MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.
NOV/DEC 2021
Cold Weather, Warm Hearts Active outdoor fun ideas Family Mental Wellness Setting boundaries for healthy relationships
56 EXPLORING OKLAHOMA'S WINTER WONDERS Features 18 Gift Local Shop unique ideas from metro museum stores for kids and adults 22 Healthy Holiday Swaps Easy tips and tasty recipes for a scrumptious season 24 Matriarchs on a Mission Nonprofit empowers cultural connection for Indigenous women 34 Making Memories Create a holiday haven with festive tablescape ideas 40 Faces of MetroFamily Meet the community leaders behind local businesses 50 Talking to Kids About Sex Conversation starters and resources for parents of teens
Departments 10 Local Family Fun 5 can’t-miss holiday happenings 14 Real Moms of the Metro A day in the life of the National Mother of the Year 28 Calendar of Events Find holiday magic at local light displays and festivals 52 Family Mental Wellness How setting boundaries can improve relationships 56 Exploring Oklahoma Top spots to enjoy active fun this winter
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On the Cover Cold Weather, Warm Hearts page 56 Family Mental Wellness page 52
Holiday Magic pages 10 & 28
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
D o you ever feel guilty about when moving at rapid speed? I don’t know about you, but parenting during a pandemic has made me hyper aware of my many flaws as a mother. Time and again, it’s this MetroFamily community that reminds me of the power to be found in parenthood, even in my imperfections. your mom (or dad) guilt?! Is your to-do list so long that you can’t get everything done, even As I spoke recently with local mom of five, entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit For the Village Farah Antoine-Mayberry, she shared a message that keeps coming back to me: mom guilt comes from a good place, the quest to make the best decisions for our kids. I’m going to move into this season that’s typically high-stress with that balm to my soul in mind. My mom guilt will not breed more guilt. Not long after that conversation with Farah, I had the opportunity to chat with another local mom for whom I have much admiration, who also happens to be the Oklahoma and National Mother of the Year, Dr. Mautra Staley Jones. She laughingly shared that the week prior her kids had accused her of “forgetting” them at school, which they were quick to say was not befitting of her mother-of-the-year title. In actuality, she was in a meeting that was running long and tagged her husband to pick up the kids, which he was glad to do. Y’all, if even the *actual* Mother of the Year cannot do it all, it’s OK if we can’t either! Mautra underscored to me the importance of taking things day by day, especially in chaotic seasons, and that it’s OK to ask for help when I need it.
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Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers April Deocariza Ronneal Mathews Mecca Rayne Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Contact us NEW MAILING ADDRESS: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
We are human. We’re all doing the very best we can. How can you wrap up 2021 and move into 2022 with more grace for yourself and for the parents around you? Let’s start this holiday season by each reaching out to one parent around us to, like Farah and Mautra, provide a much-needed word of encouragement or shared laughter. We’re in this together. With gratitude, MY THREE WILD WONDERS CONSISTENTLY REMIND ME TO CHOOSE JOY.
Erin Page Managing Editor
On the Cover Anabelle, 7, is the winner of
MetroFamily’s 2021 Cover Kids Search in the 6-7 age category. She is a dancer who loves ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Anabelle attends Moore Public Schools and enjoys drawing and singing. She is the daughter of Crystal and Johnny and big sister to Alexander. Anabelle’s favorite place to visit in the metro is the OKC Zoo.
MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2021 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.
Proud member of
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 5
OFF THE PAGES
Be one of the first 50 people to join MetroFamily Insiders during the month of November and you’ll also receive a $20 gift certificate from Green Bambino, good through December and just in time for holiday gifting. Available for just $25, a subscription to MetroFamily Insiders includes our magazines mailed straight to your home for one year, plus discount and early-bird tickets to MetroFamily events, including both The (Modern) Art of Parenting Join MetroFamily Insiders & Score a BIG Bonus!
Summit scheduled for February and Geekapalooza STEAM Festival on March 12, 2022.
A MetroFamily Insiders subscription also makes a perfect gift for a parent or grandparent in your life this holiday season — or gift it to yourself! Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/insider for more details.
Give Back as a Family
Commemorate Native Heritage Month November was declared Native American Heritage Month in 1990 by President George Bush, and the commemoration seeks to provide a platform for Native people to share their culture, traditions and heritage. From Thanksgiving lessons from a Native
FILLING TUMMIES
FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Volunteering as a family is a meaningful way to spend time together, not to mention benefit the community and teach kids the importance of lending a hand. Find socially- distant opportunities to serve as a family this season at metrofamilymagazine.com/ socially-distant-volunteer-opportunities.
perspective to a full history curriculum, find resources to celebrate your own Native heritage or learn about Native culture at metrofamilymagazine.com/native- heritage-month, thanks to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Native American Student Services team.
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ULTIMATE Holiday Giveaway!
