MetroFamily Magazine August 2011

August 2011

Serving up back-to-school

FUN!

Is it ADD/ADHD— or vision problems?

School lunches

Our After-School Activities Guide offers over tempting choices!

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What is your district's recipe for serving nutritious meals? metrofamilymagazine.com

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Join the Fun with MetroFamily

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Our new Mother Lode discount program begins THIS MONTH. If you haven’t subscribed, do so today at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mother-lode. Through Mother Lode, you’ll be able to purchase the best local family products, services and events/attractions at significant savings. Sign up today!

Celebrate the final days of summer with two handy resources from MetroFamily!

Our Summer Survival Guide provides you with free, low-cost, or inexpensive events and activities to enjoy (www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-survivalguide) and our annual travel guide, Exploring Oklahoma with Children, provides dozens of ideas for short trips around the state (www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma).

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MetroFamily readers and fans love our great online listings, so we’ve made them even easier to find! Look for our Top Picks section on the home page (www. metrofamilymagazine.com) and find the latest lists such as the Top 10 Places to Get Wet, 2011/12 school vaccination requirements, back-to-school start dates for public and private schools, school supply donation drives, Farmers Markets, volunteer opportunities for families and kids and more!

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Our Facebook fans and Twitter followers have more fun and save more money.

“Like” us at www.facebook.com/metrofamily and follow us at www.twitter.com/ metrofamily.

With school and after-school activities starting, you need information on the resources available in the metro—and MetroFamily provides it! Be sure to check out our many directories online, especially the Education Directory, After-School Activities and Field Trips and Enrichment Directory.

The September MetroFamily magazine will focus on teens and tweens issues. Ad deadline is August 15. Call 405-601-2081 or email ads@metrofamilymagazine. com TODAY for more information.

The best online resource for Central Oklahoma parents just got even better!

metrofamilymagazine.com • • • •

Searchable, comprehensive calendar Directories for camps, party places, education and more Money-saving coupons, Kids Pass, Mother Lode Contests with great prizes

Visit daily for fresh family fun ideas!

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Enter our Contests

You could win big!

Sign up to be eligible for these great prizes at

metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

• A weekend trip for four to Enid, OK including two night hotel stay, $50 towards a restaurant meal, $75 gas gift card, tickets to three of Enid’s best attractions including Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest, and special gifts including locally-made almond butter toffee from Angel Delight. Total trip package is worth over $500; deadline is August 31.

• Our August Giveaway features many great family products and is valued at over $475.

Deadline is August 18.

• Win family four-picks to Disney on Ice and Xtreme Bulls Tour at the State Fair of Oklahoma to be held in September. The contest will run August 11-September 3.

• Over $140 worth of Healthy Eating products.

Deadline is August 25th.

Use our Coupons

You could save big!

Find valuable coupons to these businesses at

metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-family-discounts

• Monarch Dental • Empire Elite Cheer • Club Z! Tutoring • Children’s Day Out at Quail Springs United Methodist Church • Paint N Station • Clean My Grill • Heart & Hand Thrift Center • Creative Adventures • Dr. Mark Youngker, Orthodontist • PLUS, while there, learn more about the savings with Kids Pass!

Back-To-School Issue August 2011 35 Calendar

Dozens of events and activities for family fun and enrichment

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Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

32 Exploring Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Cultural Center seeing and doing to help visitors learn about the the Chickasaw people

Score the right activities for your children in our After-School Activity Guide.

24 Family Finances

Avoiding common scams at the ATM

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How your child’s learning is dependent on good eyesight.

Family Shorts

Community news and parenting resources

20 Focus on Education

Back to school nutrition concerns: how does your school district measure up?

22 Oklahoma Reads

Book reviews for all ages and interests

46 Photo Gallery

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Our readers share photos of their kids enjoying the water

When it comes to school nutrition, how does your school rate? And is there anything you can do about it?

30 Real Moms of the Metro

Meet Lisa Moseley, former Big Loser show contestant and passionate fitness advocate

14 Your Healthy Family Detecting, preventing and treating UTIs

On the cover: Erin Woods, Managing Director of Reduxion Theatre Company.

PHOTO BY Randy Coleman Photography, OKC • www.randycolemanphotography.com

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Dear MetroFamily readers, I, for one, am happy that’s over! The first half of 2011 has been a challenge for me and my family. July brought us some positive changes and I am hopeful that the rest of the year will continue on this path.

I can’t continue without mentioning the (overheated) elephant in the room, however.

How about that heat? So far, we’ve endured one of the hottest summers on record.

Certainly the hottest of my life. Remember when it was “SNOWPOCALYPSE” and “ICEMAGEDDON” in the forecast? Wow... doesn’t that sound refreshing right about now?

Regardless of the heat, it’s almost time for back to school. But the fun doesn’t stop just because summer is drawing to a close, you can continue with extracurricular activities, and you can find those in our guide, with fun ideas for all ages.

Photos: Fondly remembering “SNOWMAGEDDON,” when the kids built a snow fort. (top) Spencer and Lauren trying to keep cool at the Fourth of July event at Buck Thomas Park in Moore. (bottom)

P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.

Back to school means school supplies and activities, but more than ever, it also means nutrition. Revamping the way our schools feed children is a big topic of discussion, and the impact is being felt across the country, including in our metro-area schools. We’ve got an overview of the nutrition programs for the metro-area school districts plus advice on how to continue to make positive changes in your child’s nutrition.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a great back-to-school!

Until next month!

Cheers!

Info And Questions: 405-601-2081 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 Kathryne Taylor kathryne@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price Amy Lou Tuzicka ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill, Shannon Fields, Karen Mitchell, Sue Lynn Sasser 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. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Fax: (405) 445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 14, Number 8

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Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill, Mari Farthing

Teach For America Comes to Oklahoma City Teach For America (TFA) recruits, trains and supports outstanding recent college graduates and professionals from a variety of occupational fields. Although these teachers do not hold degrees in education, about two-thirds remain in education in some capacity, even after their commitment is fulfilled. “It’s our hope that they [corps members] have a life-changing experience in the classroom,” said Cynthia Cho, Regional Communications Director for TFA. In the upcoming school year, 8,200 TFA corp members will be teaching in 39 regions, including Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). In addition, nearly 20,000 alumni will continue to work in education and other sectors to overcome the challenges of educational inequity. “[We are] excited to finally have the opportunity to partner with Teach For America,” said OKCPS Superintendent Karl Springer. “This partnership is another strategy that will prepare our students for success in school, work and life. OKCPS is thrilled to have Teach For America on board and is looking forward to seeing its teachers in class with our students when school starts on August first.”

Corps members will be placed in various grade levels and subject areas across the OKCPS District, serving schools with the greatest needs.

TFA serves low-income, rural and urban schools by bringing teachers to the classroom, believing that educational opportunities should be equal for all students.

For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org.

Year-Round School?

Undecided

For it, For I’m init,Oklahoma City Public Schools I’m in Oklahoma City Public Schools and I’m ha and I’m happy for the change (10%) For it, I hope it comes to my district (38%)

For it, I hope it comes to my district

Does not apply (18%)

Does not apply

Against it, I’m in Oklahoma City Public Schools and I think it’s a bad choice (4%)

Against it, I’m in Oklahoma City Public Schools and I

Against it, I hope it doesn’t come to my district (24%)

Undecided (6%)it, I hope it doesn’t come to my district Against

MetroFamily Readers' opinions on year-round school (137 Total Responses)

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) made the change to a year-round school calendar, with classes beginning August 1.

For many parents, this change begs the question of whether other school districts in the area will follow suit and whether year-round schooling will soon become the norm.

Our July Question of the Month asked you to share your thoughts about year-round school schedules and we found that opinions truly ran the spectrum. The largest category, with over 38 percent of respondents, indicated support for year-round schedules and hope that it will be adopted by their local district. On the flipside, 24 percent of our readers said they are against the change and would not want it in their district. The next largest category, with 18 percent of votes, indicated that it did not apply to their educational situation, while 6 percent were undecided. For those who are in the OKCPS system, 10 percent supported the change and a slim 4 percent opposed it.

Here are some of the opinions that our readers shared: Lynetta Z. of Oklahoma City hopes that the new schedule will come to her district: “Continual schooling has been in place around the country for years with great retention rates.”

Photo courtesy of Teach For America

Question of the Month What after-school activities do your kids participate in during the school year?

For OKCPS parent Michelle T. of Oklahoma City, the change is welcome. “I am happy for the change. I am hoping the year-round school will help our students become better readers and great leaders.”

The decision about year-round schooling is not applicable for Jennifer S. of Oklahoma City. “My children are not school age and will not be attending public school when they are school age.”

Rhonda M. of Mustang would not support the change in her district. “The summer already goes by too fast! I think more frequent shorter breaks would be more of a disruption.”

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $475.

Jacqueline F. of Oklahoma City has students in the OKCPS system and is not excited about the change for logistical reasons. “It makes daycare much harder!”

Deadline to enter is Thursday, August 18.

Jessie T. of Moore is still on the fence. “I would like to read more about the subject and see how it affects OKC Public [School District] before I decide.”

Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website.

The full contents of the prize package are listed with the entry form.

A winner will be drawn at random and notified by phone or email.

The winner agrees to pick up items from the MetroFamily office, 725 NW 11th, Suite 204, Oklahoma City.

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Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/july-reader-responses to read more about the local feelings regarding year-round school calendars.

Problem-Solvers 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 recently found. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

Finding a matching pair of socks is impossible!

Solution:

Blind Mice Socks don’t come in matching pairs but in mismatched sets of three, making it easier to coordinate. ($10; www.blindmicesocks.com)

Problem:

If only you could customize those blocks.

Solution:

You can! First Number Fun Blocks come with chalkboard sides (and chalk) so you can fill in your own blanks. ($35; www.fatbraintoys.com)

Character Corner: Diligence Being diligent means that you invest the time necessary to complete your tasks.

Diligence means that you have a vision for your life; you use each opportunity available to you to accomplish your goals.

Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.

To promote diligence in your home: ~ General George • Invest time and energy to establish a C. Marshall vision and goals for your family.

• Make a daily schedule to use your time wisely.

• Help your family members to plan, set and meet their goals.

Encourage diligence in your home by committing to the following statements. Say these “I will” statements aloud with your children, and encourage them to apply them to situations in their everyday life.

I will: ... finish my projects. ... do a job right. ... follow instructions. ... concentrate on my work. ... not be lazy.

Contact Character First! for more character-building resources. To learn more, call 405-815-0001 or visit characterfirst.com.

Problem:

New school year = new backpack.

Again.

Solution:

The Booq Momba Shift laptop backpack is sturdy, stylish and will last for years. ($150; www.booq.com)

Problem:

There needs to be an easier way to do this on the computer!

Solution:

Microsoft Office works on Mac or PC and will help you create everything from the simplest letter to the most complicated presentation. ($150; www.microsoft.com)

Problem:

Stinky lunchbox season!

Solution:

Biowish Healthy Clean Spray is tough on stinky lunchboxes (and household surfaces) but easy on the environment. ($8; www.biowishtechnologies.com)

Problem:

Warm water is not as refreshing as cold.

Solution:

The Rapid Ice Water Cooler wraps around your water bottle to cool it down in minutes. ($9; www.corkpops.com)

Problem:

Your sport bottle spills more water than you drink.

