Oklahoma History Center will be open and free to the public all day.

10am-4pm. 522-3602, www.okhistory.org

The PreTend Friends Show at District House (1755 NW 16th St) features a 40-minute puppet show that introduces kids to the art of live theater with classic tales and silly riddles. $5. 11am. 2423546, www.facebook.com/PreTendFriends Native American Heritage Day in Downtown Cushing (Broadway St, Cushing) showcases Native American culture with traditional storytelling, food, pow wow, a juried art show and more. Spectators are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Noon. 918-285-3046

SPORTS DRINKS. UNHEALTHY. ALL

sorts of

Sports drinks can contain the same amount of sugar as 5 peanut butter cups! Fuel up with naturally occurring electrolytes by infusing your water with fruits and veggies.

Banjo Fest at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) features four of the world's premier banjo artists Cynthia Sayer, Gary "Biscuit" Davis, Mark Johnson and Andy Eastwood, highlighting the diversity of America's instrument. $25-$35. 7pm.

297-2264. www.okcciviccenter.com FREE Catfish Roundup Kids Fishing Clinic at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (8700 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features a free clinic for boys and girls ages 6 -15 to learn about fishing.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles, bait and coolers. Preregister.

8-11am. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org PBJ MOMs Fall Consignment Sale at Grace United Methodist Church (6316 N Tulsa Ave) features clothes, shoes, toys, books & more, sizes starting at newborn. Entry, $1 donation. 8am-2pm. www.facebook.com/Pbjmomsconsignment/ Edmond’s Art in Public Places Tour at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond) features a guided tour through Edmond to learn the stories behind the works of art around town. Benefits the Edmond Visual Arts Commission and Edmond Parks and Recreation Department. Preregister. Also held: Sept. 28. $10.

9am-noon. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Super Saturdays at Capitol Hill High School (500 SW 36th St) features a district-wide professional development workshop for families who support the students in the Oklahoma City Public School district. Activities include a resource fair, educational workshops and student performances. Free childcare and lunch provided for those who preregister. 10am-2pm.

Also held: Sept. 24. 587-0449, www.okcps.org/ SuperSaturdays FREE Robots for People Workshop at the Del City Library (4509 SE 15th St, Del City) features a hands-on workshop to learn how to engineer and program your own robot. Preregister. Best suited for ages 5-12. Noon-2pm. 672-1377, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Sweets Stand-off at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features a culinary competition as groups face-off in a cookie and cupcake decoration challenge. Preregister.

Best suited for ages 9-18. 1-2pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

37

SEPTEMBER 2016

1 32-oz SPORTS DRINK =

14

PACKETS OF SUGAR

CHOOSE HEALTHY, INSTEAD. HYDRATING

events this

september

FREE Early Birds School Readiness Program at Cesar Chavez Elementary School (600 SE Grand Blvd) offers information, activities and materials to help parents prepare their young children for school. Open to families with kids age 5 & under in the Oklahoma City Public School District. Pre-register. In Spanish, 10:30am-noon; in English, 1:30-3pm.

587-0422, www.earlybirdsok.org FREE DIY Felt Succulents Craft at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman).

Learn how to make realistic succulent plants from felt. All supplies provided. Best suited for ages 12 & up. Preregister. 2-3pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Swim, Fly or Run: Animal Locomotion Program at the Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller Ave, Bethany). Learn how to identify different forms of locomotion by looking at limb bones of a variety of animals from skeletons from the Museum of Osteology. Preregister. Best suited for ages 9 - 12. 2-3pm. 789-8363, www.metrolibrary.org FREE A View of OKC Tasting at The Regency (333 NW 5th St) features samples from several local eatries and a local winery. 6-9pm. 235-9303.

University of Oklahoma Football vs. University of Louisiana at Monroe at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (180 E Brooks St, Norman). Ticket prices vary. 6pm. Also held: 9/17 vs Ohio State. 235-3434, www.soonersports.com FREE Poems Out of Hiding: A Poerty Interactive at ArtSpace at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St). Poets will reveal trade secrets, offer prompts and pathways and provide opportunities to engage with the various pieces of A Hiding Place exhibition. 6:30-8:30pm. 815-9995, www.1ne3.org The Thunder Valley Author Event at Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center (5750 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City) features 60 authors from a variety of genres. $10 & up. noon-4pm. 255-0407, www.thundervalleyauthorevent.com FREE Back to School Bash at Edmond First United Methodist Church (305 E Hurd, Edmond) features free fun and food for the whole family including a bouncy house, giant slide, balloon artist, petting zoo, face painting and carnival games. Everyone is welcome to attend. 3-5pm.

341-0107, www.fumcedmond.org

SEPT 11 • SUNDAY Grandparent’s Day Cruise on the Oklahoma River (all landings) features a free ride for

grandparents. $4-$15 for accompanying riders.

11:30am-5pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com OKC Energy FC vs Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Taft Stadium (NW 27th St & May Ave). $14 & up.

6pm. Also held: 9/18 vs VS Swope Park Rangers, 9/24 vs VS Saint Louis FC. 235-KICK, www.energyfc.com Rayo OKC vs Jacksonville Armada FC at Miller Stadium (1777 S Yukon Parkway, Yukon). $12$40. 7pm. Also held: 9/18 vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers, 10/2 vs Carolina Railhawks. 232RAYO, www.rayookc.com FREE Science in Action & Object I.D. Day at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) offers a chance for the public to bring in arrowheads, fossils, rocks, seashells, bones and other objects from the natural and cultural world for experts to identify. 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

SEPT 13 • TUESDAY Cyndi Lauper in Concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) showcases the new Detour album. Tickets include a digital copy of the upcoming album. $48.50 - $128.50. 8pm. 2972264, www.okciviccenter.com FREE Roald Dahl Birthday Celebration at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman) features games and crafts based on the many wonderful books written by Dahl, including The BFG, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Esio Trot. All ages welcome. 3:304:30pm. 701-2630, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Early Birds School Readiness Program at Ridgeview Elementary School (10010 Ridgeview Dr) offers information, activities and materials to help parents prepare their young children for school. Open to families with kids age 5 & under in the Oklahoma City Public School District. In English, 6-7:30pm. Pre-register. For Spanish events, see Sept. 10 or Sept. 17. 587-0422, www.earlybirdsok.org

SEPT 15 • THURSDAY FREE Third Thursdays at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features a Luauthemed family story and craft time as well as FREE museum admission. Story time begins at 10am. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com The Stepcrew at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Byrant Rd, Edmond) features award-winning dancers paired with a combination of Celtic and bluegrass music. $23-$48. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

38

SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPT 15-17 FREE Tecumseh Frontier Days in Downtown Tecumseh (various locations) features a car show, carnival, parade, arts & craft show and live entertainment including gunfighters and American Indian dancers and more. See website for a complete schedule of events.598-3796, www.tecumsehfrontierdays.com

SEPT 15-18 FREE Seminole Nation Days at the Mekusukey Mission (12566 NS 3540, Seminole) features three days of festivities including pow wow, intertribal stomp dance, live music, carnival, frybread eating contest, cultural demonstrations and basketball, horseshoe and softball tournaments. See website for a complete schedule of events. 257-7242, sno-nsn.gov

SEPT 15-19 FREE Rogers County Fair at the Claremore Expo Center (400 S Veterans Pkwy, Claremore) features a horse show, car show, 4-H and FFA competitions, carnival rides, children's area, midway games and more. See website for complete schedule of events. www.rogerscountyfair.com

SEPT 15-20 Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment at Jim Norick Arena (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features Disney Pixar’s Cars crew; The Little Mermaid’s Ariel; Buzz, Woody and the Toy Story gang; and Anna, Elsa and Olaf in Arendelle as they bring to life some of Disney’s favorites. $11-$45, includes fair admission ticket. See website for complete schedule. 948-6800, www.okstatefair.com

SEPT 15-25 Oklahoma State Fair at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features delicious fair food, midway games and rides, five exhibit halls, concerts, livestock competitions and more.

