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5/10/2010 7:57:01 AM

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3

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

Nothing is more important than family.

It’s also true that there is no harder job than being a parent.

We know you live these truths every day—and that is what drives us at MetroFamily. We’re all about trying to make family life easier and more fun in the OKC area. We are building a community of local family advocates who love children, are passionate about helping families grow strong and want to create an alliance to support the needs of all local families.

How can you become a member of the MetroFamily community?

• Join the conversation around our stories and blogs at our national award-winning website, MetroFamilyMagazine.com • “Like” us on Facebook (Facebook.com/metrofamily) • Follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/metrofamily) • Become an E-Update subscriber to be aware of family events and other activities and projects regarding parenting • Attend our events to learn and grow from other parents, local businesses and nonprofits that serve families and national parenting experts.

After all, it’s also true that we’re better at this parenting job when we support each other.

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area 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

Learn more at metrofamilymagazine.com/community

The Top Five Reasons

to visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com this month:

5

Plan your kid’s best summer ever with our Summer Camps & Activities Guide. Metrofamilymagazine. com/2010-summer-camps-andactivities-guide

4

Find a metro-wide list of Vacation Bible Schools, too.

Metrofamilymagazine.com/ 2010-vbs-list

3

Kids can read more this summer with this list: metrofamilymagazine. com/2010-summer-reading-programs MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ subscribe-to-e-update

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

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

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We’re not done yet! The highlight of summer for most kids is 4th of July. Find all the metro area and statewide Independence Day festivities here: metrofamilymagazine.com/ independence-day-fun

1

Never miss anything family-related in the OKC area. Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter that gives you a comprehensive look at family events for the weekend AND keeps you up to date on all the latest MetroFamily projects and events. And, while there, sign up for our NEW e-newsletter about Exploring Oklahoma with Children. metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribeto-e-update

Visit the award-winning MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

June 2010

Explore Oklahoma!

23 Calendar

Celebrate the Great Outdoors

Events and activities

6

Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

21 Dear Teacher

Advice from education experts

18 Family Finances

Smart tips to protect your home from burglary this summer

10 Family Shorts

Community news and parenting resources

This year, our special Exploring Oklahoma with Children issue focuses on where to explore Oklahoma’s diverse nature with your kids. This 48-page special section is included right here in our June issue. (starts after page 16). Be sure to keep this issue; you’ll be referring to it—and using the coupons in our valuable Kids Pass— for months to come!

19 News You Can Use: KFOR

The KFOR morning team talks about their favorite Oklahoma travel destinations

17 Oklahoma Reads

Book reviews and summer reading program news

22 The Alert Parent

Teach your children well: imparting family values

20 Your Healthy Family

8

Financial Freeze: Looking for more ways to save money these days? Let the story of Norman mom Coy McDonald and her family’s adventures in frugal living be an inspiration.

13

Learn tips for keeping your relationship fresh and fun from the experts including Bob and Charlene Reynolds of Oklahoma City who have 65 years of marriage experience.

On our cover: Jake Massey and daughter Lyric (age 7) of Norman fishing at Lake Thunderbird.

The two can often be found fishing at the lake together.

Xylitol makes treats tooth-friendly

Special Center Section (starts after pg 16)

Exploring Oklahoma with Children

The 2010 edition of our award winning travel guide to all things Oklahoma!

Cover Photography by Aimme Adams ❘ www.aimeeadamsphoto.com

June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

5

Dear MetroFamily,

Me, Diana Sweet and Sarah Taylor celebrating Diana’s strength at the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this ‘Letter from the Editor.’ Just this weekend we received news that our friend Diana Sweet lost her battle with cancer.

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

Diana was a vibrant person, a loving wife and mother to a young daughter.

The last name “Sweet” fit her well, as she was sweet and friendly to all, be they strangers or friends. Her smile could light up the room.

Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Diana began to detail her fight with breast cancer on the MetroFamily website as a blogger. Formerly an intern at MetroFamily, she approached our publisher, Sarah Taylor with the idea of starting her blog to warn people that breast cancer can affect anyone.

Diana’s courage and candor have been an inspiration to many. Last October, a group of us completed the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of Diana and her battle with a fast-growing and aggressive cancer. As we mourn for our friend, we encourage you to celebrate her life by adapting her example: be sweet to those around you. As Diana said, “Be kind to others; you never know what they are going through.”

Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@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

• This issue is our biggest ever and is actually two issues in one. Check out AND SAVE our annual travel guide to the state, Exploring Oklahoma with Children. Find out the best places in the state to explore nature with your kids, save big bucks with our Kids Pass that provides coupons to numerous statewide attractions, and enter the Exploring Oklahoma photo/essay contest and win big.

• We sincerely regret that our Summer Camps and Activities Guide had a few errors. These errors have been corrected on our online listing at metrofamilymagazine.com/2010-summercamps-and-activities-guide. Here are the corrections: Oklahoma Children’s Theatre camp listing has been added; Wild Child Yoga’s correct phone number is 405-850-5487; and the Shock Basketball Academy’s correct website is sbabasketball.net.

• Sign up for our NEW Exploring Oklahoma e-newsletter, to be sent twice a month starting in June. This newsletter will include ideas for day and weekend trips around the state and the upcoming festivals around the state. Subscribe here: metrofamilymagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma-newsletter.

• Read the outstanding exclusive articles on our website, including: Modern Dads and the Women Who Love Them, Keep Kid’s Math Skills Sharp All Summer Long, an article about the fun and benefits of nature journaling and a list of museums that are available in every area of the state that are mentioned in our Exploring Oklahoma articles. Find them here: metrofamilymagazine.com/june-2010.

• Our next issue will focus on Special Needs Families. The deadline for ad space reservation is Thursday, June 17. Call 405-340-1404 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com TODAY.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett Shannon Fields Alice Collinsworth Peggy Gisler Julie Dill Robin Jones Marge Eberts Karen Mitchell Allyn Evans Sue Lynn Sasser Mari Farthing 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 6

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

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

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

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June 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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7

The

30-Day Financial Freeze:

How a Norman Mom Conducted a Money Makeover Coy McDonald of Norman likes to experiment with her family. Not the type of experiments involving weird chemicals or things exploding—but the type that pushes her family outside of their comfort zone and helps them to gain a better understanding of who they are, what they stand for and what they hope to accomplish.

Under her guidance, her family has successfully lived one month without yelling or raising voices. They have survived thirty days without television or media of any kind. They have even lived for two weeks on $20 worth of groceries. She once tried to see how long it would take someone to replace the toilet paper in the bathroom, but abandoned that experiment after she says she became “totally grossed out.” But the biggest experiment she’s conducted to date? Not spending any money for 30 days—an experience McDonald says has had long-lasting, positive effects on her family.

Financial Frustrations McDonald was frustrated with her family’s finances when she decided it was prime time to see if they could survive for a month without money. “I just kept wondering where our money was going,” she explained. “The eye opener for me was when I had a close friend who needed some financial assistance and I realized I was completely unable to help her.” That was when she decided to put herself, her husband Steve and her three children (ages 13, 7 and 6), through a “financial and fast food freeze,” to see how it might help them to gain better control of their money and get a firm grip on their financial well-being.

The parameters of the experiment were easy: the family would pay their mortgage, utilities and other bills, and put fuel in their cars.

Other than that, it was a matter of using what they had, finding it 8

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June 2010

for free, or simply learning to do without. “The first week was the hardest,” McDonald reports. “We were still on our ‘auto-spending’ habits and it was hard to reign ourselves in. We just kept thinking ‘but it’s only a few dollars.’ But we made ourselves stick to it.”

Eating Our Money Before the experiment, McDonald reports that they would often spend the weekend following each payday eating out three or four times and making a large grocery-shopping trip. “By the time Monday rolled around, the majority of the check would be gone and we’d end up using credit cards waiting for the next check to come in,” she said. “We were basically eating our money. It was then that we realized that we were being bad stewards of our finances. We had become slaves to our debt.” While they had to adjust to not spending money on entertainment, clothing, or impulse items during the month, it was not purchasing food that was most noticeable for the family.

According to McDonald, the hardest part was giving up the convenience offered by meals-on-the-go and making time to ensure that meals, drinks, and snacks were cooked, packed, or prepared in advance. “At first, my kids were frustrated that we had to say ‘no’ to them a lot,” McDonald reflects. “But my husband and I had to say ‘no’ to ourselves, too. I have to admit that not having a Big Gulp for a month was a challenge!”

The Lasting Effects While the family has since re-entered the retail world, McDonald reports that the experiment had long-lasting benefits. First, they now only eat out if it is a special occasion or if it is planned into the family’s monthly budget in advance. “Not eating out has helped us save money for more important things,” she says. “My kids have totally changed their expectations of eating out constantly. A Happy Meal is not expected any more. Before, they thought it was their right, now they think of it as a treat. It has changed our lifestyle completely.” © Madmaxer | Dreamstime.com

Also, it gave them time to examine their spending more closely. “It broke my habit of running into Wal-Mart all the time and spending $50 each time I went in,” McDonald explained. “It helped me get a grip on my discretionary spending.”

Now, the McDonalds give themselves what they call “blow money,” a small amount of cash that they can use for flexible spending throughout the week. The kids now earn their pocket money by doing chores or assisting their grandparents with tasks. “By holding a limited amount of cash, it really makes you think about every dollar you spend,” McDonald says “I originally thought it would be a good lesson for our kids, but it has turned out to be a great lesson for us, too. We are all learning together.”

Most importantly, McDonald says the experiment will have lasting effects on their financial health that will ultimately benefit their family tree. The family no longer uses credit and is on track to be completely out of debt within 18 months. They are striving to teach their children to save money for things that are important, how to budget and how to live within their means. “The financial habits you pick up from your parents are the ones you carry with you throughout your life,” McDonald says. “By getting control of our finances, we are changing our kids’ future, too.”

If you are interested in undertaking a “financial freeze” or other experiment of your own, McDonald offers a few words of advice.

First, be sure you plan out the experiment in advance and discuss it with each member of your family to get them on board. Second, have fun with it. Look for free options for entertainment and food that will allow you to enjoy things you would’ve otherwise had to pay for.

“Remind yourself that you are choosing to do this and then just go for it. While we were in our 30 days, Taco Bell had a free taco day and I think we hit every location in Norman that day. They were the best tacos ever!” McDonald laughs. Lastly, let your friends and family know about your experiment. “It gives you accountability and allows you to share your experiences with others.” McDonald, explains.

Happy experimenting!

Tips for a Financially Healthy Family If you think your family could benefit from a financial shakeup, Cynthia Campbell, Assistant Vice President of the Financial Empowerment Program at Tinker Federal Credit Union, offers a few tips for the fiscally-savvy family: • Get a grip. Realize the negative effects that financial stress can have on your health, self-esteem, marriage and performance at work and make it a priority to change. “Finances are the number one reason cited for divorce, so getting your money under control can have a big impact on a marriage,” Campbell explained. “If money stress is not an issue, you can go on with living your life.”

• Set financial goals. Set short-, mid-, and long-term goals based around your family priorities and dreams. Make them measurable and specific. How much from each paycheck must you set aside to reach these goals?

• Develop a budget. Track your monthly expenses to see where your money is really going every month. Take a hard look at where you could reasonably reduce expenses. Be sure to insert the goals set above into your budget.

• Use credit wisely. For any credit you use, be sure you are using it to your advantage. Use loans only to help you achieve goals such as starting a business, buying a home, or paying for an education.

Don’t over-leverage yourself and always shop around for the best interest rate.

• Use technology to manage your money. Set up electronic alerts to remind you when bills are due and use online bill pay so that you always pay on time. Explore whether your financial institution can send email or text alerts to notify you of certain account activities, such as deposits, withdrawals over a certain amount or if your balance falls below a certain level.

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

Visit MetroFamily’s Frugal Mom Blogs Want to hear more about frugal living? Our Frugal Mom Bloggers can offer tips and tricks for your family and easy ways to incorporate frugal living into your lifestyle.

Blogger Karen Perea is the mom of three boys. Along with being a mom, Karen also has a job outside the home, attends college, and contributes to the consumerqueen.com website, a national resource for frugal-minded families across the country. She is interested in saving time and money.

Some of her recent blog topics include how to help tornado damage victims, a multi-part series on couponing secrets and tips, and saving on clothing for your family.

Blogger Krysten Marshall of Norman is the mother MetroFamily Frugal Mom of one daughter who Karen with her boys. recently began working for a book publisher. Her interests include photography, coffee with French vanilla creamer and making detailed lists. Her recent blog topics include making a money-related mission statement, how overdraft protection charges affect you, giving back while being frugal, and an entry about the cost of breastfeeding that ignited a spirited discussion among readers.

MetroFamily Frugal Mom blogger Krysten with her daughter.

June 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Celebrating Father's Day?

By Julie Dill

With Father’s Day around the corner, I already have that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. My children, along with thousands of other kids, will not get to celebrate that day with their dad. Rather the unfortunate circumstance is death, divorce, or an absent father, this is a tough day for some families to face.

Here are some suggestions to ease the feeling of absence that your children may be experiencing: •

Explain to your children that Father’s Day celebrates all fathers. Then, encourage them to make a card for someone special in their life (grandfather, uncle, family friend).

• Celebrate the people in your children’s lives. Plan a special dinner with loved ones.

• School or church planning a “Dads and Donuts”?

Let your child invite a relative to attend with them.

If that’s not a possibility, many dads would be willing to take some “extras” under their wing and let them sit with their family.

• Stay busy with planned activities. If you’re suffering a loss, this would be a great day to celebrate memories of Dad by eating at his favorite restaurant, looking through scrapbooks, or watching his favorite movie.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Surround your family with the support of friends and family on these difficult days, and reflect on the most special blessings of all: your children.

Question of the Month How do you beat the summer heat?

Visit metrofamilymagazine. com/fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $500.

Deadline is Thursday, June 17.

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.

Change the World of One Child

By Robin Jones

The fastest growing group in the homeless community is families with children. There isn’t an exact count but it is estimated there are approximately 3,000 homeless children in the Oklahoma City metro area.

The four-month Season of Service, a public awareness campaign giving practical ideas about how individuals in our community can make a difference in a child’s life, started with a focus on foster care and emphasizes homelessness in June. Cornerstone Assistance Network and the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives are the coordinators of the campaign.

Homelessness may seem like an issue that is far too complicated and overwhelming for an individual or family to make any difference. However, change can happen and it starts with one act of service at a time. For example, one service possibility is collecting some of the many items that ministries and organizations serving the homeless need, such as twin extra long sheets, pillows, school uniforms, diapers and children’s underwear. Another possibility is volunteering for summer camp, helping serve meals, or mentoring an at risk youth.

June 26-27 is Hope for the Homeless weekend. Church congregations are encouraged to select a project to promote and find ways to help. A list of action items and their associated contact organizations may be found online at serveokc.org.

Where Will You Go? In Our May Question of the Month, we asked where you liked to spend time outdoors in Oklahoma. The most popular attraction? Area zoos, closely followed by local parks, lakes and state parks.

Shelly M. of Moore said, “As long as my family and I are together, we have a great time anywhere outdoors. We enjoy nature in our own front yard. We look for the hidden beauty that not everyone takes the time to look for.”

Rebecca D. of OKC has an exciting summer planned. “Oklahoma has so many great place to see! This summer we’re going to visit the Salt Plains, the Arbuckles and the National Park in Sulphur.” Rebecca’s family also plans to spend a lot of time at the OKC Zoo, using their ZooFriends membership.

Julie D. of Yukon said “We are new to Oklahoma and have loved our many trips to Red Rock Canyon… the hiking, exploring, history, motorcycles rappelling and fishing are all so much fun, especially surrounded by such beautiful land.”

6% 14% 7% 26%

34% 36%

■ Zoo - 36 ■ Local Park - 34 ■ Lake - 26 ■ State Park - 14 ■ Other -7 ■ National Park - 6

And Sheila L of OKC enjoys summer very locally: “I enjoy spending time in my backyard,” said Sheila. “It is very shady and has beautiful flowers along the wooden gates and the children enjoy playing hide and seek among the bushes.”

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

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June 2010

Problem-Solving Character Corner: Flexibility Products 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:

You want bug spray that is safe for your kids and pets.

Solution:

Hot Shot Natural Home Insect Spray ($4.50), kills household pests with natural ingredients, including lemongrass, that won’t harm your family. (hotshotbrand.com)

Problem:

Your handbag is a hot mess.

Solution:

The Pouchee Purse Organizer ($23), holds your handbag flotsam and jetsam so it’s easy to keep your bag organized or even to move your gear from one bag to another with ease. (pouchee.com)

Problem:

How do you make math fun (and understandable) for your kids?

Solution:

Zillio ($31.95 and up) makes 2D and 3D board games that help to reinforce mathematical concepts in a fun way. (zilliogames.com)

Problem:

Your kids need a little spelling brush-up.

Solution:

The I ♥ Words book ($14.99) is designed for kids grades 3 and up to engage in word games and build skills. (usbornebooksandmore.com)

Problem:

The baby refuses to keep those sunglasses on! Help!

Solution:

Protect your little one’s sensitive eyes with stylish sunglasses that strap on. JBanz ($16 and up) come in sizes for babies, toddlers and kids with straps to help keep them in place. (usa.babybanz.com)

Being flexible means that you are open to new insights or ideas. The willingness to change your plans in favor of another’s may give you new insight into activities or perspectives not yet explored. A willingness to adjust your plans when receiving good advice from others often results in success, while resisting the good advice of others may lead to wrong decisions.

If you want to grow, you must be willing to stretch. ~ Anonymous

To promote flexibility in your home: • Be willing to change ideas or plans based on the cautions of others.

• Be open to suggestions for improvement.

• View family emergencies as opportunities to build character.

• Give up activities that conflict with family priorities without complaint.

Encourage flexibility 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: ... not get upset when plans change. ... respect the decisions of my authorities. ... not be stubborn. ... look for the good in changes. ... not compromise what is right.

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

A Rainbow For a Healthy Diet June is National Fruit and Vegetable Month, so what better time to highlight the restorative powers of a rainbow-hued diet? Each colored vegetable and fruit has unique properties, and there is strong evidence that there are interactions between the colors that are beneficial to your health. Eating by the Rainbow is vitally important to your well-being.

• Red foods contain lycopene, which helps rid the body of damaging free radicals and protects against prostate cancer, heart, and lung disease. Red foods are loaded with antioxidants thought to protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots and may also delay the aging of cells in the body.

• Orange and Yellow foods contain alpha carotene, which protects against cancer, and contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, protecting the skin against free-radical damage. Beta-carotene is also good for night vision.

• Green foods contain the chemicals that help ward off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens.

Chlorophyll is the component that makes plant green, and is purifying in the body. Many green foods also contain calcium and minerals.

• Blue, Indigo and Violet foods contain the compound anthocyanins that not only give food their color but also have been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and increasing heart health.

• White foods contain properties that have antitumor qualities, such as allicin in onions as well as other health-improving antioxidants such as the flavanoids. The white foods, bananas and potatoes, contain potassium as well.

Excerpted with permission from ROYGBIV: The Color of Health by Patty James, author of More Vegetables, Please! Find the full text of the article on metrofamilymagazine.com/june-2010.

June 2010

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I Can Earn It! Is your tween or teen looking for a summer job? Help them make the most of their earning powers with a book written by a local mother/daughter team, I Can Earn It (icanearnit. com, $14.99).

Written by mother and daughter Bev and Rachel Wood of Edmond, the idea originated when Rachel planned an amazing birthday party for her brother Noah. Other parents began to ask for her services and her idea for tween and teen business ideas came to life.

Written in a chatty, informal style, the book (which is really an interactive workbook) takes readers from the beginning stages of planning (What can you do? What is your goal?), a discussion on the importance of a good work ethic, a breakdown of what expenses will mean to a business, and ideas for growth opportunities.

Several pages offer prompts that will help get kids thinking—What items are needed for this business idea? What is my goal? What are the pros and cons?—and a chapter-long business plan will help enterprising tweens and teens to put it all together.

“As parents and grandparents, we want to give our kids everything they want. While we can’t always do that, we can teach them about the value of work, ”said Bev Wood. “It feels good to accomplish things on your own. I Can Earn It! is filled with basic business concepts explained in a way that pre-teens and teens can put the ideas to work immediately. The teens gain life skills, increase their self-confidence and in the process earn extra cash. It’s a winwin for families!”

Buckle Up for Safety Any time you’re traveling by motor vehicle in Oklahoma—whether it’s down the block or across the state—the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) urges you to make sure every passenger is appropriately buckled up.

by Alice Collinsworth, OHSO Spokesperson

Oklahoma law says that drivers and frontseat passengers of cars, pickups, vans and SUVs, regardless of age, must wear safety belts.

“Fastening a seat belt or child restraint system only takes a few seconds, and it’s the best way to protect yourself and those in your vehicle in the event of a crash,” said Sabrina Mackey, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

Children age five or below must be in a properly installed child passenger restraint system, and children age 6-12 must be protected by either a properly installed restraint system or a safety belt.

“Properly restrained” means choosing the right type of seat for your child, installing it correctly and using it in accordance with the seat manufacturer’s instructions, Mackey said.

Oklahoma law does not include specific height and weight requirements, only the age requirements listed above. The height and weight limits for a particular seat vary by seat manufacturer, so seats should be selected according to the child’s size.

“It’s important to have child safety seats correctly installed, and that can be a confusing process with so many different types and styles available,” Mackey said.

“We encourage anyone who will be driving with children in the vehicle to consult with a certified technician to make sure car seats are installed properly.”

For more information, contact the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office at 405-523-1570 and ohso.ok.gov or Safe Kids Oklahoma at 405271-5695 and safekidsok.org.

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June 2010

2010 Sitting Volleyball Worlds For Team USA Sitting Volleyball team member Eric Duda, one of the biggest thrills of competing in the World Organization Volleyball Disabled (WOVD) 2010 Sitting Volleyball Worlds is to continuously push himself and to test his mental acuity and physical limits. "It's in the same vein as a normal Olympic athlete, we are all just working for that chance to pursue our goals and dreams," Duda explained.

On July 11-18, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), an official Olympic and Paralympic training site, will host approximately 600 athletes and coaches from more than 40 national sitting volleyball teams from around the world.

The competition will serve to qualify teams for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

"Our primary goal is to come out in the top 3," Duda said. "We want to qualify for the Paralympics and make a strong showing."

The U.S. Women's National Sitting Volleyball team won silver at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, as well as gold at the 2009 EuroCup in Roermond, Netherlands. The U.S. Men's and Women's teams played in the finals at the 2010 Parapan American Champions in March, receiving the silver and gold medals respectively. "The program has come a long way, largely due to the support of the community and UCO," Duda explained. "It's a great opportunity for everyone to see the hard work that the team puts into it and to see the high-level of international play."

The event will kick off with an opening ceremony on July 10 (7-9pm, tickets $10) at the UCO Hamilton Field House and will recognize all the countries in attendance feature a unique Oklahoma flair. A closing celebration will be held on July 18 at Frontier City (tickets $15) approximately one hour after the medal ceremonies.

General admission tickets to the competition are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (age 60+) and children (12 and under).

For Duda, who has been involved with the Paralympics since 2000, the key is to approach the competition with the same mind set as work and to go into every day with something new. "This competition is a great chance for families to come cheer for the USA," Duda encouraged, "It gives us a chance to show everyone that we are high quality athletes and that we play a deceptively fast game."

In addition to cheering for the team, approximately 1000 community volunteers are needed to assist with the competition.

To view volunteer opportunities, purchase tickets, or for additional information, visit www.2010Worlds.com.

Small Steps for Happy Husbands:

Six Ways to Delight Your Man and Strengthen Your Marriage

Bob and Charlene Reynolds of Oklahoma City are not mathematicians, but they do have a few important numbers in their lives. They were two of only 28 people in their graduating class. As newlyweds, they were separated by nearly 5,000 miles for 14 months. As a young married couple, they moved eight times. Their first child was born seven years into their marriage and their second seven years later. In the course of their marriage, Bob has survived two heart attacks. Currently, they are the proud grandparents to three grandsons and have lived in their south Oklahoma City house for 40 years. But the number that perhaps best defines their relationship? Sixty-five: the number of years that they have been happily married.

Wedding photo of Bob and

Charlene Reynolds, Octobe

r, 1945.

The couple met in high school in 1943, when Charlene moved to Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Bob was the quarterback of the local football team, and made a habit of frequenting the restaurant where Charlene worked after school. The couple soon began dating and were engaged a year later, marrying in October 1945. “It’s not like she had a lot of choices,” Bob joked. “There were less than 30 people in our graduating class and not even half were men.” Charlene, however, told a different story. “Our marriage has always been about give and take. We love being with friends and spending time together. We’ve always enjoyed being together.”

Just three months into their marriage, Bob joined the Army and served overseas in Germany. “It was hard when he was gone early on,” Charlene said. “It was certainly very lonely.” Once Bob returned to Oklahoma, he took a job with Southwestern Bell, beginning a career that kept the family on the move. Over the next 15 years, the family lived in Sallisaw, Ardmore, Norman (twice), Healdton, Oklahoma City, and Del City before finally settling into the house that would become their family home for more than four decades in south Oklahoma City. “I got so used to moving that if I lived in the same place for more than a year, I felt like I’d better start packing,” Charlene laughed.

June 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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The Importance of a Healthy Relationship

As the couple prepares to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in October, Bob reminisced about their life together—which has edured lows (recovering from multiple heart attacks) and highs (watching their grandchildren prepare to marry). “We’ve lived through everything. Nearly 65 years of marriage together and we’re almost getting to know each other,” he quipped. A strong bond has carried them through the peaks and valleys of their shared life.

“A healthy relationship is the foundation for everything else you do,” explained Dr. Patty Ann Turbin (who goes by Dr. Patty Ann), a relationship coach, board-certified psychotherapist and creator of the Relationship Toolbox, a program designed to help couples create the relationship of their dreams. “It makes sorrows so much more bearable and joys so much more joyful.”

Dr. Patty Ann explained that, when it comes to marriage, men and women aren’t as different as one might suspect. “Contrary to what people might think, a man’s number one desire is to be loved,” she said. “But for men, this often comes through feeling wanted and appreciated by their spouse.” While physical touch and intimacy certainly play a part, Dr. Patty Ann stressed that it is important for a wife to let her husband know that she needs him. “Be physically present, hold his hand and give him the nonverbal connections that sometimes speak louder than words,” she advised. “Men are just as sensitive as women, they just express it in different ways.”

Having interviewed 75 couples married 50 years or more from across the country, Florida-based relationship author Sheryl P. Kurland suggests that many couples today have lost the feeling of what marriage is supposed to be about. “It’s about having your best friend with you throughout life,” Kurland said. “It’s about spending your time with someone who wants you to be happy.”

Kurland shares more than 4,000 collective years of marriage insight and advice in her book Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More. Working with the insights gained from interviewing couples who have successfully made marriage work, Kurland says that part of the problem is that couples today are lacking role models that demonstrate what a solid marriage should be like. “Instead, celebrity divorces and quickie marriages are everywhere,” Kurland explains. “We have lost the goodness of what marriage is about.”

advice has certainly held true for Bob and Charlene, who theorize that they might have perfected face-to-face communication during their six plus decades together. “I can pretty much tell you what Bob is going to say and do before he does it,” Charlene laughed.

2. Get a Tune Up When Needed

In addition to making sure that you communicate one-on-one with your hubby, it is also important to make sure you are communicating about the right things. “What’s not said is perhaps more damaging than what is said,” Dr. Patty Ann cautioned. “It is like cancer to a relationship. If you don’t deal with problems when they arise, they can increase exponentially.” She likens the marital relationship to a car, where a troublesome noise under the hood can often be put off or ignored, usually from a lack of time or energy to address it at the moment. “It then turns into a major repair or a major breakdown that could’ve been prevented,” she said. “Don’t expect your partner to just know what is wrong or how you think or feel. You must communicate with them and take care of problems as they come your way.”

Joshua Nichols, a marital and family therapist at the Alpha and Omega Family Center in Oklahoma City, concurs. “A marriage is a give-and-take relationship. We expect certain exchanges to take place, [and] if they don’t the marriage tends to deteriorate,” he explained. “The different exchanges that take place will be unique to each couple.” Bob and Charlene are no strangers to these exchanges.

When asked why he thinks the divorce rate is so high between couples today, Bob explains, “It’s a matter of understanding each

Simple Relationship Boosters

Looking to increase the “goodness” in your relationship? There are simple changes that many marriage and family counselors agree will strengthen your marriage:

1. Get In His Face

According to Dr. Patty Ann, the biggest challenge facing couples today is direct communication. “With the prevalence of texting, email and Facebook, the art of face-to-face communication between couples has been lost,” she said. “By definition, communication is a two-way street, between two people. The danger of electronic communication is that it allows us to express what we want to say without having to hear the response from the other person.”

If too much of your communication with your spouse is taking place electronically, Dr. Patty Ann stresses that you are at risk of losing the nuances of nonverbal communication, including body language, expressions, and tone of voice. “You can’t underestimate the importance of seeing your partner’s expression or the look in his eyes,” she said. Perhaps more troubling is the fact that the loss of face time also results in a decline in effective listening—being able to tune into what your spouse is saying and deduce their needs, desires and emotions. “Any sales person will tell you that nothing seals the deal quite like a personal meeting and a hand shake,” she explained. “It is even more true in personal relationships.” This 14

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June 2010

Bob and Charlene Reynolds in May, 2010. The OKC couple celebrates 65 years of marriage in October.

other and not letting pride get in the way between you. Say what needs to be said.”

3. Say It Like a Man

Once you’ve gotten a grip on saying what needs to be said, Dr. Patty Ann says that you should look at the very words you are using to communicate. “Women need to communicate to men in a very clear fashion,” she said. “Tell him how you feel, don’t play games or expect him to read between the lines. And, perhaps hardest for women, talk less. Just be emotionally and physically present.” She said that wives should use the same communication skills with their

spouse that they would use in a work or social situation and always treat their spouse as well as they treat friends, colleagues and others outside the marriage. When it comes to conflict, she advises women to communicate clearly about the difference and then let it go. “If it can’t be settled, agree to disagree, and always respectfully,” she said. “Every couple fights about money and has time limitations.

But, if you can truly communicate with your partner about your expectations, goals and dreams, you can survive anything.”

4. Take It Like a Man

When it comes to the words coming from your husband’s mouth, Kurland brings what she calls the “Horton the Elephant Principle” into play—remembering that, just like the elephant in Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who!, your man said what he meant and meant what he said. “Remember to not take things out of context and don’t read more into it than what he actually said,” Kurland cautioned. She provides the example of a hard-working wife who cooks dinner and then asks for her husband’s feedback. When he replies that it was fine, but needed a bit more salt, the wife becomes upset. “In the wife’s mind, it’s easy for her to feel like he secretly didn’t like the entire meal,” she said. “It spirals into ‘he doesn’t appreciate me when I work so hard’ when all he truly wanted was just a bit more salt.”

Nichols says accepting this type of honesty requires couples to establish a level of trust and vulnerability. “Becoming vulnerable means that spouses have to put down their defenses and make themselves open to the other, even at the risk of getting hurt,” he explained. In order to keep a marriage afloat, this level of vulnerability and open communication is essential. “Be honest with each other because things are not going to be good all the time,” Bob added. “Be trusting and back off during hard times, don’t go headlong into it and do something you might regret.”

5. Honor the Five-Second Delay

Counting to five makes up the fifth piece of advice from Kurland, who says that in day-to-day communications, men have a tendency to pause. Especially when answering a question, many men will take a moment to collect their thoughts before answering. “In this situation, the woman can think that he hasn’t heard and the stress level in the situation automatically goes up,” she said. Give your man five full seconds to compute and formulate a response before getting snappy or repeating the question. “I swear it works because I use it in my own marriage,” she promised.

6. Give Him Some Props

When it comes to keeping your husband happy, Kurland says the sixth step is simple but among the most important for marital bliss— let him know how much you appreciate him. “Make him feel like he is your hero,” she recommended. “When men do things that we think are ordinary tasks, like doing the dishes or vacuuming, they

Looking for More from Our Experts?

• Visit drpattyann.com to subscribe to Dr. Patty Ann’s free weekly eZine featuring relationship advice using strategies, tools and techniques proven to rekindle romance in your relationship.

Also, follow her at @Dr.PattyAnn on Twitter.

Bob and Charlene Reynolds

want a big thank you and a hug. Give it to him every chance you get.”

Kurland says that if household chores can be ranked on a 100 point scale, many of the tasks that a woman would assign a “2” or “3” will tip the scales for a man. “He feels like helping around the house is worth 99 points,” she said. “It’s just a difference in perspective. A key way to make a happy marriage is to give appreciation and show gratitude, no matter how big or small the effort.”

Nichols says that giving gratitude is one of the biggest things a wife can do to show love to her partner and that she should take steps to be his biggest fan, admirer and encourager. “In our culture, the last thing a man wants to feel is like he is a failure, especially to his wife,” Nichols says. “She needs to remember that her opinion of him is the most important one of all. Her words of encouragement will help him understand how much she values him.”

Adding It Up

For one of the husbands in Kurland’s book, marital longevity is simple math. Instead of marriage being 50/50, he said it is actually 75/25. “It’s a good deal that way, because you both get 150 percent back if you always give 75 percent to your spouse,” Kurland said.

“And there is no other investment in the world that doubles your payback when you give more of yourself.”

For Bob and Charlene, the equation has always added up to happiness. “It all comes down to whether you marry the right person,” Charlene said. “But even when you do, you still have to try.” Looking back over six decades together, Bob sums up his relationship with Charlene in ten simple words: “You couldn’t keep me from doing it all over again.”

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

• Visit everlastingmatrimony.com to meet some of the couples that Sheryl Kurland interviewed for her book and to sign up for free, time-tested weekly relationship tips from couples married 50 years or more.

• Visit aofcllc.com to read Joshua Nichols’s blog or follow him on Twitter at @JNicholsLMFT.

Photos by Pam Reynolds)

June 2010

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Grades PreK-1

Books for Adults

To The Beach

by Thomas Docherty (Teplar Books, hardcover, $15.99)

52 Things Kids Need from a Dad

By Jay K. Payleitner (Harvest House Publishers, softcover, $12.99)

This rainy-day adventure tale is proof to our children that you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy a far-off adventure. A fun read with whimsical illustrations.

Grades 1 and up Dinosaurs on the Move

by Kathie Dietz-Luckie (Figures in Motion, softcover, $14.95) Kids who love hands-on fun will enjoy this book series. Includes facts about the 10 dinosaurs featured, full-color dinosaur cutouts and blank dinosaurs for your kids to color, cut out and assemble for play.

Grades 3-6 Kids @ the Crossroads: Aztec and Crusades

By Laura Scandiffio, Aztec illustrated

by Tina Holdcroft; Crusades illustrated

by John Mantha (Annick Press, softcover, $14.95 each) These clever books tell historically-accurate stories in a modern blog-style format.

Aztec is about a boy living in the Aztec civilization circa 1519. Crusades tells the story of a boy destined to march in the children’s crusade. The format engages young readers and makes the historical tales more accessible.

Grades 4 and up Just Dad and Me (American Girl, spiral bound, $14.95) Often, dads and daughters may find it difficult to find common ground, but a good dad/daughter relationship is important to both. This is a great book filled with ideas for activities that dads and daughters can share.

Why Summer Reading Programs?

An empowering book for men that encourages them to be the best father they can be.

Broken into 52 uncomplicated and doable tasks for men to use to reconnect with their families.

Handy Dad

By Todd Davis; photographs by Juli Stewart and Todd Davis; illustrated by Nik Shulz (Chronicle Books, softcover, $24.95) Twenty-five projects ranging from easy to challenging that dads can make with their kids. Many projects can be made in an afternoon with items commonly found around the house. Clear, illustrated directions are a plus for the mechanically-challenged.

The Old Guy Rules

By Jim Rodgers (Small Dogma Publishing, softcover, $13.95) A book for baby boomers wondering what the second half of their life will bring, this is the autobiography of a man who redefined what it means to be an “old guy.”

Steady Days

By Jamie C. Martin (Infused Communications, softcover, $10.95) Think of this as a guide to professional motherhood. A great read for moms who want to put a little more direction into their parenting, with 40 short chapters covering everything from organization to date night.

Find more book reviews at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ Oklahoma-Reads

Studies show that children who do not read over their summer vacation may fall victim to the “summer slump,” losing months of reading progress made during the previous school year.

The Reading Rockets website offers reading lists by grade level by age (0-3, 3-6, 6-9) at readingrockets.org/books/ summer/2010. Reading lists for tweens and teens may be found at adlit.org. Both of these sites are part of a national initiative to provide information on teaching kids to read, supported through public television station WETA and a the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

The Pioneer Library System’s annual Summer Reading Program is held during June and July at each of Pioneer’s nine branch libraries. Children and teens may chart their reading progress through the summer to earn prizes. Author appearances and other programs are also planned through the summer; details may be found online at pls.lib.ok.us.

The Metro Library System’s Summer Reading Program for kids up to grade six challenges them to read eight books, 800 pages or listen to audio books for eight hours. Each goal met results in another entry for end of summer prizes. The teen reading program also offers incentive prizes just for signing up. Visit metrolibrary.org for information. editor's note: Check out our web page highlighting other reading programs around the OKC area at MetroFamilyMagazine. com/2010-summer-readingprograms.

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Family Finances Protecting Your Home From Burglary

D

uring the summer months, we all seem to be on the go, working in the yard, traveling to see friends and family, or taking kids to activities.

Being gone from home for extended periods of time increases the potential of burglaries. Whether living in an apartment or a house, becoming a burglary victim violates our sense of security and can mean significant financial losses.

According to FBI statistics, a personal residence is burglarized every 15 seconds and most burglaries occur during the daylight hours. The typical homeowner suffers a loss of nearly $2,000 from stolen goods and property damage.

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Keep garage doors and the doors to your home closed at all times. Even if you are home or working in the yard, open garage doors and unlocked doors are invitations to enter.

• Install a security system with a loud alarm and/or flashing lights. This will attract the attention of neighbors. If you install an alarm, display the decals as an additional layer of protection, and remember to test the system periodically.

• Install outside lighting. Motion detected lights may alert neighbors of a possible intruder.

• Install good quality dead-bolt locks in all exterior doors, including doors By taking a few precautions, you can entering your garage. Using solid doors reduce the potential of becoming a or metal doors instead of hollow wood victim. doors also increases your security.

• Use shades, drapes and other window • Make your house appear occupied at treatments to keep potentially all times. Putting timers on lights that tempting items out of view and reduce go off and on at different times during “window-shopping” opportunities. the day, leaving a radio turned up loud • Avoid setting empty boxes at the curb enough to be heard outside and turning with your trash. Putting boxes from a down the volume on your answering new flat-screen television, video game machine create an illusion of having system, a laptop computer or other someone inside. You may also want to expensive home electronics at the curb consider forwarding your phone to your advertises that new and valuable items cell phone. are now available inside your home.

• If you are going to be gone from • Discuss security issues with children. home for several days, stop your Caution them against telling strangers mail, newspaper or other regularly about family vacations, valuables, scheduled deliveries. Or, ask a friend to personal schedules, or other family pick up such items each day from your activities. house and keep them until you return.

Also, have them check for any packages • Even if you don’t need help while or flyers left on your doorstep. You may you’re gone, tell someone (preferably want someone to put trash into your a neighbor) that you are leaving. garbage can and set it out on trash day.

Ask them to help keep an eye on your Be sure to have someone mow your yard property while you are gone. If gone so your house does not stand out from for an extended period of time, you may others. even want to ask a friend or the local police to check your home periodically • Don’t announce that you are leaving. while you are gone, or hire a house-sitter.

Avoid putting messages on Facebook, Twitter or other social networking media Taking steps to secure your property can about your trip or even your dinner plans. reduce your insurance premiums and lower You can always tell everyone what a the chances of being victimized. great time you had after you return. And, never leave notes on the door; it’s a clear sign that you are gone.

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate • Put valuables in less obvious places. professor of economics at the University of Do not stuff cash, jewelry and other Central Oklahoma. small valuables into dresser drawers. It’s one of the first places thieves will look.

Learn more at • Trim shrubbery and trees away from doors and windows. Shielded entrances can provide greater cover for burglars to enter your residence unnoticed. If you prefer to keep the greenery, plant MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ bushes with thorns around windows as a family-finances deterrent.

July and August have the most burglaries, the fewest occur in February. Most are committed by young males under the age of 25 looking for small, expensive items that can easily be converted to cash, such as jewelry, guns, watches, laptops, video players, CDs, other small electronic devices or cash. They prefer to gain easy access through an open door or window, and they frequently use household tools like screwdrivers, small pry bars or hammers if they need to break in. The average burglar spends no more than five minutes gaining entry to your property. Unfortunately, only about 13 percent of all reported burglaries are solved.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

•

News You Can Use: KFOR From Bowling to Bigfoot: Fun Oklahoma Staycation Ideas

L

ooking for fun and unique things to do with your family this summer?

Look no further than the morning news team at NewsChannel 4. During a recent conversation with Kent Ogle, Ali Meyer, Lance West and David Payne, the team shared some of their favorite places to visit with their families and ideas for fun things to do around the state—including everything from looking for Bigfoot to searching for good cheese.

“For my family, we go to the cheap places since everything we do is times three,” said anchor Ali Meyer, mother to three girls ages five, three and one. She explains that her family takes advantage of the many free days at local museums and attractions, and wouldn’t dream of being without their Oklahoma City Zoo membership. “We visit the zoo often during the summer. And sometimes we just take them to PetSmart and call it the zoo!” she joked. “I just heard about a free bowling opportunity for kids, so I think we’re going to be bowling a lot in the next few months.” Ali’s idea of a fun Oklahoma staycation? “I’d love to take my kids to do the bat watch at Alabaster Caverns,” she said, leading Rise & Shine morning anchor Lance West to pipe up “Oh, that would make your girls scream for sure!”

Floating the Illinois River in Tahlequah is a summer tradition for Lance, who calls his family “true water people.” “We are into jet skis and all kinds of water recreation. My idea of a dream vacation would be to go to south east Oklahoma and spend the weekend fishing, eating, relaxing and just enjoying the outdoors.” The West family has also

been known to take day trips in search of great food.

“We love the burgers at Meers Store & Restaurant, and I’ve always wanted to go eat cheese in Watonga, just to see how good it is,” the father of two adds.

Anchor Kent Ogle, father to two boys ages 17 and 19, says his ideal summer vacation would include explorations in Roman Nose State Park and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Area. He recalled a favorite Oklahoma staycation that his family took through southwestern Oklahoma.

“We made stops at the top of Mount Scott near Lawton, took a tour of Fort Sill, a visit to Geronimo’s grave site, and Red Rock Canyon, “ he explained. “We stayed in the Holidome in Elk City and had a great time.”

Kent laughed when morning meteorologist David Payne teased him “Boy, you really know how to treat ‘em!”

For Payne’s family, including his eight year old daughter, it doesn’t get any better than Beaver’s Bend in southeast Oklahoma, where he says you can spend as much or as little as you like on a cabin and enjoy the trout fishing, float trips, the nature center and local wineries. “We can do the same thing over and over again and it just never gets boring,” he explains.

But Lance hints at a different reason why the family likes to go to southeast Oklahoma.

“David likes to go look for Sasquatch,” West explains. “He has seen the Yeti, seriously.”

Payne doesn’t produce any photographic evidence of his brush with Bigfoot, but he does comment on his love of Hochatown, Oklahoma with their “Bigfoot Crossing” signs. “For my 40th birthday, some friends gave me a 3’ tall statue of Big Foot,” Playne adds. “Now when my family goes on vacation, we take it with us and stage photos wherever we go.” Lance adds that some residents of the area call it the Green Hill Monster, to which David replied, “No matter what you call him, he’s alive!

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

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June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

19

Your Healthy Family Tooth-Friendly Sweets

W

e’ve all heard the same messages from the dentist since we were little: brush your teeth, floss, and cut back on sweets. Well, what if there was a way to have the sweet stuff without hurting your teeth? Better yet, what if the sweets were actually GOOD for your teeth?

Good news… turns out you CAN have your candy, and what’s more, it might actually reverse tooth decay and have a number of other health benefits. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It has roughly one third fewer calories than sugar, and is safe for diabetics. Furthermore, xylitol has a very low glycemic index, making it ideal for those individuals who are chronically watching their waistline! So what exactly IS this miracle sweetener and what are its benefits?

What is Xylitol?

Like sorbitol, xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol. It was first discovered by a German chemist in 1891 and has been used as a dietary sweetener since the 1960s.

While xylitol occurs naturally in fruits

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20

and vegetables, it is at a level less than one percent, and thus is more expensive to use than sweeteners such as sorbitol. Xylitol is even produced in small amounts by the human body during the normal metabolism of glucose. It is currently approved for use in 35 different countries and has become an increasingly popular ingredient in food products such as chewing gum, hard candy, juice, and breath mints, as well as a host of oral care products. Xylitol is widely used in Finland and the Netherlands, and nearly all of the chewing gum sold in those countries is sweetened with 100 percent xylitol.

Xylitol has no known toxicity to humans. As with other sugar alcohols, xylitol may have a slight laxative effect on some individuals during the first week or two of consumption.

The rate of occurrence is much lower than with sorbitol, however, and is the result of sugar alcohols not fully breaking down during digestion.

How is it Tooth-Friendly?

Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol, and clinical studies show that supplementing a regular diet with xylitol 2-3 times per day is beneficial for teeth by significantly decreasing plaque accumulation, thus decreasing cavity formation.

Dr. Jeannie Bath has been practicing dentistry for nearly ten years. She works at dental offices in Del City and Edmond, and often travels on the Oklahoma Dental Foundation Mobile Dental Unit. She frequently recommends products containing xylitol to her patients. “There are some very impressive studies on the effectiveness of xylitol in decreasing caries (tooth decay or cavities) rate. Although it’s safe and effective for most patients, I particularly recommend it to patients with a high caries risk. In cases of rampant decay, it is one tool in aggressive treatment aimed at removing decay before more is formed.

“Cavities are formed when certain kinds of bacteria eat sugar and produce acid, which eats holes in the teeth. Xylitol disrupts this process by making the oral flora less cariogenic. Cavity-causing bacteria cannot digest xylitol, so the harmful acids are never formed,” explained Bath. “Cavities are contagious, and xylitol decreases the cavitycausing bacterial load.”

Xylitol must be used regularly for continued benefits, and research only shows products containing 100 percent xylitol to be effective in decreasing tooth decay. “I started seeing wonderful studies using 100 percent xylitol products long before I could find it to

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that has onethird fewer calories than sugar and is safe for diabetics.

Common products containing xylitol include: • Sugarless gum (including Trident, Orbit and Stride varieties) • Sugar-free (diabeticfriendly) candy • Breath fresheners and toothpaste Important note: the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has found that xylitol may be poisonous to dogs.

recommend to patients,” noted Dr. Bath.

Xylitol-containing products are slowly becoming more widely available, and have been proven safe and effective, even in pregnant patients. Dental care providers and pharmacies are the most likely places to find products containing 100 percent xylitol.

You read it right! Xylitol is a low-calorie, natural sugar substitute that is actually GOOD for your teeth. And xylitol may have other health benefits as well. Studies have shown that regular use of xylitol chewing gum may help prevent ear and upperrespiratory infections. Xylitol has shown potential as a treatment for osteoporosis in ongoing studies in Finland. Finally, xylitol has been shown to increase the activity of white blood cells necessary to fight infection, giving xylitol immune-boosting status. With so many potentially positive effects, consider supplementing your diet with xylitol. Talk to your dentist or a health care provider for more information.

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

Dear Teacher Q&A With the Experts Summer Plans for Gifted Children Question: My sixth-grader is in a gifted program at his school. He just loves the challenge of this class.

What do I do with him this summer?

—Decision Time

Answer: With all children, whether gifted or not, it’s important to ask: What would be a perfect summer for you? What projects do you want to do? What family trips would you like to take locally or elsewhere?

Would you like to take some classes? Who would you like to spend time with? What interests would you like to explore?

Listen carefully to what your gifted child says. Try to include many of his preferences in your summer plans for him. Summer should be a time for gifted children to explore new and old interests and grow intellectually. He may or may not opt for a formal academic program.

Be sure to see that your son has both structured and free time. In fact, all children need this during the summer. Be careful that free time does not just mean TV or computer time. This time should be limited.

We have long advocated that all families have a reading time scheduled into each day.

Everyone in the house can gather in one room and read for a designated time (hour or half hour). No discussion of what is read is necessary. Even gifted children may not do enough reading without a formal time period for it.

research was to help educators know which words should be taught to children in grades one through five. The list contains 850 words that account for 80 percent of the words children use in their writing.

Readers can find the complete list of spelling words for grades one through five online at readingrockets.org/article/22366.

You will find the words for first grade in the sidebar. When your daughter masters this list, you can go online and get the list for second grade so she will become familiar with some of those words. The words marked with an asterisk are the ones that often cause trouble.

Because it’s summer, make learning these spelling words fun. Don’t just drill her on them—use them in simple games so learning the words will be fun. For example, select five words such as go, dog, not, hat, and like. Then read an age-appropriate book together and have her read these words. Or you can make single or double cards for each word, and use a few at a time to play your version of Old Maid or Memory. Also, you can use Scrabble or Bananagram letters to have her spell some of the words. And for older children mastering more advanced words, try these games as well as Hangman.

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

Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or visit DearTeacher.com.

Spelling Words Kids Must Know Question: Next year, my daughter will be going into second grade. She is a poor speller. What words should she have learned to spell in first grade? I want to help her learn these words this summer.

—Want to Help

Answer: We have a list of words that your daughter should have learned to spell in first grade. It is based on the research of Steven Graham, Karen R. Harris and Connie Loynachan. The idea behind their

Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

11 convenient Metro locations!

First Grade Spelling Words The words below are the spelling words children in first grade must know, based on the research of Steven Graham, Karen R. Harris and Connie Loynachan: a

all

am*

and*

at

ball

be

bed

big

book

box

boy*

but

came*

can*

car

cat

come*

cow

dad

day*

did

do

dog*

fat

for

fun*

get*

go

good*

got*

had*

hat

he*

hen

here

him*

his*

home*

hot

I*

if

in*

into*

is

it*

its*

let

like*

look

man

may

me*

mom

my*

no*

not

of

oh

old

on*

one*

out*

pan

pet

pig

play*

ran

rat

red

ride

run

sat

see

she

sit

six

so

stop

sun

ten

the*

this

to*

top

toy

two*

up

us

was*

we*

will*

yes

you* Spelling words list from readingrockets.org/article/22366.

www.JimmysEgg.com June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

21

The Alert Parent Sharing What We Believe with Our Children

I

believe that communicating our family’s values to our children is one of our most important tasks as parents. Because of this, I devoted a chapter on values in my upcoming book Help Your Daughter Live a Powerful Life.

If we believe in hard work, truth, honesty and realness, it’s up to us to make sure our children understand why we feel the way we do. As they grow and mature, they will step away from some of our values, but will also hang on to others.

I made time to discuss my values with my daughter, and began the discussion

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on each one. She persisted even though she couldn’t understand what they wrote.

with some simplistic advice from The Last Lecture, a book by Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor Randy Pausch, who died of pancreatic cancer. This simple expression of basic truths helped me outline my value discussion with Addy.

“Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right.”

I used this quote to begin our discussion.

I wanted her to understand how powerful her beliefs are, and included a conversation about the Little Engine that Could. Addy had heard the story before and didn’t like it, but the example still worked. The point was made.

Along the same lines, we talked about “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.”

I told her stories about Rudy Ruettiger, the 5’6” and 165 pound man who dreamed of playing football at Notre Dame, and Liz Murray, the homeless girl who eventually graduated from Harvard. Both heard “No” many times before reaching their goals.

Both succeeded beyond their imaginations.

These stories have both been developed into movies that you can watch with your child.

I told her the story of young Ben Carson, whose mother, Sonya, turned his life around.

Sonya had a third grade education and had married when she was 13. Ben’s parents divorced when he was eight years old, and Sonya had to work multiple jobs to support her two boys. When Ben was in fifth grade he had a terrible temper and ranked at the bottom of his class. Alarmed, Sonya made a commitment to herself and promised she’d change things so that her boys could succeed in life. She allowed them to watch only three television programs weekly. She made them finish homework before they played with friends. She insisted they read two library books a week and write a report

Within two weeks of starting the new regime, Ben astonished his classmates by naming rock samples the teacher brought to class. The event changed his life. Ben understood he wasn’t stupid. He suddenly hungered for knowledge. Ben now had a chance to be something, simply because his young, uneducated mother was determined to give her children a different life—one that would be better than her own. She wouldn’t give up. She kept making changes until something worked.

Turns out that the dumbest kid in the fifth grade, Ben Carson, grew up to become the youngest Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

These stories can lead to discussions about “brick walls” and what to do when you run into one, about how important it is to never give up when it matters to you.

We concluded with “Life isn’t fair.” We talked about what to do when faced with an unfair situation, but more importantly, I emphasized that in our family we believe sometimes the only thing you can do is: “Saddle up and ride.”

What inspires you? Why? Use books, movies and everyday encounters to share your values with your child.

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

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

Robert A. Widdicombe (U.S., b. 1949) / Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX (from American Roads portfolio, published by Landweber Press, 1981), 1979 / Ektacolor, 20 x 16 in. / Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Purchase, 1982

The Wanderlust: Travel and American Photography exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art examines the role American highways and interstates have played in the migratory desires of the American people. The exhibit is open June 5-September 12.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in Norman at 555 Elm Ave. Call 325-3272 or visit ou.edu/ fjjma to learn more.

Families participate in the 2009 Red Earth Festival. Photographs courtesy of Red Earth Inc.

The 24th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, held at the Cox Convention Center, represents over 100 tribes from across North America.

Festivities include dance competitions, an art market, 5K run and parade. This year's festival will be held June 18-20 (Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 11am-6pm).

The Red Earth Museum is now located in Bricktown at 6 Santa Fe Plaza, within walking distance of the Convention Center where the Festival is held. For more information, call 427-5228 or visit redearth.org.

Chocolate, a special exhibition developed

by The Field Museum in Chicago is on display through September 12 at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

This exhibit allows the visitor to journey through history to explore the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history and popular culture.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of History is located at 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman. Call 325-4712 or visit snomnh.ou.edu for more information.

Photo courtesy of The Field Museum.

courtesy of The Field Museum

Photo courtesy of the Field Museum, Chicago.

June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

23

events Quick Reference Weekly FREE Storytimes at the Norman Public Library.

American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, banjomuseum.org City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, cityartscenter.org Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, edmondfinearts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, littleriverzoo.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 OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, okczoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Oklahoma 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 Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org

Do you have an event for our calendar?

Send an email to

Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com 24

Toddlers, Monday & Thursday 9:30am; preschoolers, Monday 10:30am, Tuesday 2pm; families Tuesdays 7pm.

FREE Norman Sooner Mall Outreach Story Time is an interactive story time held outside Sears in Sooner Mall for ages 9 and under. Tuesday 10am.

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

Wild Tuesdays Storytime Safaris at the OKC Zoo. Tuesday in June and July, ages 11 and under. Stories, activity and a free drink. 9:30am &10:30am.

Bass Pro Shops Free Family Summer Camp Workshops Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (noon-4pm) June 5–July 11. Learn about hiking, camping, fishing, and more. Kids earn collectable pins for each workshop completed. 218-5200, basspro.com.

Summer Kids Series 2010 features kid-friendly movies at Moore’s Warren Theatre. 10am on Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 1-August 5. $2 each, season passes $15. 735-9676, warrentheater.com.

Summer Movie Fun at the Harkins Theatres in Bricktown, 10 kids movies for $5 each, May 31-August 6. 9:45am. Details, harkinstheatres.com/smf.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) 4:30-8pm 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 Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library, 6-8pm. For all ages. Held every Wednesday of the month. 231-8650.

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

FREE Kid's Zumba for ages 8 and up at the Moore Public Library Thursday at 4:30pm. Pre-registration required 793-4349.

The UCO Jazz Lab performances 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) Saturday, 10:15am. 842-2900, FullCircleBooks.com.

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

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

History Comes Alive Cruises features re-enactors from the Oklahoma History Center. Round trip fare $12 adults, $8 for ages 6-12, age 6 and under FREE. Saturday; departs Regatta Park at noon, and Exchange Landing at 12:45pm. 702-7755, okrivercruises.com.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

Saturday Classic Cartoon Cruises depart Regatta Park, Meridian Landing and Exchange Landing every Saturday until noon. 702-7755, okrivercruises.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Saturdays, 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collections.

FREE with paid admission.

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

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

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

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

Monthly 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 limited. For ages 6-14. 840-9993, Stores.Lego.com.

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

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.

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. 4248222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org Family Arts Studio at Gymboree of Norman is held the third Saturday, 11 am-noon. Arts & crafts for ages 18 mos-5 years. $5 per child. Reservations required, 307-8454. GymboreeClasses.com.

Ongoing events June 5- September 12 Wanderlust: Travel and American Photography exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman.

June 11-September 6 Prix de West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is an invitational art exhibit of over 300 Western paintings and sculpture by the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation.

June 17-August 21 The Film Costumes of Edith Head at City Arts Center features more than 40 watercolor costume sketches costume reproductions and memorabilia.

Mother's Hats: The Doris Elliott Collection at City Arts Center includes 17 fashionable hats from the heyday of Downtown Oklahoma City from post-World War II into the 1960s.

June S M T W T F S

Through June 28

more. $20 advance, $30 at gate. 8pm. 524-3800, charliechristianfestival.com.

FREE 24 Works on Paper at Norman’s Firehouse Art Center Gallery features 24 artists from 12 Oklahoma cities. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm. 329-4523, normanfirehouse.com.

4 • Friday

Through July 11 The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: 50 Works for 50 States on exhibit at the Oklahoma Ciy Museum of Art.

Through July 28 Okietales at the Oklahoma History Center is a reading and storytelling time for ages 4-9. $2 per child includes museum admission, preregistration required.

Wednesdays, 10-11am. 522-0785, okhistory.org.

Through July Behind the Scenes: An Enriching Experience at the OKC Zoo for ages 14 and up to be an animal keeper for a day. Every Tuesday in June and July from 8:15am3:30pm. $100 for ZooFriends, $120 nonmembers.

Pregistration required, 425-0218.

Through 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 September 12 The Chocolate exhibit on display at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History digs into the history of chocolate.

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

Through November 14 Alfred Ossorio: Gifts from the Ossorio Foundation exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features 11 works by the artist from 1949-1984.

FREE Opening Reception for Wanderlust: Travel and American Photography exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman includes a guest lecture by Curator Mark White. 6-9pm.

FREE Summer Nights in June Concert Series sponsored by the Moore Public Library and the City of Moore at Buck Thomas Park (South Pavilion) features the classic rock of Zoom City. 7-10pm. 793-5100. Also held 6/11, 18, 25.

2nd Annual Relay for Life benefitting the American Cancer Society at the Moore High School football field.

7pm. relayforlife.org/mooreok.

June 4- 30

1 8 15 22 29 6

2 9 16 23 30 7

3 10 17 24 1 8

4 11 18 25 2 9

5 12 19 26 3 10

Metropolitan Library System mls.lib.ok.us Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601 Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363 Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308 Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418 Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377 Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650

5 • Saturday

Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828

FREE Arcadia Lake's All American Kids Fishing Derby at Spring Creek Park for kids 5-15.

Registration 7:30am, fishing 8am, final weigh-in 11 am.

Concessions and worms available. 216-7471.

Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468

Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282 Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710

Downtown Dash 5k, 10k and one-mile fun run, beginning and ending at St. Anthony Hospital. Also includes Expo/Health Fair and prizes. 7:30pm. downtownokc.com.

Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616

FREE First Time and Those Ready to Do It Again 5K is a stroller friendly, non-competitive, event across a smoothly paved course to encourage people to get up and moving. 8am. normanfun.com.

Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967

Walk to Cure Diabetes at the OSU-OKC Campus 3K walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Register 8:30am, walk 9:30am. 810-0070, walk.jdrf.org.

FREE Car Beautification/Detailing Workshop at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library in Yukon. 9:30am-1:30pm.

Preregister, 354-8232.

Tierra de mi Familia exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.

June 1-6

FREE Luncheon on the Grass at Lions Park in Norman includes art activities, entertainment and desserts. Bring your own blanket, lunch and drinks.

Noon-3pm. 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma.

25th Annual Charlie Christian Festival at Regatta Park features jazz, blues, battle of the bands, jam sessions, jazz cruises, food, arts & crafts, and

31 7 14 21 28 5

A 2010 Art Odyssey by In Your Eye Gallery in the Paseo Arts district. Thursday-Saturday, noon-5pm.

525-2161, inyoureyegallery.com.

FREE Yukon's Taste of Louisiana Crawfish Living History Festival at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm celebrates the history of the infamous Chisholm Trail with a Cajun twist with living history reenactors, foods, bands, crawfish racing, geocache hunt, and kid's activities. 10am-8pm. 350-8911, cityofyukonok.gov.

Through November

FREE Teen Squirt Gun Art at the Moore Public Library lets teens "paint" with squirt guns and water balloons. 2-3pm. Preregister, 793-4349.

30 6 13 20 27 4

Parents Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) Ages 4 and up. Evening includes crafts, pizza, and organized playground

Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Nicoma Park, 2240 Overholser, 769-9452 Wright Library, 2101 Exchange, 235-5035

Pioneer Library System pls.lib.ok.us Blanchard, 300 N Main, 485-2275 McLoud, 133 N Main, 964-2960 Moore, 225 S Howard, 793-5100 Newcastle, 705 NW Tenth, 387-5076 Noble, 204 N 5th, 872-5713 Norman, 225 N Webster, 701-2600 Purcell, 919 N Ninth, 527-5546 Shawnee, 101 N Philadelphia, 275-6353 Tecumseh, 114 N Broadway, 598-5955

June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

25

games. $25. 6-10pm. Reservations required. 340-7584, unpluggits.com. Also held 6/19.

Gospel Concert at Inspiration Hill (880669 S 3330 Road, Wellston) featuring Mitchel Jon, Broken Vessel and Dana Randolph. 7pm. 356-4051.

5-6 Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days allow fishing in local lakes and ponds with no state fishing licenses or permits. City permits may apply. freefishingday.com.

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

Party Guide

for Bank of America credit/debit card holders.

270-4848, artscouncilokc.com. Also held 6/13, 20, 27.

6 • Sunday

FREE Summer Breeze Concert Series produced by the Performing Arts Studio in Norman features the music of the Elephant Revival at Lions Park. Sunday, 7:30pm. 307-9320, thepas.org. Also held 6/20.

FREE Miracle “Mile of Quarters” benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation. will allow kids to help line up a one-mile long line of donated quarters at the Presbyterian Health Foundation Research Park (SW corner of 8th & Lincoln). Quarters may be donated day of event. Include free ice cream and horse and buggy rides. 11am-5pm. 650-1718, okchf.org.

7 • Monday

FREE Sunday Twilight Concert Series produced by the Arts Council of OKC at Stage Center in downtown OKC features the R&B music of The Burton Band. 7pm.

8 • Tuesday

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

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

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Aquarium celebrates the Dr. Seuss favorite, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish with activities for all ages and vital information about the health and protection of the world's oceans. 10am-6pm.

Science Stories at Science Museum Oklahoma features silly science stories. FREE with paid admission. 10:30am, 2:30pm.

10 • Thursday Bug Day at Science Museum Oklahoma celebrates the creepy, crawly creatures among us. 10am-2pm.

FREE with paid admission.

FREE Make Your Own Sushi at the Moore Public Library teaches teens how to make sushi. Materials provided. 2-3pm.Preregister, 793-4349.

10-13 The Endeavor Games at the University of Central Oklahoma is the nation’s largest multi-sport event for disabled athletes. Volunteer opportunities available. ucoendeavorgames.com.

11 • Friday FREE Water Gardens workshop at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library in Yukon explains everything that you

need to know to create and maintain a water garden.

1-2:30pm. Preregister, 354-8232.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art monthly arts celebration connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, and Campus Corner. Optional trolley cart transportation available between venues at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, 2ndfridaynorman.com.

11-12 2010 Survive 'N' Thrive Statewide Single Mother's Conference at Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland). $25, includes materials and lunch,

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June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

27

childcare available. Friday 6:30-9pm, Saturday 9am3:30pm 812-5137,ariseministries.net.

Zoobilation fundraiser for the OKC Zoo includes a private night on Zoo grounds with enjoy gourmet food, a silent auction, dancing, and music. 7-11pm.

12 • Saturday

Collection exhibit at City Art Center. 5:30-7:30pm.

17-18 Babysitting Workshop at the OSU-OKC Cooperative Extension Service teaches necessary babysitting skills.

Completion certificate provided. Ages 11-19. $10. 9am3pm. 713-1125.

FREE Vintour Expo Arts & Crafts Show in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds features over 80 local artists, modern, retro, vintage and indie home décor, clothing and accessories. 9am-5pm. 250.5807, vintourexpo.com.

18 • Friday

FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. 10am-5pm.

Hootenanny at the Harn one-night musical event under the stars featuring live red dirt music from local performers, food from area restaurants, and games for the kids. $5 in advance, $8 at door. 5:30-10:30pm.

235-4058, harnhomestead.com.

FREE Family Health and Sports Expo presented by the OKC Health and Wellness Group at the Biltmore Hotel (I-40 & Meridian, OKC) includes kids events, chair massages, health screenings, booths and speakers to promote a healthy lifestyle. 10am-3pm. okchealthfair.com.

Girl Scout’s Troop 728 Blood Drive at the Edmond Farmer’s Market Pavilion, 8am-1pm.

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

No preregistration required. FREE with admission. 2pm.

13 • Sunday FREE Groovefest at Andrews Park in Norman is a music festival to raise awareness for human rights.

Also features booth vendors. 2-9pm. groovefest.org.

14 • Monday Summer Monday Craft Camp at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond). Ceramics for kids 5-12. $55, 10am-4pm. Preregister, 340-7584, unpluggits.com.

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. 308-1802, centralok.holisticmoms.org.

16-20 Twice Upon a Time presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre at the Burg Theatre at OCU tells the tale of a Wicked Witch who plots to steal the Book of Fairy Tales and change all the endings. Adults $7, Children $5. Weekdays 10am and noon, Weekends at 2pm.

17 • Thursday FREE Newtonian Fluid & Things That Erupt at the Moore Public Library lets teens make a big mess doing experiments with materials that will erupt. 2-3pm.

Preregister,793-4349.

FREE Movie Double Feature at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library in Yukon features beach movies from the 50's and 60's. First movie begins at 1pm. 354-8232.

Movie Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History screens a family friendly movie 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. $1 member discount.

Bright Night of Sports at Science Museum Oklahoma explores the science behind favorite sports with activities, IMAX films, planetarium show, overnight stay and breakfast. One adult per every 6 kids. $35 members, $45 nonmembers. $10 discount for state employees and military personnel. 6pm -8:30am Saturday.

18-20 24th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival at the Cox Convention Center represents over 100 tribes from across North America. Includes dance competition, art market, 5K run, and parade. Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 11am-6pm. 427-5228, RedEarth.org.

19 •Saturday 1st Annual Moore Big Wheel Nationals in Old Town Moore (between Old School Building & City Hall) features races by age group, prizes, and inflatables.

For ages 4-10. 9am-1pm. 793-4332, cityofmoore.com.

Father’s Day Fiesta at the Orr Family Farm activities for fathers and kids, including “toe fishing” contest and prizes. 10am-6pm. 799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com.

Summer Season Celebration at the OKC Zoo is a family-friendly event focusing on summer safety. FREE with paid admission.10am-2pm.

Camp with the Keepers at the OKC Zoo. Overnight campers will enjoy activities, animal presentations, night and morning hikes, snacks and breakfast.

Proceeds support Zoo conservation efforts. 7pm9am. Ages 5 and up with adult. $25 child, $15 adults.

Register by June 12.

FREE Opening Reception for The Film Costumes of Edith Head and Mother's Hats: The Doris Elliott 28

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com June 2010

19-20 Oklahoma Celtic Music and Heritage Festival at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater celebrates the culture of Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland and other Celtic nations music, dance, livestock, living history, and children's activities. 547-5070, okcelticfest.com.

FREE Star Spangled Salute Air Show at Tinker Air Force Base includes aerial demonstrations, modern military and vintage aircraft, live musical entertainment and children's activities. 739-2026.

20 • Sunday FREE Admission for Dads at the following venues, one free admission with any paid admission: • Oklahoma Aquarium, 10am-6pm • OKC Zoo, 9am-5pm • Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 1-5pm.

• Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art: 1-5pm • Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum: 12-6pm • Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Noon-5pm • American Banjo Museum: Noon-5pm “Me and My Dad” Father’s Day Event presented by Damascus Man Ministries at the Bricktown Brewery includes meal, music and pool playing. $20, includes t-shirt. 4-6pm. Preregister, 250-8938, 43thespot.com/ meandmydad.

20 • Tuesday Cake Decorating for ages 12-19 at the OSU-OKC Cooperative Extension Service. 9am-3pm. $20.

Preregister, 713-1125.

22-23 Kids in the Kitchen Cooking School at the OSU-OKC Cooperative Extension Service provides hands-on experience preparing a number of items to eat for lunch each day. Ages 9-14. $15. 10am-2pm.

Preregister, 713-1125.

22-26 Pump Boys & Dinettes presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets $29 and up.

Tuesday-Saturday, 8pm, Saturday, 2pm.

524-9310 or lyrictheatreokc.com.

23 • Wednesday Lunch and Learn: Dating Old Photographs at the Oklahoma History Center helps you learn about your ancestors using clues found in old family photos and tips for dating historic photographs. $10, lunch included.

11:30am-1pm. Preregister, 522-5225.

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

24 • Thursday FREE Ice Candle Making at the Moore Public Library lets teens make a candle to take home. 2-3pm.

Preregister,793-4349.

24-26 FREE 27th Annual Jazz in June in Norman features three days of contemporary, swing, blues, salsa, improve, straight-ahead and smooth jazz. 7-11pm nightly. 325-3388, jazzinjune.org.

25 • Friday FREE Water Color Card Painting Workshop at the Mabel C. Fry Public Library in Yukon features artist Jean White assisting each participant in creating two paintings. 1-3pm. Preregister, 354-8232.

4th Annual Night at the Museum: Gone Wild at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum features exotic animals, safari scavenger hunt, games, pizza and movie for ages 6-12. $15, register by June 18. 6-11pm.

340-0078, edmondhistory.org.

FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman is a 45-minute talk centering on pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. 6pm.

26 • Saturday FREE Library Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers free admission when you show your library card. Storytimes and activities throughout the day. 10am-5pm.

I.O. Metro Furniture Store Benefit for the Humane Society features live music, refreshments, animal adoptions and discounts for customers who donate money or items to the Humane Society. NE corner of 33rd & Broadway in Edmond. 1-5pm. 341-6000.

OKC Zoo's Bowling for Rhinos 2010: S.O.S.: Save Our Species at the Heritage Bowling Alley helps save endangered rhinos in the wild. $20 donation includes 3 games of bowling, shoe rental, t-shirt, and refreshments. 3pm or 7pm. Registration forms available at okczoo.com.

Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz vs. Dallas at the Cox Convention Center. 7:05pm Tickets available at the Ford Center Box Office, 800-745-3000 or coxconventioncenter.com.

26-July 4 Edmond's Liberty Fest features family-oriented events, including a concert, road rally, kite fest, rodeo, car show, food fest, pageant, parade and fireworks.

Named by CNN and USA Today as one of the top 10 July 4th festivals in the US. Most of the activities are FREE. 340-2527, libertyfest.org.

27 • Sunday Scoot for Conservation at the OKC Zoo allows riders to rev up and ride for a wild cause. $25 per person.

Preregister. 11am-3pm.

28 • Monday Summer Monday Craft Camp at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond) acrylics for ages 5-12. $55, 10am-4pm. Preregister, 340-7584, unpluggits.com.

28-30

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The Summer Youth Sewing Camps at the OSU-OKC Cooperative Extension Service provides instruction for young sewers with any skill level in making wearable clothing, decorative items or accessories. 9am-noon and 1-4pm. $30 plus supplies. Preregister, 713-1125.

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Independence Day celebrations abound in Oklahoma. See a full list at metrofamilymagazine.com/independenceday-fun! (available after 6/10)

1-4 OKC Summer Classic Dog Show at the Cox Convention Center. $7 adults, $2 for age 12 and under.

Discount coupons at metro area Little Caesars Pizza locations. 8am-7pm daily. okcdogshows.com.

3-4 FREE Art In the Park: A Celebration In the Heartland at Buck Thomas park in Moore features live music, carnival rides, food, karaoke, Guitar Hero, inflatables, and children's tent. Car show on Saturday, fireworks display on Sunday. Saturday 10am–10pm; Sunday noon–10pm. cityofmoore.com.

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

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karenkidsrock@sbcglobal.net www.karenskidsstudioofdance.com

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June 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

29

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