metrofamily magazine october 2012

October 2012

metrofamilymagazine.com

Pumpkins, mazes & festivals, oh my!

Over 65 ways to enjoy fall

It's time to VOTE on our Cover Kids

& Family Favorites finalists!

+10 important questions

to ask at your nextparent-teacher conference

Sleep, science & smarter kids: How sleep boosts learning

See inside for details.

2 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | October 2012

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October 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 3



Clickwhat’s new at metrofamilymagazine.com

• CALENDAR DIRECTORIES BLOGS CONTESTS SAVE MONEY

Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at:

You could WIN big!Sign up to be eligible for great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.• Don’tforgetthetwobigcontestsgoingonthismonth,Cover Kids SearchandFamily Favorites.Findthedetailstotheleft.

• EntertowinthelatestAmericanGirldoll,Caroline,accessoriesandsixbooks($164value)inourAmerican Girl Giveaway.DeadlineOctober5.

• Upforgrabsaretwofamilyfour-packstotheopeningnightproductionofMary Poppins(CivicCenterMusicHallNovember6-11).DeadlineOctober30.

• EntertowintwoticketstotheCarrie Underwood “Blown Away” tourattheChesapeakeEnergyArenaonOctober25.ContestrunsOctober8-22.

•AprizepackfeaturingtheMonster High Ghouls Rule doll collection(fourdolls,valueof$92)isavailabletoaluckywinner.DeadlineisOctober25.

You could SAVE big!Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-family-discounts.• Chester’sPartyBarn• ParkhurstPumpkinPatch• DazeinaMaze• BrightSmileFamilyDentistry• SkateGalaxy• GuitarforKids• Gattitown• TheVintagePearl• ClubZ!• MuseumofOsteology• SkillsforLiving• Bouncin’Craze• DawntoDuskInflatables• AutumnMoorePhotography• Jump!Zone• Gaylord-PickensOklahomaHeritage

Museum• Mathnasium• Jingle&Jangle• GreenGoodiesbyTiffany• TheChangingTablePLUS,save big bucks with theKids Pass for 2012-2013 thatincludesover30couponstolocalandstatewideattractions!Downloadittodayatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-pass.

Top picks & finds on our website this monthFall is more fun with these fabulous resources:• Seekingpumpkinpatches?Fallfestivals?We’vegotyoucovered!Findourcomprehensive

Fall Fun Guideatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun.• Fall break campsareplentifularoundthemetro.Findthemallhere:www.metrofamilymaga-zine.com/fall-break-camps.

• Ourreadersknowbest!Findtheirmost-recommended places to go and enjoy(fromparkstostorytimestoplacestotakefamilyphotos,etc)atwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/OKC-readers-recommend.

ItwillsoonbetimetopickournextPresident,butfirst,exerciseyourrighttoVOTEforour 2013 Cover Kids and your favorite family-friendly local businesses in our Family Favorites program! • Theentriesareinandthefinalistshavebeenchosenforour2013 Cover Kids Search.FromOctober5-12,youmayvotedailyforyourfavoritekids,andhelppicksmilingfacesforourupcomingcovers.www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids-search.

• ByOctober12,nominateyourfavoritefamily-friendlybusinesses,servicesandattractionsforMetroFamily'sReaderFavoritesprogram.Asanaddedbonus,justforcomplet-inganominationballot,youwillbeeligibletowinagreatholidaygetawaytotheGaylordTexanResortinGrapevine,Texasvaluedat$1000!

VotingtodeterminethewinnersineachcategoryrunsfromOctober15throughNovember1.www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites.Oursinceregratitudetocorporatesponsor,OklahomaEmployeesCreditUnion(OECU),formakingthisprojectpossible.


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6 Dear MetroFamilyEditor’sNote.

8 Family ShortsCommunitynews,resources&otherfamily-friendlyinformation.

16 OklahomaReadsGreatreadsforall.

18 ExploringOklahoma & Beyond Grapevine,Texasisfunforall.

20 AsktheExpert Helpforparentsofstrong-willedchildren.

22 Real Moms of the MetroMeetLyndaPowell,grandmotherandadvocateforsinglemoms.

26 Problem-Solving Products

28 FocusonEducationThe10questionsyouneedtoaskattheparent-teacherconference.

30 Local ShoppingFind“exquisiteantiquity”atOKC’sVerdigris.

32 Your Healthy FamilyBreastcancer:tipsforawarenessandprevention.

35 CalendarFunevents,activitiesandclasses.

46 Mom Gets the Last Laugh Bewarethecornmaze.

Getyourfamilyexcitedaboutvoting!Resourcesandideastounderscoretheimportanceofourdemocraticprocess.

ON OUR COVER: Brooklyn, age 5, is the daughter of Sarah and Matthew Lynch of Meeker. A kindergartner, Brooklyn enjoys cheering on her older brother, Ajay (age 7), dancing, gymnastics and playing outside.COVER PHOTO BY: Autumn Moore Photography, autumnmoorephotography.com.

ContentsOctober 2012

Didyouknowthatalackofsleepcanbetoblameforeverythingfrombehavioralproblemstopoortestscores?Findoutifyourchildgettingenoughsleep!

24

35

14

Find dozens of fall festivities in our calendar! Pictured here are Reagan M., age 5, and Presley M., age 2, of Edmond at TG Farms. Photo provided.



DearMetroFamily,

Parenting.Sometimesitseemslikethehardestjobintheworld,sometimesthemostabsurd.Butthat’swhat’sgreataboutit,right?It’sneverthesamejobtwodaysinarow.Godforbidthekidsmakeiteasyonusandbehavewithsomesortofconsistencysowecanbeprepared!Thismonth,wearecelebratingparenthoodwithanewcolumnbyhumorwriterLelaDavidson.We’rehopingthatyoulaughalongwithher(andus)abouttheupsanddownsandabsurditiesofparenting.Becausegoodnessknows,oneofthemostimportantthingsaparentneeds(asidefromafullnight’ssleep)isagreatsenseofhumor.

Wecelebratefallinthisissue,andthisfallisbringingfestivalsandpumpkinpatches(checkoutourcalendarforalistofgreatevents,andfindevenmoreonline),andalsointhetraditionofourdemocraticprocess,thepresidentialelection.Getyourfamilyinvolvedbytalkingabouttheissuesandthecandidates.Findourguidetovotingandthecandidatesonpage24.

Andnowthatschoolisinfull-swing,abigissuearoundourhouseissleep.ItseemslikeInevergetafullnight’ssleepforworryingabouthowmuchsleepmykidsaregetting(ironic,isn’tit?).Didyouknowthatmostkids,eventeens,needatleasteighthoursanight.Andpreschoolersneedupto12!Findtipstohelpyourkidsgettheresttheyneedonpage14.

Cheers,

Mari FarthingEditorNothingbeatsacrispfalleveningaroundabonfire!

Shannon Fields Your Healthy FamilyTheweather,family,football,andafireinthefireplace.

Brooke Barnett Assistant EditorCoolertemperatures,goingtothepumpkinpatchandcarvingjacko’lanterns

Info And Questions:405-601-2081

To 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]

Contributing WritersBrookeBarnett,LelaDavidson,JulieDill,

ShannonFields,TiffanyGuerzon,MaliaJacobson,LindaKastielKozlowski

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,Number10

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

Weaskedourcontributors:What’s your favorite thing about fall?

SarahTaylor PublisherThecoolerweatherandthemanyfestivalsandfootballgamestoenjoy.

Enjoying the mild weather at the Children’s Zoo area of theOKC Zoo.


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8 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | September 2012

Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

Fighting Cold and Flu SeasonFallmeansbacktoschool,coolerweather,andunfortunatelyforparents,sickkids.AccordingtoWebMD,childrenhavebetweensevenand12coldsperyear,withhighernumbersofcoldsoccurringinkindergarten-agechildren.Helpcombatcoldgermsbyteachingyourchildrentowashtheirhandsproperly.Handsanitizersmayalsobehelpfulandcaneasilybemadeathome.Tomakeyourown,combinethreeouncesoffilteredwaterwithoneteaspoonofaloeveragel,10dropseachofcinnamon,clove,rosemaryandeucalyptusessentialoilsand20dropslemonessentialoilinafour-ouncespraybottle.Shakegentlyandsprayonhands.Massageintohandsfor30secondsforbestresults.Feversoftenaccompanycolds.MetroFamilystaffmemberstriedoutthelatestthermometersforsickchildrenofallages.• VicksBehindEarThermometerworks

greatforyourlittlestpatient,especiallyifhehasanearache.($50)

• TheBraunThermoScanEarThermometerhasapre-warmedtipandbuilt-inmemorytoremovetheguessworkofwhetherthatfeverhasgottenworse($39+)

• VicksComfortFlexThermometertakestheold-fashionedoralthermometerastepfurtherwithafast,8-secondreadingtimeandcolor-codedbacklight.($15)

Allofthesethermometersareavailablelocallyatmajorretailersordrugstores.

Hand sanitizer recipe used with permission from TreatmentAlternativesforChildren, by Dr. Lawrence Rosen, Jeff Cohen and Alpha Books.

Agritourism Offers Teachable MomentsTheOklahomaDepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandForestryrecentlyannouncedtheadditionofaTeachableMomentsicontoitswebsite,www.oklahomaagritourism.com.ClickingontheiconallowsteachersandeducatorstoquicklyandeasilylocateallvenuesintheAgritourismProgramthatofferafieldtripoption.Morethan65attractionsstatewideofferfarm,ranchorWesternheritageeducationalopportunities,andmorethan500venuesandeventsareintheAgritourismProgram,whichjoinstogetheragricultureandtourism.Agritourismcontributestoruraleconomicdevelopmentincommunitiesacrossthestatewherefarms,ranchesandvineyardsopentheirgates,invitingthepublictosamplethestate’sbountyandnaturalbeauty.“Onaweeklybasis,ourAgritourismcoordinatorstakequestionsfromalloverthestateaskingthesamequestion:‘Wehaveafieldtripscheduled,wewouldliketocenteritonagriculture,whatisnearbythatofferstours?’”saysProgramAdministratorJamieCummings.“TheTeachableMomentsconceptonlineisawaythatallteachersandeducatorscanquicklyandeasilylookuptheiroptions.”FormoreinformationaboutusingtheTeachableMomentsicon,contactJamieCummingsat405-522-5652orjamie.cummings@ag.ok.gov.Plus,visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-funtoreadJamie’sreviewandphotosfromlocalpumpkinpatchesandotheragrotourismvenues!

Halloween Treats To Keep—Not EatBy Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Withchildhoodobesityandfoodallergiesontherise,manyfamiliesaretryingtofindnon-edibleitemstohandoutonHalloweennight.Unfortunately,candyisoftenthecheapestoption.But,byshoppingaroundandbuyinginbulk,youcanfindfun,inexpensivetreatswithoutthesugarrush.Piñatamixessoldatpartystoresmayoftenhaveagoodassortmentofsmalltoys—but,rememberthatnomatterwhatyouselect,keepafewlargerobjectsthatareage-appropriate(andnotchokinghazards)foryoungerchildren.Someideasinclude:• Glowsticks,whichusuallycanbefoundatcraft,partyanddiscountstores.Thesecanbe

activatedandthenconnectedtomakebraceletsornecklacestowearimmediatelyforfunandvisibility.

• Halloweenjewelrylikespiderrings,plasticbeadnecklaces,banglebraceletsandmorearefunoptions.

• Smallnotebooksorfancypens,fall-themedpenciltoppersorerasers,tattoos,stickersandsmallboxesofcrayons.

• Party-favor-sizedPlay-Dough.• Lipbalminfunflavors.• Bouncyballsorothersimilarsmalltoys.


http://www.oklahomaagritourism.com





Top 10 Reader Picks: Best Places to Find Fall FunCoolerfallweatherbringsgreatopportunitiestoenjoyoutdoorfun—whetherexploringalocalpumpkinpatch,gettinglostinacornmazeortakingpartinatrick-or-treatevent.Themetrooffersmanygreatplacestofindfallfun,andwerecentlypolledourreadersfortheirfavoriteplacestogoandfalleventstoattend.Here,inrandomorder,aretheirrecommendations:• Mikles Family Farm Maze & Pumpkin Patch (42610NWolverine,Shawnee)

• Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch(720Henney,Arcadia)• Chester’s Pumpkin Patch (5201Cimarron,Piedmont)• St. Matthew United Methodist Church Annual Pumpkin

Patch (300NAirDepot,MidwestCity)• OrrFamilyFarm(14400SWestern)• TGFarms(4335WHighway9,Norman)• FrightFest at Frontier City (11501NEExpressway,October5-28)

• Storybook Forest (SpringCreekParkatArcadiaLake,October23-31)

• Haunt the Harn at Harn Homestead (1721NLincoln,October25)

• HaunttheZooattheOKCZoo(2101NE50,October26-31)ThankstoKimM.,ChristinaT.,CherylG.,SuhailS.,HeatherW.,NicoleC.,AnnieG.,TinaR.,DeniseH.andMichelleG.forcontributingtothelist.Visitwww.facebook.com/metrofamilytoshareyourthoughtsonnextmonth’slist.Haveaplaceyou’dliketosuggest?Commentonourwebsiteatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/favorite-fall-fun-venues.Editor’s note: Find the details about all of these places and events in our calendar (starting on page 35) and even more ideas at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun.

Learning Outside the Classroom: They’re Lovin’ It!

By Julie Dill

StudentsofMooreWestJuniorHighwereelatedwhentheirmathteacher,AndreaBrock,walkedthemtoanearbyMcDonaldsandtaughtthemthepracticaluseofdecimals.“DeliciousDecimalness”isalessonBrockimplementedtoshowstudentswhenandwheretheywillsee,useandcomputewithdecimals.Wordproblemsbecamereal-worldmathproblemsasstudentscollaboratedwiththeirpeerstosolvemeaningfulquestionslike:Ifyoupaidforyourmealusinga10dollarbill,thenhowmuchchangeshouldyouexpect?andHowmuchdoesasmallcoffeeanda#1valuemealcost?Althoughfieldtripshavebeencutinmanydistrictsduetolackoffunds,Brockfeelsthattheyareanexcellentwaytoconnectclassroomlearningtoreal-worldapplication.She’sreceivedpositivefeedbackfromstudentsandparents.SeventhgraderCamrynLopersaid,“Welearnedhowtosubtract,multiply,divideandadddecimals.Wegottolearnandhavefunatthesametime.”Ofcourse,theaddedbonus,studentswereabletoorderamealoftheirchoice.Isthisacoolschool,orwhat?!