Adults, $10; kids (6-11), $5; kids (5 & under) free. See website for complete schedule of events and admission discount days. 948-6700, www.okstatefair.com

SEPT 16 • FRIDAY FREE 3rd Friday Block pARTy in Downtown Shawnee (Main St, Shawnee) features shopping, live music and more. 5-9pm. www.seffshawnee.org

FREE Fridays, Food Trucks & Tunes in Downtown Stillwater (E 7th Ave & S Main St, Stillwater) feature family-friendly fun, inflatables, live music and plenty of food served fresh out of the kitchens on wheels. 6-10pm.

533-8585, www.downtownstw.com/fridays-foodtrucks-tunes FREE Exchange on Film Row (Sheridan & Lee Ave) features an array of local pop-up shops as well as live music and food trucks and a children's activity area. 6:30-9:30pm. www.facebook.com/ ExchangeFilmRow/ FREE Mix on Main Street Festival at Carriage Plaza (2001 W Main St, Norman) features live music, food trucks and outdoor family fun activities including an interactive game truck, glow golf, free barre yoga and more. 6-10pm. www.facebook.com/events/954472261323631/ 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 a free FAA Credit Union Summer Movie, Star Wars The Force Awakens. 6-10pm; movie, 8:30pm. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org/GLOW/ Jerry Seinfeld at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) performs his signature stand-up routine. $48- $148. 7pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com Full Moon Bike Ride & Run at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a leisurely hour’s ride through Downtown, as well as timed runs. All ages welcome. $5 suggested donation. Runs, 7pm; bike ride, 8pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

SEPT 16-18 Stone River Music Festival at Stone River Music Festival Grounds (343188 E 870 Rd, Chandler) features Oklahoma bands, local crafters and artists, food and a kids' corral with a playground. $20-$25, kids (12 & under), free. Friday, 3pm1am; Saturday, 11am-1am & Sunday, 11am-3pm. www.stonerivermusicfestival.com Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma Rugged Outdoor Challenge in the Wichita Mountains (Indiahoma) is a leadership program for kids age 11 – 17. Kids will challenge themselves and work as a team in various outdoor activities. $75.

254-2068, www.campfireusa-ok.org

SEPT 17 • SATURDAY FREE Guthrie Road Celebration Car Show at Mineral Wells Park (400 S Division) features a wide array of classic cars and street rods, live music, entertainment, arts and crafts and more.

8am-4pm. 371-8068, www.oldride.com CureSearch Walk OKC at Stars and Stripes Park (3107 S Lake Hefner Dr) celebrates, honors and remembers children from the Oklahoma City area that have been affected by childhood cancer.

Activities also include music, food and fun for the

entire family. Adults (16 & up), $10; kids (15 & under), free. 9am-noon. 204-235-2210, www.curesearchwalk.org/okc FREE Cherokee Strip Celebration in Downtown Perry features a 5K, parade, mock gunfights, live entertainment, food, exhibitors and more. 9am-4pm. 580-336-4684, www.perryokchamber.com Oklahoma Mommies Stick Together Fall Craft Show at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a variety of vendors offering popular products and homemade crafts and creations. Free admission; food and activities cost. 10am-4pm. 376-3411, www.facebook.com/ mommiessticktogethercraftshows FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am.

528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com FREE Super Hero School at New World Comics (6219 N Meridian Ave) features an appearance by a different amazing super hero each week.

Occasionally, a villain or two might show up, too.

All ages welcome. 10:30am-noon. 721-7634, www.facebook.com/newworldcomicsokc/ FREE Batman Day at New World Comics (6219 N Meridian Ave) features local artists, costumed characters, games and Batcave to explore.

10:30am-7pm. 721-7634, www.facebook.com/ newworldcomicsokc/ FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest in Downtown Edmond (Broadway between 1st & Hurd, Edmond) features local food, unique shopping and live music. 6-10pm. www.citizensedmond. com/heardonhurd.htm Annual Renaissance Run 5K at the Nick Harroz Community Center (200 N Midwest Blvd, Midwest City) features a 5K run/walk and a pancake breakfast at Alliance Health Midwest.

Adults, $30 & up; Kids (10 & under), $10 & up.

8:30am. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org FREE Krazy Kids Dog Show at Shannon Miller Park (S Jackson St & E First St, Edmond) features a friendly dog show with talent, behavior and costume contests. For pet owners ages 4-12. Dogs must be on a leash. Registration, 9:30am; show, 10am. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Early Birds School Readiness Program at Coolidge Elementary School (5212 S Villa Ave) offers information, activities and materials to help parents prepare their young children for school. Open to families with kids age 5 & under in the Oklahoma City Public School district. Preregister. In Spanish, 10:30am-noon; in English, 1:30-3pm. 587-0422, www.earlybirdsok.org FREE Perry Cherokee Strip Celebration in Historic Downtown Square in Perry celebrates the founding of Perry with a 5K, Big Band concert, parade, mock gunfights, live entertainment, food, exhibitors and more. 9am4pm. 580-336-4684, www.perryokchamber.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

39

SEPTEMBER 2016

events this

september

SEPT 18 • SUNDAY FREE Wiggle Out Loud! at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) is a family music festival featuring local and regional Kindie Rock bands as well as fun movement and creative activities and food trucks with healthy options. 11am-6pm. 834-3111, www.wiggleoutloud.com

SEPT 20 • TUESDAY Tiny Tuesdays at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a come-&-go, tissue paper collage art-making experiences are geared towards children, ages 5 and under, with a parent or caregiver. Dress for a mess. No advance registration is required. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a story and corresponding activity in various locations throughout the museum. Best suited for kids ages 6 & under. Free with admission. 10-10:30am.

602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org FREE Talk Like a Pirate Day at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker Ave) features a scavenger hunt, pirate costume contest, crafts, games and more. All ages welcome. 6:30-8pm.

631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org

SEPT 20-25 Disney’s Newsies at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) is based on true events of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes. All ages. $23.84-$ $83.45. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8pm; Sunday, 1:30 & 7pm. 877-737-2929, www.okcbroadway.com

SEPT 21-25 National Cavalry Competition at Historic Fort El Reno (7107 West Cheyenne St, El Reno) features mounted saber, mounted pistol, military horsemanship and military field jumping demonstrations by re-enactors, active and reserve mounted color guards and mounted police. Adults, $8; kids, $5; seniors & military, $7. 9am-4pm.

262-3987, www.fortreno.org

SEPT 22 • THURSDAY Homeschool Day at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features special guided tours, educational information packets, stomp dancing, cultural demonstrations, craft activities and more.

Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center admission applies. 10am-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

FREE Astronomy Nights in the Gardens at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno Ave).

Hang out with the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club as they check out the moon, stars and planets right from Myriad Garden's Great Lawn. 8:3010pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

SEPT 22-24 Adorable Affordables Consignment Sale at Payne County Expo Center (Hwy 51 and Fairgrounds Rd, Stillwater) features gently-used children's, maternity and scrapbooking items, some items half price. Thursday & Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. 747-7304, www.adorableaffordable.net

SEPT 23 • FRIDAY ARTonTAP 2016 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr). Enjoy more than 80 different beers alongside great food and fabulous artwork on display in the galleries. Benefits the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s worldclass exhibitions. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Members, $45; non-members, $50. 7-10pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

SEPT 23-25 46th Annual Fin & Feather Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show near Lake Tenkiller (445889 Hwy 10 A, Gore) features more than 200 exhibitors from several states showcasing their handmade items. Free admission. Friday & Saturday, 9am6-pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm. 918-487-5148, www. finandfeather.publishpath.com/annual-fall-festival FREE International Festival at Elmer Thomas Park (3rd & NW Ferris Ave, Lawton) celebrates the diverse heritage of Lawton with concerts, food, children’s activities, artist demonstrations, a parade and more. Friday, 5-10pm; Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-581-3470, www.cityof.lawton.ok.us/lahc/IF.htm

SEPT 23-OCT 3 A Day Out with Thomas at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand Blvd) features a 25-minute ride on a train car pulled by a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series, storytelling, music, arts & crafts, miniature golf, model train layouts and more. Last train ride begins at 4:30pm. Advanced purchase is recommended.

Friday, $16; Saturday & Sunday, $18; children (2 & under), free. 8am-6pm. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

40

SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPT 24 • SATURDAY FREE Old Settler’s Day in Downtown Perkins (730 N Main St, Perkins) features a parade, vendor alley, kid zone, baking contest and auction, hot dog eating contest and plenty of entertainment.

