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February 2010

Kids and the Arts How expression through the arts positively affects kids and teens

A romantic staycation—

An inspiring love story of

an adventurous OKC couple

Local B&Bs provide the perfect getaway

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It’ s Your Primary Choice Every child develops at a different rate. As a parent, you know what your child needs.

To help you create a solid foundation for those formative years, Casady introduces its new three-day per week prekindergarten class. This introduction means you can now choose among two-, three- or five-day programs for your three-year-old.

Choose Casady now for more

choices later.

For more information, contact the Admission Office at 405-749-3185.

Prepare to Succeed www.casady.org

CASADY SCHOOL

9500 North Pennsylvania Avenue

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

3

Finding a copy of your favorite local family resource has never been easier!

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area Jimmy’s Egg locations Homeland stores Crest stores YMCA branches Tan and Tone locations Area libraries

The Top Five Reasons

to visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com this month:

5 Learn about our Summer Adventure EXPO (April

18th) and reserve a booth at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Oklahoma-Summer-Adventure-Expo

our many contests, 4 Enter including one for a night away at a local B&B. MetroFamilyMagazine. com/Contests

3 Read our February web-only articles, including one that gives

local places to go and unique ways to introduce your children to art. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ February-2010

out our new blogs.

2 Check Themes include local dad issues,

life balance for moms, frugal mom tips, steps to healthy living and perspectives from a Christian mom. And more are coming soon!

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/blogs

1 Register for MetroFamily’s fabulous Parent University event on March

30 featuring Dawn Billings speaking on “Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World.” MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Parent-University

Visit the award-winning MetroFamilyMagazine.com

(MetroLibrary System and Pioneer Library System)

And over 400 other local area businesses and schools

“A Lavish Stage Production” - NY Times

On Sale

Fun NOW! for the Entire Family!

Welcomed By

FEBRUARY 16-21 Civic Center Music Hall

TICKETS (800) 869-1451 297-2264 CelebrityAttractions.com Groups of 12 or more receive a discount, call (800) 869-1451 x220

You can also enjoy the convenience of a subscription for only $18.95 per year.

Call 405-340-1404 (ext 2) or go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Subscribe 4

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

NETworksOnTour.com

February 2010

Kids and the Arts 34 Calendar

Events and activities

6 Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

30 Dear Teacher

Advice from educational experts

8 Exploring Oklahoma Close-to-home romantic escapes for mom and dad

24 Family Finances

20

The inspiring love story of Ray and Lynda Magill continues on, even after tragedy strikes their family.

Read their story about a love that endures and provides a legacy for their children.

What you need to know about the Credit CARD Act of 2009

10 Family Shorts

Community news and parenting resources

22 Let’s Eat: Recipes Sweet cherry recipes to celebrate February holidays

14 News You Can Use: KFOR

Chopper 4 and Jim Gardner

28 Oklahoma Reads

32

Should you let your child fail?

Parenting expert and MetroFamily Parent University featured speaker Dawn Billings explains why failure is an important part of your child's success.

Book reviews

25

Local, innovative arts programs have proven to have a positive impact on at-risk children. Read about programs in the Oklahoma City Metro area that are making a difference in kids' lives.

On our cover: Learn all about 11-year-old Rebecca Hatton, one of our 2010 Cover Kids, on page 6.

42 The Alert Parent

Emotional Intelligence: Why it is more important than IQ in determining your chid's success

18 Your Healthy Family What’s your thyroid telling you?

Cover Photography by Dgalleries x www.dgalleries.net

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

5

Dear MetroFamily,

The other day, my daughter was at the kitchen table playing with spoons. I left the room for a few moments, and when I returned, she had fashioned an entire world for those spoons, who were now a family.

That’s the kind of creativity that knocks my socks off.

Kids are naturally creative beings. Give them almost any object, and they’ll find a use for it, a way to play with it, an adaptation that we as adults may not have thought of.

And creativity is important. Studies show that kids do better in their core subjects at school (like math and reading) when Learning about fine art while having fun at the Oklahoma they have time and space for creativity.

And adults, don’t forget, we need “play City Museum of Art. time” too; taking time out of a busy schedule to factor in some creative activities is proven to be a stress reliever. That’s all the encouragement that I need!

When I feel I’ve lost touch with my creative life, I just watch my kids to see what magical world they are dreaming up.

Info And Questions: 405-340-1404 To submit events to our calendar Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie Mitzi@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price Donna Stewart Ads@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty Kathy@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Marketing Specialist Whitney Fleming Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett Calendar Editor & Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

• Learn how to raise grateful, giving kids from the nation's entitlement expert, Dr. Dawn Billings at MetroFamily’s Parent University on Tuesday, March 30. Billings will present a lively workshop entitled “Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World,” providing tips that can immediately put into practice.

This informative event will take place at Science Museum Oklahoma from 6:30-9pm (registration starts at 5:45) and is geared to parents of toddlers through teens, counselors, teachers and family advocates. Find out more details, including how to get tickets, on page 32 and at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Parent-University. Our sincere appreciation to our sponsor, Providence Hall Classical School in OKC. • MetroFamily is gearing up for the 5th annual Summer Adventure EXPO to be held April 18, noon to 5pm, at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown. This FREE event is designed to help parents find educational and entertaining activities for their family during the summer.

Booth space at this premiere family event is limited and may be secured by calling 405340-1404 or going to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/oklahoma-summer-adventure-expo.

• Our March issue is all about expectant moms, babies and toddlers AND about spring break ideas. Ad space reservation is February 11; the issue distributes March 1. Call today to find out more about reaching our loyal readers.

• Join us at Twitter.com/metrofamily and Facebook.com/metrofamily for more local parenting info, contests and giveaways.

• On the cover: Eleven-year-old Rebecca Hatton is one of MetroFamily’s Cover Kids, having won the 8-12 year old category this past fall. The daughter of Pete and Kristen Hatton of Edmond, she enjoys being creative with art. She has ambitions to someday work in the fashion design industry and she also loves music, especially vocal music. She is currently a 6th grader at Edmond’s Sequoyah Middle School. Learn more about the Cover Kids Contest at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ cover-kids-contest.

6

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Editorial Assistants Elizabeth Harvey & Sherrie Horton Contributing Writers Michelle Ann Anderson Brooke Barnett Dawn Billings John Buzby Marge Eberts Allyn Evans

Mari Farthing Shannon Fields Peggy Gisler Karen Mitchell Mallery Nagle Sue Lynn Sasser

Contributing Photographer Aimee Adams (AimeeAdamsPhotography.com) 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. 306 S. Bryant, Suite C152 • Edmond, OK 73034 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2010, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 13, Number 2

ASAP

After School Archery Program ASAP is an After School Archery Program facilitated by the National Alliance for the Development of Archery. The goal of this program is to teach proper fundamental shooting form, familiarize you with different styles of archery, and prepare you for participation in community archery, competition, and the enjoyment of archery as a life-long sport. Skills book and archery patches included in price.

Session I – Tuesdays, March 23 – April 20 Session II – Thursdays, March 25 – April 22 Session III – Tuesdays, April 27 – May 25 Session IV – Thursdays, April 29 – May 27 Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Age: 6-12 Fee: $30/session To register or for more information go to www.edmondok.com/parks/rec or call 359-4630

Exploring Oklahoma Perfect Romantic Getaways That Are Close to Home

Arcadian Inn and Aaron’s Gate Country Getaways The Arcadian Inn is celebrating 20 years in operation, and innkeepers Gary and Martha Hall have spent time upgrading the properties to meet the needs of guests. Each

Good for your baby, Good for the planet, Good for your pocketbook specializing in innovative reusable diapers and other baby products that are fun, functional & earth-friendly

Opening in February 2010 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 5113 N Shartel Ave • OKC

405-848-2330

Green-Bambino.com 8

The Halls focus is to provide personalized care to each of their guests, and the relaxing experience begins upon arrival. Guests are greeted with soft music, handsomely set breakfast tables and personalized greetings.

This attention to detail has served the Inn well—Arcadian Inn has been voted the number one bed and breakfast by readers of The Oklahoman for ten consecutive years.

“We like to say that we are a getaway without going away,” said Larry. “People can just take off work and be here to start their getaway.”

The outdoor space at the Inn is just as inviting as the plush guest rooms—five canopy-covered acres boast a creek and an outdoor fire pit with cozy furniture for guests who want to spend some time outdoors. The on-site lending library of popular books and DVD titles offers those who wish to stay indoors a bit of entertainment.

Aaron’s Gate Country Getaways, also operated by the Halls, is just east of Guthrie, and features four full-amenity honeymoon cabins on 82 wooded acres. Cabins include screened-in porches, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, dry saunas, Jacuzzi tubs and European spa showers for two.

Two Hearts Inn

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.

Edmond’s Two Hearts Inn is owned and operated by Larry and Tamara Rhoads, and was named the Best of the Best by Oklahoma Magazine in 2009. The Inn features six theme rooms outfitted with large whirlpool tubs and high-tech features (flat screen television, DVD player and free WiFi).

Arcadian Inn, located in downtown Edmond

Photo by Johnathan Jantz

Though many of us may not be able to truly get out of the city for a getaway, local bed and breakfasts allow couples an escape from the everyday. These venues are outfitted with the ultimate in old-fashioned luxury and modern technology to provide guests with a romantic getaway just a stone’s throw from home.

Guests can choose to take breakfast in their rooms or visit Inspirations Tea Room, also owned and operated by the Rhoads family.

The Tea Room also offers lunch and dinner packages to Inn guests Tuesday through Sunday night.

room is decorated with a different theme, but enhancing romance is the goal of each of them. “We try to think of every way to keep you together,” said Martha.

Photo by Martha Hall

M

oms and dads, we have so many things to worry about, don’t we? With jobs and children and activities and more, it seems like the last thing we have time for is a romantic getaway.

But there are a few businesses tucked away in Edmond that seek to help put the romance back in your marriage. There's no better time to explore romance than in February, when Valentine's Day naturally turns our thoughts to love.

The grounds at Two Hearts Inn, Edmond

In addition to their regular services, each venue offers special packages including amenities such as meals, massage, flowers and other services. A variety of discounts are also available (including a discount for military). Inquire about discounts and packages when booking your stay.

