metrofamily magazine april 2012

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April 2012 metrofamilymagazine.com Fishing for summer fun? Our Summer Camps & Activities Guide is a keeper Going Green 15 practical pointers Visit the New Myriad Gardens + Over 197 family fun events in our calendar

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MetroFamily's April 2012 issue includes tons of ideas, activities and events for family fun in the Oklahoma City metro area.

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Page 1: MetroFamily Magazine April 2012

April 2012

metrofamilymagazine.com

Fishing for summer fun?

Our Summer Camps & Activities Guide

is a keeper

Going Green 15 practical pointers

Visit the New Myriad Gardens

+Over 197 family fun

events in our calendar

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Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at

Clickwhat’s new at metrofamilymagazine.com

•You could WIN big!Sign up to be eligible for these great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.•Winoneoftwofamily4-packsofticketstotheOKCBallet’sproductionofThe Wizard of OzattheCivicCenterMusicHall,April20-22.DeadlineisApril13.

• OurApril Giveaway featuresmanyfantasticfamily-andkid-friendlyproducts.Valueisover$250.DeadlineisApril19.

•Winoneoftwofamily4-packsofticketstoopeningnightofCelebrityAttraction’sFiddler on the RoofattheCivicCenterMusicHall,May1-6.DeadlineisApril24.

• Reclaim Your Closet bywinningthreehoursofclosetrenovationfromwell-knownlocalorganizationalandstyleexpertsandacelebrityorganizer—a$400value!DeadlineApril26.

•WatchMetroFamily’sappearanceonFOX25’smorningshowmid-monthandentertowinaprizepackofcoolProblem-Solving Products.

You could SAVE big!Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-family-discounts.• KellyHaines,familyhairstylist• Dr.Youngker• DanielsCompoundingPharmacy• GreenGoodies• GuitarforKidsSchoolofRock• TheVintagePearl• CreativeAdventures• ClubZ!in-hometutoring• MuseumofOsteology• Mathnasium• techJOYnT• SkillsforLiving• Bouncin’Craze• PlayNationplaygroundsets• Jump!Zone

PLUS,savewithKids Pass!www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-pass.

CALENDAR DIRECTORIES BLOGS CONTESTS MOTHER LODE

Top picks on our website this month• EasterFunGuide(EasterEgghuntsandmore!)• NEW!MetroFamilyFieldGuidestotheOklahomaCityNationalMemorialandMuseumandtheMyriadGardens.

• GuidetoConsignmentSales&Stores,justintimeforspringshopping• ComingSoon:Mother’sDayBrunchandActivitiesGuide• Schoolendingdateslist• Tengreatparks&playgroundsinthemetro• Family-friendlyrestaurantsofferingdiscounts

These are just a few of the hundreds of reasons to visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com every day!

Get ready for a summer of adventure! This month, enjoy our BIG Summer Camps & Activities Guide (www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camp-guide) and next month, Exploring Oklahoma with Children, our annual travel guide to family road trips in the state. Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma.

Learn about Route 66 icons and other fun "Mother Road' attractions in our upcoming “Exploring Oklahoma with Children” travel guide, coming in May.

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6 Dear MetroFamilyEditor’sNote.

8 Family ShortsCommunitynews,resources&otherfamily-friendlyinformation.

18 Real Moms of the MetroMeetfrugralmomCarrieLoper.

20 Oklahoma ReadsGreatreadsforallages.

22 Exploring Oklahoma RediscoveringtheMyriadGardens.

24 Ask the Expert Springcleaningtips.

28 Question of the MonthHowourreadersgogreen.

30 Problem Solving Products

40 Focus on EducationPreventingthesummerslide.

43 Character CornerEncouragingresourcefulness.

48 Your Healthy FamilyBirthingchoices:Canyousafelyhaveyourbabyathome?

51 CalendarFunevents,activitiesandclasses.

62 Photo Gallery SnapshotsfromKidsFest.

Withover60listingsanddozensofcampsrepresented,ourannualSummerCamps&ActivitiesGuidehassomethingforeveryageandinterest!

ON OUR COVER: Nine-year-old Madison Moghadam-Ellison of Norman, daughter of Michelle and Joey Wishnuck and Dustin Moghadam-Ellison.PHOTO BY: Randy Coleman, www.randycolemanphotography.com.

ContentsApril 2012

HarvestKidsFosterCamp:providinglife-changingexperiencesforlocalfosterkids.

32

32

44

Kids learn new skills, discover hidden talents, make new friends and have fun at summer camps. Our guide can help you find the perfect fit.

Practicalpointersforgoinggreen:howtostartfromrightwhereyouare.26

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Arts

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Info And Questions:405-601-2081To submit events to our [email protected]

Publisher SarahL.Taylor

[email protected]

EditorMariM.Farthing

[email protected]

Art DirectorKathryneTaylor

[email protected]

Advertising SalesAthenaDelceDanaPrice

[email protected]

Office and Distribution ManagerKathyAlberty

[email protected]

Assistant Editor & Online Content ManagerBrookeBarnett

[email protected]

Calendar EditorSaraRiester

[email protected]

Special Projects AssistantTerriFields

InternsJanettaBridges,RoxanneNguyen,

AlexandraBryan

Contributing WritersBrookeBarnett,JulieDill,ShannonFields,SarahHolmes,KristenHoyt,RobinJones

Circulation35,000–OKC,Edmond,NicholsHills,Norman,Moore,MidwestCity,YukonAlso available as a digital edition at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

ArticlesandadvertisementsinMetroFamilydonotnecessarilyreflecttheopinionsofthemagazineorInprintPublishing,Inc.Wedonotassumeresponsibilityfor

statementsmadebyadvertisersoreditorialcontributors.TheacceptanceofadvertisingbyMetroFamilydoesnotconstituteanendorsementoftheproducts,services,or

information.Wedonotknowinglypresentanyproductorservicewhichisfraudulentormisleadinginnature.

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly byInprintPublishing,Inc.

725NW11th,Suite204•OklahomaCity,OK73103Fax:405-445-7509

E-mail:[email protected]

©InprintPublishing,Inc.2012,AllRightsReserved.Volume15,Number4

Photos, from top: LaurenandSpencerenjoy10thAnniversaryCelebrationactivitiesattheOklahomaCityMuseumofArt.HavingfunwithsuperheroesWonderWomanandSpidermanatKidsFest.

DearMetroFamily,

LastmonthIchallengedyoutofindawaytohavefuninallthatyoudo—andImusthavehadalotoffunmyself,becausethemonthsureflewby!

WebeganthemonthattheParentingMediaAssociation’sannualconvention,wherewewerehonoredtoreceiveabronzeawardforwebsitegeneralexcellence.

Thenthemonthwasaflurryofmildweather,springbreak,myoldest’s10thbirthday(howisitpossiblehe’sindouble-digitsalready!?)andpreparationforourincrediblybusyKidsFest,afulldayoffamilyfun,entertainmentandgiveaways.Toeveryonewhoattendedandtoourvendorsandco-sponsors,thankyouverymuch!

Thismonth,we’retalkingsummer—it’llbeherebeforeweknowit.CheckoutourbigSummerCamps&ActivitiesGuide.Thereyou'llfinddozensofideasforcampsthatwillencourageyourchildtostretchtheirimagination,learnnewskillsandmakenewfriends.

Thissummer,makeplanstosignyourchildupforareadingprogramatyourlocallibrary.Theseprogramsarefunforkidsandtherewardscankeepthemmotivatedtoreadandpreventlearninglossthroughthesummerbreak.Expertssaythatchildrenwhoreadatleastfivebooksthroughthesummerattheirreadingleveldonotexperience“summerslide,”anissuecoveredinthismonth’seducationcolumn.

Andfinally,wecelebrateEarthDayinApril,andourfeatureoneasywaystogreenyourfamilyprovidestipstotakesmallstepstowardreducingyourcarbonfootprint,becauseit’seasierthanyouthinktoreduce-reuse-recycle.

Cheers,

P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.

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Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

The Spirit of Heather L. Harkness Role Model AwardDoyouknowagirlwhoisajuniororseniorinhighschoolthatsharesthegiftsoftime,effortandingenuitywithothers?TheSpiritofHeatherL.HarknessRoleModelAwardwascreatedinmemoryandcelebrationofthelifeofsixteen-year-oldHeatherL.Harkness,wholostherlifeduringsurgeryin2008.ApplicantshaveanopportunitytohonorHeather’smemorybysharingtheirhardwork,involvementandeffortsbyorganizingorparticipatinginagroupthatsharesinformation,materialgoods,education,entertainmentorinspirationwiththoselessfortunatethanthemselves.TheyoungwomanwhoisselectedfortheSpiritofHeatherL.HarknessRoleModelAwardisrecognizedbyothersasanexampletofollowandwillreceivea$1,000awardprovidedbyINTEGRISHealth.Applicantsmusthavea2.5GPAoraboveandarerequiredtowritea1,000-wordessaydescribinghowtheyhavemadetheircommunityhealthier,saferandmoreinspirational.ApplicationsmustbesubmittedbyApril30toINTEGRISHealth(3030NWExpressway,Suite1620).Formoreinformation,call405-951-4832orvisitwww.integrisok.com

Armstrong Auditorium hosts Ancient ArtifactsTheGrandLobbyoftheArmstrongAuditorumhostsaninteractivemultimediaexhibitionof“SealsofJeremiah’sCaptorsDiscovered.”Nearlythreedozenartifactsareincludedinthedisplay.ThedisplayfeaturesdozensofartifactsfromJerusalem’sfirsttempleperiod,highlightedbytheworldpremiereoftwobullaeusedbyJudeanprinceswhosenamesarerecordedintheBible.“Therealstarsoftheshowaretwooftheexhibit’stiniestpieces,”saidBradMacdonald,curatorfortheexhibit.“Twoclayseals,eachaboutthesizeofadime,embodysomeincrediblehistory.”TheexhibitionisfreeandopentothepublicthroughOctober16.ArmstrongAuditoriumislocatedonthecampusofHerbertW.ArmstrongCollege,14400SBryant,Edmond.Formoreinformation,call405-285-1010orvisitwww.armstrongauditorium.org.

Have Fun in the KitchenAccordingtotheOklahomaCity-CountyHealthDepartment(OCCHD),kidswhohavefuninthekitchenmayalsoeathealthier.“Oklahomaisamongthelowestinthenationinpercapitaconsumptionoffruitsandvegetables,andwecouldimproveouroverallhealthsignificantlyjustbyeatingmorefruitsandvegetables,”saysOCCHDTotalWellnessCoordinatorandRegisteredNurseJenniferNettle.Fruits&Veggies—MoreMatters(www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org)wasdevelopedbytheOCCHDandpartnersincludingTheOklahomaHealthImprovementPlanObesityWorkGroup.TheprogramprovidesresourcestoencourageOklahomanstoincorporatemorefruitsandvegetablesintotheirdiets.Toengagekidsineatingmorehealthfully,trythesetips:1. Letkidswashfreshfruitsandvegetables

duringpreparationormeasurefrozenvegetablesbeforecooking.

2. Whenshopping,encouragekidstopickoutsomethingnewtothem.Play“ISpy”intheproduceaisletolookfornewandinterestingfoods.

3. Kidscangethands-onbysnappingfreshbeans,breakingupbroccoliandcauliflowerortearinglettuce.

4. Letolderchildrenpeelandsliceduringpreparation.Youngerkidswilllovetoplaywithapotatomasher.

5. Letkidsexperimentwithflavors,byaddingherbs,spicesorotherseasoningstofruitsandvegetables.

“Involvingyourkidsinthemealplanning,shoppingandpreparationprocessgiveskidsaninvestmentineatingandenjoyingthefoodsthey’vehelpedtoprepare,”saysOCCHDdieticianJenniferLike.Formoreinformationonincludingmorefruitsandvegetablesinyourdiet,visitwww.occhd.org/wellnessnow. Ph

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Parent Care LineTheParentsAssistanceCenter(PAC)andHeartLinehavepartneredtoofferaParentCareline,whichlaunchedinMarch.UnderwrittenthroughagrantfromtheKirkpatrickFamilyFund,thelineisstaffedwithprofessionalcallspecialistswhocanspeaktoparentswhoarefeelingstressedout,anxiousorfrustratedwiththeirchildren.

“WeareexcitedtobepartneringwithHeartLine,”saidPACExecutiveDirectorLauraGamble.“Theyareexpertsinphoneassistanceandweareleadersinprventingchildabuse,neglectandotherfamilyviolences.”ParentswhocallthelinewillbeofferedimmediatephoneassistanceandmaysetupapersonalappointmentwithaPACspecialist.TheParentCareLineisopen24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek,andmaybereachedbycalling405-848-CARE(2273).“Ourhighly-trained,compassionatecallspecialistsareavailabletoparentsaroundtheclock,providingsupport,informationandreferraltocommunityresources,”saidHeartLineExecutiveDirectorKellyNutter.Formoreinformation,call405-232-8226orvisitwww.pacok.org.

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Free Infant Vision ScreeningsOnein10childrenisatriskforundiagnosedeyeproblems.Toencourageparentstobringchildreninforeyeexams,theOklahomaAssociationofOptometricPhysicans(OAOP)havenamedApril16–21InfantSEEWeek.Avisionassessmentisrecommendedforbabiesbetweensixmonthstooneyearofage,todeterminetherisksofeyeorvisiondisorders.“OAOPanditsmembersacrossthestateareproudtoofferthisfreeservicetothecitizensofOklahoma,”saidSaundraNaifeh,OAOPChiefExecutiveOfficer.“Itiscriticalthatparentsgetinvolvedintheirchild’seyecareatanearlyage.Undetectedvisionproblemscanaffecteverystageofachild’sdevelopmentandcausemajorhardshipsduringschoolyears.”DuringtheInfantSEEevaluation,babiesaretestedforvisionproblemsandoveralleyehealthusingvarietyofinstrumentsaswellasaccessoriessuchaspenlights,fingerpuppetsandtoys.Parentscanusuallyholdtheirbabyintheirlapduringtheexam.TolocateanoptometristortoscheduleanInfantSEEexam,call405-524-1075orvisitwww.oaop.com.

Get Local at LOCALLocatedatNW24thandMainStreetinNormanisanewrestaurantthatistrulyonethatlivesuptoitsname.LOCALisa“farmtofork”conceptrestaurant,servinglocally-sourced,sustainable,creativeAmericanfood.OperatingunderaphilosophyoftakingthepracticesofthebestrestaurantsandinfusingthemwithadedicationtoOklahomafarmersandfamilies,therestauranthiredlocalchefRyanParrottofIguanaMexicanGrilltocreateafreshandinnovatingmenuincorporatinglocalfoodandflavor.Therestaurant,whichopenedinmid-March,includesanopenkitchen,patio,retailspaceformealson-the-goandachildren’scentercalledLocalville,whichincorporatesanursery,moviecave,readingspace,playhouseandmore.LocalvilleisasupervisedchildcareareawithinthewallsofLOCALwhereparentsmaytaketheirchildrenwhiletheydine.WhileinLocalville,childrencanparticipateinavarietyofactivitiesincludingweeklycrafts,aplayhouse,readingcornerandmore.Aspecialareaisalsodedicatedtoinfants.“MysistersandIareallparentsandknowthechallengesthatcanfaceyoungfamilieswhendiningout,”explainsAbbyClark,oneofLOCAL’sowners.“WecreatedLocalvilletoengagethechildreninafunandsafeenvironmentwhiletheirparentsenjoyamealtogether.”ParentswhotaketheirchildrentoLOCALwillnoticeoneotherbenefitforchildren—achildren’smenuofferinghealthy,freshoptions.“Ourchildren’smenuencourageshealthyeating,offeringavarietyoffreshfruitsandvegetables.Therearenofriedfoods,sodasorcorndogsonourchildren’smenu,”Clarkadds.Formoreinformation,visitwww.eatatlocal.comorfindLOCALonFacebookandTwitter.

Project Mom Comes to OKCMomsofallagesandstagesareinvitedtoreceiveinsights,adviceandinspirationwhenthe2012ProjectMomtourcomestoOklahomaCity.ScheduledforSaturday,May5,ProjectMomisaninteractiveconferencefeaturingspeakersandbreakoutsessionsdesignedtoinspireandrejuvenatemomsinafun,relaxingenvironment.Realmomsandexpertswillshareinsightsontopicssuchashomeorganization,mealplanning,couponing,raisingadolescentsandfeelingyourbest.FeaturedspeakersincludetheCrockin’Girls(JennaMarwitzandNicoleSparks),parentingexpertLisaLoyd,ConsumerQueenMelissaGarcia,authorLeannaElyandothers.Theevent,tobeheldattheSheratonOklahomaCityHotel(1NBroadwayAve)willalsoincludegiveaways,aswagbagandopportunitiesforshopping.Ticketsare$49foraone-daypassor$79foraweekendpackagethatincludesanexclusiveFridaynightreceptionandyogasessiononSaturdaymorning.(EDITOR'SNOTE:MetroFamilyreaderscanusethecode“METRO”tosave$15offthecostofregistration.)Topurchasetickets,visitwww.projectmom.comorcall972-832-6945formoreinformation.

Spring Cleaning Safety TipsWhengoingthroughyourhomedoingyourspringcleaningroutine,it’stheperfecttimeforasafetycheck!Someroom-by-roomtipsforkeepingyourhomesafethisspring:

• Child’s bedroom: Ensurebedsareproperlyassembledwithmattresssecure.Windowtreatmentsmadepriorto2001(blinds,cordedshadesordraperies)shouldbereplacedwithsaferproducts.

• Living / Dining area: Securebookcasesandheavyfurniture.Keeppottedplants(whichmaybepoisonoustochildrenandpets)outofreach.Useplugprotectorsinunusedwalloutlets.

• Bathroom: Checkthethermostatonyourwaterheaterandkeepitunder120°Ftopreventbathwaterburns.Ensureallmedicinesareoutofreachorlockedawayfromchildren.

• Kitchen: Storeknivesandutensilsoutofreachofchildren.Usebackburnersandkeeppothandlesturnedinwardandawayfromchildren.Ensureheavyappliancesaresecure.

TipscourtesyoftheWindowCoveringSafetyCouncil.Learnmoreat800-506-4636orwww.windowcoverings.org.

