MetroFamily Magazine March 2013 by MetroFamily Magazine

March 2013

Spring Break FUN! Find great camps & activities inside Discover the Water-Zoo in Clinton 8 traits that make a good coach

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Saturday, March 23 OKCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier family fun event!

How safe are Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schools? What one group is doing to keep kids safe

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Don’t miss the premier festival for family fun! Scheduled for Saturday, March 23 from 10am-4pm, Kids Fest is the perfect time for you and your family to enjoy a fantastic day together enjoying live entertainment, hands-on activities, inflatables, a petting zoo, a kids’ Safety Village and more—plus opportunities to learn about local businesses, nonprofits and other agencies that serve families in the OKC metro. Our sincere appreciation to K12.com (Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy) for their Gold Sponsorship of this event! Find all the details and a money-saving coupon in our Kids Fest section starting on page 37 or at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. ADDITIONALLY... In February’s issue, we announced the finalists and winners of our 2013 MetroFamily Family Favorites awards. You can reference these great family-friendly businesses and services all year at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites-2013. Coming in April’s issue is the very popular and helpful Summer Camps and Activities Guide. This guide provides dozens of fun and educational activities to enrich your child’s summer. If your business or group offers summer camps for children, be sure to contact us soon to get involved. Contact us at 405-601-2081 or ads@metrofamilymagazine.com. Spring has sprung so don’t miss our list of fun Spring Break activities and camps offered at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/spring-break-camps and www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ spring-break-activities. Consignment sales are in full bloom right now! Save money, make money and get your closets cleaned out (BONUS!) by checking out our comprehensive consignment sales and stores guide at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/consignment.

Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at:

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

You could WIN big! Sign up to be eligible for great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests. • Honor a special mom in your life by nominating her for our Awesome Mom contest. From all the nominations received, one will be chosen to win a twonight trip for two to the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine and will be featured as the Real Mom of the Metro in our May issue. Hurry! Deadline is March 8. • Plan the best week ever with our Spring Break Fun Giveaway—which includes tickets to some of the most family-friendly venues across the metro, including Science Museum Oklahoma, the OKC Zoo and more! Deadline March 14. • You can also win one of our many door prizes or one of three special grand prizes at our 2nd Annual Kids Fest event on March 23 (details at left). Grand prizes include a trip for four to Branson, MO; a trip for two to the Gaylord Texan Resort; and a $300 gift card from OECU. Do not miss this event! • Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter. com/metrofamily) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/metrofamily) for announcements of other fun contests.

You could SAVE big!

Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ okc-family-discounts. • Skate Galaxy • Guitar for Kids • Sylvan Learning Center • The Vintage Pearl • Bouncin’ Craze • Dawn to Dusk Inflatables • Club Z! In-Home Tutoring • Jump!Zone • Mathnasium • Gymboree • Bright Smile Family Dentistry • Oklahoma Health Solutions PLUS, save big bucks with the Kids Pass for 2012-2013 that includes over 30 coupons to local and statewide attractions! Download it today at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ kids-pass.

Contents March 2013

Dear MetroFamily

Family Shorts

Editor’s Note.

Community news, resources & other family-friendly information.

16 Ask the Expert

Three questions: anxiety, bullying and bedwetting.

20 Learning Adventures What do you see?

22 Oklahoma Reads Great reads for all.

24 Problem-Solving Products 27 Calendar

Fun events, activities and classes.

46 Exploring Oklahoma Take your “animals” to Clinton’s Water-Zoo!

50 Your Healthy Family

Preparing your kids for spring sports safety.

Enjoy a splashing good time at the Water-Zoo in Clinton this Spring Break.

18 48

52 Local Eating It’s time for spring sports! But before you sign up, consider what makes a great coach. We’ve got eight points to consider.

Who are Oklahoma Lawyers for Children? Meet the beneficiaries of the 2013 Redbud Classic and find out how they’re making a positive difference in our community.

Find Mediterranean cuisine in Moore at Hummus Café.

54 Focus on Education

How local schools are addressing safety concerns.

56 Real Moms of the Metro

Meet community advocate Amy Newberry.

59 Mom Gets the Last Laugh ON OUR COVER: Three-year-old Draik, son of Brandon and Amey Barrett of Newcastle, is ready for spring. He tells his mom that he want to swing, slide and run at the park when spring arrives. Draik is the winner of MetroFamily’s Cover Kids contest in the 19 months-3 years category. COVER PHOTO BY: Steffanie Halley, Steffanie Halley Photography.

Have you seen the Easter Bunny?

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Dear MetroFamily, Don’t you just love spring? I sure do. The change of seasons, the promise of warmer weather, the trees changing, leaves growing, flowers starting to bloom. It’s as though the whole world is waking up and coming to life! March started to mean even more to me 11 years ago, when I first became a mom. I checked into the clinic late Thursday night when my water broke, leaving a few days later with my husband and our brand new baby boy. I was shell-shocked; intellectually I knew that I was going to be a mother, but what that meant hadn’t really sunk in for me yet. What I remember most on that ride home is sitting in the back of our car with my tiny new baby in his giant car seat, amazed that he was here and amazed that in the span of a Enjoying the last of the winter season by hanging out few days (that seemed like a lifetime), spring with penguins in February. had sprung out all over the place. Those green leaves marked the beginning of a new cycle in my life, a new beginning, it felt like an affirmation for this new path we were taking as parents. Since then, I notice more closely when the seasons change. When you’re a parent to a growing child, the changing of the seasons usually also brings changes to their stage of behavior; these days, it seems my children are like the weather in Oklahoma—if you don’t like current conditions, just wait a few minutes and it’s bound to change again. With children entering their tween years, this volatility isn’t always a good thing, but it’s a part of the process; success as a parent means that you create an individual to send out into the world, to become an individual, to bloom and grow on their own. So celebrate the seasons as they change! Appreciate each and every moment with your own children and remember that these moments only last for a season.

What’s the best part of spring arriving?

The best part of spring (and home schooling) is spending long afternoons at the park.

Sarah Taylor, Publisher Being able to take a walk or get outside and work in the garden more frequently.

Lela Davidson, Mom Gets the Last Laugh The best part of spring is watching the kids play outside. Because if we are stuck inside this house one more minute I am going throw a tantrum.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

Editor Mari M. Farthing editor@metrofamilymagazine.com Art Director Kathryne Taylor kathryne@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor & Online Content Manager Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com

Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

We asked our contributors:

Jennifer Geary, Exploring Oklahoma

Publisher Sarah L. Taylor sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Lela Davidson, Julie Dill, Shannon Fields, Jennifer Geary, Stacy Henry, Todd Parkin

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

Planting our garden and not having to pile on coats, hats and gloves just to leave the house!

To submit events to our calendar calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com

Project Manager Janetta Bridges janetta@metrofamilymagazine.com

Cheers,

Brooke Barnett, Assistant Editor

Info And Questions: 405-601-2081

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081 • Fax: 405-445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2013, All Rights Reserved. Volume 16, Number 3

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

Fundraiser to Benefit Children in Foster Care

Spring Break Getaway for Kids with Special Needs “Morgan’s Wonderland is a safe and affordable family theme park with more than 25 attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens,” said Gordon Hartman, CEO of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. “It’s the very first park of its kind because it was designed with special-needs individuals in mind, but built for everyone to enjoy.” The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from Hartman’s 19-year-old daughter Morgan. Her soaring spirit, despite her personal challenges, sparked within Hartman a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers, friends and the general public. This season, the 25-acre park will continue to offer discounts for both active-duty and retired military personnel, season passes and discounted multi-ticket packages. Admission for those with special needs is always free of charge, while admission fees for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers and the general public are nominal. Special events for 2013 will include an Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt in March, the Fiesta San Antonio Wildflower Bike Ride in April, a Salute to the Military and First Responders in July, More Delightful Than Frightful Halloween in October and A Wonderland Christmas in December. Located in northeast San Antonio, Texas, Morgan’s Wonderland will begin its 2013 season on Friday, March 1. Information on admissions, operating days and hours of operation may be found at www.morganswonderland.com.

Currently, there are more than 9,000 children in Oklahoma’s foster care system. The mission of Citizens Caring for Children (CCC) is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect by addressing the material, emotional and intellectual needs of children in foster care. Through its programs, CCC promotes self-worth, self-esteem and develops character to give hope, change lives and create healthy futures for children in the foster care system. CCC will host a fundraising event, Bids for Kids, on April 20 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club (7000 NW Grand Boulevard in Nichols Hills). Proceeds from Bids for Kids are used to directly meet the unique needs of the more than 3,600 children and young adults living in foster care each year. Bids for Kids will begin at 6:30pm and will feature a silent and live auction, cocktails, a seated dinner, wine pull, dancing and live music by Superfreak. Event sponsorships are available and range from $500 to $10,000. Tickets are $150 each and may be purchased by calling 405-7534099. For more information, visit www. citizenscaringforchildren.org.

Robotics Scholarships Available for Teens With the goal of fostering innovation and creativity at an early age, techJOYnT combines science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM)-based challenges with a handson approach to learning. The organization uses robotics and engineering challenges to help students ages 4 and older to discover their natural abilities, creativity & strengths. There are eight techJOYnT scholarships available to allow youth ages 14–18 to participate in educational robotics competitive challenges. “These scholarships are available on an annual basis,” explains Ramier Shaik, techJOYnT’s founder/CEO. “They are designed to give kids a positive experience with after-school activities and summer programs with a STEAM focus.” In addition to scholarship assistance to help with program fees, techJOYnT can also provide transportation to and from events for qualifying students within certain areas of Oklahoma City. Scholarship recipients are also eligible for complimentary snacks and could possibly qualify for future college scholarship opportunities. “These scholarships help introduce kids to the program,” Shaik explains. “Once the [robotics] competition is over, they can continue on to other programs. We hope to keep them engaged throughout the year through sports, leadership and STEAM programs.” The deadline for scholarship applications is March 28. For more information and an application, call 405-345-5010 or visit www.techjoynt.org.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

In a country devastated by over 1,200 tornadoes each year, preparation for severe weather is a serious subject. The Second Annual National Tornado Summit (NTS) will be held in Oklahoma City March 10–12 at the Cox Convention Center. The Summit is hosted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department with Oklahoma Emergency Management, National Weather Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “Since severe weather impacts everyone, this summit is for everyone,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “While the experts can learn valuable lessons about preparedness and response, those merely fascinated by severe weather can get an inside look at storm prediction and response and how it affects them. They’ll also learn how to protect their families.” New this year is the Weather Fair, an interactive tradeshow scheduled for March 10 from 1:00–6:00pm. The Weather Fair will educate and inform the public about protecting their family and property in the wake of severe weather. Presenting during the event will be Good Morning America meteorologist Ginger Zee and Discovery Channel meteorologist Reed Timmer. Attendees can step inside a tornado simulator or hop in the front seat as professional storm chasers relive the close calls they have encountered on the job. Prize giveaways include weather radios, and one lucky winner will walk away with a grand prize storm shelter for their home. Other highlights include canine search and rescue teams, disaster response vehicles, weather experiments, an appearance by the Weather Superheros and more. For more information, visit www. tornadosummit.org.

Leadership Oklahoma Scholarships “Leadership Oklahoma and its graduates are making a positive difference in Oklahoma,” said Toney Stricklin, Chairman of the program. “By learning about the issues that impact our state socially, economically and environmentally, class members are motivated to fulfill our mission of creating a dynamic network of leaders, whose increased awareness and commitment to service will energize Oklahomans to shape their state’s future.” Fifty-two members are selected each year through a rigorous application process. Members then attend a mandatory two-day retreat and eight monthly two-day sessions that are held in various locations across the state that best relate to the issues. Approximately 1,300 leaders have participated in the program. Applications for the 2013 Leadership Oklahoma program must be received by the Leadership Oklahoma office no later than 5:00pm on April 1. Visit www.leadershipoklahoma.com to download the application and learn more.

Top 10 Reader Picks: Best Places to Find the Easter Bunny Dye your eggs and get those Easter baskets ready! Easter in OKC is right around the corner and there are plenty of great places to catch up with the Easter Bunny in the metro. We polled our readers for their favorite places to hunt Easter eggs and here, in random order, are their recommendations: 1.

Easter Celebration at the Orr Family Farm (Saturday, March 30; www.orrfamilyfarm.com)

Eggstravaganza at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (Wednesday, March 27; www.snomnh.ou.edu)

Norman’s Best Easter Egg Hunt at Norman’s Andrew’s Park (Friday, March 29; www.normanfun. com)

Egg Hunt at New Covenant United Methodist of Edmond (Sunday, March 24; www.newcov.tv)

Springfest & Easter Egg Hunt at Mustang Town Center (Saturday, March 23; www.cityofmustang.org)

City of Moore’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Buck Thomas Park (Saturday, March 23; www.cityofmoore. com)

Easter Egg Hunt at the Myriad Gardens (Saturday, March 30; www.myriadgardens.org)

HOPabaloo at the OKC Zoo (Sunday, March 31; www. okczoo.com)

Eggstravaganza at Harrah Church (Saturday, March 30; http://egghunt.tv)

10. Easter Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (Saturday, March 30; www.chickasawculturalcenter. com) For more Easter-themed events, activities, egg hunts, and places to take Easter Bunny photos with the family, visit our 2013 Easter Fun Guide at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/easter-fun. Thanks to Chrissey P., Kristen B., Sarah T., Melinda K., Jenny S., Tom R., Jason B., Kimberly N. and Jana W. for contributing to this list. Follow us at www.facebook.com/ metrofamily to weigh in on next month’s list. Have an event you’d like to suggest? Comment at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/top-10-egg-hunts. March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Photo courtesy of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

National Tornado Summit

FAFSA Improvements Streamline Application The Department of Education has made changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, reducing it to just five easy steps. The basic steps are listed here; for full information, visit www.ucango2.org, a program of the Oklahoma College Assistance Program, a division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. 1.

Gather your materials. This includes your social security card, driver’s license, tax and bank statements and other records.

Get a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN will be used to electronically sign your FAFSA application. Visit www.pin.ed.gov to sign up.

Fill it out. Enter your information in the online FAFSA application at www.fafsa.gov, which takes just three to five days to process (instead of four to six weeks for the paper form).