9am-1pm. 714-0171, www.perkinsok.net Pioneer Library System Touch A Truck at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman). Children are free to climb aboard their favorite large vehicles. Drivers and experts will be on hand to answer any and all questions attendees have about the equipment. $2 suggested donation.

Quiet hour, 9-10am; engines on, 10am-noon. www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/touch-a-truck FREE Grape Stomp Festival at the Canadian River Vineyards & Winery (7050 Slaughterville Rd, Slaughterville) features a Lucille Ball dress up contest, a grape stomp, live music, food, shopping and children's activities. 10am-5pm. 872-5565, www.canadianriverwinery.net Turkish Food and Art Festival at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features traditional folk dances and music as well as food, Ebru marbling art demonstrations and handmade arts and crafts for sale. Free to attend. 10am-7pm. 7020222, http://raindropturkevi.org/oklahomacity FREE Shred Days at Allegiance Credit Union (12200 S Western Ave). Safely disposed of your important documents. 10am-1pm. 789-7900, www.allegiancecu.org Paddle Boarding in the Gardens at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Paddle around the Garden's lake on boards provided by the Boathouse District. $5 per person for 15 minute session. 10am-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org OU Medicine Breast Health Network Fall Fashion Event at Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) features a showcase of the latest in fall fashions from popular retailers including The Limited, Sunglass Hut and more. Benefits Susan G. Komen. Free to attend. 2-4pm. www.facebook. com/PennSquareMall/ FREE Big Wheel Nationals at Central Park (700 Broadway Ave, Moore). Kids ages 4 to 8 years old can test their pedal speeds and race on a sponsored Big Wheel. Spectators and racers can also enjoy inflatables, giveaways, food trucks and more.

4:30pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com

Picture your child on MetroFamily’s cover!

MetroFamily is searching for local kids with big smiles and bright personalities to grace our 2017 covers!

It’s easy to enter:

Register online for our Cover Kids Search program and pay $25 for one entry or $50 total for up to five entries.

Deadline to enter is Sept. 18.

All families who enter the contest will be invited to attend an exclusive Cover Kids Search Party to be hosted from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Park House Event Center of Myriad Gardens.

PLUS, if you are one of the first 200 to enter, your family will receive a goody bag at the event that is FULL of great surprises, including free kid meals, tickets to local attractions, coupons, discounts and other fun swag.* And be one of the first 50 families to register and you’ll receive FREE admission to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory on Sept. 25, the day of the event!

At the event, your kids will: • meet super heroes and princesses from Forever After Parties • enjoy hands-on activities by sponsors and MetroFamily • take their photo for a MetroFamily cover image that will later be sent to parents digitally • meet with MetroFamily staff members to show off their personalities

* Bag distribution at event limited to first 200 families who register their child or children online; one bag per family only.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Find all the details and enter at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids

events this

september

FREE Toys for Tails at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). Kids can make toys for local sheltered pets and their own furry friends and join in on the pet adoption day at the library.

All ages welcome. 10am-2pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Health Fair at Western Oaks Christian Church (8100 NW 23rd St) features several health agencies, health screenings, blood drive and free flu shots while supplies last. 10am-2pm. 789-8812, www.woccdoc.org FREE Good To Grow: a Family Health and Wellness Expo at Edmond Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) offers families of preschoolers helpful resources including free fingerprinting, vision screenings and familyfriendly physical activities. Kids can participate in an activity corner which will have new get up and go activities every 15-30 minutes.10am-2pm. www.eventdaddy.net/edmond/good-to-grow-afamily-fun-and-wellness-expo/ FREE Early Birds School Readiness Program at Northwest Classen High School (2801 NW 27th St) offers information, activities and materials to help parents prepare their young children for school. Open to families with kids age 5 & under in the Oklahoma City Public School District. Preregister. 10:30am-noon; 1:30-3pm. www.earlybirdsok.org Healthy Baby, Healthy Start at AllianceHealth Medical Group (1800 S Douglas Blvd, Midwest City). Learn how to navigate your way to having a healthy pregnancy. Preregister, space is limited. 11am-1pm. 815-3907, www.myalliancehealthdoctors.com Putts For Mutts Mini-Golf Tournament at Andy Alligator’s Fun Park (3300 Market Place Dr) features a mini-golf tournament benefiting Second Chance Animal Shelter & Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Preregister. Adults $20; children $10. 11:30am-1:30pm. 759-0235, www.copa-nut.com/putts4mutts.htm FREE Bulletin Board Creations Craft at the Warr Acres Library (5901 NW 63rd St, Warr Acres). Create a decorative bulletin board to organize homework, meetings, practices and more.

Best suited for ages 12 & up. 2-3:30pm. 721-2616, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Super Saturdays at Northwest Classen High School (2801 NW 27th St) features a districtwide professional development workshop for families who support the students in the Oklahoma City Public School district. Workshop includes: a

resource fair, educational workshops and student performances. Free childcare and lunch provided for those who preregister. 10am. 587-0449, www.okcps.org/SuperSaturdays

locations) open their barns for an up-close and personal view of alpacas. Learn about fleece for spinning, weaving and clothing production. www.alpacasofoklahoma.com

Coyle Fall Festival at City Ballpark (N Cottingham & E Lewis, Coyle) features old fashioned family games, arts and crafts booths, pumpkin decorating contest, costume contest, face painting, parade, inflatables and more. Free to attend. 11am-5pm. 466-3741, www.travelok.com

SEPT 25 • SUNDAY

Robert E Brady Memorial 5K Run at Farmers Insurance (7340 W Memorial Rd) features a 5k and a one-mile night run as well as free popcorn, face painting and a bouncy house. $10-$25. 7pm.

209-5895, http://best5ks.com/event/robert-ebrady-memorial-5k-2016-09-24-oklahoma-city-ok. html FREE Sucker Day Festival in Wetumka Central Park celebrates an age-old town tale of business owners being swindled into buying tickets for a circus that didn't exist. Festivities include a poker run, parade, arts and crafts and more. 7-11:30pm.

452-3237 FREE Plaza District Festival in the Plaza District (1700 Block of NW 16th St) features live music, food trucks, visual art exhibitions, children’s activities and fun to celebrate the spirit and diversity of the neighborhood. Noon-10pm.

367-9403, www.plazadistrictfestival.com

SEPT 24 & 25 FREE Oklahoma Wildlife Expo at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Dr, Guthrie) features hands-on, interactive exhibits, seminars, clinics, workshops and demonstrations centered on wildlife and outdoor activities. Saturday, 8am-6pm; Sunday, 8am-5pm. 522-6279, www.wildlifedepartmentexpo.com Heritage Hills Home Tour in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features a self-guided tour of six private homes. Benefits the Heritage Hills Associate Board of Historic Preservation. $15 in advance; $20 day of. Noon5pm. www.heritagehills.org FREE Scouts Weekend at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features a fun-filled day with activities that fulfill badge requirements. All Scouts in uniforms or scouting t-shirts will receive free admission to the Chikasaw Poya Exhibit Center.

Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-6227130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com FREE National Alpaca Farm Days at Participating Ranches across Oklahoma (various

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

42

SEPTEMBER 2016

FREE Butterfly Garden Tour in Central Oklahoma (various locations) features eight diverse gardens and landscapes during a free, selfguided tour. 10am-3pm. www.urbanagokc.org Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park (1 Remington Park) features horse races, a Derby Day hat & bowtie contest, wine festival, food trucks and music. Free to attend. 2-10pm.

424-1000, www.remingtonpark.com Annual 5K Red Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a sanctioned 5K benefiting AIDS Walk OKC. $30-$35. 7:30-10:30am. www.aidswalkokc.org/red-run/

SEPT 26 • MONDAY Homeschool Day at Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features different learning stations about the museum’s collection, how to properly care for artifacts, what school was like in 1889 and more. Best suited for ages 8-12. $5. 10-11:30am & 1-2:30 pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

SEPT 29 • THURSDAY FREE Nature Play OKC (at rotating locations) features a morning of outdoor fun for the whole family, rain or shine. 10:30-11:30am. www.facebook.com/NaturePlayOKC Annual Scrabble Showdown at the Castle Falls Event Center (820 N MacArthur Blvd) features a Scrabble tournament to raise awareness of the OKC Metro Literacy Coalition and importance of literacy. Spectator tickets are available. $25.