MetroFamily’s HUGE holiday contest is back in a big way! Enter for a chance to win one of three prize bundles from our partners, including a staycation weekend at one of three OKC hotels, 21C, Ambassador and Colcord (each with $50 credit for food and drinks at their associated restaurants).
(ABOVE) 21C, (LEFT) AMBASSADOR, (BELOW) COLCORD
The contest runs Dec. 1 through 12 and you can enter daily. Learn more about the prizes and packages at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 7
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Looking for the big guy this holiday season? Santa is busy but he’ll be popping up in venues around OKC. Get Santa's full itinerary at metrofamilymagazine.com/where-to- find-santa-in-okc .
Festive Favorites Get in the holiday spirit with our Winter Fun Guides! Find local holiday light displays, cold weather fun, cultural celebrations, Christmas tree farms, special events and much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/ winter-fun-guides.
THE ARTESIAN HOTEL
In an effort to ensure the safety of the families we serve and the community at large, our annual Geekapalooza: STEAM Festival for Kids has been postponed from the original Nov. 6 date to Saturday, March 12. This exciting day of kid-friendly activities on subjects like robotics, coding and geosciences, plus live music, food trucks and great prizes, will be held at our partner Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s new STEAM-focused urban camp facility, Camp Trivera. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/ geekapalooza for more information and to purchase tickets.
RESCHEDULED FOR SPRING 2022
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mitch park all ages sweater
Saturday • December 4th • 5p.m. eventbrite.com or edmondparks.com
LOCAL FAMILY FUN
Merry & BRIGHT! New & Returning Holiday Happenings
BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Safari Lights Oklahoma City Zoo Nightly Nov. 6-Jan. 9, 5:30-11 p.m.
Whether your family loves the glittering lights, holiday productions, cold weather fun or unique experiences of this season, Oklahoma City offers something for everyone. Holiday happenings are back in a big way this year, with expansive new events and reinvented favorites leading the way for family fun. We wish you a season of memory making with those you love best!
It’s been nearly 30 years since the Oklahoma City Zoo had a holiday light attraction but that’s changing this year! Families are invited to enjoy Safari Lights, a drive-thru and walkable holiday experience inside the zoo. The drive-thru display is wildlife-themed, of course, with interactive features celebrating endangered animals and the animals at the zoo. The mile drive into the zoo wraps around the zoo’s perimeter, passing Dog Row, the animal hospital, continuing behind Sanctuary Asia and exiting by the education building east of the zoo entrance. Families have the option to park and head back inside for more lights, the chance to meet Santa and lots of fun photo opportunities.
On the weekends, Santa will be hanging out at The Canopy restaurant to pose for pictures. There will be fun displays
and photo opportunities in the Children’s Zoo area as well as crafts and snacks available in the restaurant. “We’ll have s’mores kits, hot chocolate and fun seasonal snacks, and the gift shop will be open so families can pick up some unique gifts during their visit,” said Candice Rennels, director of public relations for the zoo.
To cap it all off, the zoo’s entry plaza will feature a synchronized light show designed by the Miranda family, Edmond residents and 2019 contestants on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. A bonus for families visiting: Dino Safari has been extended and is included in Safari Lights admission. The drive-thru experience is $60 per car, $50 for Zoofriends members, and four tickets are included for the walkable activities in the Children’s Zoo and The Canopy restaurant. Families can opt for just the walkable activities for $12 per person, $10 for Zoofriends members, for ages 3 and up. Timed tickets are required, and families can make their reservations for the night they would like to visit in advance at okczoo.org/tickets.
THE OKC ZOO BRINGS BACK A HOLIDAY LIGHT ATTRACTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY 30 YEARS.
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Curiousiday: Hibernating Holiday Sam Noble Museum Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Sam Noble Museum continues the monthly Curiosiday events in December with a visit from Santa. He is coming out of hibernation to hang out with museum guests and pose for photos. After snapping the perfect Santa pic, families can learn about how different animals survive the winter. Kids can craft animal ornaments, create winter-wonderland scenes and everyone can enter a holiday sweater raffle for the chance to win a holiday surprise.
The program will be bilingual in English and Spanish, and all activities and photo opportunities are free with admission. Adult admission is $8 and kids ages 4 to 17 are $5. Kids 3 and under get in free. Advanced tickets are not required but can be purchased at samnoblemuseum.ou.edu/ planyourvisit.
LEARN HOW ANIMALS SURVIVE THE WINTER AT SAM NOBLE.
ENTER THE HOLIDAY SWEATER RAFFLE!
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Nov. 26-Jan. 2, noon–7:30 p.m.
