MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.
SEPT/OCT 2021
Hit the Road! Awesome
adventures in Austin, Texas
One Place, Many Nations The inside scoop on OKC’s new First Americans Museum
We’re Open! Come on in.
All Metro Libraries are open for reading, computer use, book checkout, study rooms & more!
Find out more at metrolibrary.org
Kids in the Kitchen
Kids today are home alone after school and some evenings, what are they going to eat? Do they know their way around the kitchen? This course teaches children the basics in the kitchen. Children will learn how to properly use kitchen utensils and heat. How to prepare simple meals on their own from items in the pantry. Ages: 6–17 | Mondays Session 1 | Aug. 30–Sept. 20
5:30–7:30 p.m. | $85 Session 2 | Oct. 4–25 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $85 Session 3 | Nov. 1–22 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $85
Follow us on
26 FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM Features 12 Having a Ball
On the Cover Fabulous Fall! , pages 14 & 31 Explore the First Americans Museum page 26 Visit Austin, Texas , page 48
Child development fueled by fun
14 Fall’s Best Bets
Autumn adventures from our advertising partners
14
22 Education Trend
What narrative grading reveals that traditional letter grading cannot 52 Celebrating Differences Success and supports for children with hearing loss Departments 18 Real Dads of the Metro Lt. Wayland Cubit on mentorship, race relations and justice
26 Local Family Fun
Sneak peek of OKC’s new First Americans Museum
31 Calendar of Events
Festivals, fairs and trick-or-treat fun 48 Exploring Beyond Oklahoma Take a road trip to Austin, Texas 58 Family Mental Wellness Trauma’s impact on parenting + tips for healing
48
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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B ring on pumpkin-flavored everything: my favorite season is here! My fall fanaticism is tempered, though, by the fact that we’re still enduring this pandemic and it’s far-reaching effects in our communities, schools and homes. While we’d all hoped that fall 2021 would bring a return to normalcy, instead we find ourselves in the midst of yet another frightening wave and pleas for everyone to do their part to keep each other safe. In the uncertainty, the MetroFamily team will continue to support you, our parent readers, with mental health resources, safe family fun options and inspirational stories of people who are making our community a great place to live, work and play. The powerhouse team behind local coffee shop Not Your Average Joe shares how they are not only serving up tasty eats but fulfilling an unmet need to employ adults with disabilities on page 10. Plus we catch up with former Super Kid of the Metro Courtney Gaines on page 11 to learn how she continues to advocate for families impacted by Down syndrome. Lieutenant Wayland Cubit provides a history of his mentorship with youth in and around Oklahoma City, plus he discusses steps necessary to heal divisiveness between law enforcement and the community at large on page 18.
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Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers George Lang Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Andrea Shanks Dr. Lisa Marotta Debbie Murnan Contributing Photographer Contact us NEW MAILING ADDRESS: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
PUMPKINVILLE AT MYRIAD GARDENS
Three local students and their families share their journeys with hearing loss, including the organizations and people who are providing instrumental support in the metro and what they want kids and parents to know about including others with disabilities on page 52. In the midst of planning your family’s fall fun, I hope these community heroes will inspire you as they have me to consider how you can impact your corner of the world with your time and talent in this season. Happy fall!
Erin Page Managing Editor
On the Cover Sadie is the winner of her age category in MetroFamily’s 2021 Cover Kids Search. She is 6 years old and in the first grade in Moore Public Schools. She loves to play the piano and create works of art. Her favorite places to visit in OKC are Scissortail Park and the OKC Zoo. Sadie is the daughter of Linda and Steve and big sister to Landon.
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
Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 5
OFF THE PAGES
We are looking for local kids ages 2 to 12 with big smiles and bright personalities to feature on a MetroFamily cover in 2022! Enter our virtual Cover Kids Search by uploading a photo of your child, answering several “about me” questions and submitting a $10 fee, which provides your whole family access to a virtual swag bag with prizes, activities and coupons. Is your child our next Cover Kid? Enter our Cover Kids Search by Sept. 30!
Readers will vote on their favorite Cover Kids submissions in early October, and the top five finalists from each age category will be interviewed virtually by a panel of local judges. We can’t wait to meet your Cover Kid hopefuls!
COVER KIDS IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY
Enter today at metrofamilymagazine.com/coverkidssearch.
Feeling spook-tacular?
We want to see your kids’ Halloween costumes! Whether their attire is sparkly, silly or spooky, snap a pic of your child (or entire family) and upload it to our Halloween Costume Contest by Oct. 31 at midnight. Then vote on your favorites Nov. 1 through 4. Prizes include a weekend at the Gaylord Texan Resort in
Grapevine, Texas, a package from Arcadia Lake and a Myriad Botanical Gardens family membership. Find out more at metrofamilymagazine.com/halloween-photo-contest.
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Celebrate STEAM at Geekapalooza Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids, hosted by MetroFamily and Girl Scouts Western
participation in the event. The event is sponsored by Boeing (Presenting Sponsor) and many others. Learn more and secure your tickets at metrofamilymagazine.com/geekapalooza. COVID safety protocols will be in place; find details at the web page above. Masks will be required and we’re making decisions about timed entry in the next few weeks.