5-9pm. 830-2790, www.okcliteracycoalition.org FREE ChocolateFest at the Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) celebrates all things chocolate with games and tastings. Best suited for ages 12 - 18. 4-5pm. 732-4828, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Pokemon Party at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features crafts, games and other fun Pokemon activities. Best suited for ages 5-12. No registration required. 5-6:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

SEPT 29-OCT 1 Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival at Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area (212 W

Oklahoma Ave. Guthrie) features three days of live bluegrass music from local and national artists and a kids tent with crafts, activities and youth music. $15 & up. 10am-10pm. 282-4446, www.oibf.com Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at the Shawnee Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features gently-used items for children, teens and moms-to-be.

Thursday & Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am2pm. www.monkeybusinessok.com

SEPT 29-OCT 9 Oklahoma Regatta Festival in the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln Blvd) is a four-day festival that celebrates rowing, kayaking, dragon boating with a family friendly festival that includes racing, a children’s area, fireworks and more. Free to attend. See website for complete schedule. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org Eats on 8th & Harvey Food Truck Festival & Night Market in Midtown (NW 8th & Harvey Ave) features unique pop-up shops, live music, live entertainment, community resources, a Kidz Zone, informational booths and more. FREE to attend. 6-11pm. www.facebook.com/Eats-on-8thHarvey-484846148346074/

OCT 1 • SATURDAY FREE Oklahoma Czech Festival at Yukon Czech Hall (205 N Czech Hall Rd, Yukon) celebrates the Czech culture with food, music, dancing, traditional costumes, a parade, carnival rides, craft show and more. 8am. 206-8142, www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com Annual Down Syndrome Festival & 5K at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr) features a 5K, an Awareness Walk, games, inflatables, a petting zoo and more.

Participation in the awareness walk and entry into the festival are free. 5K, $35. 8am-1pm.

600-9981, www.dsfestivaland5k.com FREE Fiestas de las Americas in the Historic Capitol Hill District (SW 25th St. between Harvey and Robinson) is a celebration of Oklahoma’s rich multicultural heritage with a family fun run & walk, a colorful Parade of the Americas, food, games, art music and more.

9am-9pm. www.historiccapitolhill.com FREE Industry Flea in Midtown (10th & Hudson) is an open-air market featuring food trucks, live music and a variety of artisans and shops offering vintage clothing, furniture, art, locally-made food and more. 9am-3pm. www.industryflea.com FREE Walk with Compassion Oklahoma City at Stars and Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) features a journey through a true story of hope and redemption sharing the real-life obstacles children in poverty face. All ages welcome.

Fundraising encouraged. 9:30-11:30am. 800336-7676, www.walkwithcompassion.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

43

SEPTEMBER 2016

live zootopia

petting booth!

Zootopia | Fri., Sept. 9 | Mitch Park | Dusk

park

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 Follow us on

events this

september

FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11 a.m.

528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com First Saturday Hands-on History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zudhi Dr) features a variety of activities throughout the museum including crafts, coloring, hands-on carts and educational trunks, focused on energy awareness and Hispanic heritage. Free with admission. 1-4pm. 521-2491, www.okhistory.org FREE Fishing Days at Oklahoma City Lakes & Ponds (various locations). The City of Oklahoma City offers free fishing on the first Saturday of each month. No city permit is required; however a state license is for anyone 16 and older.

197-1426, www.okc.gov FREE Peace, Love & Pups at Duffner Park (801 Victoria Pl, The Village) is The Bella Foundation’s annual dog walk featuring a pet walk, vendor booths, pet adoptions, food trucks, live music, a kids’ corner, dog activity area and more. $10-$35.

9am-4pm. 1-866-318-PETS, www.firstgiving.com/ thebellafoundation/belladogwalk2016 FREE Saturdays for Kids: Cowboy Up! at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). Create a championship belt buckle and participate in other activities in honor of Rodeo Hall of Fame’s Rodeo Weekend. Activities are designed for ages 4-12. Preregister. 10am-noon. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org FREE Super Saturdays at Star Spencer High School (3001 Spencer Rd, Spencer) features a district-wide professional development workshop for families who support the students in the Oklahoma City Public School District. Activtities include a resource fair, educational workshops and student performances. Free childcare and lunch provided for those who preregister. 10:50-11:40am.

587-0449, www.okcps.org/SuperSaturdays Stockyards Stampede at Stockyard City (1305 S Agnew) features a full day of Western activities and entertainment for the whole family. 10am4pm. 235-7267, www.stockyardscity.org FREE Monarchs in the Park at Lions Park (SW 7th St & Madison Ave, Blanchard) celebrates the fall migration with butterfly plant sale, free seeds, education, art, face painting and more. Dress as a butterfly, caterpillar or flower and join the Parade of Butterflies. 9am-3pm. 227-7423

The Color Run at Remington Park (1 Remington Pl) features a paradise-themed 5K with a Tropicolor Zone, all-new Rainbow Beach at the Finish Festival and a fresh island-style participant kit. Benefits Zoofriends. $29.99 & up. 8am. www.thecolorrun.com FREE OU Westheimer Airport Open House & Family Festival at OU Westheimer Airport (1700 Lexington, Norman) features aircraft static displays, tours of the control tower and a children's activities area sponsored by Sooner Flight Academy. It takes about two hours to enjoy all the activities so arrive early. 9am-1pm. 325-7231, www.ou.edu/content/airport/events/festival.html

experiences. $35-$60, 6:30pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

OCT 7 • FRIDAY FREE Camp Fired-UP! at Camp DaKaNi (3309 E Hefner Rd) is a free family-friendly event for all ages. There will be camp activities including: a rock-wall, sling shots, pumpkin painting and more.

The evening will end with a hotdog and s'more cookout and an outdoor movie for the whole family to enjoy. 6-9:30pm. 254-2080, www.facebook.com/campdakani/

Market in the Park at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church, Harrah) features a craft show, Pig in the Park BBQ cook off, bluegrass festival, pumpkin patch, kids' area and more. Free to attend. 9am6pm. 454-2951, www.cityofharrah.com

Screening of The Last Man on the Moon Documentary at Stafford Air & Space Museum (3000 E Logan Rd, Weatherford) tells the story of Eugene "Gene" Cernan, commander of the last moon landing mission of the Apollo program.

Members, free; non-members, $5. 7pm.

580-772-5871, www.staffordmuseum.org

OCT 3 • MONDAY

OCT 8 • SATURDAY

Scout Day at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features learning stations about the museum collection, how to properly care for artifacts, what school was like in 1889, politics in Edmond from the Edmond People, Edmond Politics exhibit and more. Best suited for ages 8-12. $5. 6:30-8pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org 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

OCT 3-8 Kids Consignment Sale at Yukon Shopping Hills (1093 S Cornwell, Yukon) features gently used items for babies and children. Free to attend.

Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm. www.kidsconsignmentsale.com

OCT 6 • THURSDAY Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) features an interactive musical adventure as Daniel Tiger and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, share stories of friendship, help others and celebrate new

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

44

SEPTEMBER 2016

Mummy & Son Dance at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond) features a night of dancing, ghouls, fun, food and Mother & Son costume contest. Preregister by Oct. 5. $30 per couple, $10 each additional boy. Ages 4-7, 6-7:30pm; Ages 8-12, 8-9:30pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

OCT 8 & 9 To A New Children’s Consignment Sale at the Edmond Downtown Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) features gently-used and likenew maternity, baby, and children's items ranging from clothing, toys, furniture, and accessories.

Free to attend. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, half price sale, 1-5pm. 514-2363, www.toanew.com

Find our complete calendar online metrofamilymagazine.com/ calendar

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farm Experiences WINGS: A Special Needs Community Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch (13700 N Eastern, Edmond) features pumpkins, weekend hay rides and pumpkin train rides, hay bale maze, games and fall decor. Special market with special vendors, food and alpacas on Oct. 1. Other operating hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-8 p.m.

SEPT 17-NOV 12

SEPT 24-NOV 1 Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch (720 Henney, Arcadia) includes hay rides, a cornfield maze, fun fort, petting zoo, flower maze, pumpkin maze, pony rides, fire pits for roasting, picnic areas and more. Cash or check only. $8 general admission, $7 Thursday admission, 2 and under are free.

