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NOVEMBER 2015

GIVE BACK THIS SEASON Top volunteer opportunities for families ALONE AT 18: Aging out of foster care KANSAS CITY CHRISTMAS Kick off the holiday season with a road trip SHOP SMALL Local shopping that gives back

See our calendar for 202 incredible events!

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Myriad Botanical Gardens

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Devon Energy Center and Myriad Botanical Gardens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visits with Santa are first come, first served. downtownindecember.com

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The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 18, Number 11

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor Heather Davis, Jennifer Sharpe, Elaine Warner, Lindsay Cuomo and Erin Page–Contributing Writers Emily Hart and Steffanie Halley– Contributing Photographers

Give back this season by volunteering your time and talent to these worthy causes.

HAVE A STORY OR BIG EVENT? We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-818-5025 or email sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price & Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Shelly Sanderson–Business Development Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc.We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. New Address: 318 NW 13th St Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-818-5025 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2015, All Rights Reserved.

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ALONE AT 18 Discover how local youth in the foster care system cope with aging out.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

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CHRISTMAS IN KC Plan a family road trip to Kansas City to kick off the holiday season.

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REAL MOM Learn how this mom with Oklahoma City ties is making a difference in Ghana.

Editor’s Picks: Gifts That Keep on Giving Holiday Traditions From Our Staff

20 Mom Humor: PB&J Is for the Birds 22 Calendar of Events 46 Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving by encouraging you to give back and kick off the holiday season with fantastic Christmas celebrations.

H

ere at MetroFamily, I have the privilege of seeing the incredible impact people can make on their communities.

There’s not a month that goes by without local non-profits asking us to advertise their causes and get the word out about their events. In turn, we get to see our readers respond by taking action and fulfilling local needs.

We regularly hear from parents and community members about people young and old giving back in big ways. Just in the past few months I’ve had the privilege of meeting grandparents generously raising their grandchildren, local youth giving up their weekends to raise money for area animal shelters and foster parents who work tirelessly to provide stability to Oklahoma City’s most vulnerable kids.

It feels so good to work in a community where readers are coming to us asking for good volunteer opportunities for their families. We know you want to contribute more than you consume and we take great pride in pointing you in the right direction. On page 10, find

r u o r e t En contestsig! to win b Selfie with an

10 worthy causes that need your time and attention this holiday season. These options don’t even scratch the surface of all the ways you can volunteer your time and resources this month, but it’s a start. In the spirit of the season, I encourage you to flip to the page six to see how you can shop for Christmas gifts in a charitable way, too.

To find even more volunteer opportunities, visit www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ volunteer. I’d love to hear how you and your family are giving back this season. Share your story with me at hannah@ metrofamilymagazine.com so I can thank you for all you do to make Oklahoma City great.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

LY I M A F MAKE IES AT A MEMOR NT E V E O 2 METR n page 2 o r starts a d n e l a C

Elfie

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OUR CONTESTS AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CONTESTS

• Selfie with an Elfie: Visit a participating retailer and find the Elf on the Shelf and your family could win big! Learn more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/elfie.

• 12 Days of Giveaways: Our popular 12 Days contest includes themed prize packages given each day from Dec. 1-12. Enter every day!

• Keep It Local Giveaway: To motivate you to shop local on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28) we’re giving away 2016 Keep It Local cards on Instagram from Nov. 16 to 20. Follow us @metrofamilyokc to learn more!

• OKC Philharmonic Giveaway: Win tickets for the whole family to see “The Christmas Show” put on by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic! Enter by Nov. 23.

THIS MONTH’S COVER: Liam M., 18 months old, was our youngest Cover Kid of the year! The Oklahoma City toddler has never met a stranger and was a delight to photograph.

Thanks to Macy’s Quail Springs for providing clothing for our 2015 Cover Kids.

!

W WO

PHOTO TAKEN BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Editor’s Picks:

Top Spots to Give Back Through Shopping

Christmas will be here before you know it and many of you probably have already started on your shopping list. The feature on the next page (10 Ways to Give Back This Season) provides you with a hefty list of local nonprofits and organizations that can benefit from your time and money this season. But another great way to give back is by doing your holiday shopping at stores that benefit local and international causes. Here are a few local shopping opportunities that benefit others.

Shop Good 3 N.W. 9th St. www.shopgoodokc.com Why We Love It: Just as the name of the store implies, the products carried at Shop Good give back to local and international causes of all kinds. Check the tag on the item you’re interested in to see exactly what organization or group will benefit from your purchase.

A popular product at the store is Mariposa Coffee. The couple behind this local roastery aims to craft quality coffee (which makes a great Christmas gift) and fight social injustice at the same time. The Norman company uses 15 percent of their sales revenue from their popular Rwanda Kabirizi coffee to put water wells in coffee-growing communities that don’t have access to clean water. The company was founded by a Norman couple in 2009 and so far they’ve put two water wells in Rwanda and they’re currently raising money for a third. You can also find Mairposa by the pound at Collected Thread (1705 N.W. 16th St.) and Native Roots (131 N.E. 2nd St.).

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOP GOOD

T-shirts make a great gift and any you buy at Shop Good are not only designed and screen printed by Shop Good, profits benefit Special Care, an Oklahoma City day care facility for kids with special needs. Tip: For last-minute holiday shopping, Shop Good will have their best sellers and popular gift items available the weekend before Christmas at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown.

Mistletoe Market Cox Convention Center 1 Myriad Gardens www.mistletoemarket.org Why We Love It: The Junior League of Oklahoma City hosts this three-day shopping event each year to raise money for their community projects. When you shop the 100 vendors at the event, you’re supporting local causes like a prom night at The Children’s Hospital, youth and adult literacy programs, health initiatives to end childhood obesity and more. Gifts you’ll find here range from high-end jewelry and home decor to gourmet foods and children’s items. Shop the Preview Party from 6 to 10 p.m. to get first dibs on top merchandise and enjoy live music, beverages and a silent auction. Preview Party admission is $50. General admission is $10 and offered from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14.

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Blue Seven 7518 N. May Ave. www.myblueseven.com Why We Love It: Blue Seven features some products that give back in addition to supporting a few charitable causes with general profits. One group you can help through shopping at the store is Resource Development International. The Oklahoma natives who run the organization work in Cambodia to improve living conditions through education and hands-on projects that provide clean water. Another cause supported through your shopping is Jasper House Haiti, a non-profit started when a Blue Seven customer moved to Haiti to provide housing and life skills training to women who have aged out of orphanages.

Specific products that give back at the shop include LYNT socks. The LYNT business is integrated into the curriculum at New Land Academy, an Oklahoma City school for the refugee youth community. Students learn business skills through marketing and selling the socks and all profits from the sale of the socks goes back into the school.

Kammocks are another charitable product you can pick up at Blue Seven. These are portable hammocks that support malaria treatment to children in Africa. Denik Notebooks also make great gifts and your purchase will help fund schools in developing countries.

PHOTO OF BLUE SEVEN BY STEFFANIE HALLEY

PAMBE Ghana Global Market 6516 N. Olie www.pambeghana.org Why We Love It: A Ghana native with Oklahoma City ties opens up a holiday market each year to help support a school in her home village. Shop at PAMBE Ghana Global Market for unique fair trade goods and your purchase will support this growing school that helps young people in Ghana get educated and thrive. Gifts you can purchase there are made all over the world. You’re not only supporting the school in Ghana, but all products at the market are purchased from certified members of the Fair Trade Federation, which means artisans are paid a fair price for the items. Learn more about the woman who founded the school benefited by this market on page 50. The volunteer-run market is open noon at 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday in November and December.

part of Edmond’s HOPE Center and provides the non-profit with the funding they need to provide social services to underprivileged people who live in Edmond. The HOPE in HOPE Center stands for Helping Our People in Emergencies and shopping at HOPEfully Yours helps provide Edmond residents in need with everything from food and utility bill assistance to medical care. Learn more about what the HOPE Center does on page 12. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HOPEfully Yours 908 N. Broadway, Edmond www.hopecenterofedmond.com Why We Love It: Do a little digging at this upscale resale shop in Edmond and you’ll find the perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. The shop features everything from clothing to furniture. It’s a

PHOTO OF PAMBE GHANA

BY STEFFANIE HALLEY

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family buzz

We’re buzzing about

Holiday Traditions

BY HANNAH SCHMITT MANAGING EDITOR

T

hanksgiving and Christmas offer special times to make family memories. There are 27 magical days in between these two holidays and the opportunities to make them memorable are endless.

Traditions are a great way to get the whole family excited about the season. Need some tradition inspiration? Here are some favorite rituals from our staff.

Kathy Alberty office manager “After we open gifts, we fix a big country breakfast/brunch that we enjoy together which must include cinnamon rolls!”

Lindsay Cuomo calendar editor and contributing writer “We love to load up in our jammies at least once to drive around and look at Christmas lights. We also celebrate Christmas in Scotland. My mother-in-law is from Scotland so at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve we let the kids open one present so they are celebrating with their extended family overseas. My husband did this as a kid and we do it now.”

Jessica Misun sales “As a child, my sisters and I would always wake up to one big unwrapped present in front of the tree. My family would then have my mom’s homemade cocoa and cinnamon rolls in our pajamas while looking through our stockings before opening the rest of the presents. To this day, my sisters and I still come to my mom’s house in our pajamas with our children to have her cinnamon rolls and cocoa before opening presents (and still get stockings. Of course the big unwrapped presents are for our children now.”

Callie Collins marketing director “We always go out for hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. We started a new tradition last year where we went to get our Christmas tree at a tree farm instead of a hardware store.”

Dana Price sales “Because I’m a worship pastor, our family knows that our first event of the season is to attend the Christmas Eve service at our church and then gather at our house for a party! We have fun food and lots of sweets along with our special recipe for hot spiced cider, which my daughter is responsible for making and we open our gifts from each other. We usually close out the night with a Christmas movie like ‘A Christmas Story’ or ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ and quote all the lines because we’ve seen it so many times! On Christmas day, we gather with extended family members and have a feast and exchange gifts with our family present at that dinner.”

Athena Delce sales “When I was a kid, we would wake up early the day after Thanksgiving and Mom would make us breakfast. Instead of going to buy presents, we would go buy our Christmas tree. After we found our tree, we would go home and decorate the tree. It would take hours because all our ornaments were something we made at school, at church or from my Dad’s work Christmas parties, so we all would tell our ‘I remember when’ stories about each ornament.

Now that I’m a parent in a blended family, I will not decorate the tree until my stepchildren get into town. On the day we decide to decorate the tree, we bake chocolate chip cookies, then we all come together in the living room and watch ‘The Grinch’ and ‘Proud Family’ while we decorate the tree.”

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See a Holiday Classic Live on Stage The phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out kid!” sure does bring back a lot of Christmas memories. “A Christmas Story” is a beloved holiday movie and Celebrity Attractions is hosting “A Christmas Story, The Musical!” in Oklahoma City to bring the film to life on stage for families.

Ralphie will be played by 11-year-old actor Dylan Boyd and MetroFamily got a chance to chat with Dylan about his upcoming performance.

MFM: You’re only 11 but already have so much acting experience. What’s different about this show compared to others on your list of credits?

DB: This is a more dense story. There are several topics in this show. You think at first it’s just about Ralphie wanting a BB gun but you quickly realize it’s about a lot more.

MFM: What will kids enjoy about this show?

DB: We’re going to have dogs and actors on the same stage, which is really exciting.

The story is really exciting and funny and heartwarming. It’s a great show for everyone.

MFM: In addition to being entertained, what will families get from the show?

DB: Kids will remember what’s important about Christmas. Ralphie learns that whether or not he gets the gun, Christmas isn’t about just getting the gun but it’s about the person who cared enough to get the gun for you. The audience can learn it’s not just about the gifts but it’s about how much people care about you.

Your family can enjoy one of eight performances Nov. 3-8. It’s suitable for all audiences. See it at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m.

Sunday.

Oklahomans are never short on compassion and our giving spirit always shines bright. Even with the busyness of the holidays, the outpouring to those in need is at its highest this time of year. What many call the Oklahoma Standard has been handed down with each generation, whether by necessity when faced with tragedy or simply inspired by others. Here are 10 ways your family can continue the tradition.

BY LINDSAY CUOMO

Participate in a new Oklahoma City Animal Shelter program.

Donate your birthday or Christmas gifts to ServeMoore.

Kids for OKC Animals is a community engagement program for kids up to age 18 interested in helping animals in need.

Members of the program pledge to complete one service project a year as well as promise to be respectful and kind to all animals and share their experience with others. Projects can be completed on your own schedule but OKC Animal Welfare asks that you let them know your plans so they can help in any way they can. Host a donation drive to collect needed items from the shelter’s wish list, host an event to raise money and awareness for animals in need, make cat toys for pets awaiting adoption or volunteer to help with animal care, administration tasks or special events. All ages are welcome but volunteers under 18 cannot handle animals and must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Another way to help is to become a foster family for mommy animals with babies or infant animals without moms in need of extra care. To learn more about the Kids of OKC Animals program, visit www.okc.gov/ animalwelfare or email awinfo@okc.gov.

ServeMoore formed out of the rubble created by the May 20, 2013 tornado. Because of the massive storm and its damage, the city of Moore and its residents were again faced with a massive job to clean up the debris.

Many were eager to help. In response, a few church leaders decided to create an avenue to connect those in need with those willing and able to help. Since then, ServeMoore continues to help communities in Oklahoma facing natural disasters as well as community renewal and non-profit collaboration.

ServeMoore offers a unique Donate Your Birthday platform where family and friends can contribute in your honor in lieu of, or in addition to, traditional party gifts. They also welcome volunteers of all ages but feel many of their projects are best suited for ages 10 and up. While opportunities for kids are limited due to safety, young members of the family can help in the community garden and with special projects like painting fire hydrants. Visit www.servemoore.com to get connected today.

Donate coats, hats and gloves to Luggage with Love, an outreach of Victory Family Church.

Luggage with Love is a brand new organization that started in October. The organization offers free clothing and supplies for new foster/adoptive placements in Cleveland County and is ready to fill their shelves with new or gently-used items for kids in need. Foster kids often have very few personal belongings. As the winter brings cool temperatures, the need for the proper gear will increase. Shop for brand new supplies or pack up your outgrown (but in good condition) winter gear and take it to 4343 N. Flood in Norman. Size 8 and up are most in need as well as new socks and underwear. While you are dropping off your contributions, stay to help sort, fold and prepare the donations so everything is ready when the call comes that a child is in need.

