November 2018 E-Newsletter

Central Oklahoma Children’s Directory

E-Newsletter

November 2018 centralokchildrensdirectory.com (405) 348-3009/(405) 340-6912 Sign up to receive this FREE e-newsletter at: centralokchildrensdirectory@hotmail.com

Annual Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival Returns November 3 - Yukon Two City Events Join Together for Double the Shopping Fun! The Mabel C. Fry Public Library and the Yukon Parks and Recreation Department have joined together once again this year to offer the Friends of the Library Book Sale and Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival!

Both events are scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd, at the Dale Robertson Center and Mabel C. Fry Library, both located off of Highway 66 and Yukon Parkway.

The Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival features over 45 craft vendors from across Oklahoma.

Booths include jewelry, candles, handmade clothing, home décor, and many more goodies.

While at the craft festival, visit the popular Pumpkin Patch Café and sample authentic Indian Tacos. The Friends of the Park Bake Sale will also be there to satisfy your sweet tooth. Last year’s proceed from the bake sale went to add additional walkways/sidewalks at the Spirit League field to make it more accessible for players and spectators, many who are in wheelchairs and on walkers.

This year 2018 proceeds will go towards landscaping the new Taylor Park restroom being built now for the 2019 spring baseball season. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the event is FREE to the public.

The Fall Winter 2018-19 issue is here! Thank you to all of our wonderful advertisers who have kept this publication going for TWENTY-FOUR years! You can read the entire directory online and pick up copies at any of our advertisers’ business locations.

For more events, go to our website and click on centralokchildrensdirectory.com

or LIKE us on Facebook!

The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is held next door the library. The book sale is open to the public from 9 a.m. to in the lobby and public meeting rooms of 3 p.m.

Central Oklahoma Children’s Fall Winter printed directories will be distributed at this event!

It’s time to book your ad in the Spring Summer Central OK Children’s Directory Call Sherry at 405-340-6912.

Publishing in March 2019

What YOU need to Know about Tax Donations and Scholarships At the end of 2017, the tax reform package known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted. The changes will impact numerous areas of your 2018 tax filing, including charitable contributions.

Some taxpayers may not be able to deduct their charitable giving under these new regulations, decreasing their motivation to donate to nonprofits.

The Math

One way to make up for losing deductions is to donate to a scholarship granting organization (SGO). There are several SGOs in Oklahoma, including the Opportunity Scholarship Fund (OSF). A contribution to OSF provides the donor an Oklahoma income tax credit and a charitable contribution deduction. A tax credit provides a reduction of tax liability, while a tax deduction lowers the income that the marginal tax rate is calculated. So, the donor gets tax benefits while helping lower-income children get the education they want. It is a win-win for the donor and kids of Oklahoma.

To help pay for the tax cuts, TCJA significantly limited deductions in several areas, including state and local taxes.

For example, if someone paid $7,000 in property tax and $5,250 in Oklahoma income taxes in 2017, they would have received a $12,250 deduction on their federal income tax return. In 2018, that deduction is capped at $10,000, meaning a loss of $2,250 in itemized deductions.

Additionally, the standard deduction increased to $12,000 for single taxpayers and $24,000 for married taxpayers.

That means a married taxpayer with itemized deductions totaling $21,000 in 2017, will not itemize their deductions in 2018. They also will not be able to itemize their deductions on their 2018 Oklahoma income tax return – providing a standard deduction of $12,700. This will create more taxable income on an Oklahoma tax return in 2019.

The Solution

Even if a taxpayer does not have enough deductions to itemize on their tax return, they can still get a 50 to 75 percent income tax credit on their donation to OSF. Consult your tax adviser to determine the best strategy for your situation.

For more information, visit osfkids.org

Thanksgiving Break Camp at Edmond Fine Arts Institute

2018 COMMEMORATIVE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

For the past fourteen years, the Edmond Fine Arts Institute has commissioned Andy Boatman of Blue Sage Studios to Looking for something creative for elementary age students design and create commemorative glass ornaments for to do during the week long Thanksgiving Break? The Edholiday decorating and giving. This year the skilled artisan mond Fine Arts Institute is hosting a one or two day Thankshas designed a shimmering alabaster and sky-blue handgiving Holiday Art Camp on November 19th and 20th from blown, beautifully textured ornament for collectors to en9:30-2:00. Children will rotate between four classes to crejoy. His design adds a frosty elegance to any holiday décor. ate multiple holiday themed art projects. Come one day or These limited-edition ornaments are packaged with coorboth days and enjoy new projects each day taught by the dinating customized ribbons ready for holiday gift giving.

Art in Schools teachers. For more information and to enroll “Andy’s ornaments are collector’s items and can be enjoyed visit edmondfinearts.com or call 405-340-4481. year-round,” Shannon Price, Edmond Fine Arts executive diFLU Shots atEdmond’s OU Children’s Physicians For 33 years, the Fine Arts Institute has been rector states.

“We always look forward to his creative ideas Stop the spread of the sniffles this year.

Visitthe thepartnership Patient with Blue Sage Studios.” nonprofit community arts organization offering educaand appreciate Fluchildren Clinic located in the OU Children’s Physicians Buildtional enrichment for adults and in the visual and The ornaments may be preordered online at www.edmondperforming arts. Located at 27 ing, East 5th Edwards flooracross Suitefor 5Athe for anfinearts.com influenza immunization and/or purchased at the Fine Arts Institute, 27 downtown post office, the FAI isor theitsplace for allmist ages alternative. to disE. Edwards, OK8-5, for $25. painless AvailableEdmond, Mon.-Fri. cover, create and perform. now through Dec. 21.

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute offers year-round visual and performing art classes for all ages. For more information, call 340-4481 or visitedmondfinearts.com.

FLU Shots at OU Children’s Physicians

Stop the spread of the sniffles this year. Visit the Patient Flu Clinic located in the OU Children’s Physicians Building, 5th floor Suite 5A for an influenza immunization or its painless mist alternative. Available Mon.-Fri. 8-5, now through Dec. 21.

Archery Traditions Birthday Parties Allow Archery Traditions of Oklahoma to host your next birthday party. Many find archery to be a fun and original birthday party activity. No experience required! We will dedicate one of our experienced coaches to work with your archers to ensure everyone learns to shoot properly and safely.

Rental bows are available for parties big and small, but feel free to supply your own bows. To inquire about having your party, please call 405-350-1100

School’s Out Day Camps

11/19/2018, 8:15 AM to 5:15 PM Weekly on Monday,Tuesday,We dnesday,Thursday,Friday Location:Rosser Conservation Education Center - OKC Zoo Description: Want a unique adventure for your child during school holidays? Check out School’s Out Day Camps at the OKC Zoo! Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch.

Cost per child per day: $45. Ages: 4-11 years.

Advanced registration and payment required. Drop-off 8:008:30 am.

Day Camp runs 8:30-5:15.

Late pick-up fees of $1.00/minute will apply.

Learn more: https://www.okczoo.org/camps

Birthday Parties at Cottonwood Creek Our popular Cottonwood Creek Ranch birthday parties are $300 and include a 20-30 minute riding lesson for up to 12 riders (additional $25/rider after 12).

We also have a PAINTED PONY PARTY for an additional $30, this is fun for all ages! Use your own horse as a giant canvas.

We provide washable, non-toxic paint.

To schedule your CCR Birthday Bash, contact Annie Specht at 405-888-7379.

Oklahoma Contemporary is a nexus for community engagement that provides a vital and fertile platform for dialogue about contemporary art, artists and the creative process.

Public programs and educational experiences include talks by, and conversations with, distinguished artists; classes, camps and workshops; performances, films, gallery talks and activities that support ongoing exploration of works on view.

Partnerships and collaborations are at the core of our education and public programs. We work with a wide range of area organizations to present relevant and thoughtful programs, broaden our audience, share unique resources and build stronger networks within our community. For more information: 3000 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73107, Phone: 405.951.0000, info@okcontemp.org

FREE first Mondays at Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma’s

Free admission for youth 17 and under. General museum admission applies to adults 18 and older. MEGALODON: Largest shark that ever lived! Be consumed!

(405) 325-4712 - 401 Chautaqua Ave., Norman www.snomh.ou.edu

Become a Golden Goldfish and Help Oklahoma’s Homeless November 1-30 all donations go to

Goldfish Gives Back to The Homeless Alliance Donate New

and

Make $1 or $5

Donation to Goldfish isorgiving this November! We’ve partnered with Gentlyback Used or Homeless Towels The Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma CityAlliance and are collecting new and gently used towels and/or monetary donations during the month of November. Towels are a much needed All Donors Receive:so our goal is to collect as many item for their organization, • Awe spot Goldfish Wall off towels in the donaas canon toour helpGolden those in need. Drop • Free lesson or area Family for Non-Members tion boxtrial in our lobby anySwim time Pass this month and receive a Golden Goldfish to sign and hang on our wall, plus members The Homeless Alliance works to end homelessness in OKC by filling gaps in our city's receive free quarter candy, and non-members will receive a homeless services, while bringing nationally-recognized best practices to Oklahoma.

