MetroFamily Magazine August 2008

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AUGUST 2008

Surviving back to school with mean girls

Summer’s not over!

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Oklahoma Water Adventures

From OKC to Africa: one school’s remarkable service project Meet the Reading Takes You on Fun Adventures contest winners

T h e E s sent i a l Reso u rce fo r Cent ra l O k l a h o m a F a m i l i es

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St. Philip Neri PreK - 8th Grade Midwest City, OK stphilipnerischool.com 405.737.4496

St. John Nepomuk Catholic School PreK - 8th Grade Yukon, OK sjnok.org 405.354.2509

St. Eugene Catholic School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK steugenschool.org 405.751.0067

St. Charles Borromeo School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK scbschool.org 405.789.0224

Christ the King School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK christthekingokc.org 405.843.3909

Bishop John Carroll School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK www.bjcs.org 405.525.0956

Rosary School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK rosaryschool.com 405.525.9272

St. Mary’s Catholic School PreK-8th Grade Guthrie, OK Stmarysguthrie.com 405.282.2071

Villa Teresa Moore 3yrs - Kindergarten South Oklahoma City, OK oksister.com/villa_teresa_okc.htm 405.691.7737 Sacred Heart Catholic School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK sacredheartokc.org 405.634.5673

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Secondary College Preparatory 9-12 Grades Oklahoma City, OK bmchs.org 405.842.6638 All Saints Catholic School PreK-8th Norman, OK allsaintsnorman.org 405.447.4600 Sacred Heart of El Reno 3 yr. old - 6th grade El Reno, OK elrenosacredheart.com 405.262.2284

Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School 9-12 grades Oklahoma City, OK mountstmary.org 405.631-8865

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton PreK - 8th Grade Edmond, OK stjohn-catholic.org 405.348.5364 St. James School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK home.swbell.net/stjames1 405.636.6810 Villa Teresa School PreK - 4th Grade Oklahoma City, OK oksister.com/villa_teresa_okc.htm 405.232.4286

Celebrating Ten Years!

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a conversation with our bloggers at Start MetroFamilyMagazine.com/blog! ideas about WHERE to eat, including a new Discover web-exclusive review of Zorba’s Mediterranean Cuisine at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/family-friendly-restaurants.

Enter our contests and you could win big! MetroFamilyMagazine.com/contests.

Find ideas for family fun before (and after) school starts at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/family-fun.

Save money! Besides a link to the Kids Pass you can download to save at 35 Oklahoma attractions, you can also find a list of restaurants offering family discounts. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/restaurants-offering-familydiscounts1.

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Discover events and festivals to enjoy with your family. your family to follow the clues and find the Challenge Oklahoma destinations through the Exploring Oklahoma Treasure Hunt.

your pick of hundreds of day and weekend Take “adventure trips� in Oklahoma. up for the Exploring Oklahoma Giveaway and you Sign could win a camping package from Bass Pro Shop and a four-night stay at an Oklahoma State Park.

saving! Download the Exploring Oklahoma Start Kids Pass, your money-saving ticket to family fun in the state! ExploringOK.com/exploring-oklahoma-kids-pass.

with

Have more family fun!

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com & ExploringOK.com

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August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

august

36 23 Dealing with Bullies

ineveryissue: 20 4 The Family

8 In Touch with Relationships

50 Calendar

40 Iron Moms

28 Character First

21 It Figures

6 Dear MetroFamily

32 Let’s Eat

49 Exploring Oklahoma

30 MFM Top 10

44 Family Finances

38 Oklahoma Reads

10 Family Shorts

14 Q & A with the Beasleys

46 ImagineArt

34 Your Healthy Family

Safety tips for latch-key kids

Events and activities

Editor’s Note

Adventures Contest Winners

Celebrating Ten Years!

News you can use

Fabric bowls

Fun with numbers Batch cooking recipes

Visit Meers in SW Oklahoma Tips for saving money

The impact of domestic violence ShaRhonda’s update

Trait of the month: joyfulness

Takes 42 Reading You On Fun

OCS Fundraiser Gains World-wide Attention

Water adventures! Book reviews

Kindergarten readiness

Going organic

Meet the cover girls on page 6.

Cover photographer: Kathryne Taylor. August 2008

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editorsnote

Info And Questions: 405-340-1404 To submit events to our calendar Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Dear MetroFamily, Hard to believe it’s back-to-school time again. It doesn’t seem possible with the thermometer showing highs in the 100s, but the sale ads are showing backpacks and sweaters just the same. It’s a big year for our family—my son is in first grade and my daughter is in 4K, so that means full time school for both kids. It also marks 20 years since both my husband and I graduated high school; hard to believe so much time has gone by.

Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editorial Assistants Elizabeth Harvey Sherrie Horton Art Director Mitzi Massie Mitzi@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Recently, I received the invitation to my reunion, along with the website for my class, where all of my classmates have room to post a personal page with information, updates, pictures, and memories. I was a bit jaded (high school memories are not among my favorites), but I visited and created my profile. I found people that I had lost touch with and people I had all but forgotten reached out to me. I was reminded that high school was not just a blur of angst and super mega hold big hair (disclaimer—it was the ‘80s!), it was also a fun and amazing time. I learned a lot, both in the classroom and outside of it. We all had our stories, and they’ve helped to shape our lives.

Graphics Assistant Kathryne Taylor Kathryne@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Oh, and the picture? Yes, that’s me, circa 1977. I was in Mrs. Johnson’s second grade class at Longfellow Elementary. It was a big year (cursive writing and fractions!) and I was no longer in the hall with the “little kids.” Life was good, and the whole world was ahead of me.

Office Manager Kathy Alberty

I hope you can look back fondly on your own school memories as you prepare your kids for another school year.

• Visit our booth at Septemberfest—see page 13 for details. • MFM’s September issue features Extracurricular Activities, including our all-new Extracurricular Activity guide. Advertisers get a free listing. Ad deadline is August 12; on stands beginning September 2. Call 340-1404 to reserve your ad space!

On Our Cover:

Our cover photo notwithstanding, our models are the best of friends and students at James Griffith Intermediate in Choctaw. From left to right: Hannah Massie daughter of Mark & Mitzi, Kaitlin Hodges daughter of Buddy & Terry, & Rachel Findley daughter of Mark and Amy.

Advertising Director Donna Stewart Donna@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Ads@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Sales Anna Amis Karen Cody Rebecca Phansalkar

Marketing Specialist Whitney Fleming Calendar Editor & Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Contributing Writers Drs Lori & Stewart Beasley Joe Bruzzese ShaRhonda Burton Jon Buzby Kim Danger Marc Dunham Mari Farthing Shannon Fields

Kevin Ogle Gayleen Rabakkuk Sue Lynn Sasser Chelsey Simpson Denise Springer Gloria So-Lloyd Frances Williams

Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly By Inprint Publishing, Inc. Mailing Address 306 S. Bryant, Suite C152 • Edmond, OK 73034 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2008 All Rights Reserved. Volume 11, Number 07

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Summer at the Library 2008 was a huge success. Thanks for making it the best year ever!

www.metrolibrary.org Celebrating Ten Years!

August 2008

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n In Touch With Relationships Domestic violence

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raditionally, domestic violence is thought to take place only in the marriage or family settings, but the prevalence is spreading—to teens. High school students today report relationship dynamics that are controlling or abusive. Unless we stop it, domestic violence threatens to seriously shape the relationships of the next generation.

senses the escalating tension and may try to de-escalate it, usually without much success. The attacker tends to blame the victim as the cause of the frustration. Phase Two takes place when the actual abuse happens. There may be physical abuse, destruction of property, or threats to hurt other loved ones, such as children. The attacker may say, “I’m going to teach you a lesson,� and the damage may be quite horrifying. Then, when the abuse is over, the pain and denial continues.

What are the dynamics characterized by domestic violence? Healthy relationships include mutual respect and shared responsibility, but the core issues of domestic violence are power and control. A predictable negative pattern develops in many abusive relationships.

Phase Three is the resolution stage in which the attacker may show kindness and use charm to convince the victim that they are truly sorry. They make false promises that they will never do it again. Another possible dynamic is blaming the victims. The attacker may say, “If you didn’t act this way, I wouldn’t have hurt you. I love you and

Phase One is the tension building phase in which the attacker reacts negatively to frustration. The victim

I’m trying to protect our relationship.� The victim is convinced that there is real love and a good relationship.

What about the impact on the next generation? Physical and emotional stability are fundamental needs for children. This provides an essential asset for them to learn how to regulate their emotions, and behaviors. Children of conflicted marriages or troubled relationships are at risk for adjustment problems, including academic, emotional, behavioral, and even physical health. Young children may develop a higher alertness to parental conflict and may exhibit behaviors such as whining as an attempt to reduce the immediate marital conflict. In my practice, it’s common to hear reports of children experiencing sleeping difficulties, becoming overly clingy to one parent

LAST CHANCE! THE SCIENCE OF SUPERCROC ��������� Nigersaurus ON VIEW THROUGH AUG 24 An exhibit featuring full-scale replicas of one of the largest crocodiles that ever lived, plus Nigersaurus, a recently revealed sauropod that has never been viewed outside of Washington, D.C. Local exhibition was made possible by the Whitten-Newman Foundation.

indoor playground leather crafts paint-n-take ceramics party rooms wi-fi

Created by Project Exploration.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History The University of Oklahoma

2401 Chautauqua Ave. | 405-325-4712 | www.snomnh.ou.edu The University of Oklahoma is an equal oppor tunity institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability call 405-325-4712.

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Teens and Domestic Violence: Statistics • 24% of teens report knowing someone who has been the victim of dating violence. • 13% of teenage girls say they have been physically hurt by their partner in a relationship, and more than 26% report verbal abuse. • Less than 35% of teens say they discuss dating violence with parents. Source: LoveIsNotAbuse.com

Local Resources Domestic Violence Hotline 917-YWCA (9922) Rape Crisis Hotline 942-RAPE (7273) Oklahoma Statewide Safeline 800-522-7233

(perhaps as an effort for protecting that parent), minimizing or denying their own stress or struggles and having other emotional or behavioral problems (such as inattention in school). Over time, a higher risk for psychopathology and adjustment difficulties may be even more apparent. In the long term, these children may develop various forms of relationship difficulties and emotional issues as adults. Survivors of domestic violence may need a lot of support and professional assistance in breaking free from an unhealthy relationship. There are local crisis lines, and even shelters for families with children. They have to work through their own maladaptive belief system before they can stop the cycle of violent relationships, which can be repeated by their children. Consider the impact on the next generation—stop the abuse and do not pass it on. Domestic violence is more than a relationship problem; it is a generational problem.

Dr. Gloria So-Lloyd is a licensed health service psychologist as well as a licensed clinical social worker working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

“Attitude, Discipline and Respect are the Goals, Karate is the method.� TM

Edmond W. Covell & Kelly 405.330.2821 N. Western & N.W. 150th 405.751.2821 Moore/OKC S. Penn & S.W. 104th 405.703.2727

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“Staycations” Not familiar yet with the term? With many families staying home for their summer vacations due to rising gas prices, the stay at home vacation—or staycation— is gaining acceptance. Staying home does not mean you compromise fun, as there are any number of fun and interesting things to do in most cities, including ours. Kids ages 7-13 are invited to create a video documentary of what is going on this summer and submit it to MeetMeAtTheCorner.org for a chance to win cash prizes. Contest deadline is August 31, and there is still plenty of time for your budding director to get a video ready. “The ‘Summer in My Town Contest’ is a great way for kids to share a unique local event or activity with their counterparts worldwide. In addition, it enables kids to learn how to make a complete documentary-style video while discovering more about their community,” said Donna Guthrie (via press release), founder of the contest and the website. Details, including step-by-step instructions, may be found online at MeetMeAtTheCorner.org. Ready? Action!

MFM Question of the Month

How much did the students at OCS raise to benefit Project Youth in Crisis? (Hint: see feature on page 36)

To enter, go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ FS-Giveaway and complete the entry form. Deadline is Thursday, August 24.*

Yum-O! Have fun cooking with your kids and help a good cause. Rachael Ray, Food Network staple, daytime talk show host, and author of numerous cookbooks, has established Yum-O!, a non-profit organization dedicated to “empowering kids and families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.” The organization focuses on three main areas: cook, feed, and fun. Cook to teach families about cooking. Feed to get food to all American children. Fun to provide funding for cooking education and scholarships. The Yum-O! Family Cookbook (Clarkson Potter/ Publishers, $22.50) encourages families to come together in the kitchen. Ray’s recipes have you covered from breakfast items to bedtime snacks— healthy recipes that are easy and fun for the whole family to participate in making—and eating. Proceeds from the book will go directly to the nonprofit organization. Find out more about the Yum-O! Organization at Yum-O.org.

Allergy Safety The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that 2.2 million school-age children have food allergies. They recommend the following strategies to help keep kids safe: Speak with your medical professional. Before school starts, work with your doctor to make a plan of action. Let school staff know. Meet with teachers and supervisory staff to discuss your child’s allergies. Include an action plan for handling emergencies with your child. Provide safe options. If necessary or possible, work with the school to create an allergen-free area in the lunch room (such as a peanut-free table), and send treats from home for class parties.