Young children are welcome to volunteer with a guardian. Get connected at www. luggagewithlove-ok.org.

NURSES NEEDED

$10,000 sign-on bonus and relocation package for experienced RNs*

Join our team.

If you are an experienced nurse and have a passion for quality patient care in a state-of-the-art facility, we are looking for you.

To view our current openings go to www.saintfrancis.com/career

Saint Francis Health System | 6600 South Yale, Suite 1100, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136 918-502-8300 | Toll Free 800-888-9553 SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL

*Bonus applicable for RNs in adult patient units with at least two years of experience.

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EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Bless babies in need with life-sustaining donations to Infant Crisis Services.

Infant Crisis Services began as a Sunday school service project because the founders believed no baby should go hungry—and the community agreed. Volunteers have been supporting the organization for more than 30 years. We all know babies have a lengthy list of things they need to thrive. Round up much-needed items like diapers and formula as well as new or gently used toys, books and coats and deliver them to 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd. Or, consider getting involved with their micro-volunteering program where families can make a big impact from home and on their own time. Knit, crochet or sew hats and blankets for babies and toddlers or assemble Project-To-Go packs. Your family gathers a few important items into an easy-to-passalong pack that is sure to bless a baby or toddler in need. The Thanksgiving Meals and Holiday Gift packs are a great way to help this time of year. Details about these projects can be found at www.infantcrisis. org/volunteer.

Transform the lives of children around the world with Operation Christmas Child.

Since 1993, every gift-filled shoebox with Operation Christmas Child has shared a powerful message, transforming the lives of children and their families around the world. Samaritian’s Purse uses the treasures and personal letters inside to communicate with millions of children in more than 150 countries that someone cares for them.

Together, your family can assemble one or more shoeboxes filled with gifts, hygiene items, school supplies and a personal note and photo. Then, take your box to one of the more than 4,000 drop-off locations across the U.S. during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. A list of local drop-off locations can be found out www.samaritanspurse.org.

Make a difference in the lives of boys at White Fields.

White Fields is a long-term boys’ home for children ages 8-18 who have experienced severe abuse and neglect. These boys have typically been in several foster and group homes. White Fields’ goal is to be their last stop and a place to call home, offering varying levels of therapeutic care. Volunteers can aid in the restorative care happening at White Fields in many ways. Craft a Welcome Home basket filled with hygiene items,

stuffed animals, small toys like LEGOs and coloring books, one sports ball and twin-size bedding including sheets, mattress protectors and a pillow. Young volunteers accompanied by an adult can spend a day or more helping with campus beautification. Volunteers also are needed at a special holiday event, during recreational activities or to host a donation drive to collect much-needed items. All volunteers interested can call or email 3025123 or info@whitefieldsok.com.

Spread hope at the Hope Center of Edmond.

Each week more than 200 volunteers rotate shifts and assist staff at the Hope Center of Edmond, which acts as a central agency meeting the basic needs of people in the Edmond community including food, clothing, utility assistance and prenatal care for uninsured women. This vast network of churches and community organizations needs a lot of help. Volunteers help stock the pantry shelves, sort incoming donations, greet clients, answer phones calls and more.

Oklahomans are especially generous during the holiday season which means the Hope Center needs extra hands to handle all the donations. Individuals, families, groups, clubs, businesses and school groups are all welcome to lend a hand, as long as they are at least 10 years old. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Opportunities are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Sign up at www. hopecenterofedmond.com/volunteer.

Ring in the season at The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma.

November and December are very busy months for The Salvation Army which means there are plenty of opportunities for families to get involved. Sign up to help with the Thanksgiving Day festivities at The Salvation Army Chesapeake Energy Center of Hope or donate a turkey or entire Thanksgiving feast toward the community meal. You know the season has officially arrived once you see that bright red pot and hear the bell ringing.

Families can sign up to participate as a bell ringer or adopt a kettle between Nov. 20 and Dec. 24.

Another option is to stop by Penn Square Mall or Quail Springs Mall and adopt an angel from the Angel Tree from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12. The tree is filled with Christmas requests from kids in need and you can purchase a gift for them. You can also help deliver those gifts from Dec. 15 to 18. Kids ages 13 and up accompanied by a guardian

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can help with the deliveries. Or, your family can organize a toy drive at your local school, business or church group. Toy drive donations need to be dropped off by Dec. 10 to deliver to kids by Christmas. For yearround opportunities or more information regarding these volunteer opportunities, please contact Liz Banks at 246-1107 or liz. banks@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Lace up your sneakers for sick and injured kids.

Children’s Hospital Foundation’s sole focus is to advance pediatric research and specialized clinical care for Oklahoma kids. Year-round, their calendar is jam packed with fun events aimed at supporting their vital calling. At 7 p.m. Nov. 12, families can lace up their sneakers and put on their best neon for a sprint in the “Keep Glowing” Soonerthon Glow Run. All are welcome, from the serious runner to families. For $25, a child and their parent can test their speed in the one-mile fun run while helping our state’s sickest kids.

There is even a couch participant option for those who simply want to champion the cause. For other fun ways to support Children’s Hospital Foundation, check out www.okchf.org/events/calendar.

Spread the joy of holiday season with foster families at the Circle of Care Christmas Parties.

Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care for Children and Youth hosts several Christmas parties for foster families in the Oklahoma City area. The parties aim to refresh and renew the whole family so they can continue to care for the children in their home. Local churches and others in the community fulfill the families’ wish lists for gifts and essentials for a special holiday meal.

Circle of Care collects gifts not only for the kids but the foster parents themselves. Gift cards for date nights are always appreciated, offering these generous parents an important evening to refuel as needed. Volunteers are needed to help sort and prepare donations as well as prepare for a variety of festivities.

The parties happen in the first week of December but the days leading up are when the most help is needed. Kids accompanied by a guardian are welcome to volunteer. Visit www.circleofcare.org or call 463-6626 to find out the many ways your family can bless Oklahoma City foster families.

[Editor’s Note: for year-round family volunteer opportunities, visit www. metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer]

Local Kids

Giving Back

We love providing volunteer opportunities to Oklahoma City metro families because we know how much children and their parents benefit from giving back to their community. Here are two incredible local kids who have gone above and beyond in sharing their time and talents with others.

Ben S.,

Jahven T.,

Making an impact on the world we live in can mean many different things and happen in many different ways. Sometimes, it means getting very creative. Building on a family tradition, 11-year-old Edmond resident Ben got the idea to transform something he loves into a way to improve his community, specifically his school. When Ben’s dad, Jason, got too old for traditional trick-ortreating, his family started a tradition that has lasted many years. The family crafts their home into a haunted house. They invite their neighborhood to their spooky creation and Ben and his family provide frightful entertainment. In 2013, Ben came up with the idea to charge a small admission fee he would then donate to his elementary school’s reading program. The first year, the family raised $300. This year, the spooky event supported Deer Creek Middle School.

For many teens looking to bolster college and scholarship applications, volunteering offers real world experiences that leave a lasting impact. As Jahven began her path into the Miss Outstanding Teen pageants, she began to ask herself, “What am I passionate about?” What she discovered about herself was a love for helping others, especially kids. She realized through volunteering that she often got as much out of is as she put into it. As her passion continued to grow, she joined the teen board for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2013. The board was formed to give teens an outlet to help and offer sick kids some supportive role models close to their age.

Jahven jumped at the chance to help out even though the opportunity meant frequent one-hour drives into the city. From her very first event with the teen board, Jahven knew she had found the right place for her. Jahven is being honored this year as Teen Board Member of the Year.

11 years old of Edmond, OK

16 years old of Weatherford, OK

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1:00 pm 2:00 pm 2015-2016 SERIES I CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL

BY ERIN PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUND WWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM

Alone at 18:

Aging out of foster care

I

magine being 18 years old and completely on your own. No family. No support system. You have no credit history, so renting an apartment is virtually impossible. You haven’t completed high school or earned a GED, so college or a vocational school is out of the question. Even if they were an option, you don’t have the money to pay for school and no one to help you through the daunting application and financial aid processes. You’ve had no training in how to apply for, dress for or interview for a job. Would you make it?

This is the situation facing the more than 26,000 children who age out of foster care nationally each year. One out of five will become homeless after age 18. One in four will be involved in the justice system within two years of leaving the foster care system.

Only 58 percent will graduate high school.

Fewer than 3 percent will earn a college degree by age 25.

“They didn’t end up in this system because of their own problems,” said Dr. Laura Boyd, national public policy director for the Foster Family-based Treatment Association. “We haven’t figured out a way to support and engage these 26,000 who age out. Parental support makes a difference. If that’s true for kids who haven’t experienced trauma, how can we imagine these [foster] kids being successful?”

Boyd, who holds a PhD, jokes that it required an advances degree to help her granddaughter, whom she’s raising, apply for college. Her own hard work during the process brought to light even more what she’s been passionately preaching for years: “What do these kids do who not only don’t have support, but don’t have an invested and involved family?”

Preparing foster children for independence As of Sept. 1, 2015, there are 9,397 children in Oklahoma in out-of-home care. Seventeen percent of those are ages 13 to 17. There are 91 children in custody who will turn 18 by the end of the year; eight have the case plan goal of adoption or preparation for adoption, three have a plan for guardianship and 18 for

reuniting with their biological families. That leaves 63 percent who most likely will not be reunited with biological families or adopted before turning 18.

“We believe so strongly that children need families,” said Holly Towers, executive director of Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care. “But we know there are so many kids who age out of the system without going home to their biological families or being adopted. This leaves these youth really on their own at age 18 and the community struggles to serve them well.”

In Oklahoma, when a child in foster care turns 16, he or she is automatically enrolled in the Oklahoma Department of Human Service’s independent living assessment program, which strives to prepare foster kids for a life on their own. Jennifer Boyer, programs supervisor for the OKDHS Independent Living program, said the key is not just helping these kids make a plan for what they want to do, but more importantly helping them identify permanent connections they can rely on.

“We can teach life skills.

But they need someone they can call when they get in trouble or need assistance.

Just because they are 18 doesn’t mean they don’t need permanency and someone to connect to.”

Jennifer Boyer, OKDHS Independent Living Thanks to federal funding, OKDHS offers a variety of programs and assistance for children aging out of the foster care system.

If a child hasn’t yet earned a GED upon turning 18, he or she can sign back into voluntary foster care to complete it as long as they have a foster care placement willing to keep them. OKDHS also allows kids over 18 to stay in care for the summer months between high school graduation and the start of vocational school or college. Financial aid and tuition waivers are available for statefunded colleges. Foster children are eligible METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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For more than 40 years, Youth Services Agencies throughout Oklahoma have provided community based services such as counseling, shelter and other vital programs to children, youth and families.

We are proud to announce that we are now offering Foster Care recruitment and support services in the Oklahoma City Metro area.

We strive to make sure that every foster child we serve is provided with: • A safe, comfortable place to live.

• Help with their educational needs and to participate in activities.

• Consistent, practical support and guidance.

• To be made a part of our foster families.

If you choose to become a Foster Family in our network, your family deserves: • Help in becoming certified.

• Training to help you deal with any of your foster child’s challenges.

• Support to help you be a successful foster family.

For more information contact: OK Association of Youth Services 201 N.E. 50th Oklahoma City

www.Oays.org 405-528-4120 1-844 692-7837

for Medicaid until age 26 and OKDHS has funds available to help with medical needs like contacts or dental work that might not be covered.

Along with the National Resource Center for Youth Services, OKDHS hosts seminars throughout the year for foster children to learn about the resources available to them as they age out and to meet other youth in care.

“It’s really important to help them develop relationships and meet other youth in their same situation,” said Boyer. “They understand where each other is coming from.”

Part of OKDHS’s Road to Independence program, a brand new partnership with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency seeks to reduce homelessness among former foster children by setting aside a certain number of housing vouchers for them. At age 17.5, OKDHS employees like Boyer will work with foster teens to find landlords that will accept those vouchers.

Like any child rebelling against authority, Boyd calls foster kids’ desire to get away from the state’s care “normal development.”

But that leaves a void when they don’t know how to continue the services that could be available to them. Most have no idea how to set up a bank account or go grocery shopping; some don’t have driver’s licenses.

Many end up couch surfing or homeless.

OKDHS provides each foster child aging out with a helpline phone number and a case manager they can call at anytime for assistance for just about anything, including a month’s rent or help with car repairs.

OKDHS posts that same helpline number at local homeless shelters and community service partners in hopes of reaching former foster children who need help. Boyer said they often hear from former foster youth a year or two after aging out when they realize they need help.

While Boyd recognizes the state and its various programs do what they can to connect kids with independent living services and communicate to them the resources available, she laments that the capacity of the state limits its abilities. This same realization has drawn local foster placement agencies and nonprofits to develop programming specific to kids aging out of foster care.

“Certainly youth who spend time in foster care have faced significant “Most of us realize that at age 18, we were not really equipped to make it on our own,” Towers. “Certainly youth who spend challenges in their lives. said time in foster care have faced significant in their lives. These young people These young people are challenges are very vulnerable and often have little very vulnerable and often support.”

Giving former foster kids have little support.”

Holly Towers, Lilyfield Christian a fighting chance Adoption & Foster Care “We know there’s not enough housing for them,” said Boyer. “And they don’t have anyone to go live with or step in and assist them.”

Even with the programs and resources available, problems remain. In addition to successfully communicating with foster children what their options are after care, it’s also been difficult to convince them to take advantage of those resources.

“If a kid has no control over what’s happening in his life until age 18, and then he’s told he can walk, he will,” said Don Batson, president and CEO of Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care for Children and Youth.

Lilyfield launched its Gateway Independent Living program in 2014, focusing on a small target group of young women ages 18 to 25 who are pursuing a college degree. The longterm program offers housing, educational support and mentoring. All the services are free and women can be referred by OKDHS, community agencies or they can self-refer.

Lilyfield has served eight women in various capacities since the program’s inception.

“Our goal with Gateway is deep, rather than wide,” said Towers. “The number of youth aging out of foster care is significant. We decided early on that we wanted to narrow our focus, and we have a long history of working with women through our other programs.”

In addition to keeping its program participants from becoming homeless, Lilyfield is imparting everyday skills these

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women haven’t been taught, like how to enroll in school, keep up with a class schedule and apply for health insurance.

