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JUNE 2009

Fathers of Sam Bradford and the Griffin brothers talk about winning the game of life

Great tips and recipes for cooking with kids T h e E s s e nt i a l Res o u rce fo r Cent ra l O k l a h o m a F a m i l i es

w w w. M et roFa m i l yM aga z i n e.comw w w. M et roFa m i l yM aga z i n e.comw w w

June 1 to July 31

@ Your Library

Sign up and get great prizes for reading this summer!

Children’s Summer Reading Program

www.metrolibrary.org

2009 Parks and Recreation

SUMMER EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Recreating Experience and Adventure MAD SCIENCE: MOVING WITH SCIENCE CAMP Five full days of machines, engineering, rocketry and so much more. From engineering to animals, from machines to deep space, join us as we figure out how so many things are moving with Science.

When: Monday – Friday, July 6 – 10 Time: 9 a.m .– 4 p.m. Age: 2nd– 6th grade Fee: $263 MAD SCIENCE: SECRET AGENT LAB CAMP Use your skills as a chemist to make your own radical reactions with batteries, a chemical clock, and more!

Learn to fingerprint, discover the mysteries of DNA, make “brain goo”, and check out your bones as you travel the organ trail. Become a mad science detective and use your forensic skills to solve the “Great Cookie Caper”!

When: Monday – Friday, June 22 – 26 Time: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Age: 2nd– 6th grade Fee: $274 STRUMMIN’ SUMMER GUITAR CAMP A great introduction to playing the guitar! You will focus on basic techniques and learning several songs.

The last day will feature a recital for family and friends.

When: Monday – Friday, June 15 –19 Time: 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. Age: 9 & up Fee: $72

FINE ARTS CAMP Calling all aspiring artists! Learn to paint and draw like the masters. You will spend the week learning basic techniques in watercolor, drawing, pastels and more!

When: Monday– Friday, June 15 –19 Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Age: 6 –11 Fee: $120 SUMMER BLAST CAMP EDMOND: SUPER HERO ADVENTURE & UNDER THE SEA ADVENTURE Each session your child will explore through arts & crafts, dodgeball, pottery, science, tag games & relays, special guest, water day adventure and more!

Super Hero Adventure: Session I: Monday – Friday, July 20 – 24 Includes a trip to Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. (no make-up day) Under The Sea Adventure: Session II: Monday– Friday, July 27– 31 Includes a trip to Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. (no make-up day) Time: 7:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Age: 5 –12 (Must be 5 as of January 2008). Fee: $150 first child/ $115 each add’l. child JAZZERKAMP Fitness is fun with this exercise program. Designed especially for children… do fun and fit activities and learn about nutrition, the body and the importance of physical fitness!

You will do arts & crafts, dance, fun fitness games, relay races and more!

When: Monday – Wednesday, July 7–9 Time: 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. Age: 5 –12 Fee: $82

Pre-registration Required. Check out our website at edmondok.com/parks for more information on these camps and all our summer programs or call 359-4630.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Children with Autism

"Love all the info! It's easy to access, and gives our family tons to do without costing a fortune!" ~MetroFamilyMagazine.com user

Center-based services Home-based services Assessments Parent training Consultations “I’m Learning to be Me� Summer Day Camp June 22-26, morning and afternoon sessions At Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell, Edmond Appropriate for vocal kindergarten-middle school children with emerging play and social skills. Trained ABA therapists will be working with small groups of children with ASD, including typical peers. $250/session.

Enroll now at www.autism-concepts.com!

Kid Connection A social group for children on the Autism Spectrum, ages 4-7.

We utilize principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis to help children improve their social world.

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:00-3:30 pm at ACI Learning Center. $35/session

ACI Learning Center 1733 South Fretz Ave. Suite C Edmond, OK 73013 405-513-8000 Autism-Concepts.com

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June 2009

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MetroFamilyMagazine.com The essential ONLINE resource for Central Oklahoma families!

June 2009

The All About Dads Issue 44 Calendar Events and activities

20 Character First Encouraging sincerity in our children

6

Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

8

Exploring Oklahoma Family fun at Fort Cobb

42 Family Finances Staying safe at the ATM

25

Tommy Griffin (dad to Taylor and Blake) and Kent Bradford (dad to Sam) share their insight about parenting their successful OU athlete sons.

10 Family Shorts News you can use

32 Holiday Listing Celebrate Independence Day around the state

30 In Touch with Relationships Maintaining a good attitude in stressful times

22 Let’s Eat: Recipes How to cook with your kids

24 Oklahoma Reads

40

Book reviews

18

Peek inside the mind Become inspired by of the stay-at-home the winners of the father of today—he’s 2008-2009 Respect much more than just “Mr. Mom.” Diversity Arts and Poetry contest.

28 Q & A with the Beasleys Grandpa as a positive male role model

16 Your Healthy Family Information about his hormones

On our cover (and above): Tommy Griffin and Kent Bradford, both of Oklahoma City. Learn more about these sports dads on page 25.

Photograph by Mark DeGraffenreid 31ABUNCH.com

June 2009

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Dear MetroFamily, As I write this note, school is just days away from being over, but my kids are done already. I didn’t anticipate that this feeling would start so early for them—after all, they are just starting their school careers. They are very excited at the prospect of summer.

I can’t help but feel a bit of that excitement. There is something so alluring about an expanse of unstructured time, days to spend enjoying the absolute best benefits of childhood—playing, exploring and dreaming.

This has been a whirlwind of a year for me, as well as for the kids. This June marks a year for me as the Editor here at MetroFamily. I’ve learned a lot, made a few mistakes and met a lot of great people. I wouldn’t change a thing and I can’t wait to find out what the next 12 issues have in store for me.

And as for this summer, I hope to log some serious hours in some playing, exploring and dreaming of my own. What better time?

Cheers,

Info And Questions: 405-340-1404 To submit events to our calendar Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie Mitzi@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Sales Donna Stewart Rebecca Phansalkar Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty Kathy@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Marketing Specialist Whitney Fleming Calendar Editor & Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

•

Our Exploring Oklahoma with Children issue is here!

This handy travel guide includes easy-to-follow family trips, our popular Kids Pass with discounts to over 40 attractions statewide, and 66 Oklahoma festivals the entire family will love. This annual guide is designed to be useful all year but is especially appropriate now that the kids are out of school. And take your issue and camera; enter our Photo Contest and you’ll be eligible to win an Oklahoma vacation. Learn where to find a copy and the details at ExploringOK.com.

Editorial Assistant Sherrie Horton

2009 Edition

Graphics Assistant Kathryne Taylor Kathryne@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Follow the red dirt road… to family fun and adventure

66 festivals your family will love

A special publication by

Save money with Kids Pass!

Over 40 coupons to Oklahoma attractions Sponsored by

MetroFamilyMagazine.com • ExploringOK.com

• We want to know what you think about MetroFamily! Take the short survey at readerxsurvey.net/ppa/metrofamily.asp. Your comments will help us better serve you AND give you a chance to win a $1000 American Express gift card. If you don’t have Internet access, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to PPA, 1970 E Grand Avenue, Suite 330, El Segundo, CA 90245.

• Our annual Cover Kids Search is here! Find all the details at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/cover-kids. Enter your child today. They may be highlighted on one of our covers next year.

• Become a fan of MetroFamily at Facebook.com and follow us on Twitter.com (login and search MetroFamily). By doing so, you’ll be the first to know about our next “tweetup” and other great event ideas and promotions.

•

Next issue: Our annual Special Needs Families issue. Ad deadline is June 17. Call our office TODAY! 405.340.1404.

•

ON OUR COVER: Tommy Griffin (father of highlyawarded OU basketball stars Blake and Taylor) and Kent Bradford (father of OU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Sam) sat down recently with MetroFamily to talk about sports, parenting, and their outstanding sons. Story on page 25.

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June 2009

Contributing Writers Michelle Ann Anderson Karen Mitchell Drs Lori & Stewart Beasley Gayleen Rabakkuk Ben Davis Sue Lynn Sasser Mari Farthing Phyllis VanHemert Shannon Fields Martha Wegner Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at 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 published monthly

By Inprint Publishing, Inc. 306 S. Bryant, Suite C152 • Edmond, OK 73034 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 12, Number 06

Here’s Your Chance!444 The search is on to find fresh faces and smiles to light up MetroFamily’s covers in 2010!

Categories include: Ages 0-18mos 19 mos-3 years 4-7 years 8-11 years 12-18 years Special Needs (All Ages 0-18) Ten semi-finalists will be selected for each category. The six category winners will be selected by MetroFamily readers through an online voting process. Each winner will be professionally photographed and featured on one of our covers in 2010!

Photos submitted should only show the child being nominated (group photos are not allowed); should have been taken within the last two months; and should be candid snapshots, not professionally-taken photos.

Deadline is October 15, 2009.

Two ways to enter: 1.

2.

Enter soon! First 300 entrants will receive a “thank you” mailing of coupons and discounts to local businesses!

PREFERRED: Go online to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/cover-kids, complete the form, upload your child’s digital photo and pay using a credit/debit card. Photo must be print quality.

Send the completed form and a 4X6 or 5X7 snapshot with $25 check or credit card info submitted on form below. (Find details and address on form below.)

A portion of the proceeds from this contest will be donated to a local children’s charity, determined by Cover Kid Search finalist voters.

Questions? Please email Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com or call 405.340.1404.

ONLY ONE CHILD PER ENTRY Either send this form by mail or go online to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/cover-kids Name of Child _______________________________________________ Date of birth (mm/dd/yy) ____________________________ Age ________ Category (Circle One) 0-18mos 12-18yrs.

19mos-3yrs 4-7yrs Special Needs (all ages)

8-11yrs

Address ___________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _______Zip _____________ Home Phone __________________ Mobile Phone ____________________ Parent/Guardian Name _________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________ My signatures indicates that I give permission for my child’s photo to be used by MetroFamily without restriction. The entry fee is non-refundable and all photos will become property of MetroFamily. Photos will not be returned. It is further understood that my child’s photo may be placed on MetroFamilyMagazine.com but will be identified only by a first name, age and city.

$25 per entry. Make check payable to MetroFamily or pay here by credit card.

Check

VISA

MasterCard

Discover

American Express

Account Number: _____________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______________________________________________ Billing Address: ______________________________________________ City __________________________ State _______Zip _____________ E-mail: ___________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________ Mail completed form, photo and $25 fee for each entry to: Cover Kids Search, MetroFamily, 306 S Bryant, Suite C152, Edmond, OK 73034

Exploring Oklahoma Father’s Day at Fort Cobb State Park

I

n most families, Dad is the outdoorsman—but in our family, it’s me. Over the years, my family has put up with my love of the outdoors— bugs, snakes and all. By camping in tents and trailers or staying in cabins, we’ve had the opportunity to visit many parks and make great family memories.

One of my favorites is Fort Cobb State Park, less than a two-hour drive from the Metro in southwestern Oklahoma.

What a treat that this recreational jewel is so close to Oklahoma City—making a weekend trip very doable. There are

plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Why not surprise Dad with a trip to Fort Cobb for the weekend?

Fishing Fort Cobb State Park boasts a 4,100-acre lake with spectacular fishing. Anglers will catch striped bass hybrids (a cross between a white and striped bass), crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and saugeye (a cross between a sauger and a walleye). On a recent trip, we hauled in plenty of hybrids trolling from the boat. Many were in the 3-5 pound range

MDRAMA

summer camps 2009

DESIGN

Design Workshop Series

Graphic Design I - July 6-17 2-week overview of graphic design techniques including hands-on projects and professional site visits. $250 fee includes $75 starter kit. Open to high school juniors and seniors.

Graphic Design II - July 20-31 2-week continuation for Graphic Design Level I participants to gain in-depth knowledge and skills. $250 fee includes $75 maintenance kit. Open to high school juniors and seniors who have completed Level I Workshop.

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Water Recreation If you want to enjoy lake recreation and don’t have your own equipment, don’t fret—the Sunset Bay Marina rents pontoon and ski boats for up to $250 per day (plus oil and gas). Skis and tubes

MUSIC

Tech Boot Camp June 8-12

Woodwind Chamber Music Camp June 8-11

Daily classes in lighting, sound, costumes, props and sets. Hands-on projects. $150. Ages 14-18.

Classes in performance, master classes, research, listening, musicianship and rehearsal training. $125. Grades 9-12.

Drama Day Camp Week I – June 15-19 ÊÊÊUÊ-V ÕÃiÊ, V Ê ÛitI Week II – June 22-26 ÊÊÊUÊ `` iÀÊ ÊÌ iÊ, vI Daily classes in makeup, scene shop, props, costumes, acting, voice and movement. $100 per week. Ages 7-13. * Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 0HONE s &AX www.MTIShows.com

Interior Design I - July 6-17 2-week overview of interior design techniques including hands-on projects and professional site visits. $250 fee includes $75 starter kit. Open to high school juniors and seniors.

making for fun fishing and a delicious dinner. For a small fee, fishing is also offered at areas of the marina where crappie like to hang out. This would be a great place to let the kids show their angler skills. Of course, fishing off the shore is fun as well.

DANCE

Dance Summer Workshop June 15–19

An intensive dance workshop with daily classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz and dance composition featuring special guest artists and dance educators Kathie and Patrick Debenham. Three tracks available: ages 8-12, 13-18 and collegiate/adult. $150.

Dance & Down Syndrome Music Theatre Camp June 22-26 Jazz and vocal camp for those with Down -Þ `À i°Ê i>ÌÕÀ }ʺ } Ê-V Ê Õà V> Ê »Ê music and songs. $100. Ages 13 and up.

June 2009

Guitar Workshop June 9-11 For moderately experienced guitarists of all ages who want to learn basic chord and scale construction and how they fit together to produce various musical styles. $80 fee includes instruction workbook. Open to all ages.

Strings Camp July 5–Auditions for orchestra placement July 6-10 Daily ensemble, small group and individual performance and techniques will be taught. Ages 9-high school: young musicians, intermediate and advanced tracks available. $250.

8th Annual Modern Recording Technology Workshop July 13-17 Learn the concepts involved in audio recording and participate in the recording process in the roles of engineer, producer and musician. Open to high school and college students. $300.