National Geographic Kids Amazing Animals Penguin (intplay.com); Readers Digest National Word Power Challenge Card Game Set 1 (RD. com/NWPC); Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put Downs book by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (PrometheusBooks.com); Great States! Card Game (intplay.com); Franklin Talking Children’s Dictionary (Franklin.com); Whizzle Phonics Card Game (WiggityBang.com); Sumo Grip pen & pencil (SakuraOfAmerica. com); Pilot pens & pencils (PilotBeGreen.us); Mead Zwipes binder, ecofriendly paper, binder gear pocket, and Built lunch kit (courtesy of Staples, Staples.com); Amazing Wonders Collection Tyrannosaur book and model (Candlewick.com); and Truth or Dare Cahootie game (Cahootie.com). * Winner agrees to pick up items from NW OKC area.

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Keep your child informed. Have an ageappropriate conversation to let him know the dangers of his allergies, and the steps to take if he experiences allergy symptoms. Make medications available. Speak with your school administration about keeping medicines such as antihistamines or epi-pens on hand for your child. Visit AAAAI.org for information including downloadable resources. Celebrating Ten Years!

Tips for Back to School Savings By Kim Danger, Family Savings Expert for Coupons.com

1.

Buy quality first. It costs more to replace three cheap backpacks than to buy one good one that can be used for several years.

2. Stock up on school supplies in late July/early August, when stores begin advertising back-to-school campaigns. 3. Wait until the sales begin in late September to buy clothes and backpacks. 4. Consider growth spurts. If your child is at an age where he will gain a couple inches this year, buy only what you need right now. Set aside part of your budget for a mid-year shopping trip for larger sizes. 5.

Teachers from around the country were invited to apply for a Teaching Ambassador Fellowship position with the U.S. Department of Education. The program sought teachers with “successful strategies for increasing student achievement,” according to guidelines. Five teachers were chosen to serve as Fellows for one year, and Stephanie Canada, elementary physical education teacher at Shawnee’s Will Rogers Elementary School, is among them. Named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year 2007-2008, Canada has been with Shawnee Public Schools since 2003 and has been a teacher for 12 years. “I can utilize a child’s natural inclination to move to provide kinesthetic and authentic learning experiences,” said Canada upon being chosen for the Oklahoma honor. “I am able to teach not only my curriculum effectively and integrate interdisciplinary material, I also provide students opportunities to practice healthy life skills daily.” Marilyn Bradford, superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, said, “Shawnee is proud of Stephanie’s accomplishments and feel she’ll be in an excellent position as an ambassador to continue to advocate on a national level for the importance of physical fitness and health for America’s children.”.

Click and save. Printable coupons from sites like Coupons.com can help you save on name-brand items. Also check the websites for your favorite brands or stores.

6. Shop beyond your grocery store. Dollar stores stock name-brand snack foods and juices and bakery outlets have great deals on bread, snacks, and desserts. 7.

Shawnee Teacher Headed for Washington

Be sandwich savvy. Chicken, tuna, and egg salad sandwiches are economical, but use an insulated bag with a freezer pack to keep them cold until lunchtime.

8. Avoid sales tax by shopping on the tax holiday weekend, automatically saving 6-8%. Did you take advantage of Oklahoma’s Sales Tax Holiday (August 1-3)? Texas’ Sales Tax Holiday is planned for August 15-17. Visit taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_ holiday.html. 9. “Gently used” is gentle on the wallet. Reject the notion that all school supplies have to be brand new, and reuse items from last year. Also visit thrift stores and garage sales to buy backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothes. 10. Swap for school gear. Host a moms’ swap night before school starts and trade what you don’t want for other things you can use this year. Celebrating Ten Years!

State School Superintendent Sandy Garrett with Stephanie Canada.

Teacher’s Warehouse Teachers sometimes do not have the supplies they need for the classroom, and it’s not uncommon for teachers to spend hundreds of dollars out of pocket to pay for items for their classrooms. The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools formed the Teachers Warehouse to help fill that need. The Teachers Warehouse (OKCKids.com/TW) is an online exchange program providing free supplies and equipment to Oklahoma City Public Schools teachers. Items have been donated by local businesses and community members. Teachers can browse the online catalog and click a button to request the items they need—from classroom decorations to office supplies and even computer equipment. “This is an amazing opportunity for community members to support schools in ways they might never imagine,” said Oklahoma City Public Schools 2008 District Teacher of the Year Heather Sparks via press release. “These donated items have tremendous potential to impact classroom learning in limitless ways.” Learn more about the foundation, donating supplies, or volunteering opportunities by calling 405-879-2007 or visiting OKCKids.com/TW. August 2008

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Summer Olympic Fun By Jon Buzby

It only happens once every four years and it’s happening this August 8-24 in Beijing, China: the 2008 Summer Olympics. Like any Olympic games there will be thousands of stories surrounding them that will set up the perfect platform to educate your children about things they otherwise might not take the time to learn.

Watch the Olympics on Oklahoma City’s local NBC affiliate KFOR News Channel 4. Visit KFOR.com for programming guide. en.beijing2008.cn is the official website of the 2008 games. Find information, pictures, and links.

The Olympic Games were always special to me growing up. It was one of the few sporting events my entire family looked forward to and watched together. And looking back on it, I even learned a lot during the games— things I otherwise would never have been interested in reading about or hearing from a teacher. In fact, I still learn.

Here are some tips to make watching the games more interesting and educational for the entire family. Before the games begin: Have each child select a country to follow during the Olympics. Encourage them to make drawings of their country’s flag and other popular landmarks. Ask each child to research facts about the country to share with the rest of the family. Depending on age, it might be helpful to make a form with questions for each child to fill out during their research. Opening Ceremonies: Plan a special dinner for the night of the ceremony. Decorate the TV room with Olympicthemed decorations your kids have made or those you’ve bought. Have each child share the information they’ve learned about their country as their team is announced during the ceremony. The Opening Ceremony is also a chance to educate about why some countries choose to boycott the Olympics. You can talk about the human rights issues surrounding these games and link the conversation back 12

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to an explanation of our country’s boycott in 1980. Do you know why? During the Games: In addition to having an adopted country, children can also pick a favorite sport out of the 28 to learn about and follow during the games. My rule of thumb is to pick a sport that isn’t shown on TV in America during the rest of the year.

The internet will provide live feeds from just about every sports venue at some point, not just the popular sports shown on TV. Make it a point to watch a variety of sports, even if the kids think they won’t like it. Kids can keep track of how many medals their adopted country is winning and even compare it to past Olympics. Encourage your kids to use print media along with the internet to help them search for results and interesting stories about their selected country and sport. After the Games: watch the Closing Ceremony and challenge each child to listen for five things they didn’t learn about during the games. If possible, have each child experience the sport he followed during the games. It might be impossible to get your child on a horse, but if they chose equestrian as their sport, there is likely a local competition you can attend. And lastly, use their interest in their adopted country to fuel other educational opportunities. Just because the Olympics end doesn’t mean their chosen country will shut down. Encourage them to continue to learn more about and keep up-todate on the country they became so interested in during the games. Anyone will tell you the Olympic Games are so much more than sports. I can tell you from first-hand experience the games can be an enriching family experience. August 2008

Easy to be

Green Is your family thinking green? The environment is a big issue, and finding ways to conserve is a topic of discussion for many families. We can all make small changes to make a big difference. But did you know that even school supplies are becoming more environmentally friendly? Pilot Pen’s BeGreeN line of pens and mechanical pencils are made from recycled material, sold in packages made from recycled materials, and best of all, cost the same as regular pens. The line includes gel pens, rolling ball pens, and mechanical pencils. Visit PilotBeGreeN.us to find out more. You can’t have pens and pencils without paper to write on—your local Staples store is one source for environmentally friendly paper products, including filler paper and notebooks made from 80% sugarcane. If you want to find more environmentally-friendly school supplies, search the Internet, but don’t use just any search engine; GreenMaven.com is a search engine designed to search environmentally—friendly options based on the Google model. The website also maintains a news reader and a directory. One of my favorite features is the Green Your Home page(GreenMaven.com/Products), which shows you room by room how to make small changes in your home to make it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. And finally, if your kids are interested in jumping on the green bandwagon, EcoSavvyKid.com is a great place for them to start. It’s a website started by a kid after he saw the impact trash made on his environment. This website is a great resource to get the whole family involved in conserving and making a difference. Celebrating Ten Years!

Reclaim Your Kitchen Counter Back to school in my house means back to paperwork. Homework, schedules, phone lists, recipes—they all pile up. My kitchen counter is inevitably overtaken with the clutter of paperwork and it is impossible to find anything. Enter the Kitchen Folio, a lovely, sturdy 9”x12” binder that comes with built in lists and empty pocket pages to stash the other papers you acquire. More lists can be downloaded in PDF form. Not only does it help to clear my counter of clutter—which my husband loves—it makes it all easier to find. What an easy solution for organization. The Kitchen Folio is available in cherry pink, butter yellow, or ocean blue (with coordinating forms) at MomAgenda. com for $32.95.

Septemberfest The whole family is invited to the Governor’s Mansion for the 12th annual Septemberfest Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 10am-4pm. “The governor and I look forward to hosting Septemberfest each year and meeting people from across the state,” said First Lady Kim Henry via press release. “This year is exceptionally special as it marks the 80th anniversary of Oklahoma’s first home, the Governor’s Mansion.” Septemberfest began in 1997 by the non-profit agency Friends of the Mansion, Inc., to restore and preserve the Governor’s Mansion. The mission of the event is to have “a statewide festival providing an interactive opportunity for Oklahoma families and children to celebrate the state’s past, present, and future heritage and many diverse cultures.” The grounds of the Mansion will play host to a variety of family-friendly activities, including entertainment and interactive exhibits. Visitors will also enjoy free admission to the Oklahoma History Center (across the street from the Mansion). Indoor and outdoor exhibits celebrate Oklahoma with artifacts and interactive exhibits. New to the Center is the Red River Journey, a quarter-mile walking tour replicating the Red River Valley along Oklahoma’s southern border. The tour will highlight the diverse foliage and terrain of the High Plains, Red Bed Plains, and Coastal Plains. The Governor’s Mansion is located at 820 NE 23rd in Oklahoma City. For more event information, call Friends of the Mansion at 405-557-0198.

School Supplies Needed Back to school shopping can be expensive. Low-income or foster families may have an even harder time navigating those school supply lists, and several organizations in the area are stepping up to help. • Citizens Caring For Children is accepting donations of clothing (jeans, shirts, shoes, underwear, and socks) in child, youth, and teen sizes; cash donations are also welcome. Donations will benefit Metroarea foster children. Contact 405-348-9034 or visit CitizensCaringForChildren.org. • Henderson Hills Baptist Church’s goal is to provide 1,000 Edmond students with school supplies. Over 200 Edmond children were helped in 2007. A list of requested items and drop-off locations may be found online at WeNeedSchoolSupplies.com. • Five Oklahoma City locations of Panera Bread will be collecting school supplies daily, August 3-10. Donations will benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Visit OKCKids.com for a list of requested supplies and more information about the Foundation. Governor Brad Henry at Septemberfest 2007. Celebrating Ten Years!

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n Q & A with the Beasleys Kindergarten for two years? Dr. Lori: School readiness is the important question here. If your son is developmentally ready to enter first grade, it is best, in most cases, to begin him in first grade now. Certain developmental milestones such as the ability to recognize letters of the alphabet, count to 20 or higher, write his name, and read, or pretend to read, should be present in a successful first grader. Developmental milestones are not determined by a birth date or school cut off date, but through growth and experience of the child. Dr. Stewart: Girls, generally speaking, develop more rapidly than boys and, therefore, are more likely to be school ready when their chronological age permits. If you have doubts about your son’s school readiness, there

Dear Drs., My husband and I are having a disagreement. Steve wants our six year old son to spend another year in Kindergarten and delay starting first grade for a year. He says this will give our son an advantage when he is eligible for middle school and high school sports. I disagree and believe our son is ready to begin first grade now. What are the pros and cons from your point of view?

Daniela

are a variety of assessments that can be administered to determine whether or not he is ready to begin school. Public schools often administer one of these assessments at various times during the school year to assist parents in making this crucial decision. Call your local school superintendent’s office to determine where and when these assessments are being administered. There are also professional psychometrists and school psychologists in private practice that can assess your child’s school readiness. The school district office may provide you with this information upon request. Dr. Lori: Retention, or an extra year, was popular in the late 1980s. Since then, the

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Celebrating Ten Years!

educational community has had time to track and research children who were retained in preschool and Kindergarten. Research continues to find that there are no academic benefits for the extra year of school—however, research has uncovered negative impacts on socialemotional outcomes in the children who have been retained for reasons not related to academics. Dr. Stewart: I’d like to address the issue of your husband’s belief that a one year delay will give your son an advantage down the road in high school sports. High school athletics have become quite competitive today and parents and coaches, in my opinion, have lost sight of the true value and lesson of middle school and high school athletics. Participation in secondary school athletics should be recreational, not a business. I hope your husband will re-examine his priorities and see

athletics as being only a part of a total liberal arts education that prepares your son for living and surviving in the adult world. Dr. Lori: And if your son begins school and you later discover that he is indeed struggling academically, there are certainly points during his education in which you may reassess repeating a year, ask for additional testing, examine school options, or consider tutoring. In those events, we hope the decision to promote or not is based on information and observations from you, his teachers, counselor, principal, and school psychologist.