FREE trial lesson or Family Swim.

The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 8th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2018. Join us for another great winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction. Open 7 days a week from beginning November 9, the Devon Ice Rink hosts daily public skating, private parties, and special events all winter long. The ice rink will be open through January 27.

Rates: $13 per person for all ages (includes skates). $8 for guests Plus take of our special November Anniversary who bring their own skates. Myriad Garden Members skate In 2017 theadvantage Homeless Alliance: Offer!

Enrollto in two orunique more months of lessons and receive a for $7 (includes skates). Group rate (10 or more guests) is • Gave shelter over 6,000 guests • Averaged 292 guests each day waived annual member fee (up to $45 value) plus a special $9 and includes skates. Advanced reservations required for • Found housing for 715 people including Veterans & Families welcome bag with a t-shirt, family swim pass, 25% off Trea- groups. Private parties available.

• Provided over 95,000 meals • Provided overcoupon, 23,000 showers sure Island pencil and a Bubbles bath toy.

For more details and holiday hours, visit • Gave kennel, barber, library, computer, legal case management, https://downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink/ support class access to guestsis the premier learn-to-swim facility Goldfish Swim School for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Thank Science of Your SwimPlay, to& build life skills both in You for Generosity Compassion! and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/ Where children play to learn and adults learn to play! edmond Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has 42,000 square Homeschool Day - Nov. 13 Edmond The feet of indoor exhibit space and a large outdoor play area, complete with miniature houses and a riding train, the SuHistorical Society and Museum Homeschool Day will be an all-day program at the 1889 perSONIC Express. The museum offers children an opporSchoolhouse on 124 Second St in Edmond, OK. The ages for tunity to explore the world of work through many of our career-based exhibits. Young visitors can be a judge, docthis Homeschool Day are 6 and up. There will be tor, artist, news anchor, meteorologist, actor/actress, pilot, reading and writing activities during the day.

EMT, firefighter, and much more. We even have a 13,500-galSpace is limited in the schoolhouse, so we do ask lon aquarium filled with Oklahoma aquatic life. Our 12,000 that only students older than 6 attend. The prosquare foot Castle Maze provides exploratory experiences gram will last from 9 AM to 2 PM, and students for those who like a physical challenge. Those who just like will need to bring their own lunch. to just look, can observe from the elevated deck. All exhibits November 13 (still available) Edmond Historical Society and Museum, 431 S Boulevard Edmond, OK 73034, and experiences are “Hands-On”, not “Hands Off”.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole

(405) 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

We hope you will visit us soon. Should you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-800-259-KIDS.

Get ready for the Holidays!

Shop our online store for toys and gifts grouped by age learning tree toys, books and games, inc.

7638 North Western, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 in Wilshire Village, one block south of Wilshire on North Western (405) 848-1415 http://learningtreeokc.com/

Christmas Express Train

Come see Santa, sing Christmas Carols and hear a reading of Christmas stories! Enjoy cookie and hot chocolate reception after the ride. Smiley O’Riley from Dental Depot will be handing out goodie bags to all of the children.

Tickets are going fast, get yours now.

December 8, 15, & 22, 2018 Tickets on sale now. www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org/events/train-rides/ christmas-train/

Territorial Christmas @ Harn On Thursday, November 29th from 6:30-8:30, please join us for Harn House Tours, interactions with a display from Critter Tales, holiday crafts and decorations, Chris Grill and Frozen treats food truck, and a visit with Santa at our annual family event! Get your pre-sale tickets on the website, they are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate. Tickets required for all of our visitors ages 4 and up. https://www.harnhomestead.com/ events/territorial-christmas/

Retro Christmas tree painting party! November 9th 7-10pm. $49 includes everything you need for our most popular tree (11.5 inch with base) ), glaze, firing, light kit and bulbs. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies while you paint.

Pre-order your tree and save $5. Call us at (405)340-7584 to reserve your tree. Walk-ins always welcome but we can't guarantee this tree, especially at this price.

575 Enterprise Dr, Ste 110, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013 www.unpluggits.com

300 W Gray #112 Norman, OK 73069 405-360-4482 info@travelwithmichelle.com

We love working with Couples, Singles, Friends and Family!

Create memories that will last a lifetime!