Snow tubing is back at the ballpark! Bundle up and zip down one of four icy tracks on a gigantic man-made slope, where snow is always in the forecast. Sessions run an hour and half and there will be two distances to choose from so kids of all ages can join in the fun. But keep in mind that no lap riding is allowed; sliders have to be able to go down the slope on their own. As always, the ballpark will be festively decorated, and their concessions will be serving holiday treats. New this year, organizers are planning some entertaining programming on the video board to add to the festivities. “Just like Dodgers baseball, people are pretty excited to have snow tubing back after not having it for a year,” said Alex Freedman, director of communications and broadcasting for the OKC Dodgers. “We are going to have some fun things going on our video board to keep things fun even when you’re in line.” Winterfest will be open on select dates starting Black Friday until mid-December and then daily through Jan. 2. Four sessions will be offered each day from noon to 7:30 p.m. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit okcdodgers.com.
SNOW TUBING IS BACK AT THE BALLPARK.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 11
Harn Homestead Nov. 17-Dec. 23 Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
SUSAN RILEY AND CHARLIE MONNOT IN LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL . PHOTOS BY K. TALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY.
Challenged to create a safe experience during the pandemic, Lyric Theatre transformed their annual performance of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol , into an immersive, walkable production. The directors, actors and set designers transformed Harn Homestead into the streets of Victorian London and the setting of Ebenzer Scrooge’s climactic visits from three magical ghosts. Lyric is bringing back their 75-minute, outdoor, walkable production again this year. Families move from scene to scene to see a host of characters, including Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. The production features two rotating casts and tickets start at $37 for kids and $62 for adults. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit lyrictheatreokc.com.
W. JEROME STEVENSON AS EBENEZER SCROOGE WITH TINY TIM
THE NUTCRACKER OKC BALLET ’ S Civic Center Music Hall
LIGHTS ON BROADWAY Automobile Alley
OKC TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL Bricktown & Virtual
A CHRISTMAS CAROL LYRIC ’ S Harn Homestead
SAINTS
MERRY MIDTOWN midtown
midtown
DEVON ICE RINK Myriad Botanical Gardens
LIGHTS DISPLAYS
downtown-wide
A DOG DAY IN DECEMBER Midtown Mutts Dog Park
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Devon Ice Rink Myriad Gardens Daily Nov. 5-Jan. 30
Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Families can lace up their skates again for a spin around the Devon Ice Rink after a year’s hiatus! An annual family favorite, the rink will welcome skaters through Jan. 30. Bundle up and zip around the 5,500-square-foot real ice rink surrounded by glittering lights and holiday displays in the park. Skaters can warm up with seasonal food and beverages between trips around the rink. Admission is $14 per person and includes skate rentals. For those with their own skates, admission is $9. Groups rates are available for groups of 10 or more people, but advanced reservations are required. The rink will be open for extended hours around Thanksgiving, winter break, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find out more about the rink and their seasonal hours at myriadgardens.com/devonicerink.
THE DEVON ICE RINK REOPENS THIS SEASON AFTER A YEAR’S HIATUS.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
WALK THE LIGHTS
Dec. 1 - 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Dec. 2 - 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Joe B. Barnes Regional Park
Joe B. Barnes Regional Park
Tickets $5 per person.
Drive-thru open daily Dec. 2 - 25
Children 6 and under FREE!
6 - 10 p.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Throughout the evening en oy
6 - 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Santa's Village with family crafts
118 ft Christmas Tree & Tunnel of Lights
Hot chocolate and eats from
Over 100 Animated Displays!
local food vendors
Donations help us ring the event ack
Free photos with Santa
next year!
City of Midwest City Special Events
100 N. Midwest Blvd | Midwest City, Oklahoma
(405) 739-1289 | MidwestCityOK.org
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 13
REAL MOMS OF THE METRO
Dr. Mautra Staley Jones A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE NATIONAL MOTHER OF THE YEAR
“As a woman of faith, I have always believed and lived by the principle ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” said Mautra. “I hope that through my diverse set of life experiences and gifts, I can serve and relate to people at all levels and throughout the many stages of life, from the underserved yet talented youth to the struggling but selfless mom. We all have an obligation to give back.” As National Mother of the Year, Mautra hopes to reflect the realities that moms are imperfect, always learning and trying their best in the midst of both the joys and challenges of parenthood. As a vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at Langston University and executive director of the Langston University Foundation, wife to U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, mom of three active kids and committed board member to eight community organizations, no two days are ever the same in Mautra’s world, but each day includes a commitment to her faith, marriage, children, career and community. Mautra gave us a peek into her daily routine.
When Mautra Jones was named Oklahoma’s 2021 Mother of the Year, she was touched and humbled. Then, when she was announced National Mother of the Year during the American Mother's, Inc. 2021 virtual conference, ironically while in the car with her family between kids’ soccer games, she was shocked. Mautra has embraced the unique opportunity to help empower moms throughout the country, and by sharing her own story, from a difficult childhood to a life based on serving others, Mautra hopes she can be an inspiration to others.