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New SW Oklahoma City LIbrary OpensThePioneerLibrarySystemrecentlyopenedits10th

branch,servingtheresidentsofsouthOklahomaCitywiththenewSouthwestOklahomaCityLibrary(2201SW134thStreet).Visitorstothelibrarywillhaveaccesstoover55,000newbooks,audiobooks,DVDsandliteracykitsforadults,teensandchildren.Thechildren’sdepartmentwillofferweeklystorytimes,monthlymaken’takes,aswellasoutreachvisitstotheelementaryschoolswithinthesouthwestOklahomaCityarea.Teenprogrammingwillbeofferedeachmonth,designedtobebothfunandinformativeforstudentsages12–18.Programmingforadultswillincludebookclubs,discussiongroups,andfreecomputerclasses.Inaddition,alargepublicmeetingandconferenceroomisavailableforthepublictoreserve.

“WearesohappytobeabletoofferallourgreatlibraryservicestothepeopleofsouthOklahomaCity,”explainsLenoreSt.John,Children’sDepartmentManager.“Wewill

beginofferingchildren'sprogramminginApril,withtoddlerstorytimesbeingheldonMondaysat

10:00amandbabystorytimesonThursdaysat10:00amand10:30am.Welookforwardtomeetingthefamilieswhobringtheirkidstothenewlibrary!”Publichoursare9:00am–9:00pmMonday–Thursday,9:00am–8:00pmonFridays,9:00am–5:00pmonSaturdaysand1:00–6:00pmonSundays.Formoreinformation,visitwww.pls.lib.ok.us/home/sokcorcall405-979-2200.

Seven Ways to UnplugScreen-FreeWeekisanationalcelebrationwherechildren,families,schoolsandcommunitiesspendsevendaysturningoffTVs,videogames,computerandhand-helddevicesandtuningintolife.It’satimetounplugandplay,read,createexploreandspendtimewithfamilyandfriends.Screen-FreeWeek2012willbeheldApril30–May6.Theweekisn’tjustaboutreducingscreentime—itisaspringboardtoanimportantlifestylechangesthatwillimprovewell-beingandqualityoflife.Currentstatisticsindicatethattheaveragepreschoolerspends32hoursaweekinfrontofascreen.Timewithscreensislinkedtopoorschoolperformance,childhoodobesity,attentionissuesandotherhealthandsocialproblems.IdeasforhavingfunwithyourkidsduringScreenFreeWeekinclude:1. Planatreasurehunt.2. Makeafamilyphotobook.3. Cookathemedmealtogether.4. Makeanoutdoorfairygathering.5. Takealongwalkinyourneighborhood.6. Takeadaytrip.7. Plantflowersorstartagarden.Formoreinformation,visitwww.commercialfreechildhood.org/screenfreeweek.

Walk a Mile in My ShoesBy Robin Jones

CurrentOklahomaDepartmentofHumanServices(OKDHS)studiesshow8,308childreninprotectivecustodyduetoabuse,neglectorabandonment.Thevastmajorityofthesechildrenhavenowheretogobutfostercare,andwhenthereisn’tafamilyavailable,thechildrenareplacedinshelters.InOklahoma,thereisamovementwithinthecommunitiesoffaithtoembraceandengagethisneed.Throughthewww.111project.organdtheirmanycommunitypartners,hundredsoffamiliesarepursuingfostering.TheirgoalistoleavenoOklahomachildwithoutafamily.Onevitalcommunitypartnerisfoundinlocalchurches.Withover6,000churchesinOklahoma,recruitingtheneedednumberoffosterfamiliesisdoable.The8308Conferenceisopentoinfluencersinchurchestolearnabouttheobstacles,opportunities,resourcesandtoolsavailabletoestablishtheirownfostercare/adoptionministrytoserveourOklahomachildren.Thisfree,one-dayconferencewillbeheldatJourneyChurch(1330EastLindsey,Norman)onThursday,April26from

9:00am–3:30pm.Formoreinformationtoregister,visitwww.faithlinksok.org.WalkaMileinMyShoes,aone-milefostercareawarenesswalk,willbeinOklahomaCityonSaturday,April28at9:00am.Thisfamily-orientedwalkpromotesawarenessandofthecrisisfacedbyOklahoma’s8,308childreninOKDHScustody.Simultaneouswalksacrossthestatearebeingscheduled.Participantsareaskedtobringanewsuitcasetopullorcarryduringthewalk.Thesuitcasesymbolizesthemanymoveschildreninfostercareendureduetotheshortageofavailablefosterhomes.Often,childreninOKDHScustodyonlyhaveatrashbagtocarrytheirbelongings.Suitcaseswillthenbedonatedtoareaagencies.Forfreeregistrationandinformation,visitwww.walkamileokc.com.

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Healthy Meals in the Metro: Top 10 Reader PicksNeedtoeatoutbutwanttomakeitashealthyas

possible?Wepolledourreadersfortheirfavoriterestaurantstograbatastyandnutritiousmealin

theOKCmetro.Here,inrandomorder,aretheirrecommendations:1. GenghisGrill(MooreandOKC)2. Jason’sDeli(Edmond,OKCandNorman)3. LOCAL(2262WMain,Norman)4. BigTruckTacos(530Northwest23rd,OKC)5. IguanaGrill(9NW9thSt,OKC)6. SpicyPickle(1389East15thSt,Edmond)7. McAllister’s(Edmond,OKC,MooreandNorman)8. PinkElephantCafé(301EMain,Norman)9. Nunu’sMediterraneanCafeandMarket(3131W

Memorial,OKC)10. CoolGreens(OKCandEdmond;Normanopeningsoon)ThankstoTiffanyB,MaryE.,ShylaH.,NataleeG.,JenniferS.,ShannonS.,MelissaT.,TishaJ.,LoriH.andJamiV.forcontributingtothislist.Visitwww.facebook.com/metrofamilytoshareyourthoughtsonnextmonth’slist.Havearestaurantyou’dliketosuggest?Commentonourwebsiteatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/healthy-local-restaurants.

Promise Walk Raises AwarenessThePromiseWalkforPreeclampsiaisanationalannualeventtosupportresearchandraisepublicawarenessaboutthewarningsignsofpreeclampsia,alife-threateningdisorderofpregnancythataffectsbothmotherandbaby.Theleadingcauseofpretermbirth,preeclampsiaisarapidlyprogressiveconditionthat,ifundetectedoruntreated,canleadtoseizures,cerebralhemorrhage,failureinvitalorgansanddeath.Preeclampsiaaffectsapproximately300,000pregnanciesintheUnitedStatesandisresponsibleforapproximately76,000maternaldeathsandhalfamillioninfantdeathsworldwideeachyear.“Almost300,000womeneachyearareaffectedbypreeclampsia,withapproximately25percentofthoseresultinginseriousadverseoutcomestoeithermother,babyorboth,”explainedEleniTsigas,ExecutiveDirectorofthePreeclampsiaFoundation,theonlynationalnonprofitpatientadvocacyorganizationforthehypertensivedisordersofpregnancy.“ThePromiseWalkshelpcelebratePreeclampsiaAwarenessMonthandespeciallyhonorthosemotherswhohaveenduredpreeclampsia.”InOklahomaCity,thePromiseWalkwilltakeplaceatStarsandStripesPark(3701SouthLakeHefnerDr)onSaturday,May12.Registrationbeginsat9:30am.Thewalkwillincludefacepainting,warm-upexercisesfromStrollerStridesofOklahomaCity,aQ&Awithlocalhealthexperts,silentauctionandmore.Strollers,wagonsandpetsonleashesarewelcome.Registrationfeesare$10forages12andunderand$20forages13andabove.ThisisthefirstyearthatthewalkwillbeheldinOklahomaCityandeventorganizershopetoraise$8,400tosupporttheworkofthePreeclampsiaFoundation.WalkCoordinatorLauraMorrisonisseekingvolunteers,walkersandeventsponsors.Visitwww.promisewalk.org/oklahomacityformoreinformation.

Local Students GEAR-UP for the PROMISE By Julie Dill

Touringacollegecampus,experiencingcollegeclassscheduleandovernightcampusstaysarejustafewofthewaystheOKCSchoolDistrictislookingtobridgethegapbetweenhighschoolandcollege.InpartnershipwiththeUniversityofOklahoma’sK2OCenter—aneducationresearchanddevelopmentcenter—studentswillreapthebenefitsofaseven-year,$26milliongrantfromtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofEducation.GEARUP(GainingEarlyAwarenessandReadinessforUndergraduatePrograms)allowsforopportunitiesthatlow-incomestudentsmaynotexperienceotherwise.Tenlow-incomemiddleschools*willimplementtheprogram,directlybenefitingapproximately4,600students.“GEARUPpresentsawonderfulopportunityforstudentsinOklahomaCityPublicSchoolstoprepareforcollegeandtheirchosencareerbeyond.GEARUP’sfocusonminorityandfirst-generationcollegestudentsisawonderfulmatchforOklahomaCityPublicSchoolsstudents,andwelookforwardtothepartnershipwiththeUniversityofOklahoma,”saidAngelaMonson,chairmanoftheOKCPublicSchoolsBoardofEducation.Thedistrictwantsstudentstobepreparedforpost-graduationopportunities.LauraBuxton,GEARUPProjectCoordinatorforOKCSchoolsexplains,“AspartofOklahomaCityPublicSchools’

StrategicPlan,‘allstudentswillgraduatepreparedforsuccessincollegeand/ortheirchosencareer.’Allofthegoals,resources,andactivitiesprovidedthroughtheGEARUPforthePROMISE(PromotionofReadinessthroughOpportunitiesthatMotivateandIncreaseStudentExpectations)grantarealignedwiththedistrict'scollege-readinessgoalandaredesignedtoequipstudentswiththetoolstobeacademically,financially,andsociallypreparedtoenteraninstitutionofhighereducation.GEARUPforthePROMISEalsoinvestsintrainingandinstructionalresourcesforschoolpersonnelinordertoincreasetheschools’abilitytomakecollegesuccessthenormforallfutureOKCPSgraduates.”Eachschoolwillhaveasitecoordinatorwhoworkswithstudents,teachersandcounselorsprovidingthemaximumopportunityforcontinuityandgrowth.Eachschoolwilldevelopanactionplantosuittheneedsoftheirstudents,withtheultimategoalforthecoordinatortoworkacrossallcontentareastoimprovelearning.LearnmoreabouttheGEARUPprogrambyvisitingwww.okhighered.org/gearup.

* Participating Middle Schools: Centennial, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, John Marshall, Northeast, Rogers, Roosevelt, Taft and Webster.

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BeingfinanciallysavvyismorethanjustaresponsibilityforCarrieLoper.ThisOKCmomoffour(son

Gavinis6,twinsGarretandGrantare5anddaughterGraceis3)isonamissiontosharehowcouponingandbeingfinanciallysmarthaschangedherfamily’slifeandcandothesameforothers.FromcouponingtipsonherpopularCouponClosetblog(www.couponcloset.net)tofastandfrugalrecipesonherEatingonaDimesite(www.eatingonadime.com),the30-year-oldworkstohelplocalmomsbecomesaavyshoppersandsavemoney,allwhilemaintaininganormallife.Readmoreaboutwhatmakesthisfrugalistamomtick.

What are you passionate about?Iampassionateabouthelpingotherstosavemoneyandhaveafinanciallysmartfamily.

How has motherhood changed you?Inowconsidermyselftobemoreself-less.Mychildrenhavetaughtmewhatrealloveis—alovethatishardtodescribe.

How do you banish stress?IreallyliketorunandIamtryingtogetbackintoit.Inaddition,writinghelpswithmystress.IfIwriteitdown,itleavesmyhead.

What inspires you?Mychildren.

Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?Throughmyblogs,Ishowpeoplehow

couponingandlivingwithinourmeanshaschangedmyfamily’slife.Inowteachothershowtodothesamethingthroughmyblogsandfreelocalcouponclasses.

What do you like most about your job?Ilovehelpingothers.IlovehearingstoriesaboutmomsbecomingstayathomemomsbecauseofCouponCloset.Ilovehearingthatfamiliesarepayingofftheircars,payingoffdebtandbeingabletopayhighadoptionfeesusingcashandnotaloanbecauseofcoupons.

What is on your wish list?Weadoptedourdaughterthispastsummer,andIhopeformoreadoptionsinthefuture.Ihopetowriteabooksomeday.Iamworkingonsomeebooks,butIreallywanttogetabookpublished.

What are you most proud of?Iammostproudofmyhusbandandmychildren.Theyaremyrockandmybiggestcheerleaders.Wehavealsobeenfosterparentsforthreeyears.Wecurrentlydonothaveanyfosterchildren,butplantoeitherfostermorechildrenoradopt.

How do you find balance in your life?BalanceissomethingthatIstillstrugglewith.IhavefoundthatifIscheduleeverythinginmylife,thenIammorelikelytohavebalance.Wenowhavefamilygamenight.Thatway,weareguaranteedonenightaweektojustenjoyeachother.

Advice for other moms?Setgoalsandwritethemdown.Ifyouwanttogetsomethingdone,thenwriteitdown.Beforeyouknowit,theywillallbe

doneandyouwillhavemoretimeleftinyourday.

Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?IwasborninOwensboro,Kentucky,butmyfamilymovedwhenIwas18monthsold.IwasraisedinKingfisherandhavelivedinOklahomaeversince.

What’s the biggest challenge in your life?Mybiggestchallengeistofindtimetojusttakecareofmyself—gettingenoughsleep,havingsomequiettime,etc.

How do you help others?Iteachfreecouponingclassesonaregularbasistohelpotherslearnhowtosavemoney.WealsotakedonationsoftoiletryitemsatallcouponclassestodonatetoCitizensCaringforChildren(www.citizencaringforchildren.org)tohelpchildreninfostercare.

What is your parenting style?Mynumberonegoalwithparentingistoteachmychildren.IamalwayslookingforhelpwithparentingandIamalwaystryingtobebetter.

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

“Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life”–OmarKhayyam.MyhusbandandIhadbraceletsmadetoconstantlyremindusofthis.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Real Moms of the MetroMeet Carrie Loper: Frugal Mom of Four

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Quick Facts About Carrie1. What are five words that

describe you? Passionate, determined, frugal, loving, stubborn.

2. What can’t you live without? Internet and my computer! Since I am blogging all the time, I love how I can reach others just with a click

3. What’s your favorite TV show? My all time favorite would be Seinfeld.

4. What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? Anything in the crockpot. We have made some amazing dinners in the crockpot.

5. What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. If you have a candy bar for me, then I am your best friend.

The Loper Family—Eric, Grant, Gavin, Garrett, Grace and Carrie.

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Reviews by Mari Farthing & Brooke Barnett.

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All

Early ReadersAnimal World Sticker BookByMauricePledger(SilverDolphinBooks,softcover,$11)Thishands-onbookintroduceskidsages3anduptothedifferentplaceswhereanimalslive,rangingfromthegrassymeadowtothesandyseashore,byhavingthemcompletescenesusingover200colorfulstickers.

Pantone ColorsByJonathanEmmett,illustratedbyPolyBernatene(AbramsAppleseed,boardbook,$10)Thisboardbookfeaturestherainbowofcolorsyoufindinmostchildren’sbookwiththeadditionof20Pantoneshadevariationsforeachcolor.Now,insteadofchoosingbetweengreenandblue,hecanchoosefrompicklegreenorpoolblue.

The Princess and the PigByJonathanEmmettIllustratedbyPolyBernatene(BloomsburyKids,hardcover,$17)Notthatlongagoinakingdomnotfarfromhere,PriscillatheprincesswasaccidentallyswappedwithPigmellathepiglet.Kissingafroghasbeenknowntoworkwondersforprincessesintraditionalfairytales,butwillitworkforapig?Thiswittyandwrytaleisafuntwistontheclassicprincessstory.

Seriously, Just Go to SleepByAdamMansbachIllustratedbyRicardoCortes(Akashicbooks,hardcover,$16)Onceuponatime,AdamMansbachwroteaveryoff-colorstoryaboutchildrenwhowouldnotgotosleep,gearedtowardadults.Duetopopulardemand,henowoffersachild-friendlyversionthatletsthelittleonesinonthejoke.

Grades 2+Feeling Great: A Girl’s Guide to Mixing Fitness, Friends and FunByAlyssaShaffer(AmericanGirl,spiral,$9)Thisslimvolumeencouragesgirlstotrytheirbesttochallengetheirminds,heartsandbodieseveryday.Featureswordsofencouragementandinspirationtohelpgirlsgetintouchwiththeirinnerpower.

Jinxed: A Topps League StoryByKurtisScalettaIllustratedbyEricWight(AmuletBooks,softcover,$6)ChadSnyder,abaseball-lovingbatboyforthePineCityPorcupines,useshisvastknowlegeofthesporttohelpsolveproblems.Kidswithaloveofbaseballoradesiretolearnmorewillhavefunwiththistitle.

Grades 4+Explorer: The Mystery BoxesByKazuKibuishi(AbramsBooks,hardcover,$20)Thesevenstoriesinthiscollectioncombinetocreateagraphicnovelanthologythatcentersaroundthethemeofamysteriousbox.Featuringboysandgirls,storiesscaryandfunny,thecreativecollectionmightinspireyouryoungartisttocreateherownstory.

AdultsSuccessful FailureByDeveryYoungblood(TatePublishing,softcover,$21)Remindingusallthatgrowthstemsfromadversity,thistitlesuggeststhatinorderforustofindhappiness,wemustfirstfailtofindit.Failureshouldbeusedtofueltheheart,mindandspirittopersevere.

What Your Child Needs to Know About Sex (And When)ByDr.FredKaeser(TenSpeedPress,softcover,$15)Parents,isittimeyouhadthetalk?Youknow—the talk?Inoursometimesoversexualizedsociety,itcanbehardtoknowhowtoaddressthetopicwithourchildren.Thistitleoffersanearnestconversationabouthowtotalktoyourkidsaboutsex.

Freshalicious ByStaceyFokas(InfokusProductions,hardcover,$30)Ajourneythroughfoodbyseason,withthegoalofencouragingreaderstothinklocallywhenselectingfoods.Includesrecipes,storiesaboutlocalproducersandvividphotography.

VegebabyByPragnaParmita(Vegebaby,hardcover,$20)Parentsinterestedinalocally-sourcedvegetariandietfortheirchildrenwillfindthisausefulresource,packedwithnutritionalinformation,tipsandhealthyrecipesforallages.