Thursday, 1-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

SEPT 30-NOV 13 Reding Farm (614 Reding, Chickasha) features Oklahoma's largest corn maize, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, Cow Train, farm animals, Corn Cannon and more. Farm admission is $10 with extra fees for additional activities. This year’s Corn Maize theme is Peanuts. The farm will host a special movie night on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and hand out Peanuts coloring books. Haunted Maize Harvest of Fear available Sept. 30-Oct. 29. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices vary.

Friday, 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

SEPT 26-OCT 31 Arcadia Corn Maze at POPS (660 OK-66, Arcadia) features a trivia-themed corn maze, onsite fishing, paintball shoot, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, snow cones, bounce houses, cornhole, hay fort, games, face painting and more. Adults & kids over 3, $10; seniors, $7; kids under 3, free.

Additional fees required for certain activities.

Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

SEPT 24-OCT 30 Chester’s Pumpkin Patch (5201 Cimarron

SEPT 24-NOV 6 Wild Things Farm (700 Beaty Ave, Pocola) features a corn maze, flashlight maze, petting zoo, pony rides, jumping pillow and pumpkin patch. Kids, $10; adults, $8. Thursday & Friday 2-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12-6 p.m. Night Maze open Oct. 21, 22, 28 & 29, 7-9 p.m.

FOR AG

ES

The Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) features hay rides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze and fun fall activities. Some activities may require additional fees like the Zombie Apocalypse Paintball, offered on select days. $10.50 per person plus tax on weekdays, $13.50 per person plus tax on weekends. Kids age 2 and under are free. Packages and season passes available. Open Sept. 17 & 24, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Oct. 1-31, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, 1-6 p.m.; Nov. 5 & 12, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Rd, Piedmont) features pony rides, hay rides, giant sand box, 3-acre mystery maze, games, FREE pumpkin with admission and more. Half off early bird tickets on sale until Sept. 16 and annual memberships are available. Admission is $10 for children 1-10, $6 for ages 11-64. Infants 12 months & younger and seniors ages 65 & older are free. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1- 6 p.m.

©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SEPT 16-OCT 30

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

SEPT 29-31 St. Matthew United Methodist Church Annual Pumpkin Patch (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City) features story time, garden shop, pumpkins of all sizes and picture opportunities. Proceeds benefit local missions and non-profits. Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 8. Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-8 p.m.

OCT 1-NOV 1 TG Farms Newcastle (1580 NW Highway 37, Newcastle) features tractor-drawn hay rides, petting zoo, hay maze, hay jump and slide, corn maze, tricycle race track, duck pond, pony rides, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, concession stand, general store and more. $10 per person plus tax on weekdays and $12 per person plus tax after 3 p.m. and on weekends. Kids under walking age are free. Season passes available. Open daily, 9 a.m.-dark. 387-3276. Additional location at 4335 W Highway 9 in Norman.

OCT 7-23 Pumpkinville at the Myriad Gardens presented

by OG&E (301 W Reno) celebrates pumpkins and all things fall. Thousands of pumpkins are on display along with scarecrows and a variety of activities. Free admission for members and kids 3 & under. Non-members, $6. Open daily, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

OCT 15-31

FREE The Pumpkin Patch at the Gate Church (7700 N Council Rd) features fall fun with a pumpkin patch and much more. Admission and fun activities are free. Pumpkins available for purchase (price varies by size). Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m-7 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m.

[Editor's Note: For a comprehensive fall farm & pumpkin patch guide complete with websites and contact information, visit www. metrofamilymagazine.com/pumpkin-patches]

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

45

SEPTEMBER 2016

Give your child an academic advantage that lasts a lifetime.

SCHEDULE A PARENT ORIENTATION TODAY!

Kumon Math & Reading Centers of EDMOND - NORTH • 405-715-1111 775 W. Covell Rd., #150, Edmond, OK 73003 EDMOND - WEST • 405-216-9800 245 South Santa Fe Ave., Edmond, OK 73003 NORMAN • 405-364-1600 1320 N. Interstate Dr., Norman, OK 73072 OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTH • 405-752-2000 9494 N May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTHWEST • 405-721-7323 6220 Northwest Expy., Oklahoma City, OK 73132 OKLAHOMA CITY - SOUTH • 405-691-8900 10600 S. Pennsylvania Ave., #5, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 YUKON - SOUTH • 405-265-0075 501 S. Mustang Rd., Yukon, OK 73099

kumon.com

Follow our journey across centuries, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors.

events this

september ONGOING EVENTS

AUTUMN In Its

GLORY E X P E R I E N C E C H I C K ASAW CU LTU R E There’s no better place to embrace autumn than at this world-class destination. Explore lush gardens, unique art, Chickasaw cuisine, interactive exhibits and a replica 1700s-era traditional Chickasaw village. Help us celebrate this bountiful season.

We often use dried gourds as vessels.

THROUGH SEPT 9

FREE Annual Celebration of Life Art Show at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute (5911 W Memorial Rd) features more than 200 pieces of art by artists of all ages and skill levels who wish to express how their lives have been affected by cancer. Each of the entries includes a story of how the artist has been impacted. Open to the public, Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm. 773-6600, www.integrisok.com/cancer-instituteoklahoma-celebration-of-life

Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, dating from the late nineteenth century to after World War II by Matisse as well as Picasso, Renoir, André Derain, Georges Braque, Joan Miró, and Amedeo Modigliani. Adults, $12; kids (6-18), $10; kids (5 & under), free.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 278-8237, www.okcmoa.com

OPENS SEPT 11

OPENS SEPT 8

FREE 9/11: Never Forget at the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute & Museum (507 S Main St, Hobart) is a new permanent exhibit that will showcase a 14-foot- long, 3,000-lb. steel I-beam from the World Trade Center, one of the few remaining pieces to be released from The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Monday-Saturday, 10am-noon & 1-5pm. 580726-5900, www.tommyfranksmuseum.org

THROUGH SEPT 11

FREE IKBI Build Brick Art Exhibit at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur) features art created entirely out of toy bricks including Chickasaw designs alongside adaptions of famous characters as well as many hands-on activities. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

THROUGH SEPT 4

FREE Vision Revision at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) explores how photographers have examined individuality through portraiture and, in many cases, shaped the presentation of identity through pose, props and lighting and compositional choices. TuesdaySaturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma

THROUGH SEPT 18

Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of

ChickasawCulturalCenter.com Sulphur, OK • 580-622-7130

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

46

SEPTEMBER 2016

Surroundings by Christie Owen at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) offers a diverse collection of abstract 2D and 3D works inspired by our everyday environments. The materials and compositions in this body of work perpetually change in relation to various time and Owen’s life experiences. Free with admission. Tuesday-Friday, 9am5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

SEPT 8-OCT 16

FREE Cloud City, Tomas’ Saraceno at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom (1146 N Broadway Dr) is called a utopian city in the sky. Made of steel and acrylic, the structure is both transparent and reflective, so that grass may appear overhead and the sky is reflected onto the ground.

During its five-week run, Cloud City will be open for exploration at scheduled intervals. Admission is free, however, an online ticketing system will be used for reservations. Volunteer opportunities available. Walkups admitted as space allows.

604-0042, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

SEPT 17-JAN 2

When the Earth Shakes at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) is a special exhibit sponsored by Love's. MonSat, 10am-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm. Adults, $8; seniors, $6; children 4-17, $5. Kids under 3 are free. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum. ou.edu

events this

september ONGOING EVENTS

OPENS SEPT 24

The Modernist Spectrum: Color and Abstraction at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) explores the invigorating ways in which postwar American artists, especially those associated with the Washington Color School, made abstract art new, producing novel work that sought to reinvent abstract art through an alternatively rigorous and playful manipulation of color, line and shape. Free with admission.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) explores how photographers have examined individuality through portraiture and, in many cases, shaped the presentation of identity through pose, props and lighting and compositional choices. Although a variety of sitters are included in the exhibition, particular attention has been given to artists, celebrities and other public figures, those personalities for whom physical presentation often carries special meaning. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.

