37283

MAY 2010

Tips for the care and feeding of your marriage (part 1 of 2) :

Keeping your wife happy

An age-by-age guide to raising

money-savvy kids

Rock on!

Explore Oklahoma's surprising music history

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

w w. M et roFa m i l yM agaz i n e.comw w w. M et roFa m i l yM agaz i n e.comw w

SUMMER CAMPS June Flute Camp: June 7-10 For grades 6-8, master classes and performance opportunities, $100*

Dance and Down Syndrome Music Theatre Camp: June 21-25 For students age 13 and up with Down Syndrome, dance classes and performance of “High School Musical 3,” $100

Guitar Workshop: June 8-10 For all ages, $80

PianOKC: June 28-30 Piano ensemble camp for all ages, $200*

Summer Dance Workshop: June 14-18 For ages 8 and up, modern, jazz and ballet classes. $150

July

High School Drama Camp+: June 14-18 For ages 13-18, makeup, costumes, acting, production and performance of “Annie,” $125*

Strings Camp: July 5-9 (Auditions May 22 and July 3rd) For ages 9 to high school, master classes and performance opportunities, $200*

Drama Day Camp+: June 21-25 For ages 7-12, makeup, costumes, acting, production and performance of “Honk,” $125*

Interior Design Workshop: July 12-20 For high school and first year college students, $175*

Graphic Design 1 Workshop: July 12-20 For high school and first year college students, $175* Drama Day Camp+: July 12-16 Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory July 19-23 Beauty and the Beast For ages 7-12, makeup, costumes, acting, scenery, props, movement, music, $125/week* Graphic Design 2 Workshop: July 21-30 For high school and first year college students, $175* *Early bird discount of $25 if registered by April 30th +Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.mtishows.com

Contact: OCAE 405-216-2586 or lpenton@uco.edu • www.ocae.net

Stay summer strong at our summer camp camp. Our To The Max Summer Camp will keep kids Summer Strong in mind and body. It’s the max for excitement, max facts and max fun! Each week-long session deals with the biggests, bests and mosts the summer can offer.

Fabulously fun field trips Sensational service projects Astronomically interesting activities Full and part-time programs available.

Space is limited – Call now!

877.577.0356 www.lapetite.com/summercamp

e k a T e W CAMP ER !

M M U S X A M e h to t 2

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

We make kids summerstrong.

A supportive, therapeutic resource for young people with communication challenges and their families.

At Speechworks, we work tirelessly to provide our clients with the most caring, up-to-date, and family-involvement therapies for our clients. We’ve even developed a mock community, where kids can learn to play to talk and talk to play!

Therapy includes: • One-on-one therapy • Social groups • Aquatic therapy • Education assistance

See our website for more details or stop by for a tour.

Speechworks, Inc.

2600 Linda Lane, Suite 5

arcadia lakeÕS

all american kidS fiShing derby Sat. June 5, 2010 7:30 a.m.� noon Spring creek park kidS ageS 5�15 free event

Registration from 7:30–9 a.m., fishing at 8 a.m. and final weigh-in at 11 a.m. Concessions and worms will be for sale at the event site.

Parents must accompany children.

(405) 330-2223

216-7471

www.speechworksok.com

Event sponsored by Edmond Lions Club

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

3

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

$25 Off

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any Package *Not valid with any other offers.

We don’t allow fake smiles at Sooner Snapshots. We reveal the real YOU!

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area

leather crafts paint-n-take parents night out ceramics birthday parties indoor playground field trips crafts to go wi-fi

Jimmy’s Egg locations Homeland stores Crest stores YMCA branches Tan and Tone locations Area libraries (MetroLibrary System and Pioneer Library System)

And over 400 other local area businesses and schools

The Top Five Reasons

to visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com this month:

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Enter our contests, including one for over $350 in family products.

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our blogs, updated frequently 4 Read and including fun subjects such as

frugal mom tips, fatherhood issues and information about how your family can give back. MetroFamilyMagazine. com/blog

up for E-Update, our popular 3 Sign newsletter sent to your in box on Thursdays announcing all the fun family events for the weekend.

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

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I-35 & Robinson • Norman • SoonerSnapshots.com

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/subscribeto-e-update our digital edition, 2 Read available from the home page.

MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Find out about our upcoming 1 Exploring Oklahoma with Children issue (coming in June) and its Kids Pass which includes numerous coupons to attractions around the state. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma

Visit the award-winning MetroFamilyMagazine.com May 2010

May 2010

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!

35 Calendar

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Events and activities

6 Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

in the Metro

32 Dear Teacher

Advice from education experts

8 Exploring Oklahoma Learn surprising facts about rock & roll at the Oklahoma History Center

16 Family Finances

Helping your kids become money-savvy

10 Family Shorts

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Metro with free admission to many area venues and museums. See page 37 in our events calendar for more!

Community news and parenting resources

24 Let’s Eat: Review The Mont in Norman

20 News You Can Use: KFOR

Tis the season: How to prepare your family for severe weather

31 Oklahoma Reads Book reviews

20

Are you ready for storm season?

KFOR’s Mike Morgan talks tornado safety.

28

Learn tips for keeping your relationship fresh and fun from the experts including Fred and Joan Joiner of Del City who have over 60 years of marriage experience.

On our cover and above: Mychi Davis and her one-year-old daughter Fenli, of Oklahoma City. Fenli is one of MetroFamily’s Cover Kids Winner (0-18 months division). Learn more about Fenli on page 6.

42 Out & About

Photos of our readers

34 The Alert Parent

Tips for flying safely with baby

26 Your Healthy Family More than BMI: Is it possible to be healthy at any size?

Cover Photography by Dgalleries x www.dgalleries.net

May 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

5

Dear MetroFamily, The year is flying quickly by, and it’s time for Mother’s Day already! As I touched on last month, being a mother is a job like no other; it comes with no guidebooks or hard and fast rules.

And I also stated last month, this is what makes motherhood so amazingly difficult. But, it’s also what makes motherhood so amazingly, well, amazing.

Last month, we asked readers to give us their tips for happy marriage, and we heard some great advice. The one that sticks with me was seemingly simple but deceptively meaningful: if the grass is looking greener on the other side, it’s time to fertilize your lawn.

Dipping our toes in the lazy river in the newlyupdated Children’s Zoo at the OKC Zoo.

I took this to mean that when someone else’s life starts to look easy, invest a little more in your own. If your surroundings aren’t making you happy, work a little harder to make them what you want them to be. And this definitely applies to motherhood!

What I’ve noticed with my children is that when they are the most troublesome and I most want to push them away, that’s when they most need to be pulled in for hugs. Yes, my children are still relatively small and will hold still for the hugs, but I think this applies to our older children as well. When they push at you the hardest, stand firm and let them know that you aren’t going anywhere. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our MetroFamily readers, and keep fighting that good fight.

Cheers,

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 & Calendar Brooke Barnett Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Special Projects assistant Terri Fields Editorial assistants Elizabeth Harvey & Sherrie Horton Contributing Writers

• As summer break becomes a reality at the end of this month, so does the overwhelming urge to take off for a family vacation. MetroFamily’s June issue will be a double issue— it will include the 2010 Exploring Oklahoma with Children travel guide and annual Kids Pass with discounts to attractions around the state. Don’t miss it!

• As a part of our ongoing commitment to help families find fun destinations around the state, we’re starting a new e-newsletter about the subject. This bi-monthly Exploring Oklahoma with Children e-newsletter starts around June 1st. To receive this informative newsletter in your in-box, go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma-newsletter.

• The deadline for ad space reservation in MetroFamily’s June issue is Thursday, May 13.

Call 405-340-1404 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com today.

• Exclusively at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/May-2010, find articles about keeping girls interested in science, making math matter and tips about creating a successful stepfamily.

• Join us on Facebook (Facebook.com/metrofamily) and Twitter (Twitter.com/metrofamily) to be privy to the latest family news around the metro and enjoy perks such as additional contests and giveaways.

May's cover model is 18 month old Fenli, daughter of Mychi and Troy Davis of Moore. Fenli is one of MetroFamily’s Cover Kids, chosen by the public as the winner in the 0-18 month category. Her mom tells us her favorite thing to do is to play in the backyard with big brother and sister, Everett, age 5, and Langli, age 4.

6

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com May 2010

Brooke Barnett Marge Eberts Allyn Evans Mari Farthing Shannon Fields

Peggy Gisler Robin Jones Karen Mitchell 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 5

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©2010 Kumon North America, Inc.

May 2010

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7

Exploring Oklahoma Rockin’ at the Oklahoma History Center

I

n our state history classes, we learned about the Five Civilized Tribes and how the Indian Territory was settled by pioneers during the Oklahoma land run. But I don’t remember learning about Oklahoma’s rich rock and roll history! Perhaps that’s because some of that history was in the making during my childhood (ouch, I feel old!). But, one of the current exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City fills that historical and sonic void.

Rock and Roll History Running through October, Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Exhibit takes guests through a nostalgic and sometimes surprising tour of native Oklahomans’ contributions to the various forms of rock and roll. A recent visit had me saying, “Wow, I didn’t know he was from Oklahoma” and “Oh, I remember that song.”

Throughout the museum, music fans will find other interesting exhibits coinciding with the rock and roll theme. Early Oklahoma radio and television displays in the Voice, Vision and Vacuum Tubes exhibit are sure to bring back images from many Oklahomans’ childhood, as it did for me. A circa 1968-1972 teen girl’s bedroom display (I do believe that they had my old record player) is sure to bring back memories for you and make your kids laugh and possibly point and ask what certain artifacts (such as that aforementioned record player) might be.

Other Exhibits Another exhibit currently on display, ‘Tierra de mi Familia’ Oklahoma, explores the impact of Latinos on Oklahoma and Oklahoma’s impact on Latinos. Artifacts, videos, music, photographs and interviews feature the history of Latino immigrants from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The exhibit walks guests through Oklahoma’s influence on music, from the 1930s and ’40s to present day. Musical genres including jazz, country, folk and modern-day alternative are represented by artists such as Charlie Christian, Woody Guthrie, The All-American Rejects and The Flaming Lips.

Artists such as Woodie Guthrie and the Flaming Lips are just a few of the artists on display at the Oklahoma History Center’s Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Exhibit.

Planning Your Visit

The audio, video and reading board exhibits display the instruments, clothing, history and sounds of Oklahoma rock and rollers from several decades. Among the highlighted Oklahomans are Wanda Jackson, who sang with Elvis during the 1950s, and The Ventures, considered by some as “the most popular instrumental rock band in history” with such hits as “Walk, Don’t Run” and the theme song for the 1970s hit television series, “Hawaii Five-O.” The state-born band members of the 1960s group, “The Five Americans,” were considered the inspiration for the famous 1960s television rock band, The Monkees. Lawton native Leon Russell, Oklahoma City native J.J. Cale and Tulsans Hanson, among others, round out the century.

The Oklahoma History Center is located on an 18-acre, 215,000 square foot learning center across from the Governor’s Mansion.

The museum contains five indoor, interactive, permanent and revolving galleries highlighting various aspects of Oklahoma’s adventurous past. Three garden-rich outdoor exhibits provide a unique perspective on the state’s landscape, the people and industry that are Oklahoma.

Plan on spending the day at the Oklahoma History Center, as there is plenty to see. The Winnie Mae Café, an aviation-inspired diner serving lunch fare, overlooks the plane made famous by Oklahoma pilot, Wiley Post. The OHC gift shop is the perfect stop for books and other unique Oklahoma souvenirs.

The Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive (east of NE 23rd and Lincoln Blvd), OKC 405-522-5248, okhistorycenter.org

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.

Find more Oklahoma adventures at

Open Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm Closed Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Admission $7 adults, $5 seniors (62+), $4 students, children under 5 free

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma 8

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

Sermon on the “Mount”

Friday, May 14

with Lew Sterrett

6:30—9:30 pm

FREE Family Event

Saturday, May 15 8:00 am—12:30 pm

Conference May 14-15 Oklahoma Christian University 2501 E. Memorial Road, Edmond

For more than a decade the Building A Successful Stepfamily conference has been considered one of the most comprehensive, faith-based training events for dating and stepfamily couples.

will entertain, encourage, and uplift your family as you watch a trainer’s character win the heart of a horse and see how it relates to your relationships.