Sign it and submit it. Print a copy, review it for errors and use your PIN to digitally sign the application.

Follow up. Keep an eye on your inbox for award letters from the schools who have accepted your application. The schools will advise as to what types of aid you are eligible for, but remember that you should borrow only what you need to cover tuition and housing costs.

Dependent students may also have to include their parents’ information in the application process, and the website provides resources for students and parents to ensure a successful application process.

Battling Bullying Bullying is a reality, and it’s a cycle, comprised of those who bully, those who are bullied and those who witness the bullying. Free Spirit Publishing addresses this cycle in a new series of books: Weird!, Dare! and Tough!, featuring the interwoven stories of three girls. ($15 each, www.theweirdseries.com) Luisa is teased by Sam; Sam threatens Jayla; Jayla is encouraged to tease Luisa; Sam thinks being tough is more important than being nice; and everyone is just trying to fit in. Through the books, each girl is challenged to rethink her situation, to address her place in the bullying cycle and to work hard to break it. Often, the topic of bullying is a confusing one as the roles are not clearly defined. Kids might not see that by not standing up and speaking out, they’re making the situation worse; or they might feel helpless to stop behavior that could be damaging. These books offer a great resource for parents, teachers and children to address and battle the issue of bullying.

Anti-Bullying Efforts at OKC’s Lee Elementary By Julie Dill

Kirk and Laura Smalley know first-hand the tragic consequences that can result from bullying. Kirk says his son, Ty, was bullied for over two years. He feels strongly that an incident at school led Ty to the decision to take his own life—at just 11 years old. The Smalleys aren’t the only family carrying this painful story. There are countless young people taking their own lives when they feel there’s no resolution to their situation. “I have a list of over 800 children who have taken their lives due to bullying,” Kirk says, and he is on a personal mission to help it stop. Stand for the Silent was formed by Oklahoma State University students in 2010 when they heard Ty’s story. With the Smalley’s strength and leadership, the group serves as a platform of awareness, offering anti-bullying school presentations. Students at Lee Elementary in Oklahoma City attended the program last month, where they saw Smalley telling his personal story and sharing words of wisdom. Kirk encourages students to believe in each other and repeatedly asks them to affirm three simple words: “I am somebody.” School officials agree that the program is beneficial. “Bringing bullying awareness programs to our school has proven valuable in providing a safe and more stable environment,” says Margaret Link, Lee Elementary Counselor. Lee’s principal, Shelly Deas, agrees. “[It] provided an awakening to many of our students. The faces and true life stories of children from Oklahoma who took their lives as a result of bullying were a real and relevant example of the consequences that can come from bullying,” she says. After hearing Mr. Smalley’s personal story, she feels “many students realized that what may seem like a harmless comment or a repeated joke truly does impact and hurt others in a way that they never truly understood until real faces, real people and real stories were shared with them.” For more information or to get involved with Stand for the Silent, visit www. standforthesilent.org.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Conflicts With Coaches By Todd Parkin

City Arts Center Goes Contemporary With the goal of increasing its profile as a cultural destination in Oklahoma City, City Arts Center has changed its name to Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Formed in 1989, the organization continues its commitment to providing the community with quality, accessible and affordable arts programming and education. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center provides contemporary arts exhibitions, adult classes and workshops, art camps for local youth, art exhibitions, lectures and independent film screenings throughout the year. “Our ambition is to create an art center where everyone can engage with art on their own terms, one where those who want to learn and create are given the tools and opportunities to do so at their own pace,” said Mary Ann Prior, Executive Director. “The launch of the Oklahoma Contemporary brand is a key part of our vision to form creative connections within our community, and we are looking forward to an exciting time ahead.” This spirit of creative connection is reflected in the new visual identity that allows for the work of exhibited artists to take center stage, while projecting Oklahoma Contemporary’s unique personality. The identity will be brought to life in Oklahoma Contemporary’s new facility at 11th and Broadway in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley, scheduled for completion in 2016. For more information, call 405-951-0000 or visit www.oklahomacontemporary.org.

When your child is involved in sports, it may be necessary, at some point, to confront a coach. These tips from author Todd Parkin will ensure that you don’t fumble the conversation: • Understand that it might be stressful. It may sound obvious, but people are often surprised by how stressful a tough conversation with a coach can be. • Include your child. If you feel the situation isn’t too serious, and you and your child are comfortable with it, let her handle it. If you think it’s best for you to approach the coach, get your child’s input so she doesn’t feel blind-sided. • Keep the focus on your child. Limit the conversation to issues that concern the wellbeing of your child. Avoid blaming and keep the focus where it belongs. • Walk a mile in the coach’s cleats. Make a sincere effort to understand his perspective. Try to listen as much as you speak. • Don’t be impulsive. Give the coach a chance to get to know your child before stepping in, and try not to speak up until you determine it’s either an unsafe situation or a pattern that won’t change without intervention.

Spotlight on Character: Loyalty Within the hearts of men, loyalty and consideration are esteemed greater than success. — Bryant H. McGill Loyalty is expressing commitment even during difficult times. Demonstrate loyalty in your family by surprising each other with fun outings even when things are difficult, by staying involved in each other’s activities even in a crisis, by giving up things that the family cannot afford to buy rather than making anyone feel inadequate and avoiding influences that draw family members’ hearts away from one another. The rewards of loyalty are a deep bonding that strengthens relationships and a trust among family members that is not easily broken. Encourage loyalty in your family by saying these “I will” statements aloud with your children and applying them to everyday life: I will: serve my family and teachers • encourage others in hard times • not mock authorities • point out the good in others • honor my country. Read about loyalty to bring the lesson home to your kids: Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog (by Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene) a picture book that tells of the dog who faithfully waited for his owner at a Japanese train station, even long after his owner’s death. • Harry Potter (by J. K. Rowling) this series of seven titles tells the story of a boy’s loyalty to his friends and a cause that he believes in. • Charlotte’s Web (by E. B. White) the classic tale of loyalty between Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig that has stood the test of time. •

Courtesy of Character First, www.characterfirst.com.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

• Say no to gossip. It can be tempting to criticize the coach with other parents if others feel the same way. Resist this urge! You don’t want the coach to hear your complaints from someone else. • Schedule the conversation. Don’t assume the coach has time around practice or a game. Instead, let the coach know that you’d like to discuss something important, and ask her to suggest a good time. • Be polite. Remember, this is not an excuse to be aggressive or to attack; instead, think about what you’d like the ideal outcome to be, and tailor your words and actions to help achieve that end. • Offer solutions. A caring coach wants what’s best for your child too, and he’ll probably appreciate your advice if it is offered in a respectful manner. • If you have to turn in the jersey, do so respectfully. Don’t make a hasty decision, but if you feel that quitting the team is your only option, meet privately with the coach to explain why. See page 18 for an article by Parkin, where he shares tips on how to recognize a great coach.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Anxiety

Bedwetting

Question: My kids are freaking out over stories they hear on the news, and even if we turn it off, they still seem to hear about stories that make them think horrible things are going to happen. How can I help them to understand that the tragedies they hear so much about are actually few and far between?

Question: I’m at my wit’s end; at what age should I start worrying that my child is still wetting the bed?

Answer: Anxiety issues vary in their intensity so it is important to assess how much anxiety your child is experiencing. If she is worried about something in particular and can easily be reassured, then anxiety is not cause for concern. But if your child is worrying and anxious about multiple issues and cannot be easily reassured, it is time to talk with your pediatrician. Generalized anxiety disorder can affect even young children so it is important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned. Some other steps you can take to deal with childhood anxiety are to: 1.

Limit exposure to news reports, especially reports of traumatic events and crimes.

Reassure your child that you and other adults in her life will always help and protect her.

Pay attention to what you say in front of your child because children will pick up on their parents’ worries and concerns.

Finally, help her focus on positive things happening in her life. Make it a daily habit to share good things that have happened in your day and ask your child to share the same. Tamara Walker, RN, is a talk show host and speaker in Edmond. www.momrn.com. Reader feedback: • Explain that when she worries about things that haven’t happened yet she is practicing for bad things. Practicing things increases our ability to do them well. She needs to learn that she is in control of what happens inside of her head. • Try homeopathic medicine. Sometimes you need only one dose. • Let your child know that you have fears as well. My daughter used to be anxietyprone [but] giving her a healthy way to express her fears and choices, and a way to distract from the fear while still controlling something has been the key. • Show her some healthy ways to deal with anxiety. Does she like the arts? Tap into her creative outlet to express herself. Thanks to Mikel I., Ayesha K., Blair F. and Lara G. for your feedback.

Ask the Experts Answer: Bedwetting is fairly common, especially for children under the age of 6. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to remain positive and supportive towards your child. This can be a very embarrassing and confusing time for them as well. Try to limit liquids before bed, especially those with caffeine. Make sure your child goes to the bathroom before bed and if an accident does occur, remain calm and positive. Have the child help you change the sheets, but reassure them that this is not a punishment but just part of the process. Develop a reward system that will allow your child to feel good when success is made. If your child is above the age of 7 or has not wet the bed for more than six months and then regresses, call a doctor for a more detailed assessment. Donnie Van Curen, M. A., LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. 405-823-4302, www. counseling1820.com. Reader feedback: • Take her to be checked by her doctor. A friend of mine had a little girl that was still wetting the bed and the doctor found out that her bladder was too small. • We found out that bed wetting is an indicator of sleep apnea (in my daughter’s case from swollen tonsils). She was a candidate for tonsillectomy because of other factors, but the bed wetting was a red flag that she wasn’t getting enough oxygen or good sleep. Once she had her tonsils out things were better with bed wetting, too. • No worries! You can always have a doc check her anatomy, but usually kids just grow out of it and she’s probably just a deep sleeper. • A pediatric psychologist can help you. Ask your PCP for a referral and they can evaluate your daughter to see if she needs a urine alarm. Thanks to Robin S., Anna M., Leah M. and Sarah B. for your feedback.

Bullying Question: My son says he’s not being bullied, but he’s still showing the warning signs I’ve heard of, such as becoming socially withdrawn. How can I find out what’s really going on? Answer: Withdrawal from others could be a sign of many issues, not necessarily bullying. When a parent sees a child withdraw, I would encourage the parent to be patient. Spend more time alone with your child, to reinforce the fact that you are there for him, to be his ally and to support him in all the ways he needs to be supported. Ask him questions and listen to his answers. Talk to his teachers to ask if they have seen any changes in your child’s behavior or emotions. Ask your child’s friends questions. The most important tools in your toolbox are your listening ear and time to be available to your child. Devonne Carter, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in Edmond. 405326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com. Reader feedback: • If he’s talked to you before, chances are he will again. Encourage, but don’t push. Remind him that you’re still there to listen. • Call the grade-level school counselor and talk to them about what’s going on. See if they can help and follow up in a few days. • When my parents couldn’t get me to open up to them, they would have a good family friend or other relative talk to me. I usually always opened up to the other person. Thanks to Kristin K., Miranda S., Debra B. and Kristi R. for your feedback.

For more input from our experts on these questions, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/askthe-experts, where you may also leave your feedback and submit questions for future columns.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

what makes a great

COACH?

For parents of young athletes, it’s that time of year again: cleats or sneakers by the door, duffle bags in the backseat, uniforms in constant need of laundering, and calendars scheduled full of practices and games. Yes, you may be a pro at managing your child’s sports endeavors, but have you given much thought to the most important part of your child’s athletic experience: her coach? Every coach has the opportunity to make a powerful impact on your child’s life, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that the impact is a good one. While many coaches give selflessly of their time and make their athletes’ well-being a priority, unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. I’ve been surprised how many parents I’ve met around the country who are upset with their children’s sports coaches. As a result, I urge parents to stay aware of how coaches interact with their children, what type of influence they’re having, and most importantly, to hold them accountable.

2. Think about what a coach’s job really is.

“Motivating” children through fear can do more harm than good. In the short term, tactics like this cause anxiety, shame and low self-esteem; over time, a bullied athlete’s weakened confidence and sense of self worth can eradicate motivation and love for the game. And worst of all, it can transfer to other areas of a child’s life, making her less confident socially and academically.

The coach’s goal should not be to build a career, but to teach and guide children who are in the midst of their mental, emotional and physical development. Ideally, what a coach teaches during practice will also help kids develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in many other areas for the rest of their lives. When you look at it that way, coaching is as much about growing children through positive motivation and attitude as it is about imparting the mechanics of swinging a bat or kicking a ball.

I believe that some coaches may think that their tactics are working if their teams are performing well or improving. But what they don’t know is that their star player dreads practice and has a knot of anxiety in her stomach for days before a game. Remember, it’s your responsibility as a parent to make sure that your child’s coach is not negatively impacting her love for the game, and much more importantly, her overall self-esteem in all areas of her life for years to come.

3. Watch a replay of the coach’s motivations. What is motivating your child’s coach? Is she in it for the win, or does she want to make a difference in young people’s lives? While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to win,

Parents and coaches alike should remember that what constitutes a great coach isn’t a winning season—it’s a leadership style that builds up, nurtures and mentors young athletes in a way that makes them more confident, motivated, and capable human beings. Here are eight guidelines for parents to use when evaluating their children’s coaches.

1. Know that harsh words cause damage.

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make sure that your child’s coach does not use her position primarily to brag about her successful seasons and coaching record.

team spirit, determination and more. With that in mind, a good coach will always start each practice with the intention of catching as many players as possible doing well, then praise them in public and in private whenever the opportunity arises.

To some extent, a coach’s goals should match the level of athletics in which your child is engaged. For instance, if he is doing YMCA coach-pitch baseball, his coach’s main motivation should definitely be centered around having fun and helping kids. But if your son is a high school baseball player and his team has a legitimate chance to go all the way to the state championship, it’s okay for the coach to put more of an emphasis on winning… as long as the players’ physical and psychological well-being are still a firm first priority.

And if she wants to go the extra mile, a great coach might even send out a team newsletter that includes short write-ups of players who improve, who are team players or who give their all in practice. Again, kids will work hard to keep getting recognized because it simply feels good. Who knows—they might remember a coach’s praise for the rest of their lives.