CONTACT Ines Burnham iburnham@uco.edu www.ocae.net 405-216-2588

are available for $10-$15/hour. Those old enough can rent WaveRunners (motorized water cycles) for a $500 refundable deposit and hourly fees. If you have your own boat, marina slips are available for a small daily fee. The marina also serves daily breakfast and sandwiches for a quick energy fix. Light groceries and general supplies are also easily found. For more information about the marina and equipment rentals, call 405-643-9900.

Golfing Make sure Dad brings his clubs as an 18-hole golf course sits right off the shores of Fort Cobb Lake near the Sunset Cove campground. The course includes a practice range, putting green and pro shop. Reserve your tee time at 405-643-2398.

Accommodations Until this year, Fort Cobb State Park’s main form of overnight accommodations has been camping from the 985 campsites located along the shores (my favorite). While there is a formal swimming beach, we prefer sites off the shores where we can jump in with our rafts—so refreshing in the Oklahoma heat! These sites range from semi-modern RV sites with electricity and water to primitive tent camping.

Restroom/shower and sewage are

available. Camping rates range from $10-$20 depending on your utilities.

Sites are available on a first-come-firstserve basis, so it’s best to get there as early as possible on Friday to reserve your choice site if you’re coming for the weekend.

For those seeking modern conveniences, new privately-owned cabins have been constructed on the south end of the lake near the marina and Sunset Cove campground. The cute and cozy Kodiak Pines log cabins have full accommodations including a complete kitchen with utensils and appliances.

Dad can cook up dinner (whether you caught it or bought it) on the outdoor grill and read a book on the covered front porch. Small cabins sleep up to four and rent for $129 per night. Large cabins sleep up to six and rent for $149 per night. For reservations, call 405643-2224 Monday-Friday from 1-4pm or visit KodiakPinesCabins.com.

and even German goulash. The prices are reasonable at $8-$16. Hours are Thursday-Saturday 5-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-2pm. Call 405-643-2531.

What more could a dad want on Father’s Day? Pack up the car and head to a nearby place to create new family memories.

Karen Mitchell, a life-long resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, has been married to Mark since 1983 and is the mother of two teenagers. With a degree in Journalism and a career in sales, Karen is enjoying her return to writing.

Dining Of course, grilling hamburgers or the day’s catch by the evening campfire is crucial to a campout—but there are those who prefer to dine-in. A drive to the north side of Fort Cobb Lake to the Deck Boat Steakhouse may be a perfect way to cap off your trip. German owners Gary and Christine Clay serve up delicious steaks, catfish, shrimp

Ă•Â˜iĂŠÂŁĂŽ]ÊÇ>“‡Ç“ÊUĂŠ Ă•Â˜iĂŠÂŁ{]ĂŠÂŁÂŁ>Â“Â‡ĂˆÂŤÂ“ MetroTech Springlake Campus 1900 Springlake Dr, OKC

x ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ Ă•Â˜ĂŠ7>Â?ÂŽĂŠUĂŠ vĂ€ÂˆV>Â˜ĂŠ6ˆÂ?Â?>}iĂŠ Ă?…ˆLÂˆĂŒĂƒĂŠ Ă€ĂŒĂƒĂŠEĂŠ Ă€>vĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ/Â…Ă•Â˜`iÀÊ ÂœÂœÂŽĂŠ Ă•ĂƒĂŠ >“iĂƒĂŠEĂŠ ˜y>ĂŒ>LÂ?iĂƒĂŠUĂŠ/>Â?iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ-Â…ÂœĂœ ÂœĂƒÂŤiÂ?ĂŠ Ă?ĂŒĂ€>Ă›>}>Â˜Ă˘>ĂŠUĂŠĂŠ ˜`ʓÕVÂ…ĂŠÂ“ÂœĂ€it Fun for the entire family!

Admission is FREE! 405-427-4444 CapitolChamber.org

160 acre

natural playground waiting to be explored

z High Adventure Treasure Hunt z Pony Rides z Hayrides z Fishing z “Bone Zone� Archaeological Dig z Archery Range ...and much more!

June 2009

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We All A Scream for Ice Cream!

The Ok Oklahoma College Savings Plan (OCSP) and Sonic restaurants have (OCS teamed up to provide all Oklahoma team graduating Kindergarteners a free gra vanilla cone through June. van “This is our way of congratulating “T kids on o their big step from Kindergarten to first grade,” g said State Treasurer Scott Meacham, Chairman of the OCSP Meacham Parents, grandparents gra and legal guardians of graduating K Kindergarteners can print coupons at the OCSP website (OK4Saving.org), where they may also learn more about setting up a savings plan for fo their new graduates. “We also hope the offer encourages parents to consider opening an OC OCSP account to assist their graduating Kindergartener on o their first step of attaining a college education,” education said Meacham.

Africa West Festival The 2nd Annual Africa West Festival, held June 13-14, celebrates the culture and heritage of African Americans and their contributions to Oklahoma’s rich history.

The free festival will be held at the Spring Lake Campus of Metro Technology Center (between NW 36th and 50th on Martin Luther King Ave). Festival activities include a visit from the Oklahoma City Thunder Book Bus (Saturday, 2-5pm) and book giveaways, 5K run and 2K walk, cooking demonstrations, musical performances and historical reenctments featuring Buffalo Soldiers, Freedmen, Black Cowboys and African homesteaders. A gospel music concert will be held on Saturday, 1:30-5:30pm. The Africa West Has Talent show is scheduled for Sunday at 1pm.

For more information about the festival, visit the Africa West home page at CapitolChamber.org/ communications/AfricaWestMainPage.html.

For more information informat about the OCSP, call 877-6547284 or visit OK4Saving.org.

OK4S

MFM Question of the Month

What is the theme of the 2008/2009 Respect Diversity Arts and Poetry Contest?

(Hint: see page 18) To enter, visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/FS-Giveaway and complete the entry form and be eligible to win a prize package valued over $650 Deadline is Thursday, June 25.

Summer Food Service Program A large percentage of children in the metro receive free or reduced-cost lunches at their public schools. Unfortunately, when school is out for the summer, the need for food does not take a vacation. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals to all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a private 501c3 nonprofit organization that collects donations and shares them with nearly 700 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. Since its inception in 1980, the Food Bank has distributed over 300 million pounds of food to Oklahoma’s hungry.

Locations where meals will be available may be found online at the Regional Food Bank’s website (RegionalFoodBank.org); you may also call 405972-1111 for more information on finding help or donating your time, money or products.

The winning entry will receive a prize package including the items pictured above. Full description of giveaway items listed at MetroFamilyMagazine. com/FS-Giveaway. * Winner agrees to pick up items from NW OKC area.

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June 2009

Food Allergy Safety As the number of children with potentially fatal food wit aallergies continues to grow, an increasing number of parents are learning not to take anything for granted. an When even a tiny amount Wh of a common food can be deadly, staying safe often requires vigilance.

Surprising sources of allergens include: • Pet food: can be an irresistible-looking treat to small children. Doggie kisses can also contain harmful allergens.

• Children’s museums: interactive exhibits may contain food-related items, such as ground-up walnut shells (that look like coarse sand).

Edmond’s Blue Star Mothers Support Our Troops The Blue Star Mothers (BSM) of Edmond are joining with churches across the Metro to prepare Fourth of July Freedom Boxes to American troops deployed around the world.

“Our theme for this program is ‘Lift High the Flag,’” said Sherry Stensrud, President of the BSM chapter.

Congregations are encouraged to make available one or more special postal rate Freedom Boxes along with a list of requested items. Filled boxes will then be delivered to Peace Lutheran Church in Edmond on June 13, from 9am-noon.

“Members of the BSM [along with volunteers] will prepare the Freedom • Stuffed toys: the “stuffing” in bean bags and stuffed Boxes for shipments to reach our troops toys may actually be crushed nut shells. by the Fourth of July,” said Stensrud.

Tax-free donations to help with postage • Soaps and shampoos: may contain milk, nuts, wheat ($10.95 per filled box) are also accepted. or other allergens.

• Movie theatre seats: likely to be covered with butter and candy residue.

Call 405-532-8113 for more information.

• Play dough: contains wheat and possibly other allergens.

• Hotel rooms: bits of food may be hiding under furniture where a baby or toddler is likely to find them.

• Bird feeders: birds tend to spread the bird seed— which can contain nuts, seeds, wheat, milk and other allergens—all over the yard.

• Party entertainers: clowns and other entertainers at children’s events often throw candy to the crowd.

© Filmwork_52 | Dreamstime.com © Jgroup | Dreamstime.com

• Open containers of otherwise safe food: someone who had allergenic food residue on their fingers may have put their hand in the bag or box, contaminating the entire batch. out where “Don’t make any assumptions about d Linda allergens may or may not be,” said Coss, author of How to Manage Your Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies—Practical Tips for Everyday Life. “Ask a lot of questions. Read the ingredient label on anything that has one, including non-food items. And y always make sure your emergency medication is close at hand!”

Arise Ministries Survive ‘n’ Thrive 2009 Conference for Single Mothers The 2009 Survive ‘n’ Thrive conference is like a weekend holiday for single moms. Attendees will participate in seminars, enjoy delicious food and have a chance to win fabulous prizes. The conference will provide a booster shot for a healthier mom, which ultimately makes for a happier family.

Breakout session topics include home maintenance, managing rrebellious children, managing finances, dating and remarriage, stress management and cooking. m The conference will be held June 12-13; Friday, 6:30-9:15pm and Saturday 8:45am-4:45pm.

Cost is $10 for moms and children are free (limited space available).

Registration is required.

The conference will be held at Quail Springs Baptist Church (14613 N May, OKC). Call 405-812-5137 or visit AriseMinistries.net to register or for details.

pular Coss is also the author of two popular o Eat? food allergy cookbooks, What’s to and What Else is to Eat?, both of which out dairy, provide recipes for cooking without s. Visit egg, peanut or tree nut ingredients.

FoodAllergyBooks.com to learn more.

June 2009

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Lights; Camera; Film Camp!

The OKC Metro Film Camp started small, when Michelle Mann’s 12-year-old daughter parlayed a love of reading and writing into producing a short film. A fun summer activity is now a full-blown camp.

Camp will be held on the fourth floor of the Downtown Library, July 1-8 (with a 3-day break to allow for Independence Day). Week one will focus on instruction, writing and pre-production from 9:30am-12:30pm daily. Week two is when the filming starts (hours may be extended for some classes).

Classes are broken up by age range. Class A (ages 12-18) will study early slapstick films and collaborate on a project. Class B (ages 7-11) will work a script drawn from classic literature and learn basic on- and off-camera skills. Class C (ages 5-6) will use disposable cameras to weave pictures into stories from their own perspectives.

Projects will be premiered at a formal event August 6 in the Downtown Library’s theatre. The evening will be capped off with an awards ceremony and a reception.

Cost for Film Camp is $75 per student (half due at enrollment) and scholarships are available. A $25 premiere fee per family is also collected. Enrollment begins June 6, 10:30am at the Downtown Library.

“Our “O goal g is to make this camp affordable and aaccessible to all interested students,” said M Michelle Mann. “Our participants incude incudd homeschoolers, public school studenn and a wide range of very talented students kids who have neverr had the opportunity to do this kind fronn of the camera, working with local of thing before, from being in front o in the film industry to learning broadcast journalists and tho those e the art of writing, dire directing, and working behind the camera.”

Potentii students may also enroll by Potential g 405-378-0805 or emailing calling okcmett okcmetrofilmcamp@hotmail.com.

Free Online SAT Help School may be out for the summer, but the SAT test looms large in the minds of high school students everywhere. Where to start? INeedAPencil.com is a free online resource to help students raise their SAT scores and get into college. This free resource has helped over 18,000 students find success through strategic preparation.

The site provides clear lessons and explanations, a flexible lesson structure and questions that are relevant and interesting to teens. The content was designed by certified teachers and expert tutors.

Lessons and tests are structured to cover every topic included in the SAT, and the lessons can be customized to provide a full test tutor or just to fill in the gaps where needed. Projected SAT scores are updated instantly as your child works through the lessons and sample questions, so results are easy to track.

And parents, the site will email you a status update so you can track your child’s progress, and your child can be sent reminders also via email to keep on track.

Sign up for a free account today at INeedAPencil.com.

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June 2009

Easy to be

Green Green Your Family’s Meals Our food eats up 20% of America’s fossil fuel via growing, transporting, packaging and selling. Fortunately, eating green is easy (and often cheaper!).

1. Skip the corn: You may have seen the TV ads assuring us that highfructose corn syrup is a “natural” sweetener. It’s cheap, which is why manufacturers love it. But it’s full of empty calories and was found to be laced with mercury.

2. Leftovers are right on the money!

Create meals with tomorrow’s lunch in mind. LeftoverChef.com has recipe ideas.

3. Live large in the kitchen. Batch cooking minimizes energy use.

Freeze meals in smaller containers to be pulled out for lunches or easyto-make meals.

4. Apply yourself. Your stove is the energy guzzler of the kitchen while smaller appliances (think toaster oven or slow cooker) are the sippers.

Only six to 13 percent of the energy your oven uses is to cook food.

5. Buy sustainably. Go for organic, pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken. It might cost a bit more (though if you buy directly from a farmer, you’ll save—check LocalHarvest.org to find one near you) but if you eat less of it—a wise idea in any case—you’ll break even.

Leslie Garrett is an award-winning journalist, mother of three and author of The Virtuous Consumer: Your Essential Shopping Guide for a Better, Kinder, Healthier World (and one our kids will thank us for!). Visit her at VirtuousConsumer.com

Don’t forget—when you are done with this issue, pass it on to a friend or drop it in your recycle bin!

Problem-Solving Safe Swimming for All Ages Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Products began in 1966 when founder Harvey When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the interesting items we’ve found recently.

Bennett saw the devastation endured by a neighbor’s family when their child drowned. Bennett (now Dr. Bennett) made it his mission to prevent children from drowning.

Problem:

Dr. Bennett’s ISR program has proven to be an effective technique for children ages six months to six years. According to the ISR website, 788 children have used ISR techniques to save themselves from drowning.

You don’t want to put the diaper bag on the dirty floor.

Solution: The Baggino ($149) cleverly converts from a messengerstyle diaper bag (that even dad will carry) to a tool belt of changing necessities. Additional straps also make it easy to hang on the stroller.

(Baggino.com)

Problem: Dad wants a ski vacation for Father’s Day.