Perhaps most significant, Lilyfield pairs each woman with a mentor family.

“Since many of the women are leaving group homes, they don’t have solid connections to help support them,” said Towers. “Our program cannot replace what a family does, but our hope is that mentor families will give our women support, encouragement, guidance and love as they enter adulthood.”

Working with Circle of Care’s Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, Jose (whose last name we cannot share for safety reasons) experienced firsthand the value of mentors who believed in him.

“When I aged out of the Boys Ranch and graduated, I planned on going home and working,” said Jose, until two Circle of Care employees presented him with the idea of going to college. “I never in my wildest dreams thought that would be an option for me. They said ‘we’ll give you a place to stay,’ and I thought I’d try it.”

Just a few weeks from his high school graduation, Jose’s mentors secured meetings with admissions and the dean at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

“They held my hand through the whole process,” he said. “They gave me a chance.”

While Jose was used to going to school and keeping up with a full schedule as a foster child at Circle of Care’s Boys Ranch campus, he wasn’t prepared for living independently.

In addition to providing housing and educational support, PAL staff work with students on developing life skills, learning financial management, planning meals and cleaning their homes.

“I had to pay bills, get a driver’s license, budget to be able to buy groceries. That was all new to me,” said Jose. And without the PAL program, he said: “I wouldn’t have had success. I’m 100 percent sure of that.”

Though Jose had to drop out of school to work full time several times along his college journey, he eventually earned a bachelor of science degree, with a minor in criminal justice. He now works for Youth Services of Oklahoma County at the juvenile holding facility, processing kids who have been arrested.

“I have the opportunity to counsel and talk to them while they’re here, to tell them they have choices and don’t have to live this way,” said Jose, whose own troubled past has given him valuable perspective and wisdom to impart.

Jose was one of the very first children in Circle of Care’s PAL program in 2004; in 2007, the program was expanded beyond the organization’s own foster children to help meet the needs of any child in the community needing help to complete a high school degree or go to college.

Students in PAL may be aging out of foster care, or referred from a church, behavior modification facility or state agency because they lack family support. Since it started, the PAL program has supported more than 170 children, including Jose’s sister, who wasn’t in foster care but needed support to obtain a college degree.

Unlike other transitional or residential programs for foster children that begin at age 18, Circle of Care’s PAL program is open to children at age 16, allowing for a gradual transition from a restrictive environment to a freer one.

“When they come in at 16 and gain trust in the program, at 18 they don’t see it as a restriction, they see it as an opportunity,” said Baston. “They are appreciative of a supportive relationship while they gain true independence.”

Since 2010, PAL has helped 42 students graduate from high school, 19 from college and five from vocational training. Baston,

who came from limited means himself and recalls working nights and sleeping four to five people to an apartment to make ends meet, is especially grateful that this program allows students to graduate without debt, and that the support of the program’s students doesn’t end at graduation.

“If you give a child security and love, no matter where they go, they will know ‘there was one person that loved me.’

That helped change me.”

Takeisa Sims, former foster child Two PAL alumni live at Circle of Care’s Boys Ranch, assisting with the livestock program. One of PAL’s college graduates is currently on a year-long mission trip

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teaching in China, for which Circle of Care has provided luggage and the funding for her to come home to visit occasionally. In a thank you note to Baston and his team, Latasha (whose last name cannot be shared for safety reasons) wrote: “I was lost and alone and didn’t see my value or think I even had a future. You helped God touch my life when I couldn’t even hear His voice.”

with their lives,” Sims said of her biological family, whom, along with her biological parents, she continues to see regularly. “My life would be drastically different.”

Family makes all the difference

Like she witnessed firsthand, Sims’ story isn’t the norm. Boyer said foster families are often afraid of the baggage that comes with teenagers or that they have formed their own opinions about things.

The solutions offered by OKDHS and local agencies are making a tremendous difference in the lives of some of the youth aging out of foster care in Oklahoma. But Boyd argues it isn’t enough. She has been educating states on the benefits of changing the “aging out” age from 18 to 21.

Become a Foster or Foster-to-Adopt Parent!

Because Childhood Doesn’t Wait!

1601 Greenbriar Place, Oklahoma City

“Children who stay in [foster care] until age 21 have vastly better outcomes than those that don’t,” said Boyd. “When children are able to stay in care, those statistics are much more aligned to other youth who have been disadvantaged or in poverty,” rather than youth who have had no support.

So far, 21 states have expanded foster care benefits through age 21. Oklahoma is not one of them. According to Boyd, it’s less costly to provide independent living services than to provide expanded foster care.

“There is still a big misconception that youth are in foster care because of something they did,” said Boyer. “It’s not their fault. They still need family.”

Sims said that same stereotype meant friends didn’t believe her when she’d tell them she was in foster care.

“The challenge is to help them see there are adults who care about them and are trying to help them succeed.”

As of Sept. 29, federal law is making it mandatory that Oklahoma begin transition planning with foster children at age 14, rather than 16. This transition gives OKDHS more time to connect kids to resources and help them secure permanent connections with adults who can assist them after care.

But it doesn’t change what happens when a child turns 18.

“I was so different than what people thought I should be,” she said. “People have such a negative connotation, but I’ve developed as an ambassador over time.”

What can change a foster child’s future is a family. Takeisa Sims is proof that a caring foster parent can make all the difference in the world. Fostered by a cousin since birth, Sims’ foster mom eventually became her legal guardian. Though she was never adopted, the University of Oklahoma student credits her foster mom, whom she calls “mom,” with supporting her dreams to going to college.

Sherlyn Conlan, therapist and foster home trainer for the family and child service nonprofit Eckerd, has witnessed that misconception, along with some foster teens’ assertion that they are adults and can make decisions for themselves, can make fostering this age group challenging. But the flip side to that can be foster teens’ resiliency, longtime desire to have a family and ability to communicate.

“She may not have a degree herself or be wealthy, but she is a hard-working person,” Sims said proudly.

“When that teen has not had successful parenting in the past, they really believe they are smarter than adults and can make better decisions,” Conlan said. “The challenge is to help them see there are adults who care about them and are trying to help them succeed.”

A former intern with Sunbeam Family Services and currently pursing her master’s degree in social work, Sims guesses that had her biological mom not selflessly placed her, she’d have had a much different life.

“Nobody went to college or is doing much

Proud Partner:

Sims made use of classes and resources as she prepared to age out of the foster care system, but she realized the other foster children in the class didn’t have the adult support she did.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Sherlyn Conlan, Eckerd

Eckerd recruits foster families for children ages 0 to 18, but the majority of the agency’s kids in care are ages 12 to 18, which can be

the hardest population to place. Eckerd’s Group Home Transition and Diversion program works with teens in group homes to connect them with supportive adults, who can be mentors, connections or even foster parents.

“They may be adults in their family or from their past with whom they have lost contact,” said Conlan. “These adults may or may not be able to be placement providers for the youth, but they can be a connection for them.”

For foster parents desiring to work with teens, Eckerd offers specific training that addresses their unique developmental needs and methods for alleviating potential power struggles. The agency also puts foster families in connection with community resources geared to supporting teens, including OKDHS’s Independent Living Program. Eckerd even helps pay for expenses related to drivers’ education and graduation, all in an effort to give teens the families they deserve.

For teens who don’t receive the love and commitment of a family, Boyd fears the worst: “They end up with an abusive partner or abusing their kids. They haven’t seen anyone not do that.”

But for those like Sims who stand confident in their worth with a supportive network around them, the possibilities are endless.

“If you give a child security and love, no matter where they go, they will know ‘there was one person that loved me,’” Sims said.

“That helped change me.”

For more information about fostering or mentoring a teenager in foster care, please contact: Circle of Care 405-463-6626 www.circleofcare.org Eckerd 405-636-5956 www.eckerd.org Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care 405-216-5240 www.lilyfield.org

26,000

Each year, children age out of the foster care system nationally.

Of those foster children:

15 homeless 18

More than

will become

in

after age

Only

58% graduate

will high school by age 18 (compared to of all 19 year olds)

LILYFIELD

Christian Adoption and Foster Care

Our Mission

A Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth.

87%

71%

of women are

pregnant by 21

½ employed Only

Vision

are

by age 24

3% college degree will earn a

Only

by age 25

28%

(compared to of all 25 year olds)

1 4

will be involved in the in

justice system

within two years of leaving foster care

*STATISTICS COURTESY OF JIM CASEY YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES INITIATIVE

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

19

At Lilyfield we serve children, youth, birth, adoptive and foster families by sharing God’s love in our community.

We are committed to excellence in service and the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus as we: • Promote safety and stability for children • Equip, prepare and counsel birth, adoptive and foster families • Guide children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency Our programs include: adoption, services for birthparents, foster care, care connect post placement counseling and independent living (for girls who have aged out of foster care so they can continue their education).

Lilyfield.org

501 E. 15th, Ste. 400A, Edmond NOVEMBER 2015

405.216.5240

mom gets the last laugh

Peanut Butter & Jelly is for the Birds

.EMILYMGBALL.COM ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL , WWW

G

rowing up, my uncle and his wife would host Thanksgiving at their home in Dallas. When we got together with them in Dallas, it was nothing short of proper.

Now, I’m not saying we weren’t a proper family, but my mom would have to make us brush our hair before coming to the table. When we went to Dallas for Thanksgiving, we always packed better-thanSunday clothes. We’d dress for dinner and my aunt would then have me and my sister change something about our clothes—a hair bow or different tights— to look more proper than we actually were.

She would even go so far as to fix our plates so they’d have good presentation. By the end of my first plateful, I’d have a horrible headache from all the “properness,” and I’d quickly change clothes and go outside to play.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

I’d sneak a piece of pumpkin pie later on in the afternoon, while barefoot nonetheless!

As a side note, I didn’t know that football was on TV on Thanksgiving Day. That’s how proper these occasions were! No football! And we were in Dallas!?

One summer when I was about 13, our sweet dog got out of our yard and came back an expectant first-time mother. She delivered the weekend before Thanksgiving. Since it was cold, Tabby and puppies were housed in a plastic kiddie pool in our back hallway. There was no way we could make the trip to Dallas.

“That’s okay,” my momma said, “We’ll stay home and have Thanksgiving with just ourselves.”

All week long, my momma and I shopped and prepared for a fullblown, all-out Thanksgiving dinner for four. My sister, who was still in elementary school, would come in on occasion to help, but she was

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NOVEMBER 2015

more enthralled with the puppies. My daddy, who was not a big sports enthusiast, watched football all day long in the living room. As the day progressed (read: as I sampled more and more stuffing, gravy, turkey), my head began to swim. Then my head began to ache ... I was not going to make it to lunchtime that much was clear.

I looked over at my momma, sweat pouring down her chalk-white face, and said, “I don’t feel good...” Then I dashed past the whining puppies and into the bathroom where I threw up every last thing I had ever eaten in my whole entire life. I then collapsed on the cool bathroom floor, took a breath and then threw up everything I had ever thought about eating in my whole entire life.

My momma raced back to the bathroom to check on me, but scooted right past the front bathroom and headed for the back bathroom, where she replayed the scene I was acting out. I know 13-year-olds have a flair for the dramatic, but I remember thinking I would die before I got to see the puppies open their eyes.

ay, Saturd ber Decem

I proceeded to lay on the cold floor when I wasn’t puking my guts out. My momma would holler at me every once in a while, “You okay? {wretch}” I’d answer back, “Don’t know! {gag}” After what seemed like hours of my ménage à trois with the floor and toilet, I finally pulled myself into the shower and rinsed off. I wrapped a towel around my cold, shaky and now emaciated body and wandered into the kitchen where I found nothing.

This is not an exaggeration. There was not one sign of Thanksgiving dinner anywhere to be found in our house. I shuffled into the living room where I found my sister and my daddy eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and watching the Cowboys play. My dad looked up, held out his sandwich to me and said, “Hungry?”

I barely had the energy to shake my head.

My mom was now back in the kitchen and she said, “Where’s everything?”

My sister, who could never keep a secret, said, “In the trash.”

12

th

Apparently, afraid that dinner was spoiled in some way, my daddy and sister had thrown out every last crumb of a perfectly good Thanksgiving dinner—and according to my sister, they put plastic bags on their hands so they wouldn’t even have to touch the contaminants.

“It wasn’t bad,” my momma whined, “Heather and I are just allergic to sage.”

I was? This was news to me, but it made sense. It wasn’t the properness that made me sick every year; it was the sage. But, my ever-proper aunt had never really given me enough of anything to bring on a full-blown projectile episode!

So, happy Turkey Day to all of you who have no sage allergies. And to the rest of us, Happy PB & J day!

Heather Davis is an Oklahoma momma, writer and peanut butter and jelly cook extraordinaire. She’s the author of the award-winning TMI Mom books. Her latest ebook, What The Elf Saw, is available through Amazon.com.

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For more information call 405.235.3500 or visit DowntownInDecember.com

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calendar

events this

november

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND IT AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CALENDAR

OKLAHOMA CITY VETERANS DAY RUN—NOV. 8 Grab your running shoes and head over to the Oklahoma City Veterans Day Run at Stars and Stripes Park (3701 S. Lake Hefner Dr) to cheer on or run alongside active-duty military and retired veterans in one of three distances featured in this professionallytimed race. The Veterans Day event is the perfect opportunity to honor members of the military as a family while doing something active and spending time together. The festivities start with a ceremony honoring veterans and ends with a celebration. The racing begins promptly at 3:11 p.m. Registration is required to race and participation prices vary. Basic registration for children 12 and under is $5 for the one-mile walk/run and $10 for the 5K and 11K races.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.VETERANSDAYRUN.COM

45TH INFANTRY DIVISION MUSEUM’S VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION—NOV. 11 Celebrate Veterans Day at the 45th Infantry Division Museum’s (2145 N.E. 36th St.) annual celebration. Starting off with a bang, the ceremony commences with a loud salute provided by a World War II anti-tank gun followed by a performance by the 145th Army Band, a guest speaker and a beautiful Massing of the Colors. Uniformed representatives from various military units proudly fly their flags in patriotic honor of the men and women of our Armed Forces. The event presents a prime opportunity to learn more about the Armed Forces and honor members of the military. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about an hour. The museum and its grounds will be open all day for attendees to enjoy.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.45THDIVISIONMUSEUM.COM

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NOVEMBER 2015

calendar 6 WAYS TO KICK OFF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON NOV. 24 Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N. Walker) is presented by Celebrity Attractions. The show is part Broadway musical and part gravity-defying feats. The holiday show features 20 acts and 30 performers in more than 300 costumes bringing the Christmas spirit to life with imaginative sets and incredible stunts.