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
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inquiries about how donors can assist the foundation and aligns donor interests with campus initiatives. She also oversees the creation of scholarship funds and the awarding of those funds to students. As 2021 comes to a close, Mautra is ensuring end-of-year fundraising goals are met, reporting to individual, corporate, foundation, community and government donors and planning fundraising efforts for 2022. 10 a.m. Mautra takes time each day to touch base with Bernard. She also prioritizes a daily call to her grandmother and checks in regularly with her brothers, godmother and other close family members. As highlighted by the pandemic, Mautra says life is precious and not promised, so communicating her love to those closest to her is a daily priority. 10:30 a.m. One of Mautra’s favorite parts of her job is time spent with Langston students. Helping students find resources to fund their educations, resolve challenges or set their paths for successful futures is
extremely fulfilling. Mautra also works with community partners to expand the university’s outreach efforts and with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on degree completion initiatives. 12 p.m. Lunchtime usually consists of either meeting with donors or a board meeting for one of the eight boards Mautra currently serves on, each special to her because she has the opportunity to touch various parts of the community and see lives changed through helping organizations achieve their missions. 1:30 p.m. Back at the office, Mautra works with various local nonprofits or community partners interested in using Langston’s OKC campus to host events as the site serves as hub of collaboration and community gathering. She also assists in overseeing the new MAPS 3 Health & Wellness Center at NE 36th Street and Lincoln Blvd, scheduled for completion in 2022, as the university is the operating partner for this initiative.
5:30 a.m. Time to wake up! Everyone in the Jones family is up by 6 a.m. to get ready for the day, including preparing lunches, packing snacks and grabbing breakfast. 8 a.m. School time! Like everything in their marriage and parenting, Mautra and her husband Bernard share drop-off and pick-up duties for Brendan, Kennedy and BJ. Then it’s off to Langston University’s urban campus in Oklahoma City, where Mautra is the site administrator. She often starts her day meeting with her team members, helping set the day’s priorities or overall vision for the projects they are working on. In her role as vice president, she meets weekly with the university president and other vice presidents to report on current projects and engage in strategic planning. 9 a.m. As executive director of Langston’s Foundation, Mautra is consistently meeting and communicating with the foundation’s board of directors and donors, both current and prospective. She manages frequent
Magical Memoies
Arcadia Lake annual eagle watch Dress warmly and bring your binoculars. Begin at the Arcadia Lake Park Office to receive information about where
Make
the eagles can be spotted. The office also has a raptor wingspan display, videos and other great eagle info. Friday-Sunday January 7 th , 8 th & 9 th Arcadia Lake Park Office 9000 E. 2nd Street (approximately 3.5 miles east of I-35 on Rt. 66) $3 per vehicle (half-price park entry) For more info, call 216-7470
Unicon oquet Set
learning tree
7638 N. Western, OKC • 405-848-1415 @learningtree.okc • learningtreeokc.com
O R
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extracurricular activities. All three kids excel in soccer and swimming, Kennedy also loves ballet and Brendan is intent on trying out martial arts. 6:30 p.m. BJ, Kennedy and Brendan read and complete homework before dinner, during which everyone shares what they have going on the following day and where they need help. Mautra and Bernard share meal planning duties and prioritize time as a family of five in the evening. 8 p.m. Once the kids are in bed, Mautra and Bernard catch up about their days and how they can best support each other. Oftentimes Mautra picks up where she left off at work earlier in the day to get tasks squared away or prepare for the following day’s meetings.
3 p.m. In her duties as National Mother of the Year, Mautra often provides interviews or participates in virtual speaking engagements with audiences around the country to encourage others on their motherhood journeys. While she used to shy away from sharing her story of growing up in poverty and being raised primarily by her grandmother, she now realizes her ability to connect with and support other moms in similar situations. 4 p.m. As Mautra wraps up her own work for the day, she’s also checking in with the team members she supervises to determine their needs and how she can offer encouragement or guidance. 5:30 p.m.
The Jones family transitions from work and school to family time and
BERNARD, KENNEDY AND BRENDAN JONES CHEER ON SON AND BROTHER BJ ON THE SOCCER FIELD.
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Dr. Mautra Staley Jones on ...
and values family. It is interwoven into who we are as an institution. Our kids often engage with the university community, they come to homecoming and University family fun nights.” Her Supportive Partner “I have to pay homage to Bernard. I wouldn’t be where I am without Bernard’s love and support. We work as a team and he’s a hands-on, involved, engaged parent; he’s an example that there are great fathers out there doing the best and the most, too. He walks alongside me in everything, supporting the university and the nonprofits I support.” Making Time for Self-Care “I build in time for myself by planning special days. I started a couple years ago making sure I take needed time to refocus, regroup and replenish myself, whether that’s time with my best girl friends, family or my husband. I used to be the young mom on the hamster wheel, but now I always encourage moms to be intentional about taking time for them.”