Solution:

Contigo Spill Proof Cups open at the push of a button, keeping your liquids secure. ($6; www.gocontigo.com)

Everyday Play: Shredded Paper Collage Your preschooler is developing new skills every day and craft activities are a great way to nurture your child’s motor skills and set a good foundation for additional learning in school.

Creating a Shredded Paper College develops your child’s eye-hand coordination and the ability to use two hands to tear paper. You’ll need: • Pieces of medium weight paper, such as construction paper or paper bags • Pieces of lightweight paper, such as newspapers or magazines • Glue sticks or small bowls of glue • Paper for the collage base Start by encouraging your child to use two hands to tear strips to make shredded paper. Then, have her glue the shredded paper to a clean piece of paper to make a collage, using glue sticks to adhere the pieces or by dipping the strips into glue. Once she is finished, talk about her creation. Does the collage have texture? Is it flat or raised? Are the shredded pieces long or short? Extend the fun by having your child paint the collage once it is dry, or by sprinkling glitter on it while the glue is still wet.

Have fun creating together!

Excerpted and used with permission from the Gryphon House book, Everyday Play: Fun Games to Develop the Fine Motor Skills Your Child Needs for School by Christy Isbell.

Five year old Murphy Barnett with her completed Shredded Paper Collage.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Season of Service: Helping Children To Write Their “Story” A young girl was being treated to an end of school year dinner by her Whiz Kids* mentor. An antique purse was hanging on the wall of the restaurant and the mentor delighted in telling the story of the 12-year-old girl who, in 1922, was the original owner. It was a simple story and captivated the young girl’s imagination which led her to say “I want a story.”

Every child wants their own story. Of course, we want their life to be a story based on good character.

Education is one of the key components in making that happen.

In Oklahoma City, nearly one-third of at-risk students don’t graduate and 90 percent of those drop outs live in poverty. With no high school diploma, they are destined to repeat their family’s cycle of poverty.

MAPS for Kids, a municipal sales tax, has built and renovated schools across in the Oklahoma City Public School District. But better buildings aren’t enough in helping children write a good story; they need people who will believe and invest in them.

You can help a child find the story their life is meant to write by: • Serving as a tutor for an at-risk student.

• Recruiting your church to be a Whiz Kids partner church and getting involved.

• Donating gently used khaki pants to schools requiring uniforms.

Visit serveok.org to learn how you can enhance the story of at least one child. * Whiz Kids is a faith-based tutoring program focused on teaching elementary kids to read. Learn more about the program at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/allabout-whiz-kids.

A Fresh Take on School Lunch For the past three year, Oklahoma native Christa Carretero has been known by her alter ego: The Cooking Girl. With a focus on healthy, organic and natural food choices, Carretero is a personal chef and entrepreneur who has also been working to improve the quality of the food available to students at a local school.

When the administration of Astec Charter School wanted to offer healthier lunch options, they turned to Carretero as their new consulting chef. She was presented with an interesting conundrum—how to offer new, exciting, and healthy food options while staying within the school’s budgetary limitations. “Due to the budget available, I couldn’t just go all out and buy everything organic,” Carretero explains. “But I found that I could integrate small, important changes and open kids’ eyes to the importance of eating healthy.”

The changes Carretero made in the past academic year included offering more fresh fruit, low-fat cheeses, more cooking from scratch, more fresh vegetable options and baked (not fried) options. “At first, the kids didn’t all take to it and it took some time for some kids to adjust their tastes,” she admits. “But by the end of the year, the kids were saying how much better

the food was and actually thanking me for cooking it for them.”

Building upon last year’s successes, Carretero’s plans for the future include implementing a new salad bar, focusing on healthy snacks schoolwide, starting a composting program and offering an increased variety of breakfast choices.

For those wishing to improve the quality of their children’s lunches, Carretero encourages parents to strive for balance and avoid pre-packaged lunches, if possible. Look to include a carbohydrate, a protein, a vegetable and a fruit in every lunch. “Providing a balanced meal will help with their digestion and help them to be alert and focused after lunch.” She also advises that parents read labels to know what they are feeding their children and become involved with their school’s health and wellness efforts. “There are lots of positive changes coming for school lunches,” she explains, urging parents to make a positive difference in their local school.

For more information about Carretero and the healthy eating options available through The Cooking Girl, visit www.cookinggirl.org or her new store at 8020A N May Avenue, Oklahoma City.

Make Nutrition Fun! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates are skyrocketing. Ensuring that children get healthy snacks and meals will help to keep the threat of obesity at bay. Getting your children involved in selecting and preparing healthy food options for meals and snacks is one way to address the nutrition aspect of obesity. Here are three fun ways to engage your children in making healthy choices: The Snack Time Survival Kit ($50, www. beanstalkexpress.com) gets kids involved in snack time with a colorful interactive clock and snack options that parents and kids will both like.

Get control of portion sizes with the Yum Yum Dish ($22/4, www.yumyumdish.com), half-cup dishes to make snack time more manageable.

Get your kids involved in the cooking and they may be tempted to expand their taste buds. The Handstand Kids cookbook packs ($25, www. handstandkids.com) include a cookbook, kitchen tool and an introduction into a healthy ethnic foods.

Do your kids have a favorite healthy snack? Share it with us and win all of these items. Visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/contests for details!

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August is Back-To-School Safety Month Back to school means more kids are back on the streets. Parents and kids both need to remember how to stay safe during this busy time of year. Safe Kids USA provides the following tips for back-to-school road safety: • Parents: slow down and be alert in residential areas and near schools. Be especially watchful of kids in rural areas without sidewalks.

• Take the Back-to-School Safety Pledge (found at www.safekids.org): “I pledge to eliminate distractions while I drive, especially in school zones.”

• Children 10 and under should not cross streets unsupervised. Review the safety guidelines with them: Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.

Walk, do not run, across the street.

• Remind kids to cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks where possible.

• Children should never run into the street or between parked cars.

• When entering or exiting the school bus, children should always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

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Don’t let an accident spoil your summer fun!

If you or your child has to wear a cast this summer, make sure it has a PROCEL® GORE-TEX liner so that swimming, bathing or hydrotherapy is not a problem!

John W. Anderson, M.D.

Specializing in orthopedic surgery PROCEL® GORE-TEX Cast

405-947-0911

www.okortho.com

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Your Healthy Family Treating and Preventing UTIs

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nyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection knows that the effects can be painful and debilitating.

Although anyone can develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), they occur most frequently in women, particularly those who are sexually active. In most cases, a UTI is easily treated, but some women suffer from frequently recurring UTIs. By understanding the physiology of the urinary tract and taking steps to help prevent infection, it may be possible to reduce the occurrence of UTIs.

Causes of UTI A urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in the urinary system, which is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Any part can become infected, but most infections involve the bladder and urethra, also referred to as the lower urinary tract. Women are at higher risk of developing a UTI than are men simply because of their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder. In addition, the close proximity of the urethra to the vagina makes sexually active women at an even higher risk of infection. Using certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or other vaginal methods, may put women at a higher risk of developing a UTI. Finally, hormone levels appear to play a role, as pregnancy and menopause both increase the risk of UTIs. More than seven million women are diagnosed with UTIs annually, and approximately half of these cases involve young, sexually active women. Recurrent UTIs in healthy, nonpregnant women is defined as three or more episodes in a

12-month period, or two or more episodes in a six-month period. However, most women will experience occasional UTIs over the course of their lifetime. Symptoms may include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating; passing frequent, small amounts of urine, urine that appears cloudy or tinged with blood, a strong odor, pelvic pain, fever, and occasionally nausea. It is important to note, however, that some women present with few symptoms, while others are quite pronounced.

When treated promptly, UTI rarely leads to long-term complications, but left untreated, a UTI may become something more serious than an uncomfortable set of symptoms.

Untreated infections may lead to acute or chronic kidney infections, which can permanently damage the kidneys, so it is important to seek treatment at the first sign of a UTI.

Treatment and Prevention Nurse practitioner Vicki Joyce is a primary care provider at Integrative Medical Solutions, and treats a number of patients who suffer from UTIs. While these infections are a fact of life for many women, there are steps to take which may help prevent the frequency and severity of UTI. “UTI symptoms can be very distressing,” notes Joyce. “Most patients manifest with pain with urination, usually in combination with frequency, urgency, lower abdominal pain, and/or blood in the urine.”

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for uncomplicated acute UTI in most women.

“UTI symptoms should begin to resolve within one day after starting treatment,

although it’s important to take the full course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the infection. If symptoms persist two or three days after starting treatment, call your health care provider,” cautions Joyce. “There’s no need to suffer if you're experiencing burning pain with urination. There are medications available that can numb the bladder and urethra that can be taken along with the antibiotic.”

For frequently recurring infections, a longer course of antibiotic treatment may be recommended. Joyce notes that “studies demonstrate that continuous prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics decreases recurrence of UTIs in up to 95 percent of women.”

Furthermore, a short course of preventative antibiotic treatment following sexual activity may also help to prevent UTI. “I often prescribe postcoital antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs in sexually active women.” In addition, “patients seem to have fewer UTIs when prescribed compounded vaginal estriol.

This therapy has also been shown to improve mild to moderate urinary stress incontinence in many patients,” says Joyce.

There are a number of strategies that may be taken to prevent the occurrence of UTI. “I recommend patients urinate before and after sexual intercourse, and increase water intake to increase the frequency of urination.” Furthermore, says Joyce, “just like our mothers taught us, we should be wiping front to back after elimination to prevent spreading organisms like E. coli from the rectum to the vagina or urethra.” Joyce also notes that while the verdict is still out, the use of cranberry juice and d-mannose has been shown in some studies to inhibit the adherence of bacteria to the bladder lining or may alter the pH of the bladder environment, making it less hospitable to bacteria.

Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence for many women, but they are easily treated when caught in their early stages. If you have frequent symptoms of a UTI, contact your health care provider to discuss your options for treatment and prevention.

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

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Seeing the Big Picture: How Vision Problems Can Interfere With Classroom Learning One of the more memorable patients for Dr. Samuel C. Oliphant, OD, of Advanced Family Eyecare in Oklahoma City was a seven-year-old boy known to ride his bicycle into walls and garage doors. His parents had his eyes checked, only to reveal that his eyesight was perfect—even if his aim was not.

It was a puzzling situation until Dr. Oliphant discovered that his eye alignment was poor, so his eyes were literally not pointing to where they were supposed to point, wreaking havoc on his gross motor control (and garage doors everywhere.)

After receiving treatment and prescription glasses, the boy told his mother one day in the car that the “road in front of us really goes somewhere,” revealing to Dr. Oliphant that it was the first time the boy had ever seen depth. Before vision therapy, the world had literally looked flat. “His motor skills are great and he can now read for hours and hours without getting tired,” Dr. Oliphant shared. “Treating his vision issue has made a profound impact on his life.”

How Important Are the Eyes?

Dr. Carolanne Roach, OD, of the Brain & Eye Connection Vision Clinic in Oklahoma City can give others firsthand experience into what it is like to have a visual system problem.

By using a special set of lenses, Dr. Roach can make the words on a page become blurry with each blink of the eye—replicating what it is like for a student with focusing problems to function in the classroom.