4. Has the coach done some emotional intelligence warm-ups?

8. Has the coach added “positive thinking” to his or her equipment bag?

Everyone knows that a coach should have a broad knowledge of his or her sport. But coaches should also strive to possess a high level of emotional intelligence—to be empathetic, effective communicators, navigate conflict, etc.

All coaches have clipboards, whistles and water bottles—and they should all have a positive attitude, too. With few exceptions, players will develop their attitudes, outlooks and expectations based on what they see from their leaders. Coaches should be proactive about getting their teams in a winning mindset by saying things like, “We’re going to have a great practice today,” or, “I know everyone will do their best during the game.”

A coach—who is also a leader and mentor—has the responsibility to make sure that he or she is setting kids up for present and future success, not filling them with self doubt and hurting their self esteem. So, if you’re watching a practice or cheering at a game, try to gauge what the coach’s emotional intelligence quotient might be, based on his behavior. If you come to believe that it isn’t benefiting the players and may even be hurting them, don’t be afraid to act, whether you speak to the coach or even try to find a different team for your child.

5. Does the coach score points through caring? People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. In sports, it’s crucial that coaches care about athletes as people, not just as players. Watch to see if your child’s coach gets to know her on an individual basis and incorporates that knowledge into their regular interactions. Coaches should always show love, because most people simply don’t get enough of it. Showing genuine interest and caring is the greatest motivator I know of because people, kids included, will do anything to keep getting those things. And when players know that they mean more to their coaches than the numbers on their jerseys, they’ll naturally have a greater desire to excel.

6. Does the coach strike out through criticism? Criticism: it has to happen in order for improvement to take place. But there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to go about it. First, he should criticize only in private, not in public. A coach should pull a player aside for a one-on-one discussion, not yell at him in front of the whole team. Also, a good coach should make sure the player knows he cares about more than just the mistake. Ideally, he’ll try to accompany each criticism with a few compliments. Remember, we all tend to be our own worst critics—even kids. Many young athletes will tend to focus on what they’ve done wrong, not the many things they’ve done well. The ratio of compliments to criticism they receive from their coaches can shape their self-perception for a long time to come.

7. Does the coach scout each practice for all-stars? It’s practically impossible for anyone to hear too many good things about themselves. On the sports field, compliments act as confidence— and thus performance—boosters, and they also improve motivation,

People generally perform at the level that is expected of them, so without putting negative pressure on the athletes, your child’s coach should let them know that she believes in their ability to accomplish great things. I can’t help but think of Lou Holtz, the legendary college football coach whose philosophy of positive thinking was instrumental in inspiring his teams to achieve many amazing successes, often against the odds.

Todd Patkin, author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In, is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community, spending time with family and friends, and helping more people learn how to be happy.

Reader Feedback: What Makes a Good Coach? We asked our readers to share what characteristics they think are most important for a good coach to possess. Here are some responses: • Honest, hard working, fair, unbiased • Patience, patience and patience • A person who delights in small victories and wants to see everyone succeed! • Compassion • A coach who wants to develop every player’s skills, not just expecting a couple of “star players” to do all the work • Patient and humble Thanks to Kami M., Smile Galaxy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Sarah D., Karen M., Mandy L., and Judy H. for your feedback! Join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/metrofamily.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Learning Adventures Family Activities for Creative Minds: What Do YOU See? Did You Know? There are commonly used challenges that test human creative potential. In addition to being fun, these challenges are used to provide insight into when, where and how people are most creative. Images like this are frequently used to assess creative potential and are appropriate for any age, so the whole family can take part in this challenge. Where will your imagination take you? What do you see? This Learning Adventures project is sponsored by Primrose Schools and Green Bambino. Find more educational fun at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/learning-adventures.

ake a look at the incomplete figures pictured. What do you see? Choose one of these, or have someone create a figure for you. Set a timer for five minutes, let your imagination go wild and see what you can create.

What story can you tell? Can you create something unusual? Uncommon? Humorous? Does your drawing tell a story? Have two family members use the same figure and see how their final products differ. Tell stories based on your creations!

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

Activity provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner. Learn more at www.okaplus.org.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Celebrate the changing seasons with a collection of Favorite Little Golden Books for Springtime (Random House, $20), a boxed set that contains five classic titles: Home For a Bunny, Two Little Gardeners, Where Do Giggles Come From?, The Little Red Hen and Baby Farm Animals.

Early Readers Open This Little Book By Jesse Klausmeier, illustrated by Suzy Lee (Chronicle Books, $17) A clever book of colors and sizes that takes young readers on an unexpected journey to learn about colors, animals and making predictions. Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? By David Levinthal and John Nickle (Schwartz & Wade, $18) Classic nursery rhymes are given the true-crime treatment. Join Police Officer Binky as he solves the cases of Goldilocks, Hansel and Gretel, Humpty Dumpty and more. Fun for children and adults alike.

Grades 2+ The Never Girls By Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy (Random House, $6) First in a new series based on the Disney Fairies chapter books, this title follows four best friends who suddenly find themselves in Neverland, where they find mermaids, fairies—and even Tinkerbell.

Grades 3+ The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brockett By John Boyne, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (Alfred A. Knopf, $17) Barnaby is just a regular kid… who defies the laws of gravity. When an unthinkable turn of events takes him away from his shy parents, Barnaby’s life becomes an amazing story of self-acceptance. Bystander Power By Phyllis Kaufman Goodstein and Elizabeth Verdick (Free Spirit Publishing, $9) We hear about the kids

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who do the bullying and the kids who are bullied; but this book addresses the third set of people, the bystanders. Bystanders are empowered to be “upstanders” in this engaging read.

Teens Peanut By Ayn Halliday and Paul Hoppe (Schwartz & Wade, $16) When Sadie has to transfer schools, she decides to fake a peanut allergy to garner sympathy from her new classmates. A graphic novel that addresses tough issues that teens face, including peer pressure and moral choices. (Note: includes some mature language and themes.)

Adults Candy Experiments By Loralee Leavitt (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $15) Need to find a fun science fair idea? Have leftover candy that you want to sneakily get rid of? Use it in a new way and let your children learn from it with this collection of over 70 basic science experiments that all feature candy. Parenting the QBQ Way By John G. Miller with Karen G. Miller (Penguin, $12) QBQ—the “Question Behind the Question” is built on the premise that the answer you seek is found in the question you ask. This parenting book is filled with short, thoughtprovoking chapters. Super Nutrition for Babies By Katherine Erlich, MD and Kelly Genzlinger, CNC, CMTA (Fair Winds Press, $17) Nutrition guidelines seem to change daily, so when it comes to babies, who knows what the right choices are? This book offers advice on what, how and when to feed your baby to best ensure optimal health. Reviews by Mari Farthing

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Problem Solvers Helpful Family Products

When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the more interesting items we’ve recently discovered. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

She can tell time—if it’s a digital clock.

Solution:

The Time Teaching Sprouty Kit includes a working watch, a teaching clock and instruction booklet, made from eco-friendly corn resin and cardboard. Available in pink or blue. ($40, www.sproutwatches.com)

Problem:

Scrubbing the floor. It’s not really your thing. Solution: The Casabella Quick Scrub Spray Mop lets you clean your floors without a bucket using the attached, fill-it-yourself spray bottle and a removable, washable microfiber scrub head. ($35, www.casabella.com) Problem: You’re looking for the perfect gift for a new baby.

Solution:

The Stork Stack subscription provides five deluxe products a month to the recipient, packaged and delivered to their doorstep, featuring items appropriate for ages 3 months–3 years. ($28/1 month; multi-month subscriptions available, www.storkstack.com) Problem: The cord on your earbuds is always tangled!

Solution:

The Nest Cord Keeper is a simple, silicone holder that keeps your earbuds tangle-free and ready to use, providing you one less excuse for not working out. ($10, www. digitalinnovations.com) Problem: Your dog’s dining habits leave much to be desired.

Solution:

The Neater Feeder is designed to catch spilled food and water, stopping the mess before it happens—saving your floor and your sanity. ($25+, www.neaterfeeder.com)

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

MetroFamily’s Second Annual Kids Fest

Join us for OKC’s premier family fun event! MetroFamily Kids Fest will unite families, businesses and service providers for a lively, full-of-fun event unmatched in the OKC area. A high-energy expo atmosphere, on-stage entertainment, inflatables, roaming costumed characters, great door prizes and so much more! The event includes informational booths showcasing family resources, with lots of handson activities encouraging creativity and learning for the kids. Kids Fest will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00am-4:00pm at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Admission is $5 for adults and children ages 18 & under are free. For more information and an admission coupon, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. Photo courtesy of Mike Bosley, Safe Kids Oklahoma.

15TH-17TH

31ST

18TH-22 ND

Sesame Street Live

Spring Break Escape

HOPabaloo & Easter Brunch

Elmo, Abby Cadabby and friends will share their love of music in Sesame Street Live Can’t Stop Singing, at the Cox Convention Center, March 15–17! When Elmo gets his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air—and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, allsinging, all-dancing musical montage!

Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during Spring Break? The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s Spring Break Escape will be held daily from March 18–22 from 10:00am–5:00pm. Engage your senses as you spring into the natural history and culture of Oklahoma. Daily activities include crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts and more.

Hop to the Oklahoma City Zoo for Easter fun! Easter brunch will be held on Sunday, March 31, from 10:30am-noon, and includes an “eggs”travagant menu of pancakes, ham, biscuits and gravy and more—plus a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Adults tickets (ages 12-64) are $17, children ages 3–11 are $12 and children 2 and under are free. The fun continues at HOPabaloo from 1:00–3:00pm featuring age-divided egg hunts, Easter-themed activities and more. HOPabaloo is free with paid Zoo admission or included with brunch. Call 405-425-0262 to make your brunch reservations or visit www.okczoo. com for more information.

All ticket holders can enjoy Play Zone, an interactive way for children to experience their favorite street. Play Zone opens one hour before the show and is free with a Sesame Street Live ticket. Tickets begin at $15 and are available at the Cox Convention Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

All programs are free with museum admission and daily themes will include Oklahoma Wildlife, Bugs, All About Science, Weather and Space and Native American Culture. Find more information at 405-325-4712 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.

Save $3 on tickets by using the code “METRO” when ordering online or find a printable coupon at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/coupons.

Find more Spring Break Fun at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/spring-breakactivities.

Photo courtesy of Vee Entertainment.

Photo Courtesy of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

For more Easter-themed events, activities, egg hunts and places to take Easter Bunny photos with the family, visit our 2013 Easter Fun Guide at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/easter-fun. Photo Courtesy of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Daily Events March 1–24 The Sound of Music at the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) features the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. $20. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.

March 4 • Monday FREE Admission Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 325-4712, www. snomnh.ou.edu. FREE First Monday Gamefest at the Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23) features games such as Guitarhero, XBOX Kinect & more for ages 10-18. 4-5:30pm. 424-1437, www.metrolibrary.org. FREE Information Night at Veritas Classical Academy (3100 E Waterloo, Edmond). 6:30-8pm. 585-7275, http:// veritasclassical.com. Also held: 3/25 at OKC campus. FREE Seussville at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) features games, stories, crazy sock parade & more to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. FREE ticket required. 6-8pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

March 5 • Tuesday OKC Thunder vs. LA Lakers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. 8:30pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 3/10, 13, 15, 19, 24, 27.

March 6 • Wednesday VIP Ladies Night at the OKC Auto Show at the State Fairgrounds features food & drinks, spring fashion show, advice from women in the auto industry, Camp Jeep Indoor Obstacle Course & more. Benefits OATH. Ages 21+. $25. 6-10pm. www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ ladies-night.

March 6–8 Symphony by the Sea for Students at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) exposes children to the wonders of aquatic life while Tulsa Symphony Orchestra introduces listeners to classical music. Limited scholarship support available. See website for registration information. 918-296-FISH, www. okaquarium.org.

March 7 • Thursday FREE “The Romance of Chopin” at the Devon Tower Atrium features pianist Wayne McEvilly. 11:30am12:30pm. www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.

March 7–9

classic fairy tale. $9 adults, $6 students/children ages 2-12. Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

March 8–9 Pass It On Kids Consignment Sale at the Church of the Harvest (16000 N Western, Edmond). Many items half-price on Saturday. Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. 359-4924, www.passitonkids.com.

Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at the Shawnee Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee). Many items half-price on Saturday. Thursday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-2pm. 7409357, http://shawnee.monkeybusinessok.com.

March 8–16

March 7–10

The Original Children’s Consignment Sale (6925 NW Expressway). 10am-6pm, Closed Sunday. 721-6776, www.occsale.com.

OKC Auto Show at State Fair Park includes car exhibits, children’s area & more. $10. Thursday-Saturday, 11am9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. www.okcautoshow.org.

March 9 • Saturday

March 8 • Friday FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art monthly event connects downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 3601162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com. FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features live music, independent films & art activities in connection with Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. 6:30-8:30pm. 325-3272, www. ou.edu/fjjma. FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org. OKC Barons vs. Rockford Ice Hogs at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16 & up, 800-7453000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 3/9, 19, 22. Girl Scout Nighttime at the Zoo Overnight Program at the OKC Zoo explores the zoo after dark to learn how animals survive at night. Preregister. $25 per scout, $10 per adult. 7pm-9am. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com. “Fairy Tales” Friday Fun Night at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features games, crafts, dinner & dancing for children ages 5-12 while parents get a few hours to themselves. Preregister. $25 first child, $15 siblings. 6-9pm. 606-7003, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

Ending March 8

Oklahoma Heritage Land Run 10K, 5K & 100 Meter Boot Scoot Dash at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum (13 & Shartel) benefits the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s youth education programming. Dogs & strollers welcome. $35/10K, $25/5K, $15/100 Meter. 7:30am. www.oklahomaheritage.com. Red Earth Run at Wheeler Park (1125 S Western) benefits Red Earth, Inc. & features a 5K & 1-mile Fun Walk. Fees increase by $5 on race day. $25 adults in advance, $10 students (18 & younger) in advance. 8am. www.redearth.org. Hog Jog 5K in Bricktown is part of Edmond Memorial High School’s Swine Week fundraiser that will benefit Limbs for Life. $25 in advance, $30 race day. 9am. www. swineweek.org. FREE Car Seat Safety Check at OU Medical Center Edmond (1 S Bryant, Edmond) provides experts to ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly, plus recall information & help with seat sizing. 9am-noon. 834-3111, www.oumedicine.com/edmond. FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic “Monster Jam featuring Monster Mutt” at participating Lowe’s Stores for children to complete a wooden project with a parent. Participants receive apron, goggles, certificate & patch. Preregister.10-11am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com. FREE Open House for Lil’ Kickers Program at SoccerCity (4520 Old Farm Rd) features sample Lil’ Kickers classes, inflatables, face painting & more. 10am-noon. 748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com. Soonerthon at the Huston Huffman Fitness Center on the OU Campus in Norman includes dancing, games & craft projects. Benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation. 10am-10pm. 271-2208, www.okchf.org.