Healthful Eating Made SimpleForyoungerreaders,Secrets of the Garden byKathleenWeidnerZoehfeldandillustratedbyPriscillaLamont(AlfredA.Knopf,hardcover,$17)teachesallaboutthefoodchainwithAlice,herfamilyandherfamily’sgarden,chickensandpets.LearnwhathappensinAlice’sbackyardduringonegrowingseason.Andforthoseofusabitolderbutstillnotsureaboutthebesteatingpractices,thenewly-updatedversionofFood Rules byMichaelPollanandillustratedbyMairaKalman(ThePenguinPress,hardcover,$24)remindsusto“Eatfood.Nottoomuch.Mostlyplants.”Atthemostbasiclevel,thesearetheauthor’srulesforhealthfuleating.Thisbeautifully-illustrated,updatededitionexpandsonthissimpleideawithrulestohelpreadersliveahappier,healthierlife.

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Visit the Myriad GardensTheMyriadGardensislocatedat301WRenoAvenue,onthenorthwestcornerofRobinsonandRenoindowntownOklahomaCity.405-297-3995,www.myriadgardens.orgAdmissiontotheMyriadBotanicalGardensoutdoorgroundsisfree,open6:00am–11:00pmdaily.TheCrystalBridgeTropicalConservatoryisopenMonday–Saturday,9:00am–5:00pm;Sunday,11:00am–5:00pm(until7:00pmfromJune1–LaborDay).Admission$7adults;$6seniors,students(withID)andactivemilitary;$5children4–12;age3andunderfree.

PhotographyVisitorsarealwayswelcometotakesnapshotsattheMyriadGardens,thoughpermitsmayberequiredforprofessionalphotographersorspecialcircumstances;photographyguidelinesmayberequestedbycalling405-297-3996oremailingjana.lucht@okc.gov.

Exploring OklahomaThe Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge

Ona17-acrespreadintheheartofOklahomaCityliesaProject180successstory:TheMyriadBotanical

Gardens.Andifyouthinkyou’veseenitbefore,youneedtogivethisiconiclandmarkasecondlook.

History of the Myriad GardensFor30years,theGardenshaveprovidedanaturaloasisinthecity,withpathsandgreenerythroughout,highlightedbytheCrystalBridgeTropicalConservatory(designedbyarchitectI.M.Pei)inthecenterofitall.AspartoftheProject180renovation,theCrystalBridgewasupdatedandthegroundswerecompletelyredesignedtoincreasebothaccessibilityandversatility.“WewantthecommunitytoseetheMyriadGardensastheheartofdowntownOklahomaCity,”saidMaureenHeffernan,ExecutiveDirector.“Itisaplaceforeveryonetoplay,relax,learnandbeinspired.”

Fun For All AgesThisbeautiful,mildwinterhasprovidedmanyopportunitiestoenjoytheoutdoorareasatthegardens.Ibroughtmykids(ages7and9)oneSundayafternoon,toplayattheparkandlistentolocalkindierockmusicianstheSugarFreeAllStars,whowereplayingincelebrationoftheirrecentGrammywin.Weenteredtheparkfromthewest,directlyintotheChildren’sGarden,whichisfilledwithoversizedstructuresthatvirtuallybegchildrentousetheirimaginationstofindwaystoplayonandaroundthearea.ThoughthegardenliesalongRenoAvenue,thefenceandsingleentrypointafforda

layerofsafetyforadventurouskids.Itwasn’twarmenoughtoseetheChildren’sFountaininaction,butthesheersizeandcreativedesignofthestructuremakemelookforwardtorevisitingtheparkinwarmerweather.Aftervisitingtheverycleanandwell-appointedrestroomfacilities(ahappyfindinanyparksetting!),wewanderedacrossthebridgespanningthelake,whereamazinglylargeandcolorfulkoifishswaminthewatersbelow.Thebridgealsooverlooksthewaterstage,whichhasbeenupgradedandincludesadditionalseating(andindividualseats!)andimprovedaccessibility.Tablesandchairsarescatteredaroundthegrounds,providingampleseatingforparkvisitorstositandenjoythedayinthisnewcommunityfocalpoint.OntheGrandLawn,intheshadowofthenewDevonTower,werelaxedonthegrassandsnappedshotsthatlookedlikewewereholdingthetowerinourhands.ThebandshellprovidedtheperfectvenueforaSundayafternoonconcertintheOklahomasunshine.Andevenwithallthatwesawonthisvisit,weonlyscratchedthesurface.

More To SeeOnanothervisittotheGardens,Iwasabletoexploretheotherareasofthepark.EnteringfromtheeastistheSeasonalPlaza,whichheldtheiceskatingrinkthiswinter,justoutsidetheplannedrestaurant.Thebuildingistherebutatenanthasyettobenamed.Totheeastofthisareaisafenceddogreleaseareawheredogsarepermittedofftheirleashestorunfree.Aswiththeotherpartsofthegardens,thereisampleshadefromthesun,seating(forhumans)anddog-friendlyamenitiessuchaslow-to-the-groundwaterfountainsandamplewastedisposal.TothewestistheMeindersGardenandMeadowswhichincludespathwaysandwaterfeaturesamongthenativetrees,flowersand

Making new friends near the bandshell on the Grand Lawn.

Looking toward the Crystal Bridge from the Meinders Garden.

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grassesthatabound.EventhoughIvisitedbeforethetreesandplantswereinfull,leafysplendor,therewasmuchtosee.

East and West LakesJustundertheCrystalBridgeitselflietheEastandWestLakes.Longaplacewherevisitorscouldcomeandseelocalwildlife(koifish,ducksandturtlesareamongthefrequentlyspottedvisitors),theaccesstothelakeshasbeenupdatedwithamazingresult.Whenthinking“accessibility,”mymindquicklyconjuresuptheadaptationsthatmakeaspacemoreaccessibletovisitorsofallphysicalabilities;buttheseaccessibilityupdatesaddressthatandmore.Therearestairsandrampsandpathsandstoneseatingareasthatprovideamyriad(nopunintended)ofaccessibilitypointstothelakesandsurroundinglandscaping,andfromeachturnorstepthereissomethingtoappreciate.Fromvariousplantingstowaterfeatures,theareaaroundthelakesinvitesexplorationfromallagesandabilities.

The Crystal BridgeEnteringtheCrystalBridgefromthesouthend,visitorswillquicklynotetheupdatedandspaciousnewWelcomeCenter.WithintheBridgeitself,updateshavebeenmadetotheplantsbutthebiggestchange—andbiggestimpact—isaresultofeachandeverytilebeingmeticulouslyremovedandreplacedandtherepaintingoftheentirestructure.ThissubtleupdateseemstoreinvigoratetheGardens.So,yes,inthemanyyearsthattheMyriadBotanicalGardenshavebeenopeninOklahomaCity,Iimaginethatyoumayhavevisited,perhapsevenmanytimesovertheyears.Butifyouhaven’tvisitedforawhile?It’stimetovisitagain.

Mari Farthing is the editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Upcoming Events• Starlifter: U.S. Air Force Band of

Mid-AmericawillplayafreeconcertattheGrandLawnBandshellonApril1,from1:00–3:00pm.Bringablanket.

• TheAnnual Plant SalewillbeheldApril5–7,9:00am–5:00pmdailyintheVisitors’CenterattheCrystalBridgeBotanicalGardens.

• OnApril12atnoon,aguided hike beginsontheeaststepsofCityHall(200NWalker)thatwilltakevisitorsinandaroundthehistoricbuildingsofdowntown,includingthroughtheMyriadGardens.Alsoatnoon,theBrown Bag Lunch Series heldinthesecondfloorconferenceroomintheCrystalBridgewiththeEmeritusDirectorofTelefloraallowsvisitorstoaskquestionsaboutflowers.

• TheFestival of the Arts heldatthewestendoftheMyriadGardensApril24–29hasbeenamuch-attendedfestivalindowntownOklahomaCitysince1967.OpenMonday–Saturday,11:00–9:00pmandSunday11:00am–5:00pm.

A panoramic shot of the Children’s Garden.

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Ask the ExpertsSpring CleaningThismonth’squestion:Spring is in the air! I need motivation to get my family to clear out the clutter, but I can’t get anyone to part with anything, from my husband’s broken, old tools to my daughter’s basket of miscellaneous doll parts to my own stash of projects that I’ve left unfinished. How can I help my family to avoid becoming hoarders and to finish what we start?

Kevin Tutty, LCSW: Springisalwaysagreattimeofyeartocleanhouse.Iliketheideaofgoingthroughbelongingsannuallyandseewhatthingshavenotbeentouchedinayear.Ifsomethinghasnotbeenusedforayear,howimportantisit,really?Asawarehousemanager,Ilearnedthatphysicalspaceactuallycancostmoneyafteraproductsitsontheshelfforaperiodoftime.Muchinthesameway,unusedobjectspreventotheritemsfrombeingplacedwherewecanlocatetheminourhome.Adisorganized,clutteredspacecausesstressandanxiety.Oneoptionforsomeonewhohastroublegettingridofanythingistonegotiateanumberofitemsthateachpersonwillpartwith.Then,donatethesetoaworthwhilecharitysosomeonecanusethem,andyougetthetaxdeductionaswell.Awin-win!Kevin Tutty, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. Contact him at 405-431-6225.

Valerie Riley, Professional Organizer:Wealwaysadviseourclientstotakethingsroombyroom—otherwiseit’stoooverwhelming.Focusononeareaatatimeanddon’tleaveituntilyou’veaccomplishedclearingtheclutter.Onlythenisitwiseto

moveontothenextareaorroomneedingattention.Togetthefamilyinvolved,weliketohaveourclientsmakeitagame.Timeyourselvesandseewhocangetthroughtheirdesignatedclutterfirst—thewinnergetstopicktherestaurantwherethefamilydinesoutasareward.Or,haveeveryonehelpeachotherintheirpersonalareaandwhenoneareaiscomplete,thefamilyenjoysanewactivitytodotogetherorareward(suchasgoingoutforicecreamorhavingafamilymovienight).It’salsohelpfultosetatimelimitonhowlongyouworkonaparticulararea.Ifyouleaveyourselftoomuchtimeyouwillmostlikelygetoverwhelmedandquitearly.Setatimerandsticktothat.Ifthewholeideaofclearingclutterisdaunting,startwithasmalltimelimit—setthetimerfor10minutesandseehowmuchyoucanaccomplish.Thesmallvictorieswillmakeyoufeelgoodandhelpyoutobemotivatedtocontinueon!Goodluck!Valerie Riley is the founder of the Riley Group, offering concierge and lifestyle management services. Contact them at 405-242-2267 or www.therileygroup.info.

Devonne Carter, LCSW: Iwouldencourageyoutostartthisprojectbymodeling.Youmodelthebehavioryouwanteveryoneelseinthefamilytofollow.Startwithoneclosetandcleanitoutandtalkabouthowgooditfeelstodonatethings.

Thenstatethatyouwanteveryonetocleanouttheirclosetortheirroom.Givethemadeadlineandaplacetowhichyouwantthemtobringtheirdonations.Ifyourchildrenareyoung,askthemtochoose5itemsforyourdonationsack.Haveyourchildrenhelpyouwiththedonationandthenonthewayhometalkabouthowniceitwillbeforchildrenwhodon'thavemanyclothesortoysandhowmuchtheywillenjoytheirnewtreasures.Devonne Carter, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Edmond. Contact her at 405-326-3923 or www.carterscounseling.com.

Donnie Van Curen M.A., LMFT:PickaSaturdaywhereeachpersonhelpsfillafamilybox,orhastheirownboxtofill,whichcanthenbetakentoanorganizationlikeTheSalvationArmy.Thismakesforagreatfamilyactivity,andtheopportunitytohelpeachpersoninyourfamilygeneratealotofpositivefeelingsandemotionsfromtheiractions.Itisalsoawonderfulwaytohelpyourkidsseethevalue,responsibilityandfunthathelpingothersprovides,allwhilecleaningupclutter.Makeitatradition;itmaybeonethatcarriesonforgenerationstocome.Donnie Van Curen M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Theapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. Contact him at 405-823-4302 or www.counseling1820.com.

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Istheideaofgoinggreenandraisinganenvironmentallyfriendlyfamilyappealingintheory—butalittletrickyinpractice?Whetherornotyouhaveagreenthumbordeeppockets,raisingasustainablefamilyisattainable.Andinourcurrentsociety,goinggreenmakessenseonmanydifferentlevels,asthechangesyoumakecancontributetoyourfamily’shealth,yourpocketbookandtheoverallwellbeingofourplanet.Thinkonefamilyisn’tenoughtomakeadifference?Thinkagain!Yourfamilycanhaveabigimpactwithjustafewlifestylechanges.

Eco-Parenting“Kidslearnwhattheylive,”explainsDrRichardS.Kordesh,authorofRestoring Power to Parents and Places.“Iftheyarelivingandparticipatinginaworldwheretheyareaconsumeronly,that’sawayoflifethatisinternalized.Alternatively,theycanalsolearnthattheycangrowandmakestuff.Andtheycanlearnthosebasic,usefulskillsathome.”Forstarters,theexpertssuggestthesetips:• Talk to your kids about what it means

to be green.“Thesimplestdefinitionofgreenlivingismakingchoicesbasedonwhat’srightfortheenvironment,”explainsChrisWard,EducationDirectorattheClevelandCountyConservationDistrict.“Beinggreenmeanscreatinglessimpact,eitherbylifestylechangesorbuyingproductsthataremoreeco-friendly.”

• Pack a lunch. Makeacommitmentasafamilytoeatinmoreoften.“Takingyourluncheachdayisoneofthegreenestthingsyoucando,”Wardsays.“Itreducestheamountofunrecyclablewastecreatedonadailybasis,multipliedbythenumberofpeopleinyourfamily.”Sincechildrenoftenlearnbyimitation,pledgetotakeyourlunchtoworkeachday.Itwillbelessexpensive,healthierandreducetheamount

ofdrivingyoudoonadailybasis.• Reduce your consumerism. Talktoyour

kidsaboutneedsversuswants.“Buyonlywhatyouneedtobuyandlookforwaystobuyitlocallyandwithaminimumofpackaging,”Wardexplains.Forbooks,DVDsandmagazines,considerborrowingthemfromyourlocallibraryinsteadofbuyingnew,oruseNetflixorRedboxtocatchyourfavoritenewreleases.

Whileyourhabitsmaynotseemtohaveamajorimpact,Kordeshurgesparentstolookatthebiggerpicture.“Imagineifyouhadawholecommunitytakingthesesteps,sharingresourcesandinformation.Thesechangesareattheheartofhealthycommunitydevelopment.”

Go Green to Save Green“Thebestplacetostartsavingtheworldisinthehome,”saysClaireMalone,aleadingmemberoftheNormanSustainabilityNetwork.“Thekeyistostartyoungandhavekidsfeelliketheyaretakingcareoftheirfamilyandtheenvironmentatthesametime.”Manyenvironmentally-friendlychangescanalsohaveapositivebenefitonyourbottomline.• Drive less. Malonerecommendsmapping

outsafewalking/bikingroutestolocalrestaurantsandgrocerystoresandusingthemasoftenaspossible.“It’sgoodexerciseandsavesgas,”sheexplains.Whendrivingisnecessary,carpoolwithfriendsorcoworkers.

• Green cleaning. Naturalcleaningproductswillcleanyourhomeandavoidexposingyourfamilytotoxinsandharmfulchemicals.Withlaundryanddishwashingdetergents,reducetheamountyouuseforeachload.“Therecommendedamountonthepackageiswaytoomuch,”Wardsays.“Useaboutone-thirdoftherecommendedamountandyou’llstillseethesamelevel

ofclean.Whendoinglaundry,keepinmindthatyoushouldn’tseebubbles.”

• Green Your Home. “Inwinter,keepthetemperatureinyourhomearound68degrees,”Wardsuggests.“Keepthetempinsummerat78degrees.Foreverydegreeyoulowerit,energycostsrisesixpercent.”Wardrecommendscleaningairfiltersmonthly,changingtocompactfluorescent(CFL)bulbs,applyingweatherstrippingaroundwindowsanddoorsandusingceilingfans.“Mostceilingfansuseonlyasmuchpowerasa100wattlightbulb,”sheexplains.“Inthewinter,setthefantolowandtoturnclockwisetopullwarmairdownfromtheceiling.Insummer,thefanshouldturncounterclockwisetokeepairmoving.”Also,usepowerstripsoneverythingfromcellphonechargerstolaptopstoyourcableboxtoreducethe“ghostdrain”ofelectricitybeingusedevenwhentheseitemsareturnedoffornotinuse.IfyouareanOG&Ecustomer,youcanrequestahomeenergyaudit,whichincludesanin-homeinspection,anairconditionertune-up,ductworkinspection,andaweatherizationkitfor$50.Formoreinformation,visitwww.ogehomeenergyeff.comorcall877-430-3936.

• Use less water. Usecommercialcarwashesthatusehigh-pressurenozzlestominimizewaterusage.“Ifyoumustwashyourcarathome,usebiodegradablesoap,abucketandsponge,”Wardsays.“Neveruseyourhose.”Alsoconsideryourtoilet,whichaccountsfor30percentofindoorwateruse.Considerinstallingalow-flowtoiletorplaceahotwaterbagfilledwithpebblesorsandtoyourtank.“Thisaddsvolumetothetanksoitfillswithlesswater,”Wardexplains.Foroutdoorwateruse,considercollectingprecipitationinarainbarreltokeepyourlawnandgardennaturallywell-watered.

PRACTICAL POINTERS FOR

GOING GREEN 15 Ways to Create a

Sustainable Family

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Go Crunchy GranolaWhetheryougrowitorbuyit,locally-grownfoodoffersanumberoffinancial,tasteandnutritionalbenefits.Inadditiontosupportinglocalfarmersandconnectingyoutoyourcommunity,foodgrownnearbyisbettertasting,higherquality,andmorenutritious.Plus,itkeepsmoneyinthelocalcommunity.“Remindyourselfthatthemoneystaysherewhenyoubuylocal.It’sfixingourroadsandgoingtoyourchild’sschools,”Malonesays.“Thinkaboutthebiggerpictureandthereturnonyourinvestment.”• Grow your own. Backyardgardening

cantakemanyforms,fromgreenhousestoraisedbedstoatomatoplantinafive-gallonbucket.“Teach[kids]howtogardenandmakethemapartofnourishingtheirfamily,”Malonerecommends.“Talkabouttheplantsyouseeandmakeiteducationalbutstillfun.”Kordeshalsorecommendscompostingasameansofreducingtrashandenrichinggardensoil.