She can also demonstrate what convergence insufficiency is like for children whose eyes do not work well together. By presenting a paragraph typed in an unusual alignment on the page (such as the example on the next page), she gives firsthand experience with how reading speed and comprehension are compromised by many of the vision problems experienced by children in the classroom every day.

“If the words swim on the page, waver or double every time you read, would you struggle for hours every day for a low grade? “ Roach asks.

“Or, would you do everything you could to avoid school work?”

Dr. Troy Flax, OD, of Norman Vision Source also sees the impact that vision problems have in the classroom. “I can spot those kids a mile away. They are bright kids who can hold a great conversation. But they almost always have trouble with reading,” Flax explains. “They are fine with math, but poor in other subjects. And, more often than not, it is a visual processing issue.”

“Teachers give students instructions to sit quietly and read, or copy from the chalkboard. If the visual system breaks down, it is not easily done or done comfortably,” Flax continues. “When students have trouble doing it, they lose attention quickly and their classroom performance suffers.”

According to Flax, one in four children have some sort of visionrelated problem and Roach says one out of three students struggle in school because of vision problems. “For parents, it’s really about connecting the dots,” Flax says. “Does the child have no interest in school? Can it be connected to the eyes? If they are not working properly, it can cause all kinds of problems.”

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What is Vision Therapy?

“Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the eyes,” Oliphant says.

“Just like how a child is supposed to sit up at a certain age and crawl at a certain age, there are developmental milestones for vision.”

Oliphant explains that sometimes, children don’t develop visually as they should, but parents may not notice right away. “All of a sudden, a child starts school and the parents realize there is a problem.”

“Let’s say that a kid can only focus effectively for two minutes, and the teacher says to read for 10 minutes,” Flax explains. “Forcing themselves to do that can cause headaches and muscle fatigue. Your eye muscles are not any different than any other muscle in your body.

Through vision therapy, we can work with the strength and stamina of eye muscles. “ According to the American Optometric Association, 80 percent of all learning is acquired through vision. The act of sight not only includes one’s eyes, but also the neurological activity that processes visual information. Vision therapy helps individuals learn how to process this information and develop better coordination skills.

“I teach the brain how to use vision,” Roach explains. “Just like reading and speaking, vision is a learned process. In the same way that you can learn a new language, you can learn to use vision better.

It’s not automatic. You learn to understand what you see.”

“From a vision therapy perspective, it is not as much an issue of clarity, or the ability to see clearly,’ Roach says. “It’s how comfortably a child can see and how the eyes move.”

Before referring a child for vision therapy, Flax examines three aspects of a child’s visual system: eye sight (how clearly a child sees), eye performance (focus and depth perception) and eye health.

“A lot of times it is an eye performance issue,” Flax says. “It’s a problem of how information gets from the eyes to the brain.

Sometimes eye performance issues can’t be fixed immediately. It’s a coordination thing. You can’t just put on a pair of glasses and fix it.”

By working with the eye muscles and the child’s prescription, vision therapists can train the visual system towards more efficient and effective eye performance.

Warning Signs of Visual Problems “School screenings miss an estimated two-thirds of vision problems,” Roach explains. “And they rarely catch children who have nearvision problems. A child can have good eyesight and still have vision problems, so you can’t just rely on vision testing at schools as your only indicator.”

There are many red flags that might indicate a child might have a vision problem that could affect his learning, including: car sickness and headaches, poor handwriting and/or poor eye-hand coordination, and poor spelling ability. (Editor's Note: Find a full list of symptoms at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/august-2011.)

Some of the most common problems that can interfere with learning include eye alignment (poor binocularity), control (eye movement), focusing (accommodation), lazy eye (amblyopia) and eye turn (strabismus).

Can Visual Problems Be Confused with Other Issues?

Dr. Roach points out that vision problems share many of the same characteristics that often lead to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficity Hyperactity Disorder (ADHD).

“Sometimes with kids, it’s not so much an attention issue—it’s a visual problem,” Roach explains. “There is a lot of guessing with the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD and there is no proven test to absolutely diagnose it. Doctors are just working from symptoms. ADD and ADHD are a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning you have to exclude everything else.

This can include motor skill issues, hearing problems and vision problems.”

Similar characteristics between ADD/ADHD and learning-related visual problems include failure to pay attention to details, difficulty sustaining attention, inability to follow through, difficulty organizing tasks and difficulty taking turns.

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If vision therapy is thought to be beneficial for your child, the therapist will use a standardized test for diagnosing vision problems, and compare your child’s results to other agebased norms. Most vision therapists will also look for neurological problems before recommending a course of treatment.

Benefits of Vision Therapy “The thing about visual issues is that you don’t grow out of them,” Roach says. “But there is also no age at which the brain cannot learn to use the visual system properly.

Because of the brain’s ability to learn, vision therapy works on young children, older children, teens and adults.”

“With poor visual perception, a child loses comprehension, reading speed and cadence.

They are often poor spellers.

They do great verbally and can memorize letter order for a spelling or vocabulary test and do fine. But, if you ask them to write a paragraph, the spelling is bad,” Oliphant says. “These frustrations definitely affect their self-esteem and can lead to them using words like ‘stupid’ to describe themselves.”

Find this and other vision-testing resources at www.idealvt.com.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Visual Problem “I most commonly see kids beginning in third grade,” Oliphant says. “In first and second grade, most of the classroom information is still presented audibly. By third grade, kids are expected to read for knowledge and learning. With many schools pushing for faster achievement for students, these problems are starting to come to light earlier.”

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The above chart helps others understand how difficult reading can be with an eye-tracking problem such as convergence insufficiency. This occurs when the eyes don't turn inward properly when focusing on a nearby object.

Roach says that part of the complication is that many children do not know how to adequately express their vision complications or may not even be aware that they have one. “Children don’t know that what they see isn’t what everyone else sees,” Roach explains. “They don’t know that’s not normal, so they don’t know to tell their parents or a doctor.”

Flax recommends eye exams beginning at age three, or younger

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“ADD & ADHD are thrown around pretty liberally,” Flax adds. “From the eye perspective, the problem can be visually-related.”

“We have the tools to figure out eyesight issues,” Flax encourages.

“What we want to know from parents is ‘here is what my kid is doing…’ with information about things they’ve noticed about their children, especially in regard to their school performance.”

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if you have reason to believe there are any issues. “Bad visual habits start early and can be hard to break,” he says.

“Kids don’t know any different than how they are used to seeing, so a huge red flag is if a kid complains about their vision.”

With proper vision therapy, a child’s coordination often improves, leading to improved self-confidence and sports performance, reading skills improve, homework battles decrease, and self-confidence and esteem are positively impacted.

“I’m at retirement age, but I’ll work forever because this is such a rewarding job,” Dr. Oliphant says. “Kids who struggle to learn can achieve far below what they are capable of. With vision therapy, I’ve seen these same kids excel and do well in both sports and school.”

“Vision therapy can give students the tools they need to become whatever they want,” Roach concludes. “But it is not necessarily a quick fix and can take six months to a year. It’s a commitment, but one with great benefits.”

Dr. Roach will present a free workshop for parents called “A.D.D. Just Doesn't Add Up” on Tuesday, August 16 at the Brain & Eye Connection Vision Clinic (1530 SW 89th St, OKC), 6:00-7:00pm. Call 405-703-3163 or visit www.brainandeyeconnection.com for details.

To learn more about vision-related learning problems and find helpful resources, visit www. metrofamilymagazine.com/august-2011.

If you think your child might have a vision-related learning problem or could benefit from vision therapy, consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist for more information.

Brooke Barnett is the assistant editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

19

Focus on Education Food Fight in the Public Schools

T

here is a food fight in our schools, parents. Not in the “throw mashed potatoes across the room” way; it’s the lack of nutrition in school breakfasts and lunches that is causing parents across the nation to go to battle.

items and have been doing so by preparing items such as homemade pizza. Child Nutrition Supervisor Shelly Fox explains, “It’s important to get kids to understand why it’s important to make healthy choices and eat healthy foods.” Edmond has also found success in a Nutrition Advisory Committee that includes both parents and administrators working together to improve the food service as a whole.

There has been change for the good. With recent events like celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s television series (Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution) and First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiatives against childhood obesity, Oklahoma City Public Schools awareness is turning into action. It’s critical for us to look at what our children are eating— “We have had overwhelming feedback from and how it is affecting them. our Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program,” said Director of Child Nutrition Services, The Centers for Disease Control and Steve Gallagher, referring to a grant that Prevention states that, since 1980, childhood allowed students in 52 elementary schools to obesity has nearly tripled, bringing the have a daily afternoon break to enjoy fresh estimate to nearly 17 percent of all children fruits and veggies. in the U.S. This is a staggering statistic, as obesity brings many negative health Gallagher said that the district elected to consequences including heart disease, diabetes, provide funding for the elementary schools cancers and high blood pressure. not covered in the grant to participate in the program. “They [the students] look forward Aside from these health impacts, making to it, and the teachers have given positive unhealthy food choices deprives the brain feedback as well.” of necessary nutrition needed to effectively function during a school day. Parents, “Child Nutrition Services is partnering with a educators and community members agree that local group in a pilot program at Taft Middle we should be doing everything we can to set School to create a facility that will provide our kids up for educational success. exclusively scratch cooking with a ‘green’ focus,” said Gallagher. “We fully support this effort and are interfacing with other Two Angry Moms districts that have a similar desire to reduce Completely dissatisfied with their school pre-made and processed menu items wherever cafeterias, moms Amy Kalafa and Susan possible.” This effort is expected to be used as Rubin embarked on their own food fight a template for similar programs in the other to bring about change. Kalafa did so by district schools. producing the movie, Two Angry Moms, in which Rubin becomes proactive in bringing Oklahoma City also has a Wellness about change in the cafeteria. An eye-opening Committee which focuses on nutrition and look into what it is our children are actually meal planning with administrative and eating (processed, high-sugar, high-fat foods) parental input. on a daily basis, the movie not only presents the problems but looks for solutions, such as Mid–Del City Public Schools community support and school gardens. The movie serves as a resource for parents who are The Mid-Del district has become part of Michelle Obama’s Healthier US School frustrated with the lack of nutrition in school Challenge to combat childhood obesity. food, and it outlines an action plan to enable Nutrition Education Specialist Macey parents to take initiative.

Fitzgerald explains that they involve parents So what are local public school districts doing in meal planning by bringing sample foods to win this food fight? Here is the “skinny” on to PTA meetings and asking for feedback. local districts’ school food policies.

Fitzgerald believes the district has the responsibility to offer nutritional food that the students will eat.

Edmond Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Bret Towne says, “Our goal is to exceed required state and federal standards. We’d like to increase our scratch cooking to account for 80 percent of items served in cafeterias.” Focusing on lowering the amount of sodium found in frozen foods, they strive to serve more fresh

20

One challenge the district faces in providing healthier meals is budgetary. Child Nutrition is a revenue stream, and in many cases, healthy food is more expensive. Last year, the district’s bond issue did not pass, and the district is struggling. However, Mid-Del has organized a Wellness Committee and the

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

district is considering offering incentives to students who make healthy choices. A step in the right direction, Mid-Del has removed all deep fryers from its schools.

Moore Public Schools Moore schools have already been making subtle changes to their menus. Efforts include food substitutions that aren’t obvious to kids, such as spaghetti sauce made with lean turkey meat and pizzas cooked with low fat cheese and whole grain wheat.