Tickets are $25 to $75. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CELEBRITYATTRACTIONS.COM

NOV. 26 Hit the ice for some chilly outdoor fun at the Devon Ice Rink or Edmond’s Outdoor Rink on their opening days. Open into the new year, both offer special Thanksgiving Day hours from 1 to 6 p.m. for a festive way to burn off your turkey dinner. Admission is $10 with skate rental at Edmond’s rink and $12 at the Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens. See our online calendar for the full season’s hours of operation.

MORE INFORMATION: BIT.LY/ICERINKSOKC

NOV. 27 FREE Bricktown Tree Lighting Festival at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.) features live music, complimentary popcorn, cookies, face painting and photos with Santa as Mayor Mick Cornett lights the Bricktown Christmas tree for the season from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.DOWNTOWNINDECEMBER.COM

NOV. 28 The Ugly Sweater Run: Oklahoma City at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr) features a 3.1-mile run through a winter wonderland of inflatables, music and hot chocolate. Prizes will be awarded for Best Ugly Sweater, Best Kid Sweater, Best Pet Sweater and more. Registration is $25-40 and the event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.THEUGLYSWEATERRUN.COM A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Downtown Guthrie (212 W Oklahoma) features a Victorian-era Christmas celebration including a parade, live entertainment, the Territorial Christmas Tree lighting and a carol sing-a-long. 6 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.GUTHRIESTERRITORIALCHRISTMAS.COM

NOV. 29 “The Oklahoma Nutcracker” at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts (131 S. Flood, Norman), a local tradition presented by the Norman Ballet, features a classical ballet performance and a Sand Plum Fairy Tea party with sand plum fairies and other special guests, activities and refreshments. Tickets are $15 to $25; tea party admission is $19. Tea party is at 1 p.m. Sunday and show starts at 3 p.m Sunday.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.NORMANBALLETCOMPANY.COM

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NOVEMBER 2015

events this

november

NOV 3-8

Thursday, December 3, 6-8pm

A Christmas Story, the Musical! at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) chronicles young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. All ages. $20-$70.

See website for show times. 800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Toronto Raptors at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno). Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 11/8 vs Phoenix, 11/13 vs Philadelphia, 11/15 vs Boston, 11/18 vs New Orleans, 11/20 vs New York & 11/22 vs Dallas.

208-4667, www.nba.com/thunder

FREE Sensory Story Time at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) is a special story time designed for children ages 2-6 who may have trouble with big crowds, are on the autism spectrum or are prone to sensory overload.

Participants and their caregivers sing songs, read stories and play with bubbles. Preregister.

10am & 2pm. Also held: 12/4. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/sokc

University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball vs Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman). Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 11/13 vs Winthrop, 11/16 vs North Texas & 11/19 vs BYU. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker & Hudson Ave) features guest artists, art exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks on the first Friday of each month. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com

NOV 5 • THURSDAY

Painting Party at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang). Wine and Palette instructors will guide attendees in creating a holiday-themed work of art. A portion of the sales benefits Mustang Senior Supporters.

Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. All supplies are furnished and light refreshments will be provided. Preregister at www.wineandpalette.com. $25. 6:30-8:30pm.

376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org

NOV 4 • WEDNESDAY

East Meets West Series at B&B Theatre Windsor 10 (4623 NW 23rd) features a viewing of an episode of The Incredible Human Journey with a pre-screening mixer with wine, beer and a sampling of foods from around the world and music by Jacob Poire. $20; $30 per couple.

5:30pm. www.tinyurl.com/EastMeetsWest4 Give Thanks Platter Craft at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Paint a plate to use for your Thanksgiving feast. Two visits required: one to paint, one to pick up. For ages 2 and up. Preregister. $20. 6-8pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

Tickets are $5 www.harnhomestead.com /events/

Ave, Norman) is a day of learning and exploration with hands-on, educational science programs focusing on discovering the natural world.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Attending chaperones receive complimentary museum admission. $10. 10am-2:30pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

6th-12th Grade Open House at Oklahoma Christian School (4680 E 2nd St, Edmond) invites families to explore the campus and learn more about the school. Open House for all grades hosted on 12/10. 9-11am. 341-2265, www. ocssaints.org

NOV 6 • FRIDAY Chemistry Day at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features hands-on experiments and individual & team chemistry competitions.

All ages welcome. Free with admission. 9am-2pm.

602-6664, www.sciencemuseumoklahoma.org Homeschool Day at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua

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NOVEMBER 2015

Oklahoma State University Men’s Basketball vs East Central University at Gallagher-Iba Arena (1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater).

Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 11/13 vs UT Martin, 11/16 vs Arkansas- Pine Bluff, 11/27 vs Long Beach State. 744-5745, www.okstate.com University of Oklahoma Men’s Basketball vs Washburn University at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman). Prices vary.

7pm. Also held: 11/12 vs Mid-American Christian, 11/20 vs McNeese State , 11/24 vs Incarnate Word & 11/29 vs Wisconsin.

325-2424, www.soonersports.com Welcome to Night Vale at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) is a fully-realized live show with guest stars, live musical guests and live music from Disparition and Cecil, the creator of Night Vale himself, performing unheard scripts that depict a radio broadcast of the fictional town of Night Vale. $30. 8pm. www.okcciviccenter.com

events this

november

NOV 5-7 A Fairytale Homecoming at Hardeman Auditorium at Oklahoma Christian (2501 E Memorial Rd, Edmond) features a production of Shrek the Musical & a pre-show tea party with Princess Fiona. $15; tea, $10. Tea, 6:45pm; show, 8pm. 425-6310, www.oc.edu/shrek

NOV 6-8 FREE 34th annual Stillwater Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show at Payne County Fairgrounds (4518 Expo Cr East, Stillwater) features more than 150 vendors from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas spread between three buildings. Friday, 10am-5:30pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm.; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 747-7206 Oklahoma City Vintage Market Days at Farmers Public Market (311 S. Klein) features upscale vintage merchandise, live music, giveaways and food trucks. Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm Friday (3-day pass), $10; Saturday and Sunday, $5.

918-527-1247. okc.vintagemarketdays.com

NOV 7 • SATURDAY Central DASH 5K and Market & Craft Fair at Yukon Middle School Track (801 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features a morning 5K and fun run along with a craft fair featuring local vendors, food trucks, a moon bounce and live DJ. Benefits Central Elementary. 9am-2pm.

5K, $15-$25; craft fair, free to attend. 354-2501, www.centraldash.com FREE Holiday Craft Fair at Quail Springs United Methodist Church (14617 N Penn) features more than 50 vendors offering holiday decorations and more in two buildings plus a gift boutique. Lunch will be available for purchase.

9am-3pm. 755-9477, www.qsumc.org FREE Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival at Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon).

More than 45 crafters from across the area feature items ranging from candles to wood crafts, needlework and home decor. The Pumpkin Patch Cafe serves up Indian tacos and pumpkin muffins.

9am-4pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov FREE Hope Harvest Market & Bazaar at Shawnee Municipal Auditorium (401 N Bell Ave, Shawnee) features a large variety of handcrafted items vendors, as well as food vendors, a Christmas toy drive and a large kids’ area with games and activities. 9am-7pm. 788-8172, www.facebook.com/hopeharvestmarket

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NOVEMBER 2015

FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation.

10-11am. Also held: 11/21. 582-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com Homecoming at the University of Central Oklahoma (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features a parade, tailgate and football game.

The parade will begin on campus at 10am and make its way down Campbell to Broadway and back down Main Street. Parade, free; tailgate & game, prices vary. Parade, 10am; tailgate, 11:30am; game, 2pm. 974-2000, www.uco.edu/homecoming Orr’s Gourd Wild Pumpkin Festival at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western Ave) features pumpkin-themed festivities including pumpkin smashes, pumpkin throwing contest and more.

Fall décor and pumpkins available for sale.

Call for pricing. 10am-9pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com Kid-Friendly Homemade Bread Class at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features a hands-on class led by Prairie Thunder chefs as they walk participants through creating their own bread. Kids will take home dough for three loaves. Best suited for ages 7 & up. Preregister.

Members, $11; non-members, $13. 11am-noon.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Handmade Soap Workshop at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Learn the art of soapmaking and leave with one pound of customized soaps, great for gift giving. Preregister. Members, $30; non-members, $35. 2-4pm 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Haunted Hikes at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features several guided hikes through the woods of Martin Park to encounter snakes, spiders, bats and more as participants learn how nocturnal creatures adapt to their natural surroundings and why they are important.

A flashlight, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suggested. Best suited for ages 6 & up. Tours leave every 30 minutes. Preregister. $8. 7-10pm 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Oklahoma State University Football vs Texas Christian University at Boone Pickens Stadium (700 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Prices vary.

2:30pm. Also held: 11/21 vs Baylor & 11/28 vs OU. 744-5745, www.okstate.com University of Oklahoma Football vs.

Iowa State University at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (180 W Brooks, Norman). Prices vary. 6pm. Also held: 11/21 vs Texas Christian University. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com

FREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a parfleche bag craft and traditional food tasting. Free for children & accompanying adults. Preregister. 10am-noon. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

NOV 7 & 8 Veterans Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features free admission to the exhibit center for active military and veterans and a special discount in the Aaimpa Cafe. Admission required to exhibit center for non-military attendees.

Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580522-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

NOV 8 • SUNDAY FREE Veterans Day Parade & Memorial Ceremony in Norman (various locations).

Parade with floats, marching band and more begins at Norman High Schools going east on Main to the Memorial Ceremony at Reaves Park.

Parade, 2pm; Memorial Ceremony, 3:30pm. www.normanfun.com Oklahoma State University Women’s Basketball vs North Eastern State University at Gallagher-Iba Arena (1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Prices vary. 2pm. Also held: 11/13 vs Lamar, 11/17 vs Texas Southern, 11/20 vs SIU Edwardsville, 11/27 vs Oral Roberts & 11/30 vs Washington State. 744-5745, www.okstate.com National Veterans Day Run at Star & Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr). Run alongside veterans & active duty military in support of the men & women of the armed forces. $5 & up. 3pm. www.veteransdayrun.org/register/oklahoma-city FREE Norman West Presents: Annie Oakley at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) features all-girl Americana band founded by Oklahoma City singer-songwriters Sophia & Grace Babb. 4:30-5:30pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

NOV 10 • TUESDAY Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a themed story time on the second Tuesday of each month.

Free with admission. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org FREE Monty Harper Sings at Edmond Public Library (10 S Boulevard St, Edmond). Sing & dance with Oklahoma children’s singer Monty Harper. All ages welcome. 4:30-5:30pm.

341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org FREE International Games Day Celebration at Almonte Library (2914 SW 59th St) features board games, videos games and a life-sized game of Connect 4. Best suited for ages 9-18. 5:307:30pm. 606-3575, www.metrolibrary.org

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OCTOBER 2015

NOVEMBER 21-22 Thanksgiving

Celebration

Bring out the family for a weekend of holiday festivities: CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT WORKSHOP NATIVE AMERICAN MINIATURE ORNAMENT CLASS STOMP DANCING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGE SPECIAL SALES IN THE GIFT SHOP

CHICKASAW

events this

november

Paint Away: Thanksgiving Owls at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond) features a social painting class with a Thanksgiving-themed art project. Instructors will provide basic layout to inspire your creativity.

All supplies are provided. For ages 6 and up.

Preregister. $12. 6-8pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Upper School Open House at Heritage Hall (1800 NW 122nd St). Meet current students, faculty and college counselors, visit classrooms and learn about the advisory program.

6:30-8:45pm. 749-3002, www.heritagehall.com

NOV 11 • WEDNESDAY FREE Admission for Active & Retired Military at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). The zoo will offer free admission to all active duty, active reserve, Ready Reserve Service Members, National Guardsmen, Coalition Forces members and retirees and up to five guests. Spouses and dependents of deployed personnel are also welcome. Military ID or proof of service is required. 9am-5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com FREE 2015 Veterans Day Parade in Midwest City (various locations) features floats, car clubs, marching bands, musicals, Jr. ROTC, a replica submarine, square dancers, color guard, flyovers and public safety vehicles. See website for parade map. 10am. 455-1818, www.midwestcityok.org

NOV 11-14 Mistletoe Market at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) gives shoppers the opportunity to support the Junior League of Oklahoma City while browsing more than 100 booths of vendors offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Wednesday Preview Party, $50; adults, $10; seniors, $5; children under 12, free. Wednesday, 6-10pm; Thursday and Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm 843-5668, www.jloc.org

NOV 12 • THURSDAY C U LT U R A L C E N T ER

Sulphur, Oklahoma www.chickasawculturalcenter.com Connect with us

Turkey T-shirt Craft at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Create a holiday-themed shirt to wear to your family gettogethers. For ages 2-5. Preregister. $11. 10-11am.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com Training: Reinforcement 101 at Easter Seals Oklahoma (701 NE 13th St) offers a variety of trainings for parents and professionals who have a loved one with developmental disabilities or challenging behaviors. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) methods are taught and

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demonstrated during the trainings. A light lunch will be provided. Parents, $10; professionals, $20.

Noon-1pm. 239-2525, www.eastersealsok.org Los Angeles Guitar Quartet at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May Ave). $17-$21. 7:30-10pm. 682-7579, www.occc.edu/pas

NOV 12-24 Side Story: Just West of the Musical at Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features an interpretational presentation using the classic soundtrack of West Side Story. $10-$20.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm. 974-3375, www.mitchellhalltheatre.com

NOV 13 • FRIDAY PJ Party at Gymboree Play & Music in Northpark Mall (11928 N May Ave) features parachute time, a story, craft and snack.