Healthy School Makeover ContestInsupportofNationalChildhoodObesityAwarenessMonth,videoentriesarenowbeingacceptedforanationwideHealthySchoolMakeoverContest.ThecontestismanagedbySPARK,acollectionofresearch-basedphysicaleducation,afterschool,earlychildhoodandcoordinatedschoolhealthprogramsforPreKthrough12thgradeeducators.Thewinnerwillreceivea$45,000grandprize,consistingofeducationalmaterials,training,andequipment.Individualscan

nominateaschoolbysubmittingashortvideoexplainingwhytheirschoolneedsahealthyschoolmakeoverandhowthey’llusetheGrandPrizeawardtoimprovethehealthoftheirstudents.“Budgetcutscontinuetonegativelyimpacthealthandphysicaleducationprograms.TheHealthySchoolMakeoverContestwilltransformonelocationintoamodelhealthyschool,”saidPaulRosengard,ExecutiveDirectoratSPARK.“Wearecallingoneducatorsandstudentstomotivatepeopletovotebysharingtheirstoriesabouttheimportanceofhealthylivingandhowtheirschoolcanbeapositiveexampleforothers.”Entrantsmustpostvideosonwww.healthyschoolmakeover.combytheOctober31deadline.ThepublicwillvoteonthevideosfromNovember1–14todeterminethefinalists.Apanelofjudgeswillthendeterminethewinnerfromthefinalists,andHallofFamegolferAnnikaSorenstamwillpresentthegrandprizetothewinningschool.Findmoreinformationaboutthecontestandalistofrulesatwww.healthyschoolmakeover.com.


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Spotlight on Character: VirtueRiches adorn the dwelling; virtue adorns the person. — Chinese ProverbBeingvirtuousmeansthatyouworkhardtodowhatismorallyright.Itmeansyousetthestandardforyourfamilyandupholditbyyourexample.Havingvirtuemeansthatyouworkhardtomakegoodchoicesaboutallthingsinlife,andthatyoustrivetoupliftotherswithyourchoicesandinfluence.Encouragevirtueinyourfamilybysayingthese“Iwill”statementsaloudwithyourchildren,encouragingthemtoapplythesestatementstosituationsineverydaylife.I will: do what is right and encourage others to do the same • guard my eyes, ears, words and thoughts • learn to stand alone • abstain from damaging my mind or body • treat others as I want to be treated.Readaboutvirtuetobringthelessonhometoyourkids.

• The Children’s Book of VirtuesisacompilationofstorieseditedbyWilliamJ.Bennett,offeringtalesofgoodvirtuefromAesoptomodernfolklore.

• Step Gently OutbyHelenFrostandRickLiederremindsreadersthatthereisvirtueintreatingeventhesmallestcreaturewithrespect.

I will statements courtesy of Character First, www.characterfirst.com.

Pack It Up! 10 School Lunch Ideas

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Areyourkidsalreadycomplainingofboredomwhenitcomestothelunchesyou’repacking?Trysomethingnew!1. Buy it: Investinsmallreusable

containersforpudding,gelatinorfruitcups.TrythePlanet Box Lunch System ($40+,www.planetbox.com)foradurable,reusableoptionforpackinguplunch.

2. Cut it:Forthediehardsandwicheater,uselargecookiecutterstocuttheirfavoritesandwichintointerestingshapes.TrytheMom-Invented Puzzle Bites Sandwich Cutter ($4,www.ginsey.com)forafunalternative.

3. Dip it: Trycarrotsticksinranchdressingorappleslicesinpeanutbutter.

4. Freeze it:Freezeajuiceboxorwaterbottleandpackwithperishables.

5. Heat it: Inathermos,heatupanythingfromcannedsouptolastnight’schili.TrytheThermosFoogoBabyBento,with2insulatedcontainersinaninsulatedbag.($20,www.thermos.com)

6. Rethink it:Trynewthings!Considerfreeze-driedorganicfruitbyLittleDuckOrganicsinStrawberryMango.($4,www.littleduckorganics.com)

7. Roll it:Makeroll-upsbyrollingseveralslicesoflunchmeattogether,thencutinhalfandsecurewithtoothpicks.Or,rolllunchmeataroundcheesesticks.

8. Stack it: Cutlunchmeatandcheeseintosmallsquaresandpackwithcrackers.

9. Wrap it: Turntheirfavoritesandwichintoawrap.UselargetortillastowrapanythingfromPB&Jtoturkeyandavocado.

10. Write it: Ahandwrittennotefrommomordadintheirlunchboxmakesakidfeelspecial;from“Iloveyou”tojokesorwordsofencouragementontestday.

Captain McFinn Battles BulliesOctoberisNationalBullyingPreventionMonth.AccordingtotheNationalAssociationofElementarySchoolPrincipals,anestimated18millionchildrenarebulliedintheUnitedStateseachyear.Bullyingcanbeadifficultsubjecttodiscusswithyoungchildren,butanewbookseriesfeaturingrelatablecharactersjustmightmakeiteasier.CaptainMcFinnisasharkwhowasthebiggestbullyonthereef—untilhe

learnsthroughactionsofkindnessandcompassionthatit’salwaysmorerewardingtobeafriendthanabully.“MyultimategoalwithCaptain McFinn and Friendsistomaketheworldabetterplaceinwhichtolive,onechild(andfish)atatime,"saysPhyllisCafaro,authorandfounderoftheseries.“Bullyinginschoolsisamajorissuenationwide,occurringonadailybasis.Noparent,grandparentoreducatorwantschildrentofeelunsafeatschool,becauseschoolsshouldbeaplaceforlearning,funandfriendship.”Findoutmoreatwww.captainmcfinn.com.

Golf Tournament Benefits Local FamilyTheGriffinandLoganChillGolfTournamentandBenefit,scheduledforMonday,October22attheGreensGolfandCountryClub(13100GreenValleyDrive),willbenefittheChillfamily,whosetwinboys,GriffinandLoganChill,werediagnosedwiththeterminalillnessAlpers’Syndromeearlierthisyear.Alpers’Syndromeiscausedbyageneticmutationpassedonbytwohealthyparentswhoarecarriersoftherecessivegene.ThereisnocureormethodtoslowtheprogressionofAlpers’,andmostwhoarediagnoseddonotlivetoseethefollowingyear.LoganlosthisbattlewithAlpers’onAugust21.“KarleeandJeffareenduringatrialthatnoparentsshouldhavetoface,buttheyarenotdoingitalone,”saidAinsleeCrum,benefitchair.“WearehostingthisbenefitbothtosoftenthemedicalexpensestheyarefacingandtocelebratethelivesofLoganandGriffin.”Thegolftournamentincludestwoflightsofgolfwithshotgunstartsat8:00amand1:00pm,$150perplayer.Abenefitdinnerandauctionwillfollowat6:30pm(tickets$50).Tournamentregistrationsdueby10/8;dinnerregistrationby10/19.Formoreinformation,visitwww.glchill.com.


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Howdoessleepboostlearning?Researchersbelieveithastodowiththewaythebrainprocessesinformationduringsleep.Infact,MichiganStateUniversityresearchersfoundthatchildrenlearnwhilethey’reasleepasthebrainintegratesnewinformationandmemories.ResearchersfromUniversityofFloridadiscoveredthatnewbornslearnintheirsleep,andnewresearchfromtheAmericanAcademyofSleepMedicineshowsthatsleephelpsstudentsperformbetterontests.Itturnsoutthatthereareimportantconsiderationsaboutsleepforeachageandstageofchildhood.

Ages 3–8Forsleep-deprivedkids,schooltroublestartsearly:10percentofkidsinearlyeducationsufferfromsleepdisturbancesthatdisruptlearning,accordingtoaGermanstudy.TheAmericanProfessionalSleepSocietyreportsthatsleepdeprivationsignificantlyworsensinattentivenessandhyperactivityinyoungchildren,leadingtoADHD-likesymptoms(knownasfauxADHD).

“Restorativesleepisessentialforchildren;lackofsleepcanleadtolackofconcentrationandbehaviorproblems,”saysKrisSekar,M.D.,MedicalDirectoroftheChildren’sSleepDisordersCenteratOUMedicalCenter.Evenmodestsleepdeprivationisenoughtohinderlearning.AccordingtoastudypublishedinthejournalSLEEP,amerehouroflostslumberisenoughtobringoninattentivenessandhyperactivityinyoungchildren.A2011studyof6and7yearoldsshowsthatlanguageskills,grammar,spellingandreadingcomprehensionsufferwhenkidsgetlessthanninehoursofsleepnightly.Sleep-deprivedchildrenmaynotappearsleepy,notesSalmanZubair,M.D.,asleepspecialistatOklahomaSaintsNeurology.Infact,theymayacthyperandgoofy.Butpreschoolersandschool-agechildrendon’toutgrowtheneedforaconsistentbedtimeandbedtimeroutine.Establishanage-appropriatebedtimethatallowsyourchildtorestfor10–11hourseachnight.

Sleep, Science, and Smarter Kids: HOW SLEEP BOOSTS LEARNINGWantkidstobringhomeA’s?StartwithmoreZZZs.Accordingtosleepexperts,lostsleephurtslearningandhindersschoolsuccess.That’sbadnews,becausetoday’skidsgetaboutanhourlesssleepeachnightthantheydid30yearsago,saysNew York Times bestsellingauthorPoBronsoninhisbookNurtureShock: New Thinking About Children.Thislostsleepcomeswithasteeppricetag—impairedlearninganddecreasedacademicsuccess.



How much sleep does your child need? Is your child getting enough rest? Check these guidelines to be sure.

Three to Six years old 10-12 hours per day

Seven to Twelve years old 10-11 hours per day

Thirteen to Eighteen years old 8-9 hours per day

Ages 9–13Duringthetweenyears,academicsbecomemorechallengingandsportsmorecompetitive.Butwhenincreasinglybusyschedulesstartcuttingintosleep,kidsretainlessofwhattheylearn,saysMarkSplaingard,M.D.,directoroftheSleepDisordersCenteratNationwideChildren’sHospitalinOhio.“Longhoursspentonsportspracticeormathproblemsarecounterproductive,iftheseactivitieskeepkidsuplateatnight,”henotes.Kidswilllearnmoreandperformbetter—whetheronthefieldorintheclassroom—withsufficientshut-eye.Parentsneedtounderstandsleep’simportanceandguardkids’sleephourszealously,saysSplaingard.Thatmeansmaintainingfirmschool-yearbedtimesandchoosingafter-schoolandeveningactivitiesthatendatleastanhourbeforekidsneedtowinddownforbed.

Ages 14–18Teenagersarenotoriouslysleep-deprived,withgoodreason.Duringhighschool,jobs,activities,sports,socializingandhomeworksimplydon’tleaveenoughtimeforsleep.Mostteensneedmoresleepthanparentsthink—overninehoursanight—andchronicsleepdeprivationhurtslearningatatimewhenkidsneedlotsofmentalenergyfortoughsubjectsfromchemistrytocalculus.Butbusyschedulesdeserveonlypartoftheblameforateen’ssleepdeficit:cellphonesandlaptopskeepteensuplate,andwhencomputersarefinallypoweredoff,round-the-clockaccesstocellphonesprovidesafurtherdisruption.Anewstudyreportsthatsleepingnearcellphonesputsteensatriskforso-called“sleeptexting”—wakingupandfiringofftextmessagesduringthenightwithoutanyrecollectionofhavingsentthetextsthenextmorning.Allthissleepdisruptionaddsuptoblearymorningsandbleakreportcards.Protectteens’sleephourswithamediacurfew—shutdownallelectronicsanhourbeforebedandestablisha“chargingstation”outsidethebedroomtoleaveelectronicsovernight.Thisimportantstepkeepsbedroomsfreeofsleep-disruptingcellphonesandcomputers,saysHarris.“Thebedroomshouldbeaplaceforsleep,”saysZubair.“Nothomework,watchingTVorsurfingtheinternet.”Tutors,cutting-edgegadgetsandhoursofhomeworkcan’tcompensateforhoursoflostsleepwhenitcomestolearning.Whenparentsprioritizekids’sleepneeds,learningcomesmorenaturally,saysSplaingard.“Wethinkwe’rehelpingmakekidsmoresuccessfulwithmoreactivitiesandmorehomework.Butwhattheyreallyneedismoresleep.”

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health writer specializing in sleep. She blogs about family life at www.thewellrestedfamily.com.



Reviews by Mari Farthing.

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All

Early ReadersBedtime for BooByMickieMatheis,illustratedbyBonnieLeickGoldenBooks,hardcover,$11JustintimeforHalloween,thisghostofabedtimetalefeaturesacastoffriendlymonsters,makingforafunHalloweenspinonabedtimebook.

Ready for PumpkinsByKateDukeAlfredA.Knopf,hardcover,$17Theclassguineapiglearnsalessoninpatienceandhappinessinthiscutestorythatwillmakeyouwanttocelebratefall.

Robot Zombie Frankenstein!ByAnnetteSimonCandlewick,hardcover,$17Humansshouldn’tbetheonlyonestohavefunwithcostumes.FriendsRobotandRobotlearnthattheonlythingasgoodasfriendsandcostumesispie.Whimsicalandbrightly-coloredpageswillengageyoungreaders.

Grades 3+Goosebumps Wanted: The Haunted MaskByR.L.StineScholastic,hardcover,$16Thisfirst-everhardcovertitlecelebrates20yearsofGoosebumpsstories.Lu-AnnthoughtitwouldbeaboringHalloweenuntilshefindsthehauntedmask...Afrightfultaleforallages.

Rightfully Ours: How Women Won the VoteByKerrieLoganHollihanChicagoReviewPress,softcover,$17Twenty-onestoriesandactivitiesforkidstoteachthemaboutwomen’ssuffrage.Includesimportantstoriesfromhistoricalfigures(bothwomenandmen)whofoughttogivenwomentherighttovote.

The Secret of the Fortune WookieeByTomAnglebergerAmuletBooks,hardcover,$13TheirreverentsagacontinuesinthisthirdbookintheOrigamiYodaseries.AfunspinonStar Wars,middleschoolandcootiecatchers.

TeensSomething WickedEditedbyMariFarthingBuzzBooks,softcover,$9Sixshortstories(includingseveralbylocalauthors)featureinventivetalesaboutmythicalmonsters,curses,trollsandaspiderinfestation.

AdultsBall Complete Book of Home PreservingEditedbyJudiKingryandLaurenDevineRobertRose,softcover,$23Makethemostofasummerbountywithhomepreserving.Tipsandrecipesforalllevelsofexpertisewillencouragereaderstopreserveandstoreadeliciousvarietyoffoods.

The Homework Trap: How to Save the Sanity of Parents, Students and TeachersByKennethGoldberg,Ph.D.MegSchultz,softcover,$15Foranyparentwhodreadshomeworkasmuchasherchilddoes,thisbookoffersguidanceandhelpforaddressinghomeworkissuesandleavingthedramabehind.

The Family ROI ExperienceByBarbaraFagan-SmithandLesliGeeFamilyROI,softcover,$25Packedwithadvicefrombusinessprofessionals,thisworkbookwillhelpyourfamilyreachitsfullpotential.

Highlights HelloHelloisamagazinedesignedforbabiesbythepublishersofthepopularchildren'smagazine,Highlights.Hellofeaturesbrightcolorsprintedwithnon-toxicvegetableinksonsturdycoatedpagesthatarestitchedandnotstapled.Subscriptionsavailable,startingat$34peryear.

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Exploring Oklahoma & BeyondGood Times in Grapevine

JustashorttripdownI-35bringsyoutoGrapevine,Texas.Thissmalltown,tuckedbetweenDallasandFortWorth,

isafun-packeddestinationwithsomethingforallagestoenjoy.Fromthemetro,headsouthonI-35andwhenyoureachtheEast/Westsplit,takethewestlegtoTexas114;thereissomeconstructionbutthedriveisquickandeasy,deliveringyourighttotheheartofdowntownGrapevineandclosetofunattractions.

Grapevineishometothebestofbothworlds:historicalattractionsandmodernfunthatwillkeepeveryoneinyourfamilyengaged.Herearemust-seehighlightsforyourtrip.

Great Wolf LodgeGreat Wolf Lodge(photo1)isafamily-friendlyresortjam-packedwithadventure.Thehighlightiswaterfun—indoorandoutdoorwaterslides,poolsandhottubs—butotherfunactivities(6)suchastheMagiQuestadventure(additionalfeerequired)anddailyfreeactivities(suchastheClockTowerShowandpre-bedtimeStoryTime)willkeepyouoccupiedwhenyou’vehadenoughtimeinthewater.Parents,ifyourchildrenareoldenoughtoslidebythemselves,theadults-onlyareaincludestablesandahottubforrelaxation.TheLodgehasseveralfoodanddrinkvenues,butthein-roomfridgemakesiteasytocutcostsbypackingyourownsnacksanddrinks.Otherplacestostay:TheGaylordTexanResort isjustacrosstheroadfromGreat

Wolfandoffersmanyamenities,includingthemedfamilyactivitiesduringschoolbreaksandholidays.Ifyourfamilyprefersamorerusticvenue,trytheVineyardsCampground & CabinsonGrapevineLake,whichofferscampandRVsitesalongwithfully-furnishedcabins.

Historic Main StreetDowntownGrapevineisatreatnottobemissed.OnthecornerofCollegeandMain,theClockTowerGlockenspiel(3)featuresanimatronicwould-betrainrobbersputtingonafreeshoweachdayatnoonand6:00pm.AllalongMainStreet,thehistoricstorefrontshavebeenrestoredtoprovideagreatvenueforwalking,shoppingandeatingfromdawnuntildusk.StopbytheMain Street Bistro and Bakery forbreakfast,whereyoucangeteverythingfromfruitorbaconandeggstofreshly-bakedtreats(besuretotrythealmondcroissant—itcamehighlyrecommendedbythelocalsandisdelicious!).Atlunch,stopbyChicago-styleWeinberger’s Deli foroneof120differentsandwichesthatguaranteeyouwillnotleavehungry.WerecommendtheReubenortheCheeseburgersub,alocalfavorite.Fordinner,Esparza’soffersauthenticMexicanfarejustoffMainStreetinahistoricrenovatedhome.Theambienceisrelaxedandfriendlyandfirst-timevisitorswillbemadetofeelathome.

HaveacravingforItalianfood?TryNapoli’s Cafe and Confectionary onMainStreetforgreatItalianmenuitems(includingpersonal-sizepizzas(2))thataregenerousenoughtosharebutsodeliciousthatyoumightnotwantto.Saveroomfordessert—theirhomemadetreatsincludegelatoandpastries.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad (5)ThefreemuseumattheGrapevineVintageRailroad Depot (4)featureshistoric(andsomeprehistoric)itemsthattellthestoryofGrapevine.Purchaseaticketfora90-minuterideonthevintageopen-airorclosedcoachestotheFortWorthStockyardsandspendafewhoursexploringbeforereturning.Round-tripridesarescheduledeveryday—butbeadvisedthatthetrainrunsonworkingrailroadtracks,whichmaycausedelays.

Grapevine OpryHousedintherestored1940s-eraPalace ArtsTheatreonMainStreetinthehistoricdowntown,theOpryishometoliveperformanceseachweekend.Duringourvisit,weenjoyedaneveningofElvismusicthatwasfunforages8—108.ThetheateralsohostsaFirstFridayFilmSeries,featuringaclassicfilmeachmonthforjust$5—bringareceiptfromanyGrapevinerestaurantforfreepopcornwithyourmovie.

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Festive Fun in GrapevinePlanningyourvisittoGrapevine?Herearesomefunupcomingeventsnottomiss:• October20:The12thAnnualNashFarmFallRoundupfeaturesfamily-friendly

activities(games,woodcarvinganddemonstrationstonameafew).• October20:15thAnnualButterflyFlutterbyfeaturesabutterflyparadethattravels

downMainStreet.Over600butterflieswillbereleasedthroughouttheeventtocelebratethesouthernmigrationofthemonarchbutterflies.

• NovemberthroughJanuary:TheChristmasCapitalofTexas,Grapevinecelebratestheholidayswithmillionsoflights,Christmasdecorandoverathousanduniqueevents.

• December13,14,16,20,21and22:TheTexasTenors(recentlyfeaturedonthetelevisionshowAmerica’s Got Talent)willbefeaturedatthePalaceTheatreforalimitedengagement.Visitwww.thetexastenors.comfordetails.

Unlessotherwisenoted,visitwww.grapevinetexasusa.comfordetails.

Grapevine Mills MallFeaturingover180storesinmorethanamillionsquarefeetofspace,Grapevine Mills Mall isjustdowntheroadfromhistoricdowntown.EnjoyawildlunchattheRainforest Café,whichprovidesanunforgettablerainforestsettingtoenjoywhileyoudine.Thisisapopularplacetoeat,sobesuretoarriveearlyorallotforampletime(uptoseveralhours)towaitforatable.

LEGOLAND Discovery CenterInsidethemall,theLEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter isagreatplacetoshopandexplore.Asmall-LEGO-themedindoorpark,thereareridestoenjoy(includingaKingdomQuestridewherethewholefamilycancompetetorescuethePrincess),aForestRangerPursuitride,theMINILANDexhibitthatbringstheDallas/FortWorthskylinetolifeinminiatureandplentyofopportunitiestobuildandexplore.Besuretohaveyourkidsbringaminifigurealongforthetrip—theycantradewithaLEGOLANDemployeeforoneofthefiguresontheirnamebagde.Agreatwaytogetout-of-circulationfigures.

Sea Life Grapevine AquariumJustacrossfromtheLEGOLANDattractioninthemall,theSea Life Aquariumcontainsanamazingdisplayofmarinelife,includinga360-degreewalk-throughtankthathighlightssharks,starfishes,raysandseaturtles.Hands-onactivitiesforthekidsandeasy-to-reachviewingwindowsmakethisaccessibleforallabilities.Uniqueattractionsincludearoomofjellyfishandaroomofseahorses.Lotsoffunforallages!

9/11 Flight Crew Memorial (7)GrapevineisperhapsbestknownasthehometotheDallas-FortWorthWorldAirportandtheheadquartersofAmericanAirlines,soit’sfittingthatGrapevinewouldpayhomagetothebraveflightcrewswholosttheirliveson9/11.Thislarger-than-lifebronzestatuecanbefoundonTexas114,justeastofthehistoricdowntown.Nomatterwhattypeofadventureyouseek,Grapevineoffersallthatandmore,aconvenientshortdriveaway.

Mari Farthing is the editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Find ItGreat Wolf Lodge100GreatWolfDrive817-488-6510,www.greatwolf.comGrapevineOpryatthePalaceTheatre300SMainStreet817-481-8733,www.gvopry.comMain Street Bistro and Bakery316SMainStreet817-424-4333,www.themainbakery.comWeinberger’s Deli601SMainStreet817-898-1425,www.weinbergersdeli.comEsparza’sRestauranteMexicano124EWorthStreet817-481-4668,www.esparzastexas.comNapoli’s Italian Cafe & Confectionary311SMainStreet817-310-0385,www.napolisofgrapevine.comGrapevineOpry300SouthMainStreet817-481-8733,www.gvopry.comGrapevine Mills Mall3000GrapevineMillsParkwaywww.simon.com/Mall/?id=1248Rainforest CafeGrapevineMillsMall972-539-5001,www.rainforestcafe.comLEGOLANDDiscoveryCenterGrapevineMillsMall972-539-9386,www.legolanddiscoverycenter.comSea Life Grapevine AquariumGrapevineMillsMall972-539-9386,www.visitsealife.com/grapevineTheGaylordTexan1501GaylordTrail817-778-1000,www.gaylordtexan.comVineyardsCampground&Cabins1501NDooleyStreet888-329-8993,www.vineyardscampground.com

Images 1, 4, 5 and 7 courtesy of Grapevine CVB.

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http://www.thetexastenors.com

http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com

http://www.greatwolf.com

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http://www.weinbergersdeli.com

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http://www.napolisofgrapevine.com

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Our Readers Respond:• Givehertwochoicesthatyouarecomfortablewithandlether

decideforherself.Thenshewillfeellikeshehassomecontrolandyougetyourdesiredoutcome.

• I’dsayifsheisoffthechartwithheroppositionalbehavior,thenyoumightbelookingatsomethingwhereyouneedprofessionalhelp.

• Sheneedstofeelempowered!Sheshouldhavemandatorychores,becauseshe’spartofthefamily.Withprivilegesofbeingsuchagrownupcomeresponsibilities.

• Pickyourbattles,forone.Letherhavesomechoicesthatshefeelsshecanreallymake.Then,youhavetolawdownthelawonthenon-negotiablethings.Youhavetolookathowyoureallyfeelabouteverything,and,ifsomethingisnotthatbigofadeal,don’twastetimeandenergyonit.

ThankstoTaraT.,LeahM.,SarahT.andKathyW.foryourfeedback!Have a question for our experts? Email it to [email protected].

Ask the ExpertsHelp for Raising Strong-Willed ChildrenThismonth’squestion:My daughter is so strong-willed, no matter what I say, she always does the opposite. How can I encourage her to follow the rules and guidelines of our family and beyond?

Evenataveryyoungage,childrencanbetaughtthatgooddecisionsresultinpositiveconsequences,andconversely,baddecisionsresultinnegativeconsequences.Understandingpositiveandnegativeconsequencesisanimportantlessonforchildrentolearnabouttheworld.Iwouldrecommendthatyoudevelopaseriesofguidelinesforyourchildwithbothpositiveandnegativeconsequencesexplained.Lethermakeherowndecisions,separatefromyourinfluenceoremotions.Then,astheparent,beresponsibleforcarryingouttheconsequences.Teachherthatherworldcanbeeasyordifficult,dependingonherdecisions.It’salsohelpfultoincorporateherresponsibilitiesorprivilegesintoherdecision-makingprocess.Ifshebehavesmaturely,givehermature,age-appropriateprivileges;ifshebehavesimmaturely,respondwithappropriatelossofprivileges.Donnie Van Curen, M.A., LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. 405-823-4302, www.counseling1820.com.

Strong-willedkidscanchallengeeventhebestparent’sskills.Tryingtochangeachild’sbehaviorisaprocessandrequiresconsistencyandplentyofpatience.Chooseoneortwobehaviorsthatyourdaughterexhibitsthatyouwanttochangeandworkonthosebehaviors.

Talkwithherandexplaintheconsequencesofeachbehaviorandwhatyouwanthertodoinstead.Chooseaconsequenceyouknowyoucanconsistentlyenforce,isrealistic,andappropriateforthechild’sageandthatparticularbehavior.Ifsheisinschoolorachildcareprogram,discusshowherbehaviorwillbehandledbyherteacherandtheimportanceofeveryonefollowingtherulesatschoolbecausetheyaremeanttoprotectandhelpeveryonelearn.Anotherwaytodealwith“badbehaviors”istofindwaystoshowyourchildamoreappropriatebehaviorthatstillfulfillsherneedforindependenceandisanoutletforherenergy.Forveryyoungchildren,re-directingthechild’sattentioncanbeaneffectivemeansofchangingbehaviors.Tamara Walker, RN is a talk show host and speaker in Edmond. www.momrn.com.

Thisisatoughtopictohandleinashortcolumn;wholebooksandprogramshavebeendevelopedaroundthisissue!IfIweretosumupmyprofessionalthoughts,Iwouldsaythis:Astrong-willedchildisdancingtoadifferenttunethanthechildrenwhofollowdirectionseasily.Therearemanygoodcharacteristicsofhavingastrongwill.Shewillnotbetakenadvantageofeasily.Sheisprobablywillingtotaketheconsequencesforherbehavior.Achildwhoobeyseasilydoesn’tlikeconsequences,sotrieshardertoavoidthem,butastrong-willedchildisstrongenoughtotaketheconsequences.Myadviceistocontinuetodisciplineher,evenifitdoesn’tseemtochangeherbehavior.Butifyoudiscontinuethediscipline,shewilltakeoverthehouseanddowhatevershelikes,whenevershelikes.Iwouldencourageyoutotryanewtypeofdisciplinefortwoweeksatatime.Figureoutwhattuneshe’sdancingto,findwhatisimportanttoherandwhatmotivatesher.Whenyoudiscoverhertune,youwillbeabletomotivateherinthebehaviorsyouwanttoteachhertoengageinorabstainfrom.Devonne Carter, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Edmond. 405-326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com.



http://www.counseling1820.com

http://www.momrn.com

http://www.carterscounseling.com


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Real Moms of the MetroMeet Lynda Powell: Advocate for Strengthening Single Mothers

ItwasLyndaPowell’sexperienceasastrugglingsinglemotherthatledhertodedicateherlifetoprovideopportunities

forothers.LyndafoundedtheBethelFoundationin2004,withthemissionofmakingsinglemothersmoreproductivecitizens.Sheworksdailytohelpalleviatetheroadblocksthatkeepsinglemothersfromtakingstepstoprovideabetterlifeforthemselvesandtheirchildren.

Herfoundationprovidessupportthroughmentoring,rehabilitationandqualityhousingoptionsdesignedtohelpstrugglingsinglemothersgetbackontheirfeet.TheFoundationoffersassistancethroughahomeownershipprogram,scholarshipfunds,cookingclasses,educationalconferences,accesstoclothingandfood,andfreesummercampsforchildrenofsinglemothers.Lyndabelievesthatchanginglives—onemomatatime—makesforstrongerfamiliesandastrongerAmerica.Here’smoreabouthowthis60-year-oldmother(daughterCassieis29andsonJosephis23)andgrandmother(to6-year-oldKayleand2-year-oldLily)workstosupportsinglemothersintheOKCmetro:

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?IattendedWoodstockin1969andwasarebelliousteenager.

What are you passionate about? LivingandenjoyinglifetothefullestandnotwastingaminuteWeneverknowwhenourlastminutewillbe.

How has motherhood changed you? Asasinglemomformanyyears,itwasastruggleformetoprovideformyfamily.However,as“Nana,”IhavebeenabletoenjoywithmygrandchildrenwhatImissedasamother.

How do you banish stress? Idosomethingcreative,likeseasonaldecorating.

What inspires you? Myhusband,J.R.—he’smysoundingboardandgroundingforce.

Along with your job as a mom, what do you do? IamthefounderoftheBethelFoundationinOklahomaCity.It’samazinghowIstarted[theorganization]onadeskinmyhomeandnow,inoureighthyear,wehaveourownbuildingonfiveacres.In2011,weprovidedservicestoover9,500womenandchildrenthroughthevariousprogramsthatweoffer.

What do you like most about your job?Eachdayisdifferent.IneverknowwhatorwhomGodisgoingtosendourway,soitmakesthedayexciting.

What is on your wish list?Morefamilyvacations!