• Buy local. Don’thavetimetogrowyourown?Shoppingatyourlocalfarmer’smarketcangiveyourkidsfirst-handaccesstofarmersandotherfoodproducers,plusseasonalproduceandaccesstohealthierfoodoptions.Visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/farmers-marketsforalistofmetro-areaFarmersMarkets.

• Join a Cooperative. Needmoreshoppingflexibility?JointheOklahomaFoodCooperative(www.oklahomafood.coop),anetworkoflocalfarmersandcustomersofferingOklahoma-producedproductsyear-round.AllitemssoldthroughthecooperativearegrownorproducedinOklahomaandordersaredeliveredonthethirdThursdayofeachmonthtopickuplocationsacrossthestate,includingmanyinthelocalarea.

• Eat at restaurants serving local fare. Eatingoutcanalsosupportlocalfood.“Thereisnoreasonthatthestuffweliketoeathastobetruckedinandhavealargecarbonfootprint,”saysMattBurchofUrbanAgrarian,alocalfooddistributioncompany.“Seekoutrestaurantsthatservelocalfood.Andifyourfavoriterestaurantdoesn’tservelocalfood,besuretoaskthemwhy.”

The Three R’sEverwatchBob the Builder?Thenoddsareyouarefamiliarwith“reduce,reuseandrecycle”mantraandthebenefitsofkeepingstill-useableproductsoutofthelandfill.• Reduce waste.Wardencouragesfamilies

tostopbuyingdisposableslikepaperplates

andpapertowels,optinginsteadforreusableoptions.Paybillsonlinetoreducepaperanddonateusableitemstolocalcharitiesofthriftstores.

• Buy it used. Garagesales,consignmentshops,freecycle.comandthriftstoresaregreatplacestofindwhatyouneed,oftenatafractionofthecost.

• Aim for less plastic packaging. AccordingtoWard,theaverageAmericandisposes300poundsofplasticeachyear.Buystaplessuchascereals,rice,beansandoatmealfrombulkbins.Optforproductsinglassjars.Andifyoumustbuyplastic,makesureitcanberecycled.

• Reduce your mail. “Eachyear,thejunkmailindustrydestroysabout100milliontreestobringyoutheadsandoffersyouthrowawaywithoutopening,”Wardexplains.Addyournametothe“DoNotMail”listbycallingtheDirectMarketingAssociationat212-768-7277,optoutofcreditcardoffersbyvisitingwww.optoutprescreen.comandreducetheamountofunwantedcatalogsthatyoureceivebyvisitingwww.catalogchoice.org.

• Recycle. Curbsiderecyclingbinshavemadeiteasierthanevertorecycleyourhouseholditems.OklahomaCity,EdmondandNormanacceptplastics#1–7,whileMooreaccepts#1and#2.Ifyouhavehazardouswasteproductssuchasmotorold,antifreeze,paintorgardenchemicals,contacttheHazardousWasteFacilitynearSW15thandPortlandinOklahomaCityat405-682-7038toseeaboutopendrop-offtimesandrequirements.Forahelpfullistofmetro-arearecyclingprograms,visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/recycling-programs.Tofindouthowtorecycleproductssuchashouseholdcleaners,paintandbatterieslocally,visitwww.okc.gov/trash/recycle/beyondbin.htmlorhttp://earth911.com

Green LivingForMattBurchofUrbanAgrarian,thechoicetocreateamoresustainablefamilyisreallyaboutdoingwhatisright.“It’sourresponsibilitytoleavetheworldabetterplacethanwefoundit,”hesays.“Thesimpledecisionswemakeonadailybasiscanbeveryrewarding.”

Brooke Barnett is MetroFamily Magazine’s Assistant Editor and has an addiction to reusable bags and locally-grown produce.

MORE TIPS TO GO GREEN:

Recycle CFLbulbsatallHomeDepotlocations.DepositanyunbrokenCFLsinthein-storeorangecollectionunits.Recyclecellphonesandprintercartridgesatmanyretailers,includingBestBuyandStapleslocations.Save green bygoinggreenatmanylocalstores.TheEarthinNormanoffersa10%discountifyouwalkorbiketotheirstore.Targetlocationsoffer5¢offforeveryreusablebagyouuse,andWholeFoodsoffers10¢offperclothbagusedand5¢offforpaper.CVSstoresalsooffera“GreenBagTag,”programoffering$1inin-storerewardsforeveryfourthvisitwithareusablebag.TheOklahomaFoodCoop(www.oklahomafood.coop)offerswork credit forthosewhovolunteersortingandcompilingorders.Theseworkcreditsspendlikecashtobuylocallygrownfoodforyourfamily.Talk to your kidsaboutyourcurrentshoppingandlivinghabitsandhowyouwouldliketochange.Solicittheirinputandsuggestionsandmakeagoalasafamilytointegratethosechanges.

Make Your Own Cleaning ProductsManynaturalcleaningproductscanbemadefromingredientssuchaslemons,bakingsoda,vinegar,boraxandcastilesoap.“Createanaturalall-purpose cleanerbycombining2cupsofwaterwithateaspoonofborax,2tablespoonsoflemonjuice,atablespoonofbakingsodaand½teaspoonofdishwashingliquid,”Wardadvises.“Or,foranaturalfurniture polish,dabonamixtureof1cupoliveoilwith½cuplemonjuice.”Othergreencleaningtips?Freshenyourfridgebysecuringone-halfcupofbakingsodainacoffeefilterwithatwisttieandplacingityourrefrigeratordoor.Cleanyourmicrowavebyfillingabowlwithwaterandfourslicesoflemon.Heatforthreeminutesandwipeclean.

Further Reading8ReasonstoBuyLocalFood:http://www.oklahomafood.coop/8reasons.phpUseLessStuffTips:http://www.deq.state.ok.us/mainlinks/uls/ulstips08.pdfNormanSustainabilityNetwork:www.normansustainability.orgUrbanAgrarian:www.urbanagrarian.comClevelandCountyConservationDistrict:www.clevelandcountyconservationdistrict.com

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Question of the MonthGreening Your FamilyFromrecyclinghouseholdwastetogrowingagardentoconservingresources,therearemanywaysforfamiliestodaytogogreen.Whetherthroughsmallchangestoadailyroutineorbymakingserioushomeimprovementstoincreaseenergyefficiency,beingeco-friendlyhasenvironmental,financialandpersonalbenefitsforfamiliesofallsizes.OurMarchQuestionoftheMonthaskedourreaderstosharetheactivitiestheydotobeeco-friendly.Someincorporategreenlivingintoeverythingtheydoandafewhaveyettotakethefirststeps.ForTamia D.ofMidwestCity,eco-friendlyalsohastobebudget-friendly.“Sometimesthemoreorganicoreco-friendlyoptionismoreexpensive.Whenit’snotmoreexpensive,orwhenIcanaffordthemoreexpensiveoptions,Ialwayschooseproductsandservicesthatareenvironmentallyfriendly.”Mitchell T.ofEdmondsharesthatrecyclingistrulyafamilyaffair.“Wealwaysrecycle!Ourdaughterknowwhatgoesintherecyclebinalreadyandsheisn’teven3.”

Moore’sHannah P. workstoteachthenextgenerationtotakecareoftheearth.“WechoosetorecycleandIteachmykidsnottowastewaterandelectricity.Ialsoliketobuyeco-friendlycleanerproducts.Butit'snotalwayseasy,wedowhatwecan.”ForLisha B.ofMidwestCity,greenlivingistrulyawayoflife.“Wehaveacompostpile,agarden,useclothdiapersandfamilycloth,clothbabywipes,andclothnapkins.Wedon’tusepapertowels,weusejunkmailforscrapsofpapertowritenoteson,usenaturalcleaners,andtrytofindwaystobegreenerallthetime.”Kami M.ofOklahomaCityincorporatessmallchangesintoherfamily’sdailylife.“Wetryourbesttorecycleandreuseasmuchaswecan.WeuseFreecycletogiveawaythingswearenolongerusing.Itrytocombinemyerrandsasmuchaspossibleandnotwasteoruseupgas.”Visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/march-reader-responsestoreadmoreabouthowourreadersworktobemoreeco-friendly.

What does your family do to be more “green?” 67 total responses

Q

Other methods

We love to cook together and share meals as a family.

We love to travel and visit new places to explore whenever we can!

We share a love of movies/games/books/music and spend time on that.

We love to attend sporting events together! Whether one of us is playing or we're all just in the stands, we love our sports.

• We choose eco-friendly options and recycle whenever possible. 52%

• Sometimes we choose the organic or eco-friendly option, but not always. 30%

• We really don’t. 10.5%

• Other. 4.5%

• Everything we can! We strive for a greener lifestyle in all we do. 3%

Question of the Month for May Moms—if your gift for Mother’s Day is an additional hour in your day, how would you use it?

Visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/fs-giveawaytofillintheblankandenteryournameinourmonthlyprizepackagedrawing,valuedatover$250.Thefullcontentsoftheprizepackagearelistedonthecontestpage.DeadlinetoenterisThursday,April19.

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Problem SolversHelpful Family Products

Problem: Washing the car uses so much water!

Solution: Washdrops letyouwashthecarwithonebucketandaminimalamountofwater,norinsingrequired.It’sbiodegradableandcomplieswiththeEPASafeWaterAct.($9/16oz;www.washdrops.com)

Problem: Taking baby food with you can be a messy endeavor.

Solution: Nurturme organicdriedfruitsandveggiescomeinsingle-servingpouchesthatyoucanmixyourselfwithwater,formulaorbreastmilk.($10includesspoon;www.nurturme.com)

Problem: He would rather throw his crayons on the ground than color with them.

Solution: The Crayon Bungee keepsthreecrayonsonaleashforyourlittleonesandsavesyoufromhavingtoplayfetch.($16;www.nini-baby.com)

Problem: You want to be glamorous in the kitchen and cook like you’re ready for your Food Network debut.

Solution: TieonaFabulous Girl Clothing apron inoneof12designsofapronstofryupthebaconinstyle.($48;www.fabulousgirlboutique.com)

Problem: What are they tracking in on their shoes?

Solution: The Amazing Mat isstickytotrapallergensdirtandwhateverelsethereisontheirshoesbeforetheyenteryourhome.Whenitgetsdirty?Tearoffthetopsheet.Comeswith30refills.($30;www.theamazingmat.com)

Problem: Your used toothbrushes could fill up a landfill!

Solution: The Worldcentric Toothbrush iscommerciallycompostableandcomesinasetofthreesoyouneverhavetobewithout.($12/3;www.worldcentric.org)

Whenwehearaboutneworhelpfulproducts,weliketoletourreadersknow!Hereareafewofthemoreinterestingitemswe’verecentlyfound.Visittheproductwebsiteforalistoflocalretailers.

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests for a chance to win many of the products shown here and on other pages this month!

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Summer Camps & Activities Guide

Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools

8543 North Rockwell, OKC (Target shopping center)

405-562-8787, www.aquatots-oklahomacity.com

June–August $139 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.Ongoing enrollment, limited space.

Intensive 2-week swim lesson sessions & Fast Track swim camps.

ArtWorks Academy

3251 Market Pl, Suite 130, Norman

405-397-1824, www.artworksacademy.com

June 18–July 26 $50-$250 Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Enrollment open until full.

A variety of camps for kids Preschool–12th grade include drama, dance, voice, guitar and art.

Camp Chaverim

4901 N Penn, OKC 405-848-3132, www.jfedokc.org

June 4–July 27 $480-$650/3 week session

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Register by June 1.

3–week camp sessions for kids ages 2–15. Activities include swimming, dancing, singing, cooking & exploration.

Camp McFadden

9137 E Hartford, Ponca City

580-762-9955, www.campmcfadden.com

June–August $140 for 3 days; $290 for 1 week

Overnight camp at Kaw Lake; scholarships available.

Camp (for ages 6-9; 8-15) features wide range of activities include water sports, shooting, horse-back riding, crafts & cooking.

Casady School Summer by the Lake

9500 N Penn, OKC 405-749-3193, www.casady.org

June 4–July 27 $69 half-day sessions

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Ongoing registration.

Athletic, art & academic programs; half-day & full-day camp options.

Center for Children and Families, Inc.

1151 E Main, Norman 405-364-1420, www.ccfinorman.org

Session 1: June 18–July 6; Session 2: July 9–27

Free; donations accepted

Day camp for Norman youth; no before/after care. Register by 5/18, space is limited.

Summer Youth Enrichment Program includes mentoring, skill-based activities & community service projects. Grades K–5 mornings, 6–12 afternoons, Fridays are all age groups.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

507 S 4th, Enid 580-237-1907 x227, www.csrhc.org

July 30 –August 3 $170 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Frontier adventure camp for students entering grades 4–6 features collecting artifacts, cattle drive, fishing & exploration.

Chess Camp Heritage Hall1800 NW 122nd, OKCMetro Christian Academy6363 S Trenton, Tulsa

888-652-4377, www.chesscamp.com

June 4–8 & July 16–20 (OKC)

June 25–29 (Tulsa)

Varies Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Chess instruction for all experience levels, including complete beginners.

Cimarron Opera

PO Box 1085, Norman

405-364-8962, www.cimarronopera.org

June 11–30 $400 Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Auditions April 15–16.

3–week intensive theater camp for ages 9–18 to learn basics of vocal, dance, acting & audition prep.

City Arts Center

3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC

405-951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org

May 29–August 17 $150 Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Register by 5/20 for 10% discount.

Week-long I’m Artsy and I Know It camp for ages 5–13 includes painting, trapeze, pottery, sewing & more.

Ready or not! Here comes summer. Whether you seek artistic, academic or sport-themed activities for your kids (or anything in between), you can find it here in our bigger and better guide to summer fun, camps and activities.

Find your interest and note the registration dates—many of these fun activities will fill up early. Be sure to contact the venue with any questions that you have. So are you ready? Set? Go!

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Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Club Z! In Home Tutoring

3200 E. Memorial Rd, Suite 600, Edmond

405-478-3515, www.clubztutoring.com/okc

June 4-28 (register by June 1) & July 9- August 2 (register by July 6)

Small group special rates; call for details

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Individual or small group reading & math instruction for grades 2-5; individual MATH Academy for grades 3-12; Study skills program to develop time management, test prep & more.

Creative Adventures

10455D N May, OKC 405-751-1002, http://creativeadventuresourchild renarespecial.webs.com

Ongoing $15–$30 per session

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Ongoing registration.

Half- or full-day fine arts programs.

Cross Creek Stables

2200 NW 192nd St, Edmond

405-340-3432, www.crosscreekstablesokc.com

June 4–July 30 $195/week includes t-shirt & water bottle

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register until full (call for availability).

Basic instruction in horsemanship plus crafts & horse show with ribbons for all. Ages 6+, 1:00–5:00pm.

The Dance Department

1110 S Air Depot #11, Midwest City

405 732-7722, www.thedancedepartmentokc.com

July 16–20 $70 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Princess-themed kid's camp includes dancing, crafts & end of the week performance.

Edmond Historical Society & Museum

431 S Boulevard, Edmond

405-340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

Session 1: June 5–7 Session 2: July 10–12

9:30am–12:30pm

$30 Day camp, no before/after care, no scholarships.

1889 Summer Camp held for ages 6-12 at 1889 Territorial School (124 E 2nd St).

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Summer Camps & Activities Guide

Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Edmond Parks & Recreation

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

405-359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec

June 4–July 27 $300 per session

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration open until full. $35 discount each additional child. Fee includes field trips, daily snack & t-shirt.

Summer Blast Camp for ages 5 (entering grade 1)–12. Activities include arts & crafts, water sports, field trips & more. Bring lunch.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

27 E Edwards, Edmond

405-340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

June–August $80-$175 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Ongoing registration until full.

Variety of 3– & 5–day camp sessions for children of all ages separated by age, include arts instruction, drama, theater & more. See website for details.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center

12777 N Rockwell, OKC

405-717-4900, www.francistuttle.edu/summer

June 4–29

8:30–11:30am or noon–3:00pm

$69/class; $5 discount each additional.

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register until first day of class.

Fun and interactive classes for ages 11-14.

Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma

6100 N Robinson, OKC

405-528-4475, www.gswestok.org

June 8–July 29 $85-$600; $12 fee for non-girl scout campers

Day and overnight camps; no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration open until full.

Variety of camps for girls grades K–12 include Art Camp, Horse Camp, Mad Scientists, Archery Games, Crafty Critters and more. Bus transportation avail.

The Goddard School

17440 N Western, Edmond

405-348-4442, www.goddardschool.com

May 29–August 15 Varies Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Registration open until full.

Passport Around the World camp celebrates the 2012 Olympics. Open to children ages 6 weeks–12 years.

Harn Homestead Museum

1721 N Lincoln, OKC 405-235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com

June 4–8 $30/day or $125/week

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Register by 5/25 or until full.

Hands-on activities for ages 6–12 to participate in crafts, activities & games.

Invent Now Held in various venues throughout state

800-968-4332, www.campinvention.org

June 1–August 1 $215 Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration preferred 3 weeks prior to camp start date.

Week-long adventure camps for grades entering 1–6 to participate in hands-on science & technology learning.

L'Alliance Française d'Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City 405-748-0868, www.afdokc.org

July 9–12 $99–$109 Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships.

French immersion camp for kids entering grades 3–5 or 6–8. No language background required.

Leonardo's Children's Museum

200 E Maple, Enid 580-237-2787, www.leonardos.org

June 4–August 3 $85-$165 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Early enrollment discount through May.

Week-long half- & full-day art or science camps for ages 4–12.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 W MacArthur, ShawneeOn St. Gregory's University Campus

405-878-5300, www.mgmoa.org

June 11–July 27 Free–$60 Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration open until full.

Creative arts camps for ages 5–8, 9–13, 11–18. Activities/themes include puppets, creative creatures, wearable art & exploration.

Mad Science of Central Oklahoma

PO Box 30983, Edmond

405-285-9643, www.madscience.org/okc

June 4–July 27 $20-$200 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register up to camp start date.

Variety of science-themed camps for ages 4–11.

Marjorie Kovich School of Ballet

1312 S Berry Rd, Norman

405-364-1818, www.mkovichballet.com

June 4–July 13 $50-$250 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register by 5/15.

Variety of dance summer camps & workshops for ages 2½+.

Paid Advertisement

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Summer Camps & Activities GuidePaid Advertisement

Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Moore Norman Technology Center

4701 12th Avenue NW, Norman

405-364-5763,www.mntechnology.com/sya2012

June 4-28 $70-$135 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register deadline April 19. Program offers one-week sessions (half-day and full-day) of learning fun for ages 9 -14.