Fresh asparagus has been a recent addition, and Pam Hart, Director of Child Nutrition said, “We’ve had a mixed reaction from parents about the asparagus, but we have had parents calling saying that their children are now asking for it at home.” The district does serve fresh fruits and vegetables daily and has plans to introduce summer squash to the students next year. Moore remains openminded about their food offerings and likes to hear parent suggestions and feedback from taste tests.

Putnam City Public Schools Putnam City has worked to change the daily offerings to meet calorie, sodium and fat requirements including changes such as replacing all chips with baked or reducedfat varieties. Putnam City is also part of the Healthier US School Challenge, encouraging schools to offer healthier menu items (such as grains and low fat milk) and to teach nutrition in the classrooms.

The district’s Wellness Committee discusses ways to improve health within the district.

Dietician Kerri Whitley says, “The [district’s] daily fruit and vegetable consumption is incredible.” She feels they are “ahead of the game and on board with regulations.” All Putnam City Schools have an “offering bar” that offers six different fruits and vegetables, and all schools have had success with this approach.

Norman Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Roger Brown says their district has partnered with Sodexo (a food company with healthy alternatives) to improve nutrition. Participants of the “Be Smart, Eat Smart, Live Smart” program, their approach is to meet the needs of both

What Can I Do? The Two Angry Moms action plan for better food in schools in your district: • students (convenience and choice) and parents (nutritious meals). They offer a variety of healthy options in all schools, including a salad/fruit and vegetable bar.

The district is considering working with Sodexo to expand into classrooms to teach nutrition education. Norman’s Citizen Advisory Council meets regularly to discuss topics regarding the school cafeterias, and has been given opportunities to sample school foods and be proactive in the decision-making process.

•

•

•

Want to learn more about making a positive impact at your child’s school?

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ august-2011 for resources, or use the Two Angry Moms action plan at right.

Julie Dill is a National Board Certified Teacher from Oklahoma City and mother of two.

•

Host a screening of Two Angry Moms. With this first step you will meet, and join forces with, other like-minded people who recognize that our kids do better and feel better in a healthy school food environment.

Sign and circulate the “Two to Two Million” Angry Moms Pledge to reach a national tipping point where healthy and delicious school food becomes the norm. Visit www.angrymoms. org to find the pledge.

Have lunch with your child in the school cafeteria. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your school’s lunch program by experiencing the food your kids are taking in at school every day.

Ask to see ingredient lists for all the food on the menu.

Join a committee or coalition. Get involved with the nutrition committee in your school or a wellness committee in your district. Write or update a District Wellness Policy that specifies your needs. For more support, become a member of www.angrymoms.groupsite.com. Your wellness committee should: -- Survey your district. Find out how many other parents, students, teachers and staff share your concerns about school food. A community-wide survey raises awareness and builds numbers.

-- Read your contracts. Is your school self-operated or run by a food service management company? Read all the contracts and write a wellness policy that specifies your needs.

Make sure the contracts reflect the policy.

-- Ensure the lunch staff has training and equipment. Hold fundraisers or seek grant funds to get the new program started.

Market your new program: Some kids are afraid of fresh food! So when positive changes are made in your district, work with sports teams and student leaders to help with “buy-in” from your entire community. Create and participate in school gardening and cooking classes that produce real food. Hold tastings, make it fun!

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for Everyone Early Readers Dear Teacher

by Amy Husband (Sourcebooks, softcover, $9) Does your little one have first-day-of-school jitters? This story, told in letters from an imaginitive boy to his teacher, may help them to forget their fears as they laugh along.

Strings and Grips

by Desmond McLennon II, illustrated by Andre Short II (Excelovate, softcover, $10) Get your child excited about tennis with an imaginitive tale about the strings and grips working together to make for a fun game!

Cool Down and Work Through Anger

by Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. (Free Spirit, softcover, $11) A new school environment can lead to hot tempers in young children. This book helps with tips on how to learn to play well with others and avoid major meltdowns.

Mr. Duck Means Business

by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Jeff Mack (Simon and Schuster, hardcover, $16) In this latest title from local author Tammi Sauer, Mr. Duck learns a lesson that his routines and quiet time are all well and good, but sometimes it’s also good to enjoy time with friends.

Grades 1-4 Hailey Twitch and the Campground Itch

by Lauren Barnholdt, pictures by Suzanne Beaky (Sourcebooks, softcover, $7) The third title in a series, this book features the spunky Hailey Twitch and her invisible friend, Maybelle, taking their adventures outdoors.

22

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living

by Heather Solos (Betterway Home, softcover, $20) A great title to send with your college-bound child, this primer on the domestic arts will ensure that they have the basics handy in one place. Includes everything from cleaning tips to definitions of commonly-used cooking terms that may confound new cooks, plus information on basic maintenance and plumbing needs.

When Bob Met Woody

by Gary Golio, illustrated by Marc Burckhardt (Hachette, hardcover, $18) How did Oklahoma’s native son, Woody Guthrie, help to shape American music? This story of Bob Dylan’s journey from child to icon will inspire young readers while introducing them to groundbreaking pioneers in American music.

Grades 4+ Zitface

by Emily Howse (Marshall Cavendish, hardcover, $17) Being a teenager is hard enough without problems like pimples making it even more difficult. A fun and sweet tale for tweens about making the most of the situation, even when it seems like a worst-case scenario.

The Big Book of How (Time Magazine, softcover, $18) How are diamonds formed?

How do you stay safe in an earthquake? Fear not, all these questions and more are answered in this slim title packed with interesting information.

All Ages Shoot for the Moon! Lessons on Life from a Dog Named Rudy

by Corinne Humphrey (Chronicle, hardcover, $16) Rudy the dog shares his wisdom with readers, reminding us all that we are capable of greatness when we try and have faith. Told from the perspective of a real-life dog whose life was changed forever when he was rescued.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Parents Living the Marriage of a Lifetime

by Kim Kimberling, PhD (Dare2Dream Books, softcover, $15) Sound advice for a strong relationship provided by a local marriage counselor.

Based on Dr. Kimberling’s popular “Preparing for the Marriage of a Lifetime” course.

Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families

by Ann Kroeker (David C. Cook, softcover, $15) Does back to school mean back to a crazy, hectic schedule? This book reminds parents to take a step back and investigate motives behind a hurried, harried life.

Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Children’s Health

by Amy Kalafa (Penguin, hardcover, $18) After the author’s movie, Two Angry Moms, which dealt with making a positive and healthy change to school nutrution, Kalafa received letters asking how parents could make an impact in their own schools. This book is the answer to those letters.

Editor’s Note: Read more about local school nutrition and the Two Angry Moms movie on page 20.

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

23

Family Finances Back-to-School Shopping? Avoid ATM Scams

H

ow can it be that summer is already drawing to a close? It seems like school just let out! But it’s August, and that means back-to-school shopping for thousands of metro families.

placing a small camera either on the machine or above it to record the information on the card as well as your PIN. Cameras can be monitored constantly, giving thieves immediate access to your account.

Many shoppers are opting to use a debit card to pay for those purchases, increasing the potential of becoming a victim of various high tech scams. One of these is skimming, where criminals attach devices to ATMs and other card readers to steal your account number. The problem has become so prevalent that the Comptroller of the Currency released a consumer alert identifying ATMs and money machines in well-traveled public places as the most vulnerable to fraudulent activity, but care should be taken at any money machine.

Often these devices are combined, which provides complete access to your checking account. And to make matters worse, most scammers sell your information to others— giving them access as well.

Skimming is increasing due to advances in technology and the proliferation of small but powerful electronic devices. The most common form of skimming is attaching a simple plastic device to the card slot so it can either read the card’s magnetic strip or computer chip. These devices either transmit the information immediately to a base unit or store the information on the device itself.

A second type of skimming is strategically

Financial institutions, retailers and consumer advocates are aware of these problems and are taking steps to help minimize your risk.

However, the ultimate responsibility still lies with the card user—you.

When shopping online or by telephone, be sure the retailers confirm your identity by asking for some form of personal information: address, the last four digits of your social security number, or answers to security questions. They may also ask for the three-digit security code on the back of your card. Because scammers often use sophisticated software to automatically process orders, more and more online retailers are increasing their security measures.

Other precautionary steps include: • Walk away from an ATM if you notice someone watching you or if you sense something is wrong. You may even want to report such activity to your bank, the company operating the machine or a local law enforcement officer.

• Check the card slot on the ATM for a plastic sheath and the area for small objects that might conceal a camera.

• Stand close to the ATM and hold your hand over the keypad or screen as you enter your number, making it more difficult for someone else to see it.

• Never accept help from strangers offering to help you with an ATM that appears to be disabled or working improperly. In fact, you should notify police or the company operating the machine immediately.

• Keep your PIN in a secure place at home.

Never carry it with you. If you have trouble remembering your PIN, find a way to disguise it as a phone number or other multiple-digit number that only makes sense to you.

• Review your account statements regularly, either online or on paper, looking for unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.

If you find something suspicious, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately.

• Be aware of your rights and responsibilities with your card and money. Two federal laws provide some protection from illegal use of your debit and credit cards. The Truth in Lending Act generally limits your liability to $50 for any unauthorized charges. However, you are not responsible for any charges if you report your card lost or stolen before it is used. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act limits liability on unauthorized use of your debit or ATM card; however, the liability limit depends on how quickly you report the misuse of your card or account number.

You may also want to ask your financial institution about its policies regarding fraudulent access to your checking account or debit card.

Download the Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What to do if They’re Lost fact sheet from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/ bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre04.shtm.

Also, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has answers about unauthorized charges and other banking issues at www. helpwithmybank.gov.

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is a professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

A Summer of Smiles!

Summer Special

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(Valid through 9/30/11. Not to be combined with any other offers.

New patients only. Restrictions apply. Comprehensive treatment only.)

Braces for Children & Adults • Affordable Monthly Payments Low Down Payments

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Specialist in Orthodontics

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www.WeBuildSmileAppeal.com

Celebrat ing a New Arrival

in Edmond Women’s Health We proudly announce the opening of the Women’s Health Center of Edmond.

Dr. Brant Buchinger and Dr. Michelle Seavey welcome you to their practice.

Both offer comprehensive care for all your OBGYN needs and have a passion for your overall well being.

Please call 405-341-1557 for an appointment.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

25

Special Advertising Section

THE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE With the start of school also comes the beginning of after-school activities where kids can grow and stretch their other skills and talents, whether it be in the arts, sports or even academics. What will capture your child’s interests this year? We’ve got the best of what the Metro area has to offer, right here in one listing. Use the key to find the activities that are right for your child and family.

Be sure to tell them that you saw their listing in MetroFamily Magazine!

Find these and more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/after-school-activities.

Business

Contact

Activities

Fees

Dates & Deadlines

Ages

Academy of Dance Arts

328 S Mustang Rd, Yukon 405-324-7600 www.academydanceartsok.com

Instruction in ballet, jazz, pointe, tap, modern, pom, creative movement & zumba.

Varies; contact for details

8/8-5/24

Ages 2 +

Bouncin Craze

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-607-2020 www.bouncincraze.com

Indoor activity center.

$7.50 per child

Ongoing

Ages 2 +

City Arts Center

3000 General Pershing Dr, OKC 405-951-0000 www.cityartscenter.org

Art camps offered at fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks.