We love planning disney cruises and vacations, all-inclusive beach vacations, cruises, South Pacific getaways, European tours, and more!

Just contact us to get started!

Al’s Bicycles 30 Year Business

Central OK Children’s Directory Original Advertiser!

Al’s Bicycles continues to be Oklahoma’s largest independent bicycle dealer. We offer friendly and reliable customer service and the quality brands you expect from a professional bicycle retailer.

At Al’s Bicycles, we understand that your bike is worth more than the sum of its parts. Cycling is a way of life that represents good health, fun, freedom, personal expression and so much more. Whether you are a recreational rider or a fierce competitor, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the bicycle, accessories, and cycling apparel perfectly suited to fit your riding style.

Located in Edmond, Al’s Bicycles has a full-service department ready to take care of your maintenance needs. If you have any questions, please be sure to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Al’s Bicycles in Edmond is more than a central source for great bicycles, bike accessories and apparel. Our experienced staff will help you find the proper bike fit with our free test rides. Once you have purchased your bike we provide excellent service after the sale. Each Al’s Bicycles has experienced bike mechanics and offers free adjustments for life with purchase. We will also help you find the great rides, latest cycling info and biking events in Oklahoma. Al’s also supports youth groups.

For details visit www.alsbicycles.com

Sanctuary Asia encompasses the elephant pavilion and habitat built in 2010, now totaling 14.5 acres for the OKC Zoo’s Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, Komodo dragons, red pandas, Francois’ langurs, several tanuki (also known as raccoon dogs), cassowaries and Burmese tortoises.

The design of each animal habitat allows exceptional protection for and care of these species while also providing guests with fantastic viewpoints to the wildlife. Elephants and rhinos can now shift between five unique habitats, providing additional enrichment for the animals and stunning views for visitors. A new training wall and feeding windows provide Zoo caretakers and visitors with innovative ways to engage with the animals.

Central to Sanctuary Asia is Lotus Pavilion, a vast two-level restaurant and event venue with floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly uniting animal habitats with guests, providing stunning views into animal habitats across the Zoo’s 140-acres. In addition to providing daily food service, including unique menu items unavailable elsewhere at the Zoo, Lotus Pavilion allows guests to dine while watching rhinos, elephants and Komodo dragons. The space is also designed to accommodate special events during the day or evening hours. For more information, www.okczoo.org

www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

The Christmas classic that follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more.

Find Your Roots at the Library

Oklahoman’s looking to connect to their roots can visit the library for genealogical help. This month the Metropolitan Library System is celebrating genealogy and telling customers how to, “find your roots at the library.”

November is Family History Month at all Metro Libraries.

Oklahoma County residents can visit the library’s website to get started or call the special collections department to get help with genealogical research questions.

“We want our customers to be aware of the free genealogy resources we have available here at the library, including a special collection of genealogy resources at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library,” special collections librarian Lisa Bradley said. “Not only do we have a genealogy special collection, but we have genealogy resources available online from home and a team of librarians to answer questions.”

Online resources include access to Oklahoma-specific resources such as the Oklahoman Digital Archives and Oklahoma Newspapers; popular vital records depositories such as African American Heritage, America’s GenealogyBank, Fold3 and HeritageQuest Online; national newspaper archives; historical and antique maps including information on original landowners and history resources such as A to Z the USA, African American History Online, Indigenous Peoples: North America and more. Ancestry.com access is also available in the library.

“This is the time of year when many of us see our family and extended family, which is a great time to record family stories and ask relatives questions about your ancestors, so you

can get started on your family tree. Making a connection with your ancestors through genealogical research can be a powerful experience,” Bradley said.

Library customers looking to get started on their genealogical research can access resource guides and online databases from the library’s genealogy webpage or contact the library’s special collections department at (405) 606-3859.

Dancing Away at the Community Dance Center The Community Dance Center at Oklahoma City University has served hundreds of students since it was established in 2007. Our mission is toa provide dance classes to the greater Oklahoma City area while serving as a learning laboratory for students of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University. The affiliations we hold with Oklahoma City University allows us to uniquely provide qualified university-trained instructors in a fun, safe and healthy environment.

The Community Dance Center offers dance classes to students of all ages. Classes are offered in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop. Our small classes, 7-12 students, offer students personal attention which helps them improve and gain confidence. Office staff are available during class times, giving our families professional and immediate assistance. Participation in our annual showcase is at no cost to our students. There are no recital fees, costume fees, and tickets to the performance are FREE! For more information visit https://www.okcu.edu/community-dance-center/ classes