Solution: We Ski & Snowboard ($39.99) for the Nintendo Wii gives you a virtual experience sans frostbite and at a fraction of the cost. (WeSnowSports.com)

Problem: You’ve been volunteered to coach the soccer team. Where to start?

Solution: Coach Deck Soccer Cards ($19.95) feature exercise drills that will help amateur coaches get in touch with their inner pro. Also available in baseball and basketball versions. (CoachDeck.com)

Problem: Keeping junior’s math skills sharp this summer.

Solution: Flashcar Math Learning Game ($24.95) combines math and car racing that engages kids in learning difficult concepts while having fun. (Kids-LearningGames.com)

Nothing replaces parental supervision, but ISR may provide an additional level of protection. Currently, there are three instructors in the Metro offering one-on-one lessons. Each lesson lasts 10 minutes, and classes are held five days a week for four to six weeks. The lesson plan is customized for each child.

Children ages six months to one year will learn to hold their breath underwater, roll onto their backs and float unassisted; older children will learn these techniques plus a swimming/resting sequence that will assist them in getting to safety.

One local instructor, Marcy Toler, became an ISR instructor after after seeing the benefits first-hand. “Our son went through the program in Oklahoma City and I thought it was so positive to see a swim program that could save kids lives, I knew I wanted to be a part of such a great organization,” said Marcy.

To learn more about ISR or to contact an instructor, visit InfantSwim.com.

Reach Out and Read Oklahoma Children heading to their doctor’s office may leave with more than a shot— doctors may also provide children with a new book. The new Reach Out and ReadOklahoma Coalition is part of the nationwide early literacy program that works with doctors and nurse practitioners in encouraging parents to read aloud to their young children.

Doctors and nurses will receive new age-appropriate books for children from six months to five years of age, starting with board books and progressing through more complex picture books. Healthcare providers will also provide tips to parents about reading with their children.

“Far too many of Oklahoma’s children are arriving at school unprepared to red, and unprepared to learn,” said Dr. Marny Dunlap, Medical Director of Reach Out and Read-Oklahoma. lahoma.

“One of the major contributing factors to this is that less ss than half of our state’s parents are reading to their young children en every day. Reach Out and Read works with doctors and nurses ses to help parents understand the critical importance of reading aloud and gives them practical tips on how to make it fun for thee whole family. Just as importantly, we give parents the tools to o act upon that advice—a colorful, new children’s book for the child hild to take home.”

“Reading aloud to a young child every day is a wonderful ful way to stimulate language,” said Perri Klass, MD, Medical dical Director of Reach Out and Read. “You can help your child learn language and you can help your child enjoy books ks and stories.”

Learn more at ReachOutAndRead.org.

June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com etroFamilyMagazin ne ne e..c .co co om m

13

Performing Arts Academy

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Showdates and times: June 24................................................2pm June 25-27 ...............................2 & 7:30pm June 28................................................2pm Tickets: $10 adults; $5 kids (12 & under) Tickets can be purchased in person, online and by phone. $2 service charge per ticket for phone and online orders.

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 W. 54th St, NY, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com.

101 E. Main St. • Norman

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Visit www.cityartscenter.org or call (405) 951-0000 for camp details

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The Oklahoma History Center invites you to

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15

Your Healthy Family Hormones for Him

T

his month, the focus is on all the dads, grandpas and important men in our lives. As such, we must address an important men’s health issue that may not get talked about as often as it should: hormone health.

Few people realize how profoundly hormones can affect day to day life and function. In fact, most of us probably think hormones are only problematic for women—bringing thoughts of menopause, moodiness and hot flashes.

A hormone imbalance, however, can affect men just as profoundly as women, and it happens more often than we realize.

Different glands and organs throughout the body produce hormones, which act as chemical messengers traveling through the bloodstream to regulate various body systems, emotions and reproduction—thereby affecting overall health and well being. There are two major classes of hormones. Steroid

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hormones include the sex hormones most of us think of automatically when we talk about hormones, such as estrogens, progesterone, and androgens, but also thyroid, glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids. The other major class of hormones includes proteins, peptides, and modified amino acids. The human body, in fact, produces more than 200 different types of hormones! We’re going to specifically look at steroid hormones, and the effects of their imbalance in men.

often beginning at or around age 40.

The decline is gradual enough that men may not notice symptoms of this decline for decades; but according to the Mayo Clinic, by age 80, more than fifty percent of men have low testosterone levels. Other symptoms may include erectile dysfunction, decreased bone and muscle mass, anemia, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating and increased fat mass.

Male Menopause?

There are many circumstances that may cause an imbalance of steroid hormones to occur. Stress is a major factor, and both good and bad types of stress can have a profound effect on hormonal balance. Many diet and lifestyle factors play a role as well, and should be considered when seeking the assistance of a health professional. Other potential influences on hormone balance include long- or short-term illness,

The medical community has long debated the existence of age-related “male menopause,” even with patients reporting symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, depression and irritability. The condition is more accurately referred to as andropause, which refers to a gradual decline in steroid hormone production in men,

June 2009

Balancing Factors

environmental toxins, and prescription medications.

Edmond pharmacist Stacy Gee has made functional endocrinology her primary focus. She’s been counseling both men and women on hormone replacement options for over five years, after amassing many hours of continuing education. She advocates bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men and women, but notes that when you’re dealing with hormone imbalance, it’s important to look at the big picture. “Stress is a major factor that is often missed in men, and it can have a major affect on adrenal function. Women are often better about acknowledging stress, while men may not notice it until they’re asked.”

Cortisol production may be adversely affected by stress, which can cause fatigue and irritability.

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In fact, according to Gee, many male patients seek help only when their wives point out the problems. “Unfortunately, men—and sometimes women, too—look at these changes and their symptoms as a normal part of aging, when it really doesn’t have to be.” She advises men who are suffering from symptoms to have their hormone levels tested.

Baseline hormone levels, along with a close look at medications, supplements and dietary habits offer a jumping off point, though she cautions that it can take time to find the right balance, particularly if there are thyroid or adrenal issues.

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Hormone imbalance is not just a women’s health issue. Men often encounter these symptoms at some point during their lifetime, and as is the case with women, hormone imbalances can be treated, improving quality of life.

Men may be less likely to seek help—so ladies, don’t be afraid to ask questions and offer encouragement to your loved ones!

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.

concentrated weekend or evening classes.

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outreach.ou.edu June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

17

Respecting

Diversity “Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

– John Lennon 1971 John Lennon, the iconic Beatle, is known for his messages of love and peace. We live in a world with thousands of different cultures; many that interact more than ever before due to accessible international travel and the Internet. America is a melting pot of peoples from around the globe—most coming with the intent of making a better life for their families. Even within our borders, people grow up under varying circumstances and experiences that give them unique outlooks on issues affecting our country and world. Unfortunately, the inability for one to understand the other can lead to intolerance and even hate. This is apparent from recent headline accounts of acts from schoolyard bullying to national terrorism.

Intolerance for various core belief systems lead to violence, war and deaths of thousands of innocent lives.

Understanding differences does not require acceptance to the point of changing one’s own belief system. However, mutual understanding can lead to a healthy and mature means of coexisting. An open, healthy and honest exchange of experiences, beliefs and ideas without hostility is an important first step to peace. Is this just a dream? Not if the Respect Diversity Foundation can help it.

PreK-Kindergarten winner: Birds Flock to Respect Diversity

By Bixby Elementary Kindergarten class, Bixby

1st-3rd Grade winner: Diverse Animals with Rainbows

By Orvis Risner Elementary 1st and 2nd graders, Edmond

The Respect Diversity Foundation The Respect Diversity Foundation (RDF) was established in 2001 to help people of all ages successfully live, learn and work in our increasingly diverse society.

RDF teams with MetroFamily Magazine annually to sponsor the statewide Respect Diversity Art and Poetry Contest. Thousands of school-age children participate.

RDF’s mission is to teach tolerance and respect for all people. Specifically, students learn about diversity issues such as human rights, cultures around the globe, religions and people with special needs.

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June 2009

4th-5th Grade winner: Monroe’s Diversi-Tree

By Monroe Elementary Students, Oklahoma City Public Schools

Arts and Poetry Contest The annual Respect Diversity Arts and Poetry Contest provides a creative and educational way for students to engage in discussion and express what they’ve learned. The 2008-2009 project theme is “Rainbow Connection.” General guidelines called for visual art and poetry showing or expressing respect for people of different cultures, ethnicities, ability levels, ages and/or religions. Schools from around the state participated and entries were exhibited at the Science Museum of Oklahoma from March 15-April 23. Winners were announced at the March 31 gala.

“Creativity is as much a part of the project as art integration,” says Joan Korenblit, RDF Executive Director. The kids, who are totally responsible for all aspects of the projects, are learning a variety of subjects—integrating history, language and social studies, Korenblit explains. “And the kids are learning how to work together.”

Eighth grade students in Tehmina Cheema’s art class at Mercy School in Oklahoma City had a winning entry, “‘Peaces’ of the World” which “incorporates diversity, unity and harmony” according to the accompanying essay. Diversity is represented by the flags of all countries hanging below a globe, signifying unity “showing that no one country can survive without the other’s resources.” Harmony is illustrated by a peace sign on the globe “showing how all countries can set aside their differences and live together peacefully.”

“It was the kids’ idea to research the language of each country and write the word ‘peace’ in that country’s language on the back of each flag,” Cheema explained. “It was a lot of extra work, but the kids wanted to do it.” Cheema also explained how this extra effort gave them an appreciation for the vast number of cultures in our world.

Areebah Anwar, one of the students who worked on the “Peaces” project, said, “I learned more from this project than I did all year. Because of this project, I see the world through different eyes now.” Anwar says, “I see sadness but know that if everyone lends a hand, the world would be happy.”

Mike Cottingim, principal at Geary schools, says that he was amazed at what the kids came up with on their own for their project, A Seat for Rosa, in honor of Rosa Parks who, in 1955, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus as a protest to segregation. With a school system that is over 40 percent Cheyenne and Arapaho Native American, Cottingim was impressed with how the kids worked together to put their own cultural aspects into the piece. “What was even more beautiful than the seat itself were the conversations the kids had” in coming up with the project, Cottingim said. This is evident by some of the sayings that the children chose to put on the park bench including, “Every smile is in the same language,” or a Dr. Suess quote, “A person is a person no matter how small.”

Perhaps these kids can teach us all something about tolerance. As John Lennon penned, “They may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope some day you’ll join us and the world will be as one.” Amen!

Middle School winner: “Peaces” of the World

By Mercy School 8th graders, Oklahoma City

Karen Mitchell, a life-long resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, has been married to Mark since 1983 and is the mother of two teenagers. With a degree in Journalism and a career in sales, Karen is enjoying her return to writing.

High School winner: A Seat for Rosa

By Geary Public Schools K-12 students June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

19

Character First Encouraging Sincerity in Your Children

Y

our kids have been bickering all day. School has only been out a few weeks, but already they’ve had enough of each other. Out of necessity but against your better judgment, you’ve taken them with you for grocery shopping. About five minutes after leaving the house, “Mom, he’s poking me again!” forced you to institute the “no touching” rule.

So, you think you must be hallucinating when you see them about halfway up the aisle, the older one with his arm around the younger one. Then you notice your oldest child is talking to a friend from school—a friend who thinks the younger sibling is cute and funny.

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You are grateful for the tiny reprieve from the squabbling, but you realize that a pattern is emerging. Your children treat each other very differently in public than they do at home. This situation provides an opportunity to talk with your children about sincerity, doing what is right without ulterior motives.

Honesty is the driving force behind sincerity. When we are honest in our words and actions, we act with sincerity.

Taking our family members for granted and treating them with less respect in private is an easy trap to fall into.

Maybe because we are more relaxed at home, angry words bubble to the surface more quickly. Forgetting to ground our interactions in a basis of sincerity and respect can chip away at the foundations of our relationships. Day by day, these tiny cracks grow into giant canyons and compromise our closeness with those we love.

Seeking a Great r?

Babysitte

The Golden Rule is an easy principle to explain to children and covers both sincerity and respect. If we treat others the way we’d like to be treated and refrain from doing the things we wouldn’t want others to do to us, everyone gets along pretty well.

We must remember that our children are watching everything we say and do.

For this reason, it is important to check our own behavior to ensure that we are setting a good example.

Almost all of us have been guilty of giving compliments we didn’t mean. In the moment, this seems harmless, but if we make a habit of it, people begin to doubt our sincerity. Like the boy who cried wolf, others will put little stock in what we say.

This month, challenge yourself and your family to speak and act sincerely.

For a fun story about watching what you say, check out Horrible Harry and the Mud Gremlins by Suzy Kline. This chapter book explores the theme of truthfulness and the feelings of guilt that come from being less than honest.

Gayleen Rabakukk is a freelance writer who spends her time in Edmond keeping up with her teenage and preschool daughters.

Learn more about character training at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ character-first

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LAST NT •

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All of our sitters • Have extensive childcare experience with all ages of children and are personally interviewed by your local SeekingSitters owner • Have successfully completed an intensive background-screening process • Have CPR and First Aid Training • Arrive with planned age-appropriate activities • Are over 18 years of age

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Spotlight on Character Winner Caleb Pike demonstrates the character traits of generosity, compassion and determination on a regular basis. Josh Brasher, Caleb’s former youth leader at the Edmond 2nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints wrote a recommendation letter for Caleb praising his optimistic attitude and willingness to go the extra mile to make those who don’t attend that often feel welcome. Last year, Caleb hosted a Mexican Fiesta for the youth group and paid for groceries and invitations himself, raising the money by mowing yards. Caleb’s mom also told us that after a family they knew lost their home in a fire, Caleb got online and made calls, coordinating donations of furniture and household goods to help them get back on their feet. Caleb has also overcome personal challenges to succeed in life. He has dyslexia, but has found strategies to cope with it. He is co-authoring a book called Brilliance in Disguise: The Story of a Young Man’s Journey to Live with Dyslexia. Caleb is now reading at a college level and was recently awarded the Mollie Tiskowitz Gruenwald Educational Scholarship. Caleb graduated last month with the Oklahoma City Home School Class of 2009 and plans to attend a massage therapy program at Oklahoma Health Academy. He is the son of Patricia and Ray Grimes and Steve and Susie Pike.

Catch them doing the

right thing!