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

2801 S Shartel, OKC 405-631-8865, www.mountstmary.org

May–August $50-$85 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register by camp start date.

Academic & athletic camps for all ages.

Oklahoma Center for Arts Education at UCO

100 N University Dr (UCO campus), Edmond

405-974-3754, www.ocae.net

June 4–July 27 $125-$200 Day camp; scholarships available, before/after care available for some camps. Register by 4/30 for $25 discount. Registration deadlines on website.

Drama & music camps for ages 7+. Dance & Down Syndrome Music Theatre Camp held 6/11–15 for ages 13+.

Oklahoma Children's Theatre

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC

405-606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

May 29–August 10 $90-$450 Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Register by camp start date.

Half- and full-day camps for ages 3–13 feature instruction in theater, magic and dance.

Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation

725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC

405-552-4040, www.riversportokc.org/camps

June 4–August 3 $65-$300 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Bring lunch, snacks provided.

Ages 8-19 learn water safety and individual and team water sports with provided equipment.

Oklahoma City Community College

7777 S May Ave, OKC 405-686-6222, www.occc.edu

June 4-July 27 $39-$225 Day camp; before/after care, scholarships available. Enrollment available until 3 days before camp starts.

Sports and swimming classes for infants-age 15; College for Kids for 1st-8th graders includes classes in science, math, IT, musical theater & more.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

415 Couch Dr, OKC 405-236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

June 5–August 10 $120-$260 Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Enrollment accepted until full.

A variety of age-appropriate themed camp sessions based on the museum’s collections. Each camp features student exhibition & reception. Ages 4-16.

Oklahoma City Thunder

locations vary 405-208-4800, www.thunder.nba.com

June–August $180–$225 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register until full.

Week-long basketball camps for ages 5-16 (one for ages 13-17) held around OKC metro.

Oklahoma City Zoo

2101 NE 50th, OKC 405-425-0218, www.okczooed.com

June–August $100-$110 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register by one week prior to camp start date.

Weekly camps meet Tuesday–Thursday. Age ranges 3 years, 4–5, 6–7, 8–11 & 12–15. Camps feature daily animal encounters, nature playtime, hikes & more.

Oklahoma Rock Academy

8932 S Western, OKC 405-582-0773, www.oklahomarockacademy.com

May 15–August 5 $150–$600 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Registration open until camp start date.

Music training camps for ages 7–18. Sessions held for 2 weeks, 1 month or entire summer. Each camp features live performance.

Orr Family Farm

14400 S Western, OKC

405-799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com

Session 1: June 19–22 Session 2: July 17–20

10:00am–2:00pm

$160 includes lunch & t-shirt

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Registration open until full.

Campers learn animal care, how to make soap and butter and how to fish.

OU Sooner Flight Academy

1928 Goddard Ave, Norman

405-325-1635, flightcamp.ou.edu

June 4–July 27 $380-$625 Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Register by 3 days prior to start date.

Camps held by age for kids 6–18. Feature hands-on science activities related to flight.

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Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Precollegiate Programs at the University of Oklahoma

1700 Asp Ave, Norman

405-325-6897, youth.ou.edu

June 1–August 10 Free–$745 Overnight & day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Online registration.

Day camps for grades 1–9; Overnight camps for grades 7–12 held throughout summer. CSI camp, meterology, architecture and music video production are examples of themes.

Primrose School of Edmond

15000 Western Ave, Edmond

405-285-6787, www.primroseedmond.com

May 29–August 19 $190/week + activity fees

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Register by 5/29.

Adventures in music, dance and the outdoors with a theme of time travel.

Primrose School of SW Oklahoma City

1520 SW 119th Street, OKC

405-793-6000, www.primroseswoklahomacity.com

July 1–August 31 Varies Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships.

Adventures in music, dance and the outdoors with a theme of time travel.

Redlands Fencing Center

8107 NW Expressway, OKC

405-728-3605, www.redlandsfencing.com

June 4–28 $65/week Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Week-long fencing camps for ages 6–12. Features basic instruction in sport fencing.

Sam Noble Museum

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman

405-325-1008, www.snomnh.ou.edu

June 1–August 3 $7.50–$65 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Registration open until full.

A variety of camp sessions for ages 4 (with adult)–14 cover a wide range of science-related topics.

Science Museum Oklahoma

2100 NE 52nd, OKC 405-602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org

June 18–July 27 $250, non-members, $235 members

Day & night camps; no before/after care no scholarships. Register until 1 week prior to start date.

Did you ever? science camps for 1st-6th graders feature science-themed fun activities.

Silver Phoenix Drama Camptacular

Edmond 405-816-6588 July 9–13 $195, discounts available

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Register until full.

Children in grades 1–9 invited to rehearse and participate in performance of “The Frog Prince.” Limit of 60 campers.

SoccerCity OKC

4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC

405-748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com

June–August $75–$150 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Enroll by start date.

Lil’ Kickers camp for ages 18 months–9 years, recreational & advanced camps for ages 4–16.

SPARK After School Program

1001 NW 25th, OKC 405-525-0018, www.fpcokc.org

June 4–July 31 $125/week, drop-in rate $25/day, $55 enrollment

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Registration open until full.

SPARK 2012 Summer Olympics features swimming, field trips, classes, crafts & interactive learning.

The Studio of The Sooner Theatre

227 E Main, Norman 405-321-9600, www.soonertheatre.com

June 4–August 3 $100–$400 Day camp, no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration open until full.

Half- and full-day performing arts camps for students entering grades K–12.

techJOYnT 8328 Glade Ave, OKC 405-345-5010, www.techjoynt.org

June 1–September 1 $80–$650 Day & night camps; no before/after care, scholarships available. Register by 4/29.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) Camps for ages 4–18 provide world-class, multi-faceted programs with high entertainment value and integrity of scientific content.

Trinity School 321 NW 36th St, OKC 405-525-5600, www.trinityschoolokc.org

June 5–July 19

Tuesday–Thursday

$450-$950 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register by May 4 (pay by May 31).

Sessions for children in grades K–12 focus on strengthening reading & math skills.

Paid Advertisement

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Summer Camps & Activities Guide

Problem Solving Products: The Camp EditionEverymonthwebringyouproductsthatfillaneed,andherewepresentproductsperfectforsummercamp.Helpthemtobepreparedwiththisuniquecollectionofproducts.And,asalways,besuretovisittheproductwebsitetofindalistoflocalretailers.

Problem: Ugh! Bugs!

Solution: The BugBand Portable Diffuser repelsmosquitoes,flies,gnats,no-see-umsandfleaswithnaturally-derivedgeraniolinabattery-poweredunitthatmaybeusedindoorsorout.($20;www.bugband.net)

Problem: You have a “worst-case scenario” type of kid and you want him to be prepared.

Solution: SendhimarmedwithSurvival Straps bracelets, madefrommilitary-gradeparacordthatcanbeunwoundandusedinsurvivalsituations.Ifyouuseit,tellthecompanyanditwillbereplaced,free.($25;www.survivalstraps.com)

Problem: You want her to take her vitamins when she’s at camp.

Solution: AlternaVites areportable,powderedvitaminsthatkids

cankeepintheirpocketforeasyaccess.Usediscountcode“METRO20”whenorderingfora20%discount.($16/30;www.alternavites.com)

Problem: This one is going to camp, but this one is staying home. And wishes that he could be there.

Solution: CAMP: the board game designedforages4andupwillgiveanage-appropriatecampexperiencewithoutleavingthecomfortofyourhome.($25;www.campboardgame.com)

Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell, Suite A11, OKC

405-721-8807, www.velocitydancecenterokc.com

June 18–August 3 $100–$125 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Enrollment open until full.

Week-long dance camps for kids based on ages (3–4, 4–5, 5–8). Four sessions of Angelina Ballerina camps for ages 3-5 available. Call for details.

Victory Dance 4300 N MacArthur, OKC

405-717-1250, www.victorydance.tv

June 20–August 1 $55-$85 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Registration opens 4/10, register by 2 days prior to camp start date.

2-week camp sessions for ages 3–18 features instruction in dance styles incuding ballet, hip-hop, tap & jazz.

Video Game Creation

Heritage Hall1800 NW 122nd, OKCMetro Christian Academy6363 S Trenton, Tulsa

888-652-4377, www.gamebuildercamp.com

June 4–8 & July 16–20 (OKC)

June 25–29 (Tulsa)

Varies Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships.

Participants will design, develop and create a video game.

Westminster School

600 NW 44th St, OKC 405-524-0631, www.westminsterschool.org

June 11–15 (9:30am–3:30pm) & August 6–9 (1:30–5:00pm)

$215 & $109 Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Register until full. For children entering grades 1–6.

Camp Invention (June) focuses on magnetism & building. Club Invention (August) focuses on oceans, outer space & the planet.

YMCA Camp Classen

10840 Main Camp Road, Davis

580-369-5239, www.itsmycamp.org

June 3–July 28 $595-$695 Overnight camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Registration open until full.

Camp for kids ages 7–15 includes activities, camp fires, talent shows, canoeing and more.

Other Summer ProgramsVenue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

Academy of Dance Arts

718 S Mustang Rd, Yukon

405-324-7600, www.academydanceartsok.com

June 4–August 3 $50-$200 Before/after care. Register by May 7 for summer dance classes (4-8 week sessions) held afternoons & evenings.

AMF Sunny Lanes

4330 SE 15th, Del City

405-677-6616, www.amf.com

May 15–September 1 varies Summer Unplugged program for kids provides up to 2 free bowling games every day. Summer Fun Pass available for adults to provide up to 2 free games.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center

867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur

580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

May 12–September 1 Free Special family-friendly events held throughout the season. Storytimes, game demonstrations, workshops, and more. See website for details.

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Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details

College Nannies & Tutors

1333 N Santa Fe, Suite 116, Edmond

405-513-6060, www.collegenannies.com

June–August varies Classes held day and night. Ongoing enrollment. Summer academies, one-on-one instruction, subject-specific instruction & college test prep coaching.

Guitar for Kids 201 E Campbell, Edmond

405-340-8294, www.guitarforcoolkids.com

June 1–August 1 $254 8-week electric guitar course for ages 8+ teaches tabulature and chord charts. Guitar & amp purchase or rental is available (call by May 15).

Kumon Math & Reading

www.kumon.com

Edmond (245 S Santa Fe), 405-216-9800N Edmond (775 W Covell), 405-715-1111Mustang (204 N Mustang Mall Terr), 405-376-6400Norman (1320 N Interstate Dr), 405-364-1600N OKC (9494 N May Ave), 405-752-2000NW OKC (764 NW Expy), 405-721-7323S OKC (10600 S Penn Ave), 405-691-8900

Ongoing Varies Summer Start Up Program for ages 3–18 teaches strong study and time management skills plus goal setting.

MATHNASIUM of North OKC

14101 North May, Suite 106, OKC

405-241-6284, www.mathnasium.com/northokc

June 1–August 15 Varies; 12 or 18 sessions

Ongoing registration until full. Hour-long math workouts, either one-on-one or small groups for grades 2–4 (Jump Start), 5–8 (Power Up!) or 9–12 (Master Series).

Oklahoma History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC

405-522-0765, www.okhistory.org

Wednesdays, June–July

$2, includes museum admission

Okietales historical storytelling program held 10:30–11:30am for ages 4–9 with parent. Preregistration required.

Sooner Bowling Center

550 24th Avenue NW, Norman

405-360-3634, www.soonerbowl.com

Saturdays, June 2–August 4

$5 per child Children ages 6–18 are invited to bowl with USBC-certified experts.

The Toy & Action Figure Museum

111 S Chickasaw St, Pauls Valley

405-238-6300, www.actionfiguremuseum.com

May 1–August 31 $6 museum admission

Summer activities include themed weekends & Arts & Reading program.

Oklahoma City Community College Recreation and Fitness /Community Outreach and Education

Fitness and Enrichment Programs

June 4–July 27OPEN ENROLLMENT

begins the week of April 23, 2011Receive a 10% discount on summer programs by enrolling the week of April 23. For information and to enroll: 405-686-OCCC

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Summerbreakisrightaroundthecorner.Asparents,youarelikelythinkingaboutseasonpassestothepoolorwater

park,much-anticipatedfamilyvacationsandamorerelaxedschedule.Butwhatyoumightnotbethinkingaboutishowthesummermonthsaffectyourchild’slearning.Oftenreferredtoas“summerslide,”thereisarealdangerinthelossofeducationalgroundyourchildrenmightexperienceduringthesummermonths.

Thinkofitthisway:childrenwhoareproficientinasportspendregulartimeandeffortpracticingthenecessaryskills,suchasbatting,running,catchingorswimming.Typically,kidsbecomebetterattheirsportthemoretheypractice.However,iftheytakeathree-monthbreakfrompractice,proficiencysuffers.Itisthesamewaywithmathandreading.Duringtheschoolyearstudents’mindsareexerciseddaily.Thisceasesatthebeginningofsummerbreakunlessparentsmakeaconcertedefforttoofferenrichmentactivities.TheauthorsofastudyfromJohnsHopkinsCenterforSummerLearningindicate,“Aconservativeestimateoflostinstructionaltimeisapproximatelytwomonthsorroughly22percentoftheschoolyear.It’scommonforteacherstospendatleastamonthre-teachingmaterialthatstudentshaveforgottenoverthesummer.Thatmonthofre-teachingeliminatesamonththatcouldhavebeenspentonteachingnewinformationandskills.”Thislossisgreaterforchildrenfromfamilieslivinginpoverty,consideringmostaffluentfamiliesoffertheirchildrenenrichmentactivitiesoverthesummermonths.Thelossisalsocumulative;meaningthatoveraperiod

ofseveralyears,itislikelyastudentcanbeyearsinsteadofmonthsbehindhissame-agepeers.Thistrendisoneofthecausesofachievementgapsbetweenstudentsoflowerandhighersocioeconomiclevels.

Overcoming the Summer SlideAccordingtoStephanieJefferson,founderofLittleScholars(www.littlescholars.com),herearetenwaystoavoidthesummerslide:1. Read every day.Readnon-fiction,

fiction,eBooks,poetry,newspapersandreadoutloud.Foranindependentreader,20minutesisusuallyagoodamountoftimetoread.Locallibrarieshaveawonderfulsummerreadingprogramwithincentivesandrewardsforbooksreadoverthesummer(findabranchnearyouinthelistonpage53).

2. Cook with your children. Thisisoneofthebestwaystointegratemath,readingandfollowingdirections.Letyourchilddesignthemenu,too.Helpyourchildputtogethertheirfavoriterecipesinacookbook.

3. Plant a garden. Yourchildwillgainresponsibilityandprideastheywatchtheirplantsgrowandthrive.

4. Take a field trip. Headouttoamuseum,zooorlocalparkwithwalkingtrails.Keepajournalaboutyourtravels.

5. Learn a new word each week. Hangitonthefridgeandseewhocanuseitthemosttimesthroughouttheweek.

6. Enroll in a quality summer program thatwillprovideyourchildwithopportunitiestobuildtheircriticalthinkingskills.

7. Play quick games withflashcardslikeMathWarorConcentrationtokeepmathskillssharp.

8. Listen to audio books duringyoursummerroadtrip.

9. Take pictures andmakeasummerscrapbook.Encourageyourchildrentowritenarrativestoaccompanythepictures.

10. Make time to read. Itcan’tbesaidenough;ifyourchilddoesnothingelsethissummermakesureheisreading!

Our Local Schools and Organizations Working to Prevent Summer SlideHarrisCooper,asocialpsychologistfromDukeUniversity,indicatessomecommon

remediesforsummerlearninglossareanextendedschoolyear,amodifiedacademiccalendarandsummerschool.Anextendedschoolyearcoupledwithcurriculumreformcouldhaveasignificantandpositiveeffectonstudentlearning.OklahomaCityPublicSchools(OCPS)recentlyinitiatedamodifiedcalendarwhichhasshortenedthesummerbreak.Cooperindicatesthisimprovesdisadvantagedachievementandshowsimprovementinstudentperformance,especiallywhenparentsareinvolved.Dr.StacyDykstraofSmartStartOklahoma,indicatestheUnitedWayofCentralOklahomaiscurrentlyintheplanningstagesfortheAll-AmericaCityGradeLevelReadingAward,supportedbytheNationalCivicLeague.Educatorsandresearchershavelongrecognizedtheimportanceofmasteringreadingbytheendofthirdgrade,yettwo-thirdsofU.S.schoolchildrenarenotreachingthatbenchmark.Andchildrenwhodon’treadbytheendofthirdgradeandliveinpovertyaresixtimesmorelikelytofailtograduatefromhighschool.SmartStartOklahomatakesthesestatisticsseriouslyandisworkingtomakesureOklahomaCitychildrendon’tfallpreytothistrend.Inaddition,SmartStartOklahomaiscollaboratingwithlocalorganizationsandvolunteerstoensurelocalchildrenmasterreadingbytheendofthirdgradebytakingalookatseveraltopics,includingpreventingsummerslide.ThereareplanstoformaChildren’sBureauoflocalvolunteerswhowillbeavailabletospeaktoparentsaboutpreventionresourcesavailableinthemetroarea.TheChildren’sBureauwillbeavailableforchurches,civicorganizations,schools,childcarecentersandanyotherorganizationsinterestedinlearningmore.TheschooldistrictswhohavealreadyshowninterestareOklahomaCity,PutnamCity,WesternHeightsandCrookedOak,however,Dykstrastatesthegoalistomakethisprogrameasytoduplicateinallschooldistricts.

Kristen Hoyt, Assistant Professor and Director of Field Experience in the School of Teacher Education at MACU (Mid-America Christian University in OKC), is an avid advocate for quality education in Oklahoma. If you have a topic about education that you would like to see covered in this column, please email [email protected].

Focus on EducationPreventing the “Summer Slide”

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Character CornerLearning About ResourcefulnessIliketocarryagigantic,magicpursestuffedfullofsnacks,games,markersandanythingthatIwouldeverneedshouldmyfamilyandIencounteranykindofproblem.However,byswoopinginandrescuingmykids,Iamneglectingtoletthemlearntomakedo,practicepositiveproblemsolvingandfigureoutsolutionswithlimitedresources.Ihavetoremindmyselfthatmyjobasamomisnottoalwaysbetheretorescuethem,buttoteachthemskills—likeresourcefulness—thattheyneedtosurviveandsucceedontheirownintherealworld.Iamnotgoingtostopcarryingmygiganticpurse,butIwillworkongivingmykidsopportunitiestocreativelysolvetheirownproblemsbeforeIswoopintosavetheday.