Arcadian Inn and Aaron’s Gate Country Getaway 328 East First, Edmond 405-348-6347, ArcadianInn.com Rates: $189 per night and up for Inn; $269 and up for cottage

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Two Hearts Inn Bed and Breakfast 2118 West Edmond Road, Edmond 405-715-2525, TwoHeartsInn.com Rates: $195 and up Editor's Note: Enter MetroFamily's Sweetheart Getaway contest and you could win a night's stay and other services at one of these B&Bs. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Sweetheart-Getaway

Enter the Wendy’s/MetroFamily contest to be eligible for one of three prize packages that include tickets to The Wizard of Oz. Each package, valued at over $500, includes four tickets to the opening night musical performance of The Wizard of Oz on February 16, a $50 gift card to Wendy’s, and prizes from the OKC Zoo, Harn Homestead, Bouncin’ Craze, OKC Museum of Art, Unpluggits Playstudio, Paint N Station, Andy Alligator’s and JumpZone.

TO ENTER: Complete this form and bring to any of the 17 Wendy’s locations OR complete a form at the restaurant by the deadline of February 7.

For details and to download a valuable Wendy’s coupon, visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/wizard-of-oz.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Yes, I want to receive offers from Wendy’s by email.

Yes, subscribe me to MetroFamily’s E-Update, sent weekly about family weekend events.

Street Address: ____________________________________________________Apt #:______________________ City/State: ________________________________________________________Zip Code: ____________________ Day phone: ______________________________ Evening phone: ______________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Contest Rules: Deadline is Feb. 7. Must be 18 or over to participate. Employees of Wendy’s and MetroFamily are not eligible to win.

February 16-21 • Civic Center Music Hall, OKC For tickets call 800-869-1451 or CelebrityAttractions.com

Spicy Chicken

N EW

Nuggets ©2009 Oldemark LLC

At participating Wendy’s. Limited time only.

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

9

Cover Kids Contest Winners MetroFamily and Delta Dental recently sponsored a search for six Cover Kids to be featured on our 2010 covers. More than 100 kids were nominated, from which 64 semifinalists were selected. Over 12,000 online votes were cast to choose the winners in each of six categories. Pictured here are the winners, as photographed by DGalleries.

From L to R: Mariah Turner (age 16), daughter of Richard and Teresa Turner, Norman, winner of the 13-17 year old category; Abigail Johnson (age 2½), daughter of Jon and Sharon Johnson, OKC, winner of the 19 month-3 years; Rebecca Hatton (age 11), daughter of Pete and Kristen Hatton, Edmond, winner of the 8-12 year old category; Fenli Davis (age 1), daughter of Troy and Mychi Davis, OKC, winner of the 0-18 months category; and Sydney Anderson-Cullum (age 6), daughter of Faydra Cullum, OKC, winner of the 4-7 year old category. Not pictured is Keegan Collier (age 1), son of Caleb and Heather Collier, Shawnee, winner of the Special Needs category.

The New MFM Question of the Month Do you want to win some great prizes?

Through our Question of the Month, we have given away thousands of dollars worth of great merchandise to our readers, but something was missing—your feedback! So we’ve changed the question to learn more about you, our readers.

Before the deadline of Thursday, February 26, visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/FS-Giveaway to fill out the form and enter your name into the drawing. One person will be randomly chosen to win our prize package, valued at over $500. Here’s our question this month:

What eco-friendly changes has your family made?

Provide us with your answers, and next month look for your comments right here.

* The winning entry will receive a prize package including a variety of family-friendly items. A full description of giveaway items is listed at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/FS-Giveaway.

Winner agrees to pick up items from NW OKC area.

10

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Black History Month: DeLanie Brewer Oklahoma City’s own DeLanie Brewer, an accomplished mom, wife, actress and woman of faith, has created two dramatic sketches to help bring Black History Month to life for your school, church, office or other community organization.

Brewer, a professional theater actress, has spent the last three years using her skills to tell poignant stories of individuals living in pivotal times in America’s black history. “I was led to do these performances because I feel like we live in a world with such division and misunderstandings about each other,” Brewer explains. “We still don’t know each other as a people, culturally speaking.”

The first vignette, entitled “En Route to Freedom,” explores the life of a free Negro woman and her struggle over involving herself in abolitionist activities that might win freedom for others while jeopardizing her own. The second, “Harriet Tubman: A Moses to Her People” portrays the struggle of Tubman, a runaway slave turned fearless conductor for the elusive slave escape network known as the Underground Railroad.

“We are truly more alike in so many more ways than we are different,” Brewer says. “If we can learn to understand each other better, then we can love each other better.” Either drama may be presented in a 15-, 30- or 45-minute format and are appropriate for all audiences.

For more information or to book a performance, contact dbrewer777@yahoo.com.

Character Corner: Creativity

Art With a Heart Children receiving treatment at the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Hospital of Oklahoma created the artwork to be sold at the upcoming 8th annual Tri Delta Art With a Heart silent auction event.

Ashlyn Pfieffer, OSU Tri Delta collegiate The artwork was created (Philanthropy Chairman) with Kelsey Moore. during art therapy sessions with the children, and then donated to the auction. Several sessions were held with Tri Delta members and alumnae working with the children. The artists will be in attendance at the auction, where proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma Children's Cancer Association (OCCA).

Creativity is the trait of approaching a need, task or idea from a new perspective.

Raccoons show creativity with their problem-solving skills, and the animals have been known to find creative solutions to everyday problems.

You can promote creativity in your home by:

The OCCA is an independent, non-profit group that helps children and their families cope with emotional, physical and financial struggles associated with cancer. The volunteer group raises funds for scholarships, field trips, parties and art therapy sessions for children receiving treatment at the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center.

• Discovering new ways to make chores fun—playing music or planning a treat for when the work is done.

• Starting traditions for special occasions.

• Making your own ‘thank you’ cards.

• Finding ways to make homework fun.

A creative environment is one where even the most mundane and simple task can be approached as a fun adventure.

Art With a Heart is held February 26, 7:00-9:00pm at the Oklahoma History Center (2401 N Laird). Tickets, $30, are available in advance and at the door. Along with the auction, Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Call Claudia Robertson 405-823-3080 or Kacey Luster at 405-205-6367 or OU Tri Delta alumnae Ronda Roush and Ozella Frazier paint china together. visit ArtWithaHeartOKC.com.

I will: ... try new things. ... ask for help. ... remember what worked in the past. ... study to solve problems. ... use my talents for good.

Contact Character First! for more character-building resources.

405-815-0001, CharacterFirst.com.

Encourage creativity in your home by committing to the following statements. Say these “I will” statements aloud with your children, and encourage them to apply them to situations in their everyday life.

On Stage: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Local families can be “off to see the wizard” as one of the greatest family musicals of all time, The Wizard of Oz, touches down in Oklahoma City at the Civic Center Music Hall from February 16-21.

Called “a delight for the children in the audience” by The Washington Times, this production is a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic 1939 MGM film. Featuring the classic songs “Over the Rainbow,” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” The Wizard of Oz will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and Toto for an unforgettable evening at the theater.

Whether seeing it for the first time or the fifth, audience members young and old will be dazzled by the art deco sets, charmed by its timeless score and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects.

Cassie Okenka, who plays the iconic character of Dorothy, says audience members are in for a unique treat. “It is so cool to see a story you know and

love happening before your very eyes in a spectacular way,” Okenka explains. “From fire balls thrown by the Wicked Witch to snow falling in the poppy field, it is so breathtaking to see it all happening in person.”

In addition to the production’s professional cast, twelve children from the Oklahoma City area will be performing the roles of munchkins.

Singing popular songs such as “Ding Dong the Witch is Photo by Peter Coombs Dead,” the local children will help bring this beloved classic to the stage. The Wizard of Oz is being produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC, is presented by Celebrity Attractions and welcomed by KWTV News 9.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 405-297-2264, in person at the Civic Center Box Office or select Buy For Less locations, or online at CelebrityAttractions.com.

Group discounts are available by calling 800-869-1451.

For more information, visit WizardOfOzOnTour.com.

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

11

Free Online Bullying Manual "When I saw the news of Columbine, I was working as a psychologist in a school district," said Izzy Kalman. "It just made me sick." The event drove him to write How to Stop Being Teased and Bullied Without Really Trying, which is available free online.

Since he released it in 1999, countless children have benefited from the lessons learned in this manual. "I now get letters from people all over the world telling me how my website has helped them or their children," said Kalman. "I am extremely gratified when my work helps another person."

The approach that Bullies to Buddies uses is different than the standard approach to bullying in that it gives children the wisdom needed to deal with bullies on their own.

Visit Bullies2Buddies.com to register and download a free copy of the bullying manual (free downloads of manuals dealing with racism and childhood aggression are also available) or learn more about the bullying programs and materials available.

OK Music Olympics The Music Olympics are held each February, featuring competitions for young musicians statewide. The winners of competitions in five categories will win scholarships. Caeteories include: • Buttram String Competition for solo string students and string quartests in grades 9-12.

• Carver Concerto Competition for solo woodwind, brass, harp and percussion students in grades 9-12.

• Meinders Piano Competition for piano students in grades 9-12.

• Keith String Competition for string students through grade 8, to help to prepare them for future competition.

• Gilliam Piano Competition, for piano students through grade 8.

The Winner's Recital will be held February 21 at 4:00pm in the Wanda L. Bass Schol of Music at Oklahoma City University. The performance is free to the community. Visit OKCPhilharmonic.org for details on scholarship winners and the free concert.

Positive Postcards Do you know a business that works hard to support Oklahoma children and families? Send them a postcard!

The Start Right Program is a new effort by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) to encourage businesses and community organizations to support Oklahoma children and families.

Family Friendly postage-paid postcards are available from the OSDH and are part of a family and child-centered focus leading up to Child Abuse Prevention month this April.

The theme this year is ”It’s Time to Make a Difference for Children.”

“We hope this promotional effort will help recognize organizations, businesses and local community organizations worthy of public recognition and spotlight family and child friendly locations,” said Suzy Gibson, OCAP consultant.

Gibson said an example of a possible recipient for a postcard is a restaurant that holds a family night, when proceeds are donated to a local school. “The postcards encourage a philosophy of random acts of kindness,” she said. Local establishments that receive a postcard are encouraged to display it in a window or where it can be easily seen.

For more information about the Family Friendly Postcard project contact Suzy Gibson at 405-271-7611 or email susaneg@health.ok.gov.