Whether the student is a Kindergartner or teen, whether the act is simple or time consuming, we want to hear about your outstanding student. Monthly winner receives a $50 savings bond.

Nominate them for MetroFamily Magazine’s Spotlight on Character Award.

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/spotlight-on-character-award for contest details and nomination forms.

June 2009

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21

Let’s Eat: Recipes Have Fun Cooking with Kids

G

etting kids into the kitchen is not only a terrific way to spend time together, it also provides opportunities to introduce them to new foods and learn valuable life and math skills.

Directions: Spread pizza sauce on cut sides of the hoagie roll. Arrange meat on the bottom half, followed by the vegetables, olives and mozzarella cheese. Cover with the top and serve.

Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Pizza Hero

Cook’s Note: Leftover chicken makes a terrific substitution for the salami or pepperoni.

This kid-friendly pizza sandwich is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Chock full of veggies, lowfat meat and cheese and whole grains, this version is healthier (and cheaper!) than delivery pizza.

Blueberry Soda Soda is the perfect partner for pizza.

Here’s a healthier alternative to regular soda.

Equipment: Butter knife or spatula Ingredients: ¼ C prepared pizza sauce 1 whole grain hoagie roll, split and toasted 4 slices low fat salami or 6 slices low fat pepperoni 1/3 C thinly sliced vegetables (mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions) 1 T sliced black olives 2 slices reduced fat mozzarella cheese

Tips for Cooking with Children: • Be Prepared! Gather all ingredients and tools needed before starting. If you’re working with littler kids, having the ingredients pre-measured may be useful—older ones enjoy helping to measure.

• It’s all about the process, not perfection. Kids don’t care if each slice of salami is perfectly arranged on their sandwich. What they’ll remember is spending time with you.

• Describe, Describe, Describe! Talk with your preschooler about what you’re doing. What color or shape is it? Take a moment to smell or taste ingredients before they get mixed into the recipe. Count out loud whenever possible. Take advantage of opportunities to introduce new language while cooking with kids.

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Makes 1 Sandwich

Equipment: Saucepan Wooden spoon Measuring cups Tall glasses Spoon Ingredients: 1 C water ½ C sugar 1 C blueberry juice Seltzer water Directions: Step 1: Make Syrup Stir together water, sugar and juice in a saucepan over medium high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced by about half. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate.

Step 2: Make Soda Fill a tall glass with ice; add 2-3 tablespoons of syrup. Fill with seltzer and stir. Store any unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!

Cook’s Note: This recipe begs for experimentation. How about orangeginger soda? Substitute orange juice for the blueberry and boil a piece of peeled ginger root in the syrup.

Fruit Kabobs with Tropical Yogurt Dip Skewered fruit creates a rainbow of fun for the whole family.

Equipment: Medium plastic bowl wooden spoon June 2009

6 inch wooden skewers Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) containers vanilla yogurt ½ t grated ginger ½ C shredded coconut Fresh fruit peeled as needed and cut into bite size pieces (Our favorites: pineapple, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, kiwi, seedless orange segments, star fruit, watermelon, banana and apple (soaked in lemon water to prevent browning), seedless whole grapes, strawberries and blueberries) Directions: Step One: Make Dip Mix together yogurt, ginger and coconut in a medium plastic bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight.

Step Two: Assemble Kebobs Carefully lace fruit onto small wooden skewers. Cover and refrigerate until use.

Step Three: Serve Arrange kabobs on a serving platter; serve with Tropical Yogurt Dip. Cook’s Note: I like to keep these on hand in the refrigerator as a healthy and quick grab and go snack.

Besides her two favorite jobs of wife and mom, Michelle Ann Anderson is also a freelance writer, enjoys public speaking, writing cookbooks and sharing her love of food with those around her. Her blog can be found at MichelleAnnAnderson.com.

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4th of July Celebrations Sod House Museum Great Plains Driving Trails Call 800-447-2698 to request the Red Carpet Country Visitor’s Guide or visit www.RedCarpetCountry.com.

JULY 3rd Crystal Beach Arena: Mike McClure, Stoney LaRue, Asleep at the Wheel, Bo Phillips & Tanya Tucker JULY 4th Pancake Breakfast Firecracker 5K Run New Crystal Beach Water Park Opens Little Miss Bathing Beauty Contest Free Hot Dog Feed Sack Races & Turtle Races Crystal Beach Arena: President George W. Bush Sawyer Brown Marty Stuart Fireworks

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Oklahoma Reads Book Reviews Picture books for Young Readers

Fiction for grades 3-7

The Vegetable Group, The Milk Group and The Fruit Group

Alice Through the Looking Glass

by Mari C. Schuh (Capstone Publishers, hardcover, $15.99 each)

by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Candlewick Press, softcover, $14.99)

Clear photos and concise text introduce children to the concepts of healthy eating, including the newly-revised FDA food pyramid for children (MyPyramid.gov/kids). How many servings of vegetables do kids need? How much is a serving size? What kinds of foods are made from milk? How does fruit grow? These questions and more are addressed in these books (which represent three of the eight titles of the series). Each book includes a glossary of terms, illustrations of proper serving sizes and suggestions for further reading along with a companion website. Get your kids excited about eating healthy!

Adults will remember this memorable tale, which has been illustrated with drawings and fullpage paintings that bring the story to life. Though the story is over a century old, Alice is illustrated as a modern-looking girl, which will surely serve to draw readers into the classic world of Alice, chessboard kings and queens and the infamous Jabberwocky.

Non-fiction for grades 1-4 The Pop-Up House of Inventions

by Robert Crowther (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $17.99) A thought-provoking tour through every room in the home (from bedroom to garage) that will encourage kids to learn more about the ordinary things in our homes that we take for granted (did you know that the word sofa comes from the Arabic word for cushion?).

An illustrated timeline of “inventions that changed the way we live” might shock your children (after all, mobile phones weren’t invented until 1981, and the world wide web? 1991).

Perfect reading for a rainy summer day.

Non-fiction for grades 8 and up Oceans

by Paul Rose and Anne Laking (University of California Press, hardcover, $34.95) This beautiful book features text and photos that will take your children on a global tour of the oceans and seas that cover over 70 percent of our world.

Whether kids read it from cover-tocover or page through and appreciate the photos, this is a great oversize volume for any child (or adult) harboring a fascination with life under the sea.

Celebrate Father’s Day LIFE With Father (Time Inc Home Entertainment, hardcover, $17.95) A moving collection of images from the archives of LIFE Magazine. Dads from around the world are featured, some famous and some not, along with a variety of inspirational quotes about what our fathers mean to us all. A great book to celebrate fatherhood and remind your own father how special he is.

weekly E-Updates keep you in-the-know MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ subscribe-to-e-update 24

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June 2009

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

The fathers of Sam Bradford and the Griffin brothers talk sports, parenting, and winning the game of life.

Sports fans across the state are celebrating the crowning of new royalty. In an unprecedented athletic season at OU, football quarterback Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy while basketball co-captain Taylor Griffin led his team, including future NBA star and brother Blake Griffin, to an Elite Eight appearance. Oh, and Blake also won the Naismith and John Wooden awards, two of collegiate basketball’s top honors. It has been a remarkable season.

June 2009

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That all three young men grew up in the Oklahoma City metro is even more remarkable. As the season progressed and these athletes displayed not only talent and determination, but character and humility too, metro fans could hardly contain their support and pride for the hometown heroes.

And none were prouder than their parents.

“Some coaches will tell [students], ‘The only way you are going to be able to reach the top is if you stay with it all year round.’ And that’s not fair. They need to be able to be a kid.”

Bradford agreed. He said, “Sam playing lots of sports [basketball, football and golf] was a great thing. I get upset at these junior high guys that think kids need to start specializing in one sport. I would recommend that the kids play everything they want to play. It needs to be something they enjoy. In my opinion, one reason Sam did not [burnout] is that as soon as he’d get tired of one sport, there’d be another one.

And several months later, there’d be another one.”

Kent Bradford, father of Sam, and Tommy Griffin, father of Taylor and Blake, recently sat down with us to talk about parenting, sports, and winning in the game of life.

Before all the media coverage and fan adoration, both the Griffin and the Bradford families were simply focused on raising sons right and sharing the joy of sports with them.

Griffin and Bradford both remember how they felt when they found out they were going to be fathers. “It was one of the most exciting days of my life,” said Bradford.

“I felt I could probably lift the world,” echoed Griffin. “My wife surprised me. She handed me a basketball and said, ‘Do you think you could teach someone to play ball with this?’ I said, ‘I’m a coach.

That’s what I do.’ She replied, ‘Then you’ll need to teach your own son.’”

“I feel very fortunate to have the father I have.

My dad has always been there for me whether it be on the field or off the field. When I was younger my dad coached almost all of the teams that I played on. When I was younger I always thought it was unfair because I felt that he was always harder on me than anyone else, but now I realize why and I am so thankful for everything that he did. I would be nowhere near the person or player that I am today if it weren’t for my dad.”

Basketball coach Griffin noticed athletic talent in his sons early on. “Taylor was playing tee-ball, and Blake was four years-old. We were winning, so Blake got a chance to hit the ball. The first time he hit it, he had a double, the second time, he had a triple. Every time he hit it, it went to the fence. He was only four. We started thinking, ‘Huh, maybe there’s a future there.’”

Growing up, both families emphasized playing a variety of sports rather than focusing only on one. Griffin said, “Blake and Taylor played tee-ball, then baseball, basketball, soccer and football. At one point, they were both given the opportunity to play on an elite traveling soccer team. But if you aren’t careful, soccer, like basketball, can go all year round. It didn’t sound good to them because they wanted to have some free time, and we wanted them to have free time too. www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Griffin remembered a soccer game when Taylor was the goalie and the game was tied. “This last kid came in and Taylor dove for the ball, but didn’t get his hands behind the ball. He rolled to try to catch it before it crossed the line… and it crossed the line. He was totally dejected.”

—Sam Bradford

Bradford, who is an insurance salesman, remembers Sam’s earliest sports experience. “He started tee-ball and ice hockey when he was five. There weren’t a lot of Oklahoma kids playing ice hockey. There was a lot of contact [between the kids] but it wasn’t intentional. They were just out-of-control a lot.”

26

Athletic competition provided the opportunity for both dads to share life lessons with their sons.

June 2009

Griffin pulled his son aside for a heart-to-heart. “I told him there are going to be times when you have good days and bad days, and not just in sports. I asked him, ‘Did you give your best?’ He said, ‘Yeah Dad, I did.’ I told him, ‘Then you have nothing to be worried about, nothing to be ashamed of. ‘Cause you gave your best.’”

Bradford recalled an early lesson for young Sam in the ice hockey rink. “About a week after Sam started playing hockey, he said, ‘Momma, I don’t really like this hockey.’ His coach was an ex-NHL player and a nice guy, but a little rough. He used language that Sam hadn’t heard before.” Kent and Sam talked about the importance of finishing what you start. “I tried to stress with Sam that sports aren’t organized play, like a yard game. He was in it, and he was going to play.”

Sibling rivalry dominated competitions between Blake and Taylor as youngsters, but as they grew older, it changed into a deep friendship. Griffin said, “They were really competitive and very physical in driveway basketball games. Blake was always the kind that hates to lose. Once they became teammates, they were still competitive, but it wasn’t Blake versus Taylor. It was us versus them. Now, they are best friends. Even when Taylor was on the East Coast and Blake was on the West Coast, they still talked every day.”

Once the young men entered college, their fathers enjoyed watching them compete on a larger stage.

Bradford shared which of Sam’s games proved the most memorable (and nerve-wracking.) “Probably his opening game, because I’m up there in the stands, and we are all thinking, ‘Here it is.’ My heart was just in knots and my stomach was in knots. But you know, he went out there and things just worked for him. It went a lot smoother than I had imagined things in my mind.”

Griffin cherishes the memory of one of his sons’ recent games. “It was a very exciting game—Taylor was the high scorer with 20 points and Blake had 19, I think. My in-laws were there, and OU beat a pretty good team. After the game, they were walking off [the court], and Blake, who is a lot taller, put his hand around his brother and was patting him on the back of the head. My wife loved that. She said, ‘Aww.’ And that ‘Aww’ let me know that was special.”

Despite their accomplishments on the court and the field, post-season award competitions provided the Dads more opportunities for nervousness.

career after that. In the midst of his success, his father takes the time to remind Sam to remain true to himself. “I just remind Sam, ‘You’ve always done well, but you’ve always been Sam,’” said Bradford. “So keep being Sam.”

“My dad is probably the most generous person I know. He will go above & beyond to try to help anyone he can. With my brother and me, he always has made sure we had everything we needed.

—Taylor Griffin

At the Heisman Trophy awards, Kent Bradford was a pile of nerves. While waiting for the announcement, “I felt my tie coming up off my shirt, my heart was pounding so hard,” he said.

“But when they called his name, I thought, ‘Awesome.’ It was great and exciting. All the past Heisman winners there were kind and warm and welcoming to Sam. We just had a great time meeting them.”

At the Naismith Award ceremony, normally competitive Tommy Griffin found himself experiencing a different sensation.

“It was really weird for me. I’m a very competitive person, but it was to the point I was in awe of the people who were there and I thought, ‘It’s an honor to be here.

Even if he doesn’t win, it’s still going to be an honor just to be thought of in this frame.’ When he did win, I was just happy he had the opportunity to experience this.

It’s a unique fraternity.”

Sam has chosen to remain at OU for at least one more season as quarterback, with a potential NFL

Taylor graduated this spring and is pursuing an NBA career.

Brother Blake is heading in the same direction, and is expected to be the number one pick in the NBA draft. Griffin and his wife are praying for their sons to be a positive influence on others.

“When Blake goes off, he’ll be around a lot of guys that don’t have the same grounding,” said Griffin. “Sometimes, people that you look up to can influence you to do differently than you’ve done in the past. That’s the thing my wife and I are both saying in our prayers. We want him to be an influence on others instead of others being an influence on him.”

Both fathers share pride in their son’s accomplishments, and have bright hopes for their futures.

“Just like Kent, I’m proud of what they’ve done and how they’ve done it,” said Griffin.

“I hope Sam is happy, that he’s always able to do what he wants to do,” said Bradford. “I hope he finds a good wife one day, and has a family, and gets to experience all the joys he’s brought me.”