Varies based on program

Club Z! Tutoring

3200 E. Memorial Rd, Edmond 405-478-3515 www.clubztutoring.com/okc

One-on-one tutoring in your OKC metro-area home.

Vary depending on subject & grade level.

Ongoing

Grades PreK +

After-school, in-home College Nannies are educated, insured, thoroughly screened role-model caregivers for families just like yours.

Varies; contact for details

Ongoing

All ages

1110 S Air Depot, OKC 405-732-7722 www.thedancedepartmentokc.com

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

$35-$40/class; multi-class discount available

Classes begin 8/8

Ages 3 +

After-school Archery Program (ASAP) teaches proper fundamental shooting form and familiarization.

$30

Dates vary; register one week prior to class start date

Ages 6-17



Edmond Parks & 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond 405-359-4630 Recreation ASAP www.edmondok.com/parks/rec



Edmond Parks & Recreation

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond 405-359-4630 www.edmondok.com/parks/rec

Activities offered incude sewing, wheel throwing, bisque painting, mosaics, tie dye, painting, and mommy & me classes.

$8-$25

Dates vary; register one week prior to class start date

Ages 2 +

Empire Elite

4520 N Martin Ave, Bethany 405-789-9996 www.empireelitecheer.com

Tumbling classes, private lessons and all-star competitive cheer and tumbling.

$25 +

Ongoing

All ages

Everything Goes Dance Studio

1721 NW 16th St, OKC 405-525-1000 www.everythinggoesdance.com

Instruction in all styles of dances for any age and level.

Varies by class

Classes begin 8/1

All ages

Classes offered in drawing, painting, theater, music and more.

$20-$150 depending on class

Sessions held 8/29-10/8 & 10/10-12/2

Ages 3 +

  

  



    



College Nannies & 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Edmond 405-513-6060 Tutors www.collegenannies.com/edmondok The Dance Department (formerly Karen's Kids Studio of Dance)

Fine Arts Institute 27 Edwards St, Edmond 405-340-4481 of Edmond www.edmondfinearts.com

Key: = Sports  = early learning/preschool

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Ages 5-13

(Adults also)

 = arts  = enrichment  = Drop in activities

Special Advertising Section

THE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE



Business

Contact

Activities

Fees

Dates & Deadlines

Ages

Guitar for Kids School of Rock

201 E Campbell, Edmond 405-340-8294 www.guitarforcoolkids.com

Instruction on how to play electric and acoustic guitar, read music and more.

$100 per month

Ongoing

Ages 6 +

Kumon Math and Reading

Edmond 405-216-9800 Edmond North 405-715-1111 Mustang 405-376-6400 Norman 405-364-1600 OKC North 405-752-2000 OKC Northwest 405-721-7323 OKC South 405-691-8900 www.kumon.com

The Kumon method uses a systematic and individualized method of approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading.

Varies based on program

Ongoing

Grades preschool through college

After-school programs provide fun, interactive and educational handson activities that instill a clearer understanding of science and how it affects the world around us.

$48 + per month

Ongoing programs

Grades Preschool through middle school

Recreational, academy and competitive $55+ soccer for ages 4-18. Also, soccer fundamentals basic course for 3-yearolds.

Registration open now, fall season begins in September

3+

Afterschool, weekend, seasonal camps and acting classes.

$100-$400

Beginning 9/8; performances in December

Ages 3-14



  



344 S Santa Fe Ave, Edmond Mad Science of 405-285-9643 Central Oklahoma www.madscience.org/okc

Midwest City Soccer Club

P.O. Box 30586, Midwest City 405-732-0650 www.mwcsoccer.net

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC Oklahoma 405-606-7003 Children's Theatre www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

OCU Performing Arts Academy

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 405-208-5410 www.okcu.edu/music/academy

Programs in Kindermusik, music theater, acting and private lessons for instruments and voice.

$250-$600 per 16-week session; sibling discount; financial aid available

Fall semester begins 8/1.

Kindermusik begins 8/22

All ages

 

Oklahoma River Cruises

Regatta Park Landing 701 S. Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-702-7755 www.okrivercruises.com

Cruises for a school field trips or afterschool fun. Weekend themes include Cartoons, History Comes Alive Cruise and Shakespeare on the River Cruises.

$3-$12 based on cruise

Ongoing

Ages 6 +



OKC Museum of Art

415 Couch Dr, OKC 405-236-3100 www. okcmoa.com

Visual art classes sessions plus regularly scheduled drop-in art activities.

Varies based on activity; see website for details

Ongoing

Ages 15 months +

OKC Riversport

725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-552-4040 www.riversportokc.org

Junior Rowing or Junior Sprint Kayaking programs, plus Chesapeake Junior Rowing Crew & Sprint Kayaking for older kids.

Free intro class; fees vary based on activities

Semester or year-round options available, contact for details.

Ages 8 +

Oklahoma Sport Fencing

24 NW 144 Circle, Edmond 405-755-4195 www.oksportfencing.com

Various group classes based on age and technical levels which teach the physical skills of the modern sport, but emphasize having fun while exercising.

$60/month, discounts available

August-July

Ages 8 +

Classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and creative movement.

$45-$100 scholarships available

Fall classes begin 8/29. Open house 8/27, 10am-noon

Ages 3 +

Aviation science day camps to introduce students to the hands-on science,math and engineering behind aviation.

Contact for details.

Contact for details.

Grades K-5

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

 

 

OKC University’s 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 405-208-5508 Community Dance www.okcu.edu/communitydance Center OU Sooner Flight Academy

1928 Goddard Ave, Norman 405-325-1635 http://flightcamp.ou.edu

Key: = Sports  = early learning/preschool

 = arts  = enrichment  = Drop in activities August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

27

Special Advertising Section

THE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE Business



Contact

Paint Your Art Out 100 North Broadway, Edmond 405-513-5333 www.paintyourartout.net



Activities

Fees

Dates & Deadlines

Ages

After school open studio painting Tuesday-Friday until 5:00pm.

$20 +

Ongoing

Ages 5 +

Ongoing

All ages

Paint'N Station

7906 N May, OKC 405-842-7770 www.paintnstation.com

Creative after-school activity where you paint your own pottery.

$7 +



Poteet Theatre Arts Education

222 NW 15th St, OKC 405-609-1026 www.poteettheatre.com

Performing arts training including voice, acting, instrumental, musical theatre and dance. Group and private lessons available.

$25 registration Sessions held 9/6per class, $35 per 12/16 & Jan-May month per class, 2012 discounts available

16317 N Santa Fe Ave, Edmond 405-359-1889 www.sharynspaintstudio.com

After-school art activities and classes covering a variety of disciplines and mediums including paint, pastels clay and fabric.

$10-$20 depending on project

Weekdays, 4-6pm



Sharyn's Paint ’N Crafts Studio



Shock Basketball Academy

3333 West Hefner Rd, OKC 405-816-4667 www.sbabasketball.net

Boys & girls learn the fundamentals of basketball in classes, camps and clinics.

$50 +

Ongoing

Ages 4 +

Sensational Kids, INC.

14715 Bristol Park Blvd, OKC 405-840-1686 www.sensationalkidsokc.com

Occupational and speech therapy related to social interactions, handwriting, dressing, coordination, speech, and more.

$65-$120; may be covered by insurance

Sessions held bi-weekly, weekly or bi-monthly.

All ages

Occupational therapy and Speech services for those with autism, ADD, motor impairment, visual disturbances, sensory and feeding issues, motor and developmental delays.

Often covered by insurance; copay may apply

Ongoing

All ages

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     

  

 

  



Spectrum Therapy 14 East Ayers, Edmond 405-513-8186 Center www.stc-ok.com

Ages 4 +

Twist & Shout

14801 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-775-9491 10130 SE 15th, Midwest City 405-732-2100 www.shouterspirit.com

Competitive & recreational cheerleading and tumbling, preschool tumbling, power tumbling.

$20 + based on class. Free clinic held 8/20, 11am1pm.

Varies; contact for details

Ages 3 +

Unpluggits Playstudio

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

After-school workshops in ceramics and glass work. Seasonal themes and projects.

$15-$25 per session

Contact for details

Ages 5-14

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell Ave 405-721-8807 www.velocitydancecenterokc.com

Dance instruction from Kindermusik, Parent and Tot, Ballet, Tap and Jazz

Fees start at $31 per month per class

Classes begin 8/27, All ages contact for details

Victory Dance

4401 N MacArthur Blvd, OKC 405-440-2186 www.victorydance.tv

Classes offered in PreK, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro and contemporary.

$50-$65 per class month + costume fees

Enrollment 8/13 & 8/20, 10am-2pm

Ages 3 +

YMCA of Greater OKC

500 N Broadway, OKC 405-297-7777 www.ymcaokc.org

Programs cover a wide variety of topics including arts, character development, health & wellness, fitness, science, and conflict resolution. Kids in Action program at some locations for children in half-day school.

$40-$75 per month

Fall and spring sessions

Ages 5-12

  

Key: = Sports  = early learning/preschool

28

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

 = arts  = enrichment  = Drop in activities

Special Advertising Section

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

29

Real Moms of the Metro Meet Lisa Moseley, Fitness-Minded Mom

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am a nerd! I read all the time and research any subject that interests me.

What are you passionate about?

God, my kids, family, friends and helping others.

How has motherhood changed you?

It’s hard to say since I have been a mother my entire adult life but I do know that every decision I make is with the thought of my children’s well being. I try to be the best person I can be for them!

How do you banish stress?

That’s a tough one! Nothing relaxes me more than a good book. I can easily lose myself for an hour with a good one and completely block out reality.

What inspires you?

My kids first and foremost, helping others and knowing that people see that I have been successful at taking my life back helps keep me going.

Quick Facts about Lisa: 1. What are 5 words that describe you?

Loyal, dependable, funny, hard headed and compassionate.

2. What’s your favorite family outing?

My kids and I all love a long trip to the book store. My nerdiness is rubbing off on them!

3. What’s always in your handbag?

Gum, Burt’s Bees Chap Stick and gum.

4.

How do you spend time alone?

When the weather is nice, I will sometimes slip away with a book and sit in the sun and just enjoy what God has created.

5. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Spending every weekend in the summer at the lake on a boat in the sun!

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Along with your job as a mom, do you have other employment, either in or outside of the home? If so, what do you do?

I operate fitness boot camps and personal training.

Photo by: Aimee Adams | aimeeadamsphoto.com

Y

ou may remember Lisa Moseley as one of the hopefuls who made it to the Biggest Loser ranch during the season that aired last fall. Though she did not ultimately win the contest, she did win a renewed inspiration to commit herself to a healthy lifestyle. Here’s more about Lisa, a 32-year-old fitness professional and mom of two (13-year-old daughter Nikki and eightyear-old son Carter).

What do you like most about your job?

I absolutely LOVE helping other people learn what I learned on “The Biggest Loser” and seeing their lives change for the better!

What is on your wish list?

A tropical vacation! While the last year has been absolutely amazing, it has also been extremely stressful and I can’t think of anything more relaxing then a beach and a book!

What are you most proud of?

That I have two amazing, compassionate, smart, wonderful kids that stand behind me 100 percent!

What motivates you?

Aside from my kids it would have to be the other people looking to me for help with changing their lives.

How do you find balance in your life?

A date book. I literally live every hour by my calendar. Without it I would be a disaster and never make it to half of my scheduled appointments!