Allied Arts Provides Important Resources for Kids Allied Arts is Oklahoma's only United Arts Fund—providing necessary resources and support to leading arts organizations in Central Oklahoma. Why does that matter to you? Because the arts matter to children, families and the community.

Allied Arts has been able to raise over two million dollars to support their 20 member agencies. A few examples of the positive affects of these funds include:

saw first-hand the impact that arts programs have when his family took in a teenage friend of their son. “He comes from a family stuck in a cycle of poverty, personal tragedy and setbacks,” said Bradley. “During his time in our home, I discovered that he is an incredibly gifted artist. He can draw and paint anything and so I decided to ask him to help Cimarron Opera design, paint, and build sets for our touring production of Hansel and Gretel and our main stage production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Everyone in our organization has been amazed at his talent and the affirmation and opportunity he has received has changed his life. He no longer walks with his head down, but has a pride in his countenance and has realized that he is not destined to failure, but can have a fulfilling life of success in the arts."

• A child from a foster family is enrolled in the Guy Fraser Harrison Academy at the encouragement of director Bob Cooper.

She quickly moved to the top of her class.

(HarrisonAcademy.org) • With support from Allied Arts, an afterschool program paired Oklahoma Children's Theatre with Putnam Heights One way Allied Arts raises money is through Elementary (an underserved Title I the OKCity Card, with 166 discount partners public school). Program participation incuding arts programs, hotels and restaurants. has grown to include a full one-third The card is $50 and good for one year. of the student body in three years.

To learn more about Allied Arts or the (OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org) OKCity Card, call 405-278-8944 or visit Bradley Williams, Associate Professor of AlliedArtsOKC.com.

Music in Voice at the OU School of Music The Blue Dog by Zane, age 13, City Arts Center Student 12

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Problem-Solving Products

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Problem:

February clinics will be held:

When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know. Here are a few of the interesting items we’ve recently found.

Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Junior needs a new gear bag.

Again. Is nothing durable enough to last?

The OU College of Nursing has scheduled free clinics for women to help satisfy their resolution for a healthier New Year. “Women often take care of everyone else in their families and don’t take care of themselves. This is a chance to do something meaningful,” said Jennifer Stammer, coordinator of the Take Charge! program at the OU College of Nursing. “Take Charge is a free service for women who don’t have insurance in Oklahoma, but want to receive cancer screenings as part of their health care. Regular screenings for cancer and other diseases are vital for women, especially since finding cancer in its earliest stages can mean the difference between life and death.”

Solution:

• February 2: Dr. Bruce Bell’s Office (4200 S May) • February 3 and 9: OU College of Nursing (1100 N Stonewall) • February 11: Clinica de la Mujer Latina (420 SW 10th) • February 15: Baptist Community Clinic, Olivet Baptist Church (1201 NW 10th) • February 17: ROC Medical Center (7710 NW 10th) • February 19: Latina—Ramirez Center (222 NW 12th) Call 405-271-2124 or visit ouhsc.edu for registration information.

Problem:

Make the Winter Olympics the Family Games

Gonto Bags ($39 and up) are masculine, tough gear bags that will last your child through seasons of sports and activities.

(GontoBags.com) You'd like to wash the dishes, your face, the baby... without soaking your sleeves.

by John Buzby

Solution:

It only happens once every four years and it’s happening this February: the 2010 Winter 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.

Problem:

Here are some tips to make watching the Olympics more interesting and educational for the entire family.

On The Cuff ($7.99) are reusable, spongy bracelets that you slip on before slipping your hands in the water, preventing water from running up your arms. (OnTheCuff.net) You want your high-tech kids to get back in touch with their low-tech creativity.

Solution:

The Art on a Shoestring DVD ($19.95) shows kids how to make 13 projects using objects from around the house using techniques like weaving and paper mache.

(Vat19.com)

Problem:

Your stinky running shoes are hampering your fitness resolution.

Solution:

Stuff Stuffitts ($24.95) into your shoes when you're done with your workout and they will absorb the moisture and odor. (Stuffitts.com)

Problem:

"Hey mom! Tell me about the dinosaurs!"

Solution:

The Giant Evolution Timeline Playmat ($49) helps kids to grasp the concept of 600,000,000 million years of fossils.

(CharliesPlayhouse.com)

•

Before the games begin: Have each child select a country to follow during the Olympics and research facts about the country (such as capital city, population, popular hobbies) to share with the family.

• Opening Ceremonies: Plan a special dinner for the night of the ceremony.

Decorate with flags of participating countries, a fun craft for the kids to create.

• During the Games: Encourage your kids to pick a favorite sport to learn about and follow during the games, and try to capitalize on sports that are uncommon (for instance, curling). Watch a variety of sports, especially the ones that are not as familiar. Kids can keep track of how many medals their adopted country is winning and even compare it to past Olympics. In this Internet-only age, it’s a great opportunity to teach them to use print media 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. It can be about any country, athlete or sport, but will give them something to listen for and more importantly, even more information to fill their eager minds. Lastly, use their interest in their adopted country to fuel other educational opportunities. Just because the Olympics ends, doesn’t mean their chosen country will shut down. Encourage them—and provide them the means—to continue to learn more about and keep up-to-date 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.

These two weeks of winter can be a fascinating experience for your family. It continues to be for me.

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

13

News You Can Use: KFOR Chopper 4: Dreams in Flight

N

ot many helicopter pilots can claim to have won an Emmy, traded flying advice with Clint Eastwood, and witnessed riots, fires, mudslides and F5 tornados first-hand. But for KFOR’s Jim Gardner, it’s all just a regular day in the office.

A native Oklahoman, Jim joined NewsChannel 4 in February of 1996 as the Chopper 4 Pilot/Reporter, and became part of the 4 Warn Storm Team the following year. Jim has been flying for more than 25 years, in a colorful career that has taken him from Oklahoma to Hollywood and back again. “I’ve been very fortunate for what I’ve been able to do in my life and to have met the people I’ve been able to meet,” said Gardner.

Before his career in aviation, Jim was working odd jobs in California and wondering what to do with his life. After being urged by a friend to chase his dream, Jim borrowed $5,000 for the purpose of getting his pilot’s license. But originally, it was airplanes—not helicopters—that caught Jim’s eye. Fate intervened when Jim visited a local company for a demo flight and all

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they had available was a helicopter. “The rest was history,” Jim jokes. “I was absolutely amazed and knew that was the perfect fit for me.”

But the $5,000 wouldn’t go as far as Jim originally thought, as helicopters are five times more expensive to rent per hour than airplanes. Jim worked multiple jobs to afford his “flying habit” and eventually received both his private and commercial licenses. While acquiring his flight hours, Jim worked in the movie industry and flew celebrities such as Jack Nicholson, Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields, Charlton Heston, John Wayne and Goldie Hawn. Gardner swapped flying tips with Clint Eastwood when the actor’s aircraft was stored in the hangar next to the helicopter Jim was flying. “It was so much fun, because there is just nothing else that can do what a helicopter does,” Jim said.

In 1993, Jim became the morning pilot for KCAL-Channel 9 in Hollywood, California, where he covered earthquakes, wild fires, flooding, mudslides and the infamous O.J. Simpson freeway chase in 1994. “Life in Hollywood was exciting, but it was a very hectic life style. With all my family back in Oklahoma, it just seemed like it was time to come home,” Jim explained. Chalking the next step in his career up to “divine intervention,” Jim made two phone calls and the second brought him to his current job at KFOR. Recently, KFOR was faced with the need to garner a sponsor for Chopper 4 to keep the helicopter in the air. It was reflecting on the May 3, 1999 tornado outbreak that gave Jim a renewed perspective on the importance of his job and the need to find this crucial sponsor. “I realized that what we do really impacts the community and serves the people of Oklahoma in terms of important information and safety,” Jim explained.

“Bigger stations in bigger markets were not able to get their helicopters sponsored, so we were very pleased when the Bob Moore Auto Group stepped up. It’s truly a win/win situation for both sides.” KFOR viewers can see the evidence of this new partnership in Chopper 4’s new look. “The new paint job really seems to have breathed new life into the chopper and allows me to continue living my dream,” Jim said.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

And living his dream has proved to be something at which Jim excels. Among his many aviation and journalistic broadcasting awards, Jim has received the "Salute to Excellence" award from Helicopter Association International, an Outstanding Achievement Award in Broadcasting by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and an Emmy for his coverage of the May 3, 1999 tornados.

But the awards are not necessarily the most rewarding part of Jim’s job. “The best part of my job is being able to fly and do what I love in a way that helps people,” Jim explained. “One of the best feelings in the world is to have a job that impacts people in a positive way.”

The legacy that Jim hopes to leave behind is that of inspiration to the next generation. “I like meeting kids and taking the helicopter to schools and youth aviation events. If my story can help two or three kids achieve their goals, then it’s all worth it.”

“I’m living proof that you should never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your ambitions. I just kept after it—and my advice to kids everywhere is to never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything you dare to dream.”

Viewers can tune in to Oklahoma’s News Channel 4 to see Chopper 4’s new look and to experience Jim’s dream in action.

A proud work-at-home mom, Brooke Barnett is a freelance writer and owner of Two Monkeys PR, LLC. A native Oklahoman, Brooke lives in Norman with her husband and two young children.

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Your Healthy Family The Thyroid: What You Need to Know

A

pproximately ten percent of Americans suffer from some type of thyroid disorder. Of those ten percent, it is estimated that nearly half remain undiagnosed. Why does thyroid disorder so often go unnoticed, particularly in women? How does the thyroid work, anyway? Once you can begin to understand the answers to these questions, it’s easy to see how this condition might be overlooked or misdiagnosed, even by someone suffering from symptoms.

Thyroid Function The thyroid is a large endocrine gland found in the neck. It is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and is responsible for a number of functions. The thyroid controls how the body responds to other hormones, so when it isn’t working properly, the whole endocrine system may be affected. The thyroid produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which together regulate the rate of metabolism in the body. When the thyroid is underactive, the condition is referred to as hypothyroidism, and patients often gain weight because their metabolism slows.

When the thyroid is overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, patients often have difficulty putting on weight.