Preregister by Nov. 11. $10. 6-7pm. 755-3445, www.gymboreeclasses.com FREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District (downtown Norman) features a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com A Disco Night at Gaillardia Country Club (5300 Gaillardia Blvd) features dancing, food and shopping as well as dance & best dressed competitions. Benefits the Single Parent Support Network. $25. 7-10pm. 917-1817, www.supportforsingleparents.org FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th) features artists, live music, special events and local shopping on the second Friday each month, rain or shine. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) opens for the season. See website for hours of operation and special events. Members, $7; non-members, $12, $8 without skates. 3-11pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

NOV 14 • SATURDAY Christmas Bazaar at Central Presbyterian Church (5101 N May Ave) features local vendors & crafters. Free to attend. 9am-3pm. 942-5591, www.cpcokc.org FREE Holiday Bazaar at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (308 NW 164th, Edmond) features vendors selling gifts and handmade items. Saturday, 9am-4pm 348-3292, www.holytrinityedmond.org

Brownie Girl Scout “Bugs” Workshop at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Learn all about bugs, their homes and get creative with crafts. Brownie scouts will complete all the requirements to earn the “Bugs” badge. Badge not included. Preregister. Fee includes museum admission. $10. 10am-noon. 325-1008, www.snomnh.ou.edu

2015

West Fest at Putnam City West High School (8500 NW 23rd St) features a car show, auction and craft & vendor show. Event benefits the Friends of PC West Foundation. 10am-4pm. 3145380, www.friendsofpcwest.com/west_fest FREE Statehood Day Festival at Gaylord Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr). Celebrate Oklahoma’s 108th birthday at the Statehood Day Festival complete with family-friendly activities at the museum which is also home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. 10am-5pm. 523-3231, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Veterans Day Celebration in Blanchard (Main St, Blanchard) pays tribute to U.S. military veterans during an annual parade featuring high school marching bands and cheer squads, the Tinker Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Navy Honor Guard and the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard, as well as numerous Shriners’ units. 10am.

485-3367, www.cityofblanchard.us Junior Girl Scout Flowers Workshop at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Explore all about flowers and complete requirements to earn the “Flowers” badge. Preregister. Badge not included. Fee includes museum admission. $10.

1-4pm. 325-1008, www.snomnh.ou.edu Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd). Create a fantastically funky pumpkin art project in celebration of the fall harvest. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for visitors of all ages and all levels of experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org GPS/Geocaching at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn to hunt for hidden treasure using a geocache device or your very own smartphone. You’ll follow clues through Martin Park woods to find hidden Geocaches.

Preregister. For ages 8 & up. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Guthrie Art Walk in Downtown Guthrie (N Cleveland Ave & N Division St) features live music and gallery tours to showcase local art.

4-8pm. 260-2345, www.guthrieartwalk.com Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th St, Del City) features three professional bluegrass bands in concert, each playing 45-minute sets. Adults, $8; members, $5; kids (12 & under), free. 6:309:15pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org

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Share your holiday wishes with Santa Claus as he mingles with dinosaurs at the Sam Noble Museum! Join us for family-friendly activities, seasonal stories, holiday shopping and festive entertainment! Complimentary admission.

2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072-7029 (405) 325-4712 | SamNobleMuseum.ou.edu

OCTOBER 2015

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.

events this

november

Edmond’s Got Talent at Edmond North High School (215 W Danforth, Edmond) showcases talented people of all ages complete with celebrity judges and cash prizes. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 7pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com Oklahoma City Blue vs Austin Spurs at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 11/15 vs Texas & 11/24 vs Los Angeles. oklahomacity.dleague.nba.com Hunter Hayes in Concert at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman) . $27-$43. 8pm.

325-4666, www.lloydnoblecenter.com FREE Multi-Tribal Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features language demonstrations, native hymns, social stickball game and cultural demonstrations from Chickasaw and other Native tribes. 10am-5pm.

580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

NOV 16 • MONDAY FREE Post Veterans Day Concert at Choctaw Library (2525 Muzzy St, Choctaw) features the Tinker AFB Flying High Band in a musical salute to those who serve, protect and defend our freedom. Light refreshments will be served. 6:308pm. 390-8418, www.metrolibrary.org

NOV 17 • TUESDAY Home School Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks) features discount admission for homeschoolers and special activities in the Great Hall. 10am-noon.

Call for pricing. 10am-6pm. 918-296-3474, www.okaquarium.org

NOV 14 & 15

Tiny Tuesday at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 N Walker) features a fall colors come & go art-making event for kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Dress for mess, no registration required. Free with admission. 10am-noon.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

FREE A-OK Alpaca Blast Off at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Dr, Guthrie) features more than 400 alpacas from ranches representing 14 or more states in various judged competitions as well as alpaca products and related good & services. 9am.

282-7433, www.alpacablastoff.com

Clay Gingerbread House Craft at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond).

Create a tiny gingerbread house out of clay. Two visits required: one to craft and one to pick up.

For ages 6 to 12. Preregister. $12. 4:30-6pm.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

NOV 15 • SUNDAY

FREE Tellabration at the Choctaw Library (2525 Muzzy St, Choctaw) brings together Oklahoma’s most celebrated storytellers. Light refreshments will be served. All ages. 6-7:30pm.

390-8418, www.metrolibrary.org

FREE Family Day at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features art activities and a special performance by the Tulsa opera. Editor’s note: stop by MetroFamily’s table to meet our staff and create a craft. Noon-5pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com America Recycles Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Bring your own gallon milk jug or 20-ounce plastic bottle with a lid and upcycle your trash into a piggy bank, watering can or backyard bird feeder. For ages 4 and up. Preregister. $3. 2-4pm. 297-1429, www. okc.gov/active FREE Family Day at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman). Participants explore the drawings and sculptural forms of Distinguished Visiting Artist James Surls and create 2D and 3D art pieces. 1-4pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma FREE Screening of Of Many at the Raindrop Turkish House (4444 N Classen Blvd) focuses on the surprising and transformative relationship between an orthodox rabbi and imam who serve as university chaplains in New York City. 1:45-4:15pm. 359-0369, www.jewishmuslimfilminstitute.com

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NOVEMBER 2015

NOV 18 • WEDNESDAY Popsicle Stick Scarecrow Craft at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond).

Craft a cute scarecrow our of popsicles sticks. For ages 2 to 5. Preregister. $8. 10-11am. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Touch, Learn, Create: Turkeys at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St). Explore and play at numerous sensory-themed activity stations. For children ages 2-6. 10-11:30am.

979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

NOV 19 • THURSDAY Walk the Lights Holiday Lights Spectacular at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (SE 15th & Century Dr). Stroll through the one-mile stretch of twinkling lights and animated displays before the Holiday Lights Spectacular officially opens.

Adults, $5; kids under 12, free. 6-8pm. www.visitmidwestcity.com

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events this

november

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City). Experience the exquisite artistry of world-class Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched splendor of handcrafted sets and costumes. $28 & up. 7pm.

297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com Mozart Orchestra of New York at Armstrong Auditorium (14400-B S Bryant Rd, Edmond) is a touring 45-piece orchestra formed by some of New York City’s finest musicians, under the baton of legendary American conductor Gerard Schwarz. $31-$71. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org

NOV 19 & 20 FREE Rushmore Four at Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zudhi Dr). Four living history professionals will portray George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson, offering stories from their respective eras and answer questions with regard to their service to the United States. Seating is limited. Thursday, 7pm; Friday, 2pm. 522-3602, www.okhistory.org

NOV 20 • FRIDAY Merry Marketplace at Gaillardia Country Club (5300 Gaillardia Blvd) is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Edmond Woman’s Club showcasing local vendors.

Activities include shopping, food and hair and makeup demonstrations as well as door prizes and champagne. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Friday, 11am-7pm. www.ewc.org

NOV 20 & 21 FREE Sassafras Shopping Event at Heart of Oklahoma Expo Convention Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with vendors from all over the state and surrounding area. Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 9am-7pm. 664-1361.

NOV 20-22 Amazing Oklahoma City Comic Con at Cox Conventions Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Meet your favorite creators and celebrities at this three-day event, filled with an exhibit hall, an international artist alley, video game arena, and hundreds of people in costume. Sunday is Kids’ Day and features a kids’ costume parade at 3pm along with a variety of activities. $25 and up; kids under 10, free. Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10m-6pm. www.amazingoklahomacitycomiccon.com

NOV 21 • SATURDAY FREE The Santa Market at the Edmond Community Center (28 E. Main, Edmond) will host more than 90 vendors featuring decor, fashion, handmade and unique items with show proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association.

Donations accepted. 9am-5pm. 314-1033, www.facebook.com/thesantamarket FREE Sassy Snowflake Craft & Trade Show at McClain County Fairgrounds (1721 Hardcastle Blvd, Purcell). Browse more than 40 vendors with all kinds of items for sale including name brands and handmade goods. 9am-5pm. 413-0421, www.facebook.com/sassysnowflakeshow

Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink Opening Day at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond).

Families can enjoy ice skating, holiday music and food concessions. See website for season’s hours of operation. $10 with skate rental, $7 without; kids under 5, $5. 274-1638, www.edmondoutdooricerink.com

2 Hip Chicks Roadshow at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) brings dozens of vendors & one-of-a-kind items including clothing, home décor, party items and more. $4, kids under 12, free. 9am-5pm. 612-888-3002, www.2hipchicksroadshow.com

FREE 3rd Friday Block pARTy in Downtown Shawnee (Main St, Shawnee). Roam between quaint shops and stores to find unique art pieces, listen to live music and enjoy local food at this monthly event celebrating the most unique pieces of life in Shawnee. 5-8pm. 432-4131, www.facebook.com/BooOnBell

FREE International Games Day at Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman).

Hang out at the library and play games in celebration of International Games Day. Participants are welcome to bring their own board and card games. The library will have a collection available. 10am-4pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

LeAnn Rimes in Concert at Riverwind Casino (1544 W State Hwy 9, Norman). $47-$67. 8pm.

322-6464, www.riverwind.com

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Parents Day Out at Grace United Methodist Church (6313 N Tulsa Ave) offers parents a break on the 3rd Saturday each month. Breakfast, lunch & a snack provided. Preregister. Members, $10/child, $20/family; non-members, $10/ child, $30/family. 10am-3pm. 917-1817, www.supportforsingleparents.org

We want your opinions!

You can help determine our Family Favorites for 2016!

Tell us what you think are the BEST family-friendly local places to go, businesses and services in the OKC area.

Nominate your "faves" until Nov. 15 then be ready to help determine the winners in the second round of voting in early Dec. When you nominate and vote, you'll be eligible to win a weekend trip during the holidays to the Gaylord Texan resort in Grapevine, Texas, valued at $900!

Food • Places & Events • Camps • Birthday Parties • Shopping • Medical • Holiday & Community Celebrations • After School Activities • Education • Child Care • Community Support

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ family-favorites-contest

events this

november

FREE Superhero Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about some superheroes in nature and why their animal inspirations are so comic-book cool! While at the park, you can test your super skills while daring to cross a “lava” pit, lift superhero-sized bar bells and use your super mind to write your own comic book. Some favorite heroes may even make a special appearance. For ages 6 & up. 1-4pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE Cosplay Costume Contest at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker). Dress up, eat Pocky and drink tea. Costumes can be any copyrighted character, mash-ups or original characters. All ages. Preregister. 2-4pm. 631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org Chill Your Cheeks 5K Run at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features a 5K run that winds through the street of Yukon and

ends amid four million Christmas lights. Activities also include train rides, pictures with Santa, refreshments, live Christmas music and games.

Prices vary. 4:30-8pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov China Circus at the Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) features over twenty acrobats from China in colorful costuming performing daring acrobatic feats. $30-$45. 8pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

NOV 21 & 22 FREE Thanksgiving Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features children’s Christmas ornament workshop, Native American miniature ornament class and living village activities.

Admission required for exhibit center. Saturday,

10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

NOV 22 • SUNDAY The Wild, Wild West at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a western and native music concert by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic designed to entertain and educate ages 4 to 13 about music. Come dressed in your favorite western wear. Pre-concert fun includes an instrument playground, conductor’s corner, a meet & greet with the performers and a special craft presented by MetroFamily. $9. 2-3pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org FREE Turkey Talk at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Discover all there is to learn about America’s favorite bird…to eat. Best suited for ages 6 & up. Preregister. 3-4pm. 2971429, www.okc.gov/active

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NOVEMBER 2015

NOV 24 • TUESDAY Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) lights up the holiday season with a critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza. $25 & up. 7:30pm. www.celebrityattractions.com

NOV 25 • WEDNESDAY FREE Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) offers free admission to all Zoo guests in celebration of Thanksgiving. 9am-5pm.

424-3344, www.okczoo.com Private Screening of The Good Dinosaur at Cinemark Tinseltown (6001 N Martin Luther King Ave) includes a pre-movie party with fun dinosaurthemed activities as well as live entertainment, popcorn and a drink. Kids will get a free book to take home. Benefits Smart Start of Central Oklahoma. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 20. $20; kids under 2, free. 9:30am-12:30pm. 2862737, www.smartstartsilverscreen.splashthat.com FREE Apple Pie 101 at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman). Teen participants can make an apple pie to take home and bake. All supplies provided. Preregister.

2-4pm. 701-2620, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

Christmas Countdown Plate Craft at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Paint a plate to help you count the days until Santa’s arrival. Two visits required: one to paint and one to pick up. Preregister. $10. 3-4pm.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

NOV 26 • THURSDAY Edmond Turkey Trot in Downtown Edmond (28 E Main St) is a 5K and one-mile Family Wobble on Thanksgiving. Costumes are encouraged and dogs on leashes are welcome. Preregister to receive a shirt. Prices vary. 7:30-10am. 590-8665, www.edmondturkeytrot.com Oklahoma City Turkey Trot at Stars & Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) includes a 5K and Fun Run to benefit the Eagle Ridge Institute.

Preregister. $17.50-32.50. The event begins at 8am. 840-1359, www.oklahomacityturkeytrot.org Turkey Day 5K at Norman High School (911 W Main St, Norman) is a non-profit run on Thanksgiving Day benefiting Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome. $30-$40. 8:30 am www.turkeyday5krun.com FREE Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner at UCO’s Nigh University Center (100 N University Dr) is an annual holiday

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NOVEMBER 2015

celebration open to all. The mission of the event is to provide food and fellowship to the entire Edmond community. 11am-3pm. edmondthanksgivingdinner@gmail.com

NOV 27 • FRIDAY FREE Bricktown Tree Lighting Festival at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr) features live music, complimentary popcorn, cookies, face painting and photos with Santa. Mayor Mick Cornett will light the Bricktown Christmas tree for the season. Friday, 5-7pm. 235-3500, www.downtownindecember.com Pioneer Woman Book Signing at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) presents Ree Drummond signing latest cookbook. Noon.