For all three outstanding Oklahoma athletes, they’ve won more than just games. In the eyes of their fathers, they are winning in the game of life.

Ben Davis is a freelance writer from Oklahoma City who loves writing, fried okra and people, in that order.

“My dad is one of the hardest working and most selfless individuals I’ve ever been around, and he’s been one of the biggest role models in my life along with my mother and brother.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: To learn more and view video segments from our “Sports Dads” interview, go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/sportsdads.

—Blake Griffin

June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Q & A with the Beasleys Can This Grandfather Provide Fatherly Support? that may happen, be sure to take advantage of the time you have with your grandson now. Make every day count.

Dear Lori and Stewart: My son was killed last year while serving in the Army in Iraq. He left behind a wife and four-year-old son. We are still reeling from the loss, but I am committed to being the father to my grandson that my son would have been. My wife supports me but wonders what will happen if our daughter-in-law eventually remarries and moves away. Are my expectations unrealistic?

Don W.

Dr. Stewart: Both of us admire and respect your commitment and dedication, Don. You and your family have our condolences and your son has our gratitude.

It’s wonderful when a male relative takes over for a missing or absent father. It’s not an easy job and just when you thought your parenting days were drawing to an end, here you are almost starting over!

Dr. Lori: It also sounds to us as if you have a supportive spouse and hopefully, a supportive daughter-in-law. That should make the job easier. While you will never replace your grandson’s father, you can make a significant contribution to your grandson’s life and development.

Dr. Stewart: Do not be overly concerned with your daughter-in-law remarrying or moving away; while

Dr. Lori: Also work with your daughter-in-law and respect her boundaries. There will be times when she may have plans for your grandson that conflict with your plans. Or she may want to spend time with him when you do, too. Remember that her natural tendency will be to try to make up for her husband’s absence and try to be both Mom and Dad to him.

Discuss your ideas and plans with her and try to work together.

Dr. Stewart: Taking your grandson to ball games, on hikes and fishing are probably activities from which you will have little competition from your daughter-in-law or wife, Don. He needs a positive male role model from whom he can learn how to relate to both guys and girls. He needs to learn how to appropriately express his emotions and feelings. He also needs to see how to relate lovingly to other persons and simultaneously set his boundaries and learn how to handle conflict with others.

Dr. Lori: Father and son camp-outs, Donuts with Dad at school, and his first dance may be awkward for your grandson, but you can step in to assist.

Not only will it help with your bonding, but it will also provide opportunities to build important family memories. Even though you will not be the primary parent or have guardianship of your

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Dr. Stewart: Your grandson needs a positive marriage model to see how adults love and live together in harmony while also experiencing differences of opinions and marital conflicts. You and your wife provide that model. Children start learning about marriage as toddlers and the learning process continues into young adulthood.

Dr. Lori: Stewart and I wish you every success in your emerging role. You are a model of courage, devotion, and effective grandfathering. You have our best wishes.

Lori Beasley, EdD is Asst. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Life Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Stewart R. Beasley, PhD is a licensed psychologist who practices in Edmond and Oklahoma City and is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Do you have a question about early childhood issues for the Beasleys? E-mail it to SRB@DRStewartBeasley.com.

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In Touch With Relationships Shaping Family Perspectives in Hard Times

I

t can be difficult to maintain an optimistic perspective during times of family stress, which can be brought on by many factors—economic or health issues, grief, relocation decisions, or even changes in schedules.

It is difficult for families to adjust to changes, but when parents have tools to help stabilize worries and fears, adjustment for everyone can occur smoothly.

“Learned Optimism� is the opposite of “Learned Helplessness.� These terms describe how we can respond when we are faced with problem solving.

Parents can give children the gift of a lifetime by teaching them how to view setbacks without being pessimistic. The Optimistic Child by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., explains how we can learn specific skills to look at our situation without seeing it catastrophically.

When our perspective is hopeless and unchangeable, it not only paralyzes the creative self that can help us think

outside the box, it trickles down to affect the people around us.

Practice using these skills the next time you feel overwhelmed with unexpected situations. • Evaluate your thoughts. Are negative messages floating through your mind? • Can you more accurately explain what has happened? • Are you thinking “hot thoughtsâ€? which can lead to fear and irrational decisions? Maintain objectivity with “cool thoughtsâ€? as you consider your options. • Is this a permanent or a temporary situation? • Is it pervasive or specific? (For instance, has this economic setback ruined every aspect of your life or, has it affected you primarily in one area?) • Is it personal (is it your fault), or, are there other factors that influenced this situation?

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The age and stage of the child is the most important factor to consider. Even if your child is bright and can assimilate facts easily, remember that children lack the perspective of adults—an important difference between adult thinking and childhood thinking. Children may hear the facts but may not be able to

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Young children should be exempt from sharing in these kinds of stresses. Even if changes need to be made to their schedules, parents can use distraction and redirection instead of giving too much information. Strive to get routines in place with dependable playtime, bedtime, mealtime, snuggle-time with parents to allow kids to feel nurtured and stable. Older children can be advised of major changes going on in the family, and while they may better understand, they too may need a lot of reassurance that mom and dad are confident that the family will survive.

Parents are in the privileged position to lead and protect children and give them skills to look ahead to the blessings that lie on the other side of the current storm.

When you say or hear these words, life feels doable.

Consider this sample dialogue: “We will work this out. I know this is rough but I will hold you close while we get through this. Our family can be strong. Go to sleep and rest well. Tomorrow is a new day for us.�

Phyllis VanHemert is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Counseling and Consulting Offices at Stonebridge in Edmond. (ccoffices.com) She and her husband have recently had opportunities to practice “learned optimism skills� as they have encountered health issues, job losses, grief, and taking care of aging parents.

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On exhibit April 5–July 5, 2009

July 4th events listing Who doesn’t love a parade? As far as holidays go, Independence Day is right up there for me. Some of the best memories of my childhood revolve around July 4—summer is in full swing and we always had a barbecue to celebrate mom’s birthday (also on the 4th). We would decorate our bikes and ride in the parade, ending at the park where (my favorite part) we enjoyed ice cream before riding home again.

If our listing is any indication, Oklahoma loves Independence Day. From music to parades, airplanes and fireworks, blackberries and ice cream, Oklahoma has something for everyone this summer. What are you waiting for?

—Mari Farthing, Editor

From 1933 to 1945, Nazi Germany carried out a campaign to “cleanse” German society of individuals viewed as biological threats to the nation’s “health.” Enlisting the help of physicians and medically trained geneticists, psychiatrists, and anthropologists, the Nazis implemented racial health policies based on the ideals of eugenics that began with the mass sterilization of “genetically diseased” persons and ended with the near annihilation of European Jewry. This landmark exhibition will challenge visitors to connect the past to the present, and, as a result, to become more responsible and responsive human beings.

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June 25-July 4 LibertyFest

July 3 Tribute to Veterans

A variety of events are scheduled, including concerts, activities such as Chalk It Up, a parade and fireworks.

Detailed event schedule available online.

A patriotic celebration to honor veterans. Event is followed by a concert and fireworks display. Free; 5:45pm.

Venues all around the city of Edmond 405-340-2527, LibertyFest.org

June 27 Star-Spangled Salute Tinker AFB, Midwest City 405-739-2026, StarSpangledSalute.com

Military static displays, demonstrations of rare and unique aircraft, live entertainment, children’s activities and evening fireworks display.

Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament), Yukon 405-350-8937, ci.yukon.ok.us

Buck Thomas Park NE 12, Moore 405-793-5224, CityofMoore.com

A variety of activities for kids, art, music and food.

Saturday evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display after dark. Free; Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 10am10pm.

Independence Day History

June 28 Rockets Over Rhema

The 4th of July—Independence Day— has been our national holiday since 1777, the year after our Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Patriotic family event features entertainment, activities and huge fireworks display.

In the early 1800s, the Independence Day traditions we know today were already popular—parades, picnics and fireworks.

Rhema Bible Church, Broken Arrow 918-258-1588, RocketsOverRhema.com

July 3-4 Art in the Park—A Celebration in the Heartland

Old-Fashioned Festival and Parade Main St & Pennington Park, Tishomingo 580-371-2175

Activities, entertainment and fireworks on Friday.

Parade, activities and food on Saturday.

Let Freedom Ring Celebration Crystal Beach Park, Woodward 580-256-9990, CityOfWoodward.com

Activities to celebrate the holiday and the grand

June 2009

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33

July 4 4th of July Celebration

re-opening of Crystal Beach Park include concerts, pancake breakfast, Firecracker 5K run, activities, and July 4 remarks by President George W. Bush and fireworks.

Bricktown, Oklahoma City 405-236-8666, BricktownOKC.org

July 3-5 McLoud Blackberry Festival

Event features Art on the Canal, a block party with concessions, live music, various activities on Oklahoma & Sheridan Streets, water taxi rides, Redhawks game and fireworks display. For more information visit website.

Free; 12pm-12am.

McLoud City Park, McLoud 405-964-6566, McLoudChamber.com

The event includes a parade, carnival, car show, arts & crafts, music, dance, queen and princess contest and blackberry cobbler, blackberry ice cream and blackberry jellies. Free; Friday 5pm-midnight; Saturday, 8ammidnight and Sunday 5-10pm.

Vietnam Wall

Piedmont High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stout Field, Hwy 4 & Edmond Road, Piedmont 405-721-3182, DignityMemorial.com

4th of July Celebration City Park, Crescent 405-969-3518

Parade (11am), turtle races, baby pageant, bingo, activities for the kids, carnival and fireworks. Free; 12-10pm.

34

AND OF

OKLAHOMA

Cajun Festival

Civic Center, Grove 918-786-8896, GrandLakeFestivals.com Enjoy a variety of Cajun treats, from music and entertainment to food and arts and crafts.

Celebrate America Downtown Main Street Downtown Poteau 918-647-9178

Family-themed entertainment includes games, food and large fireworks show.

Eldon Lyon Park, Bethany 405-789-2146, CityofBethany.org

Free entertainment, games and food, with fireworks at Bell Cow Lake beginning at dark. Plus a 5K, two mile fun run (7:15-9am). 12-9:30pm.

Kicks off with the Centennial Freedom Run, parade (10am), car show (11am), carnival and fireworks. Free; 7:30am-10pm.

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Enjoy family activities and fireworks. Free; 6-10pm.

Tilghman Park, Chandler 405-258-0673, ChandlerOK.net

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4th of July Spectacular Centennial Freedom & Bell Cow Run Festival

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June 27 in Clinton, OK A great time for the whole family on Route 66!

Car/Bike Show and Cruise Poker Run FREE Family-Friendly Concert Weiner National Dog Race ClintonRoute66Festival.com (580) 323-2222

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Grab a bite of Route 66 in Weatherford, home to the longest stretch of retail shopping on the Mother Road. Relive our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history at the Stafford Air & Space Museum and the Heartland Museum. Visit The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Washington D.C., Vietnam Veterans Memorial, August 27-31.

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El Reno Fireworks Display Lake El Reno 405-262-4070, CityofElReno.com

Fireworks display over the lake. Free; at dusk.

Family Fun & Freedom Festival Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha 405-574-1320, ChickashaArts.org

Includes swimming pool, arts & crafts, rock climbing wall, chalk art, beach volleyball tournament, concert and fireworks show at dusk. 3-11:30pm

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Fort Gibson Historical Site, Fort Gibson 918-478-4088 Historical daily life and military demonstrations, music and Declaration of Indepedence reading.

Fourth of July Festival Magnolia Park, Seminole 405-382-3640, SeminoleOKchamber.org

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A day filled with entertainment, food and activities for the kids.

Fourth of July Spectacular & Bell Cow Run Tilghman Park, Chandler 405-258-0673, ChandlerOK.net

Free entertainment games, food and 5k/2-mile fun run.

Fireworks held at Bell Cow Lake at dusk.

Freedom Fest

Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly) & Chisholm Trail Park (500 W. Vandament), Yukon 405-350-8937, CityofYukonOK.gov Celebrate with the Mid American Hot Rod Association car show, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, swimming, petting zoo, pony rides, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade, and relay races. This event also features live musical entertainment featuring the OKC Philharmonic and a huge fireworks display.

Free; 8am-11pm.

Freedom Festival Lake Ponca, Ponca City 866-763-8092, PoncaCityOK.com

Flag Raising Ceremony 7am. Sand volleyball, food and novelty vendors, inflatable games, entertainment and a parade of boats with fireworks, 9:50pm. Free. 1pm.

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June 2009

Hometown Celebration Leonardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Warehouse, Enid 580-233-2787, Leonardos.org

Old fashioned fun for the entire family featuring games, contests, and prizes. Free gift for the first 200 children.

All day admission $5 per person, good for museum and playground. 10am-1pm.

Annual citywide festival includes family activities, carnival and Huckleberry 5K run.

Ice Cream Festival

welcome to the Us part

Downtown Tuttle 405-381-4600, TuttleChamber.org

of Babies â&#x20AC;&#x153;Râ&#x20AC;? Us

Honor America Day

Celebration featuring Braumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Cream and includes turtle races, Princess Pageant, hospitality booth, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tent, ice cream eating contest, Etowa Road Band, fireworks display and lots of family fun. Free; 9am-10pm.

Old-fashioned family fun includes fishing contest, soapbox derby, concessions and fireworks.

Independence Day Festivities

Randlett Park, Anadarko 405-247-6651, Anadarko.org

Huckleberry Festival Citywide, Jay 918-253-8698

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was young, Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in Woodward was the place to be for the fourth of July. We would have our own fireworks show and we would take turns lighting them off. We always celebrated with hamburgers, corn on the cob and Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apple pie. My siblings and extended family still make a point to get together each year for the holiday.â&#x20AC;? - Sarah Taylor, MetroFamily Publisher

Carriage rides, face painting, and Clementine the Clown! Come dressed as your favorite prince or princess and receive a free 4 Nugget Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meal!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the fourth of July now, we have friends over. We all pile in the front yard where have a nice view of fireworks from Tinker AFB and Midwest City. We smoke ribs and brisket and have watermelon.

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37

July 4th Celebration

Summerfest

Parade at 9:15am begins a day of family-friendly events including games, rides, entertainment, food, arts and crafts and fireworks (10pm).

Parade, activities, flag presentation to veterans and evening fireworks display.