While the explanation sounds fairly simple, the thyroid’s actual effects on the body are anything but. Because the thyroid is in charge of how the body responds to other

Find more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-health

hormones, symptoms of thyroid disorder can range from mild to severe, and they affect people in different ways—making a proper diagnosis a challenge. Furthermore, symptoms of thyroid disorder are nonspecific, and in general may point to any number of other issues. In addition to weight changes, symptoms may include: • • • • • • • • •

fatigue irritability depression and anxiety thinning skin or hair feeling too hot or too cold mood swings sleep disturbances feelings of apathy foggy thinking

Thyroid Disorder Treatment Emily Davey is a 33-year-old single mother of three. For a few years, she had been suffering symptoms of fatigue, depression, and irritability. Considering the full schedule she keeps, which includes a job and college classes, most would consider this par for the course. “Of course I’m stressed out. But it was more than that, like I was stuck in a fog, and nothing seemed to really be helping.

Then my hair started falling out, and I was always cold, even in the summer.� Her regular doctor ran tests, all of which came back normal, including her thyroid, and she started looking for other answers. She ended up in the office of Wendy Parks.

Wendy is a nurse practitioner and co-owner of Integrative Medical Solutions, a family medical practice in Edmond. She sees a number of patients with endocrine issues, and receives referrals from all over the state, partly due to her approach to treating thyroid disorders. “Many providers make the mistake of only checking TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in their patients. When that comes back in normal

range, these symptomatic patients feel like it’s all in their head, and they can’t get the help they need.�

Instead, Wendy orders a full thyroid panel. “I check TSH, but also total and free T3 and T4 levels and thyroid antibodies. By the time TSH levels are out of range, the T3 and T4 have probably been bad for a long time. You really have to look at how it all breaks down, because it doesn’t take a lot to throw everything off.� In fact, she estimates that approximately 60% of her patients have some level of thyroid disorder. “If a patient’s levels are borderline and they’re not symptomatic, we won’t treat them right away. But if they are having symptoms, we’ll go ahead and treat them, even if the labs indicate that treatment isn’t strictly necessary. It’s really important to listen to the patient, because these symptoms can affect every aspect of their life.�

Emily is a perfect example. “When we got all the tests back, not only was my thyroid out of balance, my other hormone levels were off. Once I started on the thyroid medication, the rest of it started falling back into place.� Though she’s still stressed, she feels more like her old self, and follows up with Wendy at least twice a year. “I thought my symptoms were just Busy-Mom Syndrome, and I’m sure to some extent, that’s true. But I feel so much better now!�

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

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Love

by

Design

Tragedy could not hamper the creative love story of Ray and Lynda Magill.

Local artist Ray Magill shared an adventure with his wife Lynda that began more than 30 years ago, when Lynda was simply a friend of a friend. While attending the Dallas Art Institute, Ray was injured in an industrial accident involving a 2,300 lb. crate of glass. His recovery was difficult and Lynda stepped in to help him recuperate. “It’s kind of fitting that she was my nursemaid coming into the relationship, while I was hers going out.” Ray reflects.

After meeting in the wake of Ray’s accident, the two dated for about six months before marrying in 1974. Both Texans by birth, they made a home and a life in Austin, a city that suited their artistic and creative sides. Four years into the marriage, their first son was born, followed by a second son four years later in 1982. The family spent the next twenty years enjoying life in Austin, where Ray honed his artistic skill as an illustrator, painter, sculptor, landscape and facilities designer—and it was his artistic ability that literally took the couple on adventures around the world.

20

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Learning and Loving Through Life In their life together, the Magills traveled extensively as a family.

“We were as adventurous as anyone you’d ever meet, and the children were involved in everything we did,” Ray explains. And the things they did included travels across countless countries on three continents. In 1996, Ray, through his company and German authorities, designed and built the first international school in the state of Saxon (in eastern Germany), after the Berlin Wall came down. During their time in Germany, the family lived in the town of Dresden and truly became part of the community. Lynda and the couple’s oldest son created their own language, a unique blend of English, Spanish, and German, that was picked up and soon spoken by local kids in their neighborhood. “Lynda had a knack for making all the kids—from Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany and Romania—feel welcome in our home, no matter who they were.” In turn, the Magills were accepted by their multi-cultural neighbors.

“We were there living history from a different perspective, as some of the first Americans to live [in eastern Germany] following the Russian occupation.”

The family also traveled to Mexico, Canada and extensively throughout Europe. “There is not a single country and not too many cities in Europe that we didn’t cover,” Ray says nostalgically. The

family did not travel as tourists, but rather viewed their adventures as a true learning experience. “We would conquer the language, eat the local fare, take the back roads, live where the people lived.”

In 2003, facing a layoff after more than three decades of work in Austin, Ray and Lynda knew it was time to relocate. Ray accepted a position in Oklahoma City as the Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Services with Bank of Oklahoma, a post that complemented his background in both engineering and design. The irony of the move to the Sooner State was not lost on Lynda, an avid Texas Longhorns fan. “She continued to wear her burnt orange,” Ray laughs.

Character to the End When Ray reminisces about his life with Lynda, the word “adventure” most accurately describes many of his recollections. “We had quite an exciting life together. The thing I remember most about Lynda was her need for adventure,” Ray recalls. “Everything about our life was adventurous. Even going to Wal-Mart with her was fun.” Their 35-year adventure ended last July, when Lynda passed away from complications of liver failure.

The family found out about the severity of Lynda’s illness in April 2009, and she passed away on July 18th at 52 years of age. Even in her last few days, as Ray was working on a detailed design of an iguana in etched glass, Lynda would still offer her opinions and critique his work. “Lynda was my best fan and worst critic,” Ray recalls. “She had character to the end.”

What followed next was the birth of perhaps the most important artistic project that Ray has ever attempted—one that had him paying tribute to his beloved wife in all the places that were meaningful to them as a couple and to her as an individual. Following her death, Ray had only planned on using his talents to design her headstone.

After Lynda’s cremation, Ray was contemplating what to do with his wife’s ashes and how to scatter them in a meaningful way. “What happened was not intentional nor deliberate,” Ray says. “The idea just grew by itself.”

Using a portion of her ashes, Ray created a simple heart in front of her headstone in the family plot in northeast Texas and took a photograph to commemorate the moment. Ray soon returned to Austin for a celebration of Lynda’s life with friends and family, and took a portion of her ashes with him. This time, an armadillo—a representation of the city that had been their home for so long— joined the ashen heart that had come to symbolize his love for Lynda.

Again, Ray documented with a photograph.

Her Favorite Places As the idea grew, so did the number of places where Lynda’s heart

design was lovingly created and photographed. Her ashes have soared with an eagle near Ridgeway, Colorado. On the shore of Lake Corpus Christi, near Ray’s hometown, her heart design was surrounded by a rain turtle. At Lake Vallecito, one of the largest lakes in the Rocky Mountains, the heart design had wings.

Next, Ray plans to visit Padre Island, where a dolphin will surround Lynda’s design. And the project will soon become international. Ray plans to take ashes to Mexico and back to the village in eastern Germany that had been so welcoming to the family over the years.

“I think this project is helping to give me a sense of closure.”

Ray explains. “We had such a fun time together. It means so much to me to go to her favorite places, say a prayer and make her design.” For Ray and his family, which now includes a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, the project has become a way to interlace Lynda’s favorite places with her family and friends. “It gives us an opportunity to reconnect with the people that knew her and hear their stories,” Ray says. “I think our kids are proud to be part of something that means so much to everyone who loved her.”

Upon completion of the project, Ray says that he will collect all the photographs that he has taken and create a visual montage set to music, most likely Roy Orbison’s “Crying” and Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven,” two of Lynda’s favorite songs. While this current chapter of his artistic life may not be as he expected, he considers it a fitting tribute to the many experiences that he shared with his wife. By continuing to travel to many of their favorite places, Ray is able to not only relive many of the adventures that they shared together, but also make Lynda a part of the places that were so much a part of her.

A proud work-at-home mom, Brooke Barnett is a freelance writer and owner of Two Monkeys PR, LLC. A native Oklahoman, Brooke lives in Norman with her husband and two young children.

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

21

Let’s Eat: Recipes Celebrate National Cherry Month

G

eorge Washington, our iconic first President, could not tell a lie about chopping down the cherry tree. Considering that we celebrate George Washington’s birthday this month, it seems fitting to cook with cherries.

If you’re feeling the urge to chop down your own cherry tree (or just pick up some cherries from your local market), here are a few recipes to get you started.

Black Forest Sweetie Pie Pizza Make this sweet pizza for your little sweeties…a perfect Valentine’s Day treat!

1 (12") prebaked pizza crust 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened 1 ¼ cup mascarpone cheese, softened 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 cup canned cherry pie filling ¾ cup dark chocolate chips ½ cup almonds, sliced Preheat oven to 400°. Line a vented pizza pan or large baking sheet with parchment

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baking paper trimmed so that edges do not hang over the pan and will not touch oven walls.

Place crust on pan, brush crust and rim with softened butter. Spread cheese evenly to within an inch of the crust’s edge. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Spread cherry pie filling within an inch of the edge of the cheese.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips, then almonds.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until almonds just begin to brown. Cut into wedges and serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream.

Cherry Almond Milk Here’s a delicious way to get the kids to drink more milk.

¼ cup frozen cherries 1 / 8 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups milk Place cherries, extract and milk in a blender.

Process until pureed. Enjoy.

Makes two servings.

Miniature Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake These little gems are perfect for little hands— and so easy to make.

18 prepared vanilla wafer or ginger snap cookies 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese ¾ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup coarsely grated dark chocolate ½ cup prepared cherry pie filling Preheat oven to 350º. Coat the cups of 18 miniature muffin tin with cooking spray.

Place a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup; set aside.

Place a heaping spoon of cherry pie filling onto each cheesecake and serve.

Makes 18 cheesecakes.

Besides her two favorite jobs of wife and mom, Michelle Ann Anderson home schools her children, is a freelance writer, enjoys public speaking, writing cookbooks and sharing her love of food with those around her. Find her blog at MichelleAnnAnderson.com.

Find more recipies at

Beat together cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth; stir in the grated chocolate.

Fill each wafer-lined muffin cup 2/ 3 full of cream cheese filling. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Cool.

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ recipes

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February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

23

Family Finances All About The New Credit Card Rules

I

f you have a credit card, chances are you have been receiving a number of notices about your account. Now is an important time to be reading those notices because credit card companies have recently come under a variety of new rules, thanks to the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure, or Credit CARD, Act of 2009.