Lori Beasley, EdD is Asst. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Life Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Stewart R. Beasley, PhD is a licensed psychologist who practices in Edmond and Oklahoma City and is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Do you have a question about early childhood issues for the Beasleys? Email SRB@DRStewartBeasley.com.

Dr. Stewart: We empathize with your struggle in making this difficult decision, however, we are confident in your ability to reach a mutual decision based on what is best for your child’s future. Take your time.

Find more parenting tips online at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Parenting

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August 2008

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n 4 the Family

with Rob Morris

Home Alone: Safely

F

or many families the return of a school routine brings with it a gap of time when kids will be home alone on weekdays. Recent statistics show that nearly five million kids, ages 14 and under, are injured in the home each year. The vast majority of those injuries occur when children are most likely to be out of school and unsupervised, so the time to create a safe “home alone� environment is right now.

• Have your child check-in with a parent or trusted neighbor after arriving home from school daily.

Here’s a list of things you can do to help make sure your child is safe during those after-school hours:

• Have a clear fire plan and make sure your child knows that plan well.

• Train your child about the dangers of electrical appliances. • Remind your child to never tell anyone on the phone or at the door that she is home alone. She should use a phrase like, “My mommy/daddy can’t come to the door/phone right now.â€?

• Keep a list of all emergency numbers (doctor, hospital, police, fire, etc.) and the phone number of a trusted family member or friend in a visible place near the phone, and make sure he knows how to use the phone and the list.

• Keep a first aid kit including bandages and basic items easily accessible and show him how to use it in case of minor incidents. • Prepare a snack or meal for your child in advance, preferably one that does not require her to use the stove or oven.

Make sure your child knows how to reach you, no matter where you may be. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of seven should never be left home unsupervised. Children between the ages of seven and ten aren’t usually ready to be unsupervised, but can manage in very structured environments. Children between the ages of 11 and 13 should be judged on a case-by-case basis, but should not be left in charge of younger siblings nor should they be left alone overnight. Until next time...

Kevin Ogle, a native Oklahoman, is a news anchor on Oklahoma’s NewsChannel 4.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

Has your teenager been persistently sad, had feelings of discouragement, loss of self-worth, or had a loss of interest in their usual activities? They may be suffering from adolescent depression. Depression in adolescents can be just as disabling as depression in adults. If you have a child who is between the ages of 12 and 17 that is experiencing signs of depression they may qualify to participate in a clinical reseach study evaluating the effectiveness of a medication for adolescent depression. For more information, please contact Cutting Edge Research at (405) 603-8196.

It Figures

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS • Bringing Broadway & More To You! C

ABBA-SOLUTELY LIVE!

By Cynthia Washam

74

Percent of adults in that age group who were homeschooled seven or more years and have taken at least some college courses.

82

Percent of formerly homeschooled adults who intend to home-school their children.

91

Percent of parents who will take their children back-toschool shopping with them.

1984

Year National Night Out, the second Tuesday in August, was started to raise awareness of community police efforts including drug-abuse prevention and Neighborhood Crime Watch.

35.2 million Number of people in 11,100 communities who participated in National Night Out in 2006.

30

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Percent less time children 10-19 who play video games spend reading compared to non-gamers.

34

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300

Percent increase in children’s energy expenditure when they play “active” video games compared to games played by pressing buttons.

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Percent of U.S. adults, 18-24, who’ve taken at least some college courses.

32

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A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! WELCOMED BY

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The Romans Are Coming... FAMILY DAY

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What Girls Do

A shake of the head, a roll of the eyes The rumors the lies They no longer play on your pride But rip you up inside This is what girls do This is what they say It is like this every day The mothers reply But that is a lie Walking in the hall Taking in it all All alone no one home Kids shouting, kids staring All this torture I’m bearing No one caring - Anonymous, Age 12

by Joe Bruzzese

Excerpt from “Odd Girl Speaks Out” by Rachel Simmons

Celebrating Ten Years!

August 2008

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23

Becomes Her—Confronting Mean Teens Once viewed as an extreme case of how bullying breaks down teen girls, the “Odd Girl” persona now defines a growing number of female bullying victims. In a recent national survey of students in grades 6-10, 30% reported being the target of bullies. Of the victims reporting abuse nearly 60% said they were bullied with threatening or embarrassing words through e-mail, instant messages, web sites, chat rooms, or text messages. The rise of cyberbullying (bullying through the use of technology) now runs rampant among the teen population. Gossip once confined to notes and conversations in the halls now flows freely from one friend’s phone to the next before finding its way online. Whether bullying happens in person or online, it isn’t something that parents should merely observe from the sidelines— particularly given the serious emotional and physical abuse that can occur. 24

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

August 2008

Four signs of bullying 1. Reluctance to leave home. Refusing to attend school, sports practices, and other extracurricular activities may be a sign that your child is being bullied. The attention of coaches and teachers is occasionally diverted away from the team or group. In those moments, kids can quickly find ways of singling out an individual, and engaging in verbal taunting and subtle physical abuse (pushing and tripping) that can go undetected. 2. Unexplained cuts or bruises. If your child can’t offer a reasonable explanation for the appearance of any unusual marks on her body, it’s time to investigate. 3. Increased sadness or anxiety. Adolescents tend to be moody; however, a sudden increase in crying outbursts and anxiety levels (beyond the typical teen drama) could be the result of a bully.

“In the rush to get the kids moving in the morning, we don’t have a lot of time to spend together. I mistook my daughter’s anxiety about getting ready for school in the morning for an attempt to prevent us from getting out the door. I later found out she had been bullied for over a month. I didn’t see it.” – Dana, Middle School Parent, Denver, CO Celebrating Ten Years!

4. Steadily decreasing academic performance. A dip from 95% on one test to 85% on the next doesn’t warrant a full-scale investigation. But repeated low scores, missed assignments, or comments from your child’s teachers about declining performance are signals that may mean there are bullying issues at play.

Action steps for parents Even if you suspect your child is being bullied, the question of what to do about it can be a difficult one to answer— especially if your child hesitates to communicate with you. So what can parents do? 1. Share observations. Sharing statements like, “You seem sad today” or “This seems like a rough week for you” may open the door to a conversation with your child. 2. Investigate. Outside of weekday mornings and evenings, a parent’s time with a child is often limited to a few quick phone calls and weekends. Sharing a conversation with adults who see your child on a regular weekly basis fills in the gaps of what you might be missing. Connecting with teachers, coaches, and mentors can be an invaluable source of information about a child’s life. If concerns arise about your child’s behavior, turn to this group of adults for insight. 3. Make contact. A casual argument between friends doesn’t call for a heated visit to the school’s front office; however, when arguments turn physical or include verbally abusive statements, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the school counselor. Bring the evidence you have from your observations as well as any conversations with adults who regularly interact with your child. 4. Avoid the “Paparazzi.” Coach your child to stay clear of impromptu cell phone camera shots. An innocent shot snapped quickly between classes can eventually find its way into a bully’s hands—becoming a target for teasing. 5. Report it. The moment you become aware of a threatening email or phone call or see anything online referencing your child in a negative way, report it to school administrators.

“Being bullied is not just an unpleasant rite of passage through childhood,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD. “It’s a public health problem that merits attention. People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self esteem, well into adulthood, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.”

Contacting the school is the first step to pulling the plug on cyberbullying. Bringing bullying to an end takes a team effort. Schools and law enforcement agencies have risen to meet the challenge of keeping kids safe, but the brunt of the burden still falls on the shoulders of victims and their families. Through a continued effort to identify and report bullying incidents, teens regain self confidence and head toward a happy and healthy future. Joe Bruzzese, MA, is a leading parent coach for the middle school years, author of A Parent’s Guide to the Middle School Years and co-founder of Thinking-Forward.com, the online resource for families during the middle school years and practical strategies that will help to move your child forward.

Additional online resources on the topic of bullying and cyberbullying:

Additional reading on the topic of bullying among girls:

• StopCyberBullying.org—Resources and information directed at children ages 7-17. Developed by the Wired Safety organization (WiredSafety.org) the world’s largest internet safety and help group

• Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman

• SafeYouth.org—A resource created by the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center • SopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov—Audio, video and text-based resources created by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration Celebrating Ten Years!

• The Anti-Bullying Handbook by Keith Sullivan • Odd Girl Speaks Out: Girls Write about Bullies, Cliques, Popularity, and Jealousy by Rachel Simmons

August 2008

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25

For a free travel guide call 866-GPC-OKLA or visit www.greatplainscountry.com. www.travelok.com

26

Produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

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Celebrating Ten Years!

Celebrating Ten Years!

August 2008

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27

character joyfulness

It is often said that every cloud has a silver lining. Being able to see that silver lining can give us strength and help us weather the most difficult situations. But it may do even more for us than that. Happiness may also bring us good health. A 2006 study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who described themselves as lively, happy, and calm were more likely to resist colds and the flu after being exposed to viruses. But the benefits may not stop there—a 2007 Norwegian study found that people with a good sense of humor are more likely to live longer than their grim counterparts. Helping our children find the joy in life’s everyday struggles is a skill that will benefit them for years to come.

Nominate them for MetroFamily Magazine’s Spotlight on Character Award.

River otters were once found throughout much of North America, from Canada through the United States. They live near rivers, lakes, and swamps. Otters have long, streamlined bodies with tapering tails and short legs with webbed feet. They can close their nostrils underwater, allowing them to swim longer, up to four minutes underwater. Otters often take part in playful activity and even appear joyful as they slide through the snow, do belly flops and somersaults, and wrestle together. You can get an up-close look at river otters at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Oklahoma Trails exhibit.

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com for contest details and nomination forms.

teachablemoments

Catch them doing the

rightthing! Whether the student is a Kindergartner or teen, whether the act is simple or time consuming, we want to hear about your outstanding student.

Thank you to OERB for sponsoring this award!

Gayleen Rabakukk is a freelance writer who spends her time in Edmond keeping up with her teenage and preschool daughters. 28

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Make a gratitude journal. Taking time to list the things that make our life worth living is a sure way to brighten even the worst day. Depending on the skill level of your child, this project can be very simple or extremely complex. Start by talking about the things that make your child happy or bring them joy. If your child is old enough to write, encourage them to list these things, maybe on special paper that suits their personality. If your child is not old enough to write, they could draw pictures representing the things that bring them joy. Some children might want to make a collage of images, either cut from magazines or pictures they have taken themselves. The form of this gratitude journal can be as unique and individual as your child. Start a dinner table discussion. As a way to spark conversations with your child, ask them, “what was the best thing that happened to you today?” By asking this question, you will help them focus on the positive events of their day. This may make it easier to realize that we all have something to be joyful about, every day. August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

© Datacode66 | Dreamstime.com

innature

spotlightoncharacterwinners spotlight Jordan Andrews constantly displays the character traits of availability, generosity and enthusiasm through his volunteer work. He spends time helping with the younger children at his church, Beverly Hills Baptist Church, with Vacation Bible School and their Fall Festival. He usually assists with recreation area activities and also helps with church work days and Falls Creek. He recently helped paint a room at the Boys and Girls Club. “I enjoy volunteering,� he said. “Most of the time, I volunteer with other youth members so it seems like more fun than work.� Jordan is an active member of drumline, winter drumline, band, and jazz band at Western Heights. He often tutors other students who need help with their music. Jordan’s mom told us he is enthusiastic at home and does his weekly chores without complaining. He works 25 to 30 hours a week at Subway and maintains a grade point high enough to be a member of National Honor Society. Jordan is a junior at Western Heights High School and is the son of Cassandra Andrews of Oklahoma City.

iwillstatements iwill... smile at adversity.

not allow my emotions to rule my mind.

look for good in all things. not give in to discouragement.

take time out of every day to laugh and to sing.

puttingcharacterďŹ rst The Character First! Project is inspired by the work of the Character Training Institute, a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma City. Character First! information is used by permission. Call 405-815-0001 for Character First! resources or visit CharacterFirst.com. Celebrating Ten Years!

Britany O’Brien recently displayed generosity and determination in raising money for the March of Dimes. Britany’s mom’s company was holding a fundraiser for the March of Dimes and when Britany found out, she wanted to participate. The O’Brien’s went door to door in their neighborhood and collected $522.05 in donations. The March of Dimes charity is particularly close to the O’Briens—Britany was born 12 weeks premature, weighing 3 pounds, 2 ounces. Britany also had an older sister who was born premature, but did not survive. During her fundraising, she often said that she “didn’t want anyone else to lose their sister.� The O’Briens also helped rebuild a home with Helping Hands of Oklahoma City. Britany picked up trash and painted the home. Britany is in the second grade at Jones Elementary School and is the daughter of Jennifer O’Brien of Jones.