Jack & the Beanstalk by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features a twist on the Do you have an event for our calendar? Email Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date. Please note that we try to be as accurate as possible, but times, dates and ticketing information may be subject to change.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

FREE Cloth Diaper Basics Class at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel). Learn about the “new” cloth diapers. No purchase necessary. Preregister. 9-10am. 848-4330, www.green-bambino.com. Also held: 3/16. FREE Chasing James at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel) features local moms in one of Oklahoma’s newest child-friendly bands. 11-11:30am. 848-2330, www.green-bambino.com. FREE Crafts for Kids “Look What’s Blooming Photo Collage” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com. FREE Turtles New & Old at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Participants discover how today’s turtles share traits with ancient ancestors & how these reptiles have survived for millions of years. 3-4pm. 7550676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park. Mother & Son Soiree at the Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) for moms & sons ages 4-14 features chocolate fountain, snacks & photo booth. Tickets available online. $12.50/person. 5-7pm. 799-FARM, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

March 10 • Sunday FREE Weather Fair presented by the National Tornado Summit at the Cox Convention Center features local meteorologists, weather experiments, a tornado simulator, disaster response vehicles, storm chasers & more. 1-6pm. 522-0683, www.tornadosummit.org. Run Lucky 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at the Classen Curve District benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Features green beer at the finish line & costume contest. $30. Fun Run, 1:30pm; 5K, 2pm. www.runlucky.com. Lord of All Tour Concert at Harvest Church (6450 36 NW, Norman) features Christian singers of the ‘80s & ‘90s. $22 +. 7pm. www.ccmfoverver.com.

March 11 • Monday FREE Healthy Eating at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker) celebrates National Nutrition Month with food, health tips & cooking demonstrations Preregister. 1-2pm. 631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org.

March 12 • Tuesday FREE Magnets: A Science Program at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134) for ages 7-12 teaches about the science behind magnets. Preregister. 4-5pm. 979-2200, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

March 13 • Wednesday FREE The 4th Trimester: A Newborn Class at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel) for expecting parents & those with infants under 3 months. Preregister. 5:15-6:15pm. 848-4330, www.green-bambino.com.

March 14 • Thursday Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) features hands-on activities for ages 5-12 in the old-fashioned schoolhouse & farmhouse. $8 per student, up to 2 parents admitted FREE. 9:45am1:30pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com. Also held: 3/20. FREE Information Meeting at Providence Hall Classical Christian School (1120 E Hefner). 10am. 4782077, www.providencehall.org. FREE Open House at King’s Gate Christian School (11400 N Portland). 6-7pm. 752-2111, www. kingsgateschool.com.

March 14–16 Adorable Affordables Children’s Consignment Sale at the Payne County Expo Center (Hwy 51 & Fairgrounds, Stillwater). Some items half-price on Saturday. Thursday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 8am2pm. www.adorableaffordable.net. The American Spirit Dance Company at OCU Kirkpatrick Auditorium (2501 N Blackwelder) features a celebration of American dance from Hollywood to Broadway, including tap, jazz & musical theater. $20. Thursday-Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 208-5227, www.okcu.edu/ticketoffice.

March 15–16 Bright Night of Star Wars at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features Science Live, planetarium show, IMAX Film, hands-on experiments, scavenger hunt & more. Star Wars costumes encouraged. Preregister. $45 child, $35 child member/ military, $25 adult. Friday, 6pm-Saturday, 8:15am. 6026664, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

EASTER BUNNY APPEARANCES Easter Bunny Photos at Sooner Mall (3301 W Main, Norman). The Easter Bunny will take periodic breaks throughout the day. MondaySaturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. 3600360, www.soonermall.com. Easter Bunny Photos at Quail Springs Mall (2501 W Memorial) The Easter Bunny will take periodic breaks throughout the day. MondaySaturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. 7556530, www.quailspringsmall.com. Easter Bunny Photos at the Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City (7624 W Reno). Photos start at $5. All proceeds to benefit the India Shrine Crazy Kitchen Cars Unit. Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm. 787-3700, www.horizongroup.com/ our-centers/oklahomacity.. March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Evening Under the Sea Family Sleepover at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features an aquatic-themed overnight event, includes night hike, a morning tour & light breakfast. For ages 4+ with adult. Preregister. $25 child, $10 adult. Friday, 7pm-Saturday, 9am. www. okczooed.com.

March 15–16 & 19–23 Orr Family Farm Open for Spring Break (14400 S Western) features zip line, petting zoo, train & pony rides, jumping pillows, playground & more. $10.50. 10am-6pm. 799-FARM, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

March 15–17

$60 at the door. 8:30am-3:30pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org. Behind the Scenes Tours at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) for ages 5+ features a tour of the Sea Turtle Experience & the Siegfried Families Shark Adventure. Wheelchairs & strollers can’t be accommodated. $10 adults, $8 youth, plus general admission. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served 10:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm. 918-296-FISH, www. okaquarium.org. FREE Crafts for Kids “Fluttering Butterflies” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Sesame Street Live! Can’t Stop Singing at the Cox Convention Center. $11+ plus fees. Friday, 10:30am & 7pm; Saturday, 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm; Sunday, 1pm & 4:30pm. www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Stonework in the Garden at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden Amphitheater teaches how to use boulders, stone pavers, stepping stones & rock or stone edging to add to the beauty & utility of a garden. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. 1-3pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

USTRC Oklahoma Winter Classic Team Roping at the Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E, Guthrie). 282-RIDE, www.lazye.com.

FREE Irish Dancers at the Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller) features the Celtic Cadence Dance Company. 3-4pm. 789-8363, www.metrolibrary.org.

March 16 • Saturday

St. Patrick’s Day Skate at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) features St. Patrick’s day fun and contests. 7pmmidnight. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.

Oklahoma Gardening School Presented by Devon Energy: Great Plants for the Great Plains at the Myriad Gardens features garden talks, international & local speakers sharing how to create a thriving garden. $45/member in advance, $55/nonmember in advance,

Weekly Events FREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. See website for details. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu. FREE Art Moves weekdays (Monday-Friday) in downtown OKC (various locations). Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm. 270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves. Toddler Time playtime at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). $2 or FREE with Town Center membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 376-3411, www. cityofmustang.org. FREE Sooner Mall Outreach Storytime is an interactive storytime offered by the Norman Public Library & held outside Sears in Norman’s Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am. 701-2600, www. pls.lib.ok.us. FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art includes hands-on art fun for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma. Family Fun Night at Jump!Zone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 200-1691, www. jumpzoneparty.com. Reading Rainforest in the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens features storytime, a short hike & a craft for ages 3-5. FREE with Crystal Bridge admission. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7079, www.myriadgardens.org.

Bon Jovi at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $16.50+ plus fees. 7:30pm. www.chesapeakearena.com.

March 17 • Sunday St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Participants hike postto-post collecting “treasure” along the way. All ages. Preregister. $2. 3-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/ martin_park. Oklahoma Curling Club Funspiel at Arctic Edge Ice Arena (14613 N Kelly) features several mini-games featuring current club members as well as a chance for those new to curling to learn the basics of this Olympic sport. $20. 5:30pm. www.okcurling.com. Strides of March Half-Marathon & 5K at Stanley Draper Lake (8301 SE 104) features a half-marathon & 5K to promote wellness & recovery. Benefits OKC Metro Alliance’s FIRSTEP programs by assisting Oklahomans who want to recover from substance abuse. Prices increase after 3/13. $40/half-marathon, $30/5K. 8am1pm. 232-1864, www.stridesofmarch.com.

March 18–19 Babysitters Training Boot Camp at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) for ages 11+ teaches basic skills such as feeding & diapering and provides certification training in CPR & First Aid. Preregister. $50. 10am-3pm. 376-3411.

March 18–22 Splash Break at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features special presentations, hands-

FREE Tours of the Governor’s Mansion offered every Wednesday through May 22. Preregister. Noon-3pm. 568-1292, http://www.ok.gov/governor/Tour.html. FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm. 2318650, www.metrolibrary.org. FREE Diaper Bag Cinema at the Downtown Library (300 Park) features a baby-friendly venue to enjoy a movie. Babies welcome. See website for movie titles. Held every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. 11am-1pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org. FREE Thursday Noon Tunes live concerts at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. 231-8650, www. metrolibrary.org. Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art features a full bar, complimentary chips & salsa & live music on the Roof Terrace. See website for weather cancellations. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. Thursdays, 5-9pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com. Family Fun Day at Celebration Station (509 Westline) features unlimited rides & a pizza buffet for $15.99 per person. Thursdays, 4-9pm. 942-7888, www. celebrationstation.com. FREE Norman Library Tween Creative Space provides a special space for students in grades 3-5 to meet, discuss books & create crafts. Call for more information. Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm. 701-2600, www. pls.lib.ok.us. FREE Norman Library Music Connection features music & stories for ages 3-7 with a parent or caregiver. Fridays, 11am. 701-2600, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

FREE Rhythm Babies at the Norman Library features music & stories for children birth to age 3 with a parent or caregiver. Fridays, 10am. 701-2600, www.pls.lib. ok.us. FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, www.fullcirclebooks.com. FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www. bestofbooksedmond.com. FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for beginner, intermediate, advanced & featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www. skategalaxyokc.com. Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art features handson art activities. FREE with paid admission. See website for themes/activities Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com. All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email dbrakefield@ yahoo.com to verify schedule. 354-2516. FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park. Saturdays, 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park. FREE Green Earth Rangers at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for teens ages 13-18 to assist the park with complex, leadership-driven conservation efforts. Sundays, call for times. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

on activities, games & more. See website for schedule. 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org. Spring Break Escape at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features daily activities including crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts & more. Programs are FREE with museum admission. Space is limited for some activities. See website for full schedule. 10am5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

March 19 • Tuesday FREE Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family GO WAGALOO at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond) features Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter & her family in a concert for families. 1pm. 341-9282, www. metrolibrary.org. Also held: 3/19 Bethany, 3/20 Warr Acres & Midwest City, 3/21 Choctaw & Belle Isle, 3/22 The Village & Del City, 3/23 Southern Oaks & Northwest, 3/24 Downtown.

March 19–22 FREE Spring Break Programs at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features historical crafts. 10am-2pm. 3400078, www.edmondhistory.org.

March 19–26 FREE Oklahoma Youth Expo at State Fair Park features a youth livestock show. 8am-10pm. www. okyouthexpo.com.

March 20 • Wednesday Eric Clapton at the Chesapeake Energy Arena with special guests The Wallflowers. $53.50+. 7:30pm. www. chesapeakearena.com.

March 21 • Thursday FREE Princess Storytime at the Village Library (10307 N Penn) for ages 3-8 features a princess dressed in her beautiful gown reading a story & a special craft. 1011am. 755-0710, www.metrolibrary.org. FREE Make Your Own Cubist Robot at the Del City Library (4509 SE 15) for ages 10+. 4:30-5:30pm. 6721377, www.metrolibrary.org.

March 22–23 Sleep with the Sharks at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) is an overnight event for ages 5+, including dive show, scavenger hunt, flashlight tour, movie & breakfast. Preregister. $35 members, $45 nonmembers. Friday, 7pm-Saturday, 8am. 918-296FISH, www.okaquarium.org.

March 22–24 Lazy E Tri-K Winter Barrel Blast at the Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E, Guthrie). See website for details. 282RIDE, www.lazye.com. 2013 OKC Home & Outdoor Living Show at State Fair Park features products, ideas, advice & great deals in remodeling, home improvement & décor. Save $2 on

adult tickets by purchasing online. $9 adults, children under 12 FREE. Friday-Saturday, noon-9pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. www.homeshowokc.com.

March 23 • Saturday 3rd Annual Wings to Fly Run at Fort Reno is a 15K, 5K & Miracle Mile to support Children’s Hospital Foundation. $15/Miracle Mile, $20/5K, $35/15K. 9am. 271-9043, www.okchf.org.

DATE NIGHT Looking for an idea for a night out with your sweetheart this month? Here are a few ideas for date night all around the metro!

FREE Springfest & Easter Egg Hunt at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) features inflatables, agedivided egg hunts, Easter Bunny, entertainment & more. 9am-noon. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org. MetroFamily’s Kids Fest at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Expo Building features family resource booths, hands-on activities, inflatables, stage entertainment, roaming characters, door prizes & more. $5 adults, children ages 18 & under FREE. 10am-4pm. www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. FREE Three Sisters Spring Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features traditional games, stomp dancing, cultural demonstrations, living history performances, storytelling & garden activities. FREE activities, but admission required for exhibit halls. 10am-5pm. www. chickasawculturalcenter.com. FREE 3rd Annual Cowboy Round-Up at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) features cowboys, chuck wagons, trick ropers, medicine man shows, activities, music & more. Costumes encouraged. 10am-2pm. 522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org. FREE Baby Food 101 at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel) teaches how to make & store your own baby food. Preregister. 11am. 848-4330, www.green-bambino.com. FREE Crafts for Kids “Spring is in the Air Door Hanger” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com. FREE City of Moore Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12) features pictures with the Easter Bunny & age-divided egg hunts. Hunt for children with special needs, 10am; up to age 12, 10:30am. 7934332, www.cityofmoore.com. FREE Old Town Moore Easter Scavenger Hunt in Old Town Moore beginning at Broadway Florist (328 N Broadway). Participants search for treasures from Old Town merchants to claim a prize from the Easter Bunny while supplies last. 11am-2pm. 793-4332, www. cityofmoore.com.