Several measures included in the legislation are effective February 22, 2010, while other provisions kicked in last August. The legislation is designed to provide consumers with greater protection from fees and interest rate hikes, and it requires several changes in

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the information provided on monthly credit card statements.

Some of the key features of the legislation impact the following: • Interest rate increases. Credit card issuers must give cardholders a minimum of 45-days notice before raising interest rates. Additionally, interest rates may not be raised during the first year the account is opened, and special introductory rates must last at least six months. Also, the increase in interest rates will affect only charges made after the date of the announced increase unless payments are more than 60 days late, special promotional rates have expired or the indexed variable rate outlined in the terms of the credit card increases. In other words, credit card issuers cannot raise interest rates on existing balances or purchases made before the new rate increase without just cause. However, they can raise interest rates on future purchases with the 45-day notice, and the legislation does not limit the amount of those increases. One more note, if interest rates are increased due to late payments, customers who make six consecutive months of on-time payments will be allowed to return to the lower rate.

• Due dates. Credit card issuers must give cardholders at least 21 days to make a payment, and those due dates must be the same day of every month. Previously, issuers only had to give customers 14 days and payment dates could vary during the month. Having standardized due dates should help consumers better plan their payments and anticipate their statements.

You may want to mark your calendar each month so you are aware of those due dates to reduce the potential of paying late fees.

• Fee calculations. The new law bans double-cycle billing, which is the practice of basing finance charges on the current and previous balance. Under this method, the issuer could charge interest on debt already paid off the previous month.

• Over-limit fees. Cardholders will need to “opt in” to exceed their credit limits, greatly reducing the potential for overlimit fees. This change applies to both debit and credit cards. Unless cardholders specifically choose to pay over-limit fees, credit card purchases will be limited to the stated credit limit. Many credit card issuers are simply eliminating the overlimit option, which means consumers need to be more aware of their credit limits.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

• Payment allocation. The new rules require that all payments above the monthly minimum be applied to the credit balance with the highest rate of interest.

This change is especially important for cardholders who use the cash-advance feature, which generally carries a much higher interest rate than purchases.

• Student Credit Cards. Potential cardholders under the age of 21 will need to provide evidence of income or have a co-signer in order to receive a credit card. According to a recent study, the average college student has a credit card balance over $4,000 and more than 80% of all students carry over that balance from month to month. The legislation specifically targets practices of incentives on college campuses, requiring colleges and universities to disclose their contracts with credit card issuers and prohibits the distribution of “free” gifts for credit card applications.

• Statements. Credit card statements must now include information on minimum payments, such as the amount of time to repay the debt and the total amount paid when making minimum payments.

Statements must also include information on receiving free credit reports.

• Compliance. The new legislation allows for much heftier fines for credit card issuers who fail to comply with the new reforms and requires regulators to report annually to Congress about their efforts in enforcing this legislation.

While these new provisions are designed to protect consumers, the best protection is monitoring your spending habits. Credit cards may be a substitute for cash, but all charges made on credit cards must be repaid.

Only charge what you can afford to pay at the end of the month. Should you need to carry a balance over from one month to another, always pay more than the minimum to reduce the total amount of interest due.

Those “sale” prices are not such a good deal after you add the interest!

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Learn more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-finances

art

The

of

adolescence:

Students draw the line they toe

You’ve heard it before: music, allegedly, has charms to soothe the savage breast. Maybe you don’t believe your teen quite qualifies as a “savage,” or that the noise blaring out of his iPod necessarily qualifies as “music,” but the experts agree: the arts can help to tame a wild child.

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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A recent study from Americans for the Arts (a nonprofit organization for advancing the arts) and Stanford University found that children who regularly participate in the arts are more likely to: • be recognized for academic achievement.

• be elected to class office within their schools.

• participate in a math and science fair.

• win an award for school attendance.

• win an award for writing an essay or poem.

The research goes on to show that being active in the arts has a measurable impact on youth at risk in deterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems. Participating in an after school or summer art program also increases overall academic performance, the study found.

Still not convinced? Where Peace Lives, an organization dedicated to teaching children to deal with conflict and aggressive behavior in a positive way though art and media, found that students who participated in a mural creation project: • increased their skills in conflict resolution and peace building.

• were able to use the skills learned in the program in (other areas of) their lives.

• demonstrated a shift in attitude and behavior.

Judging Art No one needs to convince the staff of the Edmond Municipal Court of any of these findings. Court administrator Sharon Ferrell and Presiding Judge Alan Synar were on the committee that founded the court in 1995.

In 2003, as part of a community service sanction, Synar began to “sentence” some juvenile offenders to take an art class at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. The teen must return with a piece of artwork to show the judge when the probation period is complete.

“It’s designed to be interventional, not punitive,” said Farrell.

Farrell explained that during the adjudication process, teens fill out goals and objectives forms. If the student indicates an interest in art, the judge takes that into account when meting out the sentence. Synar has also recommended ropes courses and yoga classes, among other activities. This, she said, shows the teens a better way to use their time. “Anything that keeps their little hands busy,” she said. “The art classes get them in touch with their creative sides.”

According to Ferrell, there are 338 pieces of art created in this program that currently decorate the halls and judge’s chambers at the court. Often the judge will accept a photograph or a laser print of the art work in lieu of the original composition. “He (Synar) wants them to have something to remember this (the court experience) by,” she said. “It’s worked really well.”

“This gives them a way to express themselves,” he said. “And many are taken aback. They are expecting something (a penalty) that is more public or demeaning, like picking up trash. This whole program has a positive spin.”

The course is only four weeks, but Lennon said the transformation happens very quickly, and he notices marked improvement in 90-95 percent of the students. Many even return to class on their own volition. “I’ve even had parents call me and tell me that I saved their child’s life,” he said.

Lennon believes art works because students see small successes, which raises self-esteem, and that leads to bigger successes both in and out of art class.

A+ Art Class Lennon also teaches in Project Hope through Francis Tuttle Technology Center. This is an alternative education program through which students, who are unable to stay in a typical high school, may earn a diploma through their neighborhood schools. He emphasizes that this is a diploma, not a GED. The alternative program is there for kids with difficulties, including truancy, excessive suspensions or a pregnancy.

These students spend part of the day doing regular academics and part of the day learning a trade.

“These are young kids who got on the wrong track,” he said.

“It’s not rocket science. They have to have regular attendance

How does an arts education impact students?

4x more students recognized for academic achievement 3x more students elected to class office

Creative Sentences

4x more students participate in math & science fairs

Gary Lennon teaches those courses at the Fine Arts Institute.

Although Lennon is not told what his students’ offenses are, he knows some of them are there for “tagging,” or spray painting private or public property.

3x more students win school attendance awards

“I can take an artist’s ability and show them how to use it in a constructive and even profitable way,” he said adding that a number of these former students are now professional artists.

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Presiding Judge Alan Synar of the Edmond Municipal Court sentences juvenile offenders to classes at the Fine Arts Institute.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

4x more students win writing or poetry awards 0

1.25

no arts involvement

2.5

3.75

arts involvement

5

and good grades before they are allowed to enroll in art class. It’s a fun class and they find out they have skills.”

Administrators tell him students are motivated to get into the course.

He believes, again, that it is because students can see results so quickly. “That success bleeds into other classes,” he said. “Other students see what [students in the program] have been able to accomplish and want in the class.”

Lennon believes that more art and music courses in public schools would cut down on behavioral problems in the first place. He calls the perennial budget cuts to such programs “rather sad,” but he focuses on the positive. “[Children] find out they have skills and they can express themselves in a positive way. It’s a beautiful thing.”

The Art of Healing Art can also be used to heal young hearts. Mary Lou Moad, MHRATR, is a certified art therapist who works with residents of Edmond’s Pepper’s Ranch, a long-term residential care facility for abused and neglected children.

design a sign that could say anything they wanted. According to Moad, “One boy said, ‘Why couldn’t you just do what the judge said to get me back?’” in reference to his parents’ behavior.

She also encourages them to show their work to their foster parents or to the ranch director. “It just gives another chance to open up dialogue,” she said. Pepper’s Ranch program director, Amber Given, who is also the adoptive mother of a former ranch resident, welcomes those chances.

During the therapy sessions, Moad makes an assignment and when “It provides them an complete, group opportunity to draw or members discuss paint or create something their creations. when they can’t “Art has the articulate a feeling with ability to heal words, or it’s too hard to itself,” said Moad. talk about something,” “Children are Given said. willing to talk about their art She added that art class gives children time to sit, to be still and to when they are not reflect. “We get so busy trying to get them caught up to their peers, willing to talk there isn’t always time to talk,” she said. “They come out of class about themselves. calmer. They feel they have been heard, respected and valued.”

You can’t take Given’s 11-year-old son, yourself out of Karon Oates, participated your art.” in art therapy while at Moad the ranch. He recalled Court administrator Sharon Ferrell has worked with the emphasized making a Christmas juvenile offenders art program since its beginning. that she does wreath that was hung not make assumptions about the children’s work—they must tell her on his house door. To what their projects mean. She noted, however, that if she does find this day, he also keeps a something disturbing, she alerts the facility director. plaster stepping stone he made.

“The process of talking about it is vital,” she said. “It’s one of the greatest things. As people tell about their art, they learn to be “It felt good learning respectful and let others speak. These are kids who have been art,” Karon said. “I was disrespected.” excited to go (to class).”

He said he liked the Although Moad said she has seen some incredible transformations in opportunity to speak and her classes, it is a slow process. She explained that in times of stress, to be listened to. creativity “goes right out the door.”

Coming to art therapy “Colors arouse feeling, and you have to build trust, step-by-step,” is considered a privilege at Pepper’s Ranch, and participants must she said. And although she uses all media to reach the children, earn the opportunity to attend. Moad said foster parents report she starts with what she calls “safe” materials, things like pencils, “tremendous improvements in behavior” as a result. markers and crayons, which can be easily controlled (unlike paint, for instance, which is a bit harder to work with). “These are kids who But she sees the privilege as all hers. “It’s a joy to see them just have been in situations that are out of control,” she said. Moad has blossom over time and develop a deep love for art,” she said. “Art is found that when children are working with things they can control, it for everybody.” builds their confidence and trust.

Media that are easy to manipulate also facilitate her assessment of developmental levels. She added that some of the children lag behind their peers by several years.

One of the common things that Moad sees is project destruction.

“They’ll finish a project and tear it up or sabotage it and throw it away,” she said. “That’s an expression of anger.”