Why She Gives Back “The work I do is special because it’s an example of my faith. I want people to feel loved, important and worthy. My life looks so much different than what it used to — I don’t take my life or the blessings I’ve been given for granted — and it’s my job to now to pour my time and talents into others.” Raising Kids Who Love to Serve “Leading by example has made a big impression on my children. They have questions and want to know how to help others because they see it modeled before them. They have enjoyed service projects through the YMCA, at church and collecting items from home to give away. As MetroFamily Cover Kids, they loved being able to write letters and make artwork for healthcare workers. They definitely have service-oriented hearts.” Working for an Organization That Values Family “I appreciate that Langston University encourages an environment that respects
Give Back as a Family Find ways to volunteer with your children this holiday season, from socially distant opportunities with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department’s Mobile Market providing fresh produce and other foodstuffs to reading to cats and dogs at the City of Edmond Animal Shelter, at metrofamilymagazine.com/family- volunteer-opportunities.
R I
Cowboy Christmas Ball 2 6 T H A NNU A L FEATURING MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY ( Friday, December 17, 2021 )
MAKE RESERVATIONS online at NATIONALCOWBOYMUSEUM.ORG/COWBOYCHRISTMASBALL
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 17
Gift Local Metro museums offer unique ideas for everyone on your list BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS PROVIDED. Finding unique and memorable holiday gifts year after year can really be a challenge, especially when you’ve got hard-to-shop for kids, family members or friends on your list. But we’ve got great news: several of our favorite metro museums carry locally made or memorable gift items that
cannot be found anywhere else. Plus, if you’re looking to gift experiences rather than material goods, museum memberships are always a hit. Happy shopping! First Americans Museum Store
Gifts for littles Color and learning abounds in the FAM gift store! Take your pick from unique items such as the hand-made blanket stick horses, wooden forest trio, Pendleton crib blanket, yo-yo and Uncle Goose Cherokee blocks, which display a different letter or symbol from the Cherokee tribe. Retail pricing varies from $3 to $100. Gruffalo Pop-out Playset Imagination and engineering collide with the Gruffalo Pop-out Playset. This 3D building set is a perfect starter kit for more complicated model build-outs, plus it sets a great scene for mystic woodland play! Recommended for ages 4+; retails for $22.50.
Gifts for teens/tweens DIY Paper Models
Can you believe this wolf is made of paper?! Measuring at 45cm high, this structure is a gorgeous room decoration, as well as a challenge perfect for your teen or tween. Six styles of models are available to choose from, each significant within Native culture: Wolf, Deer, Bear, Hummingbird, Squirrel and Fox. Retails for $24.99. Storymatic Kids Inspire conversation, imagination, performance and creative thinking with Storymatic Play cards. Each box contains so many open-ended prompts to encourage kids to fill in the blanks. This togetherness game is a great way to teach family and legacy storytelling, too, a foundation in Native culture. Retails for $29.99.
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Museum members save 10 percent on every purchase. Memberships start at $65. Gift cards to the museum store also make great gifts. Purchase memberships, gift cards or any of the items featured at famok.org. Keep an eye out for FAM’s annual commemorative holiday ornament, which will be available soon and features the arch sculpture at the museum’s entry. The First Americans Museum believes in creating opportunities for conversation, learning, conservation and creativity within families, and gift items are no exception. Each of these featured gifts (plus many more!) were curated specifically to foster togetherness, education and critical thinking. Gifts for parents/grandparents Chris Pappan Retail Artwork, Kaw Nation and Osage Nations and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chris Pappan was selected to represent a line of exclusive merchandise for FAM. His mixed media art blends modern and traditional Native art to create something truly moving. His original artwork is available on a puzzle, mug, duffle bag or wallet. Kennetha Greenwood Retail Artwork, Otoe-Missouria Tribe Vibrant, powerful and eye-catching, Kennetha Greenwood’s art is unforgettable. Origin stories from tribes within Oklahoma are included in Kennetha’s commissioned work, representing the broader mission of the FAM to tell all Native stories. Kennetha’s artwork is available exclusively at the FAM, on a limited-edition commemorative tapestry blanket, water bottle or notebook.
Paint some Memories
Story & Craft Time Wednesdays 11am & 2pm
November TURKEY HANDPRINT PLATES
Grown-ups Paint Night BYOB-No Kids
Oct 24th, Nov 21st, Dec 19th 4pm - 6pm
Than yo,
December SANTA COOKIE HANDPRINT PLATES
405-340-PLUG • www.unpluggits.com 575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond (South of 15th, o Kelly)
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 19
Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum Store
Gifts for littles Geodes, bison and Route 66
What is more iconic to Oklahoma than rocks, bison and Route 66 gear?! Whether your little one likes to cuddle, explore or play, there are items to tick each box. Retail pricing varies from $3 to $10. Gifts for teens/tweens Space exploration Did you know Oklahoma is home to more NASA astronauts and employees than any other state in the nation? Spark your teen or tween’s passion in space exploration starting with dehydrated ice cream sandwiches! Younger kids will love Oklahoma astronaut John Herrington’s book Mission Space , in which he gives a glimpse into his Chickasaw heritage, astronaut training at NASA and his mission to the International Space Station. Retail pricing varies from $10 to $20. Gifts for parents/grandparents Earrings by Jae Anthony-Wilson, Cherokee Jae Anthony-Wilson takes inspiration from Oklahoma flora and birds for her vibrant, beautiful earrings. These works of art are handmade and act as a kind of therapy for Jae, who is a full-time student. The top-selling style at the Hall of Fame are the Scissortail earrings modeled after Oklahoma’s state bird. Retail pricing varies from $30 to $115.
Donors to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum save 10 percent on every purchase with giving levels starting at $50; donors receive an annual admission pass, invitations to special events and a subscription to their semi-annual magazine. Learn more at oklahomahof.com.
mitch park all ages sweater Saturday • December 4th • 5p.m. eventbrite.com or edmondparks.com
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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Store
Gifts for littles Pendleton Chief Joseph Crib Blanket Made in America of the softest pure virgin wool, this child-sized blanket is a treasured gift. Give the next generation an heirloom, woven in Pacific Northwest mills for nearly 100 years. Retails for $99.
Gifts for parents/grandparents Forked Eye Blanket from Mahota Textiles
Mahota Textiles is the first tribally-owned textile company, drawing inspiration from their Southeastern heritage and creating elevated and meaningful textiles designed in Oklahoma and woven in the USA. Retails for $300.
Gifts for teens/tweens The Mystery History Box
Museum members save 10 percent on every purchase. Discounted memberships for as low as $35 are available to purchase or gift between Dec. 1 and 31 by visiting nationalcowboymuseum.org/memberships. Gift cards are available for purchase at the store or nationalcowboymuseum.org.
Editor’s note: Find even more unique gift ideas from local museums, including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Science Museum Oklahoma, at metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-museums- gift-ideas.
This interactive, educational box for kids is designed by the staff at The Cowboy, and it’s full of crafts, games and a special surprise to help make learning about the West extra fun! Retails for $15.
OPEN FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING Weekdays 1-7, Weekends 10-7 SORGHUM MILL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
(405) 340-5488 7121 Midwest Lane, Edmond, OK I-35 to Exit 143 (Covell Rd) • east 1½ miles to Midwest Blvd • north 1¾ miles to Midwest Lane Choose & cut your own fresh Christmas tree or select a beautiful pre-cut Noble, Grand, Douglas or Fraser Fir. • Living Christmas Trees • Shade Trees • Wreaths • Garland • Stands
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Healthy Holiday SWAPS The holidays are a time for making memories with family and friends — including sharing our favorite traditional foods and treats. Making a few healthy swaps here and there can not only cut down on weight gain during this time of the year, it can also lead to more energy to keep up with your kids (and all those holiday to-dos!), fewer sugar crashes and an overall feeling of wellness. Prioritize your family’s health while also leaving margin to enjoy holiday favorites with these five tips: BY ERIN PAGE . SPONSORED BY SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
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Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad. ” Instead, use terms like “always foods” and “sometimes foods” or “nutritious foods” and “fun foods.” The goal is to help your kids (and yourself!) form a balanced relationship with food — not a rigid one. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Especially if you’re at a potluck or buffet meal, check out all the offerings beforehand or even volunteer to bring a fruit or veggie option for the occasion. Consider which fruits and vegetables you’ll load up on, which of your favorite special foods or treats you’ll add to your plate and which foods you can do without. Talk with your kids before the event or meal about this method, too! Eat until you’re satisfied, but not stuffed. Eat smaller portions and save room to savor your favorite holiday treats. Tip: drink a big glass of water before the meal to help avoid overeating. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and encourage overeating. Sodas and other beverages can be full of calories and sugar. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink water. Try infusing it with fruit or fresh herbs for a flavor boost.
Plan time for exercise. The holidays can be full of both overindulgence and stress, but added physical activity can help on both fronts. Take a family walk to see the decorations in your neighborhood or plan a bike ride at a nearby park. Watching holiday movies on TV? Try jumping jacks or lunges during commercials!
Sugary holiday cookies and pies Instead of
Apple Pie Flautas or Low Fat Brownies. You won’t sacrifice taste but you will cut down calories. Try
Recipes
Mashed potatoes
Mashed cauliflower for less fat and calories or mashed sweet potatoes, which are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Chili Popcorn, Cocoa Dusted Almonds or crunchy carrot or celery sticks for a boost in nutritional value.