March 2 • Saturday Force of Destiny presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features cellist Zuill Bailey. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

March 8 • Friday Evening Stroll with a Naturalist at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features an after-hours tour led by a naturalist & ending with hot chocolate at sunset. Ages 18+. Preregister. $15 members, $18 nonmembers. 5:30-6:30pm. www.okczooed.com.

March 9 • Saturday Omelette Party at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center (425 E California) benefits the OKC Museum of Art. Enjoy omelettes & egg dishes, live music, art raffle & open bar. Tickets must be pre-purchased. $75. 7pm-midnight. 2363100, www.okcmoa.org.

March 17 • Sunday St. Patty’s Day Cruise on the Oklahoma River departs from Meridian Landing & features a pre-cruise dock party at 6pm with Irish tunes followed by a cruise with light appetizers & cash bar. Ages 21+. Preregister. $29/person. 6:30-8pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.

FREE Coyote the Trickster at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) teaches the behaviors giving this crafty canine its reputation. 3-4pm. 755-0676, www. okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

March 23–24 FREE Oklahoma Bead Market Bead & Jewelry Show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Saturday, 10am5pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. www.thebeadmarket.net.

March 24 • Sunday FREE Easter Egg Hunt & Celebration at Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur) features an egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny, crafts & snacks. Families

March 22–23 OKC Philharmonic POPS–Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Carpenters at the Civic Center Music Hall features the songs of Karen & Richard Carpenter. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org. Photos courtesy of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

SPRING BREAK CAMPS Find more Spring Break fun at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/spring-break-activities.

March 11–14

March 18–19

Spring Break Camp at techJOYnt (8328 Glade, OKC). Offered in the morning or afternoon. $150 members, $200 nonmembers. 7:30-11:30am & 12:30-4:30pm. 3455010, www.techjoynt.org. Also held: 3/18-21.

OU Sooner Flight Academy Day Camp at the Sooner Flight Academy at the Max Westheimer Airport in Norman for grades K-5 features hands-on math and science activities. $50 per day. Before/after care available from 7:30am-5pm. 8am-4pm. 325-1635, www. flightcamp.ou.edu.

City of Moore Spring Break Abrakadoodle Creative Camps at Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) features Savvy Fashionista and Circus Camp for children in grades K-4 & 5-8. Morning and afternoon sessions available. $75 grades K-4, $100 grades 5-8. 9am-noon & 1-4pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

Spring Adventure Kayak Camp on Lake Overholser (3115 E Overholser, OKC) for ages 8-16 teaches basic paddling skills as well as water safety and team building. Kids will race kayaks, canoes and dragon boats and enjoy off the water activities. Preregister. $150 per week. 8am-noon. 552-4040, www.riversportokc.org/camps. Also held: 3/18-22.

March 18–20

City of Moore Spring Break Extreme Animals Camp at Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) for ages 7-12. $100. 9am-noon. 793-5090, www. cityofmoore.com.

City of Moore Spring Break Youth Basketball Camp at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) for ages 7-16 features Westmoore High School’s Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Hodges. Preregister. $50. 9amnoon. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

Spring Break Mini Camp at Mustang Community Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) features a variety of activities including a fishing derby, crafts, games & more. Preregister. $90 per week, $40 per day. 7am-6pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org

Spring Adventure Kayak Camp the Oklahoma River (725 S Lincoln, OKC) for ages 8-16 teaches basic paddling skills as well as water safety and team building. Kids will race kayaks, canoes and dragon boats and enjoy off the water activities. Preregister. $300 per week, $65 per day. 8am-4pm. 552-4040, www.riversportokc. org/camps. Also held: 3/18-22.

Spring Break Sewing Camp at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond). Preregister. $45. 3:30-5pm. 3594630, www.edmondok.com.

Did You Ever? Spring Break Camps at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd, OKC) features admission to the museum, hand-on activities, SMO t-shirt & more. Preregister. 10% discount for two or more children. For students in grades 1-6. $235 members, $250 nonmembers. 9am-5pm. 602-3760, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

Spring Break Art Camps at the Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing, OKC) for ages 5-13. Participants need a sack lunch, drinks and two snacks Monday-Thursday. Pizza Day offered Friday for an additional $6. Before/after care is available for an additional $10/day from 8am-6pm. No after care available on Friday. See website for details. $150. 9510000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org. Also held: 3/18-22.

March 18–21

March 11–15

March 11–15 & 18–22 Aerobikidz Spring Break Camp at NewPoint Church (2800 W Hefner) features arts & crafts, swimming, sports, music, dance & more. Come for 2, 3 or 5 days. For ages 3-12. 843-5439, www.aerobikidz.com.

March 12–15 Stop Motion Animation Camp at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch, OKC) for ages 11-13. Students will learn the process and art of stop motion animation and will use digital and video cameras to create a stop-motion video that uses titles, transitions & music. A screening of student projects will be held on Friday at 3:45pm in the Noble Theater. Preregister. $120 members, $130 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com. Spring Break Camp at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch, OKC) for ages 5-7 & 8-10. Students will draw, paint, sculpt and craft creations inspired by works of art in the galleries. There will be a display of student art and reception at 4pm on Friday. Preregister. $120 members, $130 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa. com. Also held: 3/19-22.

Spring Break Art Camp at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond). Preregister. $30. 9am-noon. 3594630, www.edmondok.com.

SoccerCity OKC Spring Break Soccer Camp at SoccerCity (4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC) for ages 4-16. See website for details. $95 includes camp t-shirt. 9amnoon. 748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com. Spring Break Camp at Rocktown Climbing Gym (200 SE 4) features expert instruction on climbing safety, climbing technique & a variety of climbing related games & activities. For ages 6-15. $125. 10:30am-1pm. 3191400, www.rocktowngym.com.

March 18–22 Spring Break Camps at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder, OKC) features camps for ages 5-14 in theatre, musical theatre, stage combat and volunteer training. All camps have a performance on Friday. Before/after care is available 8am-6pm for an additional $10 per day or $45 per week. $150. Scholarships and discounts available. Preregister. 9am4pm. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. Spring Break Kitchen Garden Boot Camp at the Myriad Gardens for ages 9-14 teaches basic kitchen skills while making delicious dishes each day. Preregister. $45 per day or $200 per week nonmember, $40 per day or $175 per week member. 9am-noon. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org. City of Moore Spring Break Mad Science Camp at Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) for ages 7-16. Preregister by 3/15. $100. 9am-noon. 7935090, www.cityofmoore.com.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

Spring Break Camp hosted by Norman Parks & Recreation at the Irving Recreation Center (125 Vicksburg, Norman) includes sports & recreational games, arts & crafts, movies & more. Campers need a lunch each day. Snacks are provided. For ages 5-11. Preregister by 3/13. $25/day. 7am-6pm. 292-9774, www. normanfun.com.

March 19–22 Spring Break Day Camps at the OKC Zoo Education Building features a variety of themes including Big Bad Wolf, Riki-Tiki-Tavi, The Three Bears & Along Came a Spider. See website for schedule. For ages 4-5, 6-7 & 8-11. Preregister. $20 per day members, $25 per day nonmembers. 9am-noon. www.okczooed.com. Beginning Film and Video Camp at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch, OKC) for ages 11-13. Students will learn the fundamental skills required to make a group video project from start to finish. A screening of student projects will be held on Friday afternoon. Preregister. $120 members, $130 nonmembers. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

March 20–22 Spring Art Escape Camp at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond (27 E Edwards, Edmond) for grades 1-5 features visual arts, drawing, painting, clay, mixed media and more as students work with FAI faculty in a creative environment. Preregister. $55 per day. 9:30am2pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com.

asked to bring dozen filled eggs per child. Preregister. 3-4:30pm. www.churchoftheservant.com.

ages 1-5. Instruments provided for those who register. 10-10:45am. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org.

FREE Easter Eggstravaganza at St. Matthew United Methodist Church (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City) includes age-divided egg hunts for ages 12 & under, face painting, moon bounce & Easter Bunny photos. 2-4pm. 732-6831, www.stmatthew.org.

March 29 • Friday

FREE 44th Annual Festival of Spirituals at the First Presbyterian Church of Norman (555 S University) is a Palm Sunday tradition featuring students & guest singers performing original arrangements of spirituals. 6pm. 364-8962, www.cimarronopera.org. 4th Annual Earlywine Dash at Earlywine Park (SW 119 & May) benefits the Earlywine Elementary School playground improvement project & the Earlywine YMCA scholarship program. Features 1-mile run/walk & 5K run/walk. $25 in advance, $30 race day. 1:30pm. www. signmeup.com/88042.

March 25 • Monday FREE Admission to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in celebration of the Myriad Botantical Garden’s 25th anniversary. www.myriadgardens.org. FREE Celebrate 25 Years of the Gardens at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Restaurant honors the organization’s original founders. Preregister. 5-7pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

March 26 • Tuesday Tiny Tuesdays “Fiber Collage” at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features a come-and-go, open-ended art making experience for families. For ages 2-5 with caregiver. FREE with paid admission. 10am-noon. 2363100, www.okcmoa.com. Easter Egg Hunt at Bouncin Craze locations features an Easter egg hunt, cookie decorating & inflatables. $7.50/child. 6:30pm. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.

March 27 • Wedneday FREE Eggstravaganza at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features crafts, games, face painting, “touch tables” with museum specimens, bunny photos & egg hunt. 4-7pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu. Side By Side Concert at the Civic Center Music Hall features members of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra performing “side-by-side” with professional Philharmonic musicians. www.okcciviccenter.com. FREE The Big Read Kickoff “Old School” at the OU Memorial Union features entertainment, readers’ guides & book giveaways, Oklahoma authors & more. 6-8pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us. Yoga for Labor at OU Medical Center Edmond (1 S Bryant, Edmond) focuses on using yoga breathing & movements to keep you comfortable in labor. Preregister. $25. 6-9pm. 359-5580, www.oumedicine/ edmond.

March 28 • Thursday FREE Music Play with Ginger at the Downtown Library (300 Park) features songs, games & a story for

One Day Activity at Mustang Community Center (1201 N Mustang) features activities, arts & crafts, games & more. Preregister. $30. 7am-6pm. 376-3411, www. cityofmustang.org. FREE Norman’s Best Easter Egg Hunt at Norman’s Andrew’s Park features age-divided hunts. Time TBA. 366-5472, www.normanfun.com.

March 30 • Saturday 2013 Egg Run at Harrah Church (101 S Dobbs, Harrah) is a 1-Mile Fun Run & 5K benefitting local food pantries. $30. 7am. http://eggrun.net. FREE Eggstravaganza at Harrah Church (101 S Dobbs) includes inflatables food, drinks, games, egghunt & more. 10am-1pm. 454-6690, http://egghunt.tv. FREE 2013 Oklahoma Heritage Scholarship Competition at locations statewide. Students in grades 9-12 compete for cash scholarships & tuition grants through a test on Oklahoma history. Applications available online & due by 3/20 at 5pm. www. oklahomaheritage.com. Zoo Time with Grandparents at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) gives grandkids & grandparents an opportunity to enjoy activities, animal meet-n-greet & a special presentation on Grandma’s Porch. Preregister. $15 members, $18 nonmembers. 9:30-11am. www.okczooed.com. FREE Easter Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features crafts, stomp dance, egg hunt, outdoor activities & a screening of the movie Hop at 3pm. Activities are FREE, but admission is required for exhibit halls. 10am-4pm. 580622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com. FREE Easter Extravaganza Hunt at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) features Spaghetti Eddie in concert, egg hunt & a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10:30am. 4188881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com. Tool Sharpening at the Myriad Gardens West Activity Pavilion provides sharpening of 3 items, including pruners, shovels & loppers. FREE for members, $10 nonmembers. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org. FREE Arbor Day Celebration at the Myriad Gardens features tree giveaway, planting demonstrations & more. 10am-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org. Easter Egg Hunt at the Myriad Gardens features activities & crafts, egg hunt, treat station & visits from the Easter Bunny. Preregister. $5/child member, $10/ child nonmember. Ages 2-5, 10:30am; Ages 6-10, 11:15am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org. FREE Crafts for Kids “Cute as a Bug Basket” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com. Easter Celebration at the Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) features Easter Bunny pictures in the Sweet Shoppe & Easter egg hunts for children 11 & younger. $10.50. Hunts at 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. Celebration held 10am-6pm. 799-3276, www. orrfamilyfarm.com. March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Oklahoma City Roller Derby at the Cox Convention Center. $12 in advance, $15 at the door, children 12 & under FREE. 6pm. www.okcrd.com. 2013 Black & White Ball at the Devon Rotunda features dinner & dancing to benefit the OKC Ballet. $250 individual. 843-9898, www.okcballet.com. FREE Jazzy’s Egg Run at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole will include over 8500 eggs. 11am. 382-0950, www.jasminemoran.com. FREE Choctaw’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N Harper, Choctaw) includes age-divided hunts for ages 12 & under, Easter bonnet contest & prizes. 11am. 390-8276, www. choctawfestival.org/EasterEgg.html. Footwork Dance Intensive at Top Hat Talent (11710 S Western) features back-to-back classes with dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, & more. Ages 7 & up. Preregister online by 3/16. $75+ plus fees. 8:30am-5pm. www. footworkdanceintensive.com.

March 31 • Sunday Family Easter Brunch at the Myriad Gardens Restaurant features brunch with the Easter Bunny. Preregister. $35 adults, $15 children 5-12, children 4 & under FREE. 11am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens. org. Easter Brunch at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Dining on Persimmon Hill restaurant (1700 NE 63) includes museum admission. Preregister. 11am-3pm. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org. Easter Brunch at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features brunch with the Easter Bunny. Zoo admission included. Preregister. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com.

Readers love MetroFamily for the stories —and—

the advertisements.

April 2013

If you offer products and services to local families, MetroFamily will connect you to thousands of passionate parents who are looking for you!

Connect and c ommunicate with 80,0 00+ women. ADVERTISE W ITH

April 1 • Monday FREE Admission Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

April 1–2 95% of our readers are between the ages of 25 & 54. 92% are women. Average household income is $86,575 per year.