What are you most proud of? ThatGodchosesomeonelikemetodoabigmissionforhim.

Advice for other moms?Torealizeyouareworthyandthatyourlifematters.Torememberthatalldifficultsituationsdopass.

What motivates you?KnowingthateachdayI’mgiven,Icanmakeadifferenceinanotherperson’slife.

How do you find balance in your life? Thatisdifficultforme,however,Itrytokeeporderinmyspiritualwalk.Then,everythingelsefallsintoplace.

Where are you from originally? What broughtyoutoOklahoma?IwasborninDurantandraisedinAntlers.Overmylife,IhavelivedinOregon,Missouri,Florida,NorthCarolinaandNewYorkCity,butOklahomaishome.

What’s the biggest challenge in your life? Rememberingtotaketimeoff—I’maworkaholic.

What is your parenting style? Asasinglemom,Iwasstrict—butasNana,I’msuchasoftie!

Favorite advice about motherhood?Tellyourchildrenthatyoulovethemdaily.Ilearneditlate,butnowrealizethatlovereallydoesconquerall.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Editor’s note: For more information about the Bethel Foundation, call 405-286-3700 or visit www.bethelfoundationusa.com

Quick Facts About Lynda1. What are five words that

describe you? Faith, believer, passionate, loyal and driven.

2. What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? Turkey chili and cornbread.

3. What’s your favorite movie? Sleepless in Seattle and Titanic. I’m a diehard romantic!

4. What’s your guilty pleasure? Bling! I love all jewelry, real and fake.

5. Coffee or tea? Flavored coffee.

Lynda and her family: Back row, L to R: Son, Joseph Belle and wife, Courtney; mother-in-law, Jackie Powell; daughter, Cassie Richerson and husband, Steve. Front row, L to R: Husband, J.R. Powell; granddaughters Kayla and Lilly Richerson; Lynda Powell.


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http://www.bethelfoundationusa.com


Everyfouryears,thepresidentialelectionputsthespotlightonourcountry’sdemocraticprocessinaction.It’salsoahelpfulreminderthat,asparents,oneofourtasksistogrowourchildrenintocaring,informedandactivecitizens.WhatagreatopportunityforustoexplaintoourchildrenhowourPresidentiselected—andmoreimportantly,whytheelectionprocessisattheheartofwhatitmeanstobeanAmerican.

Why it MattersEvenataveryyoungage,childrencanbetaughtaboutAmericangovernmentandelectionprocedures.Thekeyistomakeitfun,whiledrawingparallelswithwhat’sactuallygoingoninthenews.It’salsotheperfecttimetoemphasizewhyexercisingyourrighttovote,asanadult,issoimportant.Votingistheultimateequalizer.Everyonegetsonevote,regardlessofthejobtheyhold,theirconnectionsorthemoneytheyhaveinthebank.Votingisalsocommunicating—it’soneofthemostimportantwayseachofuscanreachoutandcommunicatewiththoseinpower.Votingsendsadirectmessageaboutwhat’simportanttothevoters.SuzanneMcCabe,EditorofJunior Scholastic,hasidentifiedotherimportantconceptswhichallkidscanbetaught.“YoungpeopleshouldbeawarethatthePresidenthasaprofoundeffectontheirlivesandtheirfutures,”saysMcCabe.Forexample,thePresidentnominatesmembersoftheSupremeCourt,whomakeimportantdecisionsabouteverythingfromthechildren’srightsandfreedomstovideogamepolicies!McCabeaddsthatalthoughkidscan’tyetvote,parentscanestablishavotinghabitintheirkids.“Studiesshowthatchildrenwhoaccompanytheirparentstothepollingplacearemorelikelytovotewhentheybecomeadults,”saysMcCabe.Gettingkidsinvolvedinpoliticscanhelpthemtobecomemoreengagedcitizens,“whichempowersthemtohelpshapethekindofcountrytheywanttolivein,”sheadds.

Beware of “Bad Guys”Asweexposeourkidstotheelectionprocess,Dr.VirginiaShiller,alicensedclinicalpsychologistandlecturerattheYaleChildStudyCenter,suggestswetakeacautiousapproach.“Childrenfrom3–8yearsoldwillgraduallyacquiretheworldlyknowledgeandcognitive

skillstounderstandelections.It’sbesttoavoidexposuretoTVshowsorheateddiscussionsthatcouldfrightenthem.”Sheexplainsthatchildrenhaveimagesofgoodguysandbadguysfromfairytalesandmovies,andsopositioningacandidateasbadmayalarmyourchild(especiallyifthe“badguy”endsupelected!).McCabeagrees.“Parentsshouldpaykeenattentiontowhattheirchildrenarehearingandhelpthemunderstandthesignificance…withoutnecessarilygoingintographicdetail.”Asallparentsknow,therearemanylessonstobelearnedfromthemistakesofothers.Thoughsometimeselections,andthenegativecampaignsandnewsstoriesthatoftenresult,canseemlikerealityTVgonebad,McCabeexplainsthatkidscanbetaughtthecrucialrolethatafreepressplaysinAmericansociety.“Whentheyreportthenewsaccuratelyandinvestigatepotentialwrongdoing,theydoagreatservicetothenation.Withoutfreepressandfreeelections,governmentleaderscaninflictgreatharmontheircitizens,”McCabereports.Forveryyoungkids,Shillerexplainsthatit’sallabouttheirlittleworld.“Apreschooler'sworldisverymuchcenteredontheirhome,schoolandimmediateneighborhoods.Inanydiscussion,it’sbesttofocusonlocalelections.Aschildrenprogresstoelementaryschool,theycanstarttounderstandthatthepoliciesofnationalleaderscanmakeadifferencetothiscountry—andtheworld.”Asparents,it’suptoustodecidehowfartotakethesubject,butgettingtheconversationstartedisapositivemove.Dr.Shillerstressesthatourmostimportantroleasparentsisto“modelthatit’simportanttobeagoodcitizenandtovote.Takechildrentothepollswithyou,orproudlydisplayyour‘Ivotedtoday!’sticker.”

Create a Kid-Friendly ElectionOneoftheclearestwaystoexplaintheelectionprocessistorecreateit.LisaJacobson,founderandCEOofInspirica(anationwidetutoringcompanythat“inspires”kidstodobetterinschool)describeshowwecanconveythepowerofelectionsinafunway.“Createanelectionfor‘Whichisthefavoritesportoffamilyandfriends?’”Providekidswithaballotboxandalistofsports(usepicturesforyoungerchildren).Theneachchildcanvotefortheirfavoritesport.Jacobsonsuggeststhatchildrenasktheirfamilymembersandfriendstocastvotes,whichareallcountedupatapre-determinedtime.Duringthelastelection,mykidswere8and10yearsold.Wemadeaposterwithpicturesofbothcandidates,andeverykidwhocameovergotachanceto“vote”bywritingtheirnameonlinesundereachpicture.Itgotmykidsinterestedintheelectionandforcedthemtoexplaintheprocesstotheirfriends.Theycouldn’twaittoseeifthenationalelectionwouldmatchtheresultsofourkid-election(Itdid,bytheway).

Hook Your Kids On Voting!



Get involvedGrowingLeadersisaninternationalnon-profit,whichisdedicatedtomentoringAmericanyouthtobecomeeffective,compassionateleaders.TimElmore,FounderandPresident,encouragesallparentstogobeyondthe“talking”andhelptheirkidsgetinvolvedintheprocess.“Childrenhavebeentoldalltheirlifetobeenvironmentallyconscious,getinvolvedandmakeadifference.Theyarereadyandwaiting,”saysElmore.Hesuggestsourkidswantactionandinteraction,notsimpletalkingpointsfromthecandidatesorfromparents.“Writealettertoacongressman,makesignsthatexpress

theiropinions,attendarallyandultimately,takethemtothepollswithyouonElectionDay,”arejustafewofElmore’sideas.Throughitall,heinsists,parentsmustkeepanopendialoguewiththeirchildren,astheywillbeexposedtoawholehostofcampaignmessages,buttheymaynotbematureenoughtoprocessitall—especiallythenegativity.Historically,thevoterturnoutrateinthecountryhasbeenlow;inthe2008presidentialelection,only71percentofthevoting-agepopulationregisteredtovote—andonly64percentactuallyvoted.Thegoodnewsisthat,ina2011survey(“TeensSpeakUp:ANationalYouthSurveyonCivicEngagementandCitizenship”byBoys&

GirlsClubsofAmericainpartnershipwiththeCaseFoundationandNickelodeon),10,000teensinover200communitieswereaskedaboutvoting,educationandleadership.Afull80percentofteenspolledagreedthatcitizensabsolutelyhavearesponsibilitytovote.Theyalsobelievethateachandeveryvotecounts.SoIwillcontinuetoteachmychildrenaboutthedemocraticprocessofourgovernmentandwhytheirrighttovoteissoimportant.Then,whenthespotlightisagainonourcountryin2020andmyyoungestfindshimselfvotingforthefirsttime,hopefullyhewillembracewhataprivilegeanddutyitistohaveavoiceinchoosingourleaders.

Linda Kastiel Kozlowski blogs at www.thewayformoms.com, is the mother of two young boys and votes every chance she gets.

Read all about itAnoutstandingbook,especiallyforveryyoungchildren,isMax for President,writtenandillustratedbyJarrettKrosoczka.Inthisstory,MaxandKellybothrunforclasspresident.Theyeachcreateposters,distributebuttonsandannouncetheirplatformsforabetterschool.Thestorydemonstratesthecampaignandelectionprocesswithapleasantresolutionattheend.Ifounditgreattoreadoncethrough,andthengobackanddrawparallelstothepresidentialelectionthekidshavebeenhearingabout.Thestoryboileditdowntotheessentialsthatyoungchildrenshouldunderstand,andillustratedthepowerofthevote,andoftheoffice.Mostareavailableonline,atyourlocalbookstore,orbetteryet,yourlocallibrary.

Nominee:BarakObamaParty: DemocraticHome State: IllinoisRunning Mate: Joe BidenWebsite: www.barackobama.comCampaign Notes: Accordingtohiswebsite,Obamaplanstogrowtheeconomyfromthemiddleclassout,notthetopdown.Healsobelievesinraisingclassroomstandardsandreformingstudentloanstoputanaffordable,high-qualityeducationwithinreachformillionsofstudents.Heplanstocutoilimportsinhalfby2020andmakeAmericamoreenergyindependent.Hiscampaigninformationalsostatesthathebelievesthatquality,affordablehealthinsuranceisakeypartofmiddle-classsecurity.Obamaisworkingtosimplifythetaxcodewhileaskingmillionairesandbillionairestopaymore,aswellasgivingwomenmorecontrolovertheirhealth,offeringexpandedaccesstohealthcareanddecreasingpayandhealthcarediscrimination.

Nominee: Mitt RomneyParty: RepublicanHome State: MassachusetsRunning Mate: Paul RyanWebsite: www.mittromney.comCampaign Notes: Accordingtohiswebsite,Romneybelievesthatreducingandstabilizingfederalspendingisessential,butbreathinglifeintothepresentanemicrecoverywillalsorequirefixingthenation’staxcodetofocusonjobsandgrowth.HiscampaigninformationstatesthathebelievestheU.S.canstrengthenitsworkforcebyretrainingAmericanworkerstoensurethattheyhavetheeducationandskillstomatchthejobsoftoday’seconomyandattractingthebestandthebrightestfromaroundtheworld.Aspresident,Romneypledgestocutfederalspendingandregulation,andbringmuch-neededreformstoMedicareandSocialSecurity,worktobalancethebudget,reducethesizeandreachofthefederalgovernmentandreturnpowertothestatesandthepeople.

The CandidatesThenextpresidentialelectionwilltakeplaceonTuesday,November6,2012.IncumbentPresidentBarackObamaisrunningforasecondtermasthecandidatefromtheDemocraticparty.

HismajorchallengerisformerMassachusettsGovernorMittRomney,aRepublican.


http://www.thewayformoms.com

http://www.thewayformoms.com

http://www.barackobama.com

http://www.mittromney.com


Problem SolversHelpful Family Products

Problem: Ouch!Bugbites.

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Problem: Your little builder gets destructive when not engaged.

Solution: TheSmartLabToysWeird& Wacky Contraption Lab willkeepherconstructivelybusyforhours.($40,www.smartlabtoys.com)

Problem: Outforawalk.It’stoohot!It’stoocold!

Solution: TheWrapeaze fleece poncho iswarm,cozyandeasytoputonortakeoffinquickly-changingweather.($35+,www.wrapeaze.com)

Problem: Love cooking with your tablet computer, but it keeps falling over!

Solution: The2-CoolEZViewStandpropsupyourtabletandkeepsitoffthemessycountertop.($22,www.rtaproducts.com)

Problem: You need a less-giant diaper bag.

Solution: TheBaby Pak Mini Diaper Bag holdsallofyouressentialsinonesmallpackage.($22,www.rtaproducts.com)

Problem: Little brother has learned to climb. Big sister has a bunk bed. Danger!

Solution: TheToddleLockstrapsontotheladder,preventingyoungclimbersfromprecariousheights.($40,www.toddleladderlock.com)

Whenwehearaboutneworhelpfulproducts,weliketoletourreadersknow!Hereareafewofthemoreinterestingitemswe’verecentlydiscovered.Visittheproductwebsiteforalistoflocalretailers.

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Focus on EducationParent-Teacher Conferences: 10 Questions to Ask

You’vebeentherebefore—sittinginyourchild’schair,feelingtheminutesflyby,andyouwanttoaskyourchild’steacher

something…ifonlyyoucouldremembernowwhatitwas.Giventheshorttimeallocatedperparent-teacherconference,it’simportanttoaskyourchild’steacherthequestionsthatcanhelpyoubetterunderstandyourchild’sacademicperformance,gainaclearerpictureintoanystrengthsandweaknessesandcreateacollaborativerelationshipthatwilllastthroughouttheyear.

Getting ReadyAmyShapiro,ExecutiveDirectoratMyLearningSpringboard(www.mylearningspringboard.com)saysthefirststeptoasuccessfulparent-teacherconferenceistogettoknowtheteacherbeforetheconference.“Thisisimportantbecauseifconcernsandproblemsarise,youhavealreadyestablishedapositiveandtrustingrelationshipwithyourchild’steacher,”Shapiroexplains.“Anytimeyoumeetwithyourchild’steacheryouwanttomakethemostofthetimeprovided.”Shapiroalsosaysthattheparent-teacherconferenceisnotimeforsurprises.“Asaparent,youwanttobecontinuallyup-to-date,knowledgeableandinvolvedinyourchild’sacademicandemotionalprogress,”sheexplains.“Don’twaituntilyousitdownatthetabletoshareyourconcerns.Teachersdon’tlikesurpriseseither!”“It’simportanttostarttheprocesswithanopenmindandgoodattitude,”explainsTanyaMitchell,VicePresidentofResearchandDevelopmentatLearningRX(www.learningrx.com).“Don’tletbadexperienceswithschool,conferences,oreventhisteacherforceyouintoadefensiverole.Withtherightapproach,youcanturntheconferenceintoavaluableopportunitytocollaborateonyourchild’sprogress.”Mitchellurgesparentstogointotheconferencepreparedwithopen-endedquestionsthatcanmakethemostofthetimeallottedandtodotheirhomeworkbeforeyougo.“Conferencetimeislimited,averaging20minutesinelementaryschoolandjustafewminutesperteacherinhighschool,”she

cautions.“Reviewschoolwork,testresults,onlinegradingsystems,homeworkpoliciesandotherinformationalreadysenthomesoyoudon’tusevaluabletimeaskingquestionsthatyoucouldalreadyhavetheanswersto.”