Oklahoma, encourages kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through a variety of hands-on activities. This year’s event will be held Nov. 6 , just a few days before National STEAM Day! Join us at the Girl Scout’s new STEAM-focused urban camp facility, Camp Trivera, in northeast OKC for a day of kid-friendly activities on subjects like robotics, coding and geosciences, taught by market leaders and local experts. Live music, arts presentations, food trucks, prizes, giveaways and our popular annual “Geek” costume contest will round out the fun. Geekapalooza is an annual program of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma and MetroFamily, and Girl Scouts can earn badges for their
October 23–30 (Closed on Halloween) 5:30–8:30p (Times may change) | $12 Per Child ARCADIA LAKE STORYBOOK FOREST
Starting October 1st all tickets will be for sale ONLINE ONLY at STORYBOOKFORESTOK.COM Volunteers & Additional Info please call 216–7471 Sponsored by Arcadia Lake and Edmond Electric Vehicles not purchasing a child’s ticket will be charged the daily entrance fee.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 7
NEW & NOW
Kinley is in the 4th grade at Crossings Christian School, and she’s been flexing her chef skills for the past several years. Inspired by her Nana, who Kinley says makes the best ever Sloppy Joe’s, scones and strawberry shortcake, Kinley wants to open her own restaurant someday called K & P Toast to serve up her favorite meal of the day: brunch. The P stands for twin sister Paisley, who Kinley says is her number one taste tester. Kinley is a competitive cheerleader, and she’s learned the value of cooking with and eating healthy foods to support both her muscles and her brain. “I didn’t know this but candy actually makes you more tired!” shared Kinley. “It’s important for kids to eat veggies and healthy food so they can be strong, smart and have energy.” Kinley loves to make banana pancakes with her dad on Saturday mornings, as well as tacos, guacamole and her mom’s banana bread. She doesn’t forget the family dog Molly, recently making doggie donuts for her pup’s birthday. Learning to cook has helped Kinley practice math, science and reading skills, and the kitchen is also a place she’s learned it’s OK to make mistakes. “Cooking is mostly like science because you can try whatever you want and see if it’s good or not,” said Kinley. “If it’s good, you know how to make it again. And if it’s not, you can learn from it. My parents always tell me it’s OK to make mistakes because that’s how you learn.” The recipe Kinley created and entered in the Healthy Kids Cooking Contest is a testament to her creativity and problem-solving skills learned as a chef. Contest entrants had to create and submit a recipe using fruit, vegetables or whole grain. After getting a bit bored of eating the same kinds of things for breakfast each morning, Kinley decided to use the contest as a way to create a new and delicious morning meal. The family loves to Congratulations to Kinley, the winner of our Healthy Kids Cooking Contest, sponsored by Shape your Future Oklahoma! Kinley in the Kitchen BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
KINLEY (RIGHT) AND
TWIN SISTER PAISLEY TASTE TEST
KINLEY’S RECIPE.
make smoothie bowls together, but Kinley took the contest a step further to figure out how to incorporate a hidden vegetable into her breakfast recipe. Sister Paisley and their mom and dad helped taste and give feedback. “I put frozen cauliflower rice in it because it makes it fluffier,” said Kinley. “It’s almost like ice cream! You can drink it in a cup, eat it out of a bowl with a spoon or put strawberries, bananas or granola on top.” Check out Kinley’s winning recipe on the opposite page and follow her family @mathandmusicmommy to see our top chef sharing and testing recipes once a week.
THE HINES FAMILY
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Fruit Smoothie Surprise by Kinley Hines Ingredients 10 oz almond milk ½ cup frozen cauliflower rice ½ cup frozen berries 1 scoop organic vanilla protein powder (optional) Directions 1. Place all ingredients in a blender. 2. Blend. 3. Pour into a cup or bowl and enjoy! You can even top with bananas, strawberries or granola.
SPONSORED BY
KINLEY WITH THE INGREDIENTS FOR HER FRUIT SMOOTHIE SURPRISE.
Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Mexican Independence* September 4 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon • Storytime at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. Día de Los Muertos* October 2 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon • Storytime at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. Perked Up Playdate* September 21 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon Meet up with friends at the all-new Friess Family Playground. Enjoy refreshments for both adults and littles. Todos Somos Americanos. We Are All Americans. September 21 • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (Special School Program) Join i n a celebration of the rich and varied cultures of North, South and Central America. Enjoy musical performances and dance from local cultural groups representing their countries of origin. Schools must register online. Fall Break Activities* October 11 - October 15 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Dro p by and participate in family friendly activities. Create a different make- and-take crafts each day. Steampunk Fall Celebration* October 30 • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Come in your best Steampunk (or Halloween) get-up for the fall celebration. Create your own Steampunk accessories, explore the Design-a-Robot maker space and create your own mini ‘bot out of everyday objects. Try fast-draw target practice, look out for a penny-farthing and learn a dance or two.