Pre-show will include Drill Teams, Clowns, Games and Activities for kids.

$65* person $15 for spouse

before May 8, $85 after May 8

*

$30 discount for 1st Responders/Military

Register Online or for more info:

www.marriagenetworkok.net

Made possible by our generous sponsors which include Kimray, Inc. A love offering will be taken for Lew’s ministry.

405.792.2586

Presented by Ron L. Deal

Founder & President, Successful Stepfamilies Bestselling author of: The Smart Stepfamily, The Smart Stepmom, The Remarriage Checkup

May 13-15, 2010

sponsored by

Fun

7:00pm Each Night

State Fair Park Arena

(405) 526-0001

www.christfocus.com

Summer classes for students ages 11-14

Interactive

Take classes like Architectural Engineering, Creative Web Designer, Fabulous Fashions, Junior Chef, Lights Camera Action, Robotics and many more!

projects for only $69

$5 OFF for each additional class

Dates: June 7-11 • June 14-18 • June 21-25 • June 28-July 2

Enroll at francistuttle.edu/summer

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

9

Change the World of One Child

by Robin Jones

You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of one child. Change happens one act of service at a time. Cornerstone Assistance Network and the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives are hosting Season of Service, a public awareness campaign from May through August, to provide opportunities for making a difference in a child’s life.

Each month will focus on a different area of need for children—including foster care, homelessness, hunger and education. Serveokc.org will present specific ways to engage in these areas.

Foster care awareness is the focus for May. You may think the only way you can engage with foster children is by being a foster bridge parent and that is not the case. Yes, foster and adoptive bridge families are needed, but there are many other ways you can help.

People with hearts of compassion can pray, collect diapers, provide luggage, become a volunteer, buy gift cards for birthday celebrations, honor a foster family in your community or church, provide storage space for resources for foster families, and/or you can attend the May 24th Change A Child’s Forever Community Gathering to learn about other opportunities.

If you are involved in a church, check out the action options and choose one to promote for Change A Child’s Forever Sunday, May 23. Visit serveokc.org for more information on these opportunities and to learn how you and your family can get involved.

Question of the Month Where is your favorite place to spend time outdoors in Oklahoma?

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/ fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $350. Deadline is Thursday, May 20.

Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website.

The full contents of the prize package are listed with the entry form. A winner will be drawn at random and notified by phone or email. The winner agrees to pick up items from the NW OKC area.

The Children’s Center Button Day Fundraiser One hundred years ago, a group of women sold buttons to benefit what is now The Children’s Center in Bethany. The collected funds of $400 were used toward future building projects and equipment. To mark the 100th anniversary of this occasion, The Children’s Center is hosting Button Day, a juried art exhibition that highlights artwork with buttons as a theme, subject or medium.

For an entry fee of $10, participants are invited to submit up to three works of any medium and style. All works must be family-friendly and may include (but not be limited to) paintings, drawings, jewelry, fiber arts, photography and sculpture. Artwork submissions should be brought to the Children’s Center between May 21 (from 10:00am-7:00pm) and 22 (from 1:004:00pm). Lindsay Zodrow, owner of the Collected Thread boutique (1705A NW 16th, in the Plaza District) will judge the entries. The artwork will then be sold, with a portion of the sale price benefiting The Children’s Center.

The Button Day fundraiser event will also include works made by children, food, entertainment and a button-making booth. Admission is $5 per person.

Following the event, the Button Day Exhibition will be open to the public on June 5. Find details on the fundraiser and an application form for entry into the contest at tccokc.org.

Secrets to a Happy Marriage?

In Our April Question of the Month, we wanted to know what relationship advice you thought was the best.

The overwhelming response for the best advice? “Don’t go to bed angry,” which garnered 36 percent of the reader votes. Kristin S. of Choctaw said “Open your ears before your mouth,” and Susan C. of OKC said “If you can’t change the situation, change your attitude.”

“Wait a day before making major decisions” brought 24 percent of the votes and 14 percent of readers said not keeping secrets from their partner was their idea of good advice.

Andrea B. of OKC said “Work as a team. Talk everything out between the two of you and don’t bring the whole world into your relationship.

Trust one another.”

24%

36%

23% 3%

14%

“Other” was a popular category, pulling in 23 percent of reader votes. Rachel J. of OKC agreed with the don’t go to bed angry idea and took it one step further, advising “always kiss each other every morning!”

See all of our reader responses online, metrofamilymagazine.com/may-2010.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

Problem-Solving Character Corner: Gentleness Being gentle means that you avoid harsh words and inconsiderate actions, which can Products cause wounded spirits and build walls between family members. Genteness, the opposite 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.

Problem:

What do you get the active mom who has everything? Bling!

Solution:

ChicBuds ($39) earphones are stylish and adjustable, with a retractable cord that turns any active mom’s workout into a fashionable experience. (chicbuds.com)

Problem:

It can be tough to juggle shopping bags and children; what’s a mom to do?

Solution:

The Reisenthel Motherchildbag ($19.99), is a sturdy canvas carryall bag with an extra handle for your child to hold. (touchofeurope.net)

Problem:

It’s a nice night for a bike ride, but it will be dark soon.

Solution:

Bike Glow Safety Lights ($24.95) wrap around your bike’s frame to make your ride visible on dark nights. Available in 8 colors. (bikeglow.com)

Problem:

You want to remember all of your child’s “firsts,” but who has time for scrabooking?

Solution:

Mom’s One Line a Day book ($18.95) provides room for five years’ worth of happy memories. (chroniclebooks.com)

Problem:

Science can be fun—right!?

Solution:

Magic School Bus Young Scientists Club kits ($19.99 each) will get young children excited about science. Kits include experiments and activities available in 9 different themes, including dinosaurs, solar energy, slime, rainbows and the human body. (scholastic.com)

of harshness, means that individuals show consideration and personal concern for others.

Gentleness contributes to peace, and a peaceful home is a rare and precious treasure.

To promote gentleness in your home: • Respect one another’s need for occasional peace and quiet.

• Be careful to tread lightly when another is hurting.

• Don’t make jokes about one another.

• Turn off loud music, television programs or movies when they disturb others.

A gentle attitude breeds happiness; a kind word lifts a heavy heart and brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day, and that brightness will reflect back into your own life.

Encourage gentleness 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.

I will: ... speak kindly to others. ... use a soft voice. ... open doors to let others go first. ... try not to break things. ... not be annoyed by others.

Contact Character First! for more character-building resources. 405-815-0001, CharacterFirst.com.

Gentleness is able to accomplish what violence cannot. ~ Claudian

Support for Stepfamilies It is estimated that 30 percent of all weddings in the U.S. today form stepfamilies. The Building a Successful Stepfamily Conference is designed to meet the needs of these families, addressing topics such as the six stages of stepfamily development, helping the children and special challenges.

The Conference will be held May 14 and 15 in Edmond at the Judd Theatre on the Oklahoma Christian University campus (2501 E Memorial).

Registration after May 1 is $85 per person, $15 for spouse, discounts available for first responders and military. Conference hours are Friday 6:309:30pm and Saturday 8:00am-12:30pm. Speaker Ron Deal will preside over the conference. Deal, an author, therapist and stepfamily expert, also created the Successful Stepfamlies website, A happy stepfamily is possible when you have providing resources to single parents, dating tools to help the transition. couples with kids, stepfamilies and the churches who serve them. His website has become the most visited and largest website for Christian stepfamilies in the world.

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/may-2010 for an article by Ron L. Deal, “Five Steps Forward, Not Looking Back,” which offers advice to stepfamilies.

The local host for the conference is Marriage Network Oklahoma. To learn more about the Building a Successful Stepfamily Conference, visit successfulstepfamilies.com. To learn more about Marriage Network Oklahoma or to speak with a local representative about the conference, call Donna Edwards at 405-792-2586 or visit marriagenetworkok.net.

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

11

March for Babies In an average week in Oklahoma, 1,039 babies are born. Of these babies, 144 are born prematurely, with 24 considered very preterm.

87 of these babies have low birth weights, and eight babies will die before their first birthday. Premature birth can happen without warning and for no known reason.

With a mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality, the March of Dimes carries out its mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save lives. The hope of the March of Dimes is that one day, all babies will be born healthy.

As the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, March for Babies supports the organization’s mission to give every baby a healthy start. Proceeds are used to fund research and community services that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. Walks have been held since 1970 and have raised $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.

Mark, Candace and Will Hyde, the 2010 Norman March of Dimes Ambassador Family, shown at the 2009 Walk.

Their story: Candace’s water broke at 31 weeks of pregnancy, and during the subsequent hospital stay to try to hold off labor, she was given many predictions as to what this would mean for her unborn child, but she was also given injections that would help her baby’s lungs develop in 48 hours. When Will was born, he spent 16 days in Neonatal Intensive Care but did not require oxygen or a ventilator, due to the injections Candace received— injections developed by the March of Dimes Research. And that is why the Hyde family walks to support the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes Oklahoma Chapter conducts March for Babies events in 25 locations across the state, including two in the metro area. The Oklahoma City March for Babies will be held May 8 at the State Fairgrounds. The 3-mile walk begins at 9:30am, with registration at 8:30am. The Norman walk (2 miles) will be held on May 15 at Andrews Park at the corner of Webster Avenue and Daws. Registration in Norman begins at 4:00pm, with the walk at 5:00pm.

If you are unable to participate in the walk and would like to support the March of Dimes Oklahoma Chapter, you can donate locally by visiting marchofdimes.com/oklahoma/oklahoma.asp.

For more information on how you can help support the March of Dimes, contact the Oklahoma Chapter at 405-943-1025.

How Safe is Your Home?

According to Oklahoma Childproofers, Inc., more than 2.5 million children are injured or killed each year by hazards in the home. Some areas to consider: • Stairs: use child-safe gates at the top and bottom of staircases.

• Doors: replace door stops with solid rubber stops. Use locks on doors children should not open.

• Cleaning products: lock potentially hazardous items in a high cabinet.

• Electric sockets: replace outlets with spring-loaded safety covers.

• Furniture edges/corners: use foam-cushioned corners and edging to protect children from bumps to eyes and head.

• Overfilled playpens or cribs: keep How safe is your home? Protect your family by toys to a minimum and do not use making yourself aware of potential hazards. pillows or heavy blankets with an infant.

• Fire: smoke detectors should be placed in hallways and bedrooms. Always use caution with open flames.

• Loose cables/cords: bundle cords and keep out of reach.

• Bath time: Always check the water temperature to protect from scalds and never leave a child unattended.

• Glass: keep glass objects out of reach of children.

For more information on child-proofing your home, to find products or to schedule a home safety evaluation with a child safety specialist, call 405-625-6670 or visit oklahomachildproofers.com.

12

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

Scholarships—for Babies?

The Oklahoma College Savings Plan (OCSP), with the help of hospital volunteers across the state, is going to jump start the college savings plan of one lucky Oklahoma baby born in 2010 through the Newborn Sweepstakes. Recently announced by State Treasurer Scott Meacham, the promotion offers the chance for the parent or grandparent of one child born in Oklahoma in 2010 to win $5,529 towards an OCSP account on behalf of the newborn.

“Next to saving for retirement, saving for your child’s higher education is among the top financial goals for most families,” said Meacham, Chairman of the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. “And the best time to start saving for your child’s college education is when he or she is born.”

Entries will be accepted until April 15, 2011 and the winner will be announced in May 2011.

Visit ok4savings.org for details and rules.

The Oklahoma College Savings Plan is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. Introduced in April 2000, the Oklahoma College Savings Plan currently has more than $354 million in total assets and almost 42,000 accounts, as of April 1, 2010.

Endeavor Games The University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical Disabilities is the nation’s largest multisport event for disabled athletes.

This year’s event will be held June 10-13, and online registration is open (through May 21) for participants of all ages and abilities.

Community members are invited to sign up for one of more than 300 volunteer opportunities.

Sponsored by U.S. Paralympics, the Endeavor Games feature various sport clinics for new athletes or competitors looking to hone their skills. Clinics will be offered in ambulatory and wheelchair track and field, indoor archery, cycling, rowing, sitting volleyball, shooting, strength and conditioning and power lifting.

