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.
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2021 5
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