Moad also assigns projects that invite an opportunity to talk. She recalled a billboard project in which the children were asked to

Mallery Nagle is an Edmond freelance writer and adjunct professor of marketing at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband are the proud parents of 12- and 14-year-old daughters who both play the piano.

Photography by Aimee Adams Photography ı AimeeAdamsPhoto.com

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Oklahoma Reads Layaway PLans

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Great Reads for All Board Books

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Art For Baby (Candlewick Press, board books, $19.99)

Generation T: Beyond Fashion (Workman Publishing, softcover, $15.95)

A collection of 12 highcontrast fine art images by leading modern artists.

Includes pull-out pictures that can be tacked up on the wall to bring the art into baby’s world.

Grades 1-6 Famous Figures of Ancient Times

by Cathy Diez-Luckie (Figures in Motion, softcover, $19.95) This interactive book includes a short biography of popular ancient people plus figures to cut out and assemble to bring them to life.

Children’s Book of Art (DK Publishing, hardcover, $24.99)

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A colorful and dynamic overview of art history for children. Covers artistic works, artists, styles and timelines of prominent artistic movements.

Grades 4-7 Origami on the Go: 40 Paper Folding Projects for Kids Who Love to Travel

by Margaret Van Sicklen (Workman Publishing, softcover, $14.95) An all-in-one interactive book with 40 origami projects, including the paper needed to create the projects on perforated sheets in the back of the book.

Find more book reviews at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Oklahoma-Reads Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

If you’ve got a tween with too many Tshirts and a bit of a creative bent, this book offers 120 suggestions for repurposing old (or new) Tshirts into fabulous new products.

Grades 6 and up My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens (Seeds of Hope Books, softcover, $12.95) Military deployment is a complex issue for all members of the family— especially for teens and pre-teens experiencing emotional volatility. A peek into the story of four teens and their experiences with parents and deployment. Includes resources for those who are seeking help.

Books for Adults Garden Haiku

by Lily Wang, M.A. (iUniverse Publisher’s Choice, softcover, $9.95) This book delivers sound parenting advice through inspiring haiku poetry.

Offers parents a relaxing, meditative moment. A great book for an introspective parent, or one who would appreciate a moment of reflection.

Enough: Contentment in an age of Excess

by Will and Lisa Samson (David C. Cook, softcover, $12.99) If you feel your children care more about their things than their family or their world, this book offers guidance. The book looks at consumerist ideals, the effect of those ideals on our lives, plus conclusions and solutions for accepting spiritual abundance.

St. John’s Episcopal School and Child Development Program offers:

Mural created by St. John’s Students 5401 N. Brookline Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-943-8583 www.stjohnsokc.com Financial Aid available upon request

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Join our online community and learn steps you can take to get fit and eat better. Follow the training advice, get moving and take the challenge with us on April 11, 2010 to walk or run the RedBud Classic in Nichols Hills. There may even be fun surprises along the way!

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February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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March 5th through March 13th 10 am - 6 pm • Closed Sunday Many quality name brand clothing items to choose from. Toys, maternity clothing, infant furniture & more!

ONE WEEK ONLY! Market Plaza

(Next to Tuesday Morning) Rockwell and NW Expressway 30

Dear Teacher Q&A With the Experts How Much Homework Help Is too Much?

Question: My fifth-grader has never found school to be easy. In the past, he has kept his head above water because I have worked with him a lot.

This year, my son’s teacher doesn’t want parents to help with homework.

He can’t always handle it on his own, so I’ve had to explain some of the work to him.

My son was so afraid that the teacher would think that I’m helping him with his homework that he asked me to write a note. The teacher did not believe the note. Why does she want to stop parents from helping their kids? — Frustrated

Answer: The question always is: How much parental help with homework is appropriate?

Apparently, this teacher thinks none— definitely not a typical answer. The teacher also seems to think that you are providing too much help. You, on the other hand, think your son needs the help you are giving.

Before you go and talk to the teacher about exactly what your role should be in helping your child, you need to be aware that there is such a thing as too much parental help with homework. It can rob children of learning how to learn on their own. It can make children feel stupid—incapable of doing the work. It can make children too dependent on parental help.

An active teaching role for parents is most appropriate in the early grades for students experiencing difficulty. On the other hand, we fully realize that some help from you might be absolutely essential in helping your son succeed in school.

Right now, your son is caught in the middle between you and the teacher. This is a bad place for him to be. You need to explain to the teacher why your son needs some explanation in order to do homework assignments. And she needs to explain why she doesn’t want you or other parents to help their children with homework.

Unfortunately, you might not have an easy meeting with this teacher, as the teacher did not believe your note. You might wish to have another person present at this meeting

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

so both you and the teacher can have a successful exchange of views and reach the best decision for your son. It is important to establish if your son needs extra help and who will provide it.

Significance of Negative Checkmarks on Report Cards Question: My second-grade son’s recent report card had excellent grades. I was very pleased until I noticed all the negative checkmarks under “habits and attitudes.” Apparently he is doing unsatisfactorily in “works well independently,” “begins work on time” and “works neatly.” Should I be concerned? – Problem or Not

Answer: The only way to know for sure whether there is a significant problem is to talk to your child’s teacher. Good work habits are definitely important at every grade level. Find out what is being done at school to improve these habits.

You can also help your child acquire better work habits at home. Start each homework session by having your child read the directions to you, study the examples, and then explain what needs to be done. This will help him learn how to get started on an assignment. Watch him do an item or two and then leave his side for him to work independently. If he asks for help, guide him toward figuring out what needs to be done and then leave him again to work independently. Gaining confidence in his ability to work independently should carry over to school.

Dear Teacher is written by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts. Do you have a question for them? Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher. com or visit DearTeacher.com.

Find more education advice at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ dear-teacher

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February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Why Failure Should be an Option for your Children

Initially, it may seem counter-intuitive, but children need to fail occasionally.

Not just for failure’s sake, but for the lessons failure teaches each of us. After all, how much do you really learn from doing something right the first time? I have learned my best and most important lessons from the times when I have failed miserably. It made me want to understand what happened and how to do it better. It also made me a more hardy individual. When you fail, you have to stop and ask yourself, “Why did that happen?” You also get to find out what you are made of, because getting back up and trying again is a learned skill.

We must provide opportunities for children to fail, even change our thinking about failure and begin to get a little excited about it. Imagine what your children would think if as they walked through the door after school each day you asked them with great enthusiasm, “What great thing did you fail at today?” Our emphasis must shift from having our children achieve perfection to having them learn the art of pursuing greatness.

Hear Dr. Dawn Billings at MetroFamily's Parent University scheduled for March 30, 6:30-9:00pm at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd, OKC).

Her presentation entitled “Don't Feed the Gimme Monster: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” is designed for parents of toddlers through teens, teachers, counselors and family advocates.

Through the two-hour workshop, attendees will learn • Why parents should never praise their child • Why it’s good that kids fail • How to combat the entitlement syndrome • How to help your children become not only capable but grateful and giving Known as the nation’s expert on entitlement and its effects on children, Dr. Billings is a pyschologist, author of over 20 books, entrepreneur and highly-acclaimed speaker. She was recently selected as one of the nation’s emerging women leaders

by O Magazine, an award sponsored by Oprah Winfrey and The White House Project.

The workshop costs $20 per person or $15 per person if signing up two or more together. Also, to accommodate the kids that evening, Science Museum Oklahoma is providing a science mini-camp for 1st through 6th graders. Cost is just $15 per child. Find all the details and register for this important workshop at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Parent-University.

Our emphasis must shift from having our children achieve perfection to having them learn the art of pursuing greatness.

There are two illustrations that can help us understand the difference between perfection and greatness. Imagine a perfect, pristine china figurine. That is how most of us see our children—perfect. If that perfect porcelain gets bumped and loses a finger or gets its face chipped, it loses part of its perceived value. Falling, chipping or breaking is perceived as greatly damaging, and diminishing in value.

This is the perception of perfection. Mistakes, failures, falling short— all are indications of our decreasing value.

Now consider a very different paradigm of greatness. The artist Michelangelo, when asked how it was possible that he could create such great beauty out of an enormous piece of stone, would reply that he simply chipped away everything that didn’t belong. Every chip, every break brought him closer to the greatness within. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see our children and teach them to see themselves as wonderful blocks of marble, and that it was their only job to sculpt themselves into greatness, chip after chip.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

How wonderful it would be to create an environment where children are encouraged to be artists of their talents, where they are encouraged to take risks, stretch themselves, fall short, get up and try again. How wonderful it would be for us as parents to allow ourselves to celebrate our children’s failures for the wonderful opportunities they are and help them celebrate and value them. This shift in paradigm would greatly aid our children in developing their capacity to appreciate their own worth and importance, to be accountable for themselves, and to act responsibly toward others.

Maybe we should consider grading students for their efforts toward carving out the greatness within them, not just for perfect parroting of information back to their instructors. Now that’s a goal I can get excited about.

Excerpt from Dawn L. Billings, Entitled to Fail, Endowed to Succeed: America’s Journey Back to Greatness, DCB Publishing, 2003.

Parenting is tough.

Parent University can help!

Learn valuable parenting skills from

Dr. Dawn Billings

Award-winning author and speaker presenting

Don’t Feed the Gimme Monster

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Dr. Dawn Billings sponsored by

Perfect for parents, teachers, counselors, family advocates

6:30-9:00pm (registration starts at 5:45pm) at Science Museum Oklahoma • 2100 NE 52nd • OKC (west of OKC Zoo)

Admission $20 or $15 each for two or more ordered together NOTE: Science Museum Oklahoma will offer a science mini-camp for 1st-6th graders. $15 per child. Registration and prepayment required.

is h t s s i m t ’ ur For more information or to purchase tickets go to n o y Do t ge t n ! y MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Parent-University e ve a d o

t s t e k t ic

or call (405) 340-1404

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Photo by Jason Peters.

Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, BanjoMuseum.org 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, OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org 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 602-6664, ScienceMuseumOK.org

Do you have an event for our calendar?

Sculptural works by New York-based artist Jason Peters titled Anti.Gravity.Material.Light will be displayed at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. It is the first in the New Frontiers series at the museum, with each show in the series featuring contemporary artists.

Peters creates large-scale works using ready-made objects. This installation will remain on display through April 11.

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

FREE Make & Take crafts at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), 11am-3pm every Saturday. Ages 3 and up.