Redbud Park, Marlow 580-658-2212, MarlowChamber.org

Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fishing Tournament Roman Nose State Park, Watonga 580-623-5454

Children 15 and under are invited to fish for prizes.

Wolf Field Davis 580-369-2402, DavisOK.org

Tulsa Freedom Fest 2100 S Jackson Ave, Tulsa 918-596-2008, TulsaSalutesFreedom.com

Evening activities include airplane parades, kids activities, and fireworks.

Poppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the Park City Park, Sayre 580-928-3386, SayreChamber.com An old-fashioned fireworks display.

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Red White & Blue Celebration

Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, Shawnee 405- 275-7020, ShawneeExpo.com Event includes live music, lots of family fun and fireworks. Free; 6pm.

Run for the Clover Tenkiller State Park, Vian 918-489-5641, OklahomaParks.com

Watermelon feast, hayride, water balloon fights, games and turtle rally.

Stars & Stripes FunFest QMVH t VOQMVHHJUT DPN 575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond (South of 15th, off Kelly)

Southeast Expo Center, McAlester 918-420-3976

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39

I noticed that parent at the playground again yesterday afternoon, pushing a toddler in a swing with one hand, and holding a baby with the other. Soon they are ready to go; crackers are offered to the toddler, the baby is bundled up, and both kids are strapped into the stroller. A typical scene, right? But with one major difference: this time, that parent is a dad. Specifically, a Stay-at-Home Dad, one of thousands who refer to themselves as “SAHDs”... no “Mr. Mom” for them, please.

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but if this parent had been a mom, • Richard Grady of Battle Creek, Michigan; dad to Kevin, 4, I wouldn’t have looked twice except perhaps to strike up a and Erin, 1. conversation about our children. But with a dad, it’s different.

If you’re like me, you may be wondering, “What could compel • Mark Phillips of Midland, Michigan; dad to Noah, 9, Clara, 8, Natalie, 5, and Anna, 5. a man to stay at home to care for his kids while his wife goes to work?” or “Does he really know how to take care of • Tom Pheysey of Morris Plains, New Jersey: dad to Katie, 7. kids as well as a mother would?” and a myriad of questions Here, in their own words: and doubts we’re too embarrassed to say out loud. We’ve come a long way, baby, but our prejudices against SAHDs How did you decide to become a SAHD? can sometimes be brutal. With their numbers ever increasing, perhaps it is time for a little enlightenment.

Brian: We had decided early in our marriage that it was important to us that we handle the primary caregiver duties for Recently I had the opportunity to chat with some Stay-atour children...It was a simple matter of economics... my wife Home Dads. I asked them questions, ranging from “Why was making double what I was bringing home, with far more do you choose to stay at home?” to “What are some of the earning potential at her job. challenges and rewards of being a SAHD?” The answers may surprise you. For certain, these answers will give you a whole Todd: ... my wife’s career is far more lucrative financially new appreciation for this parent in our midst. than mine. So, when we decided one of us would stay home, I was the obvious choice.

The SAHDs I talked to came from many parts of the U.S. Some were relatively new to the role (9 months); others had Mark: Also, my personality lends itself to childcare more been doing it quite a bit longer (9 years). They all planned to than hers (more patient, more flexible...). stay in their role as SAHD at least until the youngest child started school; many of them planned to stay at home longer.

What have you sacrificed by staying at The following SAHDs were gracious enough to take time out of their busy day to provide us with answers: • Todd Bascom of Raleigh, North Carolina; dad to Aidan, 4 and Riley, 11 months.

home?

Robert: Male friends change, and almost disappear, because they ‘don’t know what to talk about’... I think isolation for the home dad is a huge factor and major sacrifice.

• Hugh Barlow of Harlingen, Texas; dad to Ryan, 9 and Matthew, 4.

Richard: Well, aside from the obvious income, much of the sacrifice has been fairly intangible. As a stay-at-home parent, you don’t get adult conversation, it’s a little harder to stay up to date with the news, and you become essentially ‘on-call’ 24/7, since the kids look to you first when there is a problem.

• Brian Charette of Oakland, California; dad to Hudson, 1.

Tom: Income, respect from others, and a bit of self-esteem.

• Robert Johnson of Casper, Wyoming; dad to Maddox, 8, Manning, 5, and Maggie, 1 ½.

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June 2009

I had been renovating our 80-year-old home, and that has slowed almost to a stop. You can still see the vertical line where I stopped painting the outside when I started home schooling!

What have you gained by staying at home?

Todd: I have gained a very strong bond with my boys. I also love the fact that I have witnessed personally all the important milestones in their development so far.

Robert: The rewards are boundless and impossible to measure.

Right now my baby is sitting on my lap, singing to me and pinching my nose.

Hugh: The love, adoration and respect of two beautiful little boys whom I can help to mold into helpful and productive members of society.

Brian: I gained the opportunity to be my child’s mentor as he discovers the world and the peace of mind in knowing that he is going to be safe and raised exactly as my wife and I envision.

Mark: I get to see the greatest miracle God ever made—the development of my children... This gives me a daily reminder of what is REALLY important.

Tom: It’s almost too vast to put into words. Moms understand, and perhaps take for granted the small daily things dads normally miss, like snuggling a child down for a nap, or seeing a child excel in a classroom, or learn to use a fork.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a Stay-at-Home Dad? Hugh: ... I will say that this is one of the toughest jobs I have ever had to do. There are no breaks. Also, the stay-at-home dad is often on his own. Many of the working fathers have dropped him from their social circle because he no longer fits.

He is the ‘Square Peg in a Round Hole.’ Working mothers generally have little to no contact with him and the stay-athome mothers often look at him at the playground and at other venues where the kids go to play as a threat.

Todd: ... stay-at-home moms tend to avoid me like the plague...

On more than one occasion, I’ve gone to playgrounds with the boys and groups of moms have pretty much run away from me if I try to strike up conversation. Perhaps there is some feeling amongst them that men are constantly on the prowl or something. All I want to do is have a conversation with an adult from time to time!

Tom: I’ve had moms turn their backs and walk away midconversation, I’ve had playmate phone calls not returned.

Whatever gains women have made in the workplace are definitely NOT reciprocal on the home front, where dads are the maligned minority.

Richard: I think what makes this especially hard is that SAHMs often have various support groups (such as MOPS) and informal playgroups. These groups either explicitly forbid men from joining (as MOPS does), or have an informal bias against men, one which can leave you feeling unwelcome and keep you away from support. I’m not talking about emotional support, but rather the sharing of which doctors are good, which teachers are bad, which dentist has the shortest waiting time, and so forth.

What stereotypes have you faced as a SAHD? Richard: ... that I am a SAHD because I could not hack it in the real world, that (as a man) I am less capable in caring for my children than a mother is, etc. I used to get asked at least once a week if I was babysitting my children, and I would politely reply, ‘No, I am being a father to my child. Parents do not baby-sit their own kids.’

Hugh: Down here in the Rio Grande Valley there is a very strong culture of masculinity called ‘machismo.’ According to the machismo tradition the man takes care of the family by working outside of the house while the woman stays home and takes care of the kids. To do otherwise is to seriously lose face and to be considered less than a man.

Brian: I’ve had to deal with the stereotype that if I’m not working, I must be lazy or unable to hold a job somehow. I’ve had to deal with people thinking that children should be with their mother rather than having dad raise them full time.

Tom: A father’s competence is always questioned, and the only way to overcome that is by repeated demonstration. I won the trust of some moms in my daughter’s co-op preschool because everyone saw me interact with the children.

What have your children gained from you staying at home?

Robert: My children know they are more important to me than anything else, that they are my primary obligation and I want to be with them more than anything else.

Hugh: I think that my sons have both gained some valuable insights into what it means to be a male in our society by having me as the stay-at-home parent.

Brian: I think that it will teach my son that it’s okay to go against stereotypes. I also believe that being male gives me a unique opportunity to model all day the traits I think would help shape him into a strong, confident young man.

Mark: My kids have a slightly wider view of the world than those in ‘traditional’ families. Almost all kids today recognize that women can work outside the house (unlike a few generations ago). Mine take for granted that Daddy is home with them all day. That opens up the possibilities that they can do whatever they want when they get older.

Tom: The gain will be in the future. If it holds true that the relationship between a daughter and a father plays a subconscious role in the woman that daughter becomes and the relationships she has, then I imagine her not tolerating any guy who can’t do his own laundry or sew on a button, or who is not deeply involved in the lives of his children.

Talking with these stay-at-home dads has given me a whole new appreciation for the work they do. Clearly, they, like all of us, are putting parenting first in their lives. Perhaps it’s time to strike up a conversation with one of these fathers the next time we see him at the playground... maybe even consider setting up a play date for the kids. At the very least, we can give him the recognition and respect he so clearly deserves.

Martha Wegner is a freelance writer and mother of two living in St. Paul, Minnesota.

June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

41

Family Finances ATM Safety Tips

M

ost of us don’t think twice about using a debit or check card. Both provide immediate access to financial accounts, offering a convenient way to make purchases, transfer funds, check account balances, get cash and make other banking services readily available.

Using debit or check cards is convenient, but it can also pose personal safety issues and raise the potential for identity theft unless we take steps to ensure we are protected.

Debit and check cards have been around about 20 years and their popularity continues growing, significantly decreasing the number of checks written and the number of cash transactions.

Today, over 80 percent of U.S. households have at least one such card, and nine out of 10 card holders use them regularly.

According to a recent study by the American Bankers Association and Dove Consulting, we now spend more on debit card purchases than on cash purchases. Current projections indicate that debit and check card purchases will top $28 million by 2010 and double that

attention and gives someone an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

by 2020.

ATM Safety • Be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts. Using a machine in a well-lit, secure area increases your safety and diminishes the potential of becoming a crime statistic. If it doesn’t feel safe or if you think someone is watching you, cancel your transaction and leave the area immediately. Report any strange incidents to your financial institution and to the police.

• Have your card out and ready to use before walking up to the machine.

Digging in your purse or looking through your wallet distracts your

• Put away your card and your cash immediately, get your receipt, then walk or drive away as soon as possible. If someone follows you, call 911 on your cell phone and go to a crowded, well-lit area until police arrive.

• If using a walk-up ATM, stand directly in front of the machine when making your transaction. Be sure to block the view of your PIN number and transaction amount from anyone in line or standing near the machine.

• If driving up to an ATM, keep your doors locked, your windows rolled up, and your engine running while waiting in line. Maintain enough distance between you and the car ahead of yours in case you need to make a quick exit. Before rolling

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June 2009

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down the window to make your transaction, check for anyone or anything that looks suspicious. Again, if you feel you are being watched or you are uncomfortable, drive away immediately and go to another machine.

Card Safety • Never write your PIN on your debit or check card. Generally, you can request a number you can easily remember—but avoid using your phone number, birth date or other personal numbers that someone else may know. Store your number in a safe place, just in case you need to find it. Do not carry it in your purse or billfold.

• Keep your PIN secret. Anyone who has your card and your PIN has immediate access to your checking account and your money. Internet

phishing for PINs and checking account numbers is a growing form of identity theft, so make it a habit to never give your PIN to anyone. No company or individual—not even your financial institution—needs your number.

giving them access to your checking or savings accounts.

Raising your awareness will go a long way to ensure your personal safety and help protect your financial resources when using debit or check cards.

• If your card is lost or stolen, notify your bank immediately. Your response is critical to limiting your liability if someone else uses it and to protecting the money in your account.

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma. MetroFamily congratulates Sue Lynn for receiving the prestigious Friend of the Family Award from • Review your monthly statement the American Association of Family and immediately upon receipt to ensure Consumer Sciences. The award goes to a no one else has accessed your account. person who has influenced public policy that Report any unauthorized purchases positively impacts families. Past recipients or transactions to your financial include Hillary Rodham Clinton, William institution immediately.

“Bill” Cosby, Jr., Rob Reiner, and Al and Tipper Gore. Congratulations, Sue Lynn, and • Avoid using your debit card for online thanks for continuing to impact our readers purchases. If the payment system is with quality family financial info!

illegally or accidentally accessed by someone else, your personal financial information may be comprised—

Mornings 5:30- 10:00

Start your day with Steve, Shawn and the Magic Man on Magic 104.1/KMGL. Perfect for the whole family!

June 2009

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43

Quick Reference City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, CityArtsCenter.org.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E. Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, EdmondFineArts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, LittleRiverZoo.com

Weekly

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Make & Take craft activities at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC) 11am-3pm every Saturday.

For kids 3 and up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com.

FREE Storytime at Gymboree Penn Square, first Friday of every month, 10am. 842-7540.

Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com

Silly Sundays at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) Every Sunday, 1-6pm. Free face painting with paid admission or craft purchase. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org

Tired GrownUps Night at Unpluggits Playstudio. Every Thursday from 4-8pm. Reduced admission price, free snacks. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, OKAquarium.org

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday and Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 and under.

359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com.

OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, okcmoa.org

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) every Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, FullCircleBooks.com

OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, OklahomaCityNationalMemorial.org

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Held every Saturday 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and special occasions. Free with paid admission.

OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, OKCZoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, OklahomaChildrensTheatre.com Oklahoma Heritage Center 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, OklahomaHeritage.com

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

Guided park tour and nature hike each Sunday 2:30pm.

Reservations and a fee of $2 are required. 755-0676.

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. Free live music each Thursday.

FREE Toddler Storytime at the Norman Library. Every Monday 9:30-10am.

Oklahoma History Center 2401 N Laird Ave, OKC 522-5248, OklahomaHistoryCenter.org

Wing Chun women’s self-defense classes, Saturdays at 9am. $60 per month. 314-6727, WingChunOKC.com.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu

FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 10:30am. Activities for children ages 3-5 with adult held each Tuesday.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-OMNI, ScienceMuseumOK.org

Monthly

Do you have an event for our calendar?

Email it to Calendar Editor Terri Fields, Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

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Gymboree of Norman Family Arts Studio is held the third Saturday, 11am-noon. Includes arts & crafts for children 18mos–5 years. $5 per child. Reservations required; 307-8454, GymboreeClasses.com.

June 1-August 14

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Magical Summer Theatre Camps at Burg Theatre, 9am-4pm. Experience June 2009

the magic of theatre, brush up on showmanship, and learn theatre basics. For children ages 3 through 16.

Registration required, 606-7003.