Moving Beyond Grades and BehaviorJeanHendrickson,ExecutiveDirectorofOklahomaA+Schools,hasworkedwithbothteachersandparentstoidentifyquestionsthatcanhelpstimulatemoremeaningfuldialogueduringconferences.“Consideringbothwhatteacherswishparentswouldaskofthemandwhatparentsreallywanttoknowabouttheirkid’sschoolexperiences,wehavedevelopedalistofquestionstohelpparentsbetterprepareforconferences,”Hendricksonexplains.“Vettedbyteachersandparents,thequestionsaredesignedtomovepastthebasicslikegradesandbehavior.Theyhelptoestablisharelationshipbetweentheadultsasco-teachersofthechildandequipstudents

tobecreativethinkers,problemsolversandcollaborators.”

Going Home HappyEvenifyouonlyhave20minutestocoverallthesebases,Shapirosaysaskingthecorrectquestionscanhelpyoufeelsatisfiedwiththeoutcomeoftheconferenceandhelptomakethemostoftheremainingschoolyear.Bytheendoftheconferenceyoushouldknow:• yourchild’sstrengths,• goalsandstepstofacilitateimprovement,• howandwhenfollow-upwilloccur,and• whatyouwillbedoingwithyourchild

outsideofschooltosupportthesegoals.Mitchellsaysthatthereisonelaststeptoasuccessfulparent-teacherconference—takingthemessagehome.“Eveniftherearenoproblems,chancesareyourchildwasalittlenervousaboutconferencestoo,sobesuretosharepraise,concernsandsolutions.”

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor and Online Content Manager at MetroFamily Magazine.

About Oklahoma A+ SchoolsPartoftheUniversityofCentralOklahoma,OKA+isthestate’sonlyresearch-basedwholeschoolnetworkdedicatedtoimprovingtestscores,reducingbehavioralissuesandcreatingmorejoyfulandengagedstudentsinitsschools.Thenetworkofmorethan70schoolsrepresentsearlychildhoodthroughhighschoolinstitutionsinurban,suburbanandruralOklahoma.Formoreinformation,visitwww.okaplus.org.

The Big Ten Questions to AskInadditiontospecificquestionsdirectlyrelatedtoclassroompolicies,schoolworkandcurriculumcontent,Hendricksonencouragesparentstoaskopen-endedquestionstogiveyouabettergraspofwhoyourchildisduringtheschoolday.Consideraskingyourchild’steacher:1. Fromyourperspective,doesheenjoyschool?2. Doesheseemcuriousandeagertolearn?Whengiventhechoice,whatdoesshechoose

tolearn?3. Howdoeshedealwithtransitionsorchangesintheschedule?4. Howdoesheactwhenhisbehavioriscorrectedorredirected?5. Whatdoeshetalktoyouabout?6. Whatkindsofquestionsdoesheaskinclass?7. Inagroupsetting,whatroledoeshetakeon?Howdoeshefitintotheclass?8. Isheconfidentaboutschool?Isheconfidentinhisabilities?9. Howdoesheexpresshimselfbest?10. Doeshedemonstrateempathy?Respect?Wonder?Inadditiontothesesuggestions,Mitchellencouragesparentstorememberoneotherimportantquestion,whichfurthersthespiritofcollaborationbetweenparentsandeducators.“Besuretoask‘Whatcanwedoathometoreinforcewhatyou’redoingatschool?’’sheexplains.“Then,makeafollow-upplanandsetatimelineforupdates.Confirmthebesttimeandmannertocontacttheteachertocheckonprogress.”


http://www.mylearningspringboard.com

http://www.mylearningspringboard.com

http://www.learningrx.com

http://www.learningrx.com

http://www.okaplus.org


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Local ShoppingVerdigris: Exquisite Antiquity

Inthedictionary,verdigrisisdefinedinpartasthatgreenish-bluepatinathatformsoncopper,brassorbronzewhenit

ages.OnthecornerofClassenand10thinOklahomaCity,however,Verdigrisdescribesaplacetofindaplethoraofbeautifulvintagepiecesforyourhome.

Exquisite AntiquityShopperssearchingforthatperfectsomethingtoaccessorizearoom,avintagefurniturepieceorarepurposedglobe-cum-lampwillfindallofthatandmoreatVerdigris.SistersandproprietorsMelissaGrahamandKimberlySpicersaythat’sexactlywhatpeopleexpectfromthestore—somethingthatcan’tbefoundjustanywhere.Ayearandahalfago,Kimrentedboothsatconsignmentshopsaroundthemetro,butnoneofthemwereexactlywhatshewaslookingfor.“IneverfeltlikeIpersonallyfitinatthespacesIwassellingat,”saidKim.ThesistersdecidedtoopenVerdigristocreateanenvironmentthatmorecloselymettheirvisionofaspacefeaturinganeclecticmixofvintagepieces,antiquitiesandrepurposedworksofart.Thewomencombinedtheirloveofvintagepieces,individualcreativityandbusinesssensetocreateanewkindofspace.Currently,thereareover30separatedealershousedatVerdigris,offeringavarietyofitemsbothvintageandrepurposed.“We’renotaconsignmentshop,”saysKim.“OurvendorsarelikebuyersforVerdigris,notjustpeoplewhobringtheirstuffheretosell.”Melissaagrees.“Wetrytobringtogetherallofourbuyerstomakeitonestore.Wereally

likethelookofthestorewhenithasagood,openflow,”socustomerscanmovebetweentheboothswithoutevenrealizingthattheyareseeingitemsfromadifferentbuyer.

A Little Bit of EverythingVerdigrisoffersawiderangeofitemsbecausetheyhaveawiderangeofbuyers.“Ourbuyerstravelalloverthecountry,”saidMelissa.“Wehaveat-homemomswithaloveforantiquesandvintageitemsandpeoplewhodothisfull-time,travelingallovertofinditems.Wehaveagoodvarietyofdealers.”“Thebestthingthatourcustomerstellusisthattheyfindthingsherethattheycan’tfindanywhereelse,”saysMelissa.“Andthat’sthemostrewardingpart.”Often,visitorswillcomeinseveraltimesaweekbecausetheuniquestockfoundinthestorechangessooften,withnewitemsarrivingdaily.“Ourdealerscanlogonattheendofthedaytoseeexactlywhatsold,”saysMelissa.“They’llbringinitemsthenextdaytoreplacewhat’ssold.”“Someofourcustomersfeelthatiftheydon’tcomeinoften,theymightmisssomething,”saysKim.“Andalotoftimes,peoplewon’tbuythatpiecethattheyreallywant,andwhentheycomeback,it’sgone.”ManyofthebuyersatVerdigrishaveboothsatotherstores,buttherearealsoquiteafewwhohaveneversoldanyoftheiritemsinastorebefore.“Someofourdealersarelifetimepickers,butthey’veneversoldtheiritemsinastorefront,”saysMelissa.

Looking to Sell?ForthoselookingtosellitemsatVerdigris,thereisamoderatedwaitinglist,meaningthatdealersareaddedtothestoreaccordingtothetypeofitemstheywillbringtothestore,notbasedonhowlongtheyhavebeenonthewaitinglist.“Currentdealersaregivenprioritytogrowtheirspacewhennewspaceopens,”saysKim.

A Family BusinessThebestthingaboutworkingtogetheristhatthewomencomplimentoneanother’sskills.MelissaworksontheadministrativesideofthingswhileKimworksonthecreative—butitalloverlaps.Thesistersstayflexibletomakesurethatalltheneedsofthecompanyaremet.“It’salotofwork,”saysMelissa.Butit’sclearthatit’salaboroflove.

Mari Farthing is the Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Verdigris1001NW10thStreet,OKC405-602-8986,www.verdigrisokc.comOpenMonday-Saturday,10:00am–5:00pmVerdigrisFleaeventsheldeachmonth,featuringexpandedvendorsinthecourtyard,foodandmore.Detailsavailableonline.


http://www.verdigrisokc.com


Your Healthy FamilyYour Breast Health

Asyoulikelyknow,OctoberisBreastCancerAwarenessmonth.AsIpreparewithmyteamtorunin

mysecondRacefortheCure(October27attheChickasawBricktownBallparkindowntownOklahomaCity),itseemedlikeagoodopportunitytoremindreadersoftheimportanceofmaintainingbreasthealth.Thebestdefenseinfightingthisoftendevastatingdiseaseisathoroughknowledgeofourownbreastanatomy,personalriskfactors.Combinethiswithpreventativemeasuresandproperscreeningsforgreatestsuccess.

AnatomyWhileyoumaynotthinkofyourbreastsashavingaverydistinctanatomy,eachbreastactuallyhassixtonineoverlappingsections,calledlobes.Withineacharesmallerlobules,whichendindozensoftinybulbsthatcanproducemilk.Thesestructuresarealllinkedbyasystemoftinytubescalledducts,whichleadtothenipple.Fatfillsthespacesaroundthelobulesandducts.

ScreeningThegoalofbreastcancerscreeningistofindpotentialcancersbeforetheybegintocausesymptoms.Breastcancersthataredetectedasaresultofsymptomstendtobelarger,andmayhavealreadyspreadbeyondthebreasttissue.Thosefoundduringscreeningexaminationsaremorelikelytobeconfinedtothebreast.AccordingtotheAmericanCancerSociety,theuseofmammography,clinicalbreastexamandself-examinationofferswomenthebestopportunityforearlydetection.Womenbetweentheagesof20

and39shouldhaveaclinicalexamdonebyahealthcareprovideratleastonceeverythreeyears,andshouldperformaself-exameverymonth.Womenovertheageof40shouldhaveanannualmammogramandclinicalexam,aswellasperformingaself-exameachmonth.

Lifestyle ChangesWhilescreeningisprobablythemostimportantfactor,incorporatinghealthierhabitsintoyourlifestyleisimportant.Thereisnoclearcauseofbreastcancer,butitisbelievedthatincreasinghealthierpracticesmayhelptolowerriskfactors.Considermakingpositivechangestoyourdiet,increasingexerciseandreducingstressasapartofyouroverallcommitmenttowardimprovingyourhealth.Arecentstudyshowsthatbreastcancerismorelikelytooccurinwomenwhoareoverweightorobese.Thestudysuggeststhatexcessbodyfatmaycausehormonalchangesinthebodythatcanfuelcancer.

Risk FactorsThereareanumberofriskfactorsassociatedwiththedevelopmentofbreastcancer.AccordingtotheSusanG.KomenResearchInstitute,thefollowingfactorsareassociatedwithanincreaseintheriskofdevelopingbreastcancer:advancedage,gender(femalesaremorelikelytogetbreastcancer,butmalesarealsoaffected),BRCA1orBRCA2genemutation,familyhistory,densebreasts,AtypicalHyperplasia(abenignbreastcondition)andapersonalhistoryofcancerorradiationtreatments.

Factorswithamoderateincreaseofriskinclude:havingchildrenafterage35,highlevelsofbloodandrogensorestrogensinpre-orpost-menopausalwomen,weightgainaftermenopauseandexcessbodyweight.Finally,factorswithalowerincreaseinriskinclude:African-AmericanorAshkenaziJewishheritage,heavydrinking,takingoralcontraceptivesandradiationexposure.Whiletheselistsseemsexhaustive,thereisgoodnews.Certainfactorshavealsobeenshowntodecreaserisk,suchasVitaminDsupplementation,breastfeedingandincreasedphysicalactivity.Regularscreeningscandetectbreastabnormalitiesintheirearlieststages,andthesemeasures,combinedwithminimizingyourriskfactors,cansignificantlyimproveyourbreasthealthandreduceyourriskofdevelopingbreastcancer.

Types of Breast CancerCanceroccurswhencellsbecomeabnormalanddividewithoutcontrolororder.Thereareseveraltypesofbreastcancer,themostcommonofwhichiscalledductalcarcinoma,asitoriginatesinthemilkducts.Lobularcarcinomabeginsinthelobules,wheremilkisproduced.Ifamalignanttumorinvadesnearbytissues,itisknownasinfiltratingorinvasivecancer.Thesetumorscandestroyhealthytissue,andcanalsoenterthebloodstreamorthelymphaticsystem,causingcancertospreadwithinthebody.Althoughmedicalresearchershavemadehugestridesingeneticstudiesinrecentyears,noonecanpredictexactlywhencancerwilloccurorhowitwillprogress.Breastcancerusuallybeginsinasinglecellthatchanges



Susan G. Komen FoundationThanks to events like the Race for the Cure, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested almost $2 billion into ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries. Since 1982, the Foundation has contributed to every major advance in the fight against breast cancer—transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.

The Foundation works to promote early detection, fund ground-breaking research and to give home to women diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information, call 1-877 GO KOMEN or contact the Central Oklahoma Komen Affiliate office (115 Park Avenue) at 405-526-2873 or www.komencentralwesternok.org.

fromnormaltomalignantovertime.Whenbreastcancerisdiagnosed,evenwhenfoundinitsearlieststages,itisimpossibletopredictwhetheritwillspreadquicklyorbeeasilytreated.Breastcancerisacomplexdisease,andbecauseofitsunpredictability,earlydetectioniskeytosuccessfultreatment.

Be ProactiveAwarenessisthebestdefensetostayinghealthy.KarendeCordovaistheDirectorofCommunicationsatBreastImagingofOklahoma.“Itisespeciallyimportanttorememberthatanannualscreeningmammogramisstillthebesttechnologyforearlydetectionofbreastcancer.Despitecontroversialreportsinrecentyearsthatmayhavegiventheimpressionthatascreeningmammogramwasnotnecessary,wearejoinedwithotherhealthcaregroups,includingtheAmericanMedicalAssociation,AmericanCancerSocietyandAmericanCollegeofObstetricsandGynecologyinrecommendingascreeningmammogramonanannualbasisforeverywomanstartingatage40andcontinuingeachyearaslongasthewomanisinotherwisegoodhealth.”Inaddition,regularselfexamsarenecessarytodetectearlychanges.

Demystifying MammogramsManywomenareapprehensiveabouttheirfirstmammogram,whichcanbeanunfamiliarprocedure.However,whiletheproceduremaybeuncomfortableattimes,mammogramsaregenerallypainless.Theprocessisfairlysimple,accordingtodeCordova.“Whenawomancomesinforamammogramwefirstreviewherinformation,makingcertainthattherehaven’tbeenanyrecentmajorhealthchangesthatmightinfluenceherbreasthealth,suchaspregnancy,nursing,orsurgery,”saysdeCordova.