858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library, 6-8pm. For all ages. Held every Wednesday of the month.

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.

FREE StoryTime at Gymboree Penn Square, first Friday of every month, 10am. 842-7540.

Silly Sundays at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) Every Sunday, 1-6pm. Free face painting with paid admission or craft purchase. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

Email it to Calendar Editor Terri Fields, The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com. and Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 and under.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) every Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, FullCircleBooks.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Saturdays, 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and special occasions. FREE with paid admission.

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

Guided park tour and nature hike each Sunday 2:30pm.

Reservations and a fee of $2 are required. 755-0676.

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. Free live music each Thursday.

FREE Toddler Storytime at the Norman Library. Every Monday 9:30-10am.

FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 10:30am. Activities for children ages 3-5 with adult held each Tuesday.

Parents Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio in Edmond every Friday, 6-10pm. For ages 4 and up. Evening includes crafts, pizza and organized playground games. $25. Reservations required. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

February S M T W T F S

Through March 27

Gymboree of Norman Family Arts Studio is held the third Saturday, 11am-noon. Arts & crafts for children 18mos–5 years. $5 per child. Reservations required; 307-8454, GymboreeClasses.com.

Function and Design Exhibit at [Artspace] at Untitled.

Featuring the work of 46 local artisans who have created unique furnishings in six room settings for the home.

815-9995, ArtSpaceAtUntitled.org.

Ongoing Events

Through March 28

Feb 2-May 9

Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation at Shawnee's MabeeGerrer Museum of Art. 405-878-5300, mgmoa.org.

Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographsat the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by many of the most important figures in history of modern photography.

Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and Fine Art, 1933-1943 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. A large collection of painting, sculpture and prints.

Feb 12-May 9 The Guitar: Art, Artists and Artisans exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Learn about the evolution of the guitar.

Feb 17-Mar 5 Old MacDonald Had a Farm at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 11am. Tickets $5 children and students, $7 adults.

Through April 11 New Frontiers: Series for Contemporary Art at the OKC Museum of Art, an exhibit by Jason Peters titled Anti.Gravity.Material.Light.

Through May 9

The artwork of Sharon Burchett and Stuart Asprey is on display at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood, Norman. 292-9763, NormanFirehouse.com.

Through March 26 I Am Very Proud to be Chickasaw at the Oklahoma Heritage Center features 24 original oil paintings of Chickasaw elders.

Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363 Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308

Bonita wa Wa Calachaw Nunez: Selected Works on exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377

Through May 30

Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282

Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650 Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828 Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616

2 • Tuesday

Through March 5

Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601

Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418

February

FREE admission to the OKC Zoo every Monday.

Metropolitan Library System MetroLibrary.org

The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: 50 Words for 50 States on exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Through February

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

Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball at the Ford Center, 7pm. Other games held 2/16, 23, 26, 28 and 3/2. NBA. com/Thunder.

Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967

FREE Open House at Westminster School, (600 NW 44th), 7pm. For parents of fall 2010 6th graders.

524-0631, SPtak@WestMinisterSchool.org.

Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452

FREE Open House at Heritage Hall, 6pm. For middle school parents. HeritageHall.com.

Pioneer Library System

Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

pls.lib.ok.us Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275 McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100

weekly E-Updates keep you in-the-know MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ subscribe-to-e-update

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

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

35

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the Lego Store in Penn Square, 5pm. Learn to build a new model every month. First Tuesday of the month. Quantities are limited. For children 6-14. 840-9993, Stores.Lego.com.

2-27 A Look Through the Lens: Photography Through Time at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum.

340-0078, EdmondHistory.org.

3 • Wednesday Oklahoma Voices at the Oklahoma Heritage Center, 12:10-12:50pm. Meet some of the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s most popular authors and subjects. $10 for lunch, $25 for lunch and signed copy of featured book.

Registration required.

4 • Thursday FREE Open House at St John’s Episcopal School and Child Development Program (5401 N Brookline), 7pm.

For infants to 8th grade. 943-8583, StJohnsOKC.com.

FREE Open House at Westminster School, (612 NW 44th), 7pm. For parents of prospective preK and Kindergarten children. 524-0631, SPtak@ WestMinisterSchool.org.

FREE Open House at Trinity School, 6:30-8:30pm.

TrinitySchoolOKC.org.

4-14 Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook at Lyric at the Plaza, (1725 NW 16th) 7:30pm. Tickets $40. 524-9312, LyricTheatreOKC.com.

5 • Friday FREE An Evening with Martha Washington at the Oklahoma History Center, 7pm. Enjoy an evening with our nation’s first, First Lady through a special partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Martha Washington will be portrayed by Mare Wiseman.

FREE Opening Reception for Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and the Fine Arts 1933-1943 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 7pm.

A guest lecture at 6pm by Eugene B. Adkins will accompany this exhibition opening.

5-6 Oklahoma City Ballet presents Giselle at the Civic Center Music Hall, 8pm. With Boston Ballet performers Misa Kuranaga and James Whiteside. 848-8637, OKCBallet.com.

The State Jr. High Wrestling Championships at the State Fairgrounds, 1-10:30pm. Tickets $9 adults; $5 children. OKWrestle.com.

5-7 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Sooner Theatre, 8pm. In conjunction with the University of Oklahoma’s A. Max Weizenhoffer School of Musical Theatre. Tickets $25. For mature audiences 321-9600, SoonerTheatre.org. Also held 2/11-14.

5-28 The Oklahoma City Theatre Company presents Two Rooms at the Civic Center Music Hall, 8pm. Tickets $16.

297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org.

6 • Saturday Youth Workshop Day at the City Arts Center, 2-4pm.

Three different workshops available Wonderful Wintry Works, Carved Clay Creations and Artistic Accessories for ages 5-13. $20 per child. Reservations required.

Daddy Daughter Dance at Embassy Suites in Norman, 2:30-4pm. $10 per person. For ages 4-14. 366-5472, NormanFun.com. Also held 5-6:30pm, 7:30-9pm.

FREE “Forever. For Real.” relationshipenhancement seminars. Ideal for any couple, whether dating, engaged or married to learn communication skills, how to avoid common relationship pitfalls. Held simultaneously at Skirvin Hotel in downtown OKC, Embassy Suites in Norman and Express Event Center in NW OKC. 9am-3pm. 877-435-8033, ForeverForReal. com.

The 26th Annual Omelette Party at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center, 7pm. Dancing, raffles and gourmet omelettes. Fundraiser for the OKC Museum of Art. Tickets $75 in advance, $100 at the door.

FREE The Downtown Asian Festival at the Downtown Library features food, booths, arts and crafts and performances. Noon-4pm.

Baby Mama Drama at Rose State College Performing Arts Theater, 7:30pm. Tickets $27 and up. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org.

7 • Sunday Science in Action program at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 1-5pm. Experiments, super scientists, live animals and science challenges.

The Sunday Science film series features The Story of Louis Pasteur at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm. FREE with paid admission.

FREE Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show at the Norman Library features educational comedy and magic for children of all ages. 1-2pm.

9 • Tuesday The Hot Club of San Francisco musical group performs at OCCC Bruce Owen Theater, 7pm. Tickets $10 and up. OCCC.edu/CAS. Dillon International Inc’s FREE Informational Meeting on International Adoption at the Moore Library, 7-8:30pm.

FREE Open House at Casady School, 6-7:30pm. For the middle school division, grades 5-8. Casady.org.

FREE Open House at Heritage Hall, 6pm. For lower school parents. HeritageHall.com.

Drum Engine percussion group performs at the Rose State College Performing Arts Theater, 8pm. Tickets

36

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com February 2010

Munchkinland: The cast of the National Tour of The Wizard of Oz in Munchkinland ©Peter Coombs

$10. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org.

Science Stories at the Science Museum Oklahoma.

Tale and adventures in science. Held the second Tuesday each month. Free with museum admission.

10 • Wednesday FREE The Way it Was: Oklahoma's Soulful Stories features a presentation about Oklahoma's black towns and communities presented by storyteller DWe Williams and Rhythmically Speaking. Village Library, 6:30pm.

Also held 2/13-18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 at other Metro Library locations. Visit website for details.

11-27 Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare at the City Arts Center Theatre, 8pm. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students.

651-3191, ReduxionTheatre.com.

11-12 40th Annual Jazz Festival in Weatherford, OK. Features The Byron Stripling Quartet and Southwestern Oklahoma State University's jazz ensemble "A." 580774-3708; weatherfordchamber.com.

12 • Friday 10th Annual Winter Ball & Silent Auction at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Benefiting A.R.T.S. (Arts Revealing The Son). Dinner 6pm and Ball 7pm. Dinner and Ball $50 adults; $30 children 12 and under; Ball only $30, $70 per family.

Reservation required. 844-0141, AnnualWinterBall.com.

FREE Art “a la CART” at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 6-9pm. Hands-on activities, live music and independent film.

12-13

13 • Saturday

OKC Philharmonic Tiempo Libre at the Civic Center Music Hall, 8pm. Tickets $12 and up. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org.

FREE 16th Annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown Norman, 6:45pm. A family friendly tradition, this year’s theme is “All You Need is Love.” 360-3279.

12-14

The Valentine Dinner and Dance at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum includes buffet dinner and dancing. 6-10pm. Reservations required; 478-2250, ext 281.

PBR Oklahoma City Invitational professional bullriding event at the Ford Center, 8pm. Tickets $10 and up. PBR.com.

An Affair of the Heart at the State Fairgrounds, 9am-6pm. Crafts, antiques, collectibles, accessories and gourmet foods. Admission $6 for all three days.

632-2652, Aaoth.com.

FREE Love Stinks Chocolate Festival for teens at the Ralph Ellison Library, 3-4pm.

The Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society presents A Bluegrass Concert at the Oklahoma Country Western Museum and Hall of Fame in Del City,

Save the Date for Oklahoma’s Premiere Family Event!

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April 18, 2010 The perfect event to plan your family’s best summer ever including information about children’s programs, family activities and Oklahoma tourism destinations.

Booth Vendors • Entertainment • Demonstrations Giveaways • and plenty of hands-on FUN for the kids!

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405.340.1404 or Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

February 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

37

6:30pm. Tickets $6; age 12 and under free. 485-2370, GOBMS.org.

We Heart Animals at the OKC Zoo, 2pm. Work with staff and make special treats for the animals. Children much be accompanied by and adult. $15 members; $20 non-members. Registration required.

Great Backyard Bird Count at the OKC Zoo, 10-11am.

Come observe and count birds. $3 adult and child members; $10 non-members; $7 child non-members.

Registration required.

14 • Sunday FREE Winter Concert with the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra at the Hardeman Auditorium on the campus of OC, 2:30pm. 425-5530, OC.edu.

Campus, 7:30pm. A collection of prose, poetry, monologues and other literature expressions. CAMD. UCO.edu.

19 • Friday Movie Night at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Galleries open 7pm, movie begins 8:30pm. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 6-17, age 5 and under free. See website for movie title.

19-20 Leake Classic Car Show and Auction at the State Fairgrounds, 9am-8pm. Admission $10.

LeakeCarAuction.com.

15 • Monday Presidents Day SeaCamp at the Oklahoma Aquarium, 9am-4pm. For children grades K-5. Before and after care available. $50 per child. Reservations required.

16 • Tuesday Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at Allegiance Credit Union (4235 N Meridian, OKC). $99 for 13-week course. Reservations required. 789-7900, RachaelC@AllegianceCU.org.

19-21 FREE Friends of the Library Book Sale at the State Fairgrounds. Members-only presale party Friday 5:30-9pm; public sale Saturday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm.

MLSFriends.org.

Nadia Comaneci International Invitational featuring elite gymnasts from around the world. Cox Convention Center. Schedule and ticket prices online at bartconnergymnastics.com/meets/nadia.html.

HERO

The Sunday Science film series features 28 Days Later at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

2pm. FREE with paid admission.

FREE African American Read-In at the Norman Library features readers, local authors and special guests honoring African American history and literature.

2-4pm.

The Oscar Tune-Up at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features screenings of Oscar-nominated animated and live-action short films. Also held 3/5-6. Visit website for schedule.

Party Guide No matter what the time of year or occasion, check out this NEW section of MetroFamily for the best party-planning choices in the area. We make it easy!

To find out how your party business can be included, contact us TODAY at 405-340-1404 or Info@ MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

16-21

Dance & Princess Parties

The Wizard of Oz at the Civic Center Music Hall. See page 11 for details.

18 • Thursday Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, 11:30am-1pm. Guest speaker Liz Murray will talk about how she overcame obstacles in her young life. Tickets $60 per person. GSWestOK.org.

Open House for prospective students’ parents at Holy Trinity Christian School, 308 NW 164th Street, Edmond.

5-7pm. School is for ages 3 through 5th grade.

844-4000.

18-21 FREE The Oklahoma National Memorial Performance at the Pegasus Theater on the UCO 38

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Our Body & Soul listing of support groups may now be found on our website, MetroFamilyMagazine.com/Support-Groups.

There are as many support groups in the Metro area as there are needs for them. To include your group in our listing, please email details to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

20 • Saturday Kindercooks Class at the Young Chefs Academy, 1011:30am. Held the first and third Saturday of the month. $30. For ages 3-5. 285-5939, YoungChefsAcademy. com.

Dinosaur Designer for grades 1 and 2, 10am-noon at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Explore the fossil collections and create your own dinosaur to take home. $30 ($20 members).

FREE Gospel Brunch at the Moore Library, featuring a performance by vocalist Christopher Jones and a brunch buffet. 11am-1pm.

FREE Strong and Healthy Oklahoma health fair,

9am-4pm, Cox Convention Center. FREE health screens, watch the US indoor Kayak Championship and learn healthy lifestyle tips. Wimgo.com/Strong.

21 • Sunday The Sunday Science film series features Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm. FREE with paid admission.

22-27 Just Between Friends Consignment Sale, MonThurs, 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat, 9am-6pm. Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Norman. See coupon on page 22 for free admission. jbfsale.com.

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23 • Tuesday FREE Open House at Providence Hall, 7pm. Includes a presentation on education, a meet and greet and school tour. For parents of potential students for the 2010-2011 school year. 608-0445, ProvidenceHall.org.

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre at the Fine Arts Center on Southwestern Oklahoma State University campus, Weatherford, OK. Features modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual works by internationally-known choreographers. 580-774-3063; SWOSU.edu.

25 • Thursday Billy Joel and Elton John in concert at the Ford Center, 7:30pm. Tickets $49.50 and up. 800-745-3000,

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OKFordCenter.com.

Gabriel Iglesias in concert at the Rose State College Performing Arts Theater, 8pm. Tickets $32.50.

MyTicketOffice.com.

26 • Friday Family Night Out at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Ever want to learn who visits your yard when you’re not there? Learn about animal clues, enjoy dinner and make an animal track guide. 6-8:30pm.

The Art with a Heart fundraiser benefits Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Association. 7-9pm at the Oklahoma History Center. Tickets $30 available in advance or at the door. ArtWithAHeartOKC.com.

Classified Listings Perfect for small businesses.

Find out more and purchase at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/classifieds.

AWESOME LASER TAG! Anywhereanytime. We come to you. Parties, sport teams, church groups. Any & all events. Ages 8 to 80. Very affordable. www.mobilelaserforces.com 405-259-9300 Epiphany Consignment Boutique Go green and make extra money! Place your gently used clothing and household items with us.

(405)634-8147 8960 S. Western (Beside Chelinos)

FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 6pm. A 45-minute talk featuring artist Stuart Davis.

Light refreshments will be served.

The Sunday Science film series features Pi at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 2pm.

FREE with paid admission.

26-28

March 2

Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Expo at the State Fairgrounds, noon-8:30pm. Tickets $8. OkStateFairPark. com.

Pianist Valery Kuleshov performs at OCCC Bruce Owen Theater, 7pm. Tickets $10 and up. OCCC.edu/ CAS.

27 • Saturday

March 4

Fondue Fandango at the Montgomery Event Center in Downtown, 7-11pm. The fourth annual fundraiser for the Harn Homestead. Features fondue creations from area restaurants in an elegant setting. $75 in advance, $85 at the door. Must be 21 or older. 235-4058, HarnHomestead.com.

Celebrate Character banquet fundraiser in the Gaylord Center at Oklahoma Christian University, 6:30pm. Guest speakers include Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson-Faram and Channel 9 News Anchor Robin Marsh. $25 per person; $35 per couple, RSVP by 2/24. EdmondCharacter.org/Upcoming/CelebrateCharacter-Banquet.

Winter Jam 2010 at the Ford Center, 5pm. Featuring Newsong, Third Day, Newsboys and Tenth Avenue North. $10 at the door. OKFordCenter.com.

Fantastique! An Orchestra Showcase at the Civic Center Music Hall, 8pm. Tickets $12 and up. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.org..

Family Day at the OKC Museum of Art, noon-4pm.

Free with admission. Hands-on art, face painting and live performance featuring R.A.C.E. DANCE COMPANY. It’s a Hootenanny at the OKC Zoo, 10-11am. Crafts, stories, songs and creative movement for preschoolers with parent. $12 members; $15 non-members. Preregistration required.

28 • Sunday Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, 3pm. camd. uco.edu.

15% off any purchase Promo Code: 1015

John Mayer in concert at the Ford Center, 8pm.

Tickets $45 and up. 800-745-3000, OKFordCenter.com.

March 5-12 Original Children's Consignment Sale, 10am-6pm, closed Sunday. Market Plaza at Rockwell and NW Expressway (next to Tuesday Morning).

March 6 FREE Community Art Day at the Mabee-Gerrer Musuem of Art, 1-3pm. 878-5300, MGMOA.org.

The 14th Annual Creek Classic 5K and 10K starts and finishes at Edmond's Deer Creek High School. Proceeds benefit the Deer Creek School District. Call 245-9618 or email ourunningirl@yahoo.com for details.

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Imagine... not just raising grades, but realizing potential.

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REACH HIGHER WITH KUMON MATH AND READING. Realizing your child’s potential means more than bringing home a good report card. With Kumon he goes as far as his ability takes him — even to advanced study, so he can be truly amazing.

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The Alert Parent Why EQ Trumps IQ

R

ecently, I taught Emotional Intelligence (EQ) skills to students at an Oklahoma Technology Center.

Many of the students who had EQ lessons reported improvements in their abilities to express themselves and get their needs met while becoming more aware of needs and concerns of others.

team. Another common misconception is that to have a high EQ means you are always sharing your feelings with others. Again, not true. EQ is more about managing feelings— again, it’s about working together for the common good while being able to speak up when something is important to you or when you want to express your own view.

In Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, Daniel Goleman claims that EQ is more important than IQ. Being emotionally intelligent means having an awareness of your own feelings and those of people around you. It also means controlling your emotions, which includes being responsible for your own happiness.

It means having initiative and the ability to motivate yourself while being able to delay gratification.

Helping teenagers and young adults enhance their EQ skills has been most rewarding.

There’s a lesson here for all parents—EQ skills can be taught. A child or adult can improve personal capabilities—and become more adept in handling their own emotions and impulses, motivating themselves, being empathetic and developing sharper social skills. Even Daniel Goleman tells us: “Unlike IQ, which changes little after our teen years, emotional intelligence seems to be largely learned, and it continues to develop as we learn from our experiences— our competence in it can keep growing.”

Goleman’s claims are backed by a branch of psychology called “Positive Psychology” that researches and teaches it is the “virtues” or personal qualities individuals possess that help them flourish. The basic premise is that things like initiative, empathy, adaptability and persuasiveness have more viability in how successful and happy we can be than what school we attended or how high our IQ happens to be.

There seems to be lots of research to back the idea.

When I’ve talked about EQ to others, I realize the concept isn't completely understood. It's about playing well with others, considering their needs while also meeting your own needs. Translation: Someone with a high EQ still might have to confront the office bully or make a lot of noise to be heard.

Students of EQ are encouraged to speak up, but they are also encouraged to give and take—to play like a member of a well-oiled

As parents, it’s important we pay attention to how our children respond to their world. If we recognize a deficit in their skill base, it’s up to us to try to help them grow a new muscle—or maybe you could even say…mature. If you think you fall short in some of these areas…areas like interpreting, understanding and acting upon your emotions and the reactions of others, handling social situations, expressing your feelings and dealing with interactions or conflicts with others…the good news is you have the power to improve your skills too. If this is a subject you’d like to know more about, Goleman’s book is an excellent starting point.

Allyn Evans (TheAlertParent.com) is a published author, professional speaker and consultant residing in Stillwater.

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