842-2900, www.thepioneerwoman.com

NOV 27 & 28 FREE Cleveland County Craft Show at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson St, Norman) features home decor, handmade and seasonal goods from local crafters. 9am-4pm. Also held: 12/12. 360-4721, www.clevelandcountyfair.org

TEENS/ TWEENS! 14402 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Edmond, OK 73013

1431 N Moore Ave. Moore, OK 73160

Save 30%

events this

november

NOV 28 • SATURDAY The Ugly Sweater Run: Oklahoma City at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.). Run, walk or prance your way through a winter wonderland of holiday inflatables, music, hot chocolate and even some adult beverages for those over 21. Prizes will be awarded for Best Ugly Sweater, Best Kid Sweater and Best Pet Sweater. Benefits Save the Children. $25-50. 9am-1pm. www.theuglysweaterrun.com Small Business Saturday Holiday Shopping Event at Paradise Event Center (450 E Main St, Yukon) supports local businesses. The event offers shopping, concessions and pictures with Santa. 10am-5pm. www.facebook.com/ mommiessticktogethercraftshows Orienteering Hike at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explore the park using only a compass and a map. Dress for the weather and come prepared to get dirty. Closed-toe shoes required. Best suited for ages 6 & up. Preregister. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Downtown Guthrie (212 W Oklahoma) features a Victorian-era Christmas celebration including a parade, live entertainment, the Territorial Christmas Tree lighting and a carol sing-a-long. 6 p.m. 282-1947, www.guthriesterritorialchristmas. com

NOV 28 & 29

For a limited time only!

Purchase your FREQUENT JUMPER CARD to be used at both locations!

• Redeemable for Standard Open Jump Time • No Expiration Date or Fees • Card will be "hole punched" as hours are used • Share with multiple people

FREE Deluxe Winter Market at Leadership Square (211 N Robinson) offers an opportunity for guests to do their holiday shopping at more than 60 vendor booths. Saturday & Sunday, 11am-6pm. 235-3500, www.downtownindecember.com NOV

29 • SUNDAY

The Oklahoma Nutcracker at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts (131 S Flood, Norman), a local tradition presented by the Norman Ballet, features a classical ballet performance and a Sand Plum Fairy Tea party with activities and refreshments. $15-$25; tea party, $19. Sunday, 3pm; tea party, 1pm. 365-1818, www.normanballetcompany.com

DEC 1 & 2 FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the Lego Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW

405.463.3335 @elevationTP www.elevationTP.com

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Expressway). Build a new model on the first Tuesday & Wednesday of every month. Must be built in store. Preregister, quantities limited.

For ages 6-14. 5pm. 840-9993, shop.LEGO.com/ Minibuild-Registration

DEC 1-30 FREE Red Earth Treefest at Red Earth Art Center (6 Santa Fe Plaza) features seven Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments showcasing the diverse Native cultures. Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. 427-5228, www.redearth.org

DEC 2-27 Lyric’s A Christmas Carol at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (1727 NW 16th St) features a production of Charles Dicken’s classic. Take a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. $30 & up. See website for showtimes. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com

DEC 3 • THURSDAY FREE Holiday Happening at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features familyfriendly activities and festive entertainment as well as Pioneer Library Storybook Time and discounts at the museum store. 5-8pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu Territorial Christmas at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd) features, hay rides, visits with Santa and holiday crafts. $5. 6-8pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com/events

DEC 3-5 Christmas Show at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features fresh interpretations of holiday favorites, celebrated through music, song and dance. $19 & up. Thursday, 7:30 pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8pm 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org

DEC 3-6 FAI Jr. Holiday Spectacular at Edmond Fine Arts Institute (27 E Edwards, Edmond) features an upbeat musical revue celebrating the season through song, dance and acting. Performers are kids in 1st - 7th grade. $6. Thursday & Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 3 & 7pm; Sunday, 3pm 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

v

v v november

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum® cordially invites you to attend

vv

21st Annual

events this

DEC 4 • FRIDAY

Featuring Michael Martin Murphey

FREE Sensory Story Time at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) is a special story time designed for children, ages 2-6, who may have trouble with big crowds, are on the autism spectrum or are prone to sensory overload.

Participants and their caregivers sing songs, read stories and play with bubbles.

Preregister. 10am & 2pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/sokc FREE Cowboy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Christmas Parade at Stockyards City Main Street (1305 S Agnew) kicks off a whole weekend of holiday fun with a tree lighting, parade, holiday music, candy for children and photo opportunities. Friday, 5:30pm; Saturday, 10am. 235-7267, http://stockyardscity.publishpath.com/ FREE Christmas Traditions Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble Concert at OKC Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 123 (1624 S Agnew).

Audiences will be taken on a journey over the river, through the woods to Whoville and back home as 19 amazing musicians ring more than 525 lbs. of bronze and aluminum. Donations accepted. 7:30pm. 757-4643, www.okcbells.com

Friday, December 18, 2015 7 p.m.

Buffet Supper, Entertainment and Dancing Western Attire Alcohol-free event

Reservations requested

by December 11, 2015 Register online at www.nationalcowboymuseum.org or by calling (405) 478-2250 ext. 219

v v

v

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK (405) 478-2250 ext. 219 www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

UCO WinterGlow 2015 at Nigh University Center (100 N University, Dr, Edmond) features the Ceremonial Lighting of the Old North as well as a winter carnival with a craft area, train rides, photos, face painting, games and s’mores. 6-9pm. www.uco.edu/winterglow

DEC 4-6 FREE Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant at Boys Ranch Town (5100 SE 33rd St, Edmond) features living nativity presented by residents, staff children and live animals from the ranch depicting the life of Jesus Christ including his birth, death and resurrection. 7-9pm. 341-3606, www.obhc.org/BoysRanchTown

DEC 4-16 The Nutcracker Ballet at OU Weitzenhoffer Theatre (500 W Boyd St) enchants audiences with this beloved classic featuring a magical dream of swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and a handsome prince all led by the Sugar Plum Fairy. $20 & up. See website for show times. 325-4101, www.ou.edu/finearts/universitytheatre.html

DEC 5 • SATURDAY Little Willie’s Triple Dog Dare at Leadership Square (211 N Robinson) is a stair climbing

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event open to all ages. Race up 138 floors individually or in a relay team. Also includes a Firefighter Division. $40. 8am. www.littlewilliestripledogdare.com FREE Yukon Mayor’s Christmas Party for Kids at Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) is an event that encourages kids to enjoy donuts, crafts, games and visits from Jingle, Rudolph, Frosty and Santa. 9:30am-noon. 3508937, www.cityofyukonok.gov FREE Christmas at the Lodge (406 E. State Hwy 152, Mustang) features handcrafted, vintage and repurposed treasures. Shoppers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a child in need. Saturday, 9am-3pm www.facebook.com/ ChristmasAtTheLodge FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western Ave) features 40 plus tables of collectibles for sale or trade, raffles, pizza and more. 9am-3pm. www.greaterokchotwheels.com FREE Saturdays with Santa at Devon Tower (333 W Sheridan Ave) features a variety of holiday activities as well as an opportunity to meet Santa and more every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas. Reservations required to meet Santa. 10am-4pm. Also held: 12/12 &12/ 19. www.saturdayswithsanta.com FREE Indie Trunk Show at Oklahoma Expo Hall (3001 General Pershing) is all about the local crafters, artists, makers and businesses of Oklahoma featuring handmade goods, vintage style décor and repurposed furniture. 10am-5pm.

640-3964, www.indietrunkshowokc.com WinterFest Games at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a Fruitcake Fling, Sleigh Relay, Festive Lights Obstacle Course or Winter Dress Relay as well as a popcorn & cranberry garland craft. Preregister. All ages welcome. $5.

2-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Edmond Ugly Holiday Lights Run at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a Christmas sweater-themed 5K and one mile fun run benefiting the holiday light display in Mitch Park. Runners can also participate in a sweater contest for the most creative, prettiest or ugliest Christmas sweater. $15 & up. 2pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com Brunch with Santa at the MAC ( 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr,Edmond) features a morning meeting with Santa over a tasty meal. $10.

Preregister by Nov. 30. 9am. 359-4630, www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec

with an

Take a Selfie with an Elfie and you could save BIG and win BIG! The Elf on the Shelf is spreading holiday cheer throughout OKC. Take a selfie with the MetroFamily elfie that is found at each of these local retailers*. Show it to the retailer and you'll get a coupon for a return visit to the store during the holiday season.

Enter your photo at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/elfie and you'll be entered to win the grand prize, a combination of gift certificates from each participating store!

Begins Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28 and ends the Sunday before Christmas, Dec. 20.

Find more about this fun promotion and enter at

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/elfie. * Here's where to find the MetroFamily Elfie!

Cinnamon Bears, 102 S. Broadway, Edmond, 405-330-2327 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63rd St., OKC, 405-478-2250

learning tree toys, books & games, inc.

7638 N Western Ave., OKC, 405-848-1415 Green Bambino, 5120 N. Shartel Ave., OKC, 405-848-2330

Unpluggits Playstudio, 575 Enterprise Drive, Suite 110, Edmond, 405-340-7584

405-818-5025 • www.metrofamilymagazine.com

events this

november WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Evening Family Playtime at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features an hour of family play time meant to help children build social skills, promote learning and discover that the library is a destination for fun. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Visit site for full list of dates, books and activities. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma FREE Kidz Yoga Fairy at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave). Kids ages 0-7 and their parents can wiggle, giggle and stretch with Darci the Yoga Fairy every Tuesday. Please bring a mat and a Boppy-type pillow for babies. Preregister.

1-1:45pm. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno) features a special presentation of classic films brought back to the big screen every Tuesday. See website for full movie lineup. $5.

7pm. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com/TNC

Join us for the ceremonial lighting of Old North at 6 pm to kick off WinterGlow 2015.

Followed by: Free Holiday Snacks, Kid Crafts, Carriage Rides & Family Activities at the NUC Free Photos with Santa with a toy donation to a local charity!

Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature in an encouraging environment using nature-centered play activities like hands-on games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Wednesdays, 10:30am. 2971429, www.okc.gov/active Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time.

Free with paid admission. Wednesdays, 1111:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Bringing Books to Life in the lobby of the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Garden (301 W Reno) every Wednesday. 10am, for ages 2-5.

Books are nature-themed and based on the season.

Children will also create a small craft after the story. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Wide-Open Wednesdays at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features FREE admission to the community every Wednesday until Nov. 18, provided by Oklahoma Ford Dealers. 10am-5pm.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

www.uco.edu/winterglow (405)974-2363 www.facebook.com/UCOWinterGlow @ucowinterglow

Family Skate Night at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) includes admission for up to five family members, pizza and drinks when you use coupon found at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/coupons/. $29. Thursdays, 6-9pm. 602-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CAMPUS ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard St, Edmond). Put on your pajamas and grab your favorite stuffed friend and enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and an occasional craft with the family every Thursday evening. Best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old. Space is limited. Preregister. 6:307:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Story Time with Mr. Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features an interactive story time. Everyone gets a treasure and coloring pages. Saturdays, 1111:45am. 579-8800 FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday.

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm. 942-5545.

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. Free with paid admission.

Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com FREE Little Big Chefs Cooking Classes at Uptown Grocery (1230 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features easy recipes kids and adults can make together every Sunday. Preregister by Friday.

Ages 5-8, 2-3pm; Ages 9-12, 3:30-4:30pm.

509-2700, www.uptowngroceryco.com Critter Crunch at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the food sources of various animals in the wild, including snakes, turtles, fish and other reptiles.

Preregister. $2. Sundays, 2-2:45pm. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/active

FIND MANY MORE WEEKLY EVENTS BY VISITING OUR SEARCHABLE ONLINE CALENDAR AT WWW. METROFAMILYMAGAZINE. COM/CALENDAR

events this

november

Play • Learn • Thrive

Services Include:

Occupational Therapy SpeechLanguage Therapy Social Groups

ONGOING EVENTS

NOV 5-DEC 23

THROUGH DECEMBER 6

FREE PAMBE Ghana Global Market (6516 N Olie) offers unique, fair trade products from around the world to support La’Angum Learning Center. Parents can shop while kids enjoy a section just for them. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon-6pm. 249-2314, www.pambeghana.org.

FREE Immortales: The Hall of Emperors of the Capitoline Museums, Rome at the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) features 20 busts of emperors, empresses and patricians, a collection from the world’s oldest museum, the Capitoline in Rome. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. www.ou.edu/fjjma

NOV 7-FEB 7 Quilts and Color at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) is a temporary exhibit revealing the beauty and craftsmanship of quilting. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. Adults, $12; seniors, students & ages 6-18, $10; children 5 and under are free. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

NOV 20-JAN 10 Edmond Holiday Ice Skating at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd) offers ice skating, holiday music and food concessions. $10 for two-hour skate session and skate rental; $7 if you bring your own skates. $5 for ages 5 and under. See website for hours of operation. 274-1638, www.edmondoutdooricerink.com

NOV 27- JAN 3 Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River in the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features a SandRidge Santa Zip, Rumble Drop, North Pole Climb, Snow Bounce, Candy Cane Rock Wall, Rudolph’s Launch plus holiday lights and music. $35. Saturdays & Sundays, 1 – 8 pm 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org

NOV 27-DEC 20 Winter Shoppes at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) features boutique-style vendors set up among the beautiful holiday decorations in the gardens. Thursdays – Sundays, 11am-6pm. www.wintershoppes.com FREE Pop-Up Shops in Midtown (10th & Hudson) features local shops set up with holiday goods and gifts in geodesic domes in Midtown.

Thursday-Sunday. Hours to be announced. www.okcpopups.com

NOV 27-DEC 24 FREE Holiday Water Taxi Rides at Bricktown Water Taxi (111 S Mickey Mantle Dr) features a fun-filled float down the beautifully adorned Bricktown canal. All ages welcome.

Thursday-Sunday, 6-9:30pm. 218-1000, www.downtownindecember.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 19 FREE Celebrating Edmond History: 30 years & Counting at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features a collection of artifacts from each year since the museum opened in 1985, illustrating the eclectic nature of Edmond’s history.

Admission is free, donations accepted. TuesdayFriday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

THROUGH JANUARY 2016 FREE Enter the Matrix: Indigenous Printmakers at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 W Elm, Norman) explores how printmaking has become a matrix for cultural and artistic exchange. 10am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10am-9pm Thursday; 1-5pm Sunday. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma Through the Eyes of the Lynx: Galileo, Natural History and the Americas at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) is a series of events and exhibits in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma’s 125th anniversary.