Snacks like chips, Chex Mix or caramel corn
Recipe
Soda or sugary drinks Canned cranberry sauce
Make Apple Infused Cinnamon Water. Enjoy the festive taste without the empty calories.
Recipe
Make your own to save on calories and sugar. Mash fresh cranberries with juice from an orange, plus a splash of 100 percent apple juice.
Traditional stuffing
Replace a portion of the bread with more veggies , like celery, carrot and onion, with fresh fruit like pears or apples or use whole-wheat bread for more nutrients. Use low-sodium chicken stock or low-fat buttermilk.
Cream or whole milk in mashed potatoes
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Apple Pie Flautas Ingredients: • 4 large apples, sliced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
• Dash salt
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 5 (6-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas Directions: 1. Add apple pieces, 2 tablespoons honey, cinnamon, flour or cornstarch, salt and butter to a large pot. 2. Cover and cook on low heat until apples are tender, approximately 30 minutes. 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 4. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each tortilla, roll the tortilla as tightly as possible, place seam side down. Spray each flauta with cooking spray oil or melted butter. Spread last tablespoon of honey over flautas. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and crisp on the outside. Allow to cool at room temperature until the filling has cooled enough to eat.
Low Fat Brownies Ingredients: • 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 egg whites
• 3/4 cup applesauce Directions: 1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg whites, applesauce and vanilla; mix until combined. 2. In a separate bow, mix all other ingredients. Then, add to the wet ingredients in the large bowl and mix. 3. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Apple Infused Cinnamon Water Ingredients: • 2 organic apples • 2 cinnamon sticks • Water • Ice Directions: 1. Cut the apples into large chunks, leaving the skin on. 2. Fill two Mason jars with chunks of apple and 1 cinnamon stick each. Fill with water. 3. Let sit for 1 hour in the refrigerator. 4. Serve over ice or drink as is.
Chili Popcorn Ingredients: • 1 small bag of light microwave popcorn • Chili powder
• Garlic powder
Directions : 1. For microwave popcorn, follow directions on the package. 2. Sprinkle chili and garlic powder on popcorn for desired taste.
Find more great ideas for a healthy holiday season, from recipes and healthy swaps to family- friendly activities, at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2021 23
Cultural connection drives empowered futures
About six years ago, Sarah Adams-Cornell and Kendra Wilson-Clements were discussing issues impacting Indigenous women and children in the Oklahoma City metro amidst an outbreak of suicide among Native youth. Mothers, aunts and members of the Choctaw Nation, the two women didn’t know then that their conversation about the unique needs of their community would evolve into a nonprofit organization that continues to grow, serve and inspire. Matriarch was founded in November 2015 to empower Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and non-binary people and their children through education, community building and advocacy for positive change. Particularly in urban settings, away from their tribes of origin, there aren’t many spaces reserved specifically for Native women, shared Wilson-Clements, in which they can feel safe, learn and heal together. “Our conversation about Indigenous mothers not having enough access to care and tools to help our children was the jumping off point,” said Adams-Cornell. “There are very learnable tools that we could have other sisters who are subject matter experts teach so we can save ourselves and help our children save themselves.” As founders, Adams-Cornell and Wilson-Clements knew they wanted to ensure Indigenous women were teaching Matriarch’s programs. There was an immediate outpouring of women who wanted to lend their time and talents to the organization. “I’ve been part of programs with non-Indigenous people trying to ‘save’ us without understanding what it’s like to be an Indigenous person,” said Adams-Cornell. “This has to be from our perspective and lived experience.” Matriarch has established both an Oklahoma City and Tulsa chapter, and the groups meet twice a month to enjoy a meal and a speaker. Programs include subject matter experts presenting and Matriarch BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
MATRIARCH MEMBERS ENJOY PROGRAMMING IN THE COMMUNITY.