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As the summer draws to a close and you reflect on the memories you’ve made, don’t leave any room for regret. Take your family to visit an Oklahoma lake or river. The options are as diverse as the many Oklahoma eco-regions. Here is a sampling of ideas—and we have just dipped our toe into the pool of possibilites to give you ideas. So don’t hesitate—gather your family and dive right in!

1. The Illinois River Nearly 57 miles of river in eastern Oklahoma, The Illinois River offers year-round access for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Permits are not required, but a fee of $2 per boat is collected by the Oklahoma Scenic River Commission. Visit SouthwestPaddler.com/docs/ illinois.html or OutdoorsOK.com/ Oklahoma/Illinois.

2. The Oklahoma River Tour a seven-mile stretch of the Oklahoma River aboard an Oklahoma River Cruise. Board at Regatta Park at the east or Meridian Landing at the west and see the city as you never have before. Round-trip tickets $12 adults, $8 children 6-12 (with adult), children under 6 free. Group discounts and private cruises available. Visit OKRiverCruises.com.

3. Lake Arcadia

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Edmond’s Arcadia Lake boasts 26 miles of shoreline and family-friendly activities include swimming, hiking, picnicking, and trails for horseback riding. Entry to lake area is $6 per car weekdays/$7 weekends. Other fees apply for other activities. Details,

including lake rules and events may be found online at EdmondOK.com/parks/ ArcadiaLake.

4. Turner Falls Just a short trip south of the metro, Turner Falls boasts a 77-foot waterfall, caves, hiking trails, camping, and sandy beaches. Park admission is $9.99 for adults, $6 children 6-12, age 5 and under free; additional charge for camping. Visit TurnerFallsPark.com for information including maps and history.

5. Grand Lake About 200 miles northeast of OKC near the town of Grove, Grand Lake was created in 1940 with the completion of a dam on the Grand River. The lake has 1,300 miles of shoreline. Along with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, visitors may enjoy a free tour of the Pensacola Dam. Visit grda.com/Water/ Grand.html for details.

6. Lake Eufaula Lake Eufaula in southeast Oklahoma is the largest lake in the state and supports a wide variety of activities, from swimming and boating to camping and birdwatching. Visit LakeEufaula.com

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Sunset at Lake Murray. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism. August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

REAL VALUE You might be surprised how affordable an OU education is.

REAL FACULTY • REAL DEGREE E Earn a bachelor’s oor master’s degree ffrom the University oof Oklahoma iin as little as 16-24 months

Turner Falls. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism.

7. Lake Tenkiller Tenkiller Lake at the state park of the same name is rated the state’s best lake for sailing. The 130 miles of shoreline are dotted with ten marinas and 14 parks offering recreational activities including swimming, and SCUBA diving. Find more info at Tenkiller.net.

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8. Lake Elmer Thomas

that can be completed

The Lake Elmer Thomas Recreational Area in Lawton features a water slide, miniature golf, sandy beach, and hiking trails, and RV camping hookups. Call 580-442-5541 for more information.

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9. Lake Murray

study or by attending

Lake Murray State Park is the oldest and largest in the state. Come to swim or enjoy sports, picnic or camp. Trails are available for horseback riding and ATVs, or visit the Tucker Tower Nature Center for a guided tour with a state park naturalist. Visit TourOklahoma. com and select Lake Murray from the list to learn more.

concentrated weekend or evening classes. University OUTREACH

10. Arbuckle Lake

College of Continuing Education

The crystal-clear water of Arbuckle Lake (near Sulphur) make it a perfect destination for SCUBA divers, swimmers, and fishing enthusiasts alike. Campsites are also available. Visit OutdoorsOK.com/Oklahoma/Arbuckle for more information.

College of Liberal Studies

Celebrating Ten Years!

outreach.ou.edu August 2008

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31

n Let’s Eat: Recipes Batch Cooking

I

would like to take a moment to introduce and qualify myself. My name is Marc Dunham, and I am a CHEF—a cook, husband, educator, and father. Professionally, I am the Chef de Cuisine for the Ranchers Club at the Atherton Hotel at OSU. Previous to my employment here, I was the Executive Chef of Ventana and the Bleu River Grille at Texas Culinary Academy in Austin (yes Sooner and Cowboy fans, you’re taking advice from a Texan). I also hold a B.S. in Nutrition and Foods from Texas State University.

My first column is batch cooking, the practice of making a large recipe very neutral in flavor in order to prepare a variety of meals from it. I’m starting with tomato sauce, pasta, and roasted chicken—which can all be made ahead and tweaked to fit the meal of your choice. Tomato sauce is very simple, but can be used in hundreds of variations. Use it as the primary sauce for pasta, a base for tomato soup, or an addition to ground meats for meat sauces or fillings. The basic ingredients are canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Unless I know specifically what I will be using the sauce for, I leave out any herbs until I decide to take the sauce in a specific direction. For example, I might make a gallon of tomato sauce, and then add basil to one quart of the sauce for marinara; chiles, paprika, and cumin to another quart of sauce as a base for picadillo for tacos. Next, we have roasted chicken. I love simply turning the oven to 400º F, seasoning a whole chicken with salt and pepper, and roasting it to a golden brown. After the bird is cooked, let cool and remove the meat to use in your recipes. And the bones? They aren’t wasted—we’ll discuss how to use them in a future column. Finally, pasta, which is also a favorite in my house because it’s inexpensive, quick, and healthy when eaten responsibly—especially when you choose whole-grain pasta. The basic ratio for cooking is a pound of pasta, a 32

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gallon of water, and a tablespoon of salt. Oil is used to coat the pasta after it is drained, to prevent sticking.

Basic Recipes

Pasta 1 lb penne pasta 1 Gallon boiling water 1 T salt 1 t oil Add penne to salted boiling water and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente (about 10 minutes), drain, coat with oil, and cool on a sheet pan in the refrigerator. Separate into 2-4 C portions and store in zippered freezer bags. Freeze until needed.

Tomato Sauce 1 T olive oil or canola 1 yellow onion, sliced ¼ inch half moons 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste Preheat a 2-3 quart sauce pan on medium heat. Add oil and allow to heat August 2008

for 1 minute. Add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions become translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes; do not allow garlic to brown. If any browning occurs, simply remove the pan from the heat. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Allow sauce to cool, then process in blender (in batches if necessary). Pour sauce into zippered freezer bags (about 1-2 C per portion) and freeze until needed. Makes 2 quarts.

Roasted Chicken

Yields 50% original weight

1 whole chicken Salt and pepper 1 t canola oil Preheat oven to 400˚ F. Pat chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture and allow to stand at room temperature, 30-45 minutes Season with salt and pepper and coat Celebrating Ten Years!

skin of chicken with a thin layer of oil using your hands. Place on a roasting rack on a sheet pan or directly on a sheet pan (with a lip so the juices don’t run off and burn your oven.) Roast for 15 minutes at 400˚, and then turn down the heat to 375˚. Continue to cook for 30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165˚ F is reached, or until the juices from around the leg run clear in color when poked. Cool and remove meat from the bones. Store in 1-2 C portions in zippered freezer bags until needed.

Combination Recipes

Penne pasta with roasted chicken and vegetables 2 T olive oil ½ red onion, cut into ¼ half moons

1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into ¼ inch strips 1 zucchini, cut into ¼ inch half moons 4 C penne pasta, cooked 2 C roasted chicken Parmesan cheese to taste Fresh herbs, optional Salt and pepper to taste Heat a large sauté pan or sauce pot on medium heat on the range. Add the olive oil and allow to heat for 1 minute. Add the onion and cook on medium heat while stirring for 4-5 minutes. Next add the bell peppers and zucchini and continue to cook for 5 minutes or until all of the vegetables are slightly softened.

Editor’s Note: this versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit your family’s tastes. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, or mushrooms would work well.

Marc Dunham is the Chef de Cuisine for the Ranchers Club at the Atherton Hotel at OSU. Read his blog at MetroFamily Magazine.com/ blog.

Add the cooked pasta and chicken and heat until warm all the way through Add salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese to taste. Serves four.

Find more batch recipes by Chef Marc at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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33

n Your Healthy Family The Basics and Benefits of an Organic Diet

I

n recent years, organic groceries have gone mainstream. It wasn’t long ago that organic foods were found only in specialty stores, but these days organic selections are widely available, even at many conventional grocery stores. Understanding the basic principles behind organic farming and the potential benefits of an organic diet will help you make informed choices as you shop, so let’s explore this food phenomenon.

can have many negative health effects, including neurotoxicity, immune system suppression, and disruption of the endocrine system which can lead to hormone imbalance. Additionally, pesticides have been linked to decreased reproductive function in both men and women.

Organically or Conventionally Grown? Have you been wondering what the difference is? Organic crops are not subjected to the chemical pesticides and fertilizers common in conventional agricultural practices in America. Organic meats, eggs, and dairy products are labeled as such only if the source animals are reared without the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, or other drugs. While conventional farmers typically apply chemical fertilizers and insecticides to crops, organic farmers use natural fertilizer, which is more environmentally friendly. Natural methods, such as insect predators and physical barriers, reduce crop damage caused by insects without the harmful effects of pesticides. Pesticide exposure

The factory-farm practice of using synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics has raised concerns for animal and human health alike. Not only do these practices raise questions about humane animal treatment, but there is a correlation between these substances and human health problems such as allergies, asthma, and early puberty.

Benefits of an Organic Diet Studies have shown that an organic diet has many benefits, such as an improved immune function and higher nutrient blood levels. In fact, on average, conventional produce has only 83 percent of the nutrients found in organic produce. Studies have found even higher levels of some nutrients, such as Vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as significantly fewer toxic nitrates, in organic crops. Milk from pasture-raised organic cattle has been shown to have higher levels of Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids,

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beta carotene, and antioxidants than milk from conventional cows raised in confinement. If you’ve ever tasted a tree-ripened peach or a vine-ripened tomato, you can appreciate that most produce tastes better when it is allowed to grow in its own time. Organically grown foods tend to have a fresher taste than those that are conventionally grown, as the absence of synthetic chemicals allows the flavor to fully develop.

Introducing Organic Food at Home Laura Oldham, a Tinker AFB wife and mother of two, began introducing organic food to her family about three years ago. Her interest was initially piqued after her pastor’s wife gave a presentation on the topic, and after following up with her own research, she decided to try it for the potential health benefits for her children. “I try to do as much as I can organic, but when it’s not possible, I make sure the food in our diets is all natural. I stay away from hydrogenated oils, highfructose corn syrup, dyes, and artificial preservatives, and I always read labels to know exactly what is in the foods we eat.� Her initial concern was the cost. “I know some people who will

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August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

try to tell you that eating organic isn’t more expensive than a conventional diet, but it is. At least until you factor in the costs to your health!� She made the switch gradually, which made it easier on her finances, and gave her family time to adjust to the changes. Oldham notes that the biggest benefit she’s seen has been improved overall health. “None of us get sick as often, and when we do, we seem to get over it more quickly. Another benefit I’ve noticed with the kids is that they seem calmer.� While she acknowledges that personality plays a role, she firmly believes that their diet makes a difference. Most studies confirm that an organic diet has many health benefits, including better immune function and higher nutrient contents. Consider replacing a few conventional foods with organically grown produce, meat, or dairy. Products

are now widely available at many grocery stores, as well as specialty stores and farmer’s markets, which may offer a larger selection. Bon appetit!

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and a CertiďŹ ed Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.

Eating healthy?

check our calendar for farmers markets dates

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ calendar

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Celebrating Ten Years!

EDMOND • 1201 W. 15th St. • 405.340.8005 EDMOND • 425 N. Bryant Ave. • 405.340.5895 OKLAHOMA CITY • 11524 N. Rockwell Ave. • 405.722.5431 OKLAHOMA CITY • 8221 W. Britton • 405.722.5750 OKLAHOMA CITY • 8805 S. May • 405.681.9940 OKLAHOMA CITY • 10212 S. Western • 405.691.0947 OKLAHOMA CITY • 11624 N. Penn Ave. • 405.751.6930 OKLAHOMA CITY • 13404 N. Meridan Ave. • 405.751.7441 *At $50 off per week for four consecutive weeks. Not applicable for before and after school care. Before and after school care offer is $100 off, at $25 per week for four consecutive weeks. For both offers: New enrollees only. Valid at participating locations only. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Must enroll for a minimum of three 1/2 days per week. Subject to availability. Offer expires October 24, 2008. Code FE08AD **A recent pre-kindergarten assessment showed that our students made substantial gains in their learning and development. Areas evaluated included Language and Literacy, Early Math and Approaches to Learning.

