Respect Diversity “Visual art and poetry can show or express respect for people of different cultures and ethnicities, different ability levels, different ages, and/or different religions. The possibilities are as endless as one’s imagination.” - from the Respect Diversity website. The 2009 Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest is now accepting entries. This year’s theme is Rainbow Connection. Entries are welcome from Oklahoma children in grades pre-K through 12 (public, private, or home-school). Entries must be a collaboration, relate to the theme, and include either art, poetry, or both. An entry form must be attached to each entry and entries must be received by January 9, 2009. Find an entry form online at RespectDiversity.org, click on the “Art and Poetry Contest” link. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entry in four age groups: pre-K-1st grade; 2nd-5th grade; 6th-8th grade; and 9th-12th grade. Winning entries will be highlighted in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine.
Heifer International What do you get the person who has everything? Make a donation in their name to a worthwhile cause. Rather than supplying food aid for a temporary solution, Heifer International seeks to empower those it benefits, putting into practice the lesson “give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” Since 1944, the organization has helped communities around the world to become self-reliant for food and income, transforming the lives of over 49 million individuals. Donations of any amount can be made to help purchase livestock, seedlings, or honeybees. Call 1-800-698-2511 or visit Heifer.org to learn more.
Parents Television Council Parents, if you are unsure about the television shows your child is watching, the Parents Television Council (PTC) seeks to offer you the information you need. The primary mission of the PTC is to: “promote and restore responsibility and decency to the entertainment industry in answer to America’s demand for positive, family-oriented television programming.” To attain this mission, the PTC’s website (ParentsTV.org) offers lists of programs suitable for families, and shows to watch out for. Resources include a Family Guide to TV, music, movie, and video game ratings. Drop-down lists of television and movie reviews give parents detailed information, rating the sex, language, and violence content so parents can make informed decisions on what their children are watching. Read MetroFamily’s interview with PTC National Grassroots Director Gavin McKiernan at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ptc.
Edmond Lacrosse The Edmond Youth Lacrosse program started in the spring of 2006 with 93 boys and girls; by 2008, there were 221 players in total. The 2009 season for this popular sport is March-May 2009, and registration is underway now through January 5. The program is open to boys and girls, grades 1-12. For more information about Lacrosse or to sign up, call 405-359-4630 or visit EdmondLacrosse.com. 12
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December 2008
Easy y to be
Green Green Gifts Are you dreaming of a green holiday season this year? Looking for ecofriendly gifts for the kids, something fun and different? Manufacturers are listening, and offering eco-friendly options for all ages. ImagiPLAY’s PuzzlePlay Rainforest ($19.99; ImagiPlay. com) for ages 3 and up is made from renewable rubberwood and features chunky pieces that disassemble to create a Rainforest playset. Also made of renewable Rubberwood is Plan Rubberw Toys’ Miracle Pounding ($29.95; PlanToys. com) com for ages 2 and up, a good goo toy for building hand-eye coordination. h d The Planet Pixie dolls ($24.99; ILoveMyPlanetToys. s. com) for ages 3 and up teach kids about different parts of the earth. The dolls come with a guide to being environmentallyfriendly. Parents and kids can visit PlanetPixies.com for or more information. Nature Discovery In My Backyard ($6.95; TheLittleEnvironmentalists. com) is the first in a series of books for young children and early readers. Pages include information about what kids can easily find in the world around them, illustrations of the life cycles of bugs and plants, and resources for further reading. Don’t forget—when you are done with this issue, pass it on to a friend or drop it in your recycle bin!
Celebrating Ten Years!