Help Your Family Become More Resourceful:Family tradition. WhiledyingeggsthisEaster,useawhitecrayontoshowyourkidshowtomakeinterestingpatternsoneggsbycoveringpartsoftheeggupbeforeyoudyeitmutipletimes.Letthemgetasresourcefulastheywantusinghouseholditemssuchasrubberbands(myfavorite),stickersoroldhosiery(usethistoholdobjectslikesmallleavesorpapercut-outstighttotheeggsoitwillleaveadesign).Egg carton craft. Afteryoudyeyoureggs,giveyourkidsmarkers,scissors,andtheirimaginationandletthemmakesomethingcreativefromtheleft-overeggcartons.Myfavoriteideascanbefoundatwww.thecraftycrow.net.Forotherresourcefulcrafts,see“MacGyver—AnEcoFriendlyCraftSeries”atwww.planetforward.ca.Object lesson. Anyactivitythatrequiresproblem-solvingorimaginativeplayfostersresourcefulness.Setupafortinthehouseoratentintheyardandpretendthatyouarestranded.Haveeveryonebringacoupleofhouseholditemsandtalkaboutdifferentwaysyoucouldusethemtohelpyousurvive.Howmanyusescanyoufindforaslottedspoon?Role Models.PreschoolersloveBobtheBuilder’s“can-do”attitudeandproblem-solvingskills.TryreadingtheBox Car Children mysteriesforyourschool-agechild.Ifyouarelookingforreallifeexamples,checkoutabookaboutGeorgeWashingtonCarver,GeorgeMuellerorTonyRobbinsfromthelibrary.“I will” statements. Encourageresourcefulnessinyourhomebycommittingtothefollowingstatements.Saythese“Iwill”statementsaloudwithyourchildren,andencouragethemtoapplythemtosituationsintheireverydaylife.

Sarah Holmes lives in Norman and is the founder of Wildflowers Character Resources. Find more at www.thecharactermom.blogspot.com.

I will: see value in objects, ideas and people • make wise use of my time, talents and energy •

practice positive problem-solving • find solutions using the resources I have • remember to reuse

and recycle.

If you have a dream—whether you have to go through those doors sideways, backwards or

jump in from the roof—don’t give up.

~ Alex Shalman

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Giving Hope and Changing Destinies

THE HARVEST FOSTER KIDS CAMP

Thestatisticstellatroublingstory.Forchildreninfostercare,twentypercentwillgotojailintheirlifetime.Forthosewhoremaininfostercareuntiltheir18thbirthday,eightypercentwillendupinprison.AndthisisaveryrealprobleminOklahoma,wheremorethan60,000reportsofchildmaltreatmentwerereportedtotheOklahomaDepartmentofHumanServices(OKDHS)infiscalyear2011,affectingmorethan103,000children.Ofthosechildrenconfirmedtobesufferingfromabuseandneglect,morethan7,000arecurrentlyinout-of-homecare—manyinfostercaresituations.“Thesestatisticssparkinusagreatdesiretohelphurtingchildreninourcommunity,”AllisonMorris,CampDirectorforHarvestFosterKidsCampexplains.“If80percentdogotoprison,thecitizensofOklahomaCitywillbefootingthebillforthatlateron.Manyhavebeeninpatternsofabuse,distrustandneglectintheirnaturalhomes.Breakingthatcyclenowisnecessary,andwehavetogivethemthetoolsneededtomakegoodchoiceswithoutviolence.Thesekidsaresmart,wiseandhavebeenthroughalot.Theycouldbemajorinfluencesonsocietyiftheygettheself-confidence,valuesandmentorshiptheyneednowtohelpthemmakeadifferentchoicesthantheirparents.”

Positive Childhood ExperiencesHelpingtomeetthisneedistheHarvestFosterKidsCamp,afour-daycampforabused,abandonedandneglectedchildreninOklahomaCountywhoarecurrentlyinfostercare.OperatingwiththefullsupportofOKDHS,thecampprovidesfosterchildrenwithlong-termconnectionstopositiverolemodelsandcreatespositivechildhoodmemoriesforchildrenwhoseothermemoriesareoftenofdistrust,angerandabuse.

Summer2012willbetheseventhyearforthecamp,heldatChurchoftheHarvestinOklahomaCity.Thisyear’sthemeis“royalty”andincludesactivitiesthatmanycampershaveneverexperiencedbeforesuchashorsebackriding,swimming,hikingandinflatables.Inaddition,athemedbirthdaypartywillcelebrateallthecamper’sbirthdays,completewithcakeandgifts.Youngboysatthecampwilltakepartina“knighting”CeremonyofHonorandgirlswillenjoyaPrincessGaladinner,withbothactivitiesdesignedtoincreaseconfidenceandself-esteem.Beforethecampconcludes,a

The impact of Harvest Foster Camp can be heard in the words of its campers:“Thankyouforgivingmetimeatcampwithmybrotherandsister.ThankyoupeopleforbeingsonicetomesoIcouldcometocamp.”“Thankyouforgivingmethebestweekofmylife.”

and the words of the foster parents:“Myfosterdaughterisadifferentchildafterattendingcamp.Beforeshewaswithdrawn,afraidandhadlowself-esteem.Nowsheholdsherheadhighandhasself-worth.”“Inaworldwherethey’vebeenmovedaroundandhadtogrowuptoosoon,campgivesthemthechancetobekids,havefunandhavesomethingjustforthemselves.”

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treeplantingceremonywillhelpthechildrensymbolicallyburybadmemoriesfromthepastandlookforwardtofuturegrowthanddevelopment.“HarvestFosterKidsCampisapositive,life-givingmemoryforhundredsoffosterchildrenwhosechildhoodsaremostlyfilledwithterribleexperiences,”Morrissays.“Theymaynotrememberournames,buttheywillrememberhowvaluable,lovedandspecialtheytrulyareandfeltatcamp.Ourbeliefisthattheywillgrowupandbreakthecyclebecauseofourinfluence.ManyofourcampcounselorsandvolunteerscontinuewiththekidsallyearlongasanOKDHSmentor,sowe’reabletoprovideacontinuationofthatpositiveinfluence.”Inadditiontoprovidingcamperswithpositiveexperiencesandchancestogrow,thecamphelpstoreunitesiblingswhomaybeinseparatefosterhomes.“Oneofthemostrewardingexperiencesiswatchingsiblingswhoareseparatedindifferentfosterhomesbereunitedforaweek,”Morrissays.“Eachyearwehaveseveralsetsofsiblingswhodon’tgettoseeeachotherallyearandthisistheirchancetohaveachildhoodtogether.It’sheartbreakingandrewardingallatthesametime.”

Changing Hundreds of LivesSince2006,theHarvestFosterKidsCamphasservedmorethan400fosterchildren.Thecampisfreeforfosterfamilies,withthe$350perchildcostoffsetbycontributionsfromindividuals,businessesandlocalchurches.Insummer2012,theHarvestFosterKidsCamphopestobring80kidstocampandneedssupportfromthecommunitytoachievethisgoal.“Wewantthecommunitytorealizethatdoinganything—smallorlarge—towardmakingcamppossibleisliterallychanginghundredsoflives,”Morrisexplains.“Everydollarraisedgoesdirectlytowardsbringingkidstocamp.Thesechildrenliveinourneighborhoodsandgotoschoolwithourchildren.Wemustdowhatwecantoimpactthefutureofourcityandstate.”TolearnmoreabouttheHarvestFosterKidsCamp,togetinvolvedortosponsoracamper,call405-747-0326orvisitwww.harvestfostercampoutreach.com.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

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randycolemanphotography.com405•509•9395//studio 223 south walker [email protected]

photography for the artistically minded family

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Finding a copy of your favorite

local family resource has never been

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Your Healthy FamilyHome Childbirth Options

ChildbirthintheUnitedStateshasgonethroughmanydifferenttrendsovertheyears.Beforetheearlytwentieth

century,thevastmajorityofbirthswereattendedbymidwivesandtookplaceinthehome.Duringtheearly1900s,afterashiftinthinkingwithinthemedicalcommunityresultedinacampaignforphysician-attendedbirths,moreandmorebabiesweredeliveredinhospitals.Asdecadespassed,manylong-heldchildbirthtrendsandpracticesbegantofallbythewayside.WhilemostwomeninOklahomastillchoosetogivebirthinmedicalorhospitalsettings,morewomenarechoosingalternativewaysofbringingnewlifeintotheworld,deliveringtheirbabiesathomeorinbirthingcenters,wherethefocusisonthenaturalprocessofchildbirthwithinthefamily.

Inmanyotherdevelopedcountries,midwife-attendedbirthsarecommoninlow-riskpregnancies,whiletheUnitedStatescontinuestoholdfasttothemedicalmodelofchildbirth.Steriledeliveryroomshavegivenwaytobirthingsuitesinmosthospitals,tomaketheexperiencemorecomfortablefornewparents,andfathersandotherfamilymembersaretypicallyallowedtoattendthebirthofanewbaby.Butmanystatisticscontinuetoraiseeyebrows.Forexample,approximately32percentofallbirthsinthecountryarecarriedoutbyCaesareanSection(c-section),orsurgicaldelivery,whileasrecentlyasthemid-1970s,thatnumberwasonly4.5percent.TheWorldHealthOrganizationacknowledgesthedangersofjudicioususeofthetechnique,whichinvolvesamuchlongerrecoveryperiodforthemotherandposesgreaterrisksforcomplications.Theyrecommendthatthemedicalcommunityworldwideshouldmakeanefforttoreducethenumberofc-sectiondeliveriesto10–15percent.

Why the Shift?Whilec-sectiondeliveriesbecomemorecommon,itisestimatedthatfewerthan10percentofwomendeliveringinhospitalsexperiencenaturalchildbirth,althoughnearlyeverydoctorofferstheoptiontolow-riskpatients.Whyarethenumbersfornaturaldeliverysolowandsurgicaldeliverysohighinaprocessthathasbeenoccurringsincethebeginningoftime?ThatquestionisoneofthereasonsexpectantEdmondmotherDeannaNorrisisplanningahomebirthforhersecondchild,dueattheendofApril.“Thereweremanyfactors.WiththisbeingasurprisepregnancyandthinkingIcouldn’thaveanymorekids,Ididn’thave

maternityinsurance,”shesays.“Ihadtofindthemostcost-effectivewaytohaveababy,andevenwithoutinsurance,myout-of-pocketexpensewillbeabout$1,300lessthanwhatitwastohavemysoninahospitaleightyearsagowhenIhadthattypeofinsurance.”Whilecostwasafactor,Norriswasprimarilydrivenbyherdesiretoexperiencenaturalchildbirth.“Itwasn’tuntilIgotpregnantwiththischildthatIrealizedhowangryandhurtIwasthatmyfirstbirthdidn’tgothewayIwanted.Infact,itwastakenawayfrommeandcompletelyreversed.Iwantedanaturalbirthwithmyson(Will),nomedicalinterventions.Anduntiltheveryend,mydoctoragreedtothis.ThenhestartedtellingmethatIwasgoingtogoovermyduedate,makingthingsmoredifficultforme,thatWillwouldbetoobigtopushout,andthatIcouldhaveanynumberofcomplications.”Norrisfeltpressuredbybothherphysicianandherformerhusbandtoagreetoaninduction.“Unfortunately,onceinduced,it’snearlyimpossibletohaveanaturalbirth.Pitocin(asynthetichormoneusedtoinducelabor)causesverystrongcontractions,oftenputtingthebabyindistressduetolackofoxygen.Whichleadstoanepiduralto‘allowthemomtorest,’however,shecan’tfeelanythingandhasnorealconceptofwhentopush.Thisusuallystallslabor,whichleadstoc-sections.Idon’twantthatwiththisbaby.WhenafriendrecommendedIseeamidwifeinstead,Idecidedtolookintoit.Ahomebirthjustfeltrighttome,”saysNorris.

Midwives and Home BirthingMargarettScottisaCertifiedProfessionalMidwife(CPM),andwillbeattendingDeanna’sbirth.Shehasbeenpracticingmidwiferysince1988,andhasattendedapproximately1,000births.Whilesheoffersherclientstheoptionofabirthingcenter,sheestimatesthatapproximately95percentchooseahomebirth.Scottexplainsthatshefeltcalledtobecomeamidwifebasedlargelyonherownbirthexperiences,whichresultedintwoc-sectiondeliveries.“SeveralofthewomenatthechurchIwasattendingatthetimewereusingamidwifeanddoinghomebirths.”Scottbegantrainingunderthismidwife,and“neverlookedback,”asshesays.In2011,Scotthad55mothersinhercare,andalreadyhas50contractedwithherfor2012deliveries.Mostofthosemothersendedupwiththesafehomebirththeyhadplannedfor.“Weneverpromiseahomebirth.”Rather,Scottoffersasafeexperiencethatfocusesonthemother’schoicesandthefamily.Of

thosethatcontractwithher,sheestimatesapproximately11percentofherclientsopttotransfertothehospitalpriortodelivery.“Themajorityofthemarefirst-timemomswhosimplyaren’taswellpreparedastheythink.Longlaborscanleadtoexhaustion,andsometimeswomenopttotransfertothehospital.”Scottalwaysrespectsthatdecision,pointingoutthattheexperienceisallaboutthemother’schoicesbeingsupported.Othertimes,shewillrecommendatransferifthereareprolongedirregularhearttonesduringlabor.“Wedon’twaitforanemergency.I’mnotgoingtoputamomandbabyinthatsituation.”Scottalsopointsoutthatofallofherpatients,lessthantwopercentenduphavingc-sections.“Oklahoma’sc-sectionrateiscurrentlyat35percent,”shenotes,anumberwhichisevenhigherthanthenationalaverage.Shealsopointsoutthatinfantmorbidityisactuallyincreasing.“Iamnotagainsttechnology.Itsaveslives,andI’mgratefulit’sthere,”shesays.“WhatIAMagainstisapplyingto100percentofwomenwhatmaybefivepercentofthemneed.”Deanna’sbirthplanisfairlysimple.“Basically,Iwanttogointolaborathome,andmovewhenIneedto,andallowmybodytoguidemeinwhatitneedsitinorderforthisbabytocomeoutasgentlyaspossible.I’lleatanddrinkasneeded.I’lllaborinoroutofthewater,dependingonwhatfeelsbetter.Iwillnurseimmediatelyandleavethecordattacheduntiltheplacentaisbirthedanditstopspulsing.Iwillhavesoftmusicanddimlights.Noloudvoices.Mysonwillbeabletocomeandgoashepleases.Myhusbandwillbetherealongwithaclosepersonalfriendactingasadoula.Intheeventofanemergency,IwillbeconsultedfirstandmyhusbandandIwillmakealldecisionsregardingtransfertoamedicalfacility.”NorrishastotalfaiththatshewillbeinexcellenthandswithScott.“IinstantlyfellinlovewithMargarett.Shehasthesortofpresencethatmakesyourfeellikeyou'rehomeandaregoingtobetakencareof.”Approximatelysixtoeightweeksfromdelivery,Norrisseemsrelaxedandconfidentinherability.Scotthaseveryconfidenceinheraswell.“WomenwereMADEtohavebabies.Mostofthecomplicationsthatcommonlyoccurinhospitalsettingsaretheresultofmedicalinterventionsthatthemotherprobablydidn’tneedinthefirstplace.”Scottfeelsthattoomanywomenhavelosttheirconfidenceintheabilitytodowhattheywerecreatedtodo.Infact,shefeelsthatthereisawhole

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generationofwomenwhodon’tevenunderstandwhat“normal”iswhenitcomestochildbirth.Whilehomebirthsremaincommoninmostotherdevelopedcountries,mostpeopleintheUnitedStatescontinuetotakeamedicalapproachtolaboranddelivery.However,otheroptionsareavailableforanyoneinterestedinahomebirthoranaturaldelivery.IfyouareconsideringahomebirthwithaCPMorahospitaldeliverywithaCertifiedNurseMidwifeoraphysicianoryoufeelpassionateaboutanaturaldelivery,doyourresearch.Mostexpertsrecommendthatyouwriteabirthplananddiscussitwithyourhealthcareprovider.

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

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The Wizard of OzTo cap its 40th anniversary season, the Oklahoma City Ballet will present a special encore production of The Wizard of Oz at the Civic Center Music Hall.

The production will feature live orchestral music by The Oklahoma City Philharmonic and will include family-friendly activities one hour prior to each performance. Thirty minutes prior to show time, families can listen to Glinda the Good Witch tell the story of Wizard of Oz. Following the Sunday matinee performance, families can enjoy milk and cookies and meet their favorite dancers.

Performances are scheduled for 8:00pm on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, and 2:00pm on Sunday, April 22. Tickets begin at $10 and can be purchased by calling 405-848-TOES. For more information, visit www.okcballet.com.

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Norman Music FestivalThis year, the Norman Music Festival’s Wild Prairie Family Park will transform the parking area at Crawford and Gray Streets in Norman into a concert venue, activity center, and picnic corner for families.

On Saturday, April 28 from11:00am-6:00pm, children of all ages can enjoy performances from the Grammy Award winning Sugar Free Allstars and other local musicians, face painting, rock star hair spray, the OKC Philharmonic instrument playground, and activities from Science Museum Oklahoma, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and more.

For more information and a schedule of performances, visit www.normanmusicfestival.com.

Photo courtesy of the Norman Music Festival.

Festival of the Arts The 2012 Festival of the Arts is a celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, with special activities for children. The Festival will take place April 24-29 in Downtown Oklahoma City at Festival Plaza and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Families can enjoy hands-on aft activities in the Children’s Art Field for $2, as well as face painting, pottery and more. The festival runs 11:00am-9:00pm Tuesday through Saturday and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call (405) 270-4848 or visit http://www.artscouncilokc.com/festival-of-the-arts.

Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of Oklahoma City.

Malee’s 1st Birthday BashThe Oklahoma City Zoo is throwing the biggest birthday party in the Zoo’s history! The Zoo’s popular baby elephant, Malee, will celebrate her first birthday with cake, party favors (while supplies last), fun for the elephants and activities. Malee's birthday bash will be held on Sunday, April 15 from 1:00-3:00pm. For more information, visit www.okczoo.com.

Photo credit: Thane Johnson.