MATRIARCH FOUNDERS SARAH ADAMS-CORNELL AND KENDRA WILSON-CLEMENTS
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on addiction and recovery are integral for Matriarch members as nearly everyone in the group is affected by or knows someone dealing with substance abuse or recovery. Members are provided with solutions, resources and tools, whether substance abuse affects them or a relative. “I understand I’m not alone,” said Wilson- Clements. “As Indigenous people we are experiencing traumas through our present differently but there is connection in generational, historical trauma.” Another recent favorite program was about Two-Spirit relatives, led by a trans sister. Two-Spirit refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit, and is used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. Matriarch members and youth asked thoughtful questions and discussed identity, all amidst the undercurrent that each is loved however they identify. Empowering Matriarch members are encouraged to bring their children to meetings, and kids listen in
to programming and participate in creative projects alongside their mothers and aunties. If a program or topic will be particularly difficult or not age-appropriate for some, the members are made aware ahead of time so each can determine whether her children will accompany her. Youth participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in dialogue. “We think it’s very important to make space for their voices,” said Adams-Cornell. “We don’t know what it’s like to be them and we recognize that and value them.” By watching their elders prioritize mental health, healing and cultural connectivity, the children learn the power in finding and utilizing safe spaces and tools in their own lives. The founders hope that by disrupting patterns and course-correcting for their mothers, they are also providing children with brighter futures. “We are watching cyclical generational trauma being broken,” said Adams- Cornell. “When mothers develop tools, that automatically trickles down to their children. We have to be diligent in making sure we have the safe space to heal and a support
discussing topics like domestic and sexual abuse education, cultural re-connection, suicide prevention, addiction recovery, financial planning, physical, mental and spiritual health education, job market preparation and healthy relationship guidance. Occasionally instead of a speaker the programming involves an art project, like beading, making ribbon skirts or shawls, creating regalia or another culturally-relevant practice. “This is nothing new; these are old ways, the ways of our grandmothers and great- grandmothers,” said Adams-Cornell of the structure of Matriarch’s programming. “We’re providing a space, time and organization around remembering the cultural ways that heal us.” Healing In connecting with other Indigenous women, Matriarch members often find healing. Wilson-Clements began her own recovery journey from alcoholism about four years ago, and she credits Matriarch with empowering her process. Continued programs and classes
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Nico Albert, who is also a Matriarch board member. Lively discussion ensued, with attendees sharing their tribes’ origin of food stories and learning from others. While there has been delight and enlightenment through these practices, the process has not been without challenges. “We stubbed our toe in the beginning trying to get that intertribal piece and connection,” shared Wilson-Clements. “With 39 languages, customs, ceremonies and ways of doing things, it was a learning process in how to safely bring together and facilitate through so many unique perspectives, experiences and traditions.” The group of women has provided each other a lot of grace as they’ve learned together. Sharing tribal stories behind animals, foods and customs has become a beautiful part of group members’ time together. Matriarch members are also keenly aware of the realities of cultural appropriation, and thus never participate in ceremonies or practices they shouldn’t by virtue of tribal rules and expectations, but rather share information respectfully and with the purpose of expanding knowledge and empathy.
“Intertribal connectivity makes us more well- rounded tribal citizens,” said Adams-Cornell. “Understanding why something is important to another people is a good life lesson to understand the value of others.” All the individuals involved in Matriarch, from the organizers to speakers, are volunteers for the nonprofit organization. Members are selected through an annual application process. Potential members don’t have to show a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood or tribal card; the application is open to all women, Two-Spirit and non-binary people who identify as Indigenous. While organizers wish they could serve anyone interested, the application and selection process helps ensure numbers are capped to about 30 members each year based on the budget. There is no charge to Matriarch members to participate, and the organization relies upon an annual fundraiser, grants and small donations to provide their programs and services. “We never want finances to be a barrier to participation,” said Adams-Cornell.
system through the really great, celebratory parts of life and through our struggles.” Teaching self-advocacy has been critical for Matriarch members, including advocating on behalf of cases and legislation involving Missing Murdered Indigenous Women or People (MMIW/IP), educating themselves and others on the realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault and prioritizing mental wellness as much as physical health. Matriarch members were integral in making Indigenous People’s Day an official holiday in Oklahoma City. The group also seeks to create access to accurate and equitable education on Indigenous history, advocates for inclusion of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community members and supports efforts to elect Indigenous and Women of Color to local, state or higher offices. Learning Intertribal sharing is another foundational aspect of Matriarch. One of the highest-rated programs by attendees was an Indigenous cooking class taught by Cherokee chef
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What’s next for Matriarch Adams-Cornell and Wilson-Clements have a shared vision for the future of Matriarch: to expand programming for Indigenous women in Oklahoma and throughout the country. “We talk about a building where our elders and young ones can come hang out, even potentially residences for our ladies in transition who need a safe place,” said Wilson-Clements. “We could have classes, everyday programs, teachers and staff, educators and a heavy involvement in the community.” And that’s just in Oklahoma. Matriarch’s founders have been approached repeatedly about starting chapters in other cities and states. They hope to soon develop a starter kit of sorts so those interested in starting their own chapters would have tips and guidelines from the Oklahoma group. The end goal is to serve as many Indigenous women across communities as possible so that the opportunities for healing, advocacy and service continue to have ripple effects. “Matriarch is a place we can go and exhale; say a lot or say nothing; and receive love and healing,” said Wilson- Clements. Learn more about Matriarch, how to get involved or how to make a tax-deductible donation at matriarchok.com.
MATRIARCH MEMBERS WITH OKLAHOMA CITY MAYOR DAVID HOLT. MATRIARCH WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MAKING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY IN OKLAHOMA CITY.
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