August 2008

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35

Changing Lives in

…and Edmond By Gayleen Rabakukk

Evening news reports of death and devastation in far off countries may leave you with a feeling of helplessness. But we can make a difference. Students at Oklahoma Christian Schools decided they could bring hope for the future to an entire community in Sierra Leone. “I’ve known since I was 12 years old that I wanted to do mission work—specifically in Africa,” said Megan Labay, a 2005 OCS graduate. Labay became involved in Youth With a Mission and signed up for a six-month Asian Pacific mission trip. Just before her departure she attended a worship conference where she watched a video of children in Sierra Leone who had witnessed the murder of their families. The plight of these children stuck with Labay. She recently lost a close family member and she could hear God telling her that she could use her own testimony to help people.

forced to fight in either the rebel army or the government army,” Labay said. The boys range in age from about 11 to their mid-20s and have no idea where their families might be—or even if any of their family members are still alive. “They live in a dirt field and sleep on the ground at nighttime,” Labay said. “They steal food and money during the day to survive.” Many are addicted to drugs, suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome and have medical problems.

“God gave me hope during that time,” she said. “I knew that He could use me to show others the hope and presence of Christ in tragedy.” In May, 2007, Labay was given the opportunity to help the orphans of Sierra Leone when she traveled there with the missionaries of No Boundaries International, an Oklahoma-based ministry.

Christian (left) is one of the pastors we work with in Sierra Leone, I am in the middle, and Jacey Jacobs another OCS alum (right).

During her month there, Labay got a first-hand look at the results of Sierra Leone’s bloody decade-long civil war. “We worked with street children and previous child soldiers,” Labay said. The team found about 150 boys living in an area called Dark City outside the country’s capital of Freetown. “They were kidnapped during the war and 36

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When Labay returned from her month in Sierra Leone, she wanted to continue ministering to those in the war-torn country. And she realized that her alma mater might be able to help. Each year, OCS selects a beneficiary for their HEROES fundraising week. HEROES stands for Hands Extended Reflecting Our Exalted Savior. Labay talked with the school administration and Student Council members about Sierra Leone and No Boundaries’ Project Youth in Crisis. “The things Megan showed us really impacted us hard,” said Jamy Green, chairman of HEROES week. “God put it in our hearts to do this.”

Working with some of the orphans. August 2008

From the time school began, Green began planning and organizing the HEROES fundraising. Labay spoke to students during chapel and the entire school got involved to raise money. Celebrating Ten Years!

©istockphoto.com: Ines Gesell

“We knew we could make a huge difference,” Green said. “We knew it (the money raised) would go directly to these kids who needed it.” The passion and enthusiasm of Labay, Green and the other Student Council members spread through the entire school.

View of Freetown - Sierra Leone. In the foreground parts Through their efforts, more than of the biggest slum of Freetown, Kroo Bay. In the $80,000 was raised for Project background the modern city. Youth in Crisis. This is more than half the cost of the planned secondary school that will serve 14 surrounding villages. “It wasn’t just about the money,” Green said. “The way it came in was very exciting—like a roller coaster.” Local media coverage led to unexpected checks arriving at the school. “God provided a way for it to all happen.”

“It was most humbling,” said Julie Divilbiss, Student Council sponsor. “Kids of all ages and every one of the teachers were very supportive of this project.” The students came up with creative ideas to raise funds. The third grade boys shaved their heads and convinced their parents to donate the costs of several haircuts to the fundraiser.

The crocodile river flows through the biggest slum of Freetown—Kroo Bay

Divilbiss said they were very careful about what they told younger students about Sierra Leone, but still the gravity of the situation got through—sometimes with touching results. “One child sold his Tickle Me Elmo doll to a neighbor because he wanted to give the money to the kids in Sierra Leone who didn’t have parents,” Divilbiss said. “It’s so exciting that OCS did this and took on the vision for it,” Labay said. “Even the little kids have shirts that say ‘Save Sierra Leone.’ It’s incredible how much they were inspired by it and how much it helped.”

Celebrating Ten Years!

Before the end of the school year, the No Boundaries missionaries returned to OCS to share their progress with the students through videos taken during an April trip to Sierra Leone.

“We saw walls going up and electricity coming to the orphanage,” Divilbiss said. “We also saw them distributing shoes, clothes, food and medical supplies.” As she looked at the students, Divilbiss saw a lot of tears in their eyes. “This isn’t just changing lives in Sierra Leone; it’s changing lives here too.” For more information on No Boundaries, visit nbint.org. Gayleen Rabakukk is a freelance writer who spends her time in Edmond keeping up with her teenage and preschool daughters.

August 2008

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37

n

Oklahoma Reads

Book Reviews Picture Book for Kindergarten-Grade 3

Fiction for Grades 4-6

When Dinosaurs Came with Everything *

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little *

by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum, $16.99, 40 pages)

by Peggy Gifford, illustrated by Valorie Fisher (Schwartz & Wade, $5.50, 92 pages)

From the moment the triceratops bursts out of the bakery’s back room (“buy a dozen, get a dinosaur”), this very tall tale grabs readers’ attention. Small’s energetic watercolor and ink illustrations are a perfect choice for such an absurdist dreamcome-true for dinosaur fans. Kids will go wild for this story of dinosaurs as suburban pets.

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Nine-year-old Moxy still hasn’t started her summer assignment to read Stuart Little— and she’s running out of excuses. This original story features a chatty omniscient narrator, fauxamateur black-and-white photos (ostensibly taken by Moxy’s twin brother), and a spunky, creative protagonist whose name is well matched to her spirited personality.

Non-Fiction for Grades 5 and up

Fiction for Grades 1-3 Abracadabra! Magic with Mouse and Mole *

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs**

by Wong Herbert Yee (Houghton, $15, 48 pages)

by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (Prometheus Books, $13.95, 133 pages) After Mole (Upstairs Mouse, Downstairs Mole) is disappointed to learn that magic tricks are more trick than magic, Mouse tries to show him the “real” magic that takes place all around them in nature. Plentiful charcoal-pencil and gouache illustrations help readers follow the story with ease and imbue the moonlit night time scenes with mystery and wonder.

Bullying is a scary fact of life. This book offers case studies of a variety of situations that children may find themselves in. In a very conversational tone the author introduces kids to other kids, just like them, struggling with situations. Each chapter includes questions prompting readers to think about how they would handle the situation, and further references are included for parents.

* Review courtesy of Horn Books. Find their e-newsletter, Notes from the Horn Book at HBook.com/Newsletter/index.html. ** Review by Mari Farthing, editor 38

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August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

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39

n Iron Moms ShaRhonda’s Three Keys

M

etroFamily Magazine has given me such a wonderful opportunity and has allowed me to go in a new direction. But it’s doing that and so much more. Being overweight all of my life, the pounds just kept creeping up and I lost all sense of self-control. I was used to carrying the weight, used to hearing “you have such a pretty face.” Yet, deep inside I would always wonder—what about the rest of me? Recently, my sister-in-law paid me the most cherishing compliment; she told me that my healthy lifestyle changes have allowed her to see my inner beauty radiating through to the outside. The best news is that it’s still working! Although I’ve lost 92.5lbs, I have had my ups and downs and the weight loss has not been a piece of cake. I have been cautious about what I’m eating because I want to meet my

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Follow MetroFamily Magazine’s first Iron Mom, ShaRhonda Burton, as she works to create a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family. ShaRhonda won a contest sponsored by MFM and 180 Personal Training. It provides her with a year of personal training, nutritional counseling, and life coach services. This month, the Iron Mom herself, ShaRhonda Burton, tells us about her road to health. Keep up with ShaRhonda by reading her blogs at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

August 2008

100lb goal soon. I have reached a few plateaus, where the weight just stayed the same for several weeks. I have increased my cardio more by walking 30 minutes every morning on my treadmill. I get up from my desk more at work, to get several short walks in during the day. Increasing my cardio jump started the weight loss again. The key for me is exercise, portion control, and water. I hate standing over a hot stove in the summer. I’m glad my family loves salads, fruits, and veggies, because that makes it easier for me to prepare healthy meals and maintain my weight. I don’t like eating oatmeal in the warm months, so I have opted for making my own smoothies for breakfast, or choosing a bowl of whole-grain cereal and fruit. What works for me may not work for others, but

Celebrating Ten Years!

anyone will benefit if they eat healthy foods, exercise, and drink water. I encourage anyone who is also traveling this hard road to just get up and move. Don’t wait until you are 40 years old to make the change; and, even if you are over that age, just do it. You will feel so much better on the inside as well as the outside. I haven’t quite reached my goal of losing 100 lbs, but I thank God I’m not where I used to be. You will have setbacks, but don’t just “sit back;� remember that you too are a survivor and you can do it. Many people ask me where I find the time to exercise, and my answer is that you have to make the time for God to extend your time.

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ShaRhonda now— 92.5 pounds lighter!

I don’t like to use the word “diet� because it sounds harsh and restrictive. I call my way of living a “lifestyle change� instead—water, exercise and the right types of food. Your body is your temple, so cherish it.

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ShaRhonda Burton before she became MFM’s Iron Mom.

Celebrating Ten Years!

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41

Art Contest Winners For five years the Reading Takes You on Fun Adventures! Art Contest has inspired kids to artistically express their passion for reading. Over 350 young artists (ages 7-9 and 10-12) entered this year’s contest, and they demonstrated remarkable talent in many mediums. Danny Gordon, local author, illustrator, cartoonist, and co-sponsor (with MFM) of the annual event, explains why the project is so important to him. “Words in a story have the ability to transport the reader to far-away, magical places. I wanted to create an opportunity for children to express their love of reading and to be recognized for their artistic talents. I am always amazed at the children’s ability to illustrate the contest theme of finding adventures through reading. Just wait until you see this year’s entries!”

Best of Show: Jessica Shenoi (12) from School of St. Mary, Tulsa.

The winners received more than accolades at the awards ceremony held April 15 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Oklahoma City Public Library. Coppermark Bank gave $650 in savings bonds to the top seven winners. Other prizes included art supplies from Porch School and Art Supply (OKC) and Triangle A&E, books from Best of Books (Edmond) and Full Circle Bookstore (OKC), and a special prize by the contest’s co-sponsor, Danny Gordon. The contest was sponsored by MetroFamily Magazine, the Metropolitan Library System, and Danny Gordon.

Best of Show: Jessica Shenoi (age 12) from School of St. Mary, Tulsa. Age 10-12 Category First Place: Ansley B. Elliot (age 11) from Cross Timbers, Tecumseh.

First Place: Ansley B. Elliot (11) from Cross Timbers, Tecumseh.

Second Place: Alison Liu (age 12) from Cheyenne MS, Edmond. Third Place: Jalaun Parker (age 12) from Hefner MS, Oklahoma City. Honorable Mentions: Gabriel Dorsey (age 11) from St. Eugene, Oklahoma City; Holden S. Hill (age 10) from Home Education @ Hill Academy; Abigail A. Lorenzo (age 10) from Parmelee Elementary School, Oklahoma City; Jordan McKee (10) from Crossings Christian, Oklahoma City; Casandra G. Perez (age 11) from Madison Elementary School, Oklahoma City; Johnny Williams (age 11) from Piedmont Elementary School, Piedmont; Madison Willman (age 10) from Harmony Elementary School, Cushing.

Age 7-9 Category First Place: Nissi Tai (age 8) from Northern Hills Elementary School, Edmond. Second Place: Patricia Liu (age 8) from Centennial, Edmond. Third Place: Emily Conrad (age 9) from Cashion Elementary School, Cashion. Honorable Mentions: Madelynn Langley (age 7) from Clegern ES, Edmond; Jarod Murphey (age 9) from Murphey Home Education, Guthrie; Kendall Ross (age 8) from Deer Creek ES, Edmond. 42

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August 2008

First Place: Nissi Tai (8) from Northern Hills Elementary School, Edmond. Celebrating Ten Years!

Second Place: Alison Liu (12) from Cheyenne MS, Edmond.

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Second Place: Patricia Liu (8) from Centennial, Edmond.

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n

Family Finances

Saving Money in Today’s Economy

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ith record-setting oil prices, the cost of buying goods and services is climbing as well. Higher prices put a strain on everyone’s budget, tempting us to decrease our savings or increase credit card spending to maintain our lifestyles. Using your savings or borrowing for everyday purchases can have a serious longterm impact on your family’s financial well-being.