325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma

THROUGH SEPT 25

THROUGH DEC 17

Titanoboa: Monster Snake at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features a realistic replica of the largest snake on record. At 48-feet, this mega snake was longer than a school bus and was at the top of the monster-eat-monster food chain in the Paleogene Period, 60 million years ago. Free with admission. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

THROUGH OCT 1

Ben Johnson: Cowboy, Rodeo Champion at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) is a tribute to the native Oklahoman, cowboy, rodeo champion and film star featuring biographical history, artifacts and a bronze sculpture by Mehl Lawson. Free with admission. 10am-5pm.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

THROUGH DEC 4

FREE Visage: Photography from the Permanent Collection at the Fred Jones

FREE Edmond People, Edmond Politics at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) showcases a wide variety of political memorabilia and historic photographs that illustrate the many ways Edmondites have participated in local, state and national politics. Tuesday- Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

LIKE US

FOLLOW US

JOIN US

THROUGH JAN 8

Da Vinci: The Genius at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) is an interactive experience that immerses guests in da Vinci’s timeless brilliance through full-scale interpretations of the mastermind’s inventions and unparalleled studies of his iconic art. Visitors will be able to push, pull, crank and interact with many of these exhibits for a hands-on understanding of the scientific principles behind them. Tickets in addition to regular museum admission are required. Adults, $9.95; kids (12 & under), $5.95. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

Find all our ideas for fall events and activities at

TAG US

WATCH US

metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun-guides METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

47

SEPTEMBER 2016

CALL US

events this

september WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Art Moves at various locations in Downtown Oklahoma City offers a free hour-long lunchtime art experience every weekday. Events run every weekday, noon1pm (unless otherwise noted), and are free and open to the public. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves

FREE Western Movie Matinees at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features screenings every Wednesday of a selection of Wrangler Award-winning films including Heartland and Unforgiven. 1pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

FREE Story Time at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel Ave) features readings of favorite books in the Green room.

Participants get 10% off all books during story time. Mondays, 11:30am; Wednesdays, 4pm & Thursdays, 10am.

848-2330, www.green-bambino.com

Early Explorers at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features come-&-go, hands-on science activities for kids ages 6 & under. Wednesdays.

No registration required. Free with admission. 10-11am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.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. Tuesdays, 10:30am.

325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

FREE Bringing Books to Life Story Time at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) features a weekly nature-themed story time and coordinating craft. Best suited for ages 2-5. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno) features special presentations of classic films on the big screen every Tuesday. $5. 7pm. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com/TNC FREE Picnics on the Great Lawn at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Bring a big blanket, a picnic or a good book and enjoy some off-line time. Tuesdays, 5-9pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time. Free with admission.

Wednesdays, 11-11:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Wide Open Wednesdays at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features FREE admission, courtesy of The Oklahoma Ford Dealers, every Wednesday through Nov. 16. 10am-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Nature Play Group at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature using naturecentered play activities. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Preregister. $10/month. Wednesdays, 10am.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

48

SEPTEMBER 2016

Family Night at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St). Families can enjoy admission for up to five people, pizza and drinks using the MetroFamily Family Package (coupon available at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/coupons). $29. Thursdays, 6-9pm.

602-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com FREE Whole Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods CafĂŠ (6001 N Western Ave) features story time hosted by a librarian from the Metropolitan Library System as well as crafts and snacks.

Thursdays, 10-11am. 879-3500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com FREE Plaza Palooza at Charles J. Johnson Central Park (SE 29th St & Mid-America Blvd, Midwest City) features live music by local artists every Thursday in September. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments. 6:30-8:30pm. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org FREE Nature Tales at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces young adventurers to the world of nature using stories and themed, handson activities. Best suited for ages 3 – 7.

Preregister. Thursdays & Saturdays, 10am. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks

events this

september WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Connie & the Cow Story Time at Chick-fil-a (1210 E 2nd St, Edmond) features a reading time every Thursday as part of the Chick-fil-a Kids Club.

Thursdays, 10-11am. www.cfarestaurant. com/northedmond/home FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond).

Pajamas welcome. Preregister, best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway).

Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Storytime with Mr. Steve at Barnes and Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features an extremely silly story time and coloring activity. Saturdays, 11am.

579-8800 FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond).

Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May Ave) features a hands-on craft time for kids ages 3 & up.

No reservations necessary. Saturdays, 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com

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

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.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.

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). L’Algérienne, 1909. Oil on canvas. Collection Centre Pompidou, Paris. MNAM-CCI. Legs du Victomte Guy de Cholet aux Musées nationaux, 1916, 2009. AM 2009-214. © 2016 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

FREE RIVERSPORT Ride in the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features a FREE all inclusive ride around the Oklahoma River. Riders can choose to begin at Schlegel’s Bicycyles or at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Saturdays.

Schlegel’s, 8:30am; Boathouse, 8:50am.

552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org FREE Oklahoma Bicycle Society’s Donut Ride at Will Rogers Park (NW 36th & Portland) features a 14 - 25 mile ride starting at Will Rogers Park Tennis parking lot and rides to Browns Bakery or Kamps 1910.

Riders can return on the same route or join groups for longer return ride. 9am every Saturday. www.oklahomabicyclesociety.com FREE Summer Twilight Concert Series at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno). Enjoy a free concert every Sunday on the Grand Lawn.

Bring your family and a picnic and enjoy the great music. 7:30-9pm. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com

Discover more fall family fun on a budget with our list of 50 Things to Do This Fall Under $5!

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/50-fall METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

49

SEPTEMBER 2016

Every Saturday from 1-4 pm join us for art-making activities. All summer long, projects will be inspired by artwork in Matisse in His Time. Free with admission!

Ask the experts

Helping teens gain independence safely We asked local experts to weigh in on their tips for raising teenagers.

Trudy Ruminer Honoring your teen’s appropriate developmental need for independence and trusting their decision-making can be a daunting task for most parents. At times, this challenge can feel much like walking a tight rope, naked with no safety net. As parents, we have a strong innate tendency toward protecting our children from harm and discomfort at any cost. Ideally, we start the process of teaching our child about cause and effect from the first sign of the little angels asserting their independence. If we gradually, as developmentally appropriate, allow our children the gift of making thousands of affordable mistakes that result in the occasional scraped knee and bruised ego at every stage, these mistakes turn into wonderful learning experiences.

Allowing your child to make affordable mistakes all along the way takes practice, patience and possibly a few sleepless nights.

With as much courage as you can possibly muster, allow your teen the freedom to make choices for themselves even if some of the choices have minor disaster written all over them. Then, here comes the hard part folks, let your teen learn from those mistakes by not coming to their immediate rescue. Of course some things are non-negotiable such as not wearing a seat belt, texting while driving and feeding the neighbor’s rabid dog. In these instances, every parent should exercise their God given right to take the keys away, turn the cell phone off and insist their teen get a rabies vaccination.

Trudy Ruminer is a licensed clinical social worker and the clinical director and owner of True North Therapeutic Solutions, an outpatient mental health agency in Oklahoma City. Trudy is mother to four adult children and the proud grandmother to one. She draws her knowledge not only from her own

personal parenting experiences, but also from her years of experience working closely with families.

Anne K. Jacobs Adolescence is a time of substantial, yet uneven, cognitive development which can make it a bit scary for parents. One moment, your teens are having a lovely, philosophical conversation with you, and then they turn around and commit some completely boneheaded act. This is confusing, frustrating and, sadly, quite normal. Focus on asking questions instead of issuing directives. Help your teen develop skills to generate possible solutions, evaluate the potential outcomes and decide on a good course of action. Allow teenagers to do the heavy lifting in these conversations. If the first few solutions they throw out seem undesirable, fight the urge to jump in and rescue them. Remember the process is what is important right now.

Obviously if there is a safety issue, you may have to redirect the conversation if your teen is ignoring risks. Remember, teens still need connection and supervision. Your teenager's past behavior will help shape how much supervision you will need to provide.

These years are marked by impulsivity, so even as you give your teens space to start making their own decisions and experiencing the consequences of their actions, keep in touch with whom and how they spend their free time. Check in on online activity and avoid allowing free access to phones and computers, especially after bedtime. Making wise decisions is even harder if your teen is exhausted.

Anne K. Jacobs earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Kansas and enjoys serving children, adolescents and their families. In addition to her private practice in Edmond, she holds an adjunct faculty position at Southern Nazarene University. Her family includes: husband, Noel who is also a child psychologist; twin daughters, Keegan and Sarah; one dog, two cats, and five tarantulas.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

50

SEPTEMBER 2016

Greg Gunn When your children are between 0-5, you are their caretaker. From 5-12, you are the cop.