HOPabaloo at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features egg hunts for children 2-5 years old in the Children’s Zoo as well as other Easter-themed activities.FREE with Zoo admission. 1-3pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | deadline: March 2013 Next issue: Fall Fun issue. Ad September 17th.

FREE Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) celebrates Native American youth learning their native languages. Open to students from pre-K-high school. 325-4712, www. snomnh.ou.edu.

April 2 • Tuesday OKC Barons vs. Hamilton Bulldogs at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16+, 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 4/6, 7, 19, 20, 21.

Ongoing Events March 2–June 9 FREE Art Interrupted: Advancing American Art & the Politics of Cultural Diplomacy Exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features an exhibition assembled in 1946 of modernist paintings highlighting the freedom of expression enjoyed by artists in the United States. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through March 17 20th Century African American Art: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features artwork by African American artists in the nation. 8785300, www.mgmoa.org.

Through March 21 Oklahoma Youth Expo Western Art Show at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) features the top award-winning entries from the Youth Expo Western Art Show. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

a selection of greatly-enlarged insect sculptures showcasing the beauty hidden within them. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

exhibition featuring works from the permanent collection that encompass the entire optical spectrum. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through May 17

Through August

FREE Bryan Adams: Exposed Exhibit at the City Arts Center features select photography by musician Bryan Adams who captured intimate images of friends & colleagues in the entertainment, fashion & art industries. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through May 29 Crumbo Spirit Talk at the Oklahoma History Center features the art of Woody Crumbo & his children. 5220765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org.

Through June 1 Enriched: Animal Art from the OKC Zoo at the Oklahoma History Center showcases the process of animal enrichment through painting. MondaysSaturdays. 522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org.

March 27–April 13

Through July 28

The Glass Menagerie at the Lyric’s Plaza Theatre (1725 NW 16) is Tennessee Williams’ classic play. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

FREE Into the Void Exhibition at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a student-curated printmaking

Through August 2 Soundscapes at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features the sculptural work of 11 artists based on the distinct relationship between the visual & aural domains of art & perception. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

Through September 8 Beautiful Beasts: The Unseen Life of Oklahoma Spiders & Insects at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History presents a series of largescale color photographs taken by Thomas Shahan of mid-western spiders & insects. 325-4712, www.snomnh. ou.edu.

Through March 31 FREE Miguel Barcelo’s Areneros y Muleros at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by one of the most celebrated living Spanish artists. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through April 5 Starmaker: Jim Halsey & the Legends of Country Music at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum showcases 60-years of historic music & show business memorabilia including gold & platinum albums, signed guitars & more. 235-4458, www. oklahomaheritage.com.

Through April 21 Photorealism Revisited at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features works from some of the most well known Photorealist artists. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Through May 12 An Enduring Legacy: Photos of the Otoe-Missouria People at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) features historical photographs from the Otoe-Missouria tribe. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org. Bugs Outside the Box Exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History presents

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Meet exotic animals at the Extreme Animals Petting Zoo.

Don't miss the family fun this Spring Break!

Saturday, March 23 10am to 4pm at the State Fairgrounds (Oklahoma Expo building; enter Gate 5 from May Avenue) Enjoy over 60 booths with hands-on activities for kids • Inflatables • Safety Village by Safe Kids Oklahoma • Non-stop stage entertainment by

“Kindie” band, Chasing James, will be one of many performing on the Kids Fest stage.

Mad Science, The Okie Stompers, and kindie bands Spaghetti Eddie and Chasing James • Petting zoo by Extreme Animals • Pony ride by YMCA’s Camp Classen • Door prizes and fabulous grand prizes, including a trip for four to Branson, MO (provided by Branson CVB) and a $300 gift card (provided by OECU)!

Kids are FREE and adults (18 and older) are $5 each. Parking is FREE.

SPONSORED BY:

SAFETY VILLAGE SPONSORED BY:

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Enjoy the non-stop entertainment at Kids Fest From live music to drama, hands-on science demonstrations and more, enjoy these great performances at Kids Fest!

Kids Fest 2013 Stage Schedule* 10:30 Chasing James (kindie band) 11:00 ICAN (Intervention Child Advocacy Network) drumline Rossi is a therapy dog who is the star of her own book, Rossi the Approval Dog by her owner Judy Savage of OKC. Rossi and Judy will greet the guests at Kids Fest.

11:30 Oklahoma Children’s Theatre performance 12:00 Spaghetti Eddie (kindie band) 1:00 ICAN dancers 1:30 Mad Science 2:00 Academy of Dance Arts 2:30 April Vickers/Clint Kirby & band (Disney songs) 3:00 ICAN vocalists 3:30 Okie Stompers * Performance schedule as of press time, subject to change. Find the latest schedule at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. And the entertainment doesn’t end on the stage. You and your children will be greeted by many roaming characters, such as Derrick the Mountain Lion from the OKC Barons and famous princesses you will recognize courtesy of Forever After Parties, team mascots and even Rossi the Approval Dog, a therapy dog and star of her own book. Parents: Don’t forget your camera!

Princess Tiana from Forever After Parties is one of several princesses and characters who will entertain the crowd.

Chasing James features local musicians (who happen to also be moms), Lisa Hubbert and Laura Franklin.

The Elite Pom Youth Group (ages 8-12) from Academy of Dance Arts will perform along with other dance groups at Kids Fest.

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Todd Parsons and Brendan Parker of kindie band Spaghetti Eddie will perform their fun-for-the-family songs at Kids Fest starting at noon.

Top 10 reasons to bring your family to Kids Fest Saturday, March 23, 10am-4pm, Oklahoma Expo Building at the State Fairgrounds 1. Kids Fest is the perfect way to celebrate the end of Spring Break! 2. Your family will have fun learning how to stay safe with Safe Kids Oklahoma. 3. Hands-on fun and games at more than 60 booths. 4. Take photos with roaming characters, including princesses, mascots and more! 5. Ride the horse provided by YMCA Camp Classen. 6. Pet the animals from Extreme Animals. 7. Enjoy a chance to win door prizes and grand prizes, including trips to Branson, MO and Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX, and a $300 gift card provided by OECU. 8. Face painting and inflatables! 9. Watch and learn from the awesome, non-stop entertainment on the stage, including concerts by kindie rock band groups Spaghetti Eddie and Chasing James; the ICAN drumline, vocalists and dance troupe; performances by Academy of Dance Arts; and a fun audienceparticipation program with Okie Stompers! 10. Kids get in FREE (and adults are just $5). Find a coupon on page 37 or online at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. Part of ticket sale proceeds go to support The Children’s Hospital Foundation. Parking is free.

Thank you to Oklahoma Employees Credit Union (OECU) and all the voters who helped determine MetroFamily’s Family Favorites!

Be sure to refer to these winners & finalists all year at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites-2013 SponSored by:

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Exploring Oklahoma Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park in Clinton

t’s that time of year. Spring fever is spreading with a vengeance, but many days it’s just too chilly to do many outdoor activities for long. When you’re tired of being cooped up in the house and you’re ready to burn some energy, make the short trip to the Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park in Clinton.

You may have visited other indoor water parks before, but the Water-Zoo is close enough to make this an easy day trip from Oklahoma City. From Bricktown, it took us about an hour and fifteen minutes on I-40 to get there. It’s close to the exit, so it’s very easy to find and to get back on the highway when it’s time to return home.

Easy and Accessible There are a few things you should know before visiting the Water-Zoo. First and foremost, you should know that this is a surprisingly easy place to visit. Because of my husband’s work schedule, I often travel alone with my eight year old and three year old and sometimes that can make things

a little hectic. Add in trying to remember floaties and towels and keeping an eye on our stuff by the side of the pool, and I get a little nervous at the thought of swim trips. Never fear, though, because they’ve thought of pretty much everything. There are life jackets and tubes available so you don’t have to worry about dragging those things along in the car, and if you forget your towel, they have those, too. Lockers are available for $6 (plus tax) and are coordinated with your wristband so you don’t have to keep track of a key or remember your locker number. Even the layout of the water park allowed me to keep an eye on my eight year old while I went to different areas with my three year old. So if you hear the words, “Indoor Water Park” and panic, don’t. Also, if your children aren’t strong swimmers, there are still plenty of ways for them to have fun at the Water-Zoo. There are slides, playgrounds and a splash pad-type area that are great for kids who haven’t yet learned to swim. In most pools the water is three feet deep or less, and the deepest water I noticed was four and a half feet, so if they

are eight or older they probably can reach the bottom everywhere. If they do have trouble, lifeguards are positioned all over the park and they seemed very attentive to the patrons. If you’re planning to spend the day at the Water-Zoo, you should also make plans for your meals. No outside food or drink is permitted but there is a snack bar that offers pizza, hot dogs, chips and candy. My kids and I ate lunch there and spent about $20 for all three of us. If you do want to leave the facility to eat, you can return as long as you keep your wristband on your wrist.

Fun For All Ages So what is there to do at the Water-Zoo? Plenty! My son’s favorites were the water slides. There are three lengthy water slides that start inside the building, wind outside and then end up back inside. One of them lets you travel in a “Tornado Bowl” several times before you exit, something I had never seen in a water slide before. We found that as the day went on, the lines for the slides got longer and longer, so get there early if

Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park 1900 Boulevard of Champions, Clinton 580-323-9966, www.water-zoo.com Admission $31.99 for guests 48 inches and taller, $21.99 for guests under 48 inches, $9.99 for observers Open Thursday–Monday 10:00am–9:00pm Check website for potential changes in fees and times.

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you want to minimize your wait time. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride these large slides, and if your child is tall enough but unsure about going on his or her own, you can use a double tube to go down with them. This might be a good idea since the slides are long and fairly dark in some places. The basketball pool was a big hit with both of my kids. Toward the middle of the pool is a three-sided basketball goal and the pool is around three feet deep in this area, so bigger kids can play without wearing themselves out treading water. One end of the pool is a little deeper and my three year old loved using this area to practice jumping in and going underwater. The wave pool and the Lazy & Crazy River were my favorites. You can access the river at several different points around the park and enjoy floating in a tube or swimming along with the current. The Lazy & Crazy River also crosses the wave pool. This is a zerodepth entry pool that is like a regular pool until the horn blows—then come the waves! Again, the water in much of the pool is shallow enough that my youngest could walk in most of it and enjoy jumping in the waves without being scared of going under. For younger kids or non-swimmers there are still plenty of options for fun. The Cub’s Cove is a splash pad-type area with a small slide and several spray toys downstairs. Upstairs is a huge water playground with slides, buckets, showers and a 600-gallon tipping bucket that douses guests with water periodically. You can see almost the entire water park from the playground area, so it’s a great place to let your younger kids play while also keeping an eye on your older kids playing in other areas. All of this fun is fairly affordable, too! Prices range from $21.99 to $31.99 per day depending on height and kids two and under are free. If you’re just there to watch the fun, an observer pass is $9.99. Discounted rates are available after 5:00pm and the Water-Zoo offers season passes, as well. If you want to make a weekend of it, packages are available through two different hotels and soon there will be an onsite Water-Zoo Campground. Check out the lodging section of the WaterZoo website for more details. If you’re looking for a new way to beat the winter blahs, the Water-Zoo should be at the top of your list!

Jennifer Geary is a homeschooling mom from Broken Arrow, formerly of OKC, who loves to have adventures with her family.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Oklahoma Lawyers for Children:

Bringing Hope to the Courtroom Tsinena Bruno-Thompson, president and CEO of Oklahoma Lawyers for Children (OLFC) says that there is a common misconception when it comes to the protection of children in Oklahoma’s legal system—and this misconception is at the very heart of why her organization exists. “In cases of deprived children, the State’s client is the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), the agency charged with the responsibility of caring for children in its custody. The State is bound by what the representatives do or fail to do. Sometimes, the State cannot pursue a particular course of action because DHS cannot meet the burden of proof. That’s where having an independent attorney for the child is particularly important,” Thompson explains. “The attorney for the child can pursue avenues that the State may not be able to pursue. OLFC was created to meet this need and assist the very capable—but overburdened—Juvenile Public Defender’s office by providing specially trained and qualified volunteer attorneys. This is difficult, difficult work, but without a shadow of a doubt, it is the best work I have ever done in my life.”

Representing the Children Founded in 1997, OLFC is an organization of qualified pro bono attorneys that represents children in the Juvenile Division of the Oklahoma County District Court. OLFC’s attorneys donate their time to ensure that the legal representation of abused, neglected and deprived children in Oklahoma County is not just adequate, but excellent. Providing in-depth legal services to more than 3,600 children each year, OLFC currently has more the 700 volunteer attorneys and over 400 non-lawyer volunteers. OLFC began in 1997, when two local attorneys visited the Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice Center and were shocked at the large number

of child victims existing in an ill-equipped, overburdened system. The pair began recruiting help from their colleagues and, by the following year, the Oklahoma County District Court judges signed an order allowing OLFC to be assigned cases directly from the Juvenile Public Defender’s office.

OLFC Today Thompson explains that when children enter OKDHS custody due to abuse, neglect or other situations, these children are required by state statute to have their own legal representation. “This representation has to come from the Juvenile Division of the Public Defender’s office or from OLFC. You cannot hire a private attorney to represent a child in OKDHS care,” she says. “And there are only five juvenile attorneys in the Public Defenders office to deal over with over 8,000 kids in OKDHS care. So, our attorneys play a crucial role.” Today, OLFC’s volunteer attorneys provide Guardian Ad Litem (courtappointed representatives for minors) services; assist with obtaining medical, dental, educational and mental health services for children in the legal system; provide information and assistance with special needs and trusts and ultimately help prepare children who “age out” of the system for life outside of foster care. OLFC provides in-depth training in juvenile law and trial techniques for volunteer litigators, as well as training on various factors affecting the welfare of children of all ages. “We are the only ones who can

31st Annual Redbud Classic The 31st Annual Redbud Classic will be held April 6–7, continuing its tradition of fitness, fun and philanthropy. The 2013 Redbud Classic events include 5K and 10K runs, a 5K wheelchair event, a 2 mile walk, baby stroller derby and one mile children’s run plus 10-, 33- and 50-mile bike tours. The biking events and the children’s run will be held Saturday, April 6, while the running and walking events are scheduled for Sunday, April 7. Annually, 6,500 athletes participate in the Redbud events, not including the nearly 800 children who run in the free one-mile children’s run. Participants can register online at www.redbud.org or in person at the Redbud office (1203 Sherwood Lane, open 10:00am–6:00pm daily from March 28–April 6). Discounted earlybird registration fees (before April 1) are available, but participants may sign up for events at the event. In addition to providing fitness events for the entire family, the Redbud promotes philanthropy by making a donation to a local non-profit agency and the 2013 beneficiary is Oklahoma Lawyers for Children. “We look for an organization where we can have a big financial impact and really help their cause,” said Suzanne Chew, public relations coordinator for the Redbud Classic. “We felt like OLFC fit that completely. Our donation will help them get more attorneys involved and be the voice for these children in need. Each child deserves excellent legal representation and there is no other way for them to get it, other than OLFC.” For complete event details including start times, course maps, and registration information, visit www.redbud.org.