June 4-September 13

Spirit Red: Visions of Native American Artists from the Rennard Strickland Collection at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art includes paintings, baskets, pottery, textiles and sculpture, representing some of the most acclaimed artists from the 20th century to the present.

June 5-December

ConservaStory exhibit at the Myriad Gardens features a tropical adventure of the storybook kind with a pirate ship, giants and fairies.

June 7-August 30

FREE Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Myriad Gardens, 7pm. Concerts with some of Oklahoma’s finest musicians. 270-4848, ArtsCouncilOKC.com.

June 11-June 27

Reduxion Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew at the City Arts Center Theater, 8pm. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. 651-3191, ReduxionTheatre.com

Through June 14

Speak! Children’s Book Illustrators Brag about their Dogs at Shawnee’s Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Features illustrations of dogs by nationally-acclaimed children’s book illustrators. 878-5300, MGMOA.org

June 17-August 7

FREE Play in the Park at park locations throughout the Metro. OKC Parks and Recreation Department’s summer program with arts, crafts, games, sports and field trips. For complete location list visit OKC.gov/Parks.

297-2211.

June 18-July 11

Shakespeare in the Park presents As You Like It at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage, 8pm. Tickets $10 adults, $8 students. 235-3700, OklahomaShakespeare.com

Through June 30

FREE Competitive Edge: The Sports Tradition in Edmond features artifacts from historical competitive events. Edmond Historical Society (431 S Boulevard).

340-0078, EdmondHistory.org.

Dinosaurs Unearthed at the OKC Zoo, 9am-5pm.

Come face-to-face with the prehistoric rulers of the animal kingdom. Meet such life-like animatronic creatures as the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Free with regular Zoo admission.

JUNE S

Through July 5

Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race: National Holocaust Exhibition at Science Museum Oklahoma. Examines how the Nazi leadership, in collaboration with individuals in professions traditionally charged with healing and the public good, used science and medicine to help legitimize persecution, murder and, ultimately, genocide. Recommended for those over 12.

JFedOKC.org.

FREE Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp held Saturdays and Sunday (noon-6pm) and Tuesdays and Thursdays (3-7pm). Free activities for families while supplies last. 200 Bass Pro Drive. 218-5200, BassPro. com.

Through July 12

Did She Kill ‘em All?! Martha Maxwell, Colorado Huntress Exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Exhibit explores Maxwell’s life and career.

Through August 16

Bob the Builder at Frontier City. Join Bob and two members of his crew. Singing, dancing, and building.

Free with park admission. For show times visit FrontierCity.com.

Through August 23

One Hundred Summers: A Kiowa Calendar Record at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Featuring the art of renowned Kiowa artist Silver Horn. The exhibit will show the political, religious, economic and social spheres of Kiowa life.

Through September 5

Farmers Market at the Children’s Center, (6800 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany). Features 100% Oklahomagrown produce. Thursdays 2:30-6pm and Saturdays 8am–noon. 789-6711, TCCOKC.org.

Through October 1

Sunset River Cruises at Regatta Park, Fridays and Saturdays. Climate-controlled cruisers glide along the Oklahoma River. Round trip tickets $12 adults; $8 children 6-12. 702-7755, OKRiverCruises.com.

Through October

Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art, 5-10:30pm. Every Thursday and Friday. A full bar, complimentary chips and salsa, and the Oklahoma City skyline. All ages are welcome. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, free for members.

Through January 2010

Another Hot Oklahoma Night exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center celebrates rock & roll in Oklahoma.

AnotherHotOklahomaNight.org.

JUNE 1-5

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Metropolitan Library System MetroLibrary.org Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601 Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363 Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308 Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418

Neighborhood Arts Presents the Lucky Penny Players in Fairy’s Misfortune. An all-ages play held at various Metro Library locations through the week, check library website for schedule. Also held 6/8-12.

2 • Tuesday

Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris at the OKC Zoo, 9:30-10:30am. Story time, crafts, meet a Zoo keeper or naturalist and a free juice drink. Free with admission.

Ages 11 and under. Also held 6/9, 16, 23, and 30.

3 • Wednesday

Broadway in Bartlesville presents Annie at the Bartlesville Community Center, 7:30pm. Tickets $15 and up. 800-618-2787, BartlesvilleCommunityCenter.com

4 • Thursday

Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377 Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650 Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282 Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828 Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616 Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967 Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452

MHC: Summer Excitement at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Children learn about their history while creating pieces of art. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Ages 4-12. Enrollment required. Christine

Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

Pioneer Library System pls.lib.ok.us Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275 McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100

weekly E-Updates keep you in-the-know MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ subscribe-to-e-update

Newcastle, 705 NW Tenth, 387-5076 Noble, 204 N 5th, 872-5713 Norman, 225 N Webster, 701-2600 Purcell, 919 N Ninth, 527-5546 Shawnee, 101 N Philadelphia, 275-6353 Tecumseh, 114 N Broadway, 598-5955

June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

45

Gibson at 340-0078, cgibson@coxinet.net. Also held 6/11, 18, 25.

FREE Summer Concert at Hafer Park (9th & Bryant, Edmond) featuring OK Chorus of Sweet Adelines (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barbershop), 7:15pm. Also held 6/11 (Chris Hicks Band); 6/18 (Oklahoma Strings); 6/25 (The Groove Merchant). EdmondOK.com.

5 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday

FREE Jazz in June OKC at The Cathedral (7700 N Council) 6:30pm. Outside jazz concert. 728-7700, TheCathedral.tv.

FREE Landscape Planning at Will Rogers Gardens, (3400 NW 36th) 9:30am-12:30pm. Learn to plan your own landscape, including plant selection and maintenance for your garden type. Registration required.

943-0827, OKC.gov/Parks.

FREE Summer Nights Concerts at Buck Thomas Park in Moore, 7pm. Also held 6/12, 19, 26. 793-5100, Pioneer.

Lib.OK.US/Moore

5-7

FREE A Small Town Weekend in El Reno, 6pm. childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, festival foods, classic car show, live entertainment, hot wheel races, a legal burnout, and prizes. 262-8688, ECruisers.com.

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival at the Cox Convention Center, 10am-11pm. Over 100 tribes from across North America, gathering to share the richness of their cultures with the world. Dance competition, art market, and parade. 427-5228, RedEarth.org.

6 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

FREE All American Kids Fishing Derby at Lake

Arcadiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Creek Park, 7:30am-12pm. Prizes awarded in many categories. Registration 7:30am. For kids ages 5-12. Parents must accompany children.

216-7471, ArcadiaLakeOK.com.

FREE Chisholm Trail and Crawfish Festival at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm in Yukon, 9am-10pm. Gunfights, Cajun and country music, pony rides, crawfish and chicken races, fresh Cajun food, and pie eating contest.

350-8937, CityofYukonOK.gov.

FREE Kids Fishing Clinic at Metro Tech Springlake, 8am-10:30pm. Learn casting, knot-tying, and fish id.

Equipment provided. Registration required. 316-FISH, OKC.gov/Parks.

Red Earth Run at the Regatta Park, 8am. This event includes a 2k run, 5k run, and fun walk. The race is open to all ages. 427-5228, RedEarth.org.

FREE Edmond Farmers Market at the Festival Market Place, 8am-1pm. Grand opening of the summer market.

Shop for fresh produce, plants, fresh baked goods, eggs, honey, Made in Oklahoma (MIO) products, cut flowers and Black Angus Beef. Also held 6/10, 13, 17, 20, 24, & 27. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

12-18 at Edmond Library, 5pm. Also held at other MetroLibrary locations on 6/10, 15, 17 and in July.

Times vary. See MetroLibrary.org for details.

10 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday

FREE Play in the Park at Mitch Park in Edmond, 10-11:15am. Play games such as tag, dodge ball, relay races, and obstacle courses. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 359-4630, VisitEdmondOK.com.

FREE Jr. Market for Kids at the Festival Market Place in Edmond, 8am-1pm. Children under 17 sell items and â&#x20AC;&#x153;learn while they earn.â&#x20AC;? Also held 6/17, 23. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

10-14

DeadCenter Film Festival at various downtown OKC locations. Showcases over 100 films from all across the country with four panels and workshops and numerous parties. 246-9233, DeadCenterFilm.org.

11 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday

8 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

Prince & Princess Night at Chick-fil-A, 5:30-8:30pm, includes carriage rides, face painting and clown. 7004 NW Expressway, 728-9494.

9 â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday

FREE Art â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ă la CARTâ&#x20AC;? at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 6-9 pm. Explore the new exhibition while enjoying hands-on art activities, live music, and independent film.

FREE Little River Zoo at the Harrah Library, 11amnoon, for ages 6-12. Pre-register, space is limited. 4542001. Also held at the Choctaw Library 2:30-3:30pm.

FREE Wizard Rock Concert at the Midwest City Library, 6-9pm. Third annual concert featuring the Whomping Willows, Justin Finch-Fletchley, the Remus Lupins, and the Moaning Myrtles. Tickets, 732-4828.

12 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday 12-13

Arise Ministries Survive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thrive Conference for Single Mothers. Details on page 11.

Express Yourself Graffiti Art workshop for ages

Guitar for Kids Contact us today for all your school uniform needs!

Private & Public School Uniforms In-House Embroidery In-House Digital Printing Locally Owned & Operated #SJTUPM 1BSL #MWE t &ENPOE Located off 33rd between Santa Fe & Kelly (Turn south onto cul-de-sac) t 5IF6OJGPSN$MVC OFU

School of Rock Ages 6 to adult Join our Rock & Acoustic Guitar Classes A unique program that oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a complete guitar education including our rock band & acoustic classes. t %FHSFFE &YQFSJFODFE *OTUSVDUPS t (SFBU GPS LJET OFX UP HVJUBS MFTTPOT t *OEJWJEVBM BUUFOUJPO JO B MPX QSFTTVSF FOWJSPONFOU t $MBTTFT BSF IFME BU UIF Fine Arts Institute of Edmond Mention this ad and get $5 off 1st month tuition.

www.guitarforcoolkids.com

Call Doug at 340-8294

Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-3

46

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Does my child have autism?â&#x20AC;?

Now there is a short screening available to determine if children ages 24-36 months are â&#x20AC;&#x153;at riskâ&#x20AC;? for autism.

Looking for Vacation Bible Schools?

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/2009-VBS-listing

12-14

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tent. 733-3587, VisitMidwestCity.com.

Jewelry Trunk Show at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 9am-4pm. Historic and contemporary American Indian jewelry trunk show and sale. 478-2250, Ext. 229.

FREE Chinse Brush Painting for ages 12-17 at the Warr Acres Library, 6:30-8pm. Supplies provided.

Registration required.

12-20

The Oklahoma Mozart Festival in Bartlesville features workshops and performances by world-renowned musicians. Tickets available by individual performance or concert series. Finale concert with Kristin Chenoweth held June 20, 8pm. See website for schedule and ticketing, OKMozart.com. 918-336-9800.

13 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

FREE Festival in the Park at Will Rogers Gardens, (3400 NW 36th) 10am-4pm. Free seminars, garden tours, kids activities and plant sale. 943-0827, OKC.gov/ Parks.

FREE Kids Fishing Clinic at Dolese Youth Park Pond (NW 36th and Meridian). Learn casting, knot-tying, and fish id. Equipment provided. Registration required.

316-FISH, OKC.gov/Parks.

FREE Tinker Inter-Tribal Council Powwow at Joe Barnes Regional Park, 1-11pm. Activities include traditional dance, singing, art, jewelry, food and a

SUMMER CAMPS Give your child an amazing summer... with a Mad Science Summer Camp!

OKC Yard Dawgs take on Milwaukee Iron at the Cox Convention Center, 5pm. Also held 6/20.

FREE Enjoy free admission to Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

13-14

FREE Africa West Festival at the Metro Tech Springlake Campus, 10am-7pm. Celebrating the African American heritage of Oklahoma with various artists, vendor and businesses. A kids area will be include with carnival rides and games. 427-4444, CapitolChamber.org.

405-285-9643 643 www.madscience.org/centraloklahoma 344 Santa Fe Ave, Edmond

Call Gay Snyder M.Ed. at 471-9303 to ďŹ nd out more and schedule your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screening.

Gsnyderchilddevelopment.com

FREE Juneteenth at Woodland Park in Shawnee.

Include a Friday night singing, Saturday parade, summer activities and all day gospel singing. 275-3999, VisitShawnee.com.

14 â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday

Digital Photography for Absolute Beginners at the OKC Museum of Art, 1-4pm. Class discussion will cover composition, or framing, so that you can learn how to take the best pictures possible. $20 members, $25 nonmembers. Registration required. Also held 8/2.

15 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

FREE Paper Puppets at the Choctaw Library, 2:303:30pm. Participants are invited to create a puppet with provided materials.

DEMO RVSP DAYS Ju & Aug ly 20 . 11

Gingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off Oklahoma Okl h Cit City

Create the room of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams!

Interior design Custom murals Painting/faux ďŹ nishes Custom curtains/bedding & furniture painting

t Secret Agent Lab: 2nd-6th Grades t Moving with Science: 2nd-6th Grades t Crazy Chemistry: 2nd-6th Grades t The World Around Me: Pre-K-1st Grade t Science & Art Combo Camps: 2nd-6th Grades June through August Half-day: $145/child - Full day: $239-$249/child Ask us about multiple registration discounts.

For locations, dates, and to register, please call us or check out our website!

UĂ&#x160; `Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;i`Ă&#x160;LĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x160;VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â?`Ă&#x160;`iĂ&#x203A;iÂ?Â&#x153;ÂŤÂ&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x160;iĂ?ÂŤiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;äĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17E;i>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;° UĂ&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;i`Ă&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;-/ /Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;VĂ&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; 6>Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC;LÂ&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;1Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;° UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;äÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;VĂ&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â?Â?Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;]Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ?>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;`Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;° UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;>vĂ&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x192;VĂ&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;VÂ?Ă&#x2022;`i`°

.VTJD $BNQ "HFT ZFBST t 1JBOP DBNQ "HFT ZFBST Register your child for a journey into Creativity & Learning 7JTJU PVS XFCTJUF GPS JOGPSNBUJPO

www.GingersKindermusik.com 722-2379

June 2009

For your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best birthday ever, call Pony Parties of Piedmont nt Ponies to pet and ride Our place or yours Outdoor or indoor in the barn Call Michelle TODAY! 405.823.4081 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

47

Summer Dance Camps & Classes t 1SPGFTTJPOBM øPBUJOH EBODF øPPST t #BMMFU +B[[ 5BQ )JQ )PQQ t "HFT 6Q t 4NBMM $MBTT 4J[FT

17-21

The Oklahoma Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater presents Cinderella at Burg Theatre, (on the campus of OCU) 10am. Tickets $5 children, $7 adults.