You teach, you train and you discipline. As kids move into the teenage years, you become the coach. These coaching years, between ages 13–17, are when you help balance their independence and responsibilities.

As a coach, you should teach, model and encourage. Make your child aware you expect and believe they will do the right thing and make the right choices. Verbalize this often. If they do choose wrong, address it as an isolated incident and let them suffer natural consequences. Don’t take any of their poor choices personally. Keep on encouraging and modeling good choices and focus on a great relationship. Often, teenagers don’t rebel against authority; they rebel against a lack of relationship.

Greg Gunn, founder of Family-iD, is a life coach, pastor, author and speaker from Oklahoma City. Married for 30 years, Greg is a father of seven kids, a father-in-law and a grandfather of two. For 17 years, Greg has led Family Vision Ministries, a ministry that helps families put their purpose on paper and pass it on to future generations.

Jim Priest As parents, my wife and I followed the general motto of “try to say ‘yes’ as much as possible.” We tried to reserve our “no” for important and rare occasions. But in saying “yes” we talked through both the decisionmaking process, how they were making the decision, as well as the possible and likely outcomes of the decision. Sometimes we let them try something that we were pretty sure would fail. They learned from their mistakes.

Jim Priest is the CEO of Sunbeam Family Services, a 109-year-old non-profit that

provides a range of social services to support Oklahoma’s most vulnerable people.

Jim and his wife, Diane, have been married for 38 years and have two adult children, Amanda and Spencer and are owned by a dog named Jeter.

Dr. Lisa L. Marotta As your child is maturing into the tween and teen years, it is often the desire for peer connection that drives the desire for independence.

Appreciate that developing a social support outside of the family is natural and healthy. Is your pre-teen the last person on the planet to get a cell phone?

This is a hot topic for many (P.S. your young person is probably not the last person on the planet to get a cell phone). Establishing boundaries begins with careful parental consideration of how you want the phone to be used, balanced by how and why it is important to your teen. Will your teenager pay for some of the cell phone cost? Is there a data limit? What hours are okay/not okay?

Does the phone get charged in a common area? What happens if it gets lost or broken?

Thinking about these things proactively is part of helping kids make smarter choices, with the added benefit of demonstrating early on that privileges and responsibilities go together. Once you have established and explained the boundaries of this new freedom it is time to discuss accountability.

Will you be monitoring the phone? Is there a consequence for misuse of the phone?

Planning ahead for mistakes gives you time with a cool head to choose how you will respond.

Dr. Lisa L. Marotta is celebrating 22 years of private practice. She is a clinical psychologist in Edmond with a special heart for women, children and families. Dr. Marotta enjoys writing, public speaking and blogging. She and her husband Sal have two young adult daughters.

Madison Clark

Tamara Walker

Teenagers need independence to grow and prepare for adulthood, but it can be very scary for parents to let them have the freedom necessary to mature. I believe the key to nurturing a teen into making smart choices is an open and honest relationship with their parents. When children are young, we talk to them about the importance of not running out into the street or talking to strangers. These same conversations need to continue with our teen children about different dangers: driving, drugs, alcohol, relationship safety, etc. It is much better for parents to prepare for these dangers and come up with plans, than to allow them to explore the possibilities on their own. When I was a teenager, my parents had a rule that I could call them at any time if I felt unsafe or uncomfortable, and they would pick me up. They promised to stay in the car and gave me a free pass from getting into trouble for being in the situation in the first place. So often teenagers get into situations where they feel they have no way out and they continue down a scary path. Each child is so different, so I believe rules and expectations need to adapt to the child’s personality, history of behavior, decision-making skills and what you know about their friend group. In the end, it is important to help teens slowly gain independence, but you have to judge how much they can handle at a given time.

As a child becomes a teenager, his need for independence increases and it is very common for parents to worry about how much independence to allow. Teens are capable of taking care of many of their self-care tasks and do not require as much “hands-on” parenting as they once did.

However, they still need involved parents who guide them to make smart choices and good decisions.

Madison Clark is a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist in private practice in Norman. She specializes in working with families with young children, ages 0-6. She has extensive training in play therapy and enjoys watching parents connect with their children through play.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

51

SEPTEMBER 2016

The rational part of a human brain does not reach full development until the age of 25.

This fact, combined with a teen’s need to separate and become independent, can often lead to many struggles between parents and their teens. Parents can help balance this need for independence and the need to provide guidance by communicating openly with their teen and actively listening to him or her.

When teens feel “heard” and validated, they are more likely to turn to their parents for advice and guidance.

Talk through situations and scenarios your teen may encounter. Ask her how she would respond and how she would remove herself from that situation. Talk over options.

What if a friend tries to talk her into doing something dangerous or illegal? By discussing several options and ideas, you can help your teen make smart choices when they are confronted with situations that could get them into trouble.

Raising a teen is no easy task but it can be made easier by keeping the lines of communication open and being there to listen when your teen needs you.

Tamara Walker, R.N. shares her family expertise at MomRN.com and Ask MomRN Show, a weekly online talk show featuring family/parenting, health and family entertainment topics with well-known experts, authors, and celebrity guests.

Tamara is a mom of two young adults. She lives with her husband in Edmond.

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.

53 54

Party Guide (pages 53-54) Dust Bowl Lanes Forever After Parties Jump!Zone Mad Science of Central Oklahoma Mobile Laser Forces Paint Your Art Out Skate Galaxy Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

56

54

Child Care (page 54) North Penn Creative Learning Center Primrose School of Edmond

54

Foster Care (page 54) SAFY

55

Retail/Restaurant (page 55) Jimmy’s Egg Once Upon A Child

55

56 57 58 59

Family Fun (page 55) Arcadia Corn Maze Paint ’N Station Unpluggits Playstudio

60

Health & Fitness (page 56) Dr. Laura Ballinger, DDS Just Kids Pediatrics Dr. Santiago Reyes, Pediatric Pulmonologist After School Activities (pages 56-59) Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma The Dance Department Dove Dance School Edmond Fine Arts Institute Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Little Spanish Bridge Oklahoma City Community Dance Oklahoma History Center Solid Rock Basketball Sooner Theatre Studio J School of Dance Twist & Shout Velocity Dance Center Victory Dance Special Needs (page 60) Brain Balance Center of OKC Skills for Living TOTAL POSS-ABILITIES

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

52

SEPTEMBER 2016

Birthday Parties for the Young at

405-513-5333 421 NW 10th • 405.609.3302 dustbowlok.com

10 S Broadway, Downtown Edmond, OK www.paintyourartout.net

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

53

SEPTEMBER 2016

PARTY GUIDE

Oklahoma's Original Art Entertainment Studio

PARTY GUIDE

Child Care

Families Build Futures Do you have a desire to help a child live up to their fullest potential?

10,555 children in Oklahoma are in need of a caring foster family to nurture and guide them.

Call us today at

Now Enrolling Toddlers Full Time Pre-K 405-254-3147

800-600-7239 or visit us at

SAFY.org/Oklahoma

northpenncreativekids.com North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

54

SEPTEMBER 2016

FOSTER CARE

CHILD CARE

Infants - School age

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

SMART OWLECS at Unpluggits...

2016 cu salad stom only p$ late, 20

Opening September 23rd and Open Every Thursday-Saturday thru October!

s on Like U

Adults & Children: $10 Seniors: $8 Kids Under 3: FREE

Pops food truck will be on site

Additional tickets can be purchased for fishing, paintball & face painting

East of Edmond on HWY 66, Right next to Pops

• After School Fun • Ceramics • Paint-N-Take • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • Indoor Playground • Late Paint Nights

Have more

Family Fun!

Birthday Parties!

See New Events on Facebook  14th

Paint Me a Story

Story time & Paint Time 10:30am - 11:30am cost $14 No age limit Reservation required

 22nd

First Day of Fall!

Paint one of the FALL SPECIALS, get $5 off  29th

National Coffee Day mugs $4off today

Find more at:

405-340-7584 • www.unpluggits.com

575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond (South of 15th, off Kelly)

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ community METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

55

SEPTEMBER 2016

842-7770 paintnstation.com

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

FAMILY FUN

Subscribe to our e-newsletters and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

Check out our

Activities : bo houses, fish unce ing, face painting, tr iv paintball, h ia, ay fort, pumpkin p atch an much more d !