10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 1-5pm Sunday. Adults, $8; seniors, $6; ages 4-17, $5; under 3 admitted free. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

We Specialize in Working with Children with: • • • • • •

Down Syndrome Autism ADD & ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder Cerebral Palsy Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays (and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare

THROUGH FEBRUARY 2016 FREE The Secret Life of the City Art Exhibition in the Underground of downtown Oklahoma City is a street art exhibit incorporating the work of eight central Oklahoma artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 6am-8pm. 235-3500, www.downtownokc.com

THROUGH MAY 2016 Navajo Weavings from the Pam Parrish Collection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) showcases 22 weavings by Pam Parrish as well as some of the other top contemporary weavers of the late 20th century. Free with admission. 10am-5pm.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

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(405) 840-1686 www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATION

Serving Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!

Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond

exploring beyond oklahoma

A Kansas City Christmas

BY ELAINE WARNER

2015 STATEHOOD DAY

FESTIVAL

R

emember the scene in “A Christmas Story” where Ralphie and his friends are looking in the department store Christmas windows? Kansas City returns to that magical 1950s Christmas every year with fantastic light displays and over-the-top holiday events.

The end of November is the perfect time to make the trek to Kansas City (about five hours northeast of Oklahoma City) to kick off the Christmas season in a festive family-friendly environment.

Saturday, November 14 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lighting this year will be on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) at the Main Stage at Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. One child from the crowd will be chosen at random to throw the big switch that lights up the whole Plaza. Festivities start at 5 p.m. with entertainment and giveaways. The switch is flipped at 6:54 p.m. and followed by a concert. The lights will shine until Jan. 17, 2016.

Let There Be Lights A hundred-thousand people are expected for Kansas City’s biggest Christmas event – turning on the Christmas lights on the Country Club Plaza (www. countryclubplaza.com). This 15-block area was the nation’s first regional shopping area planned for automobile traffic. Famous for its Spanish-style architecture, imported tiles, sculptures and fountains, the Plaza was only two years old when the first Christmas lights went up in 1925.

That year, one string of 16 lights was put above the doorway of the Nichols Company, the Plaza developers. In 1928, the lights were strung across the street to the newlybuilt Plaza Theatre. More lights followed and, finally, in 1930, the first official lighting ceremony was hosted. Now more than 80 miles of lights outline the towers and roofs of the district’s buildings.

Most people enjoy the lights while strolling along the sidewalks. Others take horsedrawn carriage rides. For a bird’s-eye view, take a helicopter tour over the Plaza with KC Copters (www.kccopters.com). The choppers are small and limited to three guests per ride. The flights are expensive (regularly $349) but the ride offers an unbeatable view and tickets can be purchased at a discount ($299) before Nov. 21.

To see one of the tallest Christmas trees in the nation, head to the lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Crown Center (www.crowncenter.com). The 100-foot tree sparkles with more than 7,000 white lights and a playground beneath the tree offers great spots for photos. Between the entertainment and the actual lighting, plan to stay one to two hours. For added holiday fun, stay and skate on Kansas City’s only outside ice terrace.

For a drive-through display, Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake (www. jacksongov.org) on the city’s southeast side is a must. Kick-off is 5 p.m. Nov. 25 with entertainment and a fireworks display. Enjoy the drive-through displays through Dec. 31 with 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures synchronized to music. The event is free but donations are accepted.

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CELEBRATE

OKLAHOMA’S 108th BIRTHDAY with the

OKLAHOMA HALL of FAME

• • • • •

FREE Admission Children’s Series Book Signing Food Trucks and Inflatables Face Painting Young Entrepreneur & Artist Market • Interactive Crafts

G AY L O R D - P I C K E N S

MUSEUM

1400 CLASSEN DRIVE | OKC NOVEMBER 2015

OKLAHOMAHOF.COM

The museum is located in an old mansion south of the Plaza. It gets decorated for the holidays and so do two of their amazing exhibits. The Coleman House is the museum’s largest dollhouse, standing nine-feet tall and seven-feet wide.

Visitors can always look through the windows at the rooms but on Dec. 5, museum docents will open the house up so guests can get a better look inside.

In the miniature area, Twin Manor will be decorated with periodappropriate trimmings. This Georgian Colonial house was inspired by a number of real homes and is constructed with authentic materials including 18th century brick and wood.

culminating with the lighting of the city’s tallest indoor Christmas tree. About a quarter of a million people will come through the station to see the decorations during the season. Special attractions include a miniature train ride and a model train exhibit. If you visit Dec. 16-20, enjoy Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express, a festive train ride perfect for families.

On the north side of Kansas City, the lights go on at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Zona Rosa (www. zonarosa.com), a planned community with shopping, dining and entertainment venues built around a town square. Decorations pay homage to the Kansas City of the ‘50s with large crowns hanging over the streets. Santa and the holiday Fairy Princess will delight kids with a special arrival during the lighting ceremony.

Indoor Spaces and Fun Places One of the grandest spaces in the city is Union Station (www.unionstation.org), one of the largest railroad stations in the country.

Holiday decorations here are gorgeous and their Holidays Come Alive celebration begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 21 with special programming and entertainment through the afternoon

For families, Nov. 27 will be an extra special day. On that day, the museum will provide a number of family activities carrying out the theme “A Victorian Christmas.”

Crown Center with its multiple buildings is a hotbed of indoor holiday fun. In the Crown Center Shops, you’ll want to stop at Santa’s Gingerbread Station for a photo with Santa.

Nearby is a giant gingerbread display with houses scattered over icing-snow-covered mountains and three trains running through the exhibit.

Look for the EBT Laughing Santa, an antique, mechanical Santa who has delighted Kansas City youngsters since his first appearance at one of the city’s finest department stores, Emery, Bird, Thayer Dry Goods, in the early 1900s.

Visitors to Union Station can visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three of the decorated cars. Cars in the train include a happy tank car named “Rudy,” a flatcar with Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a tiny village, a gingerbread boxcar, the elves’ workshop, the reindeer stable and a little red caboose. Each car is decorated with colored lights. There is no charge to tour the train.

No Kansas City trip with children is ever complete without a stint at Kaleidoscope (www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com), a children’s activity center that’s part of the Hallmark complex. Multiple stations with paper, stickers, glue, crayons, chalk, ribbon – the list goes on and on – provide creative tools for kids. There’s bound to be lots of reds and greens at this time of year.

The holidays are all about toys, so a trip to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (www.toyandminiaturemuseum. org) is a must. The museum is recommended for ages 5 and up. Two Kansas City women merged their interests and collections to create the unique museum. Mary Francis liked antique dollhouses while Barbara Marshall preferred scale-model miniatures, the kind found in major art museums. Now the museum contains both along with a tremendous collection of toys.

Don’t forget some of the excellent live performances available in town. The Coterie in Crown Center Shops presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from Nov. 17 to Jan. 3 while Musical Theater Heritage (www. musicaltheaterheritage.com), also at Crown Center Shops, sings its way through the holidays with “A Spectacular Christmas Show.”

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NOVEMBER 2015

In the Spotlight

The architecturally-amazing Kauffman Performing Arts Center (www. kauffmancenter.org) hosts one of the season’s most beloved and traditional

Probably tied with “The Nutcracker” for seasonal favorite is Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol.” This will be the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s (www.kcrep.org) 35th annual production of the show.

Hosted at the Spencer Theatre on the University of Missouri at Kansas City campus, the play runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24.

All these wonderful events would be enough to make even Scrooge smile. But you’re sure to find even more holiday merriment than we can mention when you visit Kansas City during the holiday season.

[Editor’s Note: Find more familyfriendly Kansas City ideas in their regional family magazine, Kansas City Parent at www.KCParent.com.]

Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

offerings. A brand-new $2.5 million staging of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will be presented by the Kansas City Ballet in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. Performances run from Dec. 5 to 24.

Family room.

Bob Moore Subaru Visit Our NEW Location 13010 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-9049 www.bobmooresubaru.com

2016 Forester 2.5i PZEV GRA-01. MSRP $22,395. WAC. See dealer for details. Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations.

Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2015 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.

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NOVEMBER 2015

gift guide PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Holiday Gift Guide

THE HOLIDAY GIFT BUYING SEASON IS HERE!

Skate Galaxy Buy a pair of skates and get a free Skate Pass good for multiple visits. Skates begin at $99.

Child and adult sizes available. Pick up this fun gift at 5800 N.W. 36th St. in Oklahoma City. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.

OKC RIVERSPORT Join the excitement and be one of the first on the water in Oklahoma City’s new RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking center. Get your 2016 season pass and you’ll receive unlimited access to RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, concerts and festivals. Plus, with a season pass, you can enjoy all the adventures in the Boathouse District and at Lake Overholser. Buy your pass online.

552-4040, www.riversportokc.org.

Once Upon a Child This second-hand shop carries the latest in new and gently used brand name clothes, toys, books, equipment and furniture.

Visit them at 13801 N. Pennsylvania, Ste. G. in Oklahoma City. 286-3114, www.onceuponachildokcnorth.com.

Unpluggits Playstudio Paint a piece of pottery for anyone on your holiday list and they’ll treasure it forever because it was created by you. Visit 575 Enterprise Dr. in Edmond to create your gift.

340-7584, www.unpluggits.com.

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Museum of Osteology Find gifts like science kits, unique stocking stuffers, real skulls, shirts and more at the museum gift shop. Browse the gift shop at 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd. in Oklahoma City.

814-0006, www.museumofosteology.com.

Cinnamon Bears The Babyshusher is the ideal gift for the parents on your list. Just as the name implies, this handy tool helps sooth fussy babies and includes a strap for attaching it to the car seat or stroller. Purchase this and other gifts for parents and children at 102 S. Broadway in Edmond. 330-2327.

gift guide PAID ADVERTISEMENT

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Pendleton Woolen Mills Crib Blankets are made in in the USA and the perfect gift for the little cowpoke in your life. The Museum Store is proud to carry Pendleton blankets, accessories and apparel. Pick them up at 1700 N.E. 63rd St. in Oklahoma City. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Harn Homestead Find stocking stuffers, Bedre Chocolates, locally-made bath salts and other spalike products at the Harn Homestead Gift Shop. Buying gifts here also helps fund the museum and its outreach. Visit the shop at 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

Green Bambino This shop is packed with unique gifts like the Tegu magnetic blocks, which invite hours of open-ended, imaginative play for kids of all ages. Find these and other gifts at 5120 N. Shartel Ave. in Oklahoma City. 848-2330, www.green-bambino.com.

University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Enjoy a fun family outing at an OU women’s basketball game. Tickets are $15 (a minimum of four tickets must be purchased; $10 to the concessions included; seats located in the upper level, general admission area). Visit soonersports.com/promocode and enter METROFAMILY for this offer.

Paint ’N Station Paint a one-of-a-kind specialty piece–a truly unique gift. Pick a project to fit anyone on your list, including cute coffee mugs. Pottery items start at $3 and up. Visit them at 7906 N. May Ave. to paint your gift. 842-7770, www.paintnstation.com.

learning tree Get one of the hottest toys of the season at learning tree. Worry Eaters are small plush toys that banish fear and worry. Little ones write down their worries and stick them into the zippered mouths of these award-winning stuffed animals. Pick them up at 7638 N. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City. 848-1415, www.learningtreeokc.com.

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OKC Dodgers Give the gift of baseball this season. The OKC Dodgers 7-Game Holiday Package includes a ticket to seven weekend games in 2016, plus free gifts like a limited edition holiday ornament. Packages start as low as $64. Call 218-2121 to learn more and purchase.

gift guide Elevation Trampoline Park Give your tween or teen something they’ll really love this Christmas when you give them the gift of JUMP! Choose from three different card options: a traditional reloadable card (starting at $10), 1-Hour Open Jump Pass ($11) and the new Frequent Jumper Card ($77) which is loaded with 10 hours of jump for the price of seven.

Purchase in Edmond and Moore locations or at www.elevationtp.com.

Oklahoma History Center The No. 1 bestselling author and Food Network personality at last answers that age-old question—“What’s for Dinner?”— bringing together more than 125 simple, scrumptious, step-by-step recipes for delicious dinners the whole family will love.

Pick up this book and other great gifts at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. 5212491, www.okhistory.org.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Shop Good These soft cotton shirts and cozy knit hats are the perfect way to add some warmth and comfort under the tree. Available in a variety of styles and sizes 3 months-6T. Plus each purchase gives back to a good cause. Find this and other gifts at 3 N.W. 9th St. in Oklahoma City. 702-0517, www. shopgoodokc.com.

Lynda’s Birkenstock Find a wide variety of comfort brands for women, men and children plus socks and accessories. Gift certificates offered as well. Pick up your gifts at 2311 N.W. 36th St. in Oklahoma City. 943-3919, www. lyndasbirkenstock.com.

Gaylord-Pickens Museum Give friends and family the gift of wit with hand-painted signs featuring sayings from notable Oklahomans like Will Rogers and James Garner. Custom-made signs available on request. Pick up these and other Oklahoma-themed gifts at 1400 Classen Dr. in Oklahoma City. 235-4458, www. oklahomaheritage.com.

Sam Noble Museum The Space-opoly Game is one of many gifts you’ll find at the museum gift shop for your science lovers.

Find this game and other great science-themed gifts at 2401 Chautauqua Ave. in Norman. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Encourage your kids to create their very own monster with these fun, playful blocks from Uncle Goose. These unique blocks are ideal for both boys and girls. Pick them up at the Museum Store at 415 Couch Dr. in Oklahoma City. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

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the magic of comes to life

November 12, 2015 - January 3, 2016 • 2 million twinkling lights along with lavish holiday displays

• Santa’s Wild Workshop Snow Tubing

• NEW ICE! theme - 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides featuring Christmas Around the World

• Milk & Cookies with Mrs. Claus

• NEW – Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Breakfast • NEW – Friends of Rudolph Meet & Greet

• NEW - The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt • Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS® • And much more...

GRAPEVINE, TX

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| (817) 778-1000

CMYK

PRESENTED BY

ICE! PRESENTED BY

PEPSI and Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. The Elf on the Shelf ® and © 2015 CCA and B, LLC. All rights reserved. PEEPS ® trademark Just Born, Inc. © 2015. All rights reserved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

PEPSI_H1_NB_MEDIUM_4C (FOR USE 1.5" TO 4") CMYK

Real Mom of the Metro

Alice Iddi-Gubbels

BY JENNIFER SHARPE

PHOTOS BY STEFFANIE HALLEY

G

hana native Alice Iddi-Gubbels has lived all over the world, but there’s a special warmth about Oklahoma City that keeps her coming back.