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object to the change of placement or legally assert that a placement should not be changed,” Thompson notes. “As far as I know, we are the only organization in the nation that does this on a completely pro bono basis.” OLFC attorneys protect the rights of every child at every emergency “show cause” hearing in Oklahoma County, which are held within two judicial days after a child comes to OKDHS care. “We represent every single child that is picked up and put in OKDHS custody and those hearings are held five days a week, 52 weeks a year.” Thompson says that the number of attorney volunteers has doubled in the last three years and estimates that OLFC volunteers have saved the State of Oklahoma over $3.4 million dollars each year through volunteer legal contributions. “We’ve also had some independent studies conducted to assess the results we bring,” she adds. “Children represented by OLFC volunteers spend an average of 90 days less time in foster care and are 54 percent better off, educationally-speaking.” “The goal of the system is to achieve permanency for the kids,” Thompson explains. “Either through reunification with biological parents, through guardianship with another adult, or in a situation where parental rights are terminated and child is available for adoption.”

Above: Participants in OLFC’s 2012 tennis tournament and clinic. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Lawyers for Children. Below: Participants in the 2011 Redbud Classic. Photo courtesy of the Redbud Classic.

Outside the Courtroom OLFC’s influence extends further than just the courtroom. “We also have more than 400 volunteers who act as first responders,” Thompson adds. “They meet with children within the first 24 hours, to make sure they have what they need and to gather additional information for the volunteer attorney.” Non-attorney volunteers also provide legal support services, such as court reporting, private investigating, home studies for potential foster families and other services to help make sure the children’s interests are protected. Non-attorney volunteers also provide mentorship to children who are preparing to leave the foster care system. “Kids who are close to aging out of foster care have to set goals of what they would like to achieve by the time they leave the system,” Thompson explains. “Our mentor/ mentee system works with the child on their specific transitional living plan to help them achieve their goals.”

Partnering with the Redbud Classic As the only full-time attorney and one of only two paid staff members, Thompson emphasizes the importance of the organization’s association with the 2013 Red Bud Classic. “We are not a United Way agency, and lawyers are not always incredibly popular when out soliciting funds,” she jokes. “We sometimes don’t qualify for grants or funding opportunities available to other organizations and we must raise a lot of our own funds independently. Being associated with the Redbud is huge for us, because what we do isn’t a lawyer’s responsibility; it’s really a community responsibly. We hope it will bring more awareness for the issues our children face and more community support.”

Making a Difference Interested in supporting the work of OLFC? The organization offers an annual tennis tournament, as well as an Evening of Hope: Chips for Children event each September, allowing the public to support OLFC’s important work. In addition, OLFC seeks sponsors for a weeklong tennis camp that is offered for free for all children in foster care in the OKC metro.

Those interested in volunteering with OLFC can schedule a volunteer interview in order to be matched with a program. All volunteers must pass a background screening. For attorneys, OLFC provides free continuing legal education trainings twice per year, meeting all the state mandated training requirements. “I was a litigator for a long time before coming to OLFC,” Thompson concludes. “I wish I could say it is always happy work—it’s not—but I have never done more important work in my professional life. I get to see firsthand everyday the difference we make in these children’s lives.” For more information on OLFC, call 405-232-4453 or visit www. oklahomalawyersforchildren.camp9.org.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor and Online Content Manager of MetroFamily Magazine. March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Your Healthy Family Spring Sports Preparation

pring is fast approaching, and many parents and students are starting to think about preparing for spring sports. With childhood and adult obesity rates continuously on the rise in most states, sports participation can be a wonderful way to stay in shape while engaging in a fun social activity that teaches the importance of teamwork. On the other hand, with increasing media attention about the potential dangers of sports injuries, it’s important for student athletes to carefully condition their bodies to minimize the risk of injury. Concussions, in particular, have been a point of concern for many parents, with President Obama even recently commenting that if he had a son, he would “have to think long and hard before (he would) let him play football” because of the potential risk of injury. However, it is possible to at least reduce the risk of serious injury with proper preparation and training.

Many sports medicine doctors consider the health history to be the most important part of the physical, so it’s important for patients to take their time and answer the questions carefully.

The Sports Physical With many school districts and sports programs requiring a sports physical prior to starting a new sport or beginning a new season, many student athletes simply think of sports physicals as routine, sometimes even a hassle. What some may not realize is that the Participation Preparation Exams (PPEs) are actually a crucial conditioning step. In fact, if your school district or sports program doesn’t require a PPE, it’s highly recommended by medical experts that you schedule one anyway. There are two main parts to a sports physical exam which helps to determine if it is safe for a patient to participate in a particular sport. The medical history portion consists of questions about the athlete’s health history as well as any family history of illness or risk factors that might prohibit participation in a sports program. Patients are asked about their history of childhood illness, such as diabetes, epilepsy or asthma; previous surgeries and/ or hospitalizations; past injuries, and any medications or supplements the patient may be taking.

Many sports medicine doctors consider health history to be the most important part of the physical, so it’s important for patients to take their time and answer the questions carefully. During the physical exam portion, the doctor will typically record the patient’s height and weight, take a blood pressure and a pulse, check the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat and evaluate the patient’s posture, joints, strength and flexibility. Katie Sanderson is a recent graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Kinesiology program, which is the study of human body movement. She interned in the Edmond public school system coaching high school students in strength and conditioning for various sports. She also attended college on a full basketball scholarship, so she is well aware of the risks students face. “It’s rare that a physician will prohibit a student outright from participating in a sport. Even in cases where there is some concern, such as with an asthma patient, the benefits of exercise typically outweigh the risks for most people, so they usually will let them attempt it. In cases like that, it’s important to keep everyone informed and listen to your body. If necessary, modifications can be made to accommodate medical conditions.”

Conditioning When it comes to preventing injuries, Sanderson stresses that proper and thorough conditioning is key. “While sports participation has many positive benefits for people of all ages, it’s not unusual for students to overlook the importance of strength training. Students often find themselves pressed for time, and if they’re going to cut corners, they tend to do so on conditioning.” Most coaches have some conditioning exercises built into practices. “What we find [to be] most effective is an active warm-up, such as jogging or walking, followed by stretching after the workout or practice. I always stress to student athletes that it’s better to stretch after a workout than before. Spending time cooling down and stretching will prevent muscle soreness and improve flexibility. With that increased flexibility, your muscles have more room to give when they’re under strain, so they’re less likely to tear.” In the event of an injury, those who are properly conditioned will recover much more quickly. If an injury should occur, it’s important to listen to your physician and take time to

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recover. “The level of competition for student athletes is growing steadily, and it’s not uncommon for them to want to rush back out on the field or the court. Your doctor will clear you for various activities as you heal, and it’s important to follow those guidelines and not get in a rush,” notes Sanderson. Usually, a series of physicals is required before student athletes will be cleared for full participation.

Concussions The long-term effect of repeated concussions has recently been receiving a great deal of media attention. Former NFL player Junior Seau committed suicide in May 2012, and his autopsy revealed that he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of degenerative brain damage that has been found in other deceased NFL players. The result of repeated head injuries—usually from contact sports—CTE is characterized by symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, aggression, confusion and depression. Symptoms may appear within a few months of the trauma, or the onset may be delayed for several years. When it comes to concussions, Sanderson stresses that athletes need to take them seriously. “For a long time, an athlete ‘getting his bell rung’ meant sitting out until they felt like they could play again. Concussions are much more complicated than that. Just because you feel okay doesn’t mean that you are. We’re figuring out that there are long-term effects to repeated blows to the head way too late, but I’m thankful that all of the recent publicity is leading to a greater awareness and improved safety in contact sports,” she says. “Athletes who sustain concussions MUST NOT be allowed to participate in a sport until they are cleared through a series of physicals which test motor skills and mental acuity in addition to physical fitness,” she says. That said, she says she doesn’t feel she would want to prevent her future children from participating in contact sports. “I’m all for student athletics. There are so many wonderful benefits. But they have to be done the right way, with careful attention paid to conditioning and safety.”

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and single mom to two girls. An Edmond resident, she graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an HR manager in the medical field.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Local Eating Hummus Mediterranean Café

mmar Eisheh knows a thing or two about high quality customer service. Having worked in restaurants and hotels throughout his professional career, the owner of the new Hummus Mediterranean Café in Moore says good food and quality service are two things that a restaurant simply cannot fake. “Customers are not stupid, they feel how genuine you are when you do and say something,” Eisheh explains. “You must work hard to show what you have, that you aren’t just another business or just another restaurant. If you do something, you need to do it well.”

A Welcoming Community Eisheh grew up overseas, but came to Oklahoma 12 years ago to bring his family closer to his in-laws. “I felt very at home here right away,” he recollects. “This state is the best to raise your family in. I go to Texas a lot for business, but always can’t wait to come home.” With his own father being from the Middle East, Eisheh realized that there were no restaurants in Moore that featured the food of his father’s homeland. “I was talking with my wife and said ‘Why not open a restaurant that represents Middle Eastern food?’” he explains. “I met with my partners and we decided we wanted to do something that was nice and would truly represent [this] food at its finest.”

Eisheh says the City of Moore has been unlike any other city he has worked in. “From the Mayor to the City Council members, they have helped me in all possible ways to open a successful business,” Eisheh notes. “I haven’t felt this in any other city. People here don’t make you feel like an outsider. It’s a very welcoming community.” Hummus Mediterranean Café officially opened on June 11, 2012 and currently has a staff of 20 employees. “It was a lot of hours in the beginning, especially in the construction phase and the first two months,” Eisheh explains. “It has been very busy and tiring, but continues to be very rewarding.”

Middle Eastern Atmosphere While the vision to open the restaurant may have belonged to Eisheh and his partners, he credits their wives with creating the restaurant’s distinctive atmosphere. “They have their fingerprints on everything from the colors in the decorations, to the menu, to the lighting. Our wives designed it to be like our home, which fits since we treat our customers like our family. We worked with an architect to help make our ideas a reality and to give us the atmosphere that we wanted.” The restaurant’s atmosphere is complemented by patio seating and a view of a lake through a large window at the rear of the dining room.

Another important part of the atmosphere at Hummus is the attentive service offered by the wait staff. “I want my servers to be themselves. I don’t want robots to work for me,” he explains. “All my employees live in Moore and it is easier for them to relate to customers since they are part of the same community.”

Highest Quality When asked what sets Hummus apart from other restaurants, Eisheh’s answer is the high quality of the ingredients used to prepare their appetizers, pitas and specialty plates. “We want our customers to know that we buy the best of the best,” he says. “We keep it high quality all the time. If you came on the first day, you will experience the same quality every time you come in.” The restaurant’s signature dish is the Royal Platter, which features a combination of kofta (a Middle Eastern meatloaf), shish tawook (skewered and grilled chicken) and beef kabab served alongside vermicelli rice and your choice of hummus, muhammara (a ground walnut/bell pepper dip), babaghannouj (an eggplant dish) or Greek salad. Even if you’re not familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine, Eisheh’s staff is available to help you select dishes you will enjoy. “We get people who hesitate all the time,” he assures. “We can suggest simple things to start. Because it is fresh, we don’t have

Hummus Mediterranean Café What do customers say most? “That they’ll be back. It’s very rewarding for us to hear that,” Eisheh says. 811 SW 19th Street, Moore 405-759-7024, www.hummusmediterraneancafe.com Monday–Saturday 11:00am–9:00pm, Sunday 11:00am–7:00pm

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anything that will scare them. Once they give it a shot, they will love it. No question.” To complete your meal, choose from dessert options such as traditional baklava, a blended fruit cocktail (a smoothie made with mango, strawberry, banana and milk) or the Lebanese Nights Pudding, topped with whipped cream and pistachio.

The Hummus In addition to being the restaurant’s namesake, hummus is also the house specialty. Freshly made from garbanzo beans blended with tahini, garlic, lemon and spices, the menu boasts eight different kinds of hummus. Eisheh names the jalapeno hummus as his personal favorite, but says that garlic hummus is the most heavily ordered. Other choices include chicken, ground beef and paprika. “Add to this the bread that we make and bake here in the store,” Eisheh tempts. “It’s all made fresh every day.”

Word of Mouth For Eisheh, the recipe for success is simple. “American people have a great taste for food,” he explains. “So we give good food and good service. If you give them the right things, then they will come.” And come they have. “We are especially busy on the weekends, but we know that we need to have the right service and the right food to keep people here,” Eisheh reflects. “We get people from other counties just on word of mouth. We would love to eventually open a second location in Edmond or Norman.” In addition to dreams of a second location, Eisheh is also working on lunch specials and different nightly specials—as well as other special daily dishes to be added in the future. “If you haven’t been by, I hope you will come try it—just once,” he assures. “Once you try it, you will love it.”

Find Hummus Mediterranean Café on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hummuscafe or on Twitter at @cafe_hummus. Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor and Online Content Manager at MetroFamily Magazine.