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Dr. Laura Ballinger knows kids.

FREE Special Offer!

1900 South Kelly, Edmond

www.ballingerdental.com

As a family dentist, she welcomes kids (and their parents) to experience quality, gentle dentistry in a relaxing environment.

Call for an appointment today and receive a FREE kids Sonicare toothbrush with complete exam, X-rays and cleaning!

844-8445

Breathe Easier Santiago Reyes, MD Pediatric Pulmonology

For Appointments Call 405-945-4495 Specializing in respiratory diseases of children and adolescents including asthma, cystic fibrosis, respiratory infections, chronic and acute respiratory conditions.

Board certified in pediatric and pediatric pulmonology.

Serving Oklahoma for over 20 years.

Most major insurance accepted including SoonerCare INTEGRIS Professional Building D 3366 Northwest Expressway, Suite 330, Oklahoma City

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

56

SEPTEMBER 2016

Fall Leagues begin on September 17th!

Grand opening will be held on September 24th!

Enroll online at www.solidrockbasketball.com 405.473.2975

140 W 15th St., Edmond, Oklahoma 73013

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

57

SEPTEMBER 2016

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Solid Rock Basketball provides tools for young players to reach maximum potential as a basketball player, teammate and person.

Year-round opportunities are offered in skills training, camps, club teams, leagues, tournaments and more. Grades K-12.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

¡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: 405 805-6283 or register on our website: www.littlespanishbridge.com

2000 NW 150th Street. Oklahoma City/Edmond

CREATING FRIENDSHIPS ONE STEP AT A TIME ENROLL NOW!

Enrolling

Audition and Non-audition classes for grades pre-K-12

Fall Classes

for:

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

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

www.soonertheatre.com • (405) 321-9600

405-721-8807

info@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

Imagine That!

Saturday Mini Camps Sept. 17, 1:30-3pm For Kids Ages 3-6

$25

Register online: OklahomaCityDanceStudio.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

58

SEPTEMBER 2016

Dance classes for all ages!

Jazz

Small Class Sizes

Tap

Scholarships Available

Creative Movement

Trained Instructors

Hip Hop

Spring Showcase Performance

Ballet

Community Dance Center

405.208.5508

CommunityDanceCenter@okcu.edu

www.okcu.edu/communitydance

Coming in October:

Our annual Party Guide!

If you offer birthday parties, don’t miss the opportunity to reach families looking for your business!

Deadline is Sept. 13!

Print • Online • e-newsletters • Digital Edition

Call 601-2081 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com

Check out MetroFamily’s OKC Marketplace, a FREE business concierge service. Just plug in your family’s resource needs and get bids back from local businesses to choose from.

It’s simple, FREE and helps you find what you need for you, your children, your home, your event and more!

Try it today at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/okcmarketplace!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

59

SEPTEMBER 2016

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Now Enrolling!

Jo Rowan, Dance Dept. Chair

SPECIAL NEEDS

NEW Simulated Driving Program!

Skills for Living, Inc

Struggling kids

OT & PT Therapy will help your CHILD ACHIEVE:

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.

School • Sports • Social • Driving •

Competence Through Experience

www.SkillsForLiving.net

330 W. Gray, Ste.100-2, Norman,OK

READINESS

405-360-5554

Discover inspiration & local resources for kids with special needs!

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

FREE CONSULTATION

405-492-6800

brainbalancecenters.com Brain Balance Center of OKC

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ special-needs

3545 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

60

SEPTEMBER 2016

Don’t miss a minute of the Fall Fun in Oklahoma City and around the state! Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, Halloween events and MORE. Enjoy the fall weather at some of Oklahoma’s best seasonal sites.

MetroFamily’s Fall Fun Guide, available at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun-guides

Fall Fun Guide 2016

Kid Review: All About Cha Address: 7300 N. Western Ave. Kid reviewer’s name: Miriam Age: 8

What made the experience stand out?

It's not just for moms. They have brunch all day long and they have yummy desserts and cocoa for the kids. Plus outdoor seating!

What was the best part?

It was a nice morning and we got to sit outside! The macaroons were my favorite.

What was the worst part?

It takes a while for the food to come but it's worth the wait. They bring it to your table and everything is super delicious and made fresh.

Will other kids like it and why?

Yes, they have a lot of options like breakfast croissants, waffles, crepes,

wraps, salads, gourmet coffee and even sushi for the parents.

If you could visit the restaurant again knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

I would not get a cocoa because my food was very rich and I couldn't finish my cocoa. But I did get a to-go cup so that was fun!

Does what you saw match up with , anything you re learning in school or have seen before in a book, on TV, etc.?

Yes, I love the American Girl movie, "Grace Stirs up Success." Any of the

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

62

SEPTEMBER 2016

desserts at All About Cha remind me of those I saw in the movie and the croissants and crepes are similar to the French cuisine featured in that movie.

What do you think , you ll remember most about your trip to All About Cha? After brunch we went next door to the Culinary Kitchen and I got a beautiful strand of glittery butterflies to go in my bedroom for my birthday.

[Editor's Note: Miriam attends Harvest Hills Christian School in Yukon. In addition to ballet, she's interested in piano and arts and crafts. She has a 7-year-old brother.

If your child would like to submit a Kid Review, please visit metrofamilymagazine. com/kid-reviews to learn more.]

Enter your child in MetroFamily’s cover search TODAY!

• All families who enter should plan to attend the exclusive Cover Kids Search Party on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Myriad Gardens where among other fun activities, they will meet MetroFamily judges.

• The first 200 families that enter will be provided a goody bag of family fun coupons, discounts and attraction tickets. (One goody bag per family only.)

• The first 50 families that enter will also be given tickets to tour the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory (tickets good for Sept. 25 only) • Six categories offered: ages 2-3; ages 4-6; ages 7-9; ages 10-12; special needs; siblings/multiples • Only $25 for one entry or $50 total for up to five entries.

From a previous Cover Kid family: "Chelsey and I felt the Cover Kids Search was such an awesome experience for her. She especially loved that it offered her a moment in that Special Spotlight of Fame which most little girls dream of.

She signed copies and sent them to friends and family. She felt famous for the longest time. I personally was especially pleased with how down to earth and kind the entire Metro family staff was.

This staff is truly dedicated to bringing Oklahomans a fantastic family magazine that even our kids look forward to. Cover Kids Search is definitely a contest for all."

Regards, Marivel P. and her daughter Chelsey

Thank you to our sponsors:

Register by Sept.18 at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids

GREAT TICKETED EVENTS!

TICKET PRICES START AT

$

2016 OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR

PRCA XTREME BULLS TOUR & CONCERTS

15

MONTGOMERY GENTRY

Thursday, September 15 w 7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 16 w 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 17 w 11:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 23 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 18 w 1:30 & 5:30 p.m.

Monday, September 19 w 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 20 w 7:30 p.m.

PRCA XTREME BULLS TOUR & CONCERTS ELI YOUNG BAND Saturday, September 24 7:30 p.m.

C A R N I VA L R I D E

Armbands!

SAVE $

10

when you purchase an Unlimited Carnival Ride Armband at the Jim Norick Arena Box Office or through our other ticket buying options, including Walgreens.

(Outside Gate Admission NOT INCLUDED)

HURRY, OFFER ENDS SEPTEMBER 14!

Free ! s t r e c n o C September 16 MICHAEL RAY 7:30 p.m.

JIM NORICK ARENA BOX OFFICE, okstatefair.com OR 405.948.6800

ENTERTAINMENT STAGE

(with Outside Gate Admission)

September 15 THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS 7:30 p.m.

3

WAYS TO BUY TICKETS!

September 17 THE OAK RIDGE BOYS 8 p.m.

September 18 LA ENERGIA NORTENA 3 p.m.

September 19 BUILDING 429 7:30 p.m.

September 23 MIDNIGHT STAR 7:30 p.m.

September 20 & 21 ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA 7:30 p.m.

September 24 DENNIS DeYOUNG: The Music of STYX 8 p.m.

September 22 GRANGER SMITH 7:30 p.m.

September 25 BEATLEMANIA LIVE! 3 p.m.

okstatefair.com

The Official Soft Drink of State Fair Park