Kids & Family at The Cowboy
1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids
*Free to Museum members or with Museum admission.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 9
NEW & NOW
Serves Up Hope Local Coffee Shop Not Your Average Joe coffee shop opened its first location in the Oklahoma City metro in January 2019. In addition to serving exceptional coffee and food, the nonprofit organization also creates accept-ional opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization provides eight to 12 jobs for adults with special needs in each of their four locations in Midtown, Norman and Oklahoma City, but the team is also providing hope far beyond their own walls. During the opening of the newest NYAJ location in the Homeland at May and Britton Avenues, Executive Director Tim Herbel witnessed one of the most remarkable moments yet in the organization’s short history. “A family drove in from Alva to be at the grand opening because they wanted their daughter to know there is hope for her after graduation,” said Herbel. “Most families who have children with disabilities are brutally aware of the statistic that 80 percent will be unemployed after high school. They don’t have a place to belong or feel safe or hang out. We’re giving families hope.” Herbel speaks regularly at schools around the metro to assure students with disabilities that there are opportunities for them in adulthood. Danielle Robinson is a prime example. She’s both an employee of and ambassador for Not Your Average Joe, serving up coffee and conversation throughout the NYAJ locations. “I love talking with customers and getting connected to them,” said Robinson. “And I love inspiring people. Someone with disabilities can share their experiences with others and just be themselves.” Not Your Average Joe has a coordinator of special needs who creates individual work plans for employees with special needs like Danielle, helping her learn the job and life skills she’s interested in acquiring, like getting her liquor license. Two other baristas at the Norman location are working on their specialty coffee certifications. The lack of job skills training, transportation and other barriers are the reasons the unemployment rate is so high for adults with disabilities, said Herbel, a fact his team is trying to change in the Oklahoma City market. “Danielle has been included her whole life at school,” said Herbel. “We don’t want [high school] graduation to be a death sentence to the social life [of individuals with disabilities]. We want it to be commonplace to include people of all abilities, and we want to inspire other employers to do this, too.” In addition to visiting Not Your Average Joe to sample the coffee, tea, speciality drinks, breakfast and lunch foods or homemade ice cream, community members can support the organization by volunteering. Individuals can work with employees with special needs by helping provide transportation or shadowing non-verbal employees to assist with their duties. The organization is also seeking volunteers to assist with accounting and marketing. Learn more at nyaj.coffee .
ABOVE: NYAJ EMPLOYEE AND AMBASSADOR DANIELLE ROBINSON WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TIM HERBEL
What to Order at Not Your Average Joe Danielle’s favorites • Drink: S’more (with graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow) • Eat: Chorizo burrito (with black beans, bell pepper, egg, cheese and avocado), Midtown/Sooner Club sandwich (with roasted turkey, smoked bacon, pesto, provolone, tomato, spinach and avocado on whole wheat bread) and homemade Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip ice cream Tim’s favorites • Drink: Cortado (espresso and steamed milk) or mango smoothie • Eat: Suspicious sandwich (NYAJ’s take on Elvis’s favorite with peanut butter, banana, bacon, Made in Oklahoma honey and jam served on blueberry bread) At the Homeland location, sample a variety of Made in Oklahoma products. NYAJ teamed up with Edmond’s former Super Scoop ice cream store, offering the homemade products in their stores and for catering events both large and small.
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Where is She Now? An update on Super Kid Courtney Gaines
Courtney enjoys being a role model for other kids and using her talents to help others. As the reigning Miss Choctaw Midwest City, Courtney competed in the Miss Oklahoma Teen USA pageant in summer 2021, a historic occasion. Courtney was the second contestant with Down syndrome selected to compete in a Miss Teen USA pageant and the first African American contestant with Down syndrome to compete in any of the franchise’s pageants. “Oftentimes children with Down syndrome and African Americans with disabilities are not seen,” said DeAnna Gaines, Courtney’s mom. “It’s not because they can’t do it, we’re just not seeing them take advantage of [these opportunities]. Courtney is a visual advocate, encouraging others to pursue whatever they want to do.” Though she was disappointed she didn’t win Miss Teen USA, Courtney declared she’ll be back to compete. In the meantime, she continues to pursue her loves of modeling and acting, working on a pilot TV show through Green Pastures Studios and in her role as assistant to producer Lazara Gonzalez for the Soul Music Festival and Independent Soul Music Awards over Labor Day weekend. Courtney’s advocacy extends beyond the entertainment realm as well. She and mom DeAnna are U.S. ambassadors for the 4th Congressional District for the with disabilities, have continued to propel Courtney forward to share her infectious spirit and advocacy in ever- widening circles. Courtney Gaines was first featured in MetroFamily’s January 2020 issue as an inspirational Super Kid of the Metro. The Choctaw High School student had just made headlines as the first Oklahoman to participate in the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show in Las Vegas, a major fundraiser for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. That experience, plus her longtime efforts on behalf of individuals
COURTNEY MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTESTANT WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO COMPETE IN A MISS TEEN USA PAGEANT.
National Down Syndrome Society, focused on community outreach and increasing access to resources for other families of children with Down syndrome. Their first project is to bring Courtney’s Law to Oklahoma, modeled after the Down Syndrome Information Act that has been passed into law in 20 other states. The act helps ensure parents receiving a prenatal or postnatal Down syndrome diagnosis will receive immediate, accurate, evidence-based information and connection to resources. Oftentimes, when a parent receives the diagnosis, the information they receive is outdated or they receive no information at all about local resources, said DeAnna, who adds African American and minority families tend to experience more limited access to current, accurate information, leaving their children even further behind. “A lack of information can lead to a lifetime of hurt for a child,” said DeAnna. “It’s stressful for parents and families, and when you don’t know the options and you get a late start, it affects the longterm development of the child. The law will require all doctors to disclose [information and resources].” Courtney and DeAnna are working with Oklahoma State Senator Brenda Stanley and the National Down Syndrome Society in hopes that Courtney’s Law will be heard in the legislative session in January 2022.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 11
SPONSORED BY
These are not your traditional soccer drill classes! What makes the Lil’ Kickers program different? Lil’ Kickers classes focus on child development just as much as they do soccer skills. We play games and do drills that not only work on dribbling, passing, scoring, etc. but also team work, listening skills and, for younger kids, activities that develop brain cognitive functions and understanding. What are the developmental skills or milestones you are focused on for each age group in the Lil’ Kickers program? Each class has a very different approach based on the age group. For ages 18 to 24 months , we work on developing brain cognitive functions, understanding and following instructions, hand-eye and foot-eye motor skills and coordination and just being active. Parents are welcome to take part in classes alongside this age group. The 2 to 3 year olds work on understanding and following instructions, hand-eye and foot-eye motor skills and coordination, being active and forming independence from a parent for the fun games and drills. Parents are weaned off the field for this age group. For kids ages 3 to 4 years , we work on more soccer application skills that you might recognize, like learning not to use hands, working as a team, boundaries such as out of bounds, introduction to competition and team concepts and definitely rewarding their effort. Then, from ages 5 to 9 years , we add technical skills such as dribbling, passing, scoring, etc. We also hone general cooperation skills and following complex instructions. What are some of the most-loved games and activities that parents could replicate at home? Easy play-at-home games I’d recommend are “Red Light Green Light” and “Freeze!,” which promote understanding, following instructions and motor skills. If you have a ball and goal you can also play favorites such as “Hungry Hippos,” where the kids will hand the coach their ball (or hula hoop!) and the coach will throw the ball into a space. The player runs after the ball, picks it up and runs back to the coach and hands the coach the ball. The coach continues to throw the ball in different directions. There’s also “Relay Race” that can enforce passing the ball to another child, as well as “Alien Tag” where kids are assigned the role of either “alien” or “spaceship,” and they try to keep the balls from hitting the spaceship.
Learning to Have a Ball (before picking it up) Chasing bubbles, playing with giant parachutes and building cone towers … these do not sound like a line-up of activities for a typical soccer class, do they?! The Lil’ Kickers program at SoccerCity in Oklahoma City takes a unique approach to soccer skills training by focusing on highly creative, high- energy, developmentally-appropriate games to help kids reach developmental milestones, learn to be good teammates and develop a love of sports. The Lil’ Kickers Program was created over 20 years ago and is now taught through 100 venues nationwide, including at SoccerCity in OKC. Kids ages 18 months to 9 years old develop social, emotional and cognitive skills, enjoy plenty of energy-burning fun and get an introduction to soccer skills, all to benefit them in the long-run, whether or not they choose to pursue sports. We asked Hayden Wagner, Lil’ Kickers director at SoccerCity OKC, for insight on their unique approach.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KIRSTEN HOLDER
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Why is it important that kids get to focus on fun and love of the game rather than competition at these ages? In some cases, children do not understand competing or maybe they do not enjoy it because their skill does not match their peers. We emphasize having fun and giving it your all so that all kids, whether highly skilled or just beginning, will enjoy themselves. What are some of the ways in which kids learn to be good teammates — and how will this help them in the future, whether or not they play team sports? We play drills that require kids to work together and have fun doing it. Some games ensure they work as a team to score a certain amount of balls or relay races where they cheer on their teammates to finish an activity and get back before the opposing team. The fundamental lesson in each of these activities transcends sports and can help children as they grow and mature to cooperate in other aspects of their lives — not just soccer! Editor’s note: Lil’ Kickers programs are for ages 18 months to 9 years. Sessions run about 13 weeks and are priced at $15 per class. A yearly membership fee of $25 per individual or $40 per family with multiple children also applies. New classes are starting all the time — for more information, visit soccercityokcity.com/lil-kickers .
LIL’ KICKERS CLASSES FOCUS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT JUST AS MUCH AS SOCCER SKILLS.
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
ADULT OUTSIDE GATE ADMISSION $8 advance, regular $12 Oer ends September 15 CARNIVAL RIDE ARMBANDS You can SAVE $15 when you purchase an advance carnival ride armband. Advance prices are good through September 15, 2021. *Each armband will have a $1 activation fee added. Monday – Thursday: $20, regular $35 Friday – Sunday: $30, regular $45
WAYS TO BUY TICKETS OKC Fairgrounds Box Oice, 405-948-6800, or okstatefair.com
THE OFFICIAL SOFT DRINK OF THE OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR
CHICKASAW COUNTRY ENTERTAINMENT STAGE Concerts FREE with outside gate admission
September 18 JACKYL 8:00 PM September 19 BEATLEMANIA LIVE! 7:30 PM September 20 WE THE KINGDOM 7:30 PM
September 21 GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS 7:30 PM September 22 ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA 7:30 PM September 23 JAMESON RODGERS 7:30 PM
September 24 GINUWINE 7:30 PM September 25 SKID ROW 8:00 PM September 26 LA FIERA DE OJINAGA 7:30 PM
September 16 – 20 Thursday , September 16 – 7:30 p.m. Friday , September 17 – 12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Saturday , September 18 – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sunday , September 19 – 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Monday , September 20 – 7:30 p.m.
September 16 THE OAK RIDGE BOYS 7:30 PM September 17 SAWYER BROWN 7:30 PM
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 13
Fall Fun Guide The temperatures are getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change color … and is that pumpkin spice we smell?!? Autumn adventures: we are ready for you! From pumpkin patches and farm fun to trick-or-treat events and festivals, plan your family’s perfect fall day from our advertisers in this guide, which is generously sponsored by Rustic Roots. Check out all our fall guides at metrofamilymagazine.com/fall. Editors note: Please enjoy fall fun responsibly by following proper protocols. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some events may have adjusted hours, programming or safety protocols. Check with each venue to verify.
Rustic Roots Pumpkin Patch Sept. 18-Nov. 7 105340 Greer Rd, Lamont 580-716-3608, rusticrootsevents.com Rustic Roots Pumpkin Patch features pumpkins and fall décor as well as a 10-acre corn maze, a milo maze for littles, a petting zoo, corn cannon, giant slide fort, tractor tire playground, hayrides, yard games, jump pad, barrel train and concessions. On Oct. 16 , families can enjoy a special fall festival with live music, food trucks, vendors and all of the farm activities. Pumpkin patch admission is $10. Tuesday-Thursday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sunday, 1-7 p.m. Extended hours Oct. 14-17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ongoing Events Fall Art & Outdoor Classes with City of Edmond Parks and Recreation September-November
Wings Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch Sept. 24-Oct. 17
13700 N Eastern, Edmond 405-242-4646, wingsok.org
2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond 405-359-4630, edmondparks.com
Wings’ four-weekend pumpkin patch welcomes families to enjoy hayrides, inflatables, games, a maze and more, plus shop for pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The play patch is open Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Play patch admission is $7 for ages 3 & up. Families can get a 4-pack of play-patch wristbands for $25. Proceeds benefit the programs at Wings that enhance the lives of
Family members of all ages can take part in a variety of classes including sewing, pottery, cooking and outdoor adventure such as camping, fishing, kayaking and more. Brush up your skills or learn a new hobby by registering for a fun class this season.
P Bar Farms Sept. 18-Oct. 31 1002 Old 66 Rd, Hydro 405-556-1069, Facebook.com/PBarFarms
adults with developmental disabilities. Chester’s Pumpkin Patch Sept. 25-Oct. 31 5201 Cimarron Rd NW, Piedmont 405-373-1595, chesterspartybarn.fun
Located an hour west of the OKC metro, P Bar Farms offers a variety of fall fun activities, sponsored by the Oklahoma Beef Council, including hayrides, a beef-themed corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, train rides and more. Admission is $10 on weekends and $5 on weekdays with limited activities.
Pumpkins, hayrides and a mystery maze, oh my! Fall fun abounds at Chester’s Pumpkin Patch where admission includes unlimited pony rides (75 lb. weight limit), a petting zoo, pumpkin chunkin’, festive games, a pumpkin to take home (while supplies last) and more. There will also be live entertainment on the weekends. Admission is
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
$10 + tax for ages 2-10, $6 + tax for ages 11-64. Kids 1 & under and seniors 65 & older are free. The patch is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
Arcadia Lake’s Storybook Forest Oct. 23-30 7200 E 15th St, Edmond 405-216-7471, storybookforestok.com
Fairytales come to life on a fun, not scary trail filled with roaming characters at Spring Creek Park. Additional activities include story time and a campfire. Admission charged for children; adults in the same car with child(ren) are free. Admission is $12 per child and tickets can be purchased
online only. The trail is open nightly from 5:30- 8:30 p.m.
Fall Y’all at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Oct. 13-15 1400 Classen Dr, OKC 405-235-4458, oklahomahof.com
Welcome fall with the whole family at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Fall Y’all celebration. Enjoy pumpkin painting, crafts, festive movies, story time and carnival games. Activities vary each day from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Museum admission is free throughout the day. On Thursday, Oct. 14, the museum will also stay open late and host special activities from 5-7:30 p.m.
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Day Events
foods, live entertainment, contests, Civil War demonstrations, gunfights, vendors, craft booths, the Kids Korral, pony rides and a petting zoo. Admission is free and free parking is available on the north side of the farm at Yukon Middle School.
Get your tickets early for this popular outdoor trick-or-treating event. Old-fashioned games and crafts add to the fun. Friendly costumes are encouraged. Find all details about this event on Harn Homestead’s social media. Bricktown’s Brick or Treat Oct. 25, 4-7 p.m. Reno Ave & Mickey Mantle Dr, OKC 405-235-3500, welcometobricktown.com Brick or Treat is back! Bricktown’s popular trick-or-treat event returns Monday, Oct. 25 when families can enjoy trick or treating at Bricktown businesses, hanging out with favorite characters and local mascots, dancing to spooky tunes and more. This family-friendly Halloween event is for kids 14 & under in costume. SkateGalaxyOKC’s Spook and Roll
Oklahoma Czech Festival Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Yukon czechfestivaloklahoma.com The day-long festival officially kicks off Saturday at 8 a.m. when thousands line Main Street for a parade beginning at 10 a.m. Following the parade, festivities shift to the Czech Building at 5th and Cedar with polka bands and traditional Czech and Slovak folk dance performances throughout the day. Sample delightful Czech foods including kolaches and sausages. Shop dozens of arts and crafts booths and festival food vendors. The festival concludes with the Royalty Coronation Ball at the historical Yukon Czech Hall located at 205 N Czech Hall Rd. Chisholm Trail Festival Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon 405-350-8937, yukonok.gov This family-oriented event at Mollie Spencer Farm celebrates the western history of the famous Chisholm Trail with living history re-enactors of the Old West, a variety of
Oct. 29, 7 p.m.-midnight 5800 NW 36th St, OKC 405-605-2758, skategalaxyokc.com
Haunt the Harn at Harn Homestead Oct. 21 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-235-7058, harnhomestead.com
Go retro at SkateGalaxyOKC’s Spook and Roll Halloween party. Families can skate to spooky tunes, play games to win prizes and
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
compete in a costume contest! Admission is $15 ($12 if in costume). Also check out the Fall Break day skate on Oct. 14 from 1-4 p.m.
Trick-or-treating Characters & mascots Photo ops Spooky tunes & more
Free family-friendly Halloween event for kids in costume 14 and under
Steampunk Fall Celebration at The Cowboy Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Fun and fantasy abound at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Create your own Steampunk accessories and explore the Design-a-Robot maker space to create your own mini ‘bot, while supplies last. Try your hand at fast-draw target practice, look out for a penny-farthing and learn a dance or two. Activities are free with museum admission. In addition, families can enjoy special activities at the museum during Fall Break. Drop in Oct. 11-15 to create your own masterpieces from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Yukon’s Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Yukon’s Dale Robertson Center comes alive with fall spirit featuring more than 45 booths from across Oklahoma selling candles, repurposed wood art, handmade soaps, home décor and more, plus a bake sale with proceeds benefiting Friends of the Park and the Pumpkin Patch Café. Admission to the craft festival is free. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is held in conjunction with the festival, with deeply discounted books for sale. Stop next door at Mabel C. Fry Public Library. 1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon 405-350-8937, yukonok.gov
www.welcometobricktown.com
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 17
REAL DADS OF THE METRO
Wayland Cubit on mentorship, race relations and seeking justice
CUBIT (BACK, CENTER) WITH POLICE OFFICERS WHO MENTOR AT-RISK YOUTH THROUGH FACT. PHOTO BY LUCERO PHOTOGRAPHY.
While 17-year-old Wayland Cubit lay in a hospital bed recovering from a fall off a horse, resulting in a broken hip, his aunt foretold to him over the phone that he’d be instrumental in the life of a young man. Cubit laughingly says he shrugged the conversation off, much more intent on recovering and getting out of the hospital than volunteering with kids.
Yet when the high school junior had recuperated, he found himself pulling in to the parking lot of St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, a former group home for boys in the metro, where he followed the exact path his aunt had predicted, only his influence has exceeded far beyond one youth. Through becoming a dad, foster dad and granddad and serving 25 years in law enforcement, Cubit has never stopped mentoring and making a life-long difference in the lives of young people. And he’s continued to gather others around him to do the same. Showing up At St. Joseph’s, Cubit recruited friends to play sports and dominoes with residents to help provide them positive male role models. On the police force, he launched FACT (Family Awareness and Community Teamwork) in 2007 to provide police officer mentors to at-risk youth. In his 2020 campaign for Oklahoma County sheriff and his daily life as a community leader, Cubit seeks out reciprocal conversations on tough issues like racism and the relationship between law enforcement and community members to help ensure a better future for the next generation. Growing up in Oklahoma City, Cubit was surrounded by family and friends, giving him a sense of the value and importance of community. His sense of belonging has inspired him to ensure others experience that, too. “Sometimes families screw things up and the community has to fill in the gaps,” said Cubit. “If I had something to add value, I would. Showing up is the key.”
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
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Cubit hasn’t always felt equipped, as a mentor, as a dad or when he and wife Cree fostered eight children, but he’s always felt that if he would simply show up, God would do the rest. He equates the feeling to his service as a police officer, trusting that he has the training, tools and resources though he never knows what each call will bring. “We take the call and show up no matter what,” said Cubit. “We have a 10-code in law enforcement. 10-8 means in service, ready for any call. My personal philosophy is 10-8.” The Cubits’ biological kids are in their 20s and 30s, and the eight children they fostered or adopted were all kinship placements. Cubit said he and Cree didn’t always feel they had the knowledge, space or financial resources to provide for more kids, but their hearts were burdened to help and somehow they always made it work. In the midst of getting kids to school and planning for their futures, the blessings of serving as a foster family weren’t always readily apparent. But they are now. “As they come back for birthdays or family celebrations, they point back to certain moments or something we taught and you see a legacy that lives far beyond the short amount of time in your space,” said Cubit of his foster and adopted children. “The blessing is the legacy building. They aren’t what the odds said they would be.” Between mentoring kids from hard places in the community and fostering family members, Cubit’s parenting philosophy in responding to kids’ negative behaviors shifted. “As you evolve and become more empathetic to what’s happening in the world, you change from asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to
CUBIT WITH WIFE CREE, KIDS AND GRANDKIDS.
‘What happened to you?’” said Cubit. “The question changes, your response changes.” Cubit has witnessed that philosophy focused on empathy and understanding change the entire trajectory of a youth’s life, it’s fueled his passion to continue mentoring kids and it’s inspired those around him, too.
Check Facebook or Instagram for ticketing info & details. HAUNT THE HARN OCT. 21
harnhomestead.com 405-235-4058 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City Enjoy a classroom or family field trip to Harn Homestead this fall! Learn about the early settlers in Oklahoma, check out the Harn home, the barn and a one-room schoolhouse. Most activities are outside and masks are required in the indoor settings. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am-4pm
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 19
CUBIT, CENTER, WITH OFFICERS AND YOUTH INVOLVED IN FACT. PHOTO BY LUCERO PHOTOGRAPHY.
Healing conversations That same inherent ability to listen, learn and empathize is clear in Cubit’s professional life as well, and he encourages that posture in his fellow officers. A few years ago, Cubit’s unit had the opportunity to make a presentation about the FACT mentoring program at a Washington D.C. national mentoring conference. The group also toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture and while there noticed two groups of uniformed police officers on a tour. Cubit discovered that visiting the museum is part of the D.C. officers’ mandatory training, and the Oklahoma City unit was invited to join their tour group, which Cubit says was a powerful learning opportunity for them all. “The recurring statement was that your job as police officers is to do justice, and look at all the opportunities law enforcement has had to do justice [throughout] the African American story, but we were actively ushering in injustice the entire time,” said Cubit. “When we know symbolically what our uniform has represented to you, we get the opportunity to prove we’re not going to be that way. To do justice is to give people what they deserve, not more and not less.” These kinds of educational connections, as well as candid, open conversation between law enforcement and the community, are what Cubit believes can heal staunch divisiveness and turmoil between law enforcement and community members. “The community does not hate police officers, they hate policing,” said Cubit. “If they knew the police officers they couldn’t hate them. And if the officers became the community — if they knew their story — they couldn’t hurt them. We have to invite officers into the community in other roles besides enforcing — out of their uniform — working on boards and nonprofits and at churches, getting to know people for who they are.” Cubit sees the power of officers becoming part of the community through the FACT mentorship program every day. Plainclothes officers seek to address gang or delinquency concerns with at-risk youth and their families. The officers assigned to the unit believe with early intervention they can help at-risk youth ages 10 to 17 fight the pressure of gangs and involvement in juvenile delinquency. The officers focus on instilling good character traits and life skills through positive learning opportunities with the youth in the program. Weekly events give kids the chance to gather in a positive environment.
Cubit says the officers become like extra parents for the youth. Where there may have been initial distrust, engaging together creates a new norm and a new future story for the youth and officers alike. Cubit saw that in action when, in the civil unrest after the December 2020 officer shooting of local Black, homeless man Bennie Edwards, the FACT youth were consistently checking on their officer mentors to find out how they were faring amidst community protests. The officers’ work and relationships with the youth earned their trust and compassion. In another recent officer-involved shooting of a Black man in Oklahoma City, Cubit says a white officer was being portrayed as racist. Unbeknownst to most, in the months prior, that same officer had been called a “pig” by a young Black male while pumping gas. Noting identification on the young man’s vehicle, the officer called the man’s employer, not to get him in trouble but to request to have lunch and a conversation with him because he wanted to better understand him. The two continue to meet occasionally. Cubit believes if the community knew the officer’s backstory, they might have reacted differently.
CUBIT, CENTER, WITH OTHER OFFICERS WHO SERVE AS MENTORS TO AT-RISK YOUTH. PHOTO BY LUCERO PHOTOGRAPHY.
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When Cubit has considered — and asked community members — what the reaction would be if he made a mistake or shot someone in the line of duty, he receives affirmation that while he wouldn’t get “a pass,” his work in the community speaks volumes, and that incites him to encourage that level of engagement among other officers. “They know I care about the community, that the last thing I want to do is kill somebody, and they only know that because of my body of work,” said Cubit. “Let’s spread that body of work throughout the agency.” Cubit says the “bad guys” are thriving in the current divisiveness, thriving in the confusion of officers who don’t want to be too heavy- handed and a community who doesn’t want to call the police because they might not respond correctly. “We’ve got to find the balance,” said Cubit. “We have to ask how people want to be policed and what they expect out of us because we work for you.” Finding hope In his 2020 campaign for Oklahoma County sheriff, supporters from all parties and all walks of life often noted about Cubit his willingness to listen and engage in tough conversations. Even though the outcome of the election was not what Cubit or his supporters desired, he still found a great deal of hope in the process and is grateful for the opportunity to have met so many people he otherwise wouldn’t have gotten to know.
Unplug and Play! City a more equitable place for all community members, he encourages local parents to consider what did or didn’t happen to them growing up in regards to race relations, how that formed their opinions on race and racism and how their views are different from those of other races or those who grew up in a different part of the city. As parents, Cubit says, we can together create a brighter future for all kids if we’re committed to having hard conversations now. “I would challenge the white, middle-class Oklahoman to examine the fact that there is no growth in comfort,” said Cubit. “Race relations is supposed to be uncomfortable. But if it’s hard for us, that means it will be easier for our kids. That’s all I want, and all parents can relate.” “The reason they cared so much, when knowing so little about me, is that they have high hope in our community,” said Cubit of his campaign supporters. “Leaders are supposed to represent solutions, not problems, and they saw a solution wrapped up in my campaign. We’re really good at ‘stopping’ things — stop police brutality, stop racism — but somebody has to represent the START of something.” Through his mentorship program, his podcast and in regular conversations in the community, Cubit says discussions about race and racism are becoming more commonplace, and that’s a good thing, which he hopes is the start of something positive. “I’m hopeful about what comes from these conversations,” said Cubit. “A shared history and memory is formed. Now we have the opportunity to blend our stories so our kids have a different shared history.” As Cubit considers the necessary changes needed to make Oklahoma
Neurology clinic offered for kids
The J.D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities offers an outpatient neurology clinic for children. The clinic in Norman is led by Cindy Carter-Kappus, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Dr. Marc Hille, a pediatric neurologist. The clinic is open and accepting referrals. The clinic also offers referrals for therapy services, orthotics and psychology services. For more information, call 405-307-2883 Services include diagnosis, treatment and management of : • Autism and behavior management • Developmental disorders • Cerebral palsy • Traumatic Brain Injury • Seizures and epilepsy • Concussion • Tourette syndrome • Migraines and headaches
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 21
The Benefits of Narrative Grading An alternative to traditional letter grades BY GEORGE LANG
Grading grades What does an “A” mean? For more than 120 years, its use in the standard letter-grade system employed by most K through 12 schools and universities connotes excellence and closeness to perfection. Every letter that follows it in the grading system — B, C, D and F — symbolizes diminishing returns on that student’s performance. It is a measurement so deeply rooted in our culture that, if it didn’t exist, literally hundreds of situation comedy episodes involving kids bringing home bad grades would make zero sense. It is also a built-in stressor in the American psyche. Grades are still a relatively new development in education systems. In the late-1700s, Yale University issued a kind of prototype letter grade based on the Latin alphabet and the concept of “best, worse and worst,” which does not seem particularly encouraging for anyone who does not score “best.” Nevertheless, Yale’s innovation established a foundation for the modern grading system. The earliest recorded use of letter grades came from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., in the late Victorian era, and due in part to an enormous influx of students, the beginning of a shift from an agrarian to a manufacturing society and the increasingly mandated concept of public education, letter grades became a kind of necessity, a Henry Ford-like way to assess performance, assembly line-style. The advent of multiple choice tests and quizzes was borne out of the same need to provide feedback in a timely, easy-to-produce manner.
Before he started Odyssey Leadership Academy in Oklahoma City, Dr. Scott Martin taught at private and public schools in central Oklahoma, both higher education and K through 12. What he saw in every school he taught was an over- reliance on grades as a measure of success. And the students were suffering. “I had a student who got a 34 [on the] ACT,” said Martin. “She got accepted on scholarship to Brown, and she was a brilliant, hard working student — just so full of life, so full of energy. And she ended up trying to take her own life. She took two razor blades and cut her wrists. Thankfully, she didn’t succeed, but it was because she was so stressed out about maintaining her 4.0 GPA.” Based on his experience with that student and several others who either did not receive proper motivation to excel or were caught on the hamster wheel maintaining high averages, Martin had to do something. He decided that, if he could help it, he would never give another grade to another student. Now starting its seventh year, Odyssey Leadership Academy still has not issued a grade, but its students are thriving. Last year, graduates of the small private school amassed $800,000 in scholarships, armed mainly with narrative assessments that tell the story of the students’ educations and accomplishments. “I’ve never had a school say, ‘No GPA? We’re not going to take your kid,’” said Martin. “It’s been the exact opposite of that.”
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