Afterchanginginaprivatedressingroom,atechnologistwalksthepatientthroughthemammogramprocess—whichincludestwoX-rayviewsofeachbreast,toviewfromthetopandtheside.Oncetheimagequalityischecked,thepatientcandressandcheckoutoftheclinic.“Altogether,ascreeningmammogramwilltakeawomanabout30–45minutes.Itmaybeabitlongerifthepatienthasverylargebreastsorhasbreastimplants,asadditionalviewsarenecessary,”saysdeCordova.Theimagesarereadbyaradiologist,comparingtopreviousimages,ifavailable.Digitalmammographyallowsforimprovementsinviewingtheimages,allowingforadjustmentsincontrast,zoomandfocusoftheimages.Mostinsurancecompaniescoverannualmammogramsforwomenage40andover.Forlow-incomefamilies,thereareotheroptions.“OneofthebestprogramsoutthereistheTakeChargeprogram,”saysdeCorva.TakeChargeisaserviceprovidedbytheOklahomaStateDepartmentofHealth’sChronicDiseaseprogramandprovidesinformationandscreeningservicestowomenbetween50–65yearsofagewhomeetincomeguidelines,lackinsurancecoverageorotherqualifyingfactors.Call405-271-4072formoreinformation.It’simportanttorememberthatthefightagainstbreastcancerstartsathome,withregularself-examinations.Ifyou’reunsurehowtoperformaself-exam,askyourclinicianwhenyou’reinforyournextappointment,orvisitwww.breastcancer.orgorwww.komen.orgforinstructions.

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

Vote daily from October 5-12to help determine who will

be featured on our 2013 covers!

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http://www.komencentralwesternok.org

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http://www.komen.org


Oklahoma City BaronsThe Oklahoma City Barons open their third season at home on Friday, October 19 against the San Antonio Rampage at the Cox Convention Center at 7:00pm. Tickets begin at $16 and are available at the Cox Convention Center Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. On Sunday, October 28, the Barons will celebrate Halloween by offering a $5 discount on all regular admission ticket for those in costume, plus a Family Skate and autograph session with the players following the game. Kids can join the Barons Power Players club for $20 and receive a T-shirt, water bottle and admission to one game each month with paid adult admission. Also, during each Saturday home game through the season, the Barons will give away a car to one lucky fan. For more information on these and other promotions, call 405-232-4625 or visit www.okcbarons.com.

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Barons.

Mary PoppinsCelebrity Attractions will welcome Mary Poppins to the stage of the Civic Center Music Hall on November 6-11, 2012 for eight performances. Featuring an irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, Mary Poppins is recommended for children of all ages. The magical story of the world’s most famous nanny is the winner of 44 major theatre awards and is currently performing on three continents. Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 12 and may be purchased via phone at 405-297-2264, in person at the Civic Center Box Office or online at www.celebrityattractions.com. For more information, visit www.celebrityattractions.com.

Photo by Deen Van Meer, courtesy of Celebrity Attractions.

Museum of Osteology’s 3rd Annual Halloween BashAs the only museum of its kind in America, the Museum of Osteology (10301 S. Sunnylane) displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world making it the perfect venue for a family-friendly trick-or-treating alternative. The museum’s 3rd Annual Halloween Bash will be held on Wednesday, October 31 from 6:00-9:00pm and provides safe and educational trick-or-treating, crafts, activities and more. Admission is $3 per person and children ages 3 and under and free with a paid adult. For more information, call 814-0006 or visit www.museumofosteology.org.

Find dozens of fall fun events at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun.

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Osteology.

Race for the CureApproximately 18,000 people are expected to participate in the 19th Annual Oklahoma City Race for the Cure, scheduled for Saturday, October 27 at the Chickasaw Ballpark in Bricktown. All Komen events raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease. Registration begins at 7:00am, with the 5K at 7:45am, Kids Dash at 9:45am and Survivor Ceremony at 10:15am. Entry fees for the 5K or 1-mile race are $30 in advance, $35 on race day. Registration for children ages 17 & under for the Kids Dash is $20, $25 on race day. Breast cancer survivors receive free race registration. For more information or to volunteer, call 405-526-7223. Online registrations is available at www.komencentralwesternok.org.

Photo by Danielle Newport, courtesy of the Komen Central and Western Oklahoma Affiliate.

31ST

27TH

OPENING GAME

19TH

6TH-11TH


http://www.ticketmaster.com


http://www.okcbarons.com

http://www.celebrityattractions.com


http://www.museumofosteology.org





Editor's note: This symbol Q indicates a fall or Halloween special event. Find an expanded version of the Fall Fun guide at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun.

October 6 • SaturdayFREE Oklahoma Czech Festival in Yukon features a carnival, parade, craft booths & food. 8am-5pm. 206-8142.

FREE Kids Workshop “Fire Truck” at Home Depot Stores features a hands-on workshop designed for children ages 5-12. All kids keep their project plus a FREE apron, pin & certificate. First Saturday of the month, 9am-noon. www.homedepot.com.

Q FREE Fairy House Festival at Southmoore High School (2901 S Santa Fe, Moore). Performances, crafts, face-painting & a Fairy Tea Party. 9am-1pm. www.southmooretheatrecommunity.weebly.com.

3rd Annual Michaelmas Country Fair at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (1601 W Imhoff, Norman) features food, horse back riding, face painting, carnival games. Proceeds benefit community outreach & parish repairs. 9am-4pm. 321-8951, www.stmichaelsnorman.org.

FREE Diaper Bazaar at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel). Buy, sell, trade or browse. Cash transactions only on used items in the bazaar. 10am-noon. 848-2330, www.green-bambino.com.

Volunteer Recruitment at the OKC Zoo Education Center seeks dedicated individuals 18 & older to assist in the care of animals & plants. 10am. 425-0275.

FREE Saturdays for Kids: Felting at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum allows children of all ages to create a three-dimensional piece of art from pure wool fibers. Preregister. Includes Museum admission for child & accompanying adult. 10am-noon.

FREE Global Oklahoma at Rose State College promotes an appreciation of other cultures through exhibits, entertainment, food, school displays, arts & children's activities. This year’s festival focuses on Haiti. 10am-5pm. 736-0313, www.rose.edu/globaloklahoma.

Q FREE Spiders & Bats with Bill at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Outdoor spider hunt with Bill Bennet. 10am. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

Q FREE Spaghetti Eddie/Halloween Concert at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen). 10:30-11:30am. 418-8881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

Idol for the Cure-Round 2 at the Country Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29, Del City) hosted by the Country Music Singers Association benefits the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with a series of live musical performances including auctions, raffles & donation opportunities. 1-5pm. www.heartlandopry.com.

FREE Canterbury Youth Choruses Informance at OCU (2501 N Blackwelder) provides a preview experience with all three youth choruses that is family friendly & full of singing, information & demonstrations. 5pm. www.canterburyokc.com.

The Great Escape at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) provides hotdogs, crafts, sports, games & more for children 6-12. $15. 6-11pm. 376-3411, [email protected].

FREE Teen Talent Show at Mitch Park Amphitheater in Edmond for ages 13-18 gives teens an opportunity to share their talents. Preregister by October 4. 7pm. 359-4630.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: OK City Chorus Heads to Denver” at Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (3701 S I-35 Service, Moore) features the OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines as they prepare for International Competition in Denver along with violinist, Kyle Dillingham. $15 adults, $10 children 12 & under/seniors, FREE children 2 & under. 7:00pm. 720-SING, www.okcity.org.

Songs of Land & Sea presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features violinist, Gil Shaham. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

October 6–7Guthrie Escape! Fine Art, Wine & Music Festival in Guthrie features live art demonstrations, children’s interactive art area, live music, wine tastings, food & more. Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 282-7778, www.guthrieescape.com.

Q Wolves & Witches: A Not-Too-Scary Children’s Matinee presented by the Cimarron Opera at Davenport’s (344 4th, Norman). With craft & trick-or-treating. Tickets must be pre-purchased. $5. 2-4pm. 364-8962, www.cimarronopera.org.

October 6–14Q Pumpkin Drive at the OKC Zoo. FREE admission when you bring a pumpkin larger than your head.

October 7 • SundayFREE 2nd Annual Ranch Art Show at JC’s Funky Hair Ranch (22 E 3, Edmond) features local artists, musicians, poets, food, yoga, face painting, massage demos & more. 11am-7pm. 340-4140, www.jcsfunkyhairranch.com.

FREE SchlegelFest 2012 at Schlegel Bicycles (900 N Broadway) features bike safety obstacle course & Halloween fun & raffle to support non-profit organizations. Noon-5pm. 232-4040, www.schlegelbicycles.com.

FREE 5210 Kick-Off Event at the Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features outdoor games & activities, plant giveaways, health information,

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.

Quick Reference

QDaily Events



http://www.homedepot.com

http://www.southmooretheatrecommunity.weebly.com

http://www.southmooretheatrecommunity.weebly.com

http://www.stmichaelsnorman.org

http://www.green-bambino.com

http://www.rose.edu/globaloklahoma

http://www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park


http://www.uptownkidsstyle.com

http://www.heartlandopry.com

http://www.canterburyokc.com


http://www.okcity.org

http://www.okcphilharmonic.org


http://www.guthrieescape.com

http://www.cimarronopera.org

http://www.jcsfunkyhairranch.com

http://www.jcsfunkyhairranch.com

http://www.schlegelbicycles.com

http://www.schlegelbicycles.com

http://www.banjomuseum.org

http://www.cityartscenter.org

http://www.edmondfinearts.com

http://www.ou.edu/fjjma

http://www.oklahomaheritage.com


http://www.myriadgardens.com

http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

http://www.okaquarium.org

http://www.okcmoa.com

http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

http://www.okczoo.com

http://www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

http://www.oklahomahistorycenter.org

http://www.snomnh.ou.edu

http://www.sciencemuseumok.org



musicians, baby food made easy, kids make healthy parfaits, coloring contest, giveaways & more. Noon-4pm. www.ymcaokc.org.

Pistol Pete’s 89th Birthday Celebration in the OKC Zoo’s Global Plaza features FREE birthday activities. Guests can bring a pumpkin larger than their head to receive FREE zoo admission. 2pm.

CROP Hunger Walk at Food & Shelter (104 W Comanche, Norman) raises funds to help fight hunger. Walk as an individual or part of a team. Registration, 1:30pm; walk, 2pm. www.clevelandcountycropwalk.org.

Taste of Bricktown at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark showcases the best of Bricktown restaurants in a festival-like atmosphere. $20 adults, $50 VIP, 12 & under FREE. 3-5pm. www.welcometobricktown.com.

Arturo Sandoval performs at Rose State College Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) features this protégé of jazz master Dizzy Gillespie. 7:30pm. 733-7673, www.rose.edu/rose-state-live.

October 9–14Les Miserables at the Civic Center Music Hall features a musical based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo. Recommended for ages 12+. $20 & up. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. www.celebrityattractions.com.

October 10–14Batman Live at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Live production with a cast of DC Comic favorites. $19.50 & up. Wednesday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, 1pm & 5pm. www.chesapeakearena.com, www.batmanlive.com.

October 11 • ThursdayQ Pumpkin Painting at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) for ages 2-6 to decorate a pumpkin. Bring your own pumpkin. $3. 10am. 376-3411, [email protected].

Q Art on Thursday: Painting with Earth Elements at Be Wild for Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman). Children 8 & up will design & paint a canister using Earth Elements specialty glazes. Preregister. $40, includes materials. 1-2:30pm & 4:30-6pm. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.

October 11–12Cowboy Crossings featuring the Cowboy Artists of America 47th Annual Exhibition & Sale and the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association 14th Annual Exhibition, Sale & Seminar at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Preregister.

October 11–13Junior League of OKC’s Mistletoe Market at the Cox Convention Center supports community projects. Shop for gifts, clothing, Christmas décor, jewelry & more. $8 adults, $5 seniors & children ages 3-12, children under 3 FREE. Thursday, 10am-8pm; Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. www.mistletoemarket.org.

October 12 • FridayHomeschool Program at the OKC Zoo Education Center provides monthly programs focusing on a different group of animals. Includes an animal encounter & exhibit tour. 10am. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com.

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

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

Red Dirt n’ Red Velvet 2012 Membership Appreciation Party at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) treats current museum members to cupcakes & a free concert by Melissa Hembree. 7pm. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

Q Mummy & Son Masquerade Ball at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) is a costume affair for Moms & sons ages 4-12 with activities & dancing. Tickets must be pre-purchased. $5. 7-9pm. 376-3411, [email protected].

October 13 • SaturdayFREE Practice ACT/SAT at College Nannies & Tutors (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond). Preregister. 9am. 513-6060, www.collegetutors.com/edmondok.

FREE Crafts for Kids “It’s a Hoot! Puppet” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3 & up. Transform paper plates into a lovable owl. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Kids' Meditation Class at Buddha Mind Monastery (5916 S Anderson) helps kids discover their inner wisdom through meditation, stories & activities. Wear comfortable, modest attire & socks. 11am-12:30pm. 869-0501, www.ctbuddhamind.org/classes.

Hands-On Science: Butterflies at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Help collect, tag & study migrating monarchs on their trek northward from Mexico. Preregister. $2 per person. 4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

Q FREE Downtown Library After Dark! teen lock-in for ages 12-17. Registration form required with parent signature. 7pm.

October 13–31Q Pumpkinville in the Children’s Garden at the Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Hands-on activities, entertainment & hay bale mazes. FREE for members, $5 non-members. Adults FREE with child. Monday-Thursday, 10am-8pm; Friday-Sunday, 9am-9pm. www.myriadgardens.org.

October 15 • MondayHomeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium accommodates homeschool families & groups who do not meet the standard minimum for education group rates. Preregister. $10 adults, $7 youth.

October 15–20Just Between Friends Children’s Consignment Event at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman). Many items 25% off on Friday & 50% off on Saturday. Monday-Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. www.jbfsale.com/norman.

October 16 • TuesdayQ Tiny Tuesdays “Spooky Puppets” at the OKC Museum of Art. Drop in, open-ended art-making for ages 2-5 with parent. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am-noon.

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OCTOBER 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 .......769-9452Northwest .........5600 NW 122nd .......606-3580Wright 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


http://www.ymcaokc.org

http://www.clevelandcountycropwalk.org

http://www.welcometobricktown.com

http://www.rose.edu/rose-state-live


http://www.chesapeakearena.com


http://www.batmanlive.com



http://www.bewildforart.com

http://www.mistletoemarket.org

http://www.okczooed.com

http://www.2ndfridaynorman.com

http://www.plazadistrict.org

http://www.mgmoa.org



http://www.collegetutors.com/edmondok

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com

http://www.ctbuddhamind.org/classes



http://www.myriadgardens.org


http://www.jbfsale.com/norman

http://www.metrolibrary.org

http://www.pls.lib.ok.us


Q FREE Zombie Makeup at the Del City Library teaches teens to create special effects zombie makeup for Halloween. Preregister. 4:30-5:30pm.

October 17 • WednesdayHomeschool Day at the Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln) provides hands-on learning activities in an old-fashioned schoolhouse, barn & farmhouse for homeschool students ages 6-12. Preregister. $8 per student. 10am-1:30pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

October 18 • ThursdayOrchids in October Luncheon at the Myriad Gardens Restaurant honors Larry Nichols & benefits the Myriad Botanical Gardens Foundation. $75 per person. 11:30am-1pm. 297-3974, www.myriadgardens.org.