Advice for other moms?

Your kids watch EVERYTHING you do.

Good and bad. We can’t be perfect, God knows I am far from it, but we can be conscious of that and try our hardest to be the best role models possible.

Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?

I was born in Oklahoma but moved to Florida as an infant. When I was seven, we moved back to be closer to our family and have been here since. I love this state!

What’s the biggest challenge in your life?

Fitting real life into my busy work schedule.

How do you help others?

Hopefully all of the boot camps, support

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

and advice I give to my boot campers and training clients help as much as they say it does. I am here for them at any time.

What is your parenting style?

I am pretty strict on my kids and extremely overprotective. I am really lucky that I have great kids and they make parenting fairly easy for me!

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

“Deciding to be a mother is agreeing to have your heart walk around outside of your body.” – Elizabeth Stone Join Lisa Moseley and her Biggest Loser teammate Allie Ishcomer, at their Ranch Camp boot camp program, held at locations in Moore and Norman.

Visit www. theranchcamp. com to learn more.

Mari Farthing is the editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Exploring Oklahoma The Chickasaw Cultural Center

A

short two-hour trip south of lights, changing Oklahoma City, Sulphur is home to from “day” to the Chickasaw National Recreation “night” and made Area, a popular vacation destination that complete with includes the Arbuckle Mountains, Lake of rolling thunder. the Arbuckles, Turner Falls and Sulphur You then Springs. Now, there's a new reason to visit experience the the area, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Trail of Tears, a sits adjacent to the recreational area on 109 rolling acres of hills, streams and woodlands. sad journey in the history of the Native American The Chickasaw Cultural Center people, as you walk through the Having just celebrated its one-year Removal corridor. anniversary, the Chickasaw Cultural Center Multimedia was built by the Chickasaw Nation to special effects provide educational opportunities for the give a small Chickasaw people and to share their unique glimpse into history and culture with the world. the despair the “We don’t want people to just come and see; people felt on this we want people to come and do,” says Dr. long and deadly Amanda Cobb-Greetham, Administrator of journey from the Division of History and Culture for the the Chickasaw’s Chickasaw Nation. natural homelands in the southeastern part of the United States Visiting the museum for the first time, I was to Indian Territory. Life after settlement in immediately impressed with the thought that “Indian Country” is featured in additional went into the center. The natural stone, copper exhibits. and wood beam construction of the exhibit and research buildings blends the center into The Kochcha’ Aabiniili’ Amphitheater, Aba’ its natural surroundings. Once you enter the Aanowa Sky Terrace, Chikasha Inchokka’ exhibits, you live Chickasaw history and Traditional Village and Honor Garden are culture through high-tech media exhibits. part of the outdoor exhibit area that further enhances the Chickasaw cultural experience.

An orientation film in the 1,200-squareA traditional Chickasaw village built on the foot Council House theater in the Chikasha grounds can be viewed from a sky terrace Poya Exhibit Center begins the history that protrudes from the exhibit center. An lesson. From there, you enter The Spirit outdoor amphitheater stages events including Forest, a lifelike replica of the Mississippi demonstrations of the Chickasaw stomp area from which the Chickasaw people dance. Chickasaw descendents play native originated. The Spirit Forest comes to life music and demonstrate jewelry making and with the help of 60 sensors and 176 theatrical basket weaving. A labyrinth-like Honor Garden highlights past and present Chickasaws who have been entered into the Chickasaw National Hall of Fame. Center employees are very accommodating and even provide golfcart transportation through outdoor exhibits, if necessary.

Other Highlights

Inside the Spirit Forest at the Chickasaw Cultural Center

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Other attractions include the 350-seat Anoli Theater, which has a state-of-the-art, 2,400-square-foot

The Chikasha Inchokka' Traditional Village.

screen comparable with large-format screens only found in larger cities. The comfortable Holisso Research Center provides resources for genealogy or general Native American research. You can grab a bite to eat at The Aaimpa’ Café featuring traditional Chickasaw foods like grape dumplings, Indian fry bread, and buffalo chili.

Chickasaw-created products are available for purchase at the Aachompa’ Gallery Gift Shop.

Time at the cultural center is only determined by how much you want to interact with all of the exhibits. Interactive Language Learning Stations in the exhibit center, for example, feature touch screen technology that teach you to speak words of the Chickasaw language. Whether of Chickasaw heritage or not, the cultural center is worth visiting.

Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10:00am-5:00pm, Sundays noon-4:00pm (café hours differ). Call 580-622-7130 or visit www. culturalcenter.com for more information.

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ august-2011 to learn more about fun in Sulphur.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.

Welcome to Edmond!

Dr. Lofgren

Family Medicine Associates of Edmond welcomes Dr. Marty Lofgren to our practice.

Dr. Lofgren is a Family Medicine specialist and joins Dr. Jeff Davenport, Dr. Jonkeeta Lewis, and Dr. Paul Sisk at 3824 S. Boulevard.

Our four physicians are not only experienced primary care physicians, but also provide specialized services for you and your family.

Combined with the resources of OU Medical Center Edmond, we go beyond the scope of ordinary Internal Medicine and Family Medicine practices.

Now taking new patients; for an appointment, please call 405-348-2424.

3824 S. Boulevard, Suite 160 • Edmond. • 405-348-2424

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Arts Festival Oklahoma Held every Labor Day Weekend since 1978, Arts Festival Oklahoma attracts over 25,000 visitors to Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) each year. The festival features visual and performing artists, hand-crafted art, live music and mouthwatering food.

A Children’s Art Tent includes supplies for young artists create their own masterpieces. A fireworks display will follow the OKC Philharmonic’s performance as the sun goes down on Sunday.

Located on the north end of the OCCC campus, SW 74th and May Ave. Admission is FREE; parking is $5 per vehicle. Open FridaySaturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.

September

3 -5 rd

th

Call 405-682-7576 or visit www.occc.edu/afo for more.

Photo courtesy of OCCC.

14

th

4

6

th

th

Concerts on the Curve

Fairy Ball

Camp with the Keeper

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City between Classen Boulevard and Western Avenue, Classen Curve is a mix of upscale restaurants and specialty shops.

Paseo’s Annual Fairy Ball is an evening full of musical wonder and dance held Saturday, August 6 from 7:30-9:30pm. Children are invited to come to the Ball dressed as a character from an enchanted garden (such as bugs, blossoms, elves, gremlins or fairies).

From 7pm on Saturday, August 14, campers age four and up with adult are invited to the Oklahoma City Zoo to enjoy night & morning hikes, ice cream social & continental breakfast. The sleepover ends at 9am Sunday.

Concerts on the Curve feature FREE familyfriendly performances on the first Thursday of each month (through September) from 6-9pm. Other highlights include local artists, food, inflatables and face painting for children. Visit www. classencurve.com for details.

This FREE event is held in the Fairy Green at Dewey and 28th, just west of the Paseo Grill. Call 405-525-2688 or visit www.thepaseo.com for details.

Cost is $25 per child and $15 per adult. Preregister by August 8th by calling 424-3344.

Proceeds benefit the OKC Zoo’s conservation efforts. For more information, visit www.okczoo. com.

Photo credit: Stephanie Stroud, Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Photo courtesy of the Paseo Arts Association

Photo credit: Lena Kofoed

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, www.banjomuseum.org City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, www.okczoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC 522-5248, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org Do you have an event for our calendar? Send an email to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date.

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Weekly Events FREE Norman Sooner Mall Outreach Story Time is an interactive story time held outside Sears at Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.

FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm. Activities include Art Adventures for children ages 3-5 with adult, 10:30am.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com.

Toddler Time at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Discovery Room includes fun & educational activities for ages 18 months-3 years.

FREE with paid museum admission. Mondays & Thursdays, 1:30-2pm.

Toddling Through Nature at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is a nature walk on museum grounds with activities specially designed ages 18 months-3 years. One caregiver per 2 children.

Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30-10:55am.

Trotting Though Nature at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is a nature walk for ages 4-9 with caregiver to discover plants & animals on the museum grounds (portions unpaved). Tuesdays & Fridays, 11-11:25am.

Water Polo at Pelican Bay (1034 S Bryant, Edmond) features inner tube water polo &competitive style games for families, kids & teens. Preregister. $15 per player. Wednesdays, 8-10pm, though 8/10. 216-7647, www.edmondok.com/parks/pelicanbay.

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

FREE Concerts in the Park at Hafer Park in Edmond feature live music weekly from June-August.

Thursdays, 7:15pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/ parks/rec.

FREE Lower Bricktown Live! Concert Series on the plaza in Lower Bricktown (Reno & Mickey Mantle). features concerts every Thursday night through the summer. 7:30-9:30pm. www.welcometobricktown.com.

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park during the summer months. Fridays, 9:30am-12:30pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

First Person Summer Series at the OKC National Memorial & Museum shares the stories of people who lived through big events in history. FREE with Museum admission. Fridays through August, 1:30pm.

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday & Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 & under. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com.

It’s Feeding Time! at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Discovery Room allows children to observe some local reptiles, amphibians & fish during their feeding time & learn more about these Oklahoma animals. FREE with paid museum admission. Tuesdays, 1:30pm; Saturdays, 11:30am.

Oklahoma River Cruises Classic Cartoon Cruises & History Comes Alive Cruises held each Saturday, departing from Regatta Park or the Exchange Landing on the Oklahoma River. Departure times vary. $6 adults, $3 seniors & ages 6-12, under age 6 FREE. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.

FREE Tuesdays at Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) feature live music, entertainment & more throughout the summer Tuesdays, 7pm, through 8/9.

376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum leave the Oakwood Depot at 10am, 11am, noon, 1:30pm & 2:30pm on the first & third Saturday of the month. $10 age 15 & up, $5 ages 3-14, FREE under 3. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

Way Back Wednesdays at the OKC Zoo offers way back admission prices & concession specials every Wednesday in July & August. $1 admission for all ages.

KidToons at the B & B Windsor 10 Theatre (4623 NW 23) offers kids’ movies in a family-friendly environment on the first two Wednesdays & first two Saturdays of August. $3, children 3 & under FREE. 10am. 917-7469.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Quail Springs Barnes & Noble (13800 N May) every Wednesday & Saturday, 11am. 755-1155, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Discovery Time at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s Discovery Room includes interactive, hands-on activities with stories, crafts & touchable specimens. FREE with paid museum admission. Wednesdays & Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 2:30pm.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. For all ages. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm. 231-8650.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

FREE Build & Grow Kid’s Clinics at Lowe's stores.

Participants receive apron, goggles, project, patch & certificate of merit. Every other Saturday, 10am. www. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

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

FREE 1-2-3 Play With Me at the Warr Acres Library for children ages 4 & younger with caregivers. Saturdays, 10:30am.

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

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), Ages 3 & up. Saturdays, 11am-3pm. 8588778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions,

AUGUST S M T W T F S & special occasions. FREE with paid admission.

Saturdays, 1-4pm.

Through August

Gospel Concert at Inspiration Hill (880669 S 3330, Wellston) are held May-October on the first Sunday of the month. 356-4051.

FREE Admission at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) through August.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-4pm. 8785300, www.mgmoa.org.

Ongoing Events Aug 4-Sep 3

OBI & OKC Zoo Summer Partnership offers two FREE adult admission tickets to the OKC Zoo for blood donaors, as well as a OBI t-shirt & health screenings. www.obi.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage. $15 adults, $10 seniors/ students/military. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

FREE Firehouse Art Center Faculty Show 2011 at the Firehouse Art Center (444 S Flood, Norman) features artists' work in painting, fiber, stone carving, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, drawing & more. MondayFriday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. 3294523, www.normanfirehouse.com.

Through August 5 Summer Movie Fun at Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16 (150 E Reno) features 10 family friendly movies for kids throughout the summer. $5 provides admission to one movie per week for 10 weeks. Monday-Friday, 9:45am .

231-4747, harkinstheatres.com/smf.

Through August 12 Capture the Wild Photography Contest at the OKC Zoo invites Zoo visitors to submit photos of mammals, landscapes, reptiles, birds & more from the Zoo for a chance to be featured in the annual ZooFriends calendar. Youth & adult divisions. www.zoofriends.org.

Through August 21 Morning Zoo Rise at the OKC Zoo offers extended hours as the Zoo opens an hour earlier each day at 8am to allow visitors to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures & catch their favorite animals in action.

1934: A New Deal for Artists at the OKC Museum of Art celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Public Works of Art Project by drawing on the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection of vibrant paintings created for the program.

FREE Wherever You Go: Maps from the Permanent Collection at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) highlights the Museum’s collection of 16th & 17th century maps. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

Through August 27 FREE Tessa Traeger: Voices of the Vivarais at City Arts Center features large scale photographic prints celebrating life of the people & the food of the Ardeche region of Southern France.

FREE Jen Stark: Tunnel Vision at the City Arts Center features hand-cut paper sculpture and video animations.

FREE Devon Energy Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Myriad Botanical Gardens showcases Oklahoma bands. Sundays, 7-8:30pm. 270-4848, artscouncilokc.com.

Through September 1 Preparing for Baby Class at Stages Health and Fitness (4910 N May) is a six-week class that teaches expecting parents about childbirth, baby feeding and newborn care. $145. Thursdays, 7pm. 702-7710, stageshealth.com.

Through September 3 Stay Late & Play at the OKC Zoo features extended zoo hours open until 8pm on Saturdays.

Through September 5

31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Metropolitan Library System www.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 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 Wright Library.... 2101 Exchange.........235-5035

Pioneer Library System

Art and the Animal at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features more than 100 works of art from the annual Art and the Animal international juried show organized by the Society of Animal Artists.

FREE Blue Star Museums provides complimentary admission for active military members & 5 immediate family members to participating museums across OKC and the nation. www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

www.pls.lib.ok.us

Blanchard............... 300 N Main............ 485-2275 McLoud....................133 N Main............964-2960 Moore.................... 225 S Howard.......... 793-5100 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

Looking for a fun family activity?

Subscribe to MetroFamily’s

Weekend Picks to keep in the know.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com/subscribe-to-weekend-picks

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

37

Through September 30

Through May 2012

FREE Santa Clara Portraits: A Proud Tradition at the Red Earth Museum (6 Santa Fe Plaza) features pottery from the Santa Clara Pueblo & the photography of Neil Chapman. Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturdays by appointment only. 427-5228, www.redearth.org.

Pickin’ & Grinnin’: Roy Clark, Hee Haw & Country Humor at the Oklahoma History Center celebrates Oklahoma’s ties to the beloved television show.

Through October 1 Pure Color at the Gaylord Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum features an exhibit by the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists.

Through October 2 The Spectacular Colored Pencil at Science Museum Oklahoma contains nearly 60 unique pieces of art & features regional & local artists with a wide variety of styles & pieces.

Through October 16 Passages at the OKC Museum of Art presents the world-premier of an interactive, non-sectarian traveling exhibition that tells the dramatic story of the capturing, preservation, translation & new discoveries of the Bible.

First day of school for Oklahoma City Public Schools. See www.metrofamilymagazine.com/toppicks for a listing of all public and private school start dates.

FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

OKC Redhawks vs. Omaha Storm Chasers baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. $5 & up. 7:05pm. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 8/2, 12-19, & 24-28.

2 • Tuesday

Through November 13

Kids Session: Owl at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) invites children ages 5-16 to create a masterpiece on canvas. Register online. $25. 10am.

513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.

The Art of the Tool Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma combines form with function by examining the tools that creative professionals use. FREE with paid museum admission.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Held the first Tuesday of the month.

Quantities are limited. For ages 6-14. 5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com

Through November 20

FREE Quail Springs Mall Family Night includes free entertainment, prizes, crafts and more. 5:30-7:30pm.

755-6530, www.quailspringsmall.com.

The Bowie Knife: Icon of American Character at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum looks at the history, art & legacy of the Bowie Knife.

Through 2011 The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists at the Oklahoma History Center explores how Oklahomans have played a major role in the evolution of comic books, comic strips, & editorial cartoons.

FREE Oklahoma City! Sooner or Later on the second floor of City Hall (200 N Walker) presents the history of city government from 1889 to the present. MondayFriday 8am-5pm. 297-2391.

Oklahoma Driven: Cars Collectors & the Birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission at the Oklahoma History Center spotlights the exciting cars & new roads that accelerated the shaping of a young state.

Through January 8 Cowboys & Indians Revisited at Science Museum Oklahoma features artwork that focuses on the rich heritage of Oklahoma’s frontier & how the dynamic between cowboys & Indians forever changed the landscape of the state.

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August Daily Events 1 • Monday

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

FREE Tuesday Night at Town Center “Night Out” at Mustang Town Center Gazebo (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) features family-friendly activities. 6pm.

376-3411.

National Night Out in Moore is designed to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness & generate support for local anti-crime programs. Activities include block parties, cookouts, parade and more. 793-5224, cityofmoore.com.

2-6 A Chorus Line presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall follows 25 dancers as they pursue their dreams to dance on stage. Recommended for ages 17 & up. $31 & up. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 524-9312, www. lyrictheatreokc.com.

3 • Wednesday Family Night: Paint Your Name at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) invites families to create a masterpiece on canvas. Register online. $25. 7pm.

513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.

our mmunity!

scribe to E-Update, our popular kly email giving you all the ming family events in the area us: Facebook.com/MetroFamily ow us: Twitter.com/MetroFamily

oin our J community!

Subscribe to E-Update, our popular weekly email giving you all the upcoming family events in the area Like us: Facebook.com/MetroFamily Follow us: Twitter.com/MetroFamily

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

39

4 • Thursday

5-26

9 • Tuesday

Concerts on the Curve on the Classen Curve (Classen & Grand) offers live music, local artists, kids activities, shopping, food, drink & more. 6-9pm. www.classencurve.com.

Art Gone Wild: Paintings by OKC Zoo Animals at In Your Eye Gallery in the Paseo District features works of art created by furry, scaled & feathered friends from the Zoo. Profits support the Zoo's conservation projects. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-6pm. 525-2161, www.inyoureyegallery.com. Closing reception 8/26, 5:30-7:30pm.

Back to School Bash at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond) is an all day bash with indoor & outdoor inflatables. $7.50 indoors, $4.50 outdoors.

10am-8pm. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.

Shopping with the Children’s Hospital Foundation at the Outlet Shoppes at OKC (I-40 & Council) celebrates the grand opening of OKC’s newest shopping experience at an exclusive Preview Party.

Includes entertainment, food & shopping while supporting CHF. $10 through CHF office, $15 at the door. 6-9pm. 271-2207, www.okchf.org.

FREE Summer Concerts in the Park features the music of Squeeze Box at Hafer Park in Edmond 7:15pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

Also held 8/11, 25.

FREE Lower Bricktown Live! Concert Series on the plaza in Lower Bricktown (Reno & Mickey Mantle) features the music of Equilibrium. . 7:30-9:30pm. www.welcometobricktown.com. Also held 8/11, 18.

4-7 Willy Wonka Junior presented by the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15th) features a classic show performed by the students of Poteet Theatre’s Summer Program. $10.

Thursday-Saturday, 6pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm & 4pm. 609-1022, www.poteettheatre.com.

5 • Friday Story Time at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond) includes bouncing & a story time. $7.50.

11am. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.

Lock-In Art at the Fine Arts Institute (27 E Edwards, Edmond) invites middle school students to spend an evening creating art work. Evening concludes with exhibition & pizza party. Preregister. $56. 7-11pm.

340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com.

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries.

Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

FREE Heitz Movie Nitez at Marc Heitz Chevrolet in Norman screens Rio outdoors at dusk, complete with FREE popcorn. Bring blankets, chairs & snacks.

488-7971 or www.facebook.com/marcheitzchevrolet for details. Also held: 8/12 Mars Needs Moms, 8/19 Evan Almighty & 8/26 The Lion King.

5-6 Bright Night of Space at Science Museum Oklahoma includes an overnight stay, admission to exhibits, Science Live show, Dome Theatre movie, Planetarium show, hands-on activities, breakfast & more. One adult per 6 children required. $45 per child/adult participant, $20 per adult non-participant. 6pm-8:30am.

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6 • Saturday

Storytime Science at the Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to join the museum’s performerpuppeteer for storytelling. FREE with admission.

10:30am & 2:30pm.

FREE The Big Latch On at Andrews Park in Norman will be part of America’s first synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations across the US. Includes games & activities. 9am. 217-4089.

Audition Workshop at Lyric Theatre's Thelma Gaylord Academy Production Center (1801 NW 16) is designed to teach how to audition successfully. For ages 7 & up. $25, parents FREE. 4:30-7pm. 524-9310, www. lyrictheatreokc.com.

FREE City of Moore Fishing Derby at Little River Park (Janeway & SW 134, Moore). Moore firefighters will be providing FREE hotdogs & drinks for a donation to Santa Express. 7:30am check-in, 8am required clinic.

9am-12pm. www.cityofmoore.com.

FREE Tuesday Night at Town Center End of Summer Concert at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) features a variety of activities including 60 second games, inflatables & music by Mountain Smoke. 7pm. 376-3411.

FREE 14th Annual Arcadia Lake Sweep at Spring Creek Park in Edmond offers an opportunity to volunteer & help clean up Arcadia Lake. Bring gloves & sunscreen. FREE hot dogs & t-shirts while supplies last. Rainout date is 8/13. 9am-12pm. 216-7470, www. edmondok.com/parks/arcadialake/events.

FREE Edmond Women's Club New Member Open House at Lottinville’s Wood Grill (900 S Kelly, Edmond) invites women interested in membership to learn about the Edmond Women’s Club. RSVP online or contact Janet Thiessen at janetthiessen@sbcglobal.com. 6pm. www.ewc.org.

FREE StoryTime with Grandma Susan at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) 10:30am. 418-8881, www. uptownkidsstyle.com.

Big Kids Ceramics Workshop at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) for children 6 & up to create a ceramic plate or mug. Preregister. 1-3pm.

340-7584, www.unpluggits.com.

FREE MidSummer Fairy Ball presented by the Paseo Arts Association & the Kirkpatrick Family Fund in the Paseo Arts District (Dewey & 28) features a creative evening of make believe, music & dance. Children encouraged to dress as a character from an enchanted garden. 7:30-9:30. www.thepaseo.com.

6-7 FREE Museums on Us: Bank of America Free Weekend at the OKC Museum of Art & the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum provides FREE admission for Bank of America credit/debit card holders. www.museums.bankofamerica.com.

7 • Sunday Devon Energy Sunday Twilight Concert Series on the Grand Lawn at the Myriad Gardens features the music of Shortt Dogg. 7pm. www.artscouncilokc.com.

Also held 8/14, 21 & 28.

FREE Summer Breeze Concert Series produced by the Performing Arts Studio in Norman features the music of The JonBear Fourtet at Lions Park. 7:309:30pm. 307-9320, www.thepas.org. Also held 8/21.

8 • Monday FREE Back to School Luau at the Del City Library includes fun, food, crafts & festivities in the park east of the library. 7-8:30pm.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

11 • Thursday First day of school for Mid-Del, Deer Creek, Blanchard, Purcell, Washington Public Schools &Mount St. Mary Catholic High School (OKC)!

FREE Edmond Home Educators’ Support Group Back-to-School Vendor Expo at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (308 NW 164, Edmond) will host 50+ vendors that provide classes, services & events for the home education community. Children under adult supervision welcome. 6:30-8:30pm. www.edmondhomeeducators.org.

SummerFest! at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) invites 5-8th graders to enjoy a summer dance & activities including glow in the dark volleyball, jumping pillows, dance music with a DJ, slip & slide & more.

Zip line rides $10 for 2 rides. Children who bring 5 friends get in FREE. $10. 7-10pm. 799-FARM, www. orrfamilyfarm.com.

12 • Friday FREE Pre-School Aerobics at the Downtown Library will get children ages 1-5 (with parent) moving & grooving with warm-ups, stretches, activities & a cooldown. Preregister. 10-10:45am.

Music Time at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond) includes bouncin & music. $7.50 per child.

11am. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.

FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features live music, short films & an art activity in connection with Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. 6-9pm.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www. plazadistrict.wordpress.com.

12-13 66th Anniversary V-J Day Celebration at the U.S.S. Batfish Museum & War Memorial Park (3500 Batfish, Muskogee) features crew in their WW2 uniforms showing what submarine life was like during the war, weapon demonstrations, guided tours, shipboard cooking demonstrations & Q&A. 10am-6pm. $6 adults, $3 children, FREE age 6 & under. 918-682-6294, www. ussbatfish.com.

Edmond Junior Rodeo at the Edmond Round Up Club (300 N Kelly) features contestants ages 4-14. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 6pm. 264-3685, www. edmondroundupclub.com.

Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma Leadership Summit features keynote speaker Jari Askins. $100 registration includes room, meals & materials. Marriot Convention Center, Norman. 405-528-4475, www. gswestok.org.

August 12-27 FREE Children's Summer Art Show at the Firehouse Art Center (444 S Flood, Norman) features the work of students from this year's Children's Summer Art Program. Opening reception 8/12 from 6-8pm.

Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm.

329-4523, www.normanfirehouse.com.

13 • Saturday St. Yootz Day at Frontier City hosts church groups from around the state for a day of fun & worship, and concert by Switchfoot. Advance tickets required by calling 530-2199. www.frontiercity.com.

Church of God Day at Frontier City provides the opportunity for the members of the congregation of the Church of God OKC to spend time together as a family.

Advance tickets required by calling 728-0388. www. frontiercity.com.

FREE Sugar Free All Stars at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) features music your child will love. 10:30am.

418-8881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert/Jam at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29) features three professional bluegrass bands $6. ages 12 & under FREE. 6:30pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org.

Rowdy Cousin-Everybody’s Got One at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) a concert event with lots of laughs. 7pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.

Midnight Streak 2011 5K & 1-mile fun run at State Fair Park benefits the City Arts Center. $30. 10:30pm.

13-14 Camp with the Keepers at the OKC Zoo features a variety of activities, night & morning hikes, ice cream social & continental breakfast for campers age 4 and older with adult. Proceeds benefit Zoo conservation efforts. Preregister by 8/8. $25 per child, $15 per adult.

7pm-9am.

14 • Sunday 8th Annual Parent Child Championship at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) features 2 person parent/child teams competing in scramble tee shot, alternate shop approach & scramble putt. Fee covers green fee, cart, range balls & prizes. $80 per team. 1pm. 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf. com.

15 • Monday First day of school for Tuttle Public Schools, Sacred Heart Catholic School (OKC) & Villa Teresa Catholic School (OKC)!

16 • Tuesday FREE A.D.D. Just Doesn’t Add Up Workshop at Brain & Eye Connection Clinic (1530 SW 89) explores how ADD/ADHD symptoms might be something other than an attention problem. Preregister. 6pm. 703-3163, www.BrainAndEyeConnection.com. See page 16 for more information.

17 • Wednesday “Why Early Childhood Matters: Brain Development Birth to Five” FREE lecture presented by OKDHS. Oklahoma History Center, noon.

18 • Thursday First day of school for El Reno, Moore, Putnam City, Yukon Public Schools, Rosary Catholic School (OKC) & St. Philip Neri Catholic School (Midwest City)!

Champions for Children Conference features key speakers discussing education reform and workforce development at the downtown OKC Sheraton, 1 N Broadway. 9am-5pm, registration 8am. 405-278-6978, www.smartstartok.org for details.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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MOPS Registration & Kick-Off Party at Choctaw Church of the Nazarene (NE 10th & Harper, Choctaw) includes pizza, fun & door prizes. $1 per person for pizza. 9:30am. 390-8403.

18-20

2011 Jim Thorpe Courage Awards at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum recognizes this year’s winners, includes live & silent auction & raises funds for the programs offered at the INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center. 6pm. 644-5256, integrisok.com.

FREE Auditions for CATS at Lyric Theatre's Thelma Gaylord Academy (1801 NW 16) invites young people ages 7 & up to audition for a part. Call for an audition time beginning 8/1. 524-9310, www.lyrictheatreokc. com.

20-21

19 • Friday

22-27

Ride Day with Metro Transit offers FREE rides to destinations across the OKC Metro on the third Friday of the month through September. www.gometro.org.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Many items 25% off on Friday & 50% off on Saturday. Monday-Friday, 10am7pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. www.okc.jbfsale.com. See coupon for free admission Monday on page 34.

Greyson Chance in Concert at Frontier City. FREE with admission. 6pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com.

Movie Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History screens a familyfriendly movie in the museum’s Great Hall. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-17, children 5 & under FREE, $1 discount for members. Galleries open, 6:30pm; Movie, 8pm.

20 • Saturday Back to School Days at the Oklahoma History Center invites families to take a look at classroom activities from a variety of decades. Included are schoolyard games, penmanship & more. 10am-2pm.

FREE Ballet Flamenco Espanol Folklorico Company at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) will present many different Spanish dances with wooden shoes, castanets & swords, historical explanations of the dance & costuming & connections to American history. 1pm.

878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

FREE Train Days at Norman Public Library is a family event for all who love model trains. Saturday, 9am5pm; Sunday, 1-6pm.

24 • Wednesday Lunch & Learn Lecture: The Ins & Outs of Searching The Oklahoman Archives at the Oklahoma History Center. Preregister. $10 per person, lunch included. 11:30am-1pm.

26 • Friday FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features a 45-minute talk, Appropriation & Quotation: Roy Lichtenstein & Robert Rauschenberg.

6-7pm.

26-27 FREE Oklahoma County Free Fair at the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds features food competitions, tractor pull, livestock shows & more. Friday, 1-7pm; Saturday, 8:30am-12pm. 713-1125, www.oces.okstate.edu.

Annual Range Round-Up at the Oklahoma State Fair Arena features six events including saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team branding, & wild horse race.

7:30pm. 235-4391, okcattlemen.org.

Edmond Junior Finals Rodeo at the Edmond Round Up Club (300 N Kelly) features contestants ages 4-14. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 6pm. 264-3685, www. edmondroundupclub.com.

Jodi Benson & the Edmond Youth Chorus at UCO Mitchell Hall Theatre (University & Main, Edmond) features the award-winning voice of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in an evening of song. 7:30pm. 974-3375, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

27 • Saturday Uptown Kids One-Year Anniversary Carnival & Prevent Blindness Blank Canvas Event at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) is a charity event to raise awareness for blindness prevention. 10am-4pm.

418-8881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

Moore War 5K Run at Moore High School (300 N Eastern, Moore) benefits the Moore & Westmoore Alumni Associations’ efforts to raise money for students. Preregister by 8/15. $10-$28. 7:30am. www.moorewarrun.com.

29 • Monday

Cardboard Boat Regatta at Arcadia Lake in Edmond invites individuals & teams to build cardboard boats to race across the swim area.

Prizes awarded to the top 3 finishers in each final.

Proceeds support Edmond Parks & Recreation.

Preregister $30 individual or couple, $40 team of 3+, $65 corporate. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/ parks/rec.

September 2

Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) invites families to play 9-holes including special junior tees, FREE putting course, $2 range tokens, food & beverage discounts. $6 green fees, $6 cart. 5pm. 341-5350, www. kickingbirdgolf.com.

Symphony By The Sea fundraiser at the Oklahoma Aquarium features a concert by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, dinner and live auction. $250 per couple. 6pm. 918-528-1501, www. okaquarium.org.

September 3-5

FREE Whose Line is it Anyway? at the Midwest City Library is fun with improvisation for ages 14-17.

5:30-7pm.

OKC Redhawks vs. New Orleans Zephyrs baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. $5 & up.

7:05pm. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 9/3-5.

FREE Arts Festival Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Community College features original artwork & handicrafts, live performances & a diverse selection of food. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-9pm; Monday, 10am5pm. 682-7576, occc.edu/afo.

September 4 FREE Fall Concert at Mitch Park in Edmond includes music in an outdoor setting. 6:30pm. 359-4630, edmondok.com/parks/rec. Also held 9/11, 18 & 25.

September 3

September 5

University of Oklahoma Sooners vs. Tulsa Hurricane football at the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Time TBA. www. soonersports.com. Other home games next month: 9/24.

FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

Oklahoma State University Cowboys vs.

Louisiana-Lafayette football at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. Time TBA. www.okstate.com.

Other home games next month: 9/8.

FREE Krazy Kids Dog Show at Shannon Miller Park in Edmond invites kids ages 4-12 years old to bring the family dog to a community dog show for a chance to win a trophy. 11:30am. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/ parks/rec.

September 10

For all the events during the month and beyond, go to www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011

m&m productions

jump zone birthday???

August 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Making a Splash!

Vivian K., age 4, of OKC swimming in her backyard.

Shawn H., age 10, of Norman at the Colonial Estates Splashpad.

In July, our readers submitted photos of their kids having fun in and around the water.

View all submisions at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ august-2011-photos.

Addie H., age 4, of Edmond in Galveston Island, Texas.

Julie, age 11, of Nicoma Park; Jenson, age 7, Catherine, age 17, Erin, age 14, of Choctaw; Maggie, age 6, Zoey, age 10, of Midwest City and Alex, age 14, of Choctaw in Hawaii.

Jacob B., age 5, of Lawton, playing in the sand in Palacios, Texas.

Roystani W., age 3, of Del City enjoying her backyard pool.

Ashlyn B., age 6, of Yukon making a big splash!

David L., age 6, of Midwest City in Branson, Missouri.

We'd love to see your kids with their favorite furry, feathered, or fishy pet for possible inclusion in our September issue.

Deadline is Saturday, August 20. Guidelines and a form to submit your photos can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-photo-galleries.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2011