Above: Ammar Eisheh, owner of Hummus Mediterranean Cafe.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Focus on Education Schools and Safety

ow safe are Oklahoma’s schools? Growing up as a student in Oklahoma’s public school system, it wasn’t a question many people asked. Metro area parents and students were stunned in 1992, when a 14-year-old boy shot and killed a fellow student at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City. As a sophomore in high school, I only vaguely remember the uproar that ensued as metal detectors were installed at a handful of public schools in the area after the shooting. Still, nothing prepared us for what was to come. First Jonesboro, then Columbine and Virginia Tech… the list of tragedies was already far too long on December 14, 2012, when the nation watched the news in collective horror after a man walked into an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut and slaughtered 20 first graders and six adults. As a nation, we could agree on one thing: schools had to be made safer.

Preventive Measures? How to accomplish this has been fiercely debated across the country, especially in recent months. Political polls currently show that approximately 60 percent of Americans favor tightening up gun control laws in some way, such as restricting access to assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and closing the “gun show loop,” which allows some individuals to purchase firearms without background checks. Others are calling for extensive mental health reform to allow for greater access to mental health services and better awareness of mental health issues, in hopes that warning signs may be more easily spotted and treated. Physical security of schools is another major area of concern, as districts scramble to tighten up security procedures to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

Taking Action Locally Oklahoma legislators quickly formed the Oklahoma Commission on School Security (OCSS), a nonpartisan group whose purpose is to study various school security factors and to provide suggestions and possible legislative recommendations for the 2013 legislative session. Their findings will be presented for consideration by Oklahoma lawmakers in mid-March. Issues being considered by the commission include current school safety measures, funding and mental health issues. Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, a former U.S. Secret Service agent, is serving as chair of the committee. OCSS member Dr. Eleanor

Goetzinger is an educator and behavioral specialist with the Oklahoma City Public Schools. With Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Special Education, Dr. Goetzinger has 14 years of experience working with students with behavioral problems in both rural and inner city school settings. “Seeing President Obama on television after the Sandy Hook incident, I was adamant to find a way to help on the state or federal level. With my experiences in education, mental health and law, I felt like I had a great deal to contribute on the crucial subject of school security,” says Dr. Goetzinger. The committee has met twice (as of press time) and is still in the brainstorming process. They have heard from experts on various topics related to school safety, such as physical security, threat identification, effective lock-down drills and prevention training. Dr. Goetzinger also stresses that they are NOT addressing federal issues such as gun control. “I welcomed the opportunity to serve on the Oklahoma Commission on School Security led by Lt. Governor Todd Lamb. Working with other professionals of different areas to provide the appropriate supports for school security in our state is of the utmost importance. This topic is nothing that we should take lightly. Parents

and guardians of Oklahoma students want to be reassured that their children are in a safe environment when they are attending school and we need to do our best to provide this support!”

Concerns About Weapons At one recent OCSS meeting, the committee heard from the vice president of a company who does canine security sweeps of public schools in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. In the 2011–2012 school year, the company recovered 27 firearms on Oklahoma school campuses. So far this school year, they have recovered 14. There is some concern that educators, law enforcement and prosecutors have at times been unwilling to punish students for the crime of bringing weapons to school when they feel there is a lack of intent. Others feel that unauthorized possession of a firearm should be punished regardless of intent, especially in a school environment.

Mental Health Issues The commission also heard from Terri White, commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She presented some sobering numbers, with the suggestion that

First Person: Local Reaction to Sandy Hook & School Safety By Stacy Henry

The days following the Sandy Hook shooting were filled with sadness and fear for people across the country, including local metro residents. Educators were faced with providing a sense of security to parents and students while dealing with stress the shootings caused them on a personal level. One local elementary school teacher* learned of the shootings on her lunch break. She agreed to share her immediate reactions to the tragedy in Connecticut: “I did not tell my students what happened,” she says. “We reviewed our intruder drill process, and I told them I loved them and would do everything I could to protect them.” The Sunday after the shooting, she saw a post on Facebook stating it was not safe to send children to school anymore. “I was anxious to see if any of my students would miss school, and I was happy when they all showed up that Monday,” she continues. Her school asked teachers not to talk about the shootings. If a student brought it up, they were to reassure children that there is an intruder drill in place. “It was a stressful week,” she recalls. “I remember wondering what I would do if this happened here. I reevaluated where I put my kids in my classroom during the drills, and ended up changing [the location].” Local schools are always looking for ways to improve their security. This particular school uses a new machine called the Lobby Guard. “Anyone who enters the school must slide their driver’s license through the machine,” she says. “A background check is performed, and if there are problems, they are not allowed to enter. I feel very safe sending my kids to school. I also know that if someone comes in here with malicious intent, no amount of security will be able to stop them.” * The Edmond elementary school teacher who shared her story did so on the condition of anonymity to protect the safety of her school and students.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

Reader Feedback: School Safety After the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy, we asked our readers how they deal with concerns over school safety. Here are some of their thoughts: • I try to focus on what I can control. In this case it’s being more intentional with my affection and attention. I can’t control someone else’s actions, but I can make sure my kids have no doubt how much I love them. • People are in a world that’s surrounded by fear/anger and a media that hardly ever points out the good. I put my trust in God! He protects my family. I believe he has them in his hands, it puts me at ease. The schools are doing their best. • I don’t live in fear of what might happen. I’m a believer that what’s meant to be will be, regardless of all one does to try and prevent it. We live in a world with people that have strong desire to harm others but they’re not the majority. If you “what if?” everything, you’re always going to find reason to be anxious. Instead, I pray each day for everyone’s safe return and I make sure they know how much I love them. Thanks to Lara G., ParkersForChrist, and Grace S. for sharing your feedback. Visit us at www.facebook.com/metrofamily to share your thoughts with us. approximately two in five Oklahoma youth suffer from untreated mental health issues, while up to four out of five have some level of substance abuse issues that are not being treated. Schools are often reluctant to identify students as being at-risk, because they may lack funding and resources to help them further. She feels that educators need to receive more extensive mental health and first aid training. Dr. Goetzinger agrees that expanding mental health training and services would be of tremendous benefit to at-risk youth populations in mitigating school violence. “Disseminating more knowledge about mental health risk factors not only in schools, but in society as a whole is a plus. Mental illness is a medical condition, just like asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Educating the public with this very important topic needs to take place as soon as possible,” she says.

The Way Ahead The Oklahoma Commission on School Security will continue to meet until the early spring, discussing various ideas and submitting proposals for consideration about how to better secure Oklahoma schools. In the meantime, many schools have tightened security by limiting entry access to front doors and requiring visitors to pass through the office and have their driver’s license scanned and their photo taken to be admitted as a visitor. Police presence on school campuses in many districts has increased since the Sandy Hook tragedy, and schools have remained in communication with parents regarding their safety concerns. While these measures may be of little comfort to those who have lost loved ones at the hands of school violence, the nation as a whole is taking a long, hard look at the issue of school violence and what can be done to foster a sense of safety and security in schools. As the search for answers continues, parents and students can take comfort in knowing that there is a common goal: to protect our schools from violence.

Editor’s Note: Check our online article for updates on the actions of OCSS (www.metrofamilymagazine.com/school-safety). Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and single mom to two girls. An Edmond resident, she graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an HR manager in the medical field.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Real Moms of the Metro Meet Amy Newberry: Advocate of Community Revitalization

That compassion isn’t surprising, given that Amy is the founder of The Tapestry Project, an organization dedicated to revitalizing deteriorating neighborhoods through renovation, restoration and connecting people in need to resources that will help them thrive as a community. The Tapestry Project strives to create a model for urban development and community transformation for women, children and families in crisis across the Oklahoma City metro area. “The intent and mission of the project was to develop housing for women who were trying to transition from homelessness,” she says. “We wanted to aid these women in getting connected to resources such as education, reliable transportation, and employment. Through the course of renovating housing, we were led to begin long-term work for the community as a whole. We wanted to make the community livable again.” Currently, this 33-year-old Oklahoma City native is pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling at Southern Nazarene University. “I know this will allow me to further walk with the families that we are able to serve,” she explains. “It will help me work through their abuse stories with them.”

Quick Facts About Amy 1. What are five words that describe you? Compassionate, kind, realistic, hardworking, optimistic. 2. What’s your favorite indulgence? Peppermint mocha latte. 3. What’s your favorite date night venue? Sushi Neko or Cafe Evoke. 4. What’s your favorite TV show? Duck Dynasty. 5. What’s your Favorite movie? The Princess Bride.

Photo by Steffanie Halley, Steffanie Halley Photography.

my Newberry admits that she might be biased, but that she thinks her children are among the most compassionate humans she has ever met. “They are aware of what hunger and poverty look like,” she explains. “Since they were toddlers, they have been doing community work alongside my husband and I and it has taught them how to care for others, and how to be mindful and grateful for the things that we have and are able to do.”

The Newberry family—mom Amy, dad Joshua, son Jonathan (age 7) and daughter Madison (age 9).

Amy’s dedication to improving our local communities directly impacts her personal life. “We are living and teaching our children how to love and care for others by letting them see us not neglect the poor or forgotten in our city,” she says. “It gives me a hope for all of humanity to see that we are leaving and sewing a culture of hope and service in our family and in our city.” Here is more about how this mother of two works to improve our city through her family and beyond. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I am not crafty nor do I sew but I do secretly try. What are you passionate about? I have a justice-seeking heart. I find myself constantly thinking about how to not neglect the poor or forgotten in our city. I love teaching my children. Growing their hearts is my ultimate passion. How has motherhood changed you? Motherhood has taught me how to love unconditionally, to be more afraid then I’ve ever been, and has taught me the deepest kind of joy. How do you banish stress? I have been known to enjoy a good glass of wine, a good book and lots of laughter to do away with the “really intense life stuff.” I have a tribe of women who bring much

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

laughter into my days and can easily take any stressful situation and make light of it with me. What inspires you? Restoration. Absolutely nothing inspires my heart more than to see people, places, families, marriages and community working toward restoration. Along with your job as a mom, what do you do? In 2009, my family started a community development project on SW 29th Street and Portland in Oklahoma City. Through The Tapestry Project, we have been able to work with the children in the neighborhood, providing after-school tutoring/mentoring, a spring break/summer break camp, nutrition programs, urban gardens and more. It’s meaningful to me to come alongside as they triumphantly overcome obstacles and get back on their feet. What do you like most about your job? I love the people. The work is intense and there are seasons when it has felt overwhelming, but it has brought such purpose and direction to our family and our home. What is on your wish list? On a practical level, I’m in the market for some new pots and pans at home.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the strength of the relationships within my family. Our family lives intentionally. I grew up in a very broken home, so to see the grace of a loving marriage and my children makes me unbelievably proud and blessed. My kids and my marriage are my greatest accomplishments. What motivates you? I am motivated by people. Their stories and journeys inspire me. It’s hard work but the idea that victory is just around the corner keeps me going. How do you find balance in your life? My husband and I are intentional about our date nights and time away from the kids. We also take our kids out on dates for oneon-one time with them. We prioritize our marriage, our family and then the needs of others and our work. Advice for other moms? I know it seems difficult in a highpressured society to raise the perfect child or to be involved in the right outlets, so my greatest advice is to know where you’re going and know how you’re going to get there! What’s the biggest challenge in your life? Learning to slow down and not attempt to play so many roles at one time, so that I don’t spread myself too thin and lose direction and clarity in my true mission. How do you help others? I wholeheartedly believe that there is power behind mentoring. Some of our greatest success stories from The Tapestry Project have come on the heels of a great mentor befriending and empowering single moms to accomplish things that they never dreamed were possible. What is your parenting style? Love and Logic by Jim Fay has taught us how to lead with natural consequences, how to use the power of choice, and how to teach our kids to be considerate, respectful people Favorite quote or advice about motherhood? “Life is school,” from one of my favorite friends and mentors Robin Meadows. Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine. For more information about The Tapesty Project, visit www.thetapestryproject.org.

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

Mom Gets the Last Laugh

Illustration by Emily Ball, http://emilymgball.com.

The Case of the Easter Bunny

admit it: I can’t wait until the Easter Bunny stops hopping by our house. It’s not that I don’t like holidays; I just can’t take the pressure of being the responsible adult. The trouble with children is that you can’t put much over on them, especially when they seem to be on the elementary school track for pre-pre-law.

One Easter Eve a few years ago, I lay in bed trying to fall asleep amid some low-level tension because something just wasn’t quite right. Suddenly I bolted up, frightening my husband out of a sound snore. “I forgot to do the Easter baskets!” I got up, turned on lights, rummaged through the guest room closet for baskets and candy, and set about making the sweetest little tokens of love from the Easter Bunny. I put them in the kids’ doorways and went back to bed, where the father of my children was sleeping just as peacefully as before my crisis. In the morning the kids came to our room to show us their loot. My six-year-old daughter looked up at me with genuine curiosity. “I

wonder why the Easter Bunny gave us the same baskets as last year?” Note: The Easter Bunny is a touch stingy. She doesn’t really see the point in buying new baskets year after year, and this was the year she decided to test her theory that the kids wouldn’t really notice anyway. “Mom?” my daughter asked, “Are you the Easter Bunny?” Leave it to the little one. I shook my head and offered up a little snort. “Do I look like I’ve been out all morning hopping around delivering Easter baskets?” She eyed me, weighing whether or not to push it. She possessed a sparkly bag of sugar, after all. However, the little lawyer-intraining just couldn’t let it go. “It’s just that you said the Easter Bunny was a girl and the Easter Bunny knows what kind of books we like and—” Maybe Mommy needed a basket full of Midol because I snapped. “I’m not the Easter Bunny. Okay?”

Everybody backed off the bunny. When they asked later why the Easter Bunny didn’t give them very much candy this year, I told them maybe she knew they’d be getting a lot of candy at the Easter egg hunt that afternoon. “Not that I would know,” I added. That was my fatal mistake. If this were a courtroom drama, there would be a close up on me as a bead of sweat made its way down my nose. “Are you sure you’re not the Easter Bunny?” my son asked. His eyes narrowed. “Because usually when people say ‘not that I would know,’ it means that they know.” “And usually when a kid asks too many questions about a basket of goodies, it means they go to bed early and a monster comes in the night and eats all their candy.” Case closed.

Lela Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

casion, e of year or oc m ti t ha w r te No mat nning BEST party-pla you'll find the re. he t area righ choices in the

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2013

March 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com