“Coming from northern Ghana to Oklahoma, I immediately felt at home here,” she said during a visit in the summer.

“People are just so warm.”

Perhaps that’s why despite having called many places home throughout the years, it’s Oklahoma City where she sets up the PAMBE Ghana global market each Christmas season to raise money for her non-profit.

Alice is the founder of the Partnership for Mother-Tongue Based Bilingual Education, or PAMBE Ghana. In partnership with Ghana-based communities and a board of directors in Oklahoma City, PAMBE Ghana helped open the La’Angum Learning Center in 2008 in the same village where Alice grew up. The annual market in Oklahoma City helps support the Ghana school.

Alice’s 38-year-old daughter Jamila may be the only one who calls her “mom” but the more than 200 students in the school she helped start in Ghana may as well be her own. She has a deep connection with the students that’s strengthened by her own background in Ghana.

Alice was born in a rural part of northern Ghana and is the oldest of 17 children. Her father insisted she go to school and stay in school, which was unusual for a female child in their culture. Even today, most daughters are expected to stop school after a few years of elementary education and work in the home.

To stay in school beyond sixth grade, Alice had to live with an aunt while attending middle school in a neighboring village.

Every weekend, she would walk the six miles home and then walk back to her aunt’s home when the weekend ended. For high school, Alice had to move to the regional capital city.

“It was very, very difficult,” Alice recalled.

“Almost all my friends who were girls dropped out after third grade. But my father, for some reason, said I had to continue to go to school.”

After high school, she completed a year of mandatory national service working in community-based health care in an area of northern Ghana near her home region.

Following the completion of her service, Alice took a full-time job in communitybased health care in the same area, and it was there that she met her future husband, Peter Gubbels, while they were both working on similar projects.

After marrying, Alice and Peter spent four years in Togo working for World Neighbors.

A new job moved the couple north of Ghana to Burkina Faso, then briefly to Great Britain where Alice earned her Master’s in Social Development Planning and Management before returning to Africa.

Alice lived in Oklahoma City from 2000 to 2007. While here, she earned a second Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Teaching from Oklahoma City University and went on to teach at Westminster School.

Looking back now on her father’s persistence and her own personal achievements, Alice believes there is nothing more valuable to invest in than education. That’s what led her to leave

THIS EXHIBITION IS SPONSORED BY

.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Double Wedding Ring Quilt (detail), 1940. Pieced cotton plain weave top, cotton plain weave back and binding; quilted. Gift of Pilgrim / Roy Collection, 2014.1945.

Photograph © 2015 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

THE NEED

IS GREAT.

LOCAL BOARD MEMBER & SUPPORTER PATTI TEPPER-RASMUSSEN WITH ALICE IDDI-GUBBELS

Oklahoma City in 2007 to return to her native village in Ghana.

She’s the executive director of La’Angum Learning Center, a school for students from preschool through sixth grade. The school is currently near capacity with 210 students through fifth grade (a new class has been added each year).

SO IS OUR CAPACITY

FOR KINDNESS

YOUR GIFT SAYS IT ALL. It says you stand behind lives in crisis across Central Oklahoma.

Behind all 61 United Way partner agencies and behind our drive to mobilize kindness, one gift at a time. At StandUnitedOKC.com

When Alice pursued her own early education, students were forced to learn in English. This led to a very high drop-out rate. PAMBE Ghana was founded to ensure students are taught first in their mother language, then introduced to English. Every original student admitted at La’Angum is still attending the school; no one has dropped out.

“My experience being forced to speak English really stayed with me,” she said.

Through research, Alice determined the PAMBE model would be more beneficial and successful for her young students.

“At La’Angum, we start with the local language and help the children to become literate in the local language first, then add English,” she said.

Because this concept and approach are not the norm in Ghana, books and materials needed to be created for the mother tongue in the beginning. There are nine official local languages in Ghana, but in truth there are about 40 different languages spoken there, Alice said.

The name of the school means teamwork and literally translates to “many hands make light work.” This concept is what built the school from the ground up, brick by brick, and keeps it running today.

The biggest challenge for the school is water.

Children have to bring one gallon of water from home every day. There is a rainwater collection system using the roof at the school, and recently a well has been drilled, but those means do not provide enough

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NOVEMBER 2015

water. One dream for the school is to create an outdoor recreation space that is covered to provide more rainwater collection.

Shopping at the holiday market between now and Christmas will support the school. Alice said support in the past from Oklahoma City has been overwhelming.

“It’s just amazing,” she said. “People are very generous with their resources and their time. The amount of work and support that comes from this community, especially Oklahoma City, is just amazing.”

PAMBE Ghana runs a global market in Oklahoma City from noon to 6 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday in November and December at 6516 N. Olie Ave. near 63rd and Western. The global market offers fair trade items from around the world and all of the profits go to support the La’Angum Learning Center. The market is in its eighth year of operation and is entirely run by volunteers and operates in donated space. Shop there and you’ll find one-of-a-kind handmade items like jewelry, clothing and home decor.

resource

directories THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS.

54 55 56

56 57 57

Party Guide, pages 54-56 Andy Alligator’s Bouncin’ Craze Building Minds Brickopolis Gerald Wayne Interactive Zoo Jump!Zone Mad Science of Central Oklahoma Mobile Laser Forces Paint Your Art Out Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Skate Galaxy Upstage Theatre Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park Child Care, page 56 North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center Primrose School of Edmond Spontaneity Kid Care Family Services, page 57 Brain Balance Center of OKC Just Kids Pediatrics Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma Special Needs, page 57 Total POSS-Abilities

58 59

59 60 60 61

After-School Activities, pages 58-59 Club Z! In-Home Tutoring The Dance Department Fine Arts Institute Gymboree Play & Music of OKC and Norman Kumon of Edmond Soccer City Velocity Dance Center Retail/Restaurants, page 59 Cinnamon Bears Jimmy’s Egg learning tree toys, books & games Once Upon a Child Foster Care, page 60 Circle of Care Sunbeam Family Services Family Fun, pages 60-61 Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKC Oklahoma City Turkey Trot 5K Paint ‘N Station Santa Smith Sooner Theatre Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm Unpluggits Playstudio

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ Oklahoma's Original Art Entertainment Studio

PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS! Birthdays with GW Zoo are wild!

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PARTY GUIDE

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405-513-5333 10 S Broadway, Downtown Edmond, OK www.paintyourartout.net METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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NOVEMBER 2015

Bring a Baby African Lion, Kangaroo, Camel, Tiger or Liliger along with a primate, to your Church, Party or school!

GW ZOO Has the largest selection of domestic and exotic animals for parties & other events.

PARTY GUIDE

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Birthday Parties with Lego® bricks!

www.Building-Minds.com

405-443-4530

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

–Benjamin Franklin

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NOVEMBER 2015

PARTY GUIDE

Edmond's Only "All-Inclusive" Birthday Party Venue Choose from over 15 themes and 30 special characters for an unforgettable birthday party!

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844 W. Danforth Rd, Edmond

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Child Care with a

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Come be a part of our growing family!

405-254-3147

North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

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NOVEMBER 2015

CHILD CARE

Upstage Birthday Parties!

get real help at Brain Balance.

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The program changed everything. Jake’s improvement is undeniable.

You can't avoid life, let us get you back to living!

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Pediatric and adults Highest quality therapy Friendly and caring staff Flexible office hours Convenient locations

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How it works: The program balances and synchronizes left brain/right brain interaction. The newly strengthened connections improve behavior, social and academic performance.

Brain Balance addresses: • ADHD • Processing Disorders • Learning Disabilities • Behavioral Issues

www.okallergy.com

SPECIAL NEEDS

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2917 NW 156th ST. Edmond, OK

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PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Our innovative staff, state of the art facility and FUN gives your child Poss-ABILITIES!

Serving children living with: •

Accepting: BCBS, Health Choice, Tricare, Indian Health Services, Oklahoma Health Network, OSMA, Sooner Care and more...

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NOVEMBER 2015

FREE CONSULTATION

405-492-6800

brainbalancecenters.com Brain Balance Center of OKC 3545 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73134

FAMILY SERVICES

Struggling kids

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

a world of learning awaits!

For ages starting at birth.

US We specialize forJOIN classes today! in parties freeonclass for 1-4 us* year olds BRING IN

Bring this ad in for $25 off your birthday party

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Find a location and class schedule that works best for you at gymboreeclasses.com.

Norman: Redbud Plaza, 255 34th Ave. SW, Norman, OK 73072 405-307-8454 normanok@gymboreeclasses.com OKC: Shoppes at Northpark 11940 N. May Ave. OKC, OK 73012 405-755-3445 okcok@gymboreeclasses.com *Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time at Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.

E n r ol l NOW! C a ll today!

Half-Day Winter Camps: Dec. 21-23 ($75) and Dec. 28-31 ($95) Beginners, recreational and advanced players welcome.

Lil Kickers Winter Session Nov. 30-Mar. 12

Math. Reading.

• Birthday Party Packages • Indoor Soccer Leagues

soccercityokcity.com 4520 Old Farm Road, OKC (west of Meridian, south of 122nd)

405-748-3888

Call TODAY!

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Schedule a free placement test now at your local Kumon Math & Reading Center:

EDMOND - NORTH • Covell & Kelly

405.715.1111 • kumon.com/edmond-north EDMOND - WEST • 2nd & Santa Fe Ave.

405.216.9800 • kumon.com/edmond-west

©2014 Kumon North America

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

405-721-8807

admin@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

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NOVEMBER 2015

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Certified Teachers ACT/SAT GRE MCAT All Subjects • Pre K-Adult • Individualized Plans • Affordable

(405) 478-3515 BOOST your GRADES & TEST Scores!!

Find everything to comfort your little one!

Including: • The Amazing Baby Shusher • Nested Bean Zen Swaddles • myheartcreative Ring Slings • and much more

Cinnamon Bears Check our facebook and instagram page for details

a baby boutique

102 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK • 405-330-2327 • Mon. - Sat. 10 - 5:30

t kids’ stuff a

S! E C I R P T A E GR At Once Upon A Child we have all of the 13801 N Pennsylvania Ave. Suite G Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-286-3114 www.OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com

stuff your kids need at prices that can’t be beat! We’ve got a great selection of kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay on the spot for the stuff your kids no longer wear or use!

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NOVEMBER 2015

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

Improve your child’s grades with one on one training!

FOSTER CARE

There are children in crisis situations all across the state who need a safe and loving home tonight. Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? You can be part of Circle of Care’s team as we work to provide help, healing, and hope to abused and neglected children. We stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and process.

A New

FAMILY

heirloom

www.circleofcare.org Call our local staff today to learn more! 405-463-6626 1501 NW 24th Street, Suite 214, OKC, OK 73106

Grown-ups Paint Nights Birthday Parties Indoor Playground Ceramics Paint-N-Take

405-340-7584 • www.unpluggits.com

Mark your calendar!

Vendors: Reserve your booth today!

2016 Saturday, February 20 Cox Convention Center

CALL 818-5025 NOW!

oklahoma city

turkeytrot

oklahoma city

turkey trot 5k Thanksgiving Morning Lake Hefner, East Wharf •7:30 Costume Contest •8:00 Fun Run •8:15 5K Sign Up at www.oklahomacityturkeytrot.org

Benefiting the Eagle Ridge Institute foster care, prevention, and residential programs.

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NOVEMBER 2015

FAMILY FUN

Do You Have a Heart for Children?

H me

for the

Holidays A Musical Sing-ALong Celebration for the whole family!

December 9-13 (405) 321-9600 www.soonertheatre.com

New Low Impact Paintball

PERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS

FUN FOR ALL

Fall, Christmas, School & Company Parties Get your group Booked today!

Wacky Wednesdays

Mention “Wacky Wednesday” & get a $4 studio.

Cookie ‘N Crafts - Kids Time! Nov. 21 10-11:30am. Drop Off $20 Reservation/deposit required

Art ’N Appetizers Adult Fun!

Nov. 20th 6-9pm - Christmas Count Down. Canvas Fun! $29 Reservation/deposit required

Paint Me a Story - Toddlers $ 15 Nov. 11 - Story Time, Craft & Snack!

Reservation/deposit required

842-7770 paintnstation.com

Paint your own pottery studio. 7906 N. May, OKC

(405) 373-3745

DodgeCityPaintball.com 16425 NW 150th in Piedmont Open Year Round, Groups & Walk-ons Welcome!

Santa Smith - 405.326.8230 santasmith1225@gmail.com

SORGHUM MILL

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Coming January 2016:

AGES!

New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+) 8 Field Courses!

New Picnic Area!

New Playground!

All-Weather Building!

Birthday Parties!

Book Santa NOW and create lasting memories!

Pre-Tagging Available on Weekends 10:00 to 5:00 Open Friday after Thanksgiving

Our Special Needs Issue

Weekdays 1-7 Weekends 10-7

Choose & cut your own fresh Christmas tree or select a beautiful pre-cut Noble, Grand, Douglas or Fraser Fir. • Living Christmas Trees • Shade Trees • Wreaths • Garland • Stands

340-5488

7121 Midwest Lane, Edmond, OK

I-35 to Exit 143 (Covell Rd) • east 1½ miles to Midwest Blvd • north 1¾ miles to Midwest Lane

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NOVEMBER 2015

Contact us for more information:

sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com

405-601-2081

www.metrofamilymagazine.com

FAMILY FUN

The Sooner Theatre Presents

Merry Christmas from Plan the best holiday season ever!

We know the holiday season means a lot of planning for parents. Be sure to check out MetroFamily's lists for the best: • holiday lights display info • where to see Santa guide • local holiday events, including Downtown in December • "giving back" ideas and much more!

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/holiday for updated events and community information.

Ultimate holiday giveaway for our readers: Dec. 1-12 MetroFamily's gift to you is our 12 Days of December contest! We're giving away themed packages, one each day from Dec. 1-12, to add to the holiday fun.

Toys, books, games, gifts for mom and dad...enter daily to be eligible to win that day's holiday package worth hundreds of dollars!

Check out www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests starting Dec. 1.

saturday December 5 • 2 p.m.

mitch park all ages