April 20th-22nd

24th-

29th

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American Banjo Museum9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC604-2793, www.banjomuseum.org

City Arts CenterFair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond27 E Edwards, Edmond340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art555 Elm Ave, Norman325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum13th & Shartel, OKC235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com

Museum of Osteology10301 S. Sunnylane Rd, OKC814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org

Myriad Botanical Gardens301 W Reno, OKC297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum1700 NE 63rd St, OKC478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma Aquarium300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org

OKC Museum of Art415 Couch Dr, OKC236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

OKC National Memorial620 N Harvey, OKC235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

OKC Zoo2101 NE 50th St, OKC424-3344, www.okczoo.com

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre2501 N Blackwelder, OKC606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

Oklahoma History Center800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

Science Museum Oklahoma2100 NE 52nd St, OKC602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

Do you have an event for our calendar? Email [email protected]

All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date.

Weekly EventsDiscovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History are hands-on fun for toddlers through elementary age children. See website for complete list & details. All programs FREE with paid admission.

FREE Art Moves provides lunchtime arts events in the downtown OKC area, including performances, demonstrations, short films & artist/curator discussions. Monday-Friday, noon-1pm. 270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves for details.

FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm. Activities include Art Adventures for children ages 3-5 with adult (10:30am).

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com.

FREE Norman Sooner Mall Outreach Story Time is an interactive story time held outside Sears at Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.

Toddler Time at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) with toys & activities. $2 or FREE with membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

Story Time at Be Wild For Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman) invites children to hear a story & paint pottery based on the story’s theme. Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:30am. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.

FREE Tuesday Noon Concert Series at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art are 30-minute concerts are performed by OU music students & faculty through 4/17. Admission to the museum is FREE on Tuesdays.

FREE Playgroup with a Purpose at Wildwood Community Church (1501 24th Ave NE, Norman) provides fun & character building for moms & children age 6 & under. Snacks provided. First Wednesday of the month. 10-11:30am. 301-7321, www.growingcharacter.com.

FREE Tours of the Governor’s Mansion available the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. Closed during the summer & the month of December. 10am-3pm. 568-1292, www.ok.gov.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Quail Springs Barnes & Noble (13800 N May) every Wednesday & Saturday, 11am. 755-1155, www.barnesandnoble.com.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm. 231-8650.

Family Fun Day at Celebration Station (509 Westline) features unlimited rides & a pizza buffet for $15.99 per person. Thursdays, 4-9pm. 942-7888, www.celebrationstation.com.

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

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

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www.bestofbooksedmond.com.

FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) features rollerskating lessons for beginner, intermediate & advanced as well as featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.

All-Star Bowling at AMF Lanes (500 E Main, Yukon) invites differently-abled individuals & friends. $8 per week for 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email [email protected] to verify schedule. 354-2516.

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

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park. Saturdays 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

FREE Open House at techJOYnT (8328 Glade) presents information about this hands-on after-school program based on science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics. Sundays, 2-4pm. 345-5010, www.techjoynt.org.

Ongoing Events Through April 8Chihuly Northwest at the OKC Museum of Art features recent works by the artist that explore the color white.

Pueblo to Pueblo: the Legacy of Southwest Indian Pottery at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features 74 pottery vessels illustrating the remarkable variety of pottery created from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries.

Through April 15FREE Portrait of A Generation—The Children of Oklahoma: Sons & Daughters of the Red Earth exhibit at the State Capitol features photographs by M.J. Alexander from her critically acclaimed book. 521-2020, www.arts.ok.gov.

Apr 20–Sep 16Oklahoma Clay: Frankoma Pottery at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art surveys some of the most iconic pieces Frankoma produced & the frontier spirit of Oklahoma that inspired John Frank’s work.

Apr 26 • Jul 31Enoch Kelly Haney Art Exhibit: Touching the Past at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum showcases paintings & sculptures by Oklahoma Senator & Seminole Chief, Enoch Kelly Haney.

Through April 29Highlights from the Permanent Collection of Photography, Part 1 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art surveys the history of photography with 100 photographs from the museum’s collection.

Quick Reference

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Through May 4FREE Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern and Contemporary Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection at the City Arts Center features works by some of the best known Mexican artists. Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

Through May 911th Annual Respect Diversity Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma is filled with art & poetry collaborations by students of all ages who have explored other cultures, human rights and/or other diversity issues. FREE with paid museum admission.

Through May 13Warrior Spirits: Oceanic Arts Exhibition at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features objects from the permanent collections of the Sam Noble Museum & the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art created & used by the indigenous peoples of present-day Papua New Guinea & West Papua, Indonesia.

The Sun & His Wife Exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum depicts the ceremonial & domestic life of the Southwest Indians.

Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600-1800 from the Victoria & Albert Museum at the OKC Museum of Art showcases eighty objects from the collections of European decorative art of the 17th & 18th centuries from miniature to the monumental.

NEW FRONTIERS: Julie Heffernan at the OKC Museum of Art presents twenty large-scale contemporary works by the artist.

Through May 31Pickin’ & Grinnin’: Roy Clark, Hee Haw & Country Humor exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center celebrates Oklahoma’s ties to the beloved television show.

Bound to Please: A History of Corsets at the Carnegie Library (406 E Oklahoma, Guthrie) showcases undergarments as a symbol of growth in women’s history from the Middle Ages through the present. 282-1889, www.okterritorialmuseum.org.

Through June 6Rock, Paper, Scissors at Science Museum Oklahoma is an interactive installation celebrating the multimedia works of Denise Duong & ceramics of Matt Seikel.

Through June 30The Return of Elegance at the Oklahoma History Center features 29 evening gowns worn by Oklahoma women at inaugural balls & other special occasions, as well as footwear & handbags from 1912-1985.

Through December 9Oklahoma & Infamy at the Oklahoma History Center marks the 70th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into WWII through the Oklahomans who experienced the devastation. Includes artifacts, Japanese flight suits & naval uniforms, interviews with veterans & personal letters. FREE admission to veterans & active duty military.

Daily Events April 1 • Sunday OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10 & up. 12pm. Tickets, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 4/2, 8, 11, 13, 24, 25.

April 3 • TuesdayOKC Barons vs. Hamilton Bulldogs at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $14 & up, www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 4/6, 7, 13.

April 4 • WednesdayEsther Women Luncheon featuring speaker Rev. Linda Brink worth at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15) creates meaningful dialogue & strengthens fellowship for Christian women as they navigate family, work & spiritual fulfillment. Preregister. $150 per year, $20 per program. 11:30am-1pm. 232-1371, www.estherwomenokc.org.

FREE Martin Luther King Commemoration Ceremony organized by the OKC MLK Coalition at the Oklahoma State Capitol “Tree of Life” features speaker Wilfredo Santos Rivera. 6pm. 413-4372.

1 2 2 3 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

APRIL S M T W T F S

Metropolitan Library Systemwww.metrolibrary.org

Belle Isle ................5501 N Villa ..........843-9601 Bethany ...............3510 N Mueller ........789-8363 Capitol Hill ........... 334 SW 26th ..........634-6308Choctaw ................2525 Muzzy........... 390-8418Del City .................4509 SE 15th ..........672-1377 Downtown ............300 Park Ave ......... 231-8650Edmond .............. 10 S Boulevard ........ 341-9282Midwest City ........ 8143 E Reno .......... 732-4828Ralph Ellison ...... 2000 NE 23rd ..........424-1437Southern Oaks ...6900 S Walker ........ 631-4468The Village .......... 10307 N Penn ......... 755-0710Warr Acres ..........5901 NW 63rd ..........721-2616 Harrah ..............1930 N Church Ave..... 454-2001 Jones ......................111 E Main ........... 399-5471Luther .....................310 NE 3rd ........... 277-9967 Nicoma Park ..... 2240 Overholser .......769-9452Wright Library ... 2101 Exchange ........235-5035

Pioneer Library Systemwww.pls.lib.ok.us

Blanchard .............. 300 N Main ........... 485-2275McLoud ...................133 N Main ...........964-2960Moore ................... 225 S Howard ......... 793-5100Newcastle ............ 705 NW Tenth ......... 387-5076Noble .......................204 N 5th .............872-5713Norman ................225 N Webster ........ 701-2600Purcell ................... 919 N Ninth ........... 527-5546Shawnee ...........101 N Philadelphia .....275-6353SW OKC .............. 2201 SW 134th ........ 979-2200Tecumseh ...........114 N Broadway .......598-5955

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April 4–May 23Yoga for Kids & Mandala Art at INTEGRIS Fun & Fit (5500 N Independence) invites children ages 7-12 to learn to manage stress & experience creative growth through yoga. Preregister. $30 for eight sessions. Wednesdays, 4-6pm. 951-2277, www.integrisok.com.

April 5 • ThursdayFREE Early Access Project Autism Screenings at Easter Seals Oklahoma (701 NE 13). By appointment only. 271-7476, http://earlyaccessok.org. Also held: 4/12, 19, 26, 28, 29.

Mechanics & Intervention: A Showcase of Rube Goldberg Projects at UCO Donna Nigh Gallery features works by freshmen students in Design Foundations as they bring Goldberg’s cartoons to life. 4-6pm. 974-3375, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

FREE Joyful Music Guitar Concert by Michael Fresonke at the Choctaw Library featuring works for solo guitar. 6-7pm.

OKC Redhawks vs. Memphis Redbirds baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 4/6-12, 21-24, 26-29.

April 5–7Myriad Gardens Annual Plant Sale includes a wide selection including perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, flowering hanging baskets & Easter lilies. Benefits the horticulture department of the Myriad Botanical Gardens. 9am-5pm. 297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com.

April 5–8Sugar & Spice Children’s Consignment Sale at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee). Half-price sale on Saturday, $1 Charity Sale on Sunday. Thursday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm; Sunday, 6-7pm. 275-2020, www.sugarandspicesale.com.

April 6 • FridayThe Science of Bubbles at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to have fun with bubbles. FREE with paid museum admission. 9am-4pm.

First Friday Gallery Walk at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites guests to learn more about the Museum’s galleries. FREE with museum admission. 11-11:45am.

The Four Freshmen at the Sooner Theatre (100 E Main, Norman) features four-part vocal harmony. $40 & up. 8pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.

FREE Poetry Slam at the Norman Public Library. Preregister. 6pm.

April 6–7FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts

District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

April 7 • SaturdayAquarium Run at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features a a variety of running events, food, activities and FREE race day Aquarium admission for all participants. $35 half-marathon & 5K, $30 10K, $20 1-mile, $10 1-mile for 12 & under.

FREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites children to enjoy a hands-on activity and FREE museum admission for kids & one accompanying adult. 10am-noon.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Fun Bunny Basket” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to create a handy bunny basket. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Metropolitan Library Tour of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Reduxion Theatre at the Warr Acres Library includes a workshop at 11am followed by the production of Shakespeare’s classic tale at 1pm.

Live Banjo Performance at the American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan). FREE with paid admission. 3-5pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com. Also held: 4/21, 28.

April 7–30FREE Scavenger Hunt in Edmond Parks invites families to spend this time searching for items & performing activities using clues set by the staff. All ages welcome. Register with the parks department by April 6. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

April 10 • TuesdayHomeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) provides educational, hands-on activities for ages 5-12 in the one-room schoolhouse, the dairy barn & the farmhouse. Preregister. $8 for ages 5 & up. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

Read Across Oklahoma 2012 at the OKC Zoo features The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond as she shares her book Charlie the Ranch Dog with interactive activities & more. The first 1,000 kids will receive a FREE book. FREE with paid admission. 9am-1pm.

Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma features storytelling at its finest with SMO’s performer-puppeteer extraordinaire. FREE with paid museum admission.10am & 2pm.

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones at Rose State Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City). $45. 8pm. 297-2264, www.rose.edu/rose-state-live.

April 11–15They Promised Her the Moon presented by the OU School of Drama at the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre (840 Asp, Norman) is based on the true story of the first woman to be tested for space flight. $22 adults, $14

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students. Wednesday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 4pm. 325-4101, http://173.83.181.3.

April 12 • ThursdayDowntown Nature Hike led by experts from the Myriad Gardens & Martin Park Nature Center leads participants inside, outside & around the buildings of downtown OKC. Begins at City of OKC City Hall (200 N Walker). Preregister. Noon. 297-2578, www.myriadgardens.com.

April 12–15Sunset Boulevard at UCO Mitchell Hall Theater (100 N University, Edmond) contrasts the magic of movies & the realities of Hollywood in this musical based on the 1950 film. $15-$20. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 974-3375, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

April 13 • FridayFREE Lego Club at the Village Library invites children & their parents to have fun building with Legos. 1-3pm.

FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art provides live music, short films & an art activity. 6-9pm.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues for a fee. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.

April 13–14Fun With Fossils: A Family Fossil Field Trip at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History invites children ages 8 & up to learn about when Oklahoma was under the ocean & visit one of the premier invertebrate dig sites in search of marine fossils. Preregister. $90 1 adult & 1 child, $45 each additional for members; $110 1 adult & 1 child, $55 each additional for non-members. Friday, 7-8:30pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm.

Auditions for Upstage Theatre Summer Productions (844 W Danforth, Edmond) for ages 4 & up. Call to schedule. 285-5803, www.upstagetheatreok.com.

April 13–15Southwest Street Rod Nationals at State Fair Park. $14 adults, $5 ages 6-12; FREE ages 5 & under. Friday-Saturday, 8:30am-5pm; Sunday, 8:30am-2pm. www.nsra-usa.com.

April 13–29One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest presented by the OKC Theatre Company at the City Space Theatre tells the story of a charming rogue who contrives to serve

a short sentence in a mental institution rather than prison & the effect he has on his fellow patients. $20, $17 students. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 297-2264, www.okctheatrecompany.org.

April 14 • SaturdaySecondary School Shakespeare Festival presented by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park in the Burg Theatre at OCU (2501 N Blackwelder) invites students grades 7-12 to a non-competitive forum engaging in live Shakespeare. Registration form online. 8am-4:30pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

College Tutors FREE ACT Practice Test at Edmond Learning Center (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond). Preregister. 8:30am. 513-6060, www.collegetutors.com/edmondok.

FREE Build & Grow Kid's Clinic: Game Show Chip Drop at Lowe's stores offers kids an opportunity to complete a wooden project. Participants receive apron, goggles, a project-themed patch & a certificate of merit. 10am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

Bedlam Mud Run at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie raises funds to fight childhood obesity through the biggest mud & obstacle course 5K run in central Oklahoma. 9am. www.bedlammudrun.com.

FREE Baby & Toddler Expo 2012 presented by the Children’s Hospital at the Cox Convention Center features resources, seminars, prize drawings, diaper derby & vendors with products for babies & expectant moms. 9:30am-5pm. www.oumedicine.com/babyexpo.

Camp Gruber at War at Fort Gibson Historic Site (907 N Garrison, Fort Gibson) invites guests to learn about the camp’s use during WWII & the camp’s use as a Prisoner of War internment camp. $3 adults, $1 students. 10am-5pm. 918-478-2669.

FREE Screening of Disney’s Robin Hood at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art shows the classic version of the timeless medieval tale. 10:30am.

Opening Day at Frontier City (15501 NE Expressway). 10:30am-8pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com.

FREE Princess Story Time at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) features a story read by a princess. 10:30am. 418-8881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

Women of the South Magnolia Brunch & Fashion Show at the Beacon Club (210 Park) honors Kevin Durant’s mother Wanda Pratt & features a fashion show and purse & jewelry auction. $50 per person. 651-4606.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Cowboy Boot Bag” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to design & decorate a wild-west tote. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Drawing from the Exhibition at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) invites families of children ages 5 & up to join local artist, Narciso Argeulles through an informal drawing exercises using the current exhibition, Miradas, as inspiration. Bring a sketchbook & pencil. Space is limited. 1-2:30pm. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

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2012 Red/White Spring Football Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, 2pm. Prepurchase tickets. $5 through April 10, $10 after April 10. BBQ available for $10 each 325-2424, www.soonersports.com.

Fairy Tale Ball at the OKC Petroleum Club (100 N Broadway #3400) benefits the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. The evening is divided into family time, a Children’s Ball & an Adult Ball. $125 adult dinner, $50 children’s ball. 5:30-10pm.

Couponing Bootcamp at Metro Technology Center (1900 Spring Lake) teaches families how to cut their grocery bills by 80% with strategic shopping. 5:30pm. $5. www.moneysavingqueen.com/events.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert/Jam at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29) features three professional bluegrass bands on stage. $6, FREE ages 12 & under. 6:30pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org.

FREE Smart Start Oklahoma Early Birds Classes school readiness program for parents with children birth–5 years or those expecting a baby. Includes FREE educational resources & tips to help stimulate child’s development. Preregister. 491-7626. www.earlybirdsok.org. For Putnam City schools, 10am & 1pm; Western Heights schools 4/24 & 4/26, 6pm. Mid-Del schools 4/26 6pm & 4/28, 10am.

Spring Sampler Evening of Art Auction at Oak Tree Country Club (700 Country Club, Edmond) benefits the Edmond Fine Arts Institute with live & silent auctions. $150 per couple. 7-10:30pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com.

April 14–15Redbud Classic at Nichols Hills Plaza (6301 Waterford) benefits Citizens Caring for Children with a bike tour, 5K, 10K, 2-mile walk & stroller derby & a 1-mile kids fun run. Preregister. Bike tour & 1-mile kids fun run on Saturday, 10K/5K & 2-mile walk on Sunday. $40 multiple days, $25 single events, FREE 1-mile kids fun run. 842-8295, www.redbud.org.

15 • SundayLeonardo Da Vinci’s Birthday at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to celebrate this famous birthday. 11am-5pm. FREE with paid museum admission.

Pitch, Hit & Run at Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly) invites children ages 7-14 to compete in a baseball skills competition. Boys, 1pm; girls, 2pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

Malee’s 1st Birthday Bash at the OKC Zoo invites guests to celebrate Malee the Elephant’s 1st birthday with cake & fun activities. FREE with admission. 1-3pm.

FREE Native American Festival at the Norman Public Library will feature Native American Dancers, children's crafts, storytelling, native marketplace & Indian Tacos available for purchase. 1-5pm.

April 16 • MondayFREE 2012 Children, Youth & Families Picnic hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services’ Systems of Care on the lawn of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Preregister. 3:30-7:30pm. 848-2273, http://ok.gov/odmhsas/Mental_Health_/Upcoming_Events/index.html .

FREE Children’s Tai Chi at the Moore Public Library invites children ages 8-12 to learn & practice several tai chi moves that relate to animals. 4:30-5:30pm.