Art on Thursday: Wind Chimes at Be Wild for Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman). Children 10+ will learn to make colorful glass wind chimes. Preregister. $40, includes materials. 1-2:30pm & 4:30-6pm. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.

October 19 • FridayMom’s Classic Grilled Cheese Challenge at Science Museum Oklahoma is a live grilled cheese cook-off for six celebrity judges. To enter, record yourself making your famous grilled cheese sandwich & submit it to SMO by October 12 at noon. The top 10 entries will be selected to compete in the cook-off. No cost to

enter competition. Event is FREE with paid museum admission. 11:30am.

Broadway Ball: A Gallantly Gothic Affair at the Skirvin Hilton (1 Park) benefits Lyric Theatre & features songs from some of Broadway’s spookiest productions. 6:30pm, $250. 524-9310, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16 & up, 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 10/20, 23, 26, 28.

Q Whooo’s Out There? Family Program at the OKC Zoo. Families will learn about owls, meet a real owl & enjoy a zoo night hike. Preregister. $15 ZooFriends member, $18 nonmembers. Parents FREE with paid child. 6-8:30pm. 425-0218.

Q Broadway Ball: A Gallantly Gothic Affair at the Skirvin Hilton benefits Lyric Theatre & celebrates the dark side with songs from Broadway’s spookiest productions. 524-9310, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

Q FREE The Great Pumpkin Roll at Chilsholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features a variety of pumpkin contests. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

October 19–21Sweet Repeats Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant, Edmond). Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm, Sunday, noon-3pm. www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com.

An Affair of the Heart at the State Fairgrounds is among the largest arts & crafts shows in the nation

occupying more than five buildings & offering a variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry & clothing. $7 per person (ticket good for all three days). Friday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 632-2652, www.aaoth.com.

October 20 • SaturdayQ FREE Fall Fest at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Charles Cooper, Sulphur) features traditional Chickasaw food & family-friendly activities. 10am-4pm. 580-622-7130, www.chikcasawculturalcenter.com.

Q FREE Crafts for Kids “Dancing Spider” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3 & up to make a spider to dance with. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE 8th Annual Cancer Survivor’s Tea at the Peggy & Charles Stephenson Cancer Center (800 NE 10) is open to anyone that has been affected by cancer. Features refreshments, speaker Jari Askins & informational health news. Preregister. 1pm. 232-1621.

OU Football vs. Kansas at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Time TBA. www.soonersports.com. Other home games this month: 10/27.

FREE Tippi Toes Day of Dance at Transformation Fitness Center (14701 N Kelly, Edmond) features crafts & dance for ages 18 months-10 years. 2:30-5pm. 361-3620, www.tippitoesdance.com.

OSU Football vs. Iowa State at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. Time TBA. www.okstate.com. Other home games this month: 10/27.

Weekly EventsFREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. See website for details.

FREE Art Moves weekdays (Monday-Friday) in downtown OKC (various locations). Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm. 270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.

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

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).

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

FREE Tuesday Noon Tunes at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features 30-minute concerts performed by OU music students & faculty. Tuesdays. Noon-12:30pm.

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 Wide Open Wednesdays at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features FREE admission on 15 consecutive Wednesdays concluding November 14.

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

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

FREE Norman Library Music Connection features music & story for ages 3-7 with parent. Thursdays, 7pm; Fridays, 10:30am.

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.

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) for beginner, intermediate, advanced & featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art features hands-on art activities. FREE with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm.

All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email [email protected] to verify schedule. 354-2516.

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.

Live Banjo Performance at the American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan) invites guests to enjoy a live banjo performance on Saturdays. FREE with paid admission. 3-5pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com.

Haunt the River Cruise departs from Regatta Park Landing. Includes cocktails, dancing, appetizers & costume contest. Must be 21 & older. Preregister. Saturdays in October, 7:30-9pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.

FREE Green Earth Rangers at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for teens ages 13-18 to assist the park with complex, leadership-driven conservation efforts. Sundays, call for times. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

FREE Open House at techJOYnt (8328 Glade) provides information about this hands-on, technology-based after-school education academy. Sundays, 2-4pm. 345-5010, www.techjoynt.org.


http://www.harnhomestead.com




http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com



http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com

http://www.cityofyukonok.gov

http://www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com

http://www.aaoth.com

http://www.chikcasawculturalcenter.com


http://www.soonersports.com

http://www.tippitoesdance.com

http://www.okstate.com

http://www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves

http://www.cityofmustang.org

http://www.jumpzoneparty.com

http://www.celebrationstation.com

http://www.celebrationstation.com

http://www.ucojazzlab.com

http://www.fullcirclebooks.com

http://www.bestofbooksedmond.com

http://www.bestofbooksedmond.com

http://www.skategalaxyokc.com




http://www.americanbanjomuseum.com

http://www.americanbanjomuseum.com

http://www.okrivercruises.com

http://www.okrivercruises.com



Game Day Camps for Kids at Oklahoma WONDERtorium (308 W Franklin, Stillwater). Free play for children 3-12 while parents attend OSU football. Open 1 hour prior to kickoff on home game days. Preregister. $60 per child. 533-3333, www.okwondertorium.org/gameday. Also held: 10/27.

Q Fort Reno Ghost Tours at Historic Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno). Tales of haunted buildings, villainous murders & lost treasure. Tours & presentations by paranormal research teams. Pre-register. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 5-12. 7:30pm. 262-3987, www.fortreno.org.

Girls Go STEM event for grades 4-12 includes hands-on projects, career exploration and leadership development. 6100 N. Robinson, OKC. $5 for Girl Scout members, $7 for non-members. Sponsored by Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. 800-698-0022, www.gswestok.org.

October 21 • SundayQ FREE Fall Into Art at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) features nature-inspired art, exhibitions, kids’ crafts, music & more. 1-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

FALL BREAK CAMPSOctober 10–12Did You Ever? Fall Break Camp at Science Museum Oklahoma for students in grades 1-6 features fun science activities. Preregister. $150 for three-day camp, $65/day. 9am-4pm. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org. Also held 10/18-19; $100 for 2-day camp or $65/day.

G.O.T.C.H.A (Great Outdoor Teaching Classroom Holiday Adventure) at Camp DaKaNi (3309 E Hefner) features indoor & outdoor activities. Before/After care for additional fee. Preregister. $105. 9am-3:30pm. 254-2080, www.campfireusa-ok.org.

Fall Into Art Create Escape Camp at Fine Arts Institute of Edmond (27 E Edwards, Edmond) for students in grades 2-5. Drinks & snacks provided, bring a sack lunch. Preregister. $55 per day. 9:30am-2pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com.

October 11 & 18School’s Out Safari Day Camp at the OKC Zoo Education Center for ages 4-12 years old features animal encounters, crafts, activities & more. Preregister. $30 per day. 8am-3pm. 425-0218.

October 11 • ThursdayEngineers to the Rescue: Fall Break Workshop presented by Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma at the Mary Nichols’ Leadership Center (6100 N Robinson) teaches girls about engineering. For Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors. Preregister by 10/8. $20. 8am-5pm. www.gswestok.org.

Duct Tape Crafts at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) instructs youth & teens how to make accessories out of duct tape. Supplies included. Preregister. $12. Ages 13-17, 2-4pm; ages 6-12, 3-5pm. www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

October 11-12Thunder Youth Basketball Fall Break Mini-Camp at the Thunder Events Center (14701 N Lincoln) for ages 5-16 features Thunder coaches/players (when available). Includes T-shirt & $10 gift voucher. $125, $100 for season ticket & kids club members. 9am-noon. www.nba.com/thunder/thunder-youth-basketball-grows.

October 12 • FridayDesign Time: Fall Break Workshop presented by Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma at the Mary Nichols’ Family Leadership Center (6100 N Robinson) teachers girls about designing & engineering. Preregister by 10/8. For Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors. $20. 8am-5pm. www.gswestok.org.

Abstract Painting at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) instruction in how to work with acrylics to create original abstract art on canvas. Preregister. $10. Ages 6-12), 10am-noon; ages 13-17, 2-4pm. www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

October 17–19City Arts Center Fall Break Camp at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) for ages 5-13. Sessions taught by Oklahoma artists exploring mixed media painting, photography, ceramics, stop motion animation, visual & performance art, use of color & holiday-inspired folk art. Before & after-care available. Preregister. $90. 9am-4pm. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org. Also held 10/22-26, $150.

October 18–19Fall Break Camp at the Yukon Community Center (2200 Holly) for ages 5-11 features a field trip, crafts, games, pumpkin decorating & pumpkin roll contest. Preregister. $30. 9am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

Basketball Camp at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard,) for ages 7-16 features instruction in basic basketball skills. Preregister. 9am-noon. $50. 793-5090.

Thunder Youth Basketball Fall Break Mini-Camp at the Yukon High School Gym (1777 S Yukon, Yukon) for ages 5-16 features Thunder coaches/players (when available). See 10/11-12 listing for details.

October 22–26Fall Break Storytelling Camp presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) for ages 5-7 & 8-12 explores storytelling. Preregister. $150. 8am-6pm. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

G.O.T.C.H.A (Great Outdoor Teaching Classroom Holiday Adventure) at Camp DaKaNi (3309 E Hefner). See 10/10-12 listing for details.


http://www.okwondertorium.org/gameday

http://www.okwondertorium.org/gameday

http://www.fortreno.org

http://www.gswestok.org




http://www.campfireusa-ok.org



http://www.edmondok.com/parks/rec

http://www.nba.com/thunder/thunder-youth-basketball-grows

http://www.nba.com/thunder/thunder-youth-basketball-grows











FREE Casady School Open House for Primary (PreK-K) & Lower Divisions (Grades 1-4) at Casady School (9500 N Pennsylvania). Preregister. Walk-ins always welcome. 2-4pm. 749-3185, www.casady.org.

October 20–21Director’s Choice presented by the OKC Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall features select performances. $33 & up. 8pm. 848-8637, www.okcballet.com.

October 20–22FREE Norman Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Norman Public Library features bargains on books including special sections for collectible books & children’s books. $5 bag sale on Monday. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm; Monday, 3-8pm.

October 23 • TuesdayQ FREE Art Adventures: Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) for ages 3-5 with adult. Includes FREE museum admission. 10:30-11:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

October 23–31Q Storybook Forest at Spring Creek Park at Arcadia Lake is a not-so-scary walk through trick-or-treat path plus hayrides, games & campfire for roasting hot dogs & marshmallows. Adults FREE with child’s ticket. 5:30-8:30pm. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com.

October 25 • ThursdayQ Haunt the Harn at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln) features trick-or-treating, games & face painting on the museum’s grounds. $3 per child in advance, $5 per child at the door, up to 2 FREE adults per group. 6-9pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

Q Haunt the Zoo Preview Hike Family Program at the OKC Zoo. Take photos at the Haunt the Zoo booths without the crowds and candy. Preregister. $15 ZooFriends members, $18 nonmembers, Parents FREE with paid child. 6-8pm. 425-0218.

Ladies Night Out at Be Wild for Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman) features a reduced studio fee of $4 for women. 6-9pm. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.

Carrie Underwood Blown Away Tour at the Chesapeake Energy Arena with special guest Hunter Hayes. $55 & up. 7:30pm. www.chesapeakearena.com.

Patty Griffin at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) features a solo concert by this singer-songwriter. $40 & up. 8pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.

October 26 • FridayQ FREE Fall Festival at Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur). Games, moon bounce, giant slide, cakewalk, bingo, clowns & more. Donations for Infant Crisis Services will be received. 6-8:30pm. 721-4141

Q Mummy & Me Masquerade Ball at the 12th Ave Recreation Center (170112th Ave NE, Norman). A night

out for moms & their sons ages 4-12. Pre-purchase tickets at the 12th Ave Recreation Center or at the Norman Parks & Recreation office. $5; 6pm & 8pm. 292-7275, www.normanfun.com.

Q Mummy & Son Dance at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) is an evening of dancing and snacks for moms & sons. Halloween costumes encouraged. Pre-purchase tickets. $5. 7-8:30pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

Q Halloween Silent Film “The Cat & the Canary” at Sharp Hall in OU Catlett Music Center (500 W Boyd, Norman) features a silent film with organ accompaniment. $9, $5 students/seniors. 8pm. 325-4101, http://aoi.ou.edu.

Q Halloween Party at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) not-so-scary party featuring carnival games with guaranteed prizes and more. $5

PUMPKIN PATCHESThrough November 1TG Farms (4335 W Highway 9, Norman). Open daily, 9am-dark, call or visit website for pricing. 387-3276, www.tgfarms.com.

Through November 3The Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western). Admission includes hayride & a sugar pie pumpkin for children. Monday-Thursday, 10am-6pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm. Call or visit website for pricing. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

Through October 31St. Matthew United Methodist Church Annual Pumpkin Patch (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City). Proceeds benefit local programs. Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-8pm. 732-6831, www.stmatthew.org.

Through November 4Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch (720 Henney, Arcadia). $8. Thursday, 1-6pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. 396-0909, www.parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com.

Through November 3Mikles Family Farm Maze & Pumpkin Patch (42610 N Wolverine, Shawnee). Fridays, 6-10pm; Saturdays, 11am-10pm; Sundays, noon-5pm. Call or visit website for pricing. 401-8371, www.miklesfamilyfarm.com.

Through November 4Chester’s Pumpkin Patch (5201 Cimarron Rd, Piedmont). Entry fee includes pumpkin. Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. Call or visit website for pricing. 373-1595, www.chesterandcrew.com/pumpkinpatch.html.

Q


http://www.casady.org

http://www.okcballet.com

http://www.ou.edu/fjjma

http://www.arcadialakeok.com




http://www.soonertheatre.org

http://www.soonertheatre.org

http://www.normanfun.com

http://www.cityofmoore.com

http://aoi.ou.edu

http://www.tgfarms.com

http://www.orrfamilyfarm.com


http://www.stmatthew.org

http://www.parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com

http://www.parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com

http://www.miklesfamilyfarm.com

http://www.miklesfamilyfarm.com

http://www.chesterandcrew.com/pumpkinpatch.html

http://www.chesterandcrew.com/pumpkinpatch.html


ages 18 months-10 years, FREE 11 & up. 5:30-7:30pm. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com.

FREE Casady School Open House for Upper Division (Grades 9-12) at Casady School (9500 N Pennsylvania). Preregister. Walk-ins always welcome. 6-7:30pm. 749-3185, www.casady.org.

October 26–27Q Bright Night: Halloween with Harry Potter at Science Museum Oklahoma is a "haunted" overnight museum experience exploring the world of Harry Potter. Costumes encouraged. 1 adult per 6 children required. $45/child, $25/adult, discount for members. 6pm-8:15am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

October 26–31Q Haunt the Zoo at the OKC Zoo includes trick-or-treating & Halloween-themed fun. $7 per child, $6 in advance, adults FREE. 6:30-8:30pm.

October 27 • Saturday2012 OKC Race for the Cure at the Chickasaw Ballpark in Bricktown benefits the Susan G Komen Foundation in their fight to find a cure for breast cancer. Features a 5K timed race or 5K & 1-mile walk/run as well as a Kids’ Dash & Survivor Ceremony. $30 & up. 8am. www.komencentralwesternok.org.

Q Trick-Orr-Treating & Costume Contest at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) is a non-scary event with trick-or-treating & costume contest for ages 12 & under. 10am-9pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

Q Halloween Train at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand). $2 discount if you wear a costume. $15, Kids under 3 FREE. 10am, 11am, noon, 1:30pm & 2:30pm. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

Q FREE Crafts for Kids “Trick-or-Treat Scarecrow Mask” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3 & up. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Q FREE Fall Festival at the Ralph Ellison Library. Petting zoo, costume contest, dancing, crafts & face painting. 1-4pm.

Q FREE Monster Mash Dance Party at Quail Springs Mall (2501 W Memorial). Games, costume contest & mall-wide trick-or-treating. 1-4pm. www.quailspringsmall.com.

Q FREE Trick-or-Treat City at Joe B Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City. Candy village & carnival with food, games & crafts, carnival rides (ticket purchase required). 2-4:30pm. www.midwestcityok.org. Special needs session held 10/30, 1-2:30pm.

Q Spooksville at the Yukon Community Center (2200 Holly) features a carnival & haunted house. $3. 3-6pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

Q FREE Haunt Old Town Moore (Main & Broadway Area). Trick-or-treating, karaoke, hayrides, extreme animals petting zoo & more. 4-7pm. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com.

Q FREE Halloween Festival at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard). Trick-or-treating, games, costume contest & haunted room. 4-7pm. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com.

Q FREE Pumpkin Palooza at Mitch Park in Edmond features activities including a Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt. 5pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

Q Halloween Party in Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Children’s Garden (301 W Reno). Trick-or-treating, games, activities & music. Costumes welcome. FREE for members; nonmembers $10 children, $8.50 adults, $35 family (2 adults, 2 kids). 5-8pm. www.myriadgardens.org.

Q FREE Spooktacular at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). Carnival booths, games & haunted house for ages 11 & under with family. 6:30-9pm. 376-3411, [email protected].

Edmond’s Got Talent at Edmond North High School (215 W Danforth, Edmond) features a variety of acts from the community. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 7pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com.

Broadway to Bricktown presented by the Canterbury Choral Society at the Civic Center Music Hall features Broadway veteran & TV star, Ron Raines. $40 & up. 8pm. 232-7464, www.canterburyokc.com.

Q Spook & Roll at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) includes costume contest. $15. 7pm-midnight. 405-605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.

October 27–31Q HallowMarine! at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks includes trick-or-treating among the tanks, games, pirate ship & mermaid & pirate divers in the Coral Reef. $10 adults, $7 children. 6:30-9pm.

October 28 • SundayGirl Scout Fest at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 Garth Brooks, Yukon) features games, a sing-a-long, time capsule collection, lunch & birthday cake celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma. $4. 1-4pm. 528-GIRL, www.gswestok.org.

Q OKC Philharmonic Discovery Concert Series: Phil’s Monster Mash at the Civic Center Music Hall features costumes, Halloween-themed music & treats. $9. 2pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

Q FREE Trunk-or-Treat at Crown Heights Christian Church (4020 N Western) for ages 12 & under with adult. 5-6:30pm. 528-5568, www.crownheightschristian.com.

Q FREE Trunk-or-Treat at St. Matthew United Methodist Church (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City). Candy, music & games. 5-7pm. 732-6831, www.stmatthew.org.

Q FREE Trunk or Treat at New Covenant Church (2700 S Boulevard, Edmond) features carnival games, moon bounce, refreshments, door prizes, trick-or-treating & friendly costumes. 6pm. 562-3200, www.newcov.tv.

October 29 • WednesdayQ Mummy & Son Masquerade at the Jackie Cooper gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) for boys ages 4-12 with an adult female caregiver. $3. 6-8pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

Full Moon Hike at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) features hike & lunar discussion. Preregister. $2 per person. 6:30pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

October 30 • TuesdayQ FREE Art Adventures: The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art for ages 3-5 with an adult. Includes free museum admission. 10:30-11:30am.

FREE Wizard’s Chess at the Northwest Library features a live chess game where participants become the pieces. No prior chess experience required. For older elementary, teens & adults. Preregister.


http://www.unpluggits.com

http://www.casady.org




http://www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org



http://www.quailspringsmall.com

http://www.quailspringsmall.com

http://www.midwestcityok.org









http://www.canterburyokc.com





http://www.crownheightschristian.com



http://www.newcov.tv

http://www.newcov.tv






October 31 • WednesdayQ Official Trick-or-Treating Day: Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Mustang, Oklahoma City and Yukon!

Q FREE Trick-or-Treat on Our Street at the Outlet Shoppes at OKC (7624 W Reno) for ages 12 & under in Halloween costumes. 4-6pm. 787-3700 x1.

Q FREE Trick-or-Treat on the Street in Downtown Edmond. 5-7pm. 249-9391.

Q FREE Treats But No Tricks at Sooner Mall (3301 W Main, Norman) features mall wide trick-or-treating & costume contest for children 11 & under. 5-8pm. www.soonermall.com.

Q FREE Trunk-or-Treat at Edmond First Baptist Church (1300 SE 33) features candy & games. 6-7:30pm. www.fbcedmond.org/trunkortreat.

Q 3rd Annual Halloween Bash at the Museum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane). A safe & educational trick-or-treating alternative with door prizes, candy & activities. $3, children 3 & under FREE with a paid adult. 6-9pm. 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org.

November 2 • FridayChemistry Day at Science Museum Oklahoma allows visitors to discover chemistry through inquiry stations, team & individual chemistry competitions & live chemistry demonstrations. 9am-4pm.

OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10 & up. 7pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 11/4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 26, 28, 30.

OKC Barons vs. Houston Aeros at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16 & up, 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 11/3, 13, 16, 17.

November 2–3FREE 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.

November 2–4The Wizard of Oz at Rose State Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) is a musical based on the classic novel by L. Frank Baum. Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm, Sunday, 2pm. 733-7673, www.rose.edu/rose-state-live.

November 3Q FREE Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival at the Robertson Activity Center (Hwy 66 & Mustang, Yukon). 9am-4pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

November 6–11Mary Poppins at the Civic Center Music Hall stage adaptation of the popular Disney film. $20+. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. www.celebrityattractions.com.

October 9–December 22Boo Ritson Exhibit: Homecoming at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing). Opening reception 10/9, 5:30pm. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

Through October 12Hank the Cowdog: Lost in the Dark Unchanted Forest presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre at the Children’s Center for the Arts. $9 adults, $6 children ages 2-12, FREE children under 2. Friday & Wednesday, 11am; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm.

October 18–November 4Frankenstein at the Civic Center Music Hall presents a modern adaptation of Mary Shelley’s tale. $10 preview performance 10/18. $20. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 297-2264, www.okctheatrecompany.org.

Through October 27Generation Next: Chapter Two at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum showcases artwork by former OKC Thunder player Desmond Mason.

Through October 28Earth Chronicles: Oklahoma at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features works by Fran Hardy and other Oklahoma artists. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

FrightFest at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) Halloween-themed fun for all ages. FREE with admission. Additional fee for Haunted House. Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, noon-11pm; Sunday, noon-10pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com.

Through October 31Q FREE 8th Annual Terror on 10th Street Haunted House (2005 NW 10th, OKC). All proceeds go to mission trips. $7 per person. Friday-Sunday, 7-11pm; 10/20, 3-11pm; Open Daily 10/25-31. 232-1816.

Q WINGS Fall Festival (13700 N Eastern, Edmond) features pumpkins and fall decor for sale, FREE hayrides & pumpkin decorating. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm (until pumpkins are gone). 242-4646, www.wingsok.org.

Through November 25A Gathering of Traditions: A Centennial Celebration of Dr. Charles Marius Barbeau in Oklahoma at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Through December 9Oklahoma & Infamy at the Oklahoma History Center includes artifacts, uniforms, interviews with veterans & personal letters. FREE admission to veterans & active duty military.

Through 2012Oklahoma at the Movies at the Oklahoma History Center showcases the creativity & innovation of Oklahomans & their legacy of creating, starring in & watching motion pictures.

Through January 6, 2013American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell at the OKC Museum of Art includes paintings & sculptures by a variety of artists.

Dancers & Deities: Kachinas from the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features a selection of Native American Kachina.

Southwest Visions: Paintings from the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History includes Southwest Native American paintings that span the development of this important genre of Native American Art.

Through May 29, 2013Crumbo Spirit Talk at the Oklahoma History Center features the art of Woody Crumbo & his children.

Through June 2013Enriched: Animal Art from the OKC Zoo at the Oklahoma History Center showcases the process of animal enrichment through painting. Mondays-Saturdays.

Through August 2013Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum.

Ongoing Events

For a comprehensive and constantly-updated Fall

Fun Guide, check out www.metrofamilymagazine.com/

fall-fun!

Q


http://www.soonermall.com

http://www.soonermall.com

http://www.fbcedmond.org/trunkortreat

http://www.fbcedmond.org/trunkortreat


http://www.nba.com/thunder

http://www.nba.com/thunder



http://www.thepaseo.com

http://www.thepaseo.com






http://www.okctheatrecompany.org

http://www.mgmoa.org

http://www.frontiercity.com

http://www.wingsok.org





Foryearsmyfamilytriedtogetmeintoacornmaze.TheyfinallysucceededonthepretenseofaGirlScoutouting.

Mydaughtercaredlessaboutthemazethantheaccumulationofbadges,andshe’dalreadypickedoutaspotonhergreenvestforthegiganticearofcornthatsymbolizedovercomingthechallenge.So,afterhavingsufferedtheactualcornmaze,Iwouldberewardedwiththemonumentaltaskofaffixingthebadgetothesash.WhenshestartedGirlScoutswehadtochoosebetweenthesashandthevest,whichheldmorebadges.I’manoptimist,soIboughtthesashhopingshe’dloseinterestafterthefirstyear.However,itdidn’tlooklikeI’dgetmywish.Thegirlwoulddoanythingforabadge.ShewassocompetitiveIwouldn’thavebeensurprisedifshegottheGoldMedalforcrochetingascarfoutofyarnshemadeherselffromsheepsheraisedinthebackyard.

Onthiscornmazething,shewastakingnoprisoners.Everyyearbeforethismyfamilyaskedmetotakethemtoacornmaze,andeveryyearIfoundanexcusetosaynotothatparticularbrandofasinineandterrifying“familyfun.”Nogoodcancomefromgettinglostamidstalks.It’snotthatIdon’tlikecorn.Creamedcorn,cornonthecob,cornfritters,cornbread,candycorn,cornstarch,cornchips.Lovethemall.Ijustdon’tunderstandwhatissupposedtobefunaboutgettinglostonpurpose.Thisphobianotmyfault.IblameChildren of the Corn.Oranyotherhorrorfilm.Whatwouldaslasherflickbewithoutcornsyrup?IalsobelievethatcorncobviolenceduringOctoberandNovemberisgreatlyunderreported.It’sascaryfoodgroup.Onemightgetlostincorn,nevertobeseenorheardfromagain.Lastyear,oneunfortunatefamilymadenationalheadlinesfortheirpanicked9-1-1callfromthebellyofacornbeast.Asdarknessfell,theywereunabletofindtheirwayoutofacornmaze.Thisissupposedtobeacrop,notwholesomeautumnentertainment.Butthatbitofhandynewscametoolateformethisyear.Evenifithadn’t,therewasthebadgeatstake.Offwewent,venturingdeepintotheOzarkmountains,whicharereallyjusthills.Brokendownshacks,trailerswithcorrugatedgreenplasticroofing,andrustedeverythingmadeupthesceneryonthewaytothecornmaze.Thisdidlittleformyconfidenceinthetypeofpeoplewhorantheplace.WouldtheyemploystateoftheartmazeGPStracking?Notlikely.Wouldtheykillusandsellourorgans?Perhaps.OnthedriveinIimaginedawholecottageindustryof

humanspleensharvestedamongthestalks.Wepassedthroughseveraltownswheretheonlyproductivethingapersoncandoistoleave.Inonesuchtownwasafillingstation(thatiswhattheyarecalledintheseparts)advertisingbuffalomeatforsale.“Oh,sure,”Isaid,“that’swhattheycallit.Justdon’tgetlostinthecorn.”Sorry,peopleofthehills,butit’snotastretchtothinkthatthosewhowouldpickleandeatthefootofapigmightnotbesqueamishaboutyourtenderbicepflesh.Noworries.Ihadaplan.AndIhadaphonewithGPS.Acouplemilesfromthecornmaze,justwhenIthoughtI’dfoundanappthatmightkeepmesafe—oratleastmynextofkinnotifiedofmywhereabouts—Ilostmysignal.Thelightningstartedjustasweturnedontothegravelroad,andcontinuedtoprovidedramaticambianceasweapproachedtheentrance,whichhappenedtobeacemetery.Notanormalcemetery,withsmoothcutrocksandtidyrows,butacreepycountryordealcompletewithagnarlyoldtreeandabarbedwirefence.Justincaseanyonewantedtobreakin.Orout.“Theresurearealotofpeoplehere,”myhusbandmutteredaswepulledintotheparkinglot.“That’sbecausethey’realllostinthecornmaze,”Itoldhim.“It’slikearoachmotelforstupidhumans.”Mydaughter,thesensitiveone,saidfromthebackseat.“We’reallgonnadie!”Iexpectedtoseeacrucifixmadeofcornhusksanyminute.Instead,therewasasignadvertisinghayridesandapettingzoo.I

believedithousedthestrandedpuppiesoffamilieswhonevercameoutofthecorn.Whenwefoundtherestofthetroop,IwonderediftheleaderhadThinMintsandSamosasinherfannypack.Youknow,incaseweweren’tmurderedrightoff,buthadtosurvivebyourwits,hidingfromhungryhillbilliesandHeWhoWalksBehindtheRows.Thefateswerewithusthatday.Shortlyafterwearrived,thecornmazewasclosedduetotherain.Myfearofcornmazescontinued,butIwouldn’thavetofaceitforatleastanotheryear.Mydaughtertookaconsolation“rainyday”badgethatwasnearlyaslargeasthecornbadge,andjustasdifficulttosewontohersash.Afewmonthslatersheresigned.AnyfutureattemptstoconvincemetoriskmylifeinrowsofcornwouldnotbeassistedbythefullbackingoftheGirlScoutsofAmerica.Butthosecraftycornmazeproprietorshavecomeupwithanewsellingpoint:goingintothemazeafterdark,withmerelyaflashlighttoguidetheway.Right.I’llberightover,justassoonasIchargemyphoneandfilethisLastWillandTestament.

Lela Davidson is the author of BlacklistedfromthePTA, a collection of irreverent essays about motherhood and the modern family. She blogs about marriage, motherhood, and life-after-40 on www.afterthebubbly.com.

Editor’s note: We welcome Lela Davidson to MetroFamily Magazine! She’ll be sharing her humor about the trials and tribulations of motherhood here each month.

Mom Gets the Last LaughTerror in the Corn Maze


http://www.afterthebubbly.com

metrofamily magazine october 2012

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