Before resorting to using your savings or increasing credit card balances, you might want to consider some of the following tips to save money on everyday purchases: Inventory your attitude. Sit down with your family and reconsider what is really important. You may be able to eliminate spending on certain goods and services for substantial savings. Discuss your family’s personal and financial goals to determine if your spending habits are helping you accomplish those goals. Shop the sales. Retailers are very aware of the crunch that buyers are facing. As a result, the number of sales is increasing. Whether you watch for weekly specials in the local newspaper ads, subscribe to a company’s email newsletter, or rely on word of mouth, you can cut costs by watching to see

what is on sale before making choices about where to shop and what items to buy. Shopping the sales does not mean recreational shopping—it means watching the specials and buying only the products you actually need. Buying something solely because it is on sale is tempting, but it is also a budget buster! Shop with a list. Whether heading to the mall or grocery store, make a list of what you need—and only buy what is on your list. Having a list will help you avoid overspending or being distracted by special offers or store displays. Use cash for daily purchases. Paying with cash instead of debit or credit cards when stopping for a cup of coffee or driving through the fast food line will make you much more aware of how much you are actually spending. Set an amount to spend each week and stick with it. Inventory your pantry. Check out your freezer, pantry, and other storage spaces to see what you have on hand before buying more. Watch the thermostat. Pushing the thermostat up a degree or so in the summer and down a degree or so in the winter will reduce your energy consumption. A slight change in temperature will have minimal impact on your comfort level but can reduce

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your monthly payment—or at least hold it constant with rising energy prices. Make payments on time. Paying late fees, overdraft charges, and other penalties add up quickly. Making your payments on time and watching your account balances saves you money and improves your credit rating. In the long run, you will have the added benefit of lower insurance rates and interest rates with a higher credit rating. Review your insurance policies. Increasing your deductible will result in substantial savings. The additional money can be used to pay down debt, increase your savings, or offset increasing prices of necessities. Review your budget. If you don’t already have a budget, make one and stick with it. If you do have a budget, take time to review it carefully. When prices are changing, you may need to make adjustments to ensure you are not overspending in one or more areas. Continue paying yourself first. When money gets tight, it might be tempting to eliminate regular contributions to your saving account, but maintaining a savings cushion is important. When unexpected expenditures pop up, it’s always cheaper to use your savings rather than a credit card.

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45

n Imagine Art Fabric Bowls

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hen talking to people about making art as children and what they liked about it, most say they remember a papier mache project that they made and how much fun it was; many of them (or their parents) still have the project they created. Make this your last summer project before you head back to school.

This art activity provides an alternate way to use papier mache paste with fabric instead of paper, creating a beautiful fabric bowl. One of the benefits of fabric over paper is the ability to choose different patterns and colors of fabric, eliminating the need to paint. This is also a good way to use up odd pieces of fabric and old favorite clothing that has been outgrown or is worn out.

Materials

Mix the Elmer’s Art Paste (as instructed on box) in a container with a lid for later use. Select your fabrics—cotton and cotton/polyester blends work the best, flimsy fabrics and stretchy polyester fabrics do not work well. Cut fabric into pieces approximately 2�x3�, and cut enough pieces to cover 2 of the balloon. Some of the fabric /3

may be cut into circles, triangles, etc. to make a pattern. Blow up the balloon and use two pieces of masking tape to attach it to a plastic tub (tied end in the container), creating a form for your bowl. Use a permanent marker to make a line around the balloon about 2/3 of the way from the rounded end. At this point, your bowl form is upside down and the line is indicating the lip of the bowl.

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Cut poster board in a 3� wide strip and roll into a circle to form a foot for the bowl. Use two pieces of tape to attach the poster board foot to the bowl. Decide on the fabric and design for the outside of the bowl, and begin pasting pieces of fabric in the same manner as the inside, making sure to overlap the pieces well and cover all previously applied fabric. Cover poster board foot completely with fabric in order to secure it to the bowl. Let dry completely. Remove balloon from container and deflate. Trim bowl rim evenly with scissors. Coat bowl with matte medium to seal.

Brian and Samuel Montgomery created their fabric bowls in the Piedmont Summer Art Camp.

Process

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plastic tub container poster board matte medium Optional: beads, feathers

Elmer’s Art Paste scissors 5�-9� balloon masking tape

Using your hands, smear the paste on the rounded end of the balloon. Dip a piece of fabric in the bowl of paste, thoroughly saturating it. Use your fingers to take off the excess paste. The first layer of fabric will create the inside of the bowl, so place the fabric with the front side against the balloon. Overlap each piece of fabric with the next. If you want a pattern inside, place the circles or triangles down first and then cover with the color of fabric you want for the background. Work in this manner until you cover the balloon working down to the drawn line. Let the bowl dry overnight before continuing.

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August 2008

If you wish, you may now embellish your one-of-a-kind bowl with beads, feathers, or anything else you can imagine. Host a back-to-school party for your friends and serve chips in your bowl as a great conversation starter.

Frances A. Williams lives and teaches 6th-8th grade art in Piedmont.

Celebrating Ten Years!

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47

n Exploring Oklahoma Visit Meers never been to Meers? There is good reason for Meers’ national notoriety. The restaurant possesses that perfect trifecta of qualities— quirkiness, history, and genuinely good food—sought by all savvy travelers. In the quirkiness category, I offer up as evidence Storefronts in Meers. Courtesy of Sondra Boykin. the restaurant’s possession of an have to admit that of all the items actively-monitored, on my list of Oklahoma Travel highly-sensitive seismograph, which Resolutions, eating a Meersburger is on display for budding geologists is the only one I consider mandatory. to see. The appearance of the entire There could be a certain amount of bias establishment is also one of its primary at work here, as I grew up in southwest Oklahoma, not far from the infamous Overlooking the Wichita Wildlife Meers Store. Refuge from the top of Mount Scott.

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But what really sealed my opinion on this matter was not proximity, but distance. On several occasions when traveling out of state, I have spoken to non-Okies who asked me about three things: Oklahoma football, Oklahoma! the musical, and the Oklahoma Meersburger. When faced with this situation, surely you don’t want to admit that you live in Oklahoma but have

assets. After a drive through the pastures and post oaks of the Wichita Mountains, you suddenly come around a bend and see a collection of façades reminiscent of a tiny frontier town. The interior has a similarly ramshackle appearance that conveys the very sense of home and history that chain restaurants have been trying to master for decades. As far as history goes, the ingredients on that front are appealing as well. The town of Meers got off the ground around 1900, thanks to rumors of gold in the surrounding mountains that turned out to be mostly fabricated. After thriving for a number of years on the fuel of false hope, the community dwindled; but, not before the Lilly family built the original Meers Store, which served various purposes including a grocery, post office and

Courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism..

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August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

print shop. The building changed hands several times before finding its niche as a hamburger Mecca. And what about the food? The famous burger in question is so big that it comes served in a pie plate, cut in quarters. The patty is made from grass fed longhorn beef that the owners raise themselves. They do offer smaller burgers and other items worth trying, like barbeque, fried green tomatoes and “Freedom Fries.” But, the Meersburger is the star and the reason the restaurant has been featured nationally—notably, on the Food Network. Although I believe that the Meers experience alone is worth the drive, there are other excellent attractions in the surrounding area. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge begins just over a mile south of Meers. To get your bearings, visit the relatively new and well-assembled visitor center

at the junction of Highways 115 and 49. Rangers at the center should be able to tell you where the free-roaming herds of buffalo and longhorn will be grazing, and displays and videos will acquaint you with the area’s other wildlife. The Holy City is another point of interest, especially The Chapel at the Holy City. Courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism. for kids who might still have Vacation Bible School on Middle East, making it a fitting place the brain. It has often been said that the for a large-scale passion play, which is Refuge area looks a lot like parts of the what the Holy City was originally built to host. Visitors can explore the rock Meers Store and Restaurant buildings that make up the “set” and see Highway 115 the chapel. 580-429-8051, MeersStore.com Note: credit cards not accepted; closed Tuesdays.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge & Visitor’s Center Hwy 115 & 49 Junction 580-429-3222, WichitaMountains.fws.gov Free admission

As far as resolutions go, I think we can count ourselves lucky that one of the most important ones is also relatively easy. After all, eating a hamburger is a small price to pay for the right to call yourself a true Oklahoman. Chelsey Simpson is an editor who lives in Edmond with her husband and her miniature schnauzer, Ellie.

Holy City 580-429-3361, TheHolyCityLawton.com

Celebrating Ten Years!

August 2008

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49

outandabout Quick Reference

City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, CityArtsCenter.org. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E. Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, EdmondFineArts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, LittleRiverZoo.com Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, OKAquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, okcmoa.org OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, OklahomaCityNationalMemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, OKCZoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, OKChildrensTheatre.com Oklahoma Heritage Center 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, OklahomaHeritage.com Oklahoma History Center 2401 N Laird Ave, OKC 522-5248, OklahomaHistoryCenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-OMNI, Omniplex.org

Do you have an event for our calendar? Email it to Calendar Editor Terri Fields, Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com. 50

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Weekly

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

Make & Take craft activities at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC) 11am-3pm every Saturday. Free for kids 3 and up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com. Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com. StoryTime at Gymboree Penn Square, first Friday of every month, 10am. 842-7540.

Monthly

Gymboree Play & Music’s Family Arts Studio is held the third Saturday, 11-noon. Includes arts & crafts for children 18mos–5 years. $5 per child. Reservations required; 307-8454

Through August 9

Why We Fought: Stories from World War II exhibit at Edmond Historical Society and Museum. 340-0078, EdmondHistory.org.

Through August 10

Morning Zoo Rise at the OKC Zoo, 7:30am. Enjoy daily animal enrichments and feedings.

Through August 16

Hands On’ 08: Le Cirque D’Art at the City Arts Center. Fully interactive art exhibit created by kids for kids. Where visitors can learn classic circus tricks, posters, masks and sculpted circus characters.

Through August 24

Daily Summer Programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s Discovery Room. TuesdayFriday 10:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 1:30-4:30pm. Visit website for program schedule.

The Science of SuperCroc featuring Nigersaurus at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Featuring full-scale replicas of one of the largest crocodiles that ever lived, and Nigersaurus, a recently revealed sauropod that may easily have been its prey.

Through August

Wayback Wednesdays at the OKC Zoo. $.75 admission and concession specials.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park 2008 Summer Season at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage, 8pm. Much Ado About Nothing, The Three Musketeers, Richard III. $10 adult, $8 student. 235-3700, OklahomaShakespeare.com for schedule

August 2008

The Children’s Center’s Farmers’ Market (6800 NW 39th Expressway) features over 17 vendors. A percentage of daily sales benefit the non-profit hospital. Thursdays 3:30-7pm, Saturdays 8am-noon. 470-2259. Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of the Romanovs at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art illustrates the impact of Western culture on traditional icons. The Edmond Farmer’s Market (Downtown Edmond). Wednesday and Saturdays 8am-1pm. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com. Romantic Materialism at the Untitled [ArtSpace], (1 NE 3rd) featuring an installation by Signe Stuart and works by Jesse Small and Brandon Reese. 815-9995, 1ne3.org.

Through October 12

Roman Art from The Louvre at the OKC Museum of Art. A traveling exhibition of approximately 184 prime examples of Roman art drawn from the Louvre’s unsurpassed collection. The exhibition will explore religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion, funerary practices, intellectual and family life.

Through October

Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NW Grand Blvd), in OKC. Train rides through out the day starting at 10am, first and third Saturdays; $5 ages 3-15, $8 ages 15 and over. Museum admission free. 424-8222, OklahomaRailwayMuseum.org. Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art on the roof terrace held Thursday and Friday evenings, 5-10:30pm.

Through November 27

Passport to Plants at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Explore the plants and people of six unique countries. 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com.

Through December

Reporting Terrorism Exhibit at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Features stories, artifacts and video from media who covered the chaos caused by terrorist attacks from the Oklahoma City bombing to the War on Terror.

The Scorpio-Sagittarius Connection at the planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma.

Through January 4, 2009 The Savior or Spoiler: Teddy Roosevelt as a thirdparty candidate in 1912 exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum examines the impact of this American icon.

Celebrating Ten Years!

outandabout August 3-6

Celebrate National S’more Day at Young Chefs Academy, 6-8pm. $25. Make five variety of S’mores. Reservations required. 285-5939.

4 • Monday

Musical John & Jen at Guthrie’s Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15th). Friday and Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm. $10. 609-1023, PoteetTheatre.com

5 • Tuesday

The National Night Out event is a national event held to raise awareness about crime prevention and awareness and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Find details about the OKC event and how your neighborhood can be involved at the Neighborhood Alliance website (NAOCK.org). Find out more about National Night out at NationalNightOut.org. Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art is for children ages 3-5 with parent, and includes a story and related art project. This week’s theme is Morris the Artist by Lore Segal. Free; 10:30am. A Book Before Bed at the Warr Acres Library, 2:304pm. Learn the importance of bedtime routine, how to choose books for children, and some tricks to help engage the less interested child. Enroll at 425-4412.

6 • Wednesday

Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Llibrary, 6-8pm. 6-8pm, movie to be announced.

6-8

The Oklahoma Children’s Theatre presents Robin Hood at the Burg Theatre 10am and 12pm. Tickets $5 ages 2-12, $7 adults. 951-0011, OklahomaChildrensTheatre. org. Also showing 8/9-10.

7 • Thursday

Handmade Soap Workshop at the Southern Oaks Library, 1:30-2:30pm. Learn to make soap creations. Free. For adults. Registration required. 631-4468

Children Reading to Dogs at the Village Library is a program for children who can read. Children practice their reading aloud skills with an uncritical audience. 3:30-4pm. 755-0710 to register. Free Summer Concerts at Hafer Park in Edmond, 7:15-8:30pm. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

Celebrating Ten Years!

S M T W T F S

8 • Friday

OKC Redhawks take on the Tucson Sidewinders at the Bricktown Ballpark, 7:05pm. Monday 12:05pm, Tuesday 7:05pm and Wednesday 11:05am. Tickets $6 and up. Other home games this month: 8/16-24. 218-1000, OklahomaRedhawks.com.