Velocity el Dance Center t velocitydancecenterokc.com / 3PDLXFMM "WF 4VJUF " t 0,$

IItâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time...

To Paint a Memorable FFatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Gift! s Punky Pottery s Bridal Parties s Teen Parties s Walk-in Anytime s Birthday Parties

17-19

18 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday

FREE Kids Fishing Clinic at Crystal Lake, (6625 SW 15th) 8am-10:30pm. Learn casting, knot-tying, and fish id. Equipment provided. Registration required. 316-FISH, OKC.Gov/Parks.

FREE Origami with Mae Dean Erb at the Mabel C. Fry Library, 10-11:30am. 354-8232. Also held 1-2:30pm.

Summer Sizzler Movie Night at the Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, (1034 S. Bryant) 8pm. Featuring a screening of Open Season 2. $5. 216-7655

19 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday

Fairy Tale Ball at Gymboree Play & Music in Norman, (255 34th Ave SW) 6:30-8pm. An evening of crafts, dancing, singing and make-believe. $15 per family.

Reservations required. 307-8454, normanok@ gymboreeclasses.com.

Zoobilation fundraiser at the OKC Zoo, 7-11pm.

Festivities include treats from local restaurants, live entertainment, Zoo keeper chats, a silent auction and a special performance by Graham Colton. $75 per person.

21 or older to attend. 427-2461, ZooFriends.com.

Cake decorating class for ages 12-19 at the OSU Cooperative Extension. 10am-3pm, $20. 713-1125, 930 N Portland.

19-20

Paint your own pottery studio . -AY /+# s 842-7770 -7770

20 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

Summer Season Celebration at the OKC Zoo, 10am2pm. Enjoy a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt with prizes for children, safety information booths, and giveaways. Free with admission.

Summer Youth Sewing Camp for ages 10-19 at the OK County OSU Extension Center. 1-4pm. $30 plus supplies, machines provided. 713-1125, 930 N Portland.

l Enrol ! y Toda

273-5060, ShawneeMilling.com.

FREE Farming Heritage Festival. See tractors and farm equipment displays, and demonstrations.

FREE Oklahoma Folklife Festival at the Oklahoma History Center, 9am-4pm. Traditional culture is showcased through performances and hands-on demonstrations. 323-9265, OKHistory.org.

Ghost Tours at Historic Fort Reno, 7:30pm.

Walking tour of an historic area with ghost stories and demonstrations by paranormal studies groups.

Reservations required. $6 Adults, $5 Seniors and children. 262-3987, FortReno.org.

Central OK Classic Open Car Show at Steak â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Shake, (1225 E 2nd St in Edmond) 8am-2pm. Open car show with judging to be done by committee. Trophy presentation at 2pm. In addition to vehicles there will be food, music and door prizes. Registration $20. More information Larry 340-5796.

Digital Photography at the OKC Museum of Art, 2-4pm. Working with their digital cameras, students will enrich their understanding of composition and experiment with ways to improve their photographs. $10 members, $15 nonmembers (materials provided). For ages 10-13. Registration required.

21 â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday

Happy Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, Dads! From your friends at

Chester's Party Barn & Farm Fun For All Ages!

Pony Rides â&#x20AC;˘ Hay Rides â&#x20AC;˘ Petting Zoo Horse Shoes â&#x20AC;˘ Karaoke â&#x20AC;˘ Pumpkin Patch Farm Hand Olympics â&#x20AC;˘ Comedy Shows Weenie Roast â&#x20AC;˘ Mystery Maze & Much More Plan your Birthday Party, Company Picnic, Field Trip, Cowboy Camps, Celebrations & More!

New in 2009!

Chester's Event Barn

Seating up to 250. Reserve now!

Or have Chester & Crew travel to your event!

Jugglers â&#x20AC;˘ Magicians â&#x20AC;˘ Stilt Walkers â&#x20AC;˘ Clowns Caricatures â&#x20AC;˘ Clowns â&#x20AC;˘ Street Performers Face Painters & More

405-373-1595 5201 Cimarron Rd. NW, Piedmont, OK

www.ChesterandCrew.com 48

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

June 2009

Antioch Christian Academy MetroFamily Magazine FREE admission for fathers today at the OKC Zoo, Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma Aquarium (with paid admission).

Drawing with Dad (with parent), ages 6-9, at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 2-4pm.

22-27

FREE NRHA Derby Show at the State Fair Park, 8am.

World premiere reining event for 4-6 year old horses competing for cash and prizes. Also includes family events. 946-7400, NRHA.com.

23 â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday

FREE Buffalofitz Concert at the Jones Community Center (120 W Atlanta), 2-2:45pm.

June 24-28

3616 SW 119th Street 691-8012 www.antiochokc.org

26 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday

Night at the Museum at Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 6-11pm. Explore the museum, eat pizza, play games and watch the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hookâ&#x20AC;? all while dressed as a pirate. $20. For ages 6-12. 340-0078.

27 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

Bowling for Rhinos at Heritage Lanes, 3-7pm. Money raised to help wildlife preserves in Kenya, Java and Sumatra. $20 per participant includes shoe rental, t-shirt, refreshments and door prizes. 424-3344, ZooFriends.com.

Clinton Route 66 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hot Dog and Hot Rodsâ&#x20AC;? Festival.

Car/Bike Show & Cruise, FREE Family-Friendly Concert, and Weiner National Dog Race. 580-323-2222, ClintonRoute66Festival.com.

28 â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday

Sooner Theatre presents Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty and the Beast. June 24, 2pm; June 25-27, 2 & 7:30pm, June 28, 2pm. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for kids. 101 E. Main, Norman. 321-9600, soonertheatre.org.

Taste of Edmond at Festival Market Place, 6:308:30pm. Over 35 area restaurants. Proceeds benefit LibertyFest. $10. 249-9391, LibertyFest.org.

25-27

CĂŠzanne to Ten and Back Again at the OKC Museum of Art, 4-5pm. Take a closer look at French artist Paul CĂŠzanne. Story and snack, and make a counting book of items spotted in CĂŠzanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings. $7.50 members, $10 nonmembers (materials provided). For ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.

FREE Jazz in June at the Brookhaven Village, 7-10pm.

Featuring contemporary, swing, blues, salsa, improve, straight-ahead, smooth and other derivatives of jazz.

325-3388, JazzinJune.org.

25-28

High School Musical 2 at the Civic Center, 7:30pm.

Tickets $28 and up. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org.

30 â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday

July 2

FREE! â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Evening with Ben Franklinâ&#x20AC;? at Oklahoma History Center. Museum opens at 6pm; program begins at 7pm. 522-0785, okhistory.org.

Antioch Christian Academy warmly invites you to consider enrollment of your child(ren) in ACA.

x

Antioch Christian Academy has been partnering with Christian parents for thirteen years to train and educate K-8th grade students in a manner that reflects Christ.

Small Class Size 1:15 Computer/Media Lab Music/Art Specialty Classes Before and After School Programs

Offering Year-Round Classes Summer Classes and Camps June 1-August 15 t "MM "HFT "MM 4UBHFT t 1SPGFTTJPOBM 'BDVMUZ t 'SJFOEMZ "UNPTQIFSF

Enroll N OW!

FINE ARTS INSTITUTE OF EDMOND & &EXBSET t www.edmondfinearts.com

Reach over

80,000 readers at reasonable rates.

Call Today! 405.340.1404 June 2009

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

49

There are as many support groups in the Metro as there are needs for them. To include your group in our listing, please email details to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Childbirth & Babies

1pm. Lunch provided; register 271-8001, ext 48592, or 271-8001 ext. 48527.

DACO (Doula Association of Central OK), 455-1500, DACOinc.org.

Amputees’ Next Step support group, second Tuesday 1-3pm. O’Donoghue Rehabilitation Institute (1122 NE 13th, room 252). OUPhysicians.com.

La Leche League meets at Gymboree Play & Music in Norman the second Saturday of each month, 10amnoon. Family Gym is available at $5 per family for partners and children of meeting attendees.

Parents of Children with Cancer support group, second Wednesday at noon (complimentary lunch).

Children’s Hospital (930 NE 13th). 943-8888.

La Leche League breastfeeding information and support. Meetings in Moore and NW OKC. Visit the calendar at MetroFamilyMagazine.com for dates, times, and contact info. lllusa.org.

Parents Helping Parents confidential meetings for parents of children who abuse drugs. First and third Tuesdays. Oklahoma Blood Institute in Edmond, 6428198, ParentsHelpingParents.info.

Counseling & Support

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored Family Support Group. First Thursday, 6pm, Integris Baptist Medical Center. 943-8888.

Divorce Recovery Group, Wednesdays at 7pm, Quail Springs Church of Christ (14401 N May), room 308.

755-4790.

Myeloma Support Group. Third Thursday, 6pm, 7th floor Conference room, Presbyterian Tower, OU Medical Center, 271-6557.

Free drug and alcohol addiction classes offered by A Chance to Change Foundation at the Last Frontier Council Scout Service Center (3031 NW 64th), 6:308pm Mondays. 840-9000, AChanceToChange.org.

Grief Support Group, Wednesdays at 7pm, Quail Springs Church of Christ (14401 N May), room 110.

755-4790.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored Spanish-Speaking Group. First Tuesday, 6pm at Integris Southwest Medical Center, 636-7560; and first Wednesday, 5pm at the 7th floor Conference room, Presbyterian Tower, OU Medical Center, 271-7930.

H.O.P.E. Gynecologic Cancer Support at the OU Physicians Building, (5th floor) the first Saturday of each month at 10am. 271-8001 ext 48165, 672-1748.

Family Support Group for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma survivors and caregivers, second Tuesday, 6pm. Mercy Cancer Center, 943-8888.

Mondays Friends Breast Cancer Support Group second Monday, 7pm. Midwest Regional Breast Care Center. 610-8872, jean.pitzer@mrmc.hma-corp.com.

Head and Injury Support Group, third Tuesday at 5100 N Brookline, Suite 100, 6-8pm. BrainInjuryOklahoma. org/okc

Birth Parent support group, first Monday, 6-7:30pm.

Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services (5300 N Meridian). 949-4200 ext 13.

Health

Women’s Yoga Center offers women’s, prenatal, kids and mommy & baby yoga classes. 607-6699, WomensYogaCenter.com.

United Methodist Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur), holds Discoveries Program classes for adults. Call Gayle 720-8480 for full listing.

Daily Yoga Classes (adult, teen, prenatal, meditation, and senior) for beginning and advanced students. $12 and up. 203-8927, 3rdStreetYogaStudio.com.

Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) holds a variety of Care Series classes and support groups.

755-2227 or CrossingsOKC.org.

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga. $8-$15 per class. 474-3302 or MamasteYoga.com for locations and times.

Pancreatic Cancer support group, last Thursday, 6pm. O’Donoghue Research Building (1122 NE 13th Street), 3rd Floor Surgery Research Conference Room.

271-2108 or ouhsc.edu/surgery/pancan.

Parenting Groups

Breast Cancer Survivor support group, second Thursday, 6:30pm. Young Survival Coalition (for women under 40), third Wednesday, noon. Breast Imaging of OK (2601 Kelley Pointe Pkwy, Edmond).

844-2601 ext 1031.

Breast Cancer awareness group for survivors and women who want to learn more. First Monday, 7pm.

Eastside Church of Christ (916 S Douglas), 732-0393.

Breast Cancer support group at the OU Breast Institute (825 NE10th), Suite 3500, third Thursday, noon50

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Mom’s Got Connections Christian group for moms with young children (birth-5yrs). Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, OKC, 9:30-11am Tuesdays. jlreser@yahoo.com or 720-7164..

MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) activity groups meet in Edmond, OKC, Moore, Midwest/Del City, and Norman. MOMSClub.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support groups meet in Choctaw, Norman, Edmond, and OKC. Visit our online calendar for dates, times, and contact info (MetroFamilyMagazine.com).

Edmond’s Mothers of Multiples, second Thursday at Edmond Hospital, 7pm. 285-5208 and 315-0338, EdmondMoms.com.

Special Needs

Parents Fighting Autism third Monday of the month, 7pm. Olive Garden in Norman. Free. Location subject to change, contact ParentsFightingAutism@gmail.com.

OKC Area Stuttering Support Group for adults. Third Tuesday, 6:30-7:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 303 E Hurd, Edmond. okcssg@yahoo.com.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group for grandparents and other relatives raising children.

First and third Tuesday, 6pm, Trinity Church of the Nazarene. 634-4400 ext. 140.

CHADD ADD/ADHD support meeting, second Tuesday at 7pm. Deaconess Medical Offices North. 7221ADD, 419-4176, or CHADD.org.

Talking Hands sign language class meets Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, 300 N Air Depot, Midwest City. Free.

Talkinghands@rocketmail.com.

Hope Link meetings for parents of special-needs children or children with undiagnosed disorders. Integris Baptist Medical Center, first Thursday, 6pm. 271-5072, OKCHopeLink.org.

2-25

Yoga and Sand Mandalas for Kids at Integris Baptist Hospital, (Suite 102). Children 8 to 11 will learn to pay attention to stress in their bodies and also discover the quiet. $30. Reservations required. 943-3921.

8

Baby Signs Workshop at the Del City Library, 2:303:30pm. Interactive class teaches how to include signs naturally while interacting with your child through daily routines and play. Parents of children 9-22 months. Preregister. 425-4412.

10

FREE Yoga Breathing for Labor at the Belle Isle Babies R Us, 6pm. 840-2820, BabiesRUs.com.

15

FREE Prenatal Yoga workshop at the Belle Isle Babies R Us, 6pm. 840-2820, BabiesRUs.com.

July 11

Creating Presence and Connection in Ourselves and With Youth at the OBU International Graduate School in Downtown OKC, 10am-4pm. Designed for educators and adults who wish to make a contribution to the young people in their lives. $60 for participants, includes sack lunch. 314-7175, YouthPassages.org.

June 2009

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