CONFERENCE Moms $25 includes conference, materials, Saturday lunch CHILDCARE Free, space limited, registration required WHEN June 11, Friday 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM June 12, Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

The first adaptive rock-climbing clinic is set for June 11 at the Rocktown Climbing Gym in Oklahoma City. The opening celebration for the Endeavor Games will also be held on June 11, in conjunction with the Limbs for Life Limb Drive at the OKC Redhawks game. All Endeavor Games participants will receive free admission to the game.

LOCATION Oklahoma City REGISTER ONLINE ariseministries.net call (405) 812-5137

Visit ucoendeavorgames.com to learn more or to register.

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If you’re not yet familiar with the Sugar Free Allstars (or SFAS, as they are also known), that is something that will surely change soon. Comprised of Chris “Boom!” Wiser and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin, SFAS plays funky tunes that are family-friendly but musically-savvy.

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The duo is home in Oklahoma City, but they take their show on the road through other parts of the country and recently, even into Europe. Recently, SFAS played two sets at the MetroFamily Summer Adventure EXPO, where they played some of the songs featured on their disc, Funky Fresh and Sugar Free. Released in April, the new disc features more of the songs that will hook listeners both young and old, including new tunes and a rockin’ version of the Beatles’ tune,“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” A Funky Fresh and Sugar Free CD release party will be held at LIVE on the Plaza, Friday May 14 at Convergence (1755 NW 16th, OKC), 6:00pm. The band will also play an adult set at 9:00pm.

Visit sugarfreeallstars.com to learn more about the band.

Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin and Chris “Boom!” Wiser, also known as the Sugar Free Allstars, play around at Pops in Arcadia. Photo courtesy of sugarfreeallstars.com.

May 2010

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Sunday Twilight Concerts

Families enjoy the festivities during the 2009 Sunday Twilight Concert series.

The Arts Council of Oklahoma City announced the 2010 Sunday Twilight Concert Series line-up. This year’s concerts will be held at the Stage Center lawn in downtown Oklahoa City due to construction.

“This year’s musical line-up is showcasing so many different genres and talents, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Rachel Findley, Sunday Twilight Concert Series director for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City.

The line-up, which is subject to change, is as follows: • • • • • • • • • •

June 6: The Burton Band (rhythm & blues/eclectic) June 13: Mountain Smoke (bluegrass/country) June 20: The Scott Keeton Band (Americana/rock) June 27: The Edmond Jazz Orchestra (traditional big band jazz) July 11: Jamie Bramble (acoustic/rock) July 18: Hoppy Niles & One-Arm Bandit (rock) July 25: Tajj (variety) August 1: Sugar-Free All Stars (rock) August 8: Madame Ren Lovely (indie/jazz) August 15: Moe Williams & The All-Stars (soul/jazz/variety)

May is Water Safety Month In honor of Water Saftey Month, Infant Swimming Resource offers the following water safety tips: • CEO (constant eyes-on) supervision. Never turn your back on your child around water. Assign supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child.

• Safeguard your pool. Build layers of defense around the pool with permanent, four-sided fencing that is four to six feet high, equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates.

• Put toys away. Remove toys and furniture from pool when not in use. These colorful objects can be very attractive to little eyes.

• Eliminate distractions. The leading cause of distractions around the pool is an adult leaving to answer the phone, attend to something inside the home or helping someone else in or around the water. If you must leave, take your children with you.

• Teach water safety. Learn and enforce water safety rules and, above all, teach by your example. Don’t swim alone, run around the pool or disobey posted warnings.

• Flotation device dangers. Flotation devices such as armbands, rings and inflatable toys may give a false sense of security. Remember these are toys and should be used under supervision, not in place of it.

• Self-Rescue swimming lessons. Do your research in selecting an effective swimming program. Choose a program that will teach your child the skills to survive in the water. Self-Rescue skills are vital for infants and young children if they were to end up in the water alone. Instructors should have current CPR and first aid certification. Confirm that the instructor is certified to teach survival swimming skills.

Information courtesy of Infant Swimming Resource. Visit infantswim.com for more information.

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May 2010

• August 22: Lemma (rock/alternative) • August 29: The Non (experimental/ambient) The free concerts take place 7-8:30pm on the Stage Center Lawn (the corner of Hudson and Sheridan). Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, but may not have pets or glass containers. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit artscouncilokc.com.

4-H Teen Leaders Teens ages 14 and up who want to spend part of their summer helping others are invited to join Oklahoma County’s 4-H Teen Leader program.

Teen Leaders are dedicated to having fun with kids their own age while they help out their communities.

“The entire focus of this 4-H group is community service,” explained April Adams, Oklahoma County 4-H Youth educator. “So many young people are interested in working out in their communities to make them better places to live that we wanted to give them an outlet to do just that.”

In the past, 4-H Teen Leaders have spent a day helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity, have worked with the Regional Food Bank in packing and distributing food, have planted crops in community gardens and planted flowers at the Ronald McDonald House.

“If our community has a need,” Adams stated, “then our 4-H Teen Leaders will try to meet it.”

The 4-H Teen Leaders club meets at least once a month to take part in a community service project. Additionally, Teen Leaders members can become active in a long list of other 4-H activities, including summer camps, teen retreats, speech competitions, award competitions, and youth conferences.

The Teen Leaders program is active year-round, but the group is reaching out this summer to reach teens who may not be familiar with the program but are interested in joining.

“Not only will young people be able to gain experience and hours in community service,” commented Adams, “but they’ll also get to know other teens who are interested in helping out as well. What could be better than having a good time while you help out someone else?”

“Community service continues to be a prominent need in Oklahoma County,” commented Adams. “The Teen Leaders 4-H club allows teens from all over Oklahoma County to get together and do something positive for others. The kids involved in this program gain so much from the experience of giving.”

For more information about joining 4-H Teen Leaders, contact the Oklahoma County 4-H Department at 405-713-1125.

Dandy-Walker Syndrome A recent proclamation by Governor Brad Henry named May as DandyWalker Syndrome and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.

Dolores Collins with daughters Jasmine and LaKaya. LaKaya holds the proclamation naming May Dandy-Walker Awareness month.

Dandy-Walker Syndrome affects the cerebellum and is the most common congenital malformation of that part of the brain, though it’s causes are unknown. Between 10,000-40,000 people in the U. S. have Dandy-Walker.

Never heard of it? You are not alone.

Dolores Collins had never heard of it either, but that is what her daughter LaKaya was diagnosed with after seven years of testing.

Now 15 years old, the Dandy-Walker variant that LaKaya is stricken with has caused her to endure cerebral palsy, epilepsy and congenital cataracts, along with many other medical issues. But through it all, Dolores said that LaKaya remains positive.

“LaKaya is the most loving, caring and sweetest child I have ever known,” said Dolores. “I feel truly blessed that God gave her to me.” And hopefully, with the proclamation to raise awareness in the community about Dandy-Walker Syndrome, that blessing will reach many others.

Learn more about Dandy-Walker at dandy-walker.org.

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Looking for summer activities, camps and classes? Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com for our BIG summer camps and activities listing. Find ideas for children of all ages!

2010 Senior Adult Conference The Academy of Senior Professionals at Southern Nazarene University is hosing the 2010 Senior Adult Conference. This year’s theme is “Advancing the quality of life for senior adults: a lifelong learning conference.” Breakout sessions will include topics such as Medicare 101, recent advances in aging technology, reaching the children of 2070 and recent advances in aging technology.

The conference will be held Friday May 21, 8:00am-3:00pm at Bethany First Church (6789 NW 39th Expy). Registration is $10 by May 15 and includes parking, entertainment and gourmet luncheon.

Attendees will also enjoy a silent auction, vendors, exhibits and fellowship.

Call 405-491-6311 or visit snu.edu/senior-adult-conference-2010 for more information.

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

15

Family Finances Teaching Your Children Smart Money Practices

S

tudies show that children’s attitudes about money are based on what they learn at home. For some, that may be a scary thought! But taking a few steps to engage children in learning about money is a great way to help them understand personal responsibility. Even parents who aren’t successful with their money management skills can lay the foundation for their children to make good financial choices.

While most parents tend to hide their family’s financial status from their children, open communication is meaningful and helps them to understand how money relates to real-life experiences. Allow children to participate in discussions about paying bills, making future purchases and setting family goals. This also includes discussing financial mistakes and how you handled them.

•

Of course, each age range calls for a different level of information: •

•

Preschool: Keep it simple. Start by having them collect coins for something they want to buy, and place the coins in a clear container so they may watch their savings grow. You can also introduce basic counting skills, showing how five pennies equal a nickel and four quarters equal one dollar. Encourage them to identify one goal they want to reach, such as a ticket to a special movie or a new toy.

Setting aside money for a specific goal will help them understand the importance of saving for future purchases and establish a habit of savings.

Elementary: Introduce financial institutions. Help your child open a savings account at a local bank or credit union. You may want to use some of the money they have saved, pay them allowance or pay them for completing household chores. You may also want to match their initial amount as a show

•

of support. Some children may be able to earn money by doing odd jobs for other family members, friends or neighbors while others may receive cash for birthdays. Whatever the source, be sure they place a certain percentage of all money received into their savings accounts. And, finally, get your child involved in community service or charitable giving. Either have them set aside a small amount of money each month or donate a few hours of time to a worthy cause.

Middle School: Set up a budget. Work with your child to determine what purchases are appropriate expenditures for their savings. Perhaps you want them to start buying birthday gifts for their friends, paying for their entertainment (video games and movies) or buying specific items of clothing that goes above your family budget. Help them to determine how much they can spend from their savings or other sources of income.

High School: Focus on the future. Many of the choices your child makes during these years can have lifelong implications.

Talking with teens about careers and earning potential, consumer credit and credit cards, savings and investing and college expenses can help them avoid future mistakes. However, be sure to keep the lines of communication open to assist them in making choices or help them resolve whatever mistakes are made. Because many teens have jobs or allowances, it is an appropriate time to take them to the bank or credit union to open a checking account and get a debit card. Having the banker discuss the rights and responsibilities of managing a bank account will provide additional guidance to build your teen’s money management skills.

•

College/Young Adult: Financial responsibility is a lifelong commitment.

Just because your child is grown and living away from home does not guarantee financial responsibility. College students with a viable income are eligible for credit cards that can be easily maxed out. It is critically important to keep the lines of communication open, without being judgmental. Help them establish a budget and learn from the mistakes that they make. Encourage them to open an IRA, a mutual fund or other investment tool as they plan for their future. In addition, discuss the importance of participating in their employer’s retirement fund. Because most college students today have some form of student loans, be sure they are aware of their financial responsibility for repaying those loans once they leave campus.

Taking the time and effort to prepare your children for their financial future is winwin. As parents, it is important to provide whatever guidance you can and still allow them to make their own mistakes. Learning from those mistakes will help them recover from future mistakes and teach personal responsibility. They will be proud of their accomplishments and learn the tools needed to be financially successful.

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

Find more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-finances

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Saturday, May 29 & Sunday, May 30, 2010 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Two days of mouth-watering campfire cooked foods, children’s educational hands-on activities, Western stage entertainment and stagecoach and pony rides await visitors to the Museum’s largest outdoor event.

1700 NE 63rd St Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 478-2250 www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

FOR’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan may have been chasing tornados since he was ten years old, but their sheer power still continues to amaze him. Even with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt, Morgan emphasizes the impressive dynamics of severe weather during this time of year.

“Going into spring, it is always important for parents to discuss how powerful our weather can be with their kids,” he explained. “During April, May and June, especially, it exercises a lot of power and commands our attention.”

And attention is one thing that Morgan recommends giving the weather over the next few months. “Historically, Oklahoma experiences a major tornadic episode every 7-10 years,” Morgan said.

“It is important to be plugged in and be aware of what is going on with the weather. Sometimes one degree Fahrenheit can make all the difference between nothing happening and a serious tornado.”

Morgan explained that severe weather episodes require a set of extreme variables all lining up exactly right—and that often it gets right up to the threshold without a major storm or tornado occurring.

“Warnings without an actual tornado shouldn’t be viewed as a reason for complacency,” he added. “The difficulty in pinning these storms down makes it all the more important to be on the ball. In Oklahoma, we can go from blue skies to tornados in less than an hour.”

Morgan said that kids have a natural interest in tornados and other weather phenomenon, and parents can use that curiosity to begin teaching about severe weather season. Involve your children as you plan, and walk them through each step of your preparation. Have a family tornado plan in place, know where you can seek shelter and practice a family tornado drill once a year. Remember that flying debris is the greatest danger in a tornado, so have protective coverings (thick blankets, sleeping bags or a mattress) ready. Lastly, have a predetermined place to meet afterwards, in case a disaster strikes in your area.

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If a tornado warning occurs, it is important to know where to seek shelter within a matter of seconds. Depending on where you are, keep these recommendations from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in mind:

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In a house with a basement or safe room: Seek shelter immediately under the sturdiest furniture available in the room (i.e., a heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Be aware of any heavy objects or furniture on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators etc.) and position yourself as far away from them as possible.

In a house with no basement, a dorm room, or an apartment: Go to the lowest floor and seek a small center room (like a bathroom or closet) with few or no windows. Alternatively, go under a stairwell or in an interior hallway and crouch as low as possible to the floor. If in a bathroom, a bathtub can provide partial protection.

Cover yourself with blankets, sleeping bags or a mattress.

In an office building: Go to the lowest floor possible and seek an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter. Stay off elevators, to avoid getting trapped if power is lost.

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In a mobile home: Seek shelter outside of your home, as you are most likely safer even being outside. If other shelter is not easily accessible, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, seek open ground away from trees and cars.

• At school: Follow the plan as designated by school officials. Stay away from large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

• In a car or truck: It is very dangerous to be caught in a vehicle near a tornado. If the tornado is visible, try to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible outside of traffic lanes. Seek shelter in a nearby building. If shelter is not accessible, run to low ground away from any cars and lie flat. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which provide little protection from flying debris.

• In a shopping mall, church, or theater: Most large venues will have tornado procedures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other enclosed area, away from windows. If there is no time to do that, get under seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.

“This is the time of year when families need to review what we’ve learned in years past and make sure they are prepared,” Morgan said. “Awareness is key in helping to protect property and save lives.”

Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett lives in Norman with her husband and two young children.

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Let’s Eat: Review The Mont, a Norman Institution

I

Mandy chose a Mexican-style specialty, the Chicken Grande, a large flour tortilla filled with char-grilled diced chicken breast, beans and cheddar cheese, topped with chili con queso and served with rice and beans. This is a huge plate of food; leftovers are all but guaranteed. Rather than the expected refried variety, the beans were more of a thick, ranch-style bean with great flavor.

love a building with character, and The Mont in Norman certainly fits that bill. The Mont is a Spanish-style place, nestled among large trees with a cheery patio that beckons you to visit.

My daughter has enjoyed The Mont with friends; the place is well-known for their Swirl, a sangria-margarita drink, and on balmy weekends she says the patio is a favorite place for students and Norman residents to be. In fact, The Mont has been a favorite OU meeting place for over 40 years, though the building has been a variety of restaurants since the late 1920s.

My husband Joe had been checking out the burgers but when he discovered the pulledpork Cuban sandwich, his decision was made. The Cuban was piled high with meltin-your-mouth pulled pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and pickles with spicy brown mustard on a toasted roll.

Though he thought it could have used a little more of a spicy kick, he ate every bite and declared it excellent.

The inside atmosphere is as charming as the outside—outfitted with a fireplace, shelves filled with books and stained glass. The comfortable interior encourages you to stay.

Although my daughter has long since graduated from the kids menu, The Mont has a nice variety of offerings for children, including PB&J, pepperoni pizza stick and chicken strips.

Since Mandy ordered something from the Mexican specialties, I chose a sandwich. The Santa Fe chicken sandwich had a marinated and char-grilled chicken breast with bacon, pepper jack cheese and guacamole on a wheat bun. The char-grilled chicken had such a good flavor to compliment the bacon and cheese. What a fiesta for my taste buds!

On our family’s visit, we chose the smoked chicken spinach artichoke dip in lieu of the popular loaded cheese fries. The dip was a blend of smoky chicken breast, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese served creamy and hot with tortilla chips and homemade, chunky salsa. This was a delicious combination of flavors with plenty of chunky, smoky chicken.

The menu offers a variety of taste sensations for most diners, whether light appetite or hearty. There are pulled pork and black bean nachos to share, a theta burger (Mandy’s favorite), Monterey club salad, Miguel’s club sandwich, green chili burrito, and a blue plate special—just to mention a few. A lunch menu is offered Monday-Friday, including a smaller version of many of the regular menu items.

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Joe ordered a side of fries for us to share, and they were prepared just the way I like them, crispy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside. We might have to try those loaded cheese fries on our next visit— the fries are piled high with cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, bacon bits and chives.

Sounds yummy to me.

After sharing the appetizer, Mandy and I both took home leftovers to relish at a later time. Before you are through with your meal at The Mont, be sure to check out their house specialty dessert board, which changes daily. Though I can’t imagine having room left for dessert, you can always get one to go.

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Annie’s Restaurant Rating 4 of 4 forks

The Mont 11300 Classen, Norman 405-329-3330 Hours 11:00am-2:00am daily Prices $2.99-$9.99 Kids menu: $1.99-$4.49 Annie Nashert has a husband and teenage daughter who assume everybody has homemade dessert nightly.

Editor's Note: This column marks Annie’s last for us. We hope that you have enjoyed her recipes and reviews as much as we have.

Thank you to Annie for the years of fun food finds!

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Your Healthy Family Beyond BMI: How Healthy Are You, Really?

I

n the past two issues, we’ve discussed the rapidly-increasing childhood obesity epidemic in this country, which has raised questions from our readers. Many were shocked by the statistics, as America has the highest rate of obesity in the world, with 65 percent of all citizens landing above what is deemed a healthy weight. Of that percentage, half are considered obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. A few interesting questions that have been raised over the course of this series: Is it possible to be both overweight AND healthy? And are individuals who fall into their ideal weight range always healthier than their overweight counterparts? These questions made me realize that perhaps I had focused too much on the numbers and had overlooked something in the big picture.

How is good health defined?

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that about half of all overweight people have normal blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while a surprisingly high 25 percent of participants who were classified as being at their ideal weight suffered from many of the ills associated with obesity. Results such as these fuel the growing debate about the standard methods of calculating whether an individual is overweight. Currently, health officials rely on BMI, a height-weight ratio.

The problem with this measurement is that it makes no distinction between fat and muscle. As a result, many athletes with a high percentage of lean tissue actually fall into the overweight category.

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Avoiding the Skinny-Fat Syndrome Edmond pharmacist Dave Mason is certified in Clinical Nutrition, and often sees patients who fall into a healthy weight range overall but still have high cholesterol, high body fat mass, and perhaps worst of all, a weakened immune system. “I call these patients ‘skinny-fat,’” said Mason. “Not long ago we had a woman come in who had lost more than 50 pounds on one of the popular weight-loss programs that focuses primarily on calories rather than the overall nutritional makeup of foods. This patient confessed she was not much of a meat-eater, and had chosen to spend her calorie allowance mostly on carbohydrates, many of them processed.

“We ran a bio-impedance analysis (BIA) on this patient, and her body fat was at about 55 percent. Her blood sugar and cholesterol were also higher than normal. She hadn’t been getting nearly enough protein, and she probably hadn’t been as physically active as she needed to be, although she lost all this weight.”

Likewise, even though some patients have a higher BMI, they are active, eat well, and have normal blood sugar, cholesterol, and hormone levels, making them in fact healthier than their lighter counterparts.

Mason’s pharmacy offers a program called First Line Therapy, which focuses on teaching patients how their calories should be broken down in order to increase muscle mass. “We focus on the glycemic index of foods, and the program actually reduces the risk of developing hypertension and diabetes. Exercise is also a must. We consider it a therapeutic lifestyle program, not a diet. Patients will lose weight, but more importantly, they're going to have better overall health and quality of life.” The program uses BIA to monitor progress, and the diet plan is based on each individual's calculated basal metabolic rate. They encourage fresh whole grain foods, organic fruits and vegetables, and plenty of lean proteins. “Even if a patient only loses 10 pounds during the 12 weeks, when they increase their muscle mass and decrease their fat, they're going to feel a hundred percent better right away,” says Mason.

Risk Factors to Watch Edmond nurse and mom of three Lori Richards agrees that not everyone needs to be a size six to be healthy. “As long as you’re active and you’re eating well and May 2010

Calculating your BMI Your BMI (Body Mass Index) can be determined through a simple calculation: Weight (in pounds) divided by height (in inches squared) multiplied by 703.

For example, a 5 foot, 7 inch tall woman weighing 150 pounds has a BMI of 23.5.

What do the numbers mean: According to the CDC: • below 18.5 = underweight • 18.5-24.9 = normal • 25-29.9 = overweight • 30 and above = obese

How Reliable is BMI to Determine Body Fat? While the correlation between the BMI number and body fatness is fairly strong, factors such as sex, race, and age make a difference. For instance: • Women carry more fat than men, generally speaking.

• Older adults carry more fat than younger adults.

• Athletes may have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness.

It is also important to remember that BMI is only one factor related to risk for disease.

How Do I Measure My Child’s BMI? The calculations for measing a child’s BMI are similar than that for an adult, but two key factors apply: the amount of healthy body fat in children is determined by their age, and the amount of body fat differs between girls and boys.

Source: cdc.gov

Does your child experience

 

feeling good, a few extra pounds probably aren’t going to be a problem. In the long run, though, it’s a good idea to try to keep excess weight off.” On the flip side, she admits she sees plenty of people at their ideal weight who are anything but healthy. “Some people are blessed with a high metabolism, and they can keep the weight off without much effort. If you look at their diet and activity levels, though, they probably have as many, if not more, health risks as people who are overweight.”

While weight loss is an important part of an overall wellness and disease prevention plan, certain risk factors may be more indicative of a potential problem than a higher-than normal BMI. “Patients should pay close attention to family history, especially immediate family and first-degree relatives,” says Richards. A patient with a family history of diabetes or heart disease is five to ten times more likely to develop one of the diseases, regardless of weight. “Waist circumference is a big red flag also,” noted Richards. A waist circumference of greater than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men indicates an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. “Cholesterol and inflammation levels should be monitored at annual physicals in patients over 45, and everyone needs to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week to prevent disease,” says Richards.

While it might not be all about the numbers— weight, height, body mass index—it’s a good idea to stay aware of your overall health. In general, as long as you are able to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and are under a doctor's care, a few extra pounds likely aren't

Activities like bike riding help to keep a family healthy.

cause for much concern. Likewise, if you are at a healthy weight already, but find that you struggle with diet and exercise, studies show that your health risks may not be any lower than someone who is overweight.

If you have concerns about how to live a healthy lifestyle, take action and contact a healthcare provider for more information.

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

Your child may qualify for the Pediatric Migraine Study if he/she: is between 12 and 17 years of age has experienced migraine headaches for more than six months experiences between one and eight migraine headaches every month.

Eligible study participants receive studyrelated physical examinations and the investigational study medication at no charge. Call or go online for details.

What ever happened to the food pyramid?

It’s still there, but it’s been radically changed. The updated food pyramid guidelines recognize that one size dietary guidelines do not fit all. The new pyramid guidlines recommend a healthy diet that:

(405) 272-8481 www.CORClinical.com

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;

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• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and • Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Enter your personal information for customized healthy eating guidelines. Interactive tools include calorie counters and resources for children. Visit mypyramid.gov, the site sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, for more information.

A clinical research study is being conducted to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in treating symptoms of migraine attacks.

May 2010

An independent center for investigative family medicine

Clinton N. Corder, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator 12th and Shartel (one block from St. Anthony Hospital) Contacting us for more information does not mean that your child is obligated to participate or will be eligible to participate.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

25

What a Girl Wants: Time-Tested Tips for Winning with Your Wife

If you ask Fred Joiner of Del City what makes a happy marriage, he just might tell you that it has a little something to do with scrambled eggs.

Back in 1948, Fred considered himself a lucky man for two reasons.

First, he knew about the cafeteria tucked away in Stewart Hall, the girl’s dormitory at what was then Southwestern State College in Weatherford. Second, he knew that he could go there for a lastminute breakfast and the pretty co-ed behind the counter would fix his eggs just the way he liked them. Today, Fred considers himself a lucky man for a more important reason—he has convinced that same pretty girl to fix his eggs for more than sixty years.

When Fred first met Joan Cox, he says he knew she was the one for him—and it wasn’t just because of her cooking. The couple was engaged by May 1950 and married the following October. They settled into marriage quickly, having a son in 1952 and a set of twin girls in 1953. “We had three [children] in diapers all at the same time,” Joan chuckles. “I remember having four clothes lines filled with nothing but cloth diapers and all the work tied into that many kids. But we have always had a lot of fun together as a family.”

Preparing to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary in October, the couple reflects that the past sixty years have been filled with both joy and struggle, but that they never thought of throwing in the towel. And, according to Florida-based relationship author Sheryl P. Kurland, that is exactly why the Joiners have weathered more than six decades together. “Successful marriage is not about commitment,” 26

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

Fred and Joan Joiner in thei

r wedding photo, October 195

0.

Kurland said. “Feeling like you are committed equals being stuck in a situation, no matter what, with no real choice. Instead, making a marriage work is about determination. The realization that you might be unhappy at times, but that you never think about giving up.”

Kurland has a unique perspective on marriage, as she interviewed 75 couples from around the country, each married more than 50 years for her book Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More. Kurland says her book is more than a traditional “self-help” book, as it is filled with the expertise of ordinary folk who have walked-the-walk and talked-the-talk, and that it reveals several common threads about what makes a woman stay happily married throughout her lifetime.

Do The Small Things

Sitting in their comfortable living room, Joan looks thoughtful when asked what Fred has done over the past sixty years that has made their relationship work. Fred, looking mischievous, decides it is an opportune time to turn off his hearing aids. But the words Joan

speaks of her husband are warm and complimentary. “He has always been good to me and respected me,” she said. “We’ve done a lot in our life together and been a lot of places, and he’s always been appreciative.”

Kurland said that Fred’s attitude touches upon one of the main things that a husband can do to nurture his relationship with his wife—be attentive. “Women appreciate the little things more than a husband might realize,” she explained. “Holding open the door, running errands for her or simply asking ‘how can I help?’ All those little things add up to a whole lot of love.”

Joshua Nichols, a licensed marital and family therapist at the Alpha and Omega Family Center in Oklahoma City, agrees that the number one thing that a man can do to make his marriage successful is to remember the small things. “He should put out the extra effort to send the message to her that she is important to him and that he is invested in the relationship,” Nichols said. “He should remember that little things add up, whether it is a small gift, like her favorite magazine or a Sonic drink, or a phone call in the middle of the day just to see how she is doing. Doing things like this communicates to her that ‘you are important to me. I am invested in this relationship and I am thinking about you when we’re not together.’”

Accentuate the Positive

Kurland advised. “A wink from across the room, a touch on the shoulder as he walks by, or just walking beside her and holding her hand can all work wonders.”

“A gentleman understands romance will not simply happen,” Balash said. “He will make time for his wife and limit interruptions so their romantic time is private. Romance does not necessarily mean chocolate and flowers, but more about thoughtfulness and bonding.”

Balash said that this type of behavior from a husband will reassure his wife that he is still “head over heels in love with her” and confirm his levels of commitment and attraction.

Nichols added that combining romance with raising children is often complicated, but important. “I think one of the biggest challenges facing married couples today is spending quality time together. In our busy, fast-paced society, couples are finding it harder to be still with one another, to discover one another,” he said. “Along with this comes problems in communication and then moments of deep, personal connection are experienced less and less.”

Nichols says that couples tend to put their marital desires on the back burner while they attend to the parent-child relationship—an innocent, but potentially dangerous, move. “Over time, they gradually quit identifying themselves as husband and wife, and

“I find that there are many men who believe that they are doing everything right in their marriage and they don’t understand why their wives misinterpret their actions or inactions,” said Chuck Balash, author of You Can Still Be Gentleman AND Have Better Relationships With Women. “These men are happy with the statusquo and don’t want to change their behavior or attitude toward their marriage. A common response from these men is ‘Well, that’s just the way I am.’ They will not admit that their approach to their marriage may be flawed.”

The solution to this problem according to Balash? Being a gentleman and focusing on the positive. “Being a gentleman is a lifestyle of choice. It is choosing to do the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time,” Balash said. “In this age of political correctness and sexual equality, most women still prefer that men treat them like ladies. Women still want to be treated well. This does not lessen their strength or independence. Gentlemanly behavior is not demeaning towards women—in fact, it is just the opposite.”

Balash said that men should always focus on what their wife does right, rather than criticize what she does wrong, and that a husband needs to realize the power of kind words and thoughtful acts in sustaining a relationship. “A gentleman will always find something positive to say,” Balash added. “This is a powerful validation of his appreciation for her and will help him develop a deeper sense of connection with his wife.” He advises men to thank their wives for even the smallest acts, to express happiness for time spent together, and to give her sincere compliments.

Kurland’s research concurs. “Give your wife two meaningful compliments each day,” she said. “It may seem awkward at first, since men don’t usually walk around complimenting each other, but women do.” The key to making sure these compliments hit home?

Kurland says they must be genuine compliments given in a timely manner and “not silly, superfluous stuff that a woman doesn’t truly value. Make it real.”

Keep the Home Fires Burning

The third thing a man can do to win with his wife is to increase the romantic gestures, specifically paying attention to the physical affection in their relationship. “Husbands need to touch and interact with their wives, and not necessarily only in sexual situations,”

Fred and Joan at a family wedding, November 2007.

then ‘mom and dad’ becomes their primary status,” Nichols explains. “Then the kids grow up and leave home and they feel like they are living with a stranger. Raising children makes it even more important that couples nourish their marital relationships.” Nichols says that couples often don’t realize that when they take care of their marriage first, they will ultimately be better parents for their children.

Other Winning Words of Wisdom

While experts agree that there are no magic solutions that work in every marriage, they offer up the following tips to husbands seeking to increase marital harmony: •

Give your spouse the last piece of pie—both literally and figuratively. Kurland said that a good marriage requires both spouses to be selfless rather than selfish. Instead of focusing on how your spouse is meeting your needs or how the relationship is benefitting you, Kurland says that giving your spouse what they need first will ultimately come back to you down the line.

“When you are working in selfless mode, the other person will May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

27

automatically reflect it back to you,” Kurland explained. “In the materialistic mind-set of today’s society, it is a different way to looking at things to say ‘I want you to have it.’ But it will do wonders for your marriage.”

• Share the Load—pitch in when it comes to household duties.

“A gentleman doesn’t concern himself [with] gender stereotypes,” Balash said. “He knows that helping with simple chores around the house can be an undeniable and exceptionally powerful expression of love and devotion.” Unloading the dishwasher, putting laundry into the dryer, or making the bed are small gestures that may yield wonderful results.

• Listen—but don’t try to fix. Balash noted that many men make the mistake of listening only for problems that need solutions. “A gentleman will realize his wife may only want a commitment to simply sit down and give her his undivided attention,” he said.

“Listening and understanding are powerful validations of his respect for her.” Actively listening enables a man to understand his wife’s point of view, even if all she is seeking is understanding and support—not a quick fix.

• Honor Your Traditions. “All relationships have times of difficulty or crisis,” Kurland said. “A tradition is something you do as a couple that keeps connections and serves as an anchor to hold you together.” Kurland’s research provided her numerous examples, including one couple who created a rock garden by picking up a rock from every place they traveled, writing the place where it came from on the bottom, and using the stones to create a special place in their yard that also served as a reminder of their adventures together. Another example was a wife who happened to like potato chips that are folded over. When dining together at home or in restaurants, her husband always passed his folded chip to her plate. “She said each one was like a little love note,” said Kurland.

Sixty Years and Counting

When asked what they think made their marriage work for more than six decades, the Joiners are of one mind. “We took marriage seriously,” Fred said. “We were in love before we got married and that has never changed. We always tried to set an example for our children of how marriage should be.”

“Marriage is not an easy task,” Nichols summarized. “It requires courage, dedication, and selflessness. Couples should make their marriages intentional. In other words, one must wake up every morning and choose to love their spouse.”

That is something that Fred Joiner has mastered in his many years with his wife. “She’s a wonderful person, a wonderful friend, a wonderful wife, and she has never failed to make me coffee, bacon, and eggs, like only she knows how.” Fred ended his story with a joke “Perhaps when she said ‘for better or for worse’ all those years ago, she didn’t know how bad it would really be!” he laughs.

“The bottom line is that what worked for marriages in 1950 still works in 2010,” Kurland concluded. “No matter what curve balls life throws at you, the important thing is to be determined to see it through, determined to restore harmony, determined to enjoy your time together. Make a commitment to only use one ‘D-word’ in your relationship—always determination, never divorce.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: Stay tuned for June's article looking at how to strengthen marriage from the perspective of the husband's needs.

Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett lives in Norman with her husband and two young children.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

More information:

•

Both Kurland’s Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More and Balash’s You Can Still Be Gentleman AND Have Better Relationships With Women are available from Amazon.com or check availability at your local bookstore or library.

•

Sign up for free, weekly tips from couples married 50 years or more at everlastingmatrimony.com

The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative

Since 2001, the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI) has worked to lower the divorce rate in Oklahoma and to strengthen families by providing free marriage and relationship counseling. “We are the largest and most broad-based marriage initiative in the United States,” said Kendy Cox, OMI’s Director of Service Delivery. “We serve more than 200,000 people in Oklahoma.”

The OMI provides both Spanish and English courses, retreats and workshops specially designed for couples interested in improving their marriages, including those in special situations such as stepfamilies, adoptive families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and families with special needs children.

“In Oklahoma, we believe in marriage—our statistics show that. Our divorce statistics also show that we don’t always do it very well,” Cox explains. “There is a science to arguing and we can help couples figure out how to deal with conflict effectively.

We can give them hope and show them a whole different way of looking at their relationships and their strengths.”

To find the most beneficial workshop for your relationship, call 1-877-435-8033 or visit foreverforreal.com and click on “Find a Workshop.”

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Toddler Books

Grades 4-7

My Nap Buddy

by KJ Stephens, illustrated by Lowell Hildebrandt (Authorhouse, softcover, $8.95)

Alice in Wonderland: a Classic Illustrated Edition

by Lewis Carroll; compiled

by Cooper Edens (Chronicle Books, softcover, $14.99)

Local writer Stephens tells a story of Annabel, who doesn’t want to miss a thing while she takes her nap. A good story to read to a little one who still needs that nap she thinks she may have outgrown.

Pat the Beastie

by Henrik Drescher (Workman Publishing, hardcover, $11.95) Paul and Judy have a pet Beastie that they love to torment, but will Beastie be sure they get what they deserve in the end? A fun, interactive title that takes readers on their own adventure with Beastie.

Grades Kindergarten-3 The Clever Stick

by John Lechner (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $14.99) Sometimes we may stumble on our path in life, and it may not be easy to see our blessings among our shortcomings. The story of the clever stick reminds readers that sometimes we don’t see the most important gifts we posess.

The familiar and classic tale is retold with illustrations from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century versions.

Boys & Girls / Ages 4-18 Basketball Skills Basketball Teams Athlete Development

Books for Adults How to Have Your Second Child First

by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorenson (Chronicle Books, softcover, $18.95) Having a child is easier after you’ve already had one. This book provides the wisdom of experienced parents to new parents. Here are the 100 things we wish someone would have told us before we had our first child.

Predators and Child Molesters

by Robin Sax (Prometheus Books, softcover, $17.98) Written by a former sex crimes prosecutor and deputy district attorney from Los Angeles, this is the topic that no parent wants to think about, tackled in a clear manner that makes it the book all parents must read.

A fast-paced, mature adventure featuring 15-year-old Cal’s story of survival on the run.

The first of a series of twelve novels will whet your adventurous child’s appetite for more.

www.scubasketball.com 405-816-HOOP

Reading is the basis for learning.

Did you know?

• 35% of Oklahoma 4th graders can’t read at a basic level. †(National Assessment of Education Progress) • 90% of at-risk children can overcome difficulties if they receive comprehensive reading intervention before 3rd grade. †(National Institutes of Health)

Give Your Child the Best Start • Trinity offers early intervention reading programs beginning in kindergarten • Small class sizes • Individual learning plans

Grades 5 and up Conspiracy 365: January

by Gabrielle Lord (Kane/Miller Publishers, hardcover, $10.99)

3000 Shot Post Lady Hoops Extreme Hoops Last Shot Shooting Individual Skills Little Dribblers

• Teachers with specialized training in phonics-based reading programs • Remediation & enrichment • Multi-sensory education for all ages

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Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

29

Dear Teacher Q&A With the Experts Getting Help for Delayed Speech Question: We have a great deal of concern about our son's speech. At his third birthday party, compared to the other children his age, his vocabulary was very limited. He only says about 10 words and uses “mom” for everything he needs. And he calls everyone in our family “mom.” We do not know how many words he should know by this age.

Would you please point us in the right direction? – Delayed Speech

Answer: Between the ages of two and three, most children will acquire a vocabulary of about 450 words. Your son has not reached this milestone in normal speech development. Have you addressed your concerns with his pediatrician? You can

Come visit our new office Occupational and Speech Therapy Services Available • Down Syndrome • Autism • ADD and ADHD • Sensory Processing Disorder • Cerebral Palsy • Typical children with handwriting problems

contact your local school district’s Director of Special Education for a diagnostic screening at no cost to you through the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) process called “Child Find.”

This will help you see whether a delay exists.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education. Find resources relating to all areas of education in Oklahoma. sde.state.ok.us.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities. Find resources or links to more information for people of all ages with learning disabilites. ncld.org.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children. An organization “dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children.” naeyc.org.

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. Resources geared to support children with disabilities from birth to age five. nectac.org.

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You need to find out about the federal • special-education program for children ages three to five. Section 619 of Part B of IDEA (Preschool Grants) defines the preschool program, which guarantees a free, • appropriate public education to children ages three to five with disabilities. Under this program, your son might be eligible to receive services that will help him improve his speech before he enters Kindergarten.

• Your local Director of Special Education will have information on this program. You may also wish to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s 619 coordinator, Jenny Giles, 405-522-4513.

Dear Teacher is written by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts. Do you have a question?

Resources Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or Visiting the following websites will visit DearTeacher.com.

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provide you with more information about opportunities for helping children ages three to five who have learning disabilities:

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May 2010

An Exciting Summer Education Program For Youth

Summer Youth Academy 2010 Enrollment begins Thursday, April 29.

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Visit our website to learn more about the NEW 2010 Summer Youth Academy online enrollment process! www.mntechnology.com/sya Visit either campus with enrollment questions or call 364.5763, ext 7260.

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BRIGHT NIGHT OF SPORTS! June 18 JULY 16—BRIGHT NIGHT AT THE MOVIES AUG 6—BRIGHT NIGHT OF CSI: MUSEUM STYLE Enjoy an overnight stay at Science Museum Oklahoma and enjoy interactive science activities, exciting exhibits, a Science Live production, an IMAX film, a planetarium show, and more!

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

31

The Alert Parent Safe Flying with Babies

R

ecently I flew to Virginia for a business meeting. My trek from Oklahoma City to Charlottesville took two flights. While on the first leg of my trip and listening to the safety instructions, I

started thinking about the lap child seated in front of me. I pulled out the instruction sheet to see what they were telling parents of little ones to do in case of trouble. The picture demonstrating the recommended technique showed a mother holding on tight while hunched over her baby.

I wondered how many parents in an emergency situation would attempt to strap their child down? And how safe would either option would be for parent and child?

When I arrived home, I just happened to read an article by a former flight attendant on this very subject. Beth Blair asked readers, “Would you ever sit your child on your lap riding on a roller coaster? How about cruising at 75 mph down the highway?”

She explained that the policy of the airlines— that any child under the age of two can fly for free (in the United States) if they sit on an adult’s lap for the entire flight—might not be a good deal. Beth said, “Some parents assume that if the airline allows lap children, it must be okay. After all, the airlines are the experts, why would they put any of their passengers in danger?”

I cringed when I read this because I was one of those parents who believed, “Well, it must be okay if they allow it!”

What parents don’t realize is if a plane did crash it would be virtually impossible to hang on to your child. The force of impact would propel that little 20 pound baby out of his parent’s hands with the force of an 80-100 pound object.

Strapping a child to you is also a bad idea. Beth explains, “If the plane comes

to a sudden halt or crash, your body will automatically be thrown forward and forced down, on top of your baby, possibly crushing him.”

Even simple turbulence can also be difficult with lap babies. I remember how difficult it was to simply hang on to Addy when things were calm. Sometimes, the last thing she wanted to do was to sit still in my lap for an extended flight. Remember, turbulence is a regular occurrence and can be rough enough to open overhead bins and even throw nonseat-belted adults around.

So what’s a parent to do?

Beth also has an answer for that. “I suggest purchasing a seat for your child the next time you fly.” Parents who purchase seats can also bring a car seat to use in their child’s seat.

In a follow up article, Beth provided another solution to her readers. Relatively new on the market is a restraining system for children called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System). For $75, the lightweight device (it weighs in at one pound) protects a child weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. (kidsflysafe.com). Manufactured by an airline seat belt maker, AmSafe Aviation, it is reliable and easy to use.

And if you still need to take your car seat, it may be checked with your luggage. You may also consider renting a car seat when you get to your destination.

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

Thanks to all who contributed to the success of Booth vendors: Andy Alligators • Backyard Laser Tag • Bouncin’ Craze • CatchA-Glimpse • Celebration Station • Council for Education Travel USA • Edmond Parks • Gymboree • I Can Earn It & Affordable Law Services • Infant Swimming Resource • Camp McFadden • Keystone Adventure School • La Petite • Lyric Theatre • Mad Science • Metro Library System • OKC Thunder • Oklahoma Center for Arts Education • Oklahoma Children’s Theatre • Oklahoma City Community College • Oklahoma Photobooth • Oklahoma River Cruises • Oklahoma Safe Kids Coalition • Orr Family Farm • Rainbow Fleet • Sam Noble Museum of Natural History • Sooner Diving • Shock Basketball • Westminister School • YMCA Camp Classen

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Entertainers on the Townsend Chiropractic EXPO Stage:

Jim Gardner of KFOR • Gymboree • Thunder Girls Sugar Free All Stars • Travis and Presley Magician Jonathan Meyer • Mad Science

See photos of EXPO at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Oklahoma-summer-adventure-expo 32

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

May 2010

The National alliance on Mental Illness (NaMI) Walk will be held Saturday, May 22 at Stars & Stripes Park on the south end of Lake Hefner. The walk begins at 9:00am, registration at 8:00am.

This 5K awareness-raising walk has been held since 2003 to raise awareness and funds for the NAMI programs, which include support, education, advocacy and the encouragement of research involving mental illness.

Visit nami.org/walks.ok for details.

The Sketch to Screen: art of Hollywood Costume Design at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features more than 85 original pieces worn

by Hollywood legends including Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn (shown at right) and John Wayne, and contemporary stars including George Clooney, Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp.

Accompanying events include a fourteen-week film series and public lectures.

Family Day, held May 22 from noon-4:00pm, invites families to enjoy hands-on activities including costume design, paper dolls and flip books.

Live performances by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre will be featured, in addition to face painting and door prizes.

All Family Day activities are free with paid musuem admission.

This year’s honorary NAMI Walk chair Dr. R. Murali Krishna cutting the ribbon at the 2009 Walk.

The exhibit opens May 6 and remains until August 15.

The 15th annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival is held at the Castle of Muskogee in an authentic recreation of a 16th century village. This family-friendly extravaganza includes a Queen’s tea, masked ball unique foods, skilled artisans, 15 stages and over 400 performances (including jousting).

Daily tickets $12.95 adults, $12.95 students & seniors, $5.95 children, age 5 and under free. Held each Saturday and Sunday in May plus Memorial Day Monday, 10:30am-6:00pm. Call 918-687-3625 or visit okcastle.com.

May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

33

Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, banjomuseum.org

Weekly Events

Wednesday of the month. 231-8650.

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. 231-8650.

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

City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, cityartscenter.org

FREE Make & Take crafts at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), 11am-3pm every Saturday. Ages 3 and up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

FREE Storytimes at the Norman Library. For toddlers, Monday and Thursday, 9:30 am. For preschoolers, Monday 10:30 am, Tuesdays at 2 pm.

Family storytime Tuesdays, 7pm.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, edmondfinearts.com

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com.

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.

Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com

FREE Kid’s Zumba for children 8 and up at the Moore Public Library each Thursday at 4:30 pm. Preregistration required 793-4349]/.

Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, littleriverzoo.com

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.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Closed for renovations; opening in 2011.

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

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13. The “Gang” works on conservation projects in Martin Park Saturdays from 2-5pm throughout the school year.

755-0676.

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

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

Monthly

Parents Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) every Friday, 6-10pm. Ages 4 and up. Evening includes crafts, pizza, and organized playground games. $25. Reservations required.

340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Build a new model every month.

Held the first Tuesday of the month, 5pm. Quantities are limited. For ages 6-14. 840-9993, Stores.Lego.com.

Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum leave the Oakwood Depot at 10am, 11am, Noon, 1:30pm and 2:30pm on the first and third Saturday of the month. $10 age 15 and up, $5 age 3-14, FREE under 3.

424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday and Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 and under. 359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com.

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

842-2900, FullCircleBooks.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza held in the Plaza District the second Friday of each month, featuring an artwalk, local artists, live music and shopping. NW 16th St between Classen and Penn. Urbanpioneers.net.

OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

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.

OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, okczoo.com

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.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

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

Through May 2 Stories in Fiber and Clay: Baskets and Ceramics of the Southwest at Norman’s Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features baskets and ceramics produced by Native Americans from the Southwest region.

Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC 522-5248, oklahomahistorycenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu

weekly E-Updates keep you in-the-know

Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org

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Send an email to

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May 2010

May S M T W T F S FREE May Fair Arts Festival at Andrew’s Park in Norman features over 100 artisans and craftsmen, entertainment, children’s crafts, and food. Friday and Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. norman. assistanceleague.org.

FREE Downtown Edmond Arts Festival features over 100 artisans and fun activities for kids. Friday and Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. 249-9391, downtownedmondok.com.

May 6-August 12 Sketch to Screen Film Festival exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will present more than a dozen iconic films that exemplify the art of Hollywood costume design through the decades. Titles available online. $8 adults, $6 students / seniors, $5 members.

Thursdays, 7:30pm. Held this month 5/6, 13, 20, 27.

May 6-August 15 Sketch to Screen: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art explores the vital artistic contribution of costume design throughout the history of the American motion picture industry.

Through May 9 Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by many important figures in the history of modern photography.

Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and Fine Art, 1933-1943 exhibit featuring painting, sculpture and prints at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. The Guitar: Art, Artists and Artisans exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Learn about the evolution of the guitar.

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

Tour de Quartz 2010 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art presents paintings, drawings, and photographs produced by 38 visual arts students from the 2009 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain.

Through May 13 Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma features artwork from Oklahoma youth celebrating cultural diversity, human rights and global peace through the arts. 359-0369, respectdiversity.org.

May 15-September 6 Chocolate, a special exhibition developed by The Field Museum in Chicago on display at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, is a journey

through history to explore the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history and popular culture.

Through May 16 The 2010 Symphony Show House; is titled “Mansion on Lake Overholser": and offers 17,000 square feet of living space to showcase the work of more than 30 interior designers. A project of the Oklahoma City Orchestra League to benefit the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Tickets $12. 2550 E. Overholser Drive. symphonyshowhouse.com

Through May 18

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

Metropolitan Library System mls.lib.ok.us Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Acting Classes help students learn the process of acting and play production, including blocking, sets, costumes, scene study and an introduction to auditions. Ages 3-12.

Mondays 11am-noon, Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm.

Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363

May 21-June 28

Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377

FREE 24 Works on Paper at Norman’s Firehouse

Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308 Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418 Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650

Art Center Gallery is the only traveling exhibition of work by living Oklahoma artists, featuring 24 artists from 12 Oklahoma cities. All artworks are created on paper and include media such as printmaking, drawing and photography. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm. 329-4523, normanfirehouse.com.

Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282

Through June 6

The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710

FREE Waiting for the Moon—Paintings by local

artist Dean Wyatt features paintings inspired by the twilight hour. On display weekdays from 8:30am-5pm in the Governor’s Gallery on the second floor of the State Capitol. 521-2931.

Through July 11

Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828 Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616 Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967 Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452

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

Through October

Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

Pioneer Library System pls.lib.ok.us

Another Hot Oklahoma Night Exhibit, featuring highlights of the state's rock and roll history, is on display at the Oklahoma History Center.

Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275

Through November 14

Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100

Alfred Ossorio: Gifts from the Ossorio Foundation exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features 11 works by the artist from 1949-1984.

Through November

McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Newcastle, 705 NW Tenth, 387-5076 Noble, 204 N 5th, 872-5713 Norman, 225 N Webster, 701-2600 Purcell, 919 N Ninth, 527-5546

Tierra de mi Familia exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.

May 2010

Shawnee, 101 N Philadelphia, 275-6353 Tecumseh, 114 N Broadway, 598-5955

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35

Karen’s Kids Studio of Dance

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May

1 • Saturday Oklahoma Autism Piece Walks & 5K hosted by Oklahoma Family Center for Autism, register at 7:30am, walk at 9am. Bricktown Ballpark. piecewalk.com.

2010 Oklahoma Home School Convention at the Cox Convention Center. 9am-5:30pm. ochec.com.

22nd Annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival in downtown El Reno cooks up the largest onion burger ever with live entertainment, kid’s game area, classic car show and more. 10am. 262-8888, elrenoburgerday. com.

FREE 12th Annual Moore Youth Summer Fun and Safety Fair at the Moore Community Center. 10am2pm. 793-4332, cityofmoore.com.

14th Annual Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly) features activities for children ages 2-13. $7 per child. 10am-4pm. 350-5970.

Quality Uniforms for Public and Private Schools In-House Embroidery In-House Digital Printing Locally Owned & Operated 14841 Bristol Park Blvd. • Edmond Located south off 33rd between Santa Fe & Kelly • 242-5000 TheUniformClub.net Open Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3

8th Annual Village Fair for all ages at the SW parking lot at Casady Square. Event supports the Village Library and includes vendors and touch-a-truck activities for kids. 10am-4pm.

FREE Prague Kolache Festival on Main Street in downtown Prague offers dance, song, food, crafts, a parade, and carnival rides. 567-4866, www. praguekolachefestival.com.

FREE Guam: Culture and Celebration Day at the Choctaw Library celebrates the history, customs, food and culture of Guam, an unincorporated US territory.

2-4pm.

1-2 Museums on Us: Bank of America Free Weekend at the OKC Museum of Art and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum provides FREE admission for Bank of America credit/debit card holders.

City of Moore City-Wide Garage Sale is the city’s biggest garage sale weekend of the year. 793-5000, cityofmoore.com.

15% off any purchase Promo Code: 1015

www.kajeet.com/1015 Winner of 3 parenting awards

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s 10th Anniversary features FREE museum admission all weekend. Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm.

Muskogee’s 15th Annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival includes reenactors, unique foods, artisans and 15 stages with over 400 performances. $12.95 age 13+, $12.95 age 13-18, $10.95 seniors, $5.95 ages 6-12, age 5 and under FREE. Saturdays and Sundays in May, 10:30am-6pm. 918-687-3625, okcastle.com.

Plans starting at $499

2 • Sunday.

No contracts! • GPS locator FREE unlimited online parental controls

Digital Photography for Absolute Beginners at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. $20 members, $25 nonmembers. 1-4pm.

1-866-4kajeet 36

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May 2010

Landscape Painting at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art teaches a variety of techniques for designing, drawing and painting a landscape for children ages 10-13. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. 2-4pm.

Norman Community Choral Society Spring Concert features poems set to music. Norman Community Church of the Nazarene (1801 N Porter), 3pm. 573-9965, nccs-ok.org.

Leave No Trace Awareness Course for Adults at Martin Nature Park teaches interested adults and youth group leaders how to reduce the impact of camping and how to communicate these outdoor ethics to kids. $6. 2-4pm. Preregister, 755-0676.

3 • Monday FREE Coffee Connections at the OKC Zoo Education Center provides coffee and insights into the Zoo’s latest happenings each month. Does not include zoo admission, ages 16 and up. 9am.

FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

4 • Tuesday Science Under The Stars at the Oklahoma Aquarium.

Topic to be announced. 6:30 pm.

FREE Barks, Books and Buddies at the Moore Public Library has children reading to dogs with the Tail Waggin’ Tutors program to improve reading skills and confidence. 7pm. Also held 5/8.

4-9 Cirque Dreams Illumination presented by Celebrity Attractions is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Civic Center Music Hall. Show times vary daily. 800-869-1451, celebrityattractions.com.

6 • Thursday Up a Tree at the OKC Zoo gives 2 years olds an overview of how animals like to climb. $15 members, $12 nonmembers. Preregister, 425-0128. 10am. Also held 5/8.

Financial Peace University—Money Management Answers is a 13-week program at the Edmond Seventh-Day Adventist Church (13812 Scott St) focusing on beating debt, building wealth and achieving financial goals. First session is FREE. $93 for remainder of program. Refreshments & child care provided. 208-1710.

Cocktails on the Skyline / $5 Admission After 5pm on the roof terrace at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features a full bar, complimentary chips and salsa and an incomparable view of the OKC skyline. 5-10pm.

Also held 5/13, 20, 27.

Disco rates bunted May 1 efore 5, 201 0 FREE “Growing Up in the Wide World” at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library in Yukon examines The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Join Caroline Larsen of the Oklahoma District Court system for discussion.

7pm. 354-8232.

Providence Hall Classical Christian School Open House includes tour and presentation on classical Christian education. 1120 E Hefner Road, 10am.

478-2077, providencehall.org. Also held 5/13.

FREE Mom's Nite Out at Penn Square Mall's Center Court, 1901 NW Expressway, OKC. Evening includes lite bites, fashion, fun and giveaways. While there, visit the MetroFamily booth. 6-8pm. simon.com.

Make and Take Mother’s Day Cards at the Del City Library for children ages 4-12. 2-4pm. 672-1377.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Bluegrass Concert/Jam features three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show. Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29, Del City). admission $6, ages 12 and under FREE. 6:30-9:30pm. 677-7515, gobms.org Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz vs. Bossier-Shreveport at the Cox Convention Center. 7:05 pm. Tickets at the Ford Center Box Office, 1-800-745-3000 or online coxconventioncenter.com. Other home games this month 5/16, 28.

Space Day at Science Museum Oklahoma offers hands-on activities that teach the science behind space flight and NASA astronaut, Commander John Herrington, talks about his adventures in space.

9am-5pm.

An Evening for Garrett is a fundraiser benefitting Garrett Grider, a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma last November. Tickets, $45 per person or $75 per couple in advance, $50 per person at the door. Held 7pm-midnight, activities include silent auction, hors d’ourves, cash bar and sets by local bands Built for Speed and Zoom City. Call 640-1399 or email kwittalynne@gmail.com.

8 • Saturday

9 • Sunday

Touch a Truck presented by the MOMS Club of Norman allows kids to get in vehicles such as a helicopter, fire engine, garbage truck, semi-truck, school bus, construction vehicles and more, and meet the everyday heros who operate them. Cleveland County Fairgrounds. 8:30am-noon. 701-0161.

FREE Admission for Moms at the following venues, one free admission with any paid admission: • Oklahoma City Zoo: 9am-5pm.

• Oklahoma Aquarium: 10am-6pm.

• The American Banjo Museum: noon-5pm.

• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: noon-5pm.

• Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History: 1-5pm • Oklahoma National Memorial & Museum: 1-6pm.

7 • Friday

OKC March of Dimes March for Babies held at the state fairgrounds. 3 mile walk, register 8:30am, walk 9:30am. 943-1025, marchforbabies.org.

FREE Admission Day at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum in honor of the museum’s third anniversary includes family-friendly activities, discounts in the Museum Store and book signings.

10am-5pm.

Girl Scout Workshops for Brownies and Juniors at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History fulfills badge requirements with “Be An Ecologist! EcoExplorer and Earth Connections.” $7 per scout. Space is limited, pre-registration required. 10am-4pm Marvelous Mom’s Day at the Orr Family Farm provides FREE admission for mom and souvenir photo.

10am-6pm. 799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com.

Hollywood Costume Design Class for ages 10-13 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art teaches students how to design and sketch their own colorful costume design. Preregister. $10 members, $15 nonmembers.

10am-noon. Also held on 5/15 for ages 6-9.

History Comes Alive Cruises explore history through interactions with a character reenactor. Round trip fare $12 adults, $8 children 6-12, FREE under age 6. Departures from Regatta Park at noon, Exchange Landing at 12:45pm. 702-7755, okrivercruises.com.

Also on 5/15, 22, 29.

Gallery Stories at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art explores unique themes connecting art and literature.

No preregistration required. FREE with admission. 2pm

It’s time to register for Mad Science 2010 Summer Camps!

Choose between five awesome camps, targeted specifically to capture the interest of the most discerning camper • Secret Agent Lab: 2nd-6th Grades • Science Adventure Quest: 2nd-6th Grades • The World Around Me: Pre-K-1st Grade and more

For locations & dates, or to register, please call us or check out our website

405-285-9643

www.madscience.org/okc

344 Santa Fe Ave., Edmond

FIND MORE Mother's Day activities at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/mega-mothers-dayactivities-list).

Mother’s Day Brunch at the National Cowboy and Western History Museum includes museum admission.

Reservations, 478-2250. 11am-3pm.

Mixed Media for Mom & Me at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art helps 6-9 year olds and their moms create a treasured art piece together. Preregister. $10 members / $15 nonmembers. 2-4pm.

10 • Monday FREE Eating Local and Natural Foods is the topic of the Holistic Moms Network of Central OK, featuring a speaker from the Oklahoma Food Co-op. North atrium of the Moore Medical Center (700 S Telephone).

6:30pm. centralok.holisticmoms.org.

of Oklahoma City

Ca Free Pll for rev class iew

Kindermusik Fall ‘10 Classes Early Bird Special

FREE Christian songwriter, artist and author Dennis Jernigan performs at Henderson Hills Baptist Church (1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd). 7:15pm. 513-7459, moj.com/recovery.

11 • Tuesday

Week of June 21st or July 19th

Science Stories at Science Museum Oklahoma features a performer-puppeteer extraordinaire, piloting kids through the silliest science stories around.

10:30am and 2:30pm.

May 2010

Music Camp Ages 0-6 years • Piano Camp Ages 7-8 years Register your child for a journey into Creativity & Learning Visit our website for information

www.GingersKindermusik.com 722-2379

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

37

All Dressed Up at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has 3-5 year olds dressing special paper dolls after a visit to the special exhibition Sketch to Screen: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design. Preregister, $7.50 members/ $10 nonmembers. 4-5pm.

FREE Women's Health Initiative—Small Steps to Healthier Lives discusses the importance of taking control of your health. Keynote speaker Michael Glass, M.D., Director of Lakeside Robotic Surgery Institute for Women. Noon, Lakeside Women’s Hospital Conference Room (11200 N Portland Ave) lakeside-wh.com.

13-15 FREE Cowboy Lew Sterret’s Sermon on the ’Mount’ uses horses in various stages of training to bring heartfelt relationship illustrations and advice to promote harmony and success in life. Oklahoma State Fair Park Arena. 7pm. 526-0001,christfocus.com.

May 13-29 Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare presented by Reduxion Theatre Company at the City Arts Center. $15 adults, $12 students and seniors (not recommended for ages 12 and under).

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. 651-3191, reduxiontheatre.com.

14 • Friday Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, and Campus Corner. 6-10pm. 360-1162, 2ndfridaynorman.com.

The Sugar Free Allstars CD Release Party is held in the Plaza Distrct. See page 13 for details.

Sponsorships

16 • Sunday

May Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is held on historic Main Street in Blanchard. 485-8787.

Drawing Outdoors at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art teaches students ages 11-13 value and perspective and approaches to cityscape drawing. Preregister, $10 members, $15 nonmembers. 2-4pm.

The Building Successful Stepafmily Conference is held in Edmond. See page 11 for details.

13 • Thursday

The Edmond Home School Drama Club Presents: The Crowded House at the Edmond Community Center (28 E Main), 5:30pm. For details, contact 405-330-0361.

14-15

15 • Saturday Ostrich Egg Breakfast at the OKC Zoo is an all-youcan eat spread with made-to-order omelets, pancakes and more, followed the Zoo’s Zoolympics celebration for children ages 11 and under. Tickets $12 adult, $7 child (members receive $2 discount per ticket).

Children two and under eat FREE. Ticket includes admission, breakfast and sea lion show. 8-10am.

Spider Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center for parents and children 6 and up includes a slide show on how to identify “good” spiders around your house and in a natural area, and hike to search for insects and spiders in the dim and damp places in the park.$2 per person, pre-register. 10am-12pm and 1-3pm. 755-0676, casey. lindo@okc.gov Opening Day for White Water Bay. Park hours are 10:30 am to 6 pm. 943-9687, whitewaterbay.com.

Norman March of Dimes March for Babies held at Andrews Park (corner of Webster and Daws).

2 mile walk, register 4pm, walk 5pm. 943-1025, marchforbabies.org. See page 12 for more information.

Ghosts of Historic Fort Reno Tour at El Reno’s Historic Fort Reno includes a lantern light tour, tales and urban legends of haunted buildings and lost treasure. 7pm. $6 adults, $5 for children 5-12.

Reservations required. 262-3987.

The Three B’s—Baroque, Bel Canto & Beyond presented by Canterbury Choral Society at the Civic Center Music Hall features Oklahoma’s Sarah Coburn.

8pm. 232-7464, canterburyokc.com.

Call to Arms at the Oklahoma History Center is a living history program for the entire family, with soldier and civilian reenactors depicting people from the American Revolution through WWII. $10 per vehicle.

10am-4pm. 522-0785.

The 2010 Senior Conference is held in Bethany. See page 15 for details.

Events

18 • Tuesday International Museums Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History celebrates museum around the world with FREE admission.

10am-5pm.

19 • Wednesday A Taste of Art at [Artspace] at Untitled is monthly cooking classes held in a gourmet kitchen. Participants will grill and roast meat and potatoes with Chef Beau Stephenson of Bin 73 and then enjoy their meal with wine. $75. 6pm. 815-9995, artspaceatuntitled.org.

20 • Thursday N is for Nanny Goat at the OKC Zoo introduces 3 year olds to the new goats and the role the play in the Zoo’s barnyard. $12 members, $15 nonmembers. Preregister, 425-0128. 10am. Also held 5/22.

21 • Friday Movie Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History screens “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in the museum’s Great Hall. Galleries open 5:30-7pm, film at 7pm. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-17, children 5 and under FREE. Members receive $1 discount.

21-22 Renee Anderson Alive! at Lyric Theatre at the Plaza is a one-woman concert and show. Tickets $25. 8pm.

524-9312, lyrictheatreokc.com.

The Children’s Center Button Day Fundraiser is held at the Children’s Center in Bethany. See page 10 for details.

22 • Saturday FREE Fishing 4 the Future at Moore’s Little River

Print Through MetroFamily, there are In many ways to reach the household CEO (aka Mom) Resource Directories Call us today! 340-1404 Sponsorships Resource Directories MetroFamilyMagazine.com In Print

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Events

* from “Trillion Dollar Moms: Marketing to a New Generation of Mothers” by Maria Bailey and Bonnie Ulman (Dearborne, 2005); Parenting Publications of America, 2007 MetroFamily reader survey.

38

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May 2010

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Park is a fishing derby to help educate adults and children about fishing, includes food and prizes. All fishing equipment and baits provided. 7am-1pm.

205-7490, fishing4thefuture.org.

2010 National Alliance on Mental Illness Oklahoma 5K Walk at Stars and Stripes Park supports mental illness advocacy, research, education and support programs. Registration 8am, walk 9am. 230-1900, ok.nami.org/namiwalks/ok.

Super Hero Day at Science Museum Oklahoma invites kids to come dressed as a favorite superhero and celebrate the real world heroes of the Whodunit? exhibit. 9am-5pm.

Get Ready Set Draw at the OKC Zoo teaches kids 7 years and older about drawing orangutans. Local artist Lance Kelly will provide an explanation of basic drawing concepts and provide guidance for live sketching and drawing completion.$20. Preregister, 425-0218, 10-11:30am.

World No Tobacco Day at Buck Thomas Park in Moore promotes tobacco awareness. Free food, music, inflatables, giveaways. Noon-2pm. 307-6626.

Sketch to Screen: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design Family Day offers hands-on costume design, paper dolls, and flip books, live performances by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, face painting, mini-tours, prizes and more. FREE with paid Museum admission.

Noon-4pm.

Animal S.O.S. (Save our Species) at the OKC Zoo allows families to observe Endangered Species Day and learn how the Zoo uses the Species Survival Plan to conserve animals. Includes guided tour. 6-8pm.

Tchaikovsky And Sibelius presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall. Guest artist is violinist Stefan Jackiw. Tickets $12-$65.

8:00pm 232-7575,okcphilharmonic.org

Summer Classes & Camps • All Ages & All Stages • Professional Faculty • Friendly Atmosphere

FREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art focuses on artist Robert Rauschenberg with hands-on art activities for the entire family. 1-4pm.

FREE Summer Breeze Concert Series produced by the Performing Arts Studio in Norman features the music of the Mike Hosty Duo. 7:30pm. 307-9320, thepas.org

26 • Wednesday FREE Make a Splash at the Moore Public Library kicks off the summer reading season. Parade begins at City Hall and ends at the library with a wet and wild party Registration for summer reading program follows.

10am.

28 • Friday Museum Anniversary Reception & Public reception for “Chocolate” at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History celebrates the museum’s 111th anniversary with the special exhibit and tasty treats. 7-9pm.

A Celebration of Robert Rauschenberg’s ’Tibetan Garden Song’ at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features students from the OU School of Drama at 5pm, followed by an Art After Hours presentation featuring Rauschenberg’s Tibetan Garden Song at 6pm.

29 • Saturday Wild Child at the OKC Zoo teaches 4 and 5 year olds about animal babies and how the Zoo helps them grow.

10am. $12 members, $15 nonmembers. Preregister, 425-0218.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society 5th Saturday Bluegrass Gospel Concert/Jam features

Reach over Enroll N Ow!

FINE ARTS INSTITUTE OF EDMOND 27 E. Edwards • 340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com May 2010

23 • Sunday

80,000

readers at reasonable rates.

Call Today!

405.340.1404

three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show. Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29, Del City). $6, children 12 and under FREE. 6:30 pm-9:30pm. 677-7515, gobms.org.

29-30 20th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum includes authentic chuck wagon fare, Western stage entertainment and stagecoach and pony rides. 10am-4pm.

FREE Edmond Jazz, Blues & Green Festival at Stephenson Park (Boulevard & 5th) features smooth jazz, rhythmic blues, hot food and cold beverages, plus speakers on going green. Saturday 4-10pm, Sunday 2-10pm. 341-3321 , downtownedmondok.com.

29-31 Paseo Arts Festival features the original works of visual artists, performance art and live music in the historic Paseo Arts District. Saturday & Sunday, 10am8pm, Monday 10am-6pm. 525.2688, thepaseo.com.

June 1 Scout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides discount admission for members in uniform or carrying a membership card for organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H and FFA. $7 per youth, $10 per one accompanying adult.

Summer at the Library Kick-Off at the Midwest City Library includes food, fun and summer library signup. Noon-1:30pm. 732-4828. Also held 6/2 at the Southern Oaks Library.

June 5

www.N40K.com

405.260.0766/580.478.3966

FREE All-American Kids Fishing Derby at Edmond's Spring Creek Park, for ages 5-15 with parent. Register 7:30-9am, fishing opens 8am, final weigh-in 11am. Concessions and worms for sale.

216-7471.

#1 Financial Secrets of Millionaires Now Revealed!

Find a fresh bounty of produce at a Farmer’s Market near you! Most markets feature locally-grown produce and plants, arts and crafts, organic items, baked goods, meat and more.

•

Let us know how we can help.

Learn more and watch the puppycam at

Downtown Dash includes a 5k, 10k and a one-mile fun run, beginning and ending at St. Anthony Hospital.

Also includes Expo/Health Fair and prizes. 7:30pm. downtownokc.com.

Farmer’s Markets in the Metro area

•

Our passion is to provide our clients with loving, smart, healthy labradors that become treasured family members.

familybanking.com You can NEVER pay interest on a car note again!

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Norman Farm Market at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds is open 8:00am-noon Saturdays and Wednesdays. 360.4721, clevelandcountyfair.org.

800-707-8729

You won’t believe the information on this site!

Edmond Spring Garden and Produce Market at Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond.

Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm. 3594630, edmondok.com.

It’s Time...

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Moore Old Town Farmer’s Market in downtown Moore held Thursdays 4:00-8:00pm and Saturdays 8:00am-noon, opening in May. 793-5000, cityofmoore.com/ community/farmersmarket

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OSU-OKC Farmer’s Market is held year round at the Horticulture Pavilion at 400 N Portland in OKC. Indoor market open Saturdays year-round from 10:00am-1:00pm; summer hours, 8:00am-1:00pm begin in late spring. 945-3358, osuokc.edu/farmersmarket.

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OSU-OKC Thursday Farmer’s Market, is held at the Glenbrook parking lot (NW 63rd between Western & Grand). Open 3:006:00pm. 945-3358, osuokc.edu/farmersmarket.

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yukon 100% Oklahoma Grown Farmer’s Market is held on historic Route 66. Saturdays, 8:00am-noon from June-October. cityofyukonok.gov.

To Paint Mother’s Day & Father’s Father Day Gifts!

• Punky Pottery • Bridal Parties • Teen Parties • Walk-in Anytime • Birthday Parties

Paint your own pottery studio 7906 N. May, OKC • 842-7770 May 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

41

MetroFamily's Summer Adventure EXPO

Hands-on fun at a vend

or booth

Travis Brorsen, originally of Perry, and his dog Presley (named the Greatest American Dog on a TV reality show) teach the EXPO kids about manners

Held April 19, this event featured vendors talking with guests about summer camps, activities and tourism destinations, fun entertainment on the stage and plenty of giveaways and prizes.

The Thunder Girls signed auto for the kids

graphs

The crowd at Summer Adventure EXPO havin g fun and learning abou t summer activities

The OKC Thunder's Rumble and the guys from Shock Basketball show off their basketball skills

Hey, Metro Families!

We want to see your photos.

Submit snapshots of your family out and about in the Metro and we'll put them in our pages.

Photo submission guidelines may be found at metrofamilymagazine.com/submit-your-photos.

Tips for submitting photos: • High-resolution images (at least 400kb in size, not to exceed 5mb) are necessary for use in print.

• Please include the name of each person in the photo, your hometown and the time and location for the photo.

Yard Dawgz mascot Diesel gives our photographer a smile

• Submitted photos will become property of MetroFamily and may be used in future publications or on metrofamilymagazine.com.

42

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Rumble pauses for a photo op May 2010

Coming in June’s issue: The 2010 Exploring Oklahoma with Children travel guide!

Want to reac h thousands o f traveling fam ilies looking for y our destination?

Conta

ct us TODAY fo r all the choices and d etails.

Ad re servation deadline is May 13.

• Learn about all the best places across the state to introduce your kids to nature, including “get outside” ideas for family fun no matter where your travels lead you.

•Enjoy coupons and discounts to attractions around the state through the popular Kids Pass (MetroFamilyMagazine.com/kids-pass).

• Also available as a stand-alone publication distributed at all Oklahoma Welcome Centers and through TravelOK.com, courtesy of sponsor Oklahoma Tourism Department.

“Like” us on Facebook Facebook.com/ExploringOK

“Follow” us on Twitter Twitter.com/ExploringOK

Register now to receive our NEW bi-monthly Exploring Oklahoma e-newsletter, to start in early June. You’ll always be in the know about the fun day and weekend trips (including upcoming festivals) you can enjoy with your children.

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma-newsletter

Keep up with the latest about the Exploring Oklahoma project at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma

the sweet side of chill.

Frappés. Spend your precious me time chillin’ with a mocha or caramel blended ice drink with a hint of coffee topped with whipped cream and drizzle. ©2010 McDonald’s