The third annual Free To Live Golf Tournament at Edmond’s Oak Tree Golf and Country Club benefits the Free To Live Animal Sanctuary. Breakfast and registration, 8am, shotgun start 9am. $150 per golfer. 282-8617, FreeToLiveOK.org.

AUGUST

8-10

9 • Saturday

Arcadia Lake Sweep at the Spring Creek Park, 9am-noon. Clean up event with hot dog lunch and T-shirt. Free. 216-7470, EdmondOK.com. The Pioneer Library System celebrates 50 years of service at the Norman Public Library, 7-9pm. Planned events include recreation of an old-fashioned soda shop sock hop, birthday cake, and games.

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

Metropolitan Library System MetroLibrary.org Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601 Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363 Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26, 634-6308 Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418

12th Annual Spin Your Wheels at the Bethany’s Children Center, Non-competitive bicycle tour with coures ranging from 12-100 miles. Enjoy Swadley’s B-B-Q, beverages and complimentary massages. 4406717, TCCOKC.org

Del City, 4509 SE 15, 672-1377

Ancestor Fair at the Oklahoma History Center, 10am-4pm. Featuring the varied lineage and genealogical societies from around the state. Listen to old time and ethnic musical numbers and arts and crafts in the kids area. Free.

Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23, 424-1437

10 • Sunday

Fun Glazing Techniques at the OKC Musuem of Art, 2-4pm. Discover centuries-old glazing techniques as you focus on basic design and composition. For ages 6-9. $10 members; $15 nonmembers (materials provided). Pre-registration required.

11-15

Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650 Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282 Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828 Southern Oaks, 6900 S. Walker, 631-4468 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63, 721-2616 Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3, 277-9967 Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452 Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

Drop off Fitness Fun Summer Camp at Gymboree in Northpark Mall, 1:30-3:30pm. Includes playtime, art activities, music, story time and parachute play. An Executive Chef will be visiting and cooking with the kids. $125. For ages 3-5 years. gymboreeokc@yahoo.com, 755-3445

Pioneer Library System

12 • Tuesday

Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100

The Story Teller’s Club Concert at the Choctaw Library, 6:30-7:30pm. Young people ages 11 to 14 have met all summer honing their storytelling skills to present this time treasured concert of stories. Light refreshments will be served. Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art is for children ages 3-5 with parent, and includes a story and related art project. Theme is Flyaway Katie by Polly Dunbar. Free; 10:30am.

August 2008

pls.lib.ok.us Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275 McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Newcastle, 705 NW Tenth, 387-5076 Noble, 204 N 5th, 872-5713 Norman, 225 N Webster, 701-2600 Purcell, 919 N Ninth, 527-5546 Shawnee, 101 N Philadelphia, 275-6353 Tecumseh, 114 N Broadway, 598-5955

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51

outandabout 13 • Wednesday

onexhibit

Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to see Stars Over the Wichitas, a two-hour program guiding visitors through the constellations in the night sky. An astronomer will assist in locating the major constellations (bring your own telescope or use the 13” Dobsonian telescope available). Stars Over the Wichitas will be held August 29 and 30, and again in October. Registration for the August dates begins Monday, August 16. The program begins 30 minutes after sunset, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, a lawn chair, or blanket; program will be cancelled if weather is overcast or raining. The program is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis; make your reservation by calling the tour reservation line, 580-429-2151. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Oklahoma. Find out more by calling 580-429-3222 or online at fws.gov/southwest/refuges/ oklahoma/WichitaMountains. See Exploring Oklahoma on page 48 to learn more about the Refuge and the surrounding areas.

14-16

Oklahoma County Free Fair at the Oklahoma State Fair Park, noon-7pm. Sundae-making ice cream contest, kiddy tractor pull, dog show and livestock show. 713-1125

15-16

The KEEP Abstinence Training Program for adults working with teens. The program teaches the message of sexual abstinence until marriage. 8:30am-4pm, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, OKC. Registration required; 787-7744. Pizza and Pillow Party at Unpluggits, 6-10pm. Enjoy face painting, nail art and hair braiding with beads. $25 includes supplies and food. Ages 8 and up. Preregistration required 340-plug, play@unpluggits.com.

The Sunday Twilight Concert Series, held at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Downtown Oklahoma City, continues through the month of August.

16 • Saturday

Community Art Day at St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, 1-3pm. Discuss and demonstrate how to create medieval reproductions of instruments. Free. 878-5300, MGMOA.org.

All ages are invited to enjoy a variety of live musical performances, held Sunday evenings, 7-8:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic (please leave pets and glass containers at home).

AAA Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Course at the Midwest City Library, 9am-4pm. Save money on your auto insurance and become a safer driver. A small materials fee will apply; AAA members will receive a discount. Pre-registration is required. Call Becci at (800) AAA-CLUB (222-2582).

The concert schedule for August is as follows:

Journaling Class at the Oklahoma History Center, 1pm. Create and decorate your own journal. For school aged children and adults. Cost $8 students, $12 adults. Space is limited. Jason Harris 522-0785 or jharris@ okhistory.org.

• August 3: oldies/pop music with the Wise Guys

Walk for ALS at the OKC Zoo; individuals or teams welcome. Registration and breakfast begin at 9am. 722-8001, OKCZoo.com.

• August 17: classical guitar with Edgar Cruz • August 24: rock/alternative music with Kessler Before the concert, visit the Myriad Botanical Gardens Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, open Sundays from noon-6pm. The Passport to Plants exhibit takes visitors through a world of plant life—from dense jungles to high mountaintops to remote rivers. The exhibit opened in June and will remain until November 27.

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Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Llibrary, 6-8pm. 6-8pm, movie to be announced.

15 • Friday

familyfun

52

Oklahoma Museum Network Kickoff at the Science Museum, 10:30am. Kickoff to officially open Oklahoma Museum Network galleries at 5 partner museums with activities. 602-6664. See Close Up, page 53.

August 2008

Back to School Bash at 3900 N. MLK, 10am-2pm. Free school supplies, health fair, free haircuts, free immunizations, drumline showcase, and inflatables. 424-5243, UrbanLeagueOK.org Kids Club at Crossroads Mall, 2pm. Meet Sammy D. Salamander and enjoy family entertainment. Free. 631-4422, ShopCrossroadsMall.com. Celebrating Ten Years!

outandabout Family Arts Studio at Gymboree in Norman, 11-noon. $5 per child for materials. Registration required 3078454, normanok@gymboreeclasses.com.

17 • Sunday

Portrait Painting at the OKC Museum of Art, 2-4 pm. Discover how to transform your portrait drawings into acrylic paintings on canvas. For ages 10-13. $10 members; $15 nonmembers (materials provided). Preregistation required.

Metro OKC Knit Guild meeting at the Belle Isle Library, 3-5pm. Anyone interested in knitting, regardless of age or skil level, is invited to attend. Info, 848-5174.

18 • Monday

Teddy Bear Picnic Storytime at the Edmond Library, 10-11am. Bring your favorite teddy and enjoy snacks and crafts. For ages 3-6. Registration required. 341-9282. Nutrition for a Healthier Lifestyle workshop for adults at the Warr Acres Library. Topics include proper nutrition. 10:30-11:30am.

19 • Tuesday

Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art is for children ages 3-5 with parent, and includes a story and related art project. This week’s theme is I Ai’nt Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont. Free; 10:30am.

20 • Wednesday

Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Llibrary, 6-8pm. Features a showing of the PG movie The Journey of Natty Gann, 6-8pm.

20-23

Canadian County Free Fair at El Reno Fairgrounds, 6-10pm. Carnival with rides, games, live entertainment, livestock show, fair food, art and craft exhibits. BBQ cook-off on Saturday. Free. 262-0683, CanadianCountyFair.com

21 • Thursday

Ginger’s Kindermusik Demo Days. A world-wide day of free class demonstrations. For newborn to 7 years. Reservations required. 722-2379, GingersKindermusik. com.

familyfun

23 • Saturday

Boys Night Out at Unpluggits, 6–10pm. Leather crafts, organized playground games and pizza. $25, ages 8 and up. Register 340-plug, play@unpluggits.com.

The Land Runs, Lotteries, & Homesteading in Oklahoma seminar at the Downtown Library offers adults the opportunity to learn about the history of Oklahoma, the Homestead Act, and how their ancestors played a role. 2-4pm; 606-3856 to register.

25-30

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at the State Fairgrounds, 10am-7pm. Admission $2 (see page 39 for coupon). JBFSale.com.

25 • Monday

Raising Responsible Children workshop at the Midwest City LIbrary is for parents of young children. Topics include making good choices and ways for children to practice responsibility. 5:30-6:30pm.

26 • Tuesday

Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art is for children ages 3-5 with parent, and includes a story and related art project. Theme is David’s Drawings by Cathryn Falwell. Free; 10:30am.

27 • Wednesday

I’ll Never Say That To My Kids! workshop at the Edmond Library is for parents of young children. Discussion includes parenting skills options. 2:30-4pm. Register at 425-4412.

Yarn Club at the Midwest City Library is for all ages and skill levels interested in knitting or crochet. 4-6pm.

Looking for fun family outings for the weekend? Subscribe to MetroFamily’s popular E-Update and receive a full list each week!

On Wednesday, August 13, five museums will kick off the Oklahoma Museum Network. The hub of the network is Oklahoma City’s own Science Museum Oklahoma. An opening event will include guest speakers, highlights of the new exhibits traveling between the partner museums, live demonstrations and science performances throughout the day. Also included in the Network are Tulsa’s Air and Space Museum & Planetarium (TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com), Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse in Enid (Leonardos.org), the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton (MuseumGreatPlains. org), and the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole (JasmineMoran.com). The goal of the partnership is to bring “discovery educational experiences to Oklahoma students, educators, and families.” Five new exhibits will be opened simultaneously at the partner museums on August 13, and the exhibits will rotate every six months to provide fresh, interactive science activities throughout the state. The first set of exhibits are: WeatherWorks (weather); Eureka! (general science); Extreme Machines (simple and complex machines); 3-2-1 Blast! (space exploration); and Imagination Station (music, art, and culture). Visit OklahomaMuseumNetwork. org to learn more.

To get started, simply go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/subscribe-to-e-update Celebrating Ten Years!

August 2008

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outandabout Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Llibrary, 6-8pm. Features a showing of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, 6-8pm.

College, 3-9pm. A variety of fine art, crafts, children’s activities, culinary specialties, and continuous live entertainment. Free. 682-7576, OCCC.edu/AFO.

28 • Thursday

30 • Saturday

DARE Safety Day at the Tecumseh Library includes a visit with the police and fire departments, drunk driving simulator, 911 simulator, Mediflight and OHP helicopters, and Dogs Against Drugs. 10am-2pm, Tecumseh Middle School parking lot. Free event also includes food, drinks, and crafts for kids.

American Idols Live at the Ford Center, 7pm. Tickets $38.50 and up. 235-8288, OKFordCenter.com.

29 • Friday

Ariat Slide Zone Freestyle Reining Competition at Tulsa’s Expo Square, 6:30pm. Horses and riders compete to music and often in elaborate costumes. First 100 kids will receive a free Breyer horse model. Tickets $8 adults, $5 children 12 and under. 800-444-6481, OKRHA.com.

All About Animals class at the OKC Museum of Art, for ages 15-26 months with parent. Participants will read about animals, practic making animal noises, enjoy an animal snack, and search for animals in the galleries before creating animal projects. 10-10:45am or 11-11:45am. $7 members, $9 nonmembers, registration required.

29-31

Arts Festival Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Community

Coming Next Month September 1

Visit your local participating Chick-fil-A restaurant wearing football aparel to receive free Chick-n-Strips. Chick-fil-A.com.

September 6 • Saturday

The 12th Annual SeptemberFest hosted by Governor Brad Henry at the Governor’s Mansion features family entertainment, children’s activities, and interactive exhibits from 10am-4pm. Free; 557-0198 for details.

September 7 • Sunday

Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh at the Ford Center, 12:30pm. Tickets $15 and up. 235-8288, OKFordCenter. com.

Back To School Start Dates

Private Schools

Trinity School

August 20

Bishop John Carroll School

August 20

Villa Theresa, OKC & Moore

August 18

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High

August 15

Village Montessori

August 18

Blue Eagle Christian Academy, Norman

August 18

Westminster School

August 20

Casady School K-8 and 9-12

August 20

Children’s House Montessori, Norman

August 18

Christ the King

August 14

Community Christian, Norman

August 20

Crossings Christian

August 14

Edmond Christian Academy

August 18

Good Shepherd Lutheran

August 12

Harvest Hills Christian, Yukon

August 18

Harvest Life

August 12

Heritage Hall

August 20

King’s Gate

September 2

Life Christian Academy

August 12

Moore Christian

August 21

Mount St. Mary High

August 13

OKC Montessori

August 26

Oklahoma Christian Academy, Edmond

August 13

Oklahoma Christian, Edmond

August 14

Preach Unto Them Jesus Christian Academy August 19 Rosary School

August 14

St. Eugene Catholic School

August 14

St. James Catholic School

August 14

Southwest Christian Academy

August 25

54

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August 2008

Public Schools Bethany

August 20

Calumet

August 14

Cashion

August 16

Chickasha

August 13

Choctaw-Nicoma Park

August 11

Crescent

August 13

Deer Creek

August 14

Edmond

August 20

El Reno

August 18

Guthrie

August 20

Harrah

August 14

Mid-Del

August 12

Moore

August 14

Mustang

August 20

Norman

August 20

Oklahoma City

August 21

Piedmont

August 20

Putnam City

August 13

Shawnee

August 13

Western Heights

August 21

Yukon

August 21 Celebrating Ten Years!

supportgroups There are as many support groups in the Metro as there are needs for them. To include your group in our listing, please email details to Calendar@ MetroFamilyMagazine.com. third Tuesdays. Oklahoma Blood Institute in Edmond Mom’s Got Connections Christian group for moms (SW Corner of Broadway Extension), 642-8198, with young children (birth-5yrs). Chapel Hill United ParentsHelpingParents.info. Methodist Church, OKC, 9:30-11am Tuesdays. Nadinebryant@sbcglobal.net or 359-9251. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored family support group. First Thursday, 6pm, Integris Baptist Free drug and alcohol addiction classes offered by Medical Center. 943-8888. A Chance to Change Foundation at the Last Frontier Council Scout Service Center (3031 NW 64th), 6:30Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored Parents’ 8pm Mondays. 840-9000, AChanceToChange.org. Support Group. Second Wednesday, 12pm, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, 271-5758. Divorce Recovery Group, Wednesdays at 7pm, Quail Springs Church of Christ (14401 N May), room 308. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored Children’s 755-4790. Support Group. First and third Monday, 5pm, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, 271-8001. Daily Yoga Classes (adult, teen, prenatal, meditation, and senior) for beginning and advanced students. $12 Myeloma Support Group. Third Thursday, 6pm, 7th and up. 203-8927, 3rdStreetYogaStudio.com. floor Conference room at the OU Medical Center, 271-6557. Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga. $8-$15 per class. 4743302 or MamasteYoga.com for locations and times. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored SpanishSpeaking Group. First Tuesday, 6pm at Baptist Grief Support Group, Wednesday’s at 7pm, Quail Integris Southwest Medical Center, 636-7560; and first Springs Church of Christ (14401 N. May, room 110. Wednesday, 5pm at the 7th floor Conference room at 755-4790. the OU Medical Center, 271-7930. MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) activity groups meet in Edmond, OKC, Moore, Midwest/Del City, Amputees’ Next Step support group, second Tuesday 1-3pm. O’Donoghue Rehabilitation Institute and Norman. Visit our online calendar for dates, times, (1122 NE 13th, room 252). OUPhysicians.com. and contact info. MOMSClub.org. Parents of Children with Cancer support group, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support groups meet second Wednesday at noon (complimentary lunch). in Choctaw, Norman, Edmond, and OKC. Visit our Children’s Hospital (930 NE 13th). 943-8888. online calendar for dates, times, and contact info. Edmond’s Mothers of Multiples, second Thursday Breast Cancer Survivor support group, second at Edmond Hospital, Ambulatory Care Pavilion, Thursday, 6:30pm. Young Survival Coalition (for 7pm (subject to change). 285-5208 and 315-0338, women under 40), third Wednesday, noon. Breast EdmondMoms.com. Imaging of OK (2601 Kelley Pointe Pkwy, Edmond). 844-2601 ext 1031. CHADD ADD/ADHD support meeting, second Tuesday at 7pm. Deaconess Hospital (5501 N Portland), Breast Cancer awareness group for survivors and Spencer conference room. 722-1ADD, 419-4176, or women who want to learn more. First Monday, 7pm. CHADD.org. Eastside Church of Christ (916 S Douglas), 732-0393. OKC Area Stuttering Support Group for adults. Third Breast Cancer support group at the OU Breast Tuesday, 6:30-7:30pm. First United Methodist Church, Institute (825 NE10th St, Suite 3500), third Thursday, 12-1pm. Lunch is provided; register 271-8001, ext 48592, 303 E Hurd, Edmond. okcssg@yahoo.com. or 271-8001 ext. 48527. United Methodist Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur), holds Discoveries Program classes for La Leche League breastfeeding information and adults. Call Gayle 720-8480 for full listing. support. Meetings in Moore and NW OKC. Visit the calendar at MetroFamilyMagazine.com for dates, times, Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant support and contact info. lllusa.org. group, third Thursday at 6pm. OU Medical Center (700 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group NE 13th), 5th floor. 943-8888. for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) holds First and third Tuesday, 6pm, Trinity Church of the a variety of Care Series classes and support groups. Nazarene. 634-4400 ext. 140. 755-2227 or CrossingsOKC.org. Parents Helping Parents confidential meetings Parent’s support group, second Wednesday at noon. for parents of children who abuse drugs. First and The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center (740 NE Celebrating Ten Years!

13th Street), Jimmy Everest Center. 943-8888. Pancreatic Cancer support group, last Thursday, 6pm. O’Donoghue Research Building (1122 NE 13th Street), 3rd Floor Surgery Research Conference Room. 271-2108 or ouhsc.edu/surgery/pancan. DACO (Doula Association of Central OK), 455-1500, DACOinc.org. Birth Parent support group, first Monday, 6-7:30pm. Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services (5300 N Meridian). 949-4200 ext 13. H.O.P.E. Gynecologic Cancer Support at the OU Physicians Building, (5th floor) the first Saturday of each month at 10am. 271-8001 ext 48165, 672-1748. Mondays Friends Breast Cancer Support Group second Monday, 7pm. Midwest Regional Breast Care Center. 610-8872, jean.pitzer@mrmc.hma-corp.com. Parents Fighting Autism third Monday of the month, 7pm. Olive Garden in Norman. Free. Location subject to change contact ParentsFightingAutism@gmail.com. Parent Solutions discussion groups at Gymboree Play & Music of Norman, 10am-noon, first Saturday of the month. Share ideas and gain resources to encourage more confident parenting. 307-8454, gymboinfo@gmail.com to register. La Leche League meets at Gymboree Play & Music in Norman the second Saturday of each month, 10amnoon. Family Gym is available at $5 per family for partners and children of La Leche League Meeting attendees.

5 • Tuesday

Oklahoma City Food Allergy Support Group at Dental Depot (15th & Broadway) in Edmond, 7pm. Cami Simunek cami62@sbcglobal.net.

14 • Thursday

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s at the Midwest City Library, 10-11am. Learn what behaviors patients and caregivers can expect, the vocabulary, and resources available. Free. Pre-register. 732-4828.

August 2008

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Advertiser Index—August 2008 MetroFamily Magazine is brought to you each month by the following advertisers. Please use these advertisers and when you do, thank them for their support of Metro families!

AAA..................................................................... 30 ATA Karate ............................................................ 9 Avanti Skin Care Centers ..................................... 9 Bartlesville, OK ................................................... 47 Beginnings with Loving Care .............................. 33 Best of Books ..................................................... 48 Bill Veazey’s Party Store .................................... 58 Bouncin’ Craze ................................................... 56 Bright Smile Family Dentistry ............................. 60 Bruno’s Home Furnishings ................................. 20 Catholic Schools ................................................... 3 Celebrity Attractions............................................ 21 Central District Square Dance Association ......... 57 Central Oklahoma Private Investigators LLC ..... 57 Childtime............................................................. 35 Club Z ................................................................. 45 Crossroads Mall.................................................. 39 Cutting Edge Research ...................................... 21 Debbie Moore, MA, LPC..................................... 57 Duncan, OK ........................................................ 26 Early Foundations Autism Model ........................ 57 Edmond Family Counceling................................ 26 El Reno, OK........................................................ 18 Erna Krouch School............................................ 57

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond ............................. 45 Frontier City/White Water Bay ............................ 40 Frontier Country Marketing Association......... 16-19 Ginger’s Kindermusik ......................................... 30 Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma .......................... 30 The Goddard School .......................................... 20 Gravity Dance ..................................................... 56 Great Plains Country Marketing Association ...... 26 Green Country Marketing Association ................ 47 Guitar 4 Kids ....................................................... 34 Heritage Hall ......................................................... 4 Heritage Makers ................................................. 56 Holy Trinity Christian School - Okarche .............. 57 Jazzercise of Edmond ........................................ 45 Jimmy’s Egg ....................................................... 44 Jump! Zone Party & Play Center ........................ 34 Just Between Friends ......................................... 39 Kids Crooked House........................................... 35 Kumon Math and Reading .................................. 47 Lawton, OK ......................................................... 26 LaPetite Academy............................................... 43 Linn Street Montessori ....................................... 49 Little River Zoo .................................................. 18 Little Caesar’s Pizza ............................................. 2 Lyric Theatre ....................................................... 19 Mad Science of Central Oklahoma ..................... 45 MetroFamily Exploring OK With Children ........... 19 MetroFamily Magazine-where to find us............. 14 Metropolitan Library System .............................. 7, 22 Missouri Military Academy .................................. 40 The Mom Team................................................... 56 My Princess Parties ............................................ 56 Myriad Botanical Gardens .................................. 16 Nothing But Fun.................................................. 44 OCU Performing Arts Academy .......................... 18 OG & E ............................................................... 59

Oklahoma Aquarium ........................................... 45 Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics ... 26 OKC Museum of Art/Metropolitan Library System ... 22 Oklahoma Aquarium ........................................... 47 Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) .... 29 Oklahoma Childrens Theatre.............................. 16 Oklahoma Heritage Museum .............................. 16 Oklahoma History Center ................................... 18 Oklahoma Railway Museum ............................... 16 Oklahoma River Cruises..................................... 27 Orthopedic Associates ........................................ 39 OSU-OKC ........................................................... 15 OU Child Study Center ...................................... 27 OU Outreach ...................................................... 31 Paint’N Station .................................................... 56 Paul Brockhouse Fine Jewelry ........................... 15 Petra ................................................................... 44 Poteet Theatre .................................................... 34 Pump It Up.......................................................... 33 Sam Noble OK Museum of Natural History .......... 8 Scholars for Excellence in Child Care ................ 41 Seeking Sitters ................................................... 56 Sensational Kids ................................................. 45 Sheraton Hotel/Downtown .................................. 17 St. Johns Episcopal School ................................ 57 Studio Mid-Del .................................................... 49 Taylor Made Photography................................... 27 Timberland Electric, Inc ...................................... 57 Unpluggits Play Studio ......................................... 8 Trinity School ...................................................... 43 Velocity Dance .................................................... 56 Westminster School............................................ 48 Within Sight ........................................................ 46 YMCA ................................................................... 7 Young Chef’s Academy ...................................... 56

Planning your child’s birthday party just got easier! Find what you need at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/party-guide À Õ} ÌÊÌ ÊÞ ÕÊLÞÊ iÌÀ Family and Bill Veazey’s Party Store For all your family party needs, go to BillVeazeyParty.com or call 405-42-PARTY yÊ>Ì>L iÃÊUÊ/i ÌÃÊUÊ/>L iÃÊUÊ > ViÊ ÀÃÊUÊ ÕV Ê Ài 58

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

August 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

RIDE THE WIND FOR FREE Bring the whole family to ride the OG&E Wind Power Tower during the Oklahoma State Fair. It’s free! Rising 300 feet, about the height of an OG&E wind turbine in western Oklahoma, in about 3 ½ minutes, you’ll not only see a panoramic view of Oklahoma City, but you’ll learn about the benefits of clean, renewable wind power. Then visit the new OG&E POSITIVE ENERGY- exhibit and learn how trees, wind and the earth use and produce energy. You’ll discover new energy wise technology and products OG&E customers will have in the future. Stop by and visit us at Oklahoma Oasis, Made in Oklahoma building.

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Eli T. JarJoura, DDS* s *ULIE 3PEIGHTS $$3* s 2OBERT "AIRD $$3* s 3AM "ENBAJJA $$3* s 'OLNAZ .AGHDI $$3* s !LLEN 2OSS $$3* s %LIE !BOU .ASSAR $$3* s 6AN 6U $$3* s *ASON #HANG $$3* s 4ERRANCE 3HUTTS $$3* *Independent Professional Corporation.

Accepting Most Insurance Programs (for children 2+ and adults)

Edmond OKC 3225 Teakwood Ln 948 W. Hefner Rd. (33rd & Kelly) 844-8887 S.OKC N.W. OKC 235 S.W. 25th 3530 N. MacArthur

Norman 224 West Gray Del City 1700 Sunnylane

24-HOUR Emergen

s 3LEEP $ENTISTRY )6 #ONSCIENCE 3EDATION s #ROWNS MADE WHILE ON THE CHAIR s 0REVENTIVE $ENTISTRY FOR #HILDREN s $RILLESS ,ASER $ENTISTRY s !ND -UCH -ORE

7 Locations To Serve You!

Open

Call Us If You Need A Ride! **

Monday - S

8:00 am to

+ by appo

Harrah 2397 Church Ave.

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August 2008

aturday

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