MetroFamily Magazine May June 2023

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.

MAY/JUNE 2023 5 furry & feathered friend encounters WILD about summer 100 ideas for a season of #okcfamilyfun Captivating Creatures

Top-Flight Aviators Catch the Blue Angels at the Tinker Air Show

METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM

Summer Reading Program 2023

June 1 - July 31

Earn 600 Points to Win Prizes! Read 5 Minutes or Complete 1 Reading Activity = 5 points Log your reading and activities from June 1 - July 31 Once you reach 600 points, you receive: Your choice of: 2 youth books or 1 adult book OR Logo tote bag * while supplies last Keep logging your reading to earn additional entries for the prize drawings and help us reach our Community Goal.

metrolibrary.org/summerreading • #IReadBecause

Features 10 OH, BABY!

Cue the awwws for our Cutest Baby Photo Contest winners 12 REAL MOMS OF THE METRO Meet our inspiring Awesome Moms honorees 16 MONEY MANAGEMENT Financial planning advice for parents of children with disabilities or special needs 18 MAKING FRIENDS WITH FIDO 3 tips to prevent dog bites 36 TASTE THE RAINBOW Fresh & easy summertime recipes the whole family will love 38 WILD ABOUT SUMMER! Plan a season of #okcfamilyfun with 100 warm weather ideas and activities Departments 14 FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

Statewide programs help strengthen maternal health and break cycles of substance use CALENDAR OF EVENTS Can’t-miss summer festivals, plus Mother’s & Father’s Day celebrations

33 NEW & NOW

5 furry & feathered friend encounters in the metro

JUNETEENTH ON THE EAST

CALDERÓN DANCE FESTIVAL

34 LOCAL FAMILY FUN

What you need to know to catch the Blue Angels at the Tinker Air Show EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA Learn about exotic and endangered species at Tanganyika Wildlife Park near Wichita, Kansas

62 LAST LOOK

Metro parents share their favorite things to do, top local issues

From the Cover 38 WILD ABOUT SUMMER! 33 CAPTIVATING CREATURES 34 TOP-FLIGHT AVIATORS

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I mposter syndrome. Does this wily phenomenon sneak up on you, too? Whispering that you’re not enough, or perhaps that you’re too much? I recently had the humbling opportunity to be recognized amidst a group of 13 other women, all incredible community leaders I have so much admiration for. And my imposter syndrome wasn’t quiet or sneaky; rather, it was loud, proud and taking over my brain waves. I shared my misgivings with my 11-year-old daughter, Addie. And like kids do, she spoke words to me that first came out of my mouth, when I remind her to negate negativity, be her own hype and praise herself for who she is. (These kids are listening even when we don’t know it!) One of Addie’s statements to me as I fretted that I hadn’t really “earned” this opportunity has been on repeat in my head ever since: “Your friends and the people there aren’t celebrating what you DO. They’re celebrating who you are. They love you for just being you. And you should, too.” So as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approach, let’s take Addie’s advice. Let’s simply celebrate ourselves for who we are. And tell that imposter syndrome to take a hike. I’ll be cheering you on. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2022

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page

METROFAMILY’S EDITORIAL TEAM LINDSAY CUOMO, ERIN PAGE AND EMILEY BAINBRIDGE AT THE WOMEN WHO LEAD EVENT BY OKLAHOMA HOSPITALITY CLUB.

MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2023 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. Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Contributing Writers Rebecca Fast Christina Mushi-Brunt Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

With gratitude,

Erin Page Managing Editor

ON THE COVER Claire is the winner of MetroFamily’s 2023 Cover Kids Search in the 4-5 age category! In PreK at Goddard School, Claire is confident and determined to conquer new skills: she recently added riding her bike without training wheels, whistling and memorizing her dad’s phone number to her repertoire. Claire loves to paint, craft, dance, attend gymnastics classes, play with her dog, Fred, dig in the dirt and dress up. Her favorite meal is mac and cheese with peas. Claire is the daughter of Ashley and Mark and little sister of Cael, and together they like visiting parks all around the metro, as well as going to Science Museum Oklahoma, the OKC Zoo and their local library. Special thanks to the OKC Zoo for hosting Claire’s photoshoot!

Proud member of

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 5

OFF THE PAGES

Win a wild encounter! Take a wild family vacation to Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita, Kan.! Enter our contest for your chance to WIN a “Best Day Ever” package at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Submit entries daily through May 16. The “Best Day Bundle” comes with admission for four, unlimited animal feeding opportunities and your choice of two Wildly Different Experiences, a value of more than $700! