Southern Oklahoma Living Magazine

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE PROACTIVE MEASURES CAN LOWER FUTURE COSTS /By Michael Pineda

p.10

SCRAPBOOKING PROVIDES HISTORICAL RECORD, CREATIVE OUTLET AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION /By Marsha Miller

p.14

TURNER FALLS /By J. Dillon Hart

p.22

“ONCE A TIGER, ALWAYS A TIGER” /

By Laura Eastes

p.16

volume

01

$2

At Storts Family Dentistry we have dedicated our practice to the long-term health care and comprehensive treatment for families and their dental needs. We have been treating patients of all ages for 30 years and we pride ourselves in getting to know our patients and building life-long relationships with them and their families.

Services We Offer Include: General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Preventative Services • Snore Appliances • Composite Fillings • Root Canal Therapy • One Day Crown & Bridge Work • Partials & Dentures • Emergency Dentistry • iTero

• Porcelain Veneers • Bonding • Porcelain Crowns • Teeth Whitening • Invisalign

• Dental Examinations • Professional Cleanings • Digital X-rays • Gum Disease • Home Care • Laser Treatment • Velscope

Implants • Conventional Implants • Bone Grafting for Implants

Orthodontics • Conventional Braces • Appliances • Invisalign

CALL TODAY to Set Your Appointment!

Accepting New Patients Friday Appointments • Emergency Dental Care Delta Dental Premier Provider & Participant in Chickasaw Maps Program

1220 Merrick • Ardmore • (580) 223-6720

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY SPRING 2015 VOLUME 01 NO. 1

PARENT, STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TEST SEASON /

By David Jones And Chandra Arnold: The Counseling Group, Charles Evans Elementary School

4

FAMILY PROMISES /By Rick Baggett: Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore

5

SEEN ON SCENE /Lincoln Elementary Art Week, Acts Service Project

6

ARDMORE G.O.A.L.S: KICKING AROUND SINCE 1997 /By Scott Mason: President Of Ardmore G.O.A.L.S.

8

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE PROACTIVE MEASURES CAN LOWER FUTURE COSTS /By Michael Pineda: The Ardmoreite

10

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE /By Heather Hill: Turner High School Counselor

12

SCRAPBOOKING PROVIDES HISTORICAL RECORD, CREATIVE OUTLET AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION /By Marsha Miller: The Ardmoreite

14

“ONCE A TIGER, ALWAYS A TIGER” /By Laura Eastes: The Ardmoreite

16

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND IN ARDMORE FOR GREAT FAMILY FUN /By Travis Buell: Ardmore Parks And Recreation Assistant Director

18

A VISION SCREENING IS NOT AN EYE EXAM /By Dr. Blake Bush: Blake Bush Family Eye Care

18

ARBUCKLE AREA COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CONTINUES TO SERVE THE YOUTH AND LEADERS OF SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA /By Brett Matherly: Scout Executive At Boys Scouts Of America – Arbuckle Area Council

20

TURNER FALLS IN DAVIS PROVIDES AN ECONOMICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY FUN REGARDLESS OF THE SEASON /By J. Dillon Hart: The Ardmoreite

22

GREAT FUTURES START HERE /By Misty Sanders: Executive Director Boys And Girls Clubs Of Carter County

24

ON THE COVER The beautiful cover photo was taken by Valerie Betterton from Phototique in Ardmore. To learn more about this photo or the photographer please contact Valerie by phone at (580) 2241867 or by email at vbettertonphotography@yahoo.com.

03 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

PUBLISHER KIM BENEDICT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR NATALIE R. COCKRAN ADVERTISING SALES TRACEY AVILES KENZI YARBERRY TABATHA CHAPMAN JENNIFER SIMPLER STAFF WRITERS MARSHA MILLER MICHAEL PINEDA SCOTT JOINER MICAH MCVICKERS LAURA EASTES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DAVID JONES CHANDRA ARNOLD RICK BAGGETT SCOTT MASON JIMMY LANGFORD HEATHER HILL TRAVIS BUELL BLAKE BUSH BRETT MATHERLY MISTY SANDERS ASHLEY MASON GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION CATHY ROBERTS JULIE CHAMBERLAIN AMANDA WYATT LAYOUT/DESIGN INGRID VAN BELJON HIGGINS COVER PHOTORAPHY VALERIE BETTERTON DISTRIBUTION CHARLIE AMMONS

THE ARDMOREITE ESTABLISHED 1893 117 W. BROADWAY P.O. BOX 1328 ARDMORE, OK 73401 (580) 223-2200

COPYRIGHT 2015 GATEHOUSE MEDIA, LLC. 117 W. BROADWAY P.O. BOX 1328 ARDMORE, OK 73401 (580) 223-2200

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NO PORTION OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE PRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER OR ITS DESIGNEE.

Parent, student survival guide for test season.

BY DAVID JONES AND CHANDRA ARNOLD /The Counseling

Group, Charles Evans Elementary School

an you name the five seasons of the Academic school year? Got four out of five? Within academia these four are of course winter, spring, summer and fall! The fifth? The dreaded testing season! Yes, it is real and yes, many students have real fear and anxiety regarding testing. The following are tips that have been tested over time and seem to increase chances of a successful testing season. Please know that this is by no means a complete list for every single student, but a helpful guideline.

Also, note that this may never be an issue with you or your child. If this is the case, you could write the book and enjoy your early retirement. We don’t know too many students who experience zero level “test” stress.

So, how do some students seem to weather the testing season better than others? Below is a check list of successful tips commonly used by students/families. These guidelines may be used in preparation for tests, whether it be college entrance exams or the local spelling bee.

“I trusted my CASA volunteer.

She was the only face I recognized after every move.”

Call us today to see how you can train to become a CASA volunteer.

04 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

1

Make testing the norm not the exception! There are more and more apps and games that make “tests” fun and challenging. Do these early, and often, so when tests come, students are up to the challenge.

2

Work with your child daily! Make sure you understand how your child approaches school assignments.

Therefore,you will be ready when a challenging situation, like testing occurs. Know your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.

3

Train your child how to relax! Teach them to relax in different situations. When they need to relax, test or no test, they are prepared! Model the behavior. Seeing is believing!

4

Start and keep healthy habits! Maintain consistent schedules like diet, sleep, and play. Statistics show overwhelmingly that students who follow and practice healthier habits perform better academically on a consistent basis.

Be prepared! Maybe the most beneficial advice may be the most obvious! As the famed scientist Louis Pas5 teur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Have you ever read where Pasteur had test anxiety?! Exactly. We rest our case. If your child has been diligent, and they have worked hard each day in class, there should be minimal, or no, fear of the test. There is nothing more calming than to see the first question and realize you have seen it many times before!

There are many other tips and resources online. With that being said, the above mentioned information is tried and

true. In the end, there is only one problem. One can have all the resources and know all the right things to do, and still be lacking the one crucial aspect. Does your child have the drive to succeed!?

One of my favorite movies of all time that I would show to my science students, was “October Sky.” I did this for three very important reasons. One,I felt that if each student could see the results of a student who overcame terrific odds, anyone could.

Two, to inspire them. Three, to emphasize the importance of academics.

In a nutshell, the movie tells the true story of four high school students who are “academically challenged.” They just didn’t see the importance of working hard in school, because in the poor small town they came from, very few went to college or graduated from high school. The movie tells a true story of how they were motivated by their classroom teacher to learn, and to escape the coal mines and a certain early death. The boys discovered model rocketry and went on to win the National Science Fair, which in turn led them all to college, and eventually into successful careers. The most noted was Mr. Homer Hickam, whom the movie was created for. Mr. Hickam left Coalwood, West Virgina on a scholarship and became a NASA Flight Engineer and noted author.

Tragically, we often see able students not testing well or not doing well academically. Many times it is simply for lack of concerted effort. In other words, they just don’t realize they need to work hard and make academics a number one priority.

We wrote Hickam and he gave us this invaluable advice: “In the end, we determine our own success through our own labor. I studied, I learned, I worked hard, and I succeeded. After that it’s easy. All that must be done is to persevere, persevere, persevere!”

Family Promises DR. RICK BAGGETT /Pastor,

First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore

One summer, I was walking on the beach, just enjoying the weather, and a beautiful blond girl with blue eyes, in a little bikini, caught my hand. She just looked up at me and with a big smile said, “Hi!” I should tell you that she was about four years old.

She had a plastic pail and shovel in her other hand, and she wanted to know if I would help her with her project.

We talked about her plans. She was quite ambitious, for she told me that she intended to put all of the sand on the beach in her pail. As we worked and talked, my mind went back to when our two children were that young.

As I looked back, I thought of many things that I could have done, should have done, as a father that I did not do, but I can tell you that I have few regrets. I have not been a perfect father, but I have loved my two children with great joy! If I could change them, there is nothing that I would have different about either one of them!

But as that pretty little blond of four and I continued our digging, I found myself thinking If I could do it over again, what would I do? I share with you some of those thoughts, for the relationship between parent and child is certainly 05 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

one that needs to be included in any study of relationships.

There are some promises I would make and that you could make as a parent that would enrich family life and benefit our children. Here are a few of my suggestions.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! It takes a lot of love to make good children, and I do not believe that there is any influence as great as the power of unconditional love! The more I have observed people of all sorts, in all walks and conditions of life, I have realized that security and stability come not through money, but through the quality of love they’ve experienced at home. Love is the essential ingredient that makes a child good. Of course, there are times when punishment is called for, but even punishment must be dealt out lovingly and fairly.

NEVER SAY “NO” IF THE ANSWER COULD BE “YES.” If you

want your children to learn criticism, then let your children grow up in an atmosphere where constant criticism is heard! It is obvious that children who are raised in a positive atmosphere develop better and more pleasing personalities than those who are raised where “no,” “stop,” “don’t,” and “quit” are constantly heard. I believe that we should promise our children, with great benefit for both child and parent, that we will say “yes” as often as we can! Appreciation for each member of the family will grow with respect, as we seek to say “yes” often.

TRY TO SEE THINGS FROM YOUR CHILDREN’S POINT OF VIEW. Remember that Kodak camera years ago that need-

ed a roll of film that took twelve pictures? We gave our son one of those when he was about three and when my wife had the film processed, we were amazed at the pictures he had taken. Every one of them was taken at the angle of looking up. It made me think about being in a room full of adults and asking a three-year-old “What’s the view like down there?” Even if we cannot agree with our children, we should listen and enter into their viewpoint and give evidence that we understand and sense where they are coming from.

PUT YOUR CHILDREN’S HANDS INTO THE HANDS OF GOD.

The vows that we make on behalf of our children when they are baptized are among the most demanding vows I have ever read! We promise as parents “by every means of God’s appointment to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Our children belong not merely to us as parents, but also to God. God gave them to us with their spiritual well-being and growth. The most important way in which we teach our children about God is by our example. If Jesus Christ is real to you, He will be real to your children. If He influences your life, He will influence their lives. Nowhere is it more true than in the home that religion is not so much taught as it is caught!

All of us who are parents can promise these things, can’t we?

SEEN ON SCENE

Lincoln Elementary Art Week PHOTOS BY LAURA EASTES /The Ardmoreite

Lincoln Elementary School third grade students participated in a special art week at the Garden Center Jan. 26-30. The art supplies were purchased thanks to grant funding from the Ardmore City Schools Enrichment Foundation. Local volunteers assisted the students with the art projects which will be entered in the All School Elementary Art Show at the Goddard Center this spring.

06 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

SEEN ON SCENE Acts Service Project

PHOTOS BY LAURA EASTES /The Ardmoreite

Local home-educated teens from the service group Acts 20:35 spent time at the Salvation Army in December loading Christmas food boxes. Acts 20:35 meets once a month and performs a service project to help the community in southern Oklahoma.

07 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

Ardmore G.O.A.L.S.: Kicking around since 1997

BY SCOTT MASON/ President of Ardmore G.O.A.L.S.

rdmore G.O.A.L.S youth soccer league is an all-volunteer organization that provides area kids the opportunity to participate in the fastest growing youth sport in America. From a small group of parent volunteers the league has grown to over 500 enrolled kids, which make up teams of all ages from four years old through their 18th birthday.

At its inception, the teams had to travel to North Texas for all of their games. Since then, the Ardmore Parks Department began supporting the league by providing several acres of quality playing fields and multiple locations to practice. The growth of the league has allowed us to be the host of visiting teams from all over the state of Oklahoma and North Central Texas.

The league has not only grown in size but it is now offering soccer opportunities to players of all skill levels. G.O.A.L.S places a heavy focus on introducing soccer to the younger age groups in a fun, creative manner that allows the player to develop a passion for this great sport. The games are

structured in all aspects to accommodate the maturity and skill level of the players. As the players age, their skills naturally move to the next level. Beginning in spring of 2015, G.O.A.L.S. will be providing specialized training from professional coaches to help the serious soccer player achieve their dream.

This organization is directed by a group of volunteer board members, coaches and other involved parents that are united in the vision of providing the incredible game of soccer to the community. These volunteers give so that registration fees are kept to a minimum. Yet their dedication to excellence has led to a quality soccer program that is second to none!

G.O.A.L.S Soccer offers both a fall and spring season each year. The fall season usually kicks off in September and the spring starts up in March. Registration is only $60 per child and includes their entire uniform, state and national fees and insurance. The teams typically practice twice a week and the games are held during the weekends.

Soccer is one of the only sports that offer young players, boys and girls alike, the chance to be a part of a team at an early age. The health benefits to our youth are immeasurable as well as teaching them the benefits of team sports including positive relationship skills, work ethic and respect.

If you are interested in learning about one of the sport jewels of Ardmore, then log on to www.ardmoresoccer.com.

If you still have questions before you join the great game, then feel free to email us or call us at the number on our website.

Building character Youth learn wrestling skills, good citizenship

BY JIMMY LANGFORD /Head Coach, Ardmore Takedown

Club

Ardmore G.O.A.L.S youth soccer league is an all-volunteer organization that provides area kids the opportunity to participate in the fastest growing youth sport in America.

SCOTT MASON /President of Ardmore G.O.A.L.S.

08 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

he Ardmore Takedown Club began in the summer of 2012 with community pride and academics in mind.

ATC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support, education and development of good citizenship for the youth of our community through organized sports.

ATC is a sponsored club that is operated by a dedicated

group of local volunteers. Parents and volunteers alike enjoy knowing that they are helping the youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow.

I always wanted to teach local youth the art of wrestling. Building a wrestling club was the perfect opportunity to fulfill this life-long dream, as well as give back to the community. I strive to empower the youth by teaching them skills for life — discipline, respect and confidence.

I open the gym waiting for the first wrestler to arrive for practice well before scheduled time, cleaning mats, making a practice schedule, or one of the other many jobs I have as head coach.

Practices focus on each wrestler individually to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Once those are identified, a plan between wrestler and coach is discussed to elevate the strengths and improve the weaknesses.

Also incorporated into practice is group training, starting with stretching led by one of the team’s wrestlers. They work together to perform the stretching exercises in unity in order to be prepared for a rigorous practice. I ensure the ATC team has superb cardio. Stretching, running, learning new techniques and live wrestling matches are included in a typical practice.

Since our wrestlers range between four and fourteen years of age, it’s not unusual to see a few tears shed. However, with positive reinforcement by the coaching staff, the wrestlers are able to power through their struggle to finish the last drill, or wall sit.

The team is also encouraged to attend the wrestling duals of our local high school. This is a great opportunity to watch the older wrestlers execute the same skills and techniques that they are learning.

ATC attends as many tournaments as possible each season, including novice and open. With the skills they have been taught, many of our wrestlers dominate their division and take home multiple medals.

I strive to empower the youth by teaching them skills for life - discipline, respect and confidence.

108 east main.downtown ardmore 405.238.7465

grassrootsvintage .com

Valerie Betterton Photography

Mention this ad & Book both of us for your Wedding or next Event & get a FREE 16x20 Photograph from Phototique & a custom made Tassel Banner from Grassroots Vintage!

When should I think about getting braces?

JIMMY LANGFORD /Head Coach, Ardmore

Takedown Club

ATC is not a boys-only club, but open to both genders, and currently has a female wrestler making a name for herself. Although tournaments are a lot of fun, there are specific behavioral expectations for each wrestler. When not on the mat they are to be watching teammates wrestle or other matches.

Good attitude is something stressed both on and off the mat.

This behavior supports the club mission statement, “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose,” as well as helps develop the teamwork mentality that ATC demands.

With goals like teaching and developing each wrestler’s own character, self-esteem, attitude and sportsmanship, ATC has seen tremendous grown since inception. We consider each other family and enjoy spending time together both in and out of the gym.

09 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

facebook.com/TheGrassrootsShop

...earlier than you think!

(580) 226-2331 1119 Walnut Drive-Ardmore

Good Shepherd Clinic offers treatments to families who are 200 percent below poverty guidelines and below.

Preventative Health Care Proactive Measures Can Lower Future Costs

BY MICHAEL PINEDA /The Ardmoreite, michael.pineda@ardmoreite.com

Making the Journey less lonely...

580-223-0655 207 C Street NW | Ardmore 580-369-5335 207 West Main | Davis 1-800-498-0655 www.crosstimbershospice.org 10 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

edical costs continue to have a significant financial impact on low-income families despite the passage of The Affordable Care Act. Families that struggle to put food on the table and clothes on their children are burdened with health care costs, which make entities such as the Good Shepherd Clinic indispensable.

Teresa Myers, Good Shepherd Clinic executive director, said the Good Shepherd Clinic serves those who are 200 percent below the poverty guidelines and below. Treatments are mostly provided to adults with those 35 to 50 years of age serving as the majority age group treated.

And with new directives, Good Shepherd is focusing on being proactive in its treatment offerings to lower future health care costs.

“About a year ago, preventative health care came to the forefront,” Myers said. “We did a health fair to kick it off and see how it would go and we will have another one in April.”

Preventative care became a priority with major changes to Medicare, which is focusing on more outcome-based medications, Myers said. Grants are becoming wellness focused, which has necessitated the new direction, which is still a work in progress.

Myers said part of the effort was a small pilot program initiated to help people who wanted to change harmful behaviors ranging from poor nutrition MICHAEL PINEDA /The Ardmoreite choices to smoking.

“We did the program for four months with 10 people in it,” she said. “We had some success. Two individuals made the most significant differences in taking their health more seriously.”

Myers did say there are challenges, particularly in healthy eating options. One being it is more expensive to eat healthy.

“I don’t know if (finances) are the biggest obstacle,” she said. “Beans are cheap and it is a super food. In the pilot program, one person said they couldn’t eat more vegetables and fruits because they were more expensive.”

The clinic has begun making plans to strengthen the program for more positive outcome based results. It has teamed with the Ardmore Institute of Health for a program with the staff.

“They are helping us develop a program to teach our staff to make better decisions and choices that last,” Myers said. “We are training the trainer and are trying to make this whole thing flow.”

Myers said that it would be hard to change the culture when it comes to eating habits that have been ingrained.

“There is a missing aspect and that is education,” she said.

“We need a singular culture shift to nutrition.”

The preventative approach has the possibility of saving money for clinic clientele. Good eating habits will provide the opportunity to help control their diabetes, which has complications, which extend to vision. The clinic does provide vision services with the volunteer help of optometrists. Eyeglasses are available at a low cost and payment assistance is available.

Nursing students supplement the staff at Good Shepherd Clinic.

11 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

The clinic also has partnerships with pharmacies to provide medication that is narcotic free. Medications such as insulin are expensive and can be provided to those in need. But to be eligible to take advantage of the clinic’s programs, one cannot have medical insurance. And this can be heartbreaking to staff members.

“There was a lady who had insurance and needed to see a doctor,” Myers said. “But we couldn’t see her and she couldn’t afford the co-pay.”

The clinic is seeking to expand its services by adding a nurse, which will allow the clinic to expand its opportunities. The clinic has volunteer student nurses and a full-time nurse would head the program. The clinic would also like to to add a part-time doctor to the staff. All of it would help provide symmetry in what the clinic is trying to do — to be proactive in providing health assistance.

K4 through 8th Grades

Philosophy “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.”

Psalm 127:3-4

Ardmore Christian School

(580) 223-9592 | 1501 9th Ave NW | Ardmore www.ardmorechristianschool.com

“We are trying to figure out how to connect all the programs together for wellness,” Myers said. “We want it to be a part of everything we do.”

In turn, Myers said the results of changes brought about by the health first initiative could have an overall benefit to families and break the cycle of poverty through better health.

“If we can make a difference here, it could be translated other places,” she said. “Our goal is to get them healthy and empower them to be promoted out of there and get better paying jobs.”

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE HEATHER HILL /Turner High School Counselor

Many parents and students don’t realize that planning for college starts as early as eighth grade. As an eighth-grad-

Turner High School Counselor Heather Hill assists students with filling out and submitting college applications during Turner College App Day.

12 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

er, students have opportunities to apply for scholarships like Oklahoma Promise. Oklahoma Promise is an income-based scholarship for families who have an income of $50,000 or less. If a family meets this income criteria, a student may sign up for the program any time during their eighth grade through 10th grade years and they then make a promise to take college prep courses, make good grades keeping 2.5 or above GPA and stay out of trouble. In return, the State of Oklahoma promises to pay a student’s college tuition.

As with many other schools, Turner offers eighth graders the ACT EXPLORE test. This gives students the opportunity to see the format of the ACT, a test that must be taken before college acceptance. The EXPLORE provides schools, parents and students a score report that gives an estimated ACT score, the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and results from an interest inventory that is included. This helps students, parents and counselors work together to start a plan for college.

When students enter their first year of high school, they are encouraged to maintain good grades. This is a good time to start applying for scholarships.

Many scholarships begin offering opportunities as freshmen. Almost

ACT EXPLORE TEST

every college in the state of Oklahoma offers scholarships based on grade point average and ACT scores. The higher these two are the more money a student will earn.

Colleges also award scholarships to valedictorians and salutatorians. One of the best resources for scholarships is okcollegestart.org.

Sophomores are offered another opportunity to practice for the ACT with the PLAN test. The PLAN test offers the same benefits as the EXPLORE. It also includes correct answers in the report so that students may use the test to study for the ACT. Tenth grade is a good time to start taking the ACT. A student may take the ACT 12 times if needed to improve scores and increase scholarship amounts. Students can sign up to take the ACT at actstudent.org, as well as access study materials. Okcollegestart.org and chadcargill.com are other good recourses for practice ACT’s and ACT study tips.

Juniors can now start earning college credit while in high school. Many schools work with the Oklahoma State Regents and local colleges to offer programs for students to begin taking college classes. This is a huge benefit to parents and students to have many basic classes paid for and done before a student even graduates high school.

In the final year of high school, there are many scholarship opportunities year round. Seniors can set a goal to work on scholarships a certain amount of hours per week to earn money for college.

Our school district joined 23 other districts across the state for a college app day. Every senior in our district had the opportunity to receive hands-on, encouraging assistance

teachers and myself for submitting their online college applications.

According to collegestart.org, for many students, particularly those who do not have an immediate family member who attended college, applying to college can be overwhelming. Having someone to encourage and help them navigate the college application process can open the door for students to pursue a postsecondary education.

They add, one way to increase the number of students who seek education beyond high school is to ensure students apply to college in a timely and supported manner.

Even students that are undecided on their college plans are generally more likely to attend college if they simply submit an application.

The favorite part of my job is helping students prepare for college. I know many school counselors feel the same way. School counselors, teachers, and the websites mentioned above are all good resources for students preparing for college.

The favorite part of my job is helping students prepare for college.

HEATHER HILL /Turner High School Counselor

Pamper your little ones at Little Soles Children’s Spa. Flavored Soaks • Scrumptious Scrubs • Sweet Creamy Lotions • Frosting Facials Delicious Nail Colors • Sparties We treat their hands and feet to pamper their little souls so sweet.

1001 west first street • sulphur ok 73086 580.622.8128 • www.littlesolesspa.com 13 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

Busy wife, mom , first assistant district attorney and scrapbook aficionado Heather Cooper shows some of the many creative ways she’s documenting her family’s history in photos, words and art that will last and be enjoyed for generations.

SCRAPBOOKING PROVIDES HISTORICAL RECORD, CREATIVE OUTLET AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

BY MARSHA MILLER /The Ardmoreite, marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com, Photos by J. Dillon Hart/The Ardmoreite

eather Cooper says scrapbooking can be just about anything the creator wants it to be. There are no rules. Anyone can do it. It doesn’t have to be time consuming. And definitely, the rumor that scrapbooking is an expensive proposition is false.

“It’s all about holding onto the memories,” Cooper says, answering the question what is scrapbooking? “It’s a way to document family history and every child, every family has a story — traditions and life experiences that deserve to be documented with words, photos and even art.”

Cooper actually began a kind of scrapbooking as a child through written journals and drawings. But it wasn’t until 1997, while she was in law school, that she was introduced to the vast world of infinite possibilities scrapbooking offers.

“I had a friend who was a Creative Memories consultant,” she explained, adding scrapbooking is now a hobby she knows she will continue to enjoy throughout her life.

14 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

Why? Because scrapbooking never grows old. It is an ever-changing endeavor that can be adapted to ever-changing circumstances and lifestyles. Her first venture into the world of holding onto memories was similar to lots of other scrapbookers. She documented the big events — holidays and large family gatherings. From there she branched out, creating similar scrapbooks for her nephew, Devin, in which she devoted several pages to a single birthday, Christmas celebration and occasions in the preschooler’s life. In fact, she painstakingly documented the highlights in the first four years of Devin’s life. Those scrapbooks taught Cooper how important and meaningful such efforts can be.

“My sister, Jill Henderson, Devin’s mom passed away when he was 5. My sister organized all those parties and holidays and she is in photos and the notes in those books. Devin is in high school now and I’m so glad to have them to give to him because she’s in there,” Cooper shared.

Like life, Cooper says her scrapbook style evolved.

Her sister’s death led her to create an “art journal” as a tribute to Jill and what it means to be a woman, “I designed the cover and the first page and then I sent it on to a group of scrapbookers I met online. Each woman created a page and sent it to the next one on the list. When all the pages were filled it was returned to me. At the same time, each of the women in the group was sending a book they designed and each of us added a page and sent it on,” she recalled.

Cooper’s scrapbooks come in many shapes and sizes.

Some are devoted to a specific event, like a vacation or reunion. Those single event books continue to be part of her ever-evolving hobby. But today she balances life between being a mom, a wife and her career as first assistant district attorney in the 20th Judicial District. That doesn’t mean she’s given up her hobby. Instead she’s adapted her style to fit her life. In the process she says she’s found her new scrapbooking adventure to be even more fulfilling.

“With a 4 year old and a full-time job I don’t have the time for the elaborate and many pages devoted to one event. Now it’s photos (taken on her cell phone) and quick journaling.

Now I do what’s called pocket scrapbooking. It’s daily life — a page for each of the 365 days a year (with a number of pockets to hold photos, journaling and mementos or art) as opposed to just the holidays. It’s our everyday life,” she explained.

Does she have time to journal every day and add photos to the book on a daily basis? Of course not. It’s all possible through those cell phone photos that can be stored and printed out when time allows. Even better, the photos can be downloaded and printed on archival paper. The same with brief journal notes that are easily recalled by looking at the photos of days, times and places. She also uses smaller pocket scrapbooks to capture special events throughout the year , such as a vacation or weekend getaway with friends.

“I have very few photos that aren’t backed up on a computer. Which means if my son wanted to take a book to show and tell and a photo or page got damaged it wouldn’t be the end of the world because I have a back up,” Cooper said.

However, while she uses the advantages of the digital age to her benefit, she says she hasn’t embraced total digital scrapbooking.

“It mimics the look of physical embellishments. What digital scrapbooking doesn’t do for me is scratch that artsy-craftsy itch,” she confesses.

Calling it “by far my creative outlet,” Cooper says scrapbooking is a part of her life that has rewarded her with unexpected benefits.

“It has been my experience that my son and I have made a special bond over my books. Jackson enjoys looking at the books and I believe scrapbooks improve self esteem because the books recognize the importance of loved ones 15 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

An example of a pocket scrapbook that highlights and provides insights through photos, art and journal snippets into the everyday life of a family.

— both young and not so young,” she said.

One last on-the-record final note, Cooper says while photos play a major role in scrapbooking the old adage a picture is worth a thousand words leaves something to be desired when it comes to telling the story of a family.

“You can look at photo albums and see a group of family members all laughing and you can see they were having a good time, but you can no longer remember what was so funny. That’s what makes scrapbooking different and so special because it’s a way to tell the whole story,” she said.

Heather Cooper says scrapbooking can be just about anything the creator wants it to be and to prove it she shared a look a just a few of the ones she’s created to mark special days, vacations, friends, and life on the go.

Principal Cindy Huddleston stands with Ardmore Middle School students Emma Nightengale, Brayden Goodman and Alexia Girard. All three students have a special connection with Huddleston, a graduate of Ardmore High School. She has taught their family members or attended Ardmore schools with their family members.

Laura Eastes/The Ardmoreite

“ONCE A TIGER, ALWAYS A TIGER”

BY LAURA EASTES /The Ardmoreite, laura.eastes@ardmo-

reite.com

wo administrators at Ardmore Middle School can say they’ve “been there” to students. Principal Cindy Huddleston and Assistant Principal Chris Dvorak graduated from Ardmore, became teachers, taught at neighboring districts and are now administrators at the school they once attended.

Ardmore Middle School Principal Cindy Huddleston knew she always wanted to become a teacher, she just never imagined her 30-plus years of teaching would bring her to the position of top administrator at a school she once attended.

For the past two school years, Huddleston has served as principal of the school for students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Huddleston attended Franklin Elementary School, Ardmore Junior High and the high school, graduating in 1976.

Her love for the Ardmore Tigers runs deep and has continued since her days as a student in the district. With a desire to be like her favorite high school music teacher, Charlotte Hudgins, Huddleston pursued a degree in music education. She was guided down a path that included teaching in classrooms at Oak Hall Episcopal School, Plainview Public Schools, Ardmore Christian School and Wilson Public Schools.

Teaching at Ardmore has always held a special place in her heart, she said.

“The best part is the commonality and the continuity,” Huddleston says, who has held positions in the district that include music teacher at Franklin and assistant principal at the middle school. “My dad went to Ardmore High School. I graduated from Ardmore High School. My kids graduated from Ardmore.

“The most important thing in education is relationships. I have the leg up because I’ve been around long enough that I’ve either went to school with a family member, taught their parents 16 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

or something,” she says with a laugh.

“There is always that connection.”

At the middle school, a handful of teachers are graduates of Ardmore, including Ryan Keeton, Kern Farve, and Jill Falvey.

Serving as one of the two assistant principals is Chris Dvorak, a 1995 graduate of Ardmore.

Unlike Huddleston, he never considered a career in teaching until after serving in the U.S. Army and enrolling in the Troops to Teachers, a program designed to help military members

Ardmore Assistant Princpal Chris Dvorak stands with seventh grade student Tavion Jefferson. Dvoak graduated from Ardmore and came back to the district in the fall to become an administrator.

Laura Eastes/The Ardmoreite

become certified teachers. Dvorak first taught math at a school in Grapevine, Texas before coming back to southern Oklahoma with an offer from Wilson Public Schools. He worked at Ardmore Middle School for one year, at which time Huddleston was the assistant principal.

“She (Huddleston) really planted the seed for obtaining my master’s degree,” Dvorak says. “I remember it was after school and she said, ‘Have you ever thought about getting your master’s?’

“That’s code for becoming an administrator,” he says with a laugh. “I said ‘I wasn’t sure.’ I didn’t know if I would enjoy the responsibilities outside the classroom or the indirect effects you bring when you are principal.”

With his wife expecting twins, Dvorak stepped back from the classroom for a year. During that time, the conversation with Huddleston routinely came back to him.

“It was during that year that I really learned that I belonged,” Dvorak says. “Stepping a way from it made me realize that I was meant to do this. Not necessarily as a teacher or an administrator...just being involved in something with social and community impact. I decided to go back and pursue my master’s degree.”

The first-year assistant principal adds, “This is me coming back to give whatever I can.”

The alumni duet in the front office says many of the students know they are graduates of Ardmore. Huddleston says it is not unusual for her to see a student that resembles a former student. She often hears the phrase “You taught my mom or dad,” from the middle school students.

“They do have questions,” Huddleston says. “They are really interested in how we dressed. I tell them about open campus at the high school. Everyone ate lunch off campus. We drove, went to lunch and it was no big deal.

“Some times they are amazed when I say we didn’t have computers. They want to know about what kind of music we listen to. Things like that.”

Dvorak, who graduated 20 years ago, says he doesn’t get those sorts of questions. Instead, he often shares with students what Ardmore Middle School was like back in the early 1990s. At that time, the middle school was located in the downtown school building along Washington Road.

“Going to the building downtown is like a right of passage,” Dvorak says. “We had no air conditioning. The windows would be open and fans going all the time. There were those stairs. Today, the middle school has a lot of comforts we didn’t have.”

Huddleston and Dvorak share similar experiences of teaching at nearby districts, working for Ardmore, heading to another district and coming back. Both say that adds to their skill set as administrators. Their time as students at Ardmore plays a role in how they approach the job.

“I didn’t have the kind of relationship with my principals, like the one I have with my kids,” Huddleston says, adding only students in trouble visited the principal’s office when she was in school.

When the bell rings, Huddleston is quick to step away from her desk, stand in the hallway and greet students - by name as they walk by.

“These are my kids,” Huddleston says, after helping a student get a binder and congratulating another student on an academic achievement.

Dvorak is no different. He can be seen in another hallway saying “hello” to students as they pass on to the next class.

He says he connects with the kids, not usually recognized for academic achievement, top performances in the fine arts or known for their talents on the court or field.

“When I was a teenager, I was shy and quiet,” Dvorak 17 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

T CONSIGNMEN CHILDREN’S essok.com www.monkeybusin

Ardmore Spring & Summer S

A

L

E

Everything for Babies, Kids & Teens Thursday March 5th 9am - 7pm Friday March 6th 9am - 7pm *Saturday March 7th 9am - 2pm

*50% Off

Select Items on Last Day of Sale

At the Ardmore Convention Center For more info contact Trisha 405-623-9434

Let our 60+ years of knowledge, service and expertise serve you.

We offer a wide variety of personal and commercial coverage options.

321 W. Broadway - PO Box 1534 Ardmore, OK 73402 Call us at 800-456-9169 www.JohnSullivanInsurance.com

Find us

AMERICAN PRIDE CARD Would you like to WIN a $100 ANB VISA Gift Card?

Ask any ANB employee how!

*No purchase required.

580-226-6222 or 800-580-7235 www.bankanb.com

remembers. “I was involved in a lot of different activities, but I really stayed on a wall most of the time.

“In a lot of ways I kind of live vicariously through these kids. I am able to encourage the ones in the shadows, the ones that are timid, reserved, have a lot of inhibition.”

Both administrators say they have positive memories of their teaching days outside of Ardmore City Schools, but admit there is something very unique and memorable in serving their alma mater. Huddleston’s daughter, Cali Huddleston, is a fourth-grade teacher at Charles Evans Elementary School.

“Several years ago there was a football T-shirt that I believe sums it all up,” Huddleston says with a smile. “It said, ‘Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.’ This is where my heart belongs. This is home.”

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

abound in Ardmore for great family fun

BY TRAVIS BUELL /Ardmore Parks and Recreation Assistant

Director

o you remember when a Saturday morning cartoon was considered your “screen time”? You would wake up early and grab a blanket and set up camp in front of the TV for the next two hours watching your favorite shows?

What were your favorites?

Do you remember Popeye, Superfriends, Flintstone Kids, or how about Snorkels and the Monchichi’s?

Does that bring back some memories? But that was it for us kids. The only time we had control of the TV, or even programming, available to us.

In today’s technology filled world, however, you can have these shows streaming to you at anytime of any day and much more. There are channels dedicated to our children and internet games and tools that can entertain them all day long. I have even found a channel that is programmed to help you put your kids to bed. Times have sure changed.

According to the President’s Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, “children now spend more than seven hours a day in front of a screen (e.g. TV, videogames, computers)”. The report goes on to add that “nearly one third of high school students play video games or computer games for three or more hours on an average school day”. In the day-to-day hustle we may get wrapped up and not even notice. But the numbers can be quite staggering. This does not even start to explain where we have gone in terms of health-related issues due to this practice.

18 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

But really, I am saying all of this to you simply to draw your attention to all the opportunities we have right here in Ardmore for some get off the couch, turn off the TV, get outside and reconnect with some family recreation. In recent years we have seen resurgence in outdoor family recreation. This is a wonderful trend we have seen across the state as well as right here in our own back yard. Our community and Parks and Recreation Department are embracing this as well and making it easier and more enjoyable for you than ever before. The best part is it’s all right here for you. No need to pack a suitcase or buy a plane ticket, just get outside.

So as another winter is winding down we are optimistic of the potential for outdoor family fun in the coming months.

There is a promise of bright sunshine and warm temperatures right around the corner. The City of Ardmore Parks and Recreation Department maintains fifteen parks for you to enjoy including almost ten miles of walking and running trails, four splash pads, play equipment as well as open space to enjoy as you wish. If you enjoy the water our four splash pads and Water Park rivals many in larger cities. We are excited to provide and maintain these great parks for you.

But there is an often overlooked opportunity for you to enjoy some family recreation here in Ardmore and that place is one of Ardmore’s beautiful city lakes. The City of Ardmore boasts four lakes: Lake Scott King, City Lake, Lake Jean Neustadt, Mountain Lake and a small children’s fishing pond.

Combined, there is over 1,100 acres of lake provided for you to enjoy. All of our lakes are well stocked for sport fishing as well as recreation. These lakes include boat ramps and docks, picnic tables, and are wheelchair accessible. Mountain Lake also has camping sites that have recently had electricity updated to make your stay more comfortable.

Ardmore provides many options for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors together and activities to fit anyone’s busy schedule. Find an hour, an afternoon, or even a day or two to get out and spend some quality family time together with your family and reconnect with the outdoors. There is a lot to see and do here and your family will thank you for it.

A VISION SCREENING IS NOT AN EYE EXAM

BY DR. BLAKE BUSH /Blake Bush Family Eye Care

tudents in Southern Oklahoma are now well into the second half of another academic year. Hopefully your friends and family have had a successful year and are looking forward to a great summer. If your student has had more difficulty this year than you expected, perhaps it is time to get him to your eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination. Your local optometrist is able to diagnose subtle yet significant vision conditions and plan a comprehensive treatment plan that is not part of a standard school vision screening.

In my practice, we frequently discover vision problems in

children that were previously undiagnosed. In fact, Vision Council of America estimates that 80% of children with a learning disability have an undiagnosed vision problem.

Discovering and treating these conditions can have astounding positive effects for both academic performance as well as behavior.

When visual skills are insufficient, a child will become more easily distracted or fatigued and will be unable to maintain his attention on nearpoint tasks. The student then becomes restless and begins to seek ways to cure his boredom. He might simply become mentally detached from his environment because it is too difficult to participate, or he may interrupt classmates and act out for attention. For this reason, it is not uncommon to prescribe a simple pair of glasses for a child and find that it diminishes attention problems, improves grades, and lifts the child’s spirit.

It usually is not that simple, of course. Every situation is different and occasionally the situation requires vision therapy to improve focusing and tracking or to treat an underperforming eye (commonly referred to as “lazy eye”). Rarely, even a surgical consult with an ophthalmologist may be warranted.

For most students, the first couple of years in school are devoted heavily to learning how to read. Eventually the curriculum transitions to using reading to learn other skills. From about third grade, it is presumed that a student has a highly functional reading ability. Because it is so important to the learning process, let’s examine the visual aspect of reading.

1

Two eyes must be able to bounce along a line of text using twelve muscles in perfect unison to keep the image from going double.

2

Any prescription must be accurately corrected in order to clearly see details in letters.

3

The reader must then be able to accurately interpret the image into language and continually process the message.

Whew! As you can see, reading is among the most complicated and precise activities we ask our bodies to perform on a regular basis. For a child, it can be extremely frustrating. Just like riding a bike or hitting a baseball, everyone learns physical skills at a different pace. The problem in the school setting is that a child can lag slightly behind his peers and be mislabeled with a learning disability, attention disorder, or a mental handicap early in his academic career. Even if he conquers the physical limitation, the label can be difficult to overcome.

Parents often assume that, because their child passed a vision screening at school, there must not be a vision related issue.

It is true that school vision screenings are effective at uncovering certain conditions like nearsightedness. It is unlikely, 19 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

bright smiles. bright minds. bright futures.

580.223.8726 | www.citiesinschoolsardmore.org

for

NS! I A RG A B

p Sho

A Street Antiques 215 Caddo

&

Parkway Antiques 15 Sam Noble Pkwy

Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

re o m d r A in

Pamela L. Kimbrough, MD Board Certified, ACOG

Great Expectations,

Realized.

however, that the screeners have the advanced training or testing equipment required to identify subtle eye turns, tracking, or focusing problems. Creating a false sense of security is a major concern about vision screening programs. Simply “passing” the screening does not eliminate the possibility of a vision problem, which can serve as a barrier to early diagnosis.

A comprehensive eye and vision examination will include: • Patient and Family health history • Visual acuity measurement (how well the patient is seeing) • Assessment of refractive status (nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism) • Evaluation of eye focusing, teaming, and movement (how the eyes move and work together) • Assessment of the health and functionality of individual eye structures • Additional tests as needed We make our best decisions when we have access to all available information. For this reason, we must utilize physicians, teachers, screening processes, and our own observations to give our kids the best chance at academic achievement. Empower your child’s success by having their eyes examined annually by their eye doctor.

Specialists in Women’s Health Care

complete gynecological care ultrasound • robotic & minimally invasive surgery • pelvic pain family planning • colposcopy

SottoPelle Bioequivelant Hormone Therapy Preformed in Ardmore & Norman

ARBUCKLE AREA COUNCIL,

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CONTINUES TO SERVE THE YOUTH AND LEADERS OF SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA

BY BRETT MATHERLY /Scout Executive at Boys Scouts of

America – Arbuckle Area Council

Life’s Cycle Womens Care, P.C. Obstetrics & Gynecology

970 Northwest Blvd. • Ardmore • 580-221-7500

Jo Fuller, APRN-CNP

Marcia Miller, PA-C

Pack 35 scouts for food.

20 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

he Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of citizenship and develops personal fitness.

For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The mission of the local Boy Scout Council, Arbuckle Area Council, is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Local Scouting opportunities include: Cub Scouts for boys from first to fifth grade, Boy Scouts for boys from ages 11-18, Venturing for young men and women who are 14-years-ofage or 13-years-of-age and have completed the 8th grade and under 21, and Exploring and Learning for Life, intra-curricular and in-school programs for boys and girls, K-12.

The Arbuckle Area Council services nine counties – Carter, Love, Marshall, Murray, Garvin, Atoka, Coal, Johnston, and Pontotoc – and the city of Ringling. Youth and adults may sign up for scouting at any time during the year.

The council maintains a service center at 411 State Highway 142 West in Ardmore. The service center houses a trading post where uniforms, Scout supplies, and Scout advancement may be purchased. The service center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Camp Simpson is the council’s 2,000 plus acre scout camp and is located at Bromide in Johnston County. Camp Simpson is home to the council’s Boy Scout winter and summer camps, Cub Scout Fall Monster Mash, Spring Family Camp, a ropes course, and many more Scout and non-Scout camping opportunities.

For more information on scouting in your area, please contact Arbuckle Area Council at (580) 223-0831 or

JOHN’S FURNITURE Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

Large shipment of Lay-Z-Boy Recliners has arrived at John’s.

All are on sale at special prices.

Stop By & See John Today!

15394 Highway 70 • Lone Grove • 580-657-8556 Owner John Taliaferro • johnsfurniturelg.com

20 Years Serving Ardmore & Southern Oklahoma Where We Treat Y Like F ou amily

visit www.arbucklebsa.org

The Arbuckle Area Council is a United Way Agency.

Troop 5 enjoys a rafting trip.

Home Loans

Competitive Interest Rates Conventional • FHA • VA • USDA Rural Housing Loan Same Day Approval • Apply Online • Purchase & Refinance

TEM BARRETT NMLS #291987

MORTGAGE INC

580-226-4282

www.barrettmortgageinc.com 21 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

GUS CAUDLE NMLS #292309

128 D NW ARDMORE NMLS #398026

TURNER FALLS

in Davis provides an economical opportunity for family fun regardless of the season.

BY J. DILLON HART/The Ardmoreite, dillon.hart@ardmoreite.com

Oklahoma’s oldest park with two natural swimming pools and the 77-foot waterfall.

File photos/The Ardmoreite

s spring approaches, the warming of the air and the greening of the foliage always seem to bring something else with them — travel.

All over the state and the county, families be gin to take trips, vacations and getaways that allow them to get outside, see new things or have some familiar fun with well-loved places and activities.

The only things that seem to hold some people back from getting away are financial and geographical limits. Trips to the beach or the mountains require some saving and planning.

But all options considered, there are local attractions that are a short drive away, a great time for the whole family and not too tough on the wallet; Like Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains region of Davis.

Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s oldest park, according to www. turnerfallspark.com. The city of Davis has owned and operated the attraction for nearly 100 years.

Some who have never been to the park might only think of it as a “water-hole,” meant for summertime aquatic activities, mainly due to the two natural swimming pools and the 77-foot waterfall at Honey Creek (the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma).

But what allows the park to maintain year-round vitality is its diversity. Visitors can stop in for an afternoon swim, or stay as long as they want and never run out of things to find and do.

“We have cabins (to) rent, we have some shelters and then of course, lots of camping areas,” said assistant park manager Billy Standifer, listing a few of the park’s accommodations for extended visitors.

“During the winter, we have trout fishing. We stock the creek,” he said. “That runs until March 15.”

Standifer also mentioned the numerous hiking trails, RV sites and even some friendly wildlife like turkey and deer, which

The tallest waterfall in Oklahoma

Think about them today.

Plan for tomorrow.

C

You can protect your family from the stress of making emotional decisions during a difficult time.

Call us. We’re here to help.

Enjoy your todays...Plan for tomorrow.

RADDOCK

Funeral Home

525 S. Commerce, Ardmore, OK • (580)223-2727 www.craddockfuneralhome.com 22 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

can’t be hunted on park property.

Beyond recreation, the park offers educational and historic aspects to its visitors as well.

According to the website, “The Park … serves as a classroom for naturalists as it includes three natural caves, formations of conglomerates, limestone, granite, shale and sandstone.”

The caves and geological formations entertain nature enthusiasts while the rock castle and hiking trails feed those with exploratory urges.

For something different from Turner Falls, Standifer recommended the Davis-owned Cross Bar Ranch for its moto-activities like ATV and motocross rentals/riding.

“We’ve got about 50 miles of (riding) trails over there,” he said.

“And we’ve got a half-mile of flat track, and of course RV sites and primitive camping.”

For yet another option, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, near Sulphur, expands the horizon for outdoorsmen and water lovers. The park offers motorboating, skiing, fishing and

swimming at Lake of the Arbuckles, in addition to hiking and cycling, according to its website, www.nps.gov/chic/index. htm.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area also encompasses the Platt Historic District, as well as picnic and park areas that are perfect for family reunions or picnics.

With these and more local attractions, finding a place to take the family should be no daunting task this spring. Save time and money by visiting some of the state’s most reputed parks and places.

For information about the above areas and directions for travel, visit turnerfallspark.com, nps.gov/chic/index.htm, and crossbarranch.com. @jdhartARD

All About Backs Mattresses & More

2401 12th Ave. NW ~ Suite 104A ~ Ardmore ~ (580) 223-2040 ~ www.shopallaboutbacks.com

23 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

GREAT FUTURES START HERE

BY MISTY SANDERS /Executive

Director Boys and Girls Clubs of Carter County

he Boys and Girls Clubs of Carter County have been impacting the youth of Carter County since 1998. We have been a United Way Agency for 15 years. We serve youth at three locations: Ardmore Tiger Unit, which serves ages 13 years old and up inside the HFV Wilson Center, Hardy’s House, which serves ages five years old through fifth grade inside the Wilson Elementary School and Teen Town, which serves sixth grade and up in Wilson.

We are deepening our impact by assuring success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and leadership and living a healthy lifestyle.

All of our members participate in programs in the areas of academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

We strive for academic success every day. All members have access to certified tutors afterschool. We offer high-yield learn-

24 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

ing activities that include leisure reading, writing activities and games that develop a young people’s cognitive skills. In the last year, we have given our teen members more hands-on opportunities to tour and experience our workforce. Members toured the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center — Auto Collision, Auto Service and Diesel Technology. The cosmetology program spent the day at our Teen Town. In 2015, our members will tour American National Bank, Staples, Ross and Lowe’s.

We teach our members the value of good character and citizenship in a variety of ways. We offer leadership clubs for youth ages 11 through 18, which instill responsibility and community involvement.

All teen members have opportunities to volunteer at different events through the club, as well as our partnership with the HFV Wilson Center. This year, we are planning a service project that will include our elementary-aged members.

All members are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle. Since 2006, we have been awarded a grant to teach diabetes prevention to ages 7 to 10 year olds. This program teaches the importance of healthy eating and exercising.

In 2014, the Teen Town Unit won the state award for Health and Life Skills by hosting a dating violence seminar for the Wilson middle and high schools. The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma presented the information and this is being scheduled again for the spring of 2015. Oklahoma is No. 3 in teen dating violence and it is important to give teens the tools they need to recognize the signs.

We provide all of this and more for membership dues of just $20 per year.

Every day, we ask the youth we serve to push through their challenges, overcome adversities and encourage them to be great.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, have membership ques-

tions, please call our administration office at (580) 668-3115 or like our Facebook page.

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

CHEER CONNECTION OUTLAWS / Leader: Ashton Adams,

owner 109 North Washington St. / (580) 465­8833

4­H / Leader: Gerri Ballard, extension educator

Carter County Extension Office 107 1st SW, Courthouse Annex

GIRL SCOUTS – WESTERN OKLAHOMA, INC. / Leader:

There are organizations that fill the bill for any number of youth interests across southern Oklahoma ARDMORE GOALS SOCCER / Leader: Scott Mason, President

Lynette Blevins, Service Unit Support Specialist 333 W. Main, Ste. 150 / (405) 528­GIRL

GIRLS ON THE RUN OF SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA / Leader:

Morse Field, East Main Street / (580) 222­5298

Erica Gay, council director P.O. Box 1747 / (580) 319­5397

ARDMORE TAKEDOWN CLUB / Leader: Jimmy Langford, Head coach 701 Veterans Boulevard / (580)504­4005

Gilmartin, executive director 625 E. Main St. / (580) 223­0136

HFV WILSON COMMUNITY CENTER / Leader: Alicia

Leader: Brett Matherly, Scout Executive 411 State Highway 142 West / (580) 223­0831

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA ARBUCKLE AREA COUNCIL /

KIPPERS GYMNASTICS CLUB/ Leaders: Wanetta Thompson, coach 415 Myall Road SW / (580) 223­2631

CAMP FIRE / Leader: Margaret Gilbert

MISS BLACK ARDMORE PAGEANT PROGRAM / Leaders:

CITIES IN SCHOOLS / Leader: Sara Orellana

10 W Main Ste. 313 / (580) 223­8762

PRECIOUS PEARLS OF ARDMORE, INC. / Leaders: Joi Bass, Daphne Adair and Terri White / (504) 402­3998

SASSER JIU JITSU

SHANNON CRITES SCHOOL OF DANCE / Leaders: Shan-

1710 W. Main / (580) 223­5889

Shenta Jones and Mary Johnson / (580) 277­3386

235 West Main St. / (580) 465­6251

non Crites, owner 1105 Walnut Drive West / (580) 223­5517

Trees have leaves?

Discover what you’re missing – Eye Exams for Glasses & Contact Lenses – LASIK Consultation – Choose from Hundreds of Stylish New Frames – Most Insurance Accepted

(580) 223-7333 | 908 N. Rockford Rd - Ardmore | BlakeBushFamilyEyeCare.com 25 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

F

so that as our kids enter high school sports — and for the lucky few college sports they remain injury-free and able to perform at a high level. There are way too many teenagBY ASHLEY MASON /Owner, Gauntlet ers who lift improperly Fitness or sustain an injury during a game, and it ruins their knees or back or worse. These kids suffer an injury ids are born with a love of movement. They love to the rest of their life for make up games, play sports, and be outside. Kids absolutely no reason. who love sports often grow up to be adults who love to The short-lived glory be physically active. Laying the proper foundation for Ava Mason, Addison Mason, Alistair Ross, on the football field is that love of movement is critical in the early years of a Jordan Shirley, Ramsey Ward, Jaxson Shir- little consolation to the ley, Molly Harlow, Henry Harlow, Liam Machild’s life.

30-year old looking at son, Mitchell Ward, and Hunter Johnston.

Youth sports are a great time to instill a love of physical activity. knee surgery to simply Try not to focus exclusively on one sport early on. Let your child keep up with his kids or enjoy his annual ski vacation. pick and choose what sounds fun to him or her and try it all.

In November, we started a kids program at the gym aimed at It’s important for adults to remember that the kid out in the field helping young athletes get better with their hand-eye coordipicking flowers (or wedgies, or their nose) is just being a kid nation, strength, and teaching them proper movement patand the love of movement is still being instilled, whether or not terns that will help them in sports and the rest of their life. We a ball lands in their glove or they run the wrong way trying to also talk a lot about teamwork, respect for coaches, honesty make a soccer goal. on the court, field, and life, and all the other things that go into Coaches play an important role in helping kids love organized making a good athlete. In the short time we’ve been working sports. A kind coach who takes the time to involve all players, with these kids, we have seen so much improvement in their regardless of skill level, and uses positive methods to motivate basic skills, strength, and coordination. Since our gym is an his athletes, is a coach who will be remembered by his young American Ninja Warrior training facility, all the kids get a go athletes long after they have moved out of the U12 bracket. at the Warped Wall at the end of every class and they all get We have all come into contact with a youth coach who cared satisfaction out of getting higher on the wall each time. We’re a little too much about winning, or a little too much about the pretty sure that for some of them that is the only reason they mistake his player on the field or court just made. Kids, as well come! as adults, remember people who made us feel good about Watching all of our athletes, young and…not so young, imourselves. We remember the people who saw potential in us prove and get stronger is the highlight of our job! when we weren’t sure it was there to begin with. The amazing Mason is an IIN-certified Health Coach, as well as an ACE-certhing about this life is that we all get to choose how we are tified Sports Conditioning Specialist. She loves running and remembered. Always strive to be a coach who is remembered is a volunteer coach for Girls On The Run. She’s also a somewell. time-yogi, local food movement advocate, and homeschoolThe other part of the equation is to learn how to properly move ing mom of three kids.

MOVE, MOVE, MOVE

Young athletes who are participating in the strength and conditioning class are seen above having fun monkeying around while working on their balance, strength, and coordination.

26 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY

Children from Gauntlet Fitness group together on the ninja warrior wall with Coach Shawn Mason.

320 N. Commerce Street | Suite 10 | Behind Sears

Quilting can be fun & easy!

Lo ok what we made for Valenti ne’s!

Join us to make your own...

Upc omi ng Events

All Adult Sewing Class

4th Monday of each Month (Feb. 23, Mar. 23 & Apr. 27) – 2-5pm Brush up or learn how to sew and quilt!

“Where are My Embroidery Files” Computer Class

Call to sign up, date to be determined. Learn how to downloard, find and organize your embroidery designs!

ut our o k c e Ch y ad in weekl reite’s TV s! dmo The Ar e on Sunday in Magaz

OKC Quilt Show Events

Listed on www.ArdmoreSews.com featuring Ricky Timms and Angie Stevenson

Visit our website

www.ArdmoreSews.com

or our Facebook Page, Ardmore Creative Sewing Center for full details!

580-223-6655 | Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-1

GET IN ON THE BEST SWEEPSTAKES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY OF 2015 The 2nd annual HomeFinder.com Sweepstakes is giving away $200,000 in total prizes from April through June. Take advantage of the sweepstakes’ extensive national reach, while targeting consumers in your local market. Co-branded placements in print, digital, email, and social create a highly visible campaign.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO... t

Newspaper.com

Real Estate

Expand your brand reach as

This week’s $10,000 winner could be you!

a sponsor of a nationally Enter to Win

promoted sweepstakes t

Combine multi-platform

YOUR LOGO

Enter to Win Enter to Win

HERE

sponsorship and promotional elements to create a high YOUR LOGO

impact, highly efficient

HERE

ad buy t

Get Noticed - Get Results

YOUR LOGO

HERE

AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Premier

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Contactyour yourlocal Ardmoreite representative Contact newspaper representativefor fordetails! details!

(580) 223-2200

28 SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA FAMILY