FREE The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Panel Discussion at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History discusses themes of the book in the museum’s Kerr Auditorium as part of the Pioneer Library System’s Big Read “one community reads one book” project. 7-9pm.

Student Jazz Ensemble Concert at UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5, Edmond) invites listeners to enjoy food & beverages from Hideaway Pizza before & during the show. $7. 7pm. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com.

April 17 • TuesdayHomeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium accommodates homeschool families & groups. Two programs available for different ages. Preregister. $7 students, $10 adults.

Tiny Tuesdays: Princely Treasures at the OKC Museum of Art invite offers come & go, open-ended art making activity geared towards children ages 2-5 with a parent or caregiver. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am-noon.

FREE Disney Re-Mix at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art explores the trend of Disney RE-mixes currently posted on YouTube. 3:30pm.

Tuesdays at Sundown: Native Foods at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features a renowned Native American chef, food historian & lecturer. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. 6:30-8pm.

FREE Book Adventure: Kids Book Club at the Southern Oaks Library invites children ages 6-9 to meet with other children & discuss a great book, have snacks, do crafts & play games. Children must read the book before attending & preregister. 6:30-7:30pm.

Tulsa Ballet II at OCCC Bruce Owen Theater (7777 S May) features the official pre-professional ensemble of Tulsa Ballet. $10-$22. 682-7576, www.occc.edu/cas.

April 18 • WednesdayFREE Big Read Teen Event: Calligraphy at the Newcastle Library invites teens ages 11-18 to learn the basics of calligraphy & make a nameplate. Preregister. 3:30-5pm.

April 19 • ThursdayAn Enchanting Evening at the Governor’s Mansion (820 NE 23) benefits the Single Parent Support Network

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while honoring four distinct Oklahomans who personally understand single parenting and features special musical guest, Kyle Dillingham. $75. 6:30-8:30pm. 917-1817, www.supportforsingleparents.org.

April 19–22Alice in Wonderland Jr. presented by Upstage Theatre (844 W Danforth, Edmond). $12, $6 children 4 & under. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 285-5803, www.upstagetheatreok.com.

April 20 • FridayJingle-Jangle Mingle at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a kick-off event honoring the winners of the Western Heritage Awards & Hall of Fame inductees with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, book & CD autograph session & more. Preregister. $30 members, $40 nonmembers. 5:30pm.

Pianist Alpin Hong in concert at OCCC Bruce Owen Theater (7777 S May). $10-$20. 7pm. 682-7576, www.occc.edu/cas.

Lunafest at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre (1727 NW 16) features short films by, for & about women. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. 7pm. 418-0407, www.workofwomen.org/events.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Staged Reading Series at the Ghostlight Theatre (3110 N Walker) features actors reading Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare & John Fletcher with script in hand. $5 suggested donation. 7:30pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

FREE Third Friday Celtic Night at Sonder Music (225 E Gray, Norman) features a traditional Celtic music jam & dance to the live music. 8pm. 474-9734, www.sondermusic.com.

April 20–21FREE 2012 Olympic Trials for Flatwater Sprint on the Oklahoma River features athletes competing for a chance to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games. Saturday includes a Paddle Now! event giving children ages 8-16 a chance to go on a short paddle with a top US athlete. www.usack.org, www.boathousedistrict.org.

April 20–22The Wizard of Oz presented by the OKC Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall features a full-length work with original score telling L. Frank Baum’s story. $31 & up. Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 843-9898, www.okcballet.com.

April 20–May 6Cheaper By the Dozen presented by the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) tells the story of a high school girl & her relationship with her father in a large family. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.

April 21 • Saturday

YWCA 2 Minute 5K & Kiddie K at Regatta Park & Pavilion (725 S Lincoln) features live music, face painting, community fair, children’s activities & prizes. Preregister. 5K: $20 online, $30 race day; Kiddie K: $10 online, $20 race day. Kiddie K, 8:45am; 5K, 9:15am. 951-3318, www.ywcaokc.org.

Adult Workshop: Animal Tracks—Identifying & Collecting at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History demonstrates how to identify & collect native Oklahoma animal tracks. Includes preparing a plaster cast of a track to take home. Preregister. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. 9am-1pm.

FREE Arts Trek! An Arts Adventure for All at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features crafters, hands-on art activities, performers, food vendors, a collaborative community artwork & a performance walk. 10am-4pm. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org/artstrek.

FREE Norman ‘89er Day Parade & Festivities on Main Street in Downtown Norman celebrates the Great Land Run of 1889. 10am. www.norman89.com.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012 at Science Museum Oklahoma works to put cloth diapers in the Guinness Book of World Records for the second year in a row. All ages welcome, participating babies must be less than 39". 10am. 290-8862, www.clothdiaperoklahoma.org.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Little Gardener Apron” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to decorate real aprons with an Earth Day theme. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Money Mania at the YWCA McFarland Branch (1701 N Martin Luther King) includes food, games, prizes, break-out sessions, crafts & educational activities centered on taking better care of your money. 11am-2pm. 948-1770, www.ywcaokc.org.

Metropolitan Library Tour of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Reduxion Theatre at the Ralph Ellison Library includes a workshop at 11am followed by the production of Shakespeare’s classic tale at 1pm.

Western Heritage Awards Banquet at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum presents the Wrangler Awards for the year’s best Western movie, television, literature & music. Preregister. $145 members, $175 nonmembers. 5pm.

Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) invites families to play 9 holes with special junior tees. Tee times required one week in advance. $6 green fees, $6 carts, $2 range tokens. Tee times start at 5pm. 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com.

April 22 • SundayEarth Day at Science Museum Oklahoma offers FREE saplings to take home & grow, while supplies last. FREE with paid museum admission. 11am-5pm.

Party for the Planet at the OKC Zoo celebrates Earth Day with live entertainment, animal feedings, giveaways & more. FREE with paid admission. 11am-3pm.

FREE Earth Day Festival at Reaves Park (2501 S Jenkins, Norman) celebrates the message of conservation & protecting natural resources with hands-on activities, demonstrations, games & prizes. Noon-5pm. www.normanfun.com.

Fort Reno Ghost Tours at Historic Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) tells tales & urban legends of haunted buildings, villainous murders, lost treasure & more. Includes tours & presentations by paranormal research teams. Preregister. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 5-12. 7:30pm. 262-3987, www.fortreno.org.

Kuleshov-Mogilevsky Piano Duo at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features Russian pianists performing works by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev & Rachmaninoff. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.com.

April 23 • MondayGorilla Golf hosted by the Oklahoma Zoological Society at The Greens Country Club (13100 Green Valley) benefits the OKC Zoo’s support of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. $125 individual, $750 team of four. 425-0613, www.zoofriends.org.

Calm Waters Annual Golf Tournament & Auction at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club (3501 Quail Creek) benefits Calm Waters' mission to help serve grieving children as they deal with death, divorce, deployment, deportation or incarceration of a parent or guardian. 10am. 841-4800, www.calmwaters.org.

Monday Study Club at 50 Penn Place (1900 NW Expressway) features a presentation by Sgt. Tim Tucker with the University of Oklahoma Police Department covering “Personal Safety & Assault Prevention” & includes lunch. Preregister. Annual dues, $25; lunch, $12.50. 11:30am-1pm. [email protected].

April 24 • TuesdaySocial Security: What Every Parent Should Know presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oklahoma at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15) covers what it takes to obtain Supplemental Security Income for disabled children of all ages. FREE for NAMI members, $20 nonmembers. 8:30am-4pm. 230-1900, http://ok.nami.org.

FREE Chinese Stories & Folktales at the Moore Public Library invites preschoolers & families to join a nationally known storyteller as she spins tales from China. 10-10:30am.

FREE Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s 2nd Annual Sonnet-a-Thon at the State Capitol 2nd Floor Rotunda will include the reading of all of Shakespeare's 154 sonnets in order to celebrate Shakespeare's 448th birthday. 10am-3:30pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

FREE Gallery Talk: Frankoma Pottery at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art leads visitors on a tour of this exhibition of pottery produced by Frankoma, a company established by the founder of OU’s ceramic program. 12:30-1:30pm.

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5th Street Jazz Collective at UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5, Edmond) features traditional & contemporary jazz performed by UCO faculty. $10. 7:30pm. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com.

April 25-29Festival of the Arts 2012 in Downtown OKC is a celebration of the visual, performing & culinary arts. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com.

April 25 • WednesdayScience of SMO Collections at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to experience the science behind protecting & displaying precious artifacts. FREE with paid museum admission. 9am-4pm.

April 26–28FREE Norman Music Festival in Downtown Norman features over 100 bands on 12 stages, as well as a children’s area, Dustbowl Arts Market & more. www.normanmusicfestival.com.

Sweeney Todd, School Edition at the Plaza Theatre performed by 8–12th grade students. $7 advance, $10 at door. Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm & 7pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreok.com.

April 26–May 6Cinderella at Rose State College is a fair tale with humor, romance & magic. $5. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 733-7430, www.rose.edu/theatre.

April 27 • FridayOutdoor Classroom Day at Frontier City (15501 NE Expressway) turns the park into a fun-filled learning lab with educational exhibits, presentations & programs. Preregister. 478-2140 x214, www.frontiercity.com. Also held 5/4.

Tombstone Tales: Educational Day at Historic Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) invites students to hear the tales of individuals who lived & died at the old fort from re-enactors. 9am, 11am & 1pm. 262-3987, www.fortreno.org.

Fort Gibson Spring Encampment Education Day (907 N Garrison, Fort Gibson) invites teachers to bring classes to experience various aspects of life within the fort. $3 adults, $1 students. 10am-5pm. 918-478-2669.

FREE The Big Read: The Joy Luck Club Discussion at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features author Amy Tan speaking about her book. 7-9pm.

April 27–28OKC Philharmonic: Wicked Divas at the Civic Center Music Hall features two Broadway singers performing showstoppers from Broadway, opera & popular music, as well as the musical “Wicked”. $15 & up. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

April 27–May 6Seussical the Musical presented by the OU School of Drama at the Rupel J. Jones Theatre (563 Elm, Norman) is based on the characters & stories of Dr. Seuss. $30 adults, $15 students. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 325-4101, http://173.83.181.3.

Apri 27–May 11“Miss Nelson is Missing” presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) tells the story of the super nice teacher who is replaced by a detention-loving, recess-cancelling substitute named Viola Swamp. $9 adults, $6 children ages 2-12. Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

April 28 • SaturdayChristian Fun Day & Switchfoot Concert at Frontier City (15501 NE Expressway) invites youth groups & families to enjoy the park & listen to great Christian music. Advance tickets available, 475-1180. www.frontiercity.com.

FREE Build & Grow Kid's Clinic: Terrarium at Lowe's stores offers kids an opportunity to complete a wooden project. Participants receive apron, goggles, a project themed patch & a certificate of merit. 10am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

March for Babies at Andrews Park in Norman benefits the March of Dimes. Registration, 9am; Walk, 10am. 943-1025, www.marchforbabies.org.

FREE Save the Frogs Day! at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History shows guests why frogs are important to the environment, what dangers exist & how to help frogs through hands-on activities. 10am-5pm.

Fort Gibson Spring Encampment at Fort Gibson Historic Site (907 N Garrison, Fort Gibson) invites guests to learn about life in the log fort during the Antebellum Period, the Civil War & Indian Wars. $3 adults, $1 students. 918-478-2669.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Fancy Feathered Bird” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to create multi-colored birds that they can hang in the air. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

7th Annual Touch a Truck hosted by the MOMS Club of Norman at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) features more than 40 vehicles to explore. A special quiet hour will be held from 8:30-9:30am for children with special needs. A suggested donation of $2 will benefit the Children's Section of the Norman Public Library. 9:30am-noon. 701-0161.

Tombstone Tales: Public Day at Historic Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) invites guests to hear the tales of individuals who lived & died at the old fort from re-enactors. Taste of El Reno Dinner, 5:30pm; Performance, 7pm. 262-3987, www.fortreno.org.

Evening EscAPE at the OKC Zoo benefits great

ape conservation & includes dinner, a behind-the-scenes tour of Great EscApe, a special presentation by the Great EscApe keepers & a silent auction. $50, Preregister. 6:30-8:30pm.

April 29 • SundayOKC Memorial Marathon at the OKC National Memorial includes a marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K & kids marathon. Pricing varies by race. Preregister. www.okcmarathon.com.

FREE Hershey’s Track Meet in Edmond for children ages 9-14 to compete in track & field to qualify for competition in the North American Final in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Registration required & available at the MAC building in Mitch Park or online. Check-in at noon. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/hershey.

April 30–May 5Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Many items discounted Friday & Saturday. www.okc.jbfsale.com.

May 1 • TuesdayMeteorology Day at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to explore the science behind meteorology. FREE with paid admission. 9am-4pm.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store invites children ages 6-14 to build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities are limited. 5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com.

FREE Family Night Out at Quail Springs Mall (2501 W Memorial) features family friendly activities & themes in the Food Court. 5:30-7:30pm. 755-6530, www.quailspringsmall.com.

May 1–6Fiddler on the Roof presented by Celebrity Attractions at the Civic Center Music Hall is a Tony Award-winning musical based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem. 800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com.

May 3 • ThursdayFREE Concerts on the Curve at Classen Curve in OKC features family fun with live music, food, art & more. 6pm. www.classencurve.com.

Sugar & Spurs at the Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln) benefits Credit Unions for Kids & includes silent auction, sugary samplings from local restaurants & music. $60 individual, $100 couple. 7-10pm. www.oecu.org.

HWAC Choral Union: Brahms’ Requiem & Handel’s Coronation Anthems at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features a stirring evening of sublime choral mastery. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.com.

May 3–6Red Dirt RV Rally at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo

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Center in Shawnee includes western bar-b-q & barn dance, ice cream social & 50s sock hop, date night at the drive in, golf outing, sightseeing tours, exhibitor expo, crafts, games & more. www.oktourism.com.

May 4 • FridayFREE Lecture: Thoroughly Modern Mickey – American Art & the Animation of Walt Disney Studios at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art discusses how American artists & critics perceived Disney animation as a new art form, distinctly American in character. 6-7pm.

A Mammoth Sleepover at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Musuem of Natural History features a movie in the Great Hall & a sleepover with the dinosaurs in the Hall of Ancient Life for ages 6-12. One parent for every three children is requested. Preregister. 7pm-9am.

May 4–5Project Mom at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel (1 N Broadway) features parenting experts, speakers, breakout sessions & more. See ad on pg 63 for code to save $15. $79 Girls’ Getaway Weekend Package, $49 All-Access Day Pass. 235-2780, www.projectmom.com.

Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association Finals at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E, Guthrie) invites children 18 years old & younger to compete in a variety of rodeo events. 282-RIDE, www.lazye.com.

Space Day at Science Museum Oklahoma celebrates space exploration. FREE with paid museum admission. Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm.

FREE Operation Kidsafe Child Safety Event at Marc Heitz Chevrolet (I-35 & Lindsay, Norman) provides a quality 8 1/2 X 11" printout of your child’s picture & fingerprints. First 100 kids will receive an activity pack complements of Marc Heitz Chevrolet. All children 1 year & older as well as special needs adults are encouraged to attend. Friday, noon-6pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. 866-962-5487.

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

May 4–5Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at the Plaza Theatre, performed by children in 2nd-7th grade. $7 advance, $10 at door. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm & 7pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

May 4–6Downtown Edmond Arts Festival in Downtown Edmond features over 100 artists & crafters, food, wine tasting & performing artists. Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 249-9391, www.downtownedmondok.com.

Better Book Sale at the Norman Public Library offers a wide selection of coffee table, rare & collectible books

for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Norman Library. Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.

May 5 • SaturdayFREE Comic Book Day at participating retailers across the country offers a FREE comic book to all customers to introduce new readers to the comic book medium. Details found at www.freecomicbookday.com.

Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly) with over 50 activities including crafts, storytelling, kayaking & performing arts stage $5 advance, $7 at event, FREE for adults. 10am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

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

May Fair 2012 at Andrews Park in Norman features art vendors, a 2K & 5K run, food, dancers, musical performers, children’s activities & more. 8am-7pm. www.norman.assistanceleague.org.

Cruise to the Park at Hafer Park in Edmond features the Central Oklahoma Classic Chevy Club Car Show. 8am-3pm. 363-1164, [email protected].

March for Babies at State Fair Park benefits the March of Dimes. Registration, 8am; Walk, 9am. 943-1025, www.marchforbabies.org.

El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in Downtown El Reno features live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, games, rides & more. 10am. 262-8888, www.elrenoburgerday.com.

FREE Family Fun Festival at Spring Creek Plaza (NE corner of 15th & Bryant, Edmond) features a jump house, balloon animals, face painting, Spaghetti Eddie, Big Truck Taco, art show, shopping & more. 11am-2pm. www.facebook.com/springcreekplaza.

May 6 • SundayFREE Open House at the American Organ Institute Shop at the University of Oklahoma (2101 W Tecumseh Suite C, Norman) invites the public to come see the work of the pipe organ program in restoration of pipe organs & components, meet students & refreshments. 3-5pm. 325-7829, http://aoi.ou.edu.

May 7 • MondayFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

May 8 • TuesdayStorytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma features storytelling at its finest with SMO’s performer-puppeteer extraordinaire. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am & 2pm.

OKC Redhawks vs. Las Vegas 51’s baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, www.

okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 5/9-15, 29-31.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor at the Civic Center Music Hall features the host of A Prairie Home Companion. $45 & up. 7:30pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com.

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar today for more fun

upcoming events!

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No matter what time of year or occasion, you'll find the BEST party-

planning choices in the area right here.

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For our May issue, we want to kick summer off with your favorite vacation memories! Share your best vacation photos with us by Thursday, April 12. For our June issue, send us your favorite father & child photos by May 17.

Guidelines and a photo submission form can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-photo-galleries.

Kids Fest photos by Alexandra Bryan, MetroFamily Intern unless otherwise stated.

Our 2012 Kids Fest was a huge success!

Over 4,500 people filled the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the State Fairgrounds for

hands-on family fun, live entertainment, giveaways and more.

Here are a few special moments from the event.

Kerrigan, age 10, enjoying an Extreme Animals experience.

Drew E., age 4, mini-golfing at HeyDay Entertainment Center's booth.

Katie B. helps out at the Safety Village area. (Photo by Mike Bosley)

Ben P., age 16, at the Extreme Animals petting zoo.

Taylor T., age 13, and Toby T., age 11, with crowns from Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center's booth.

Lala G., age 6, and Joe G., age 5 painting at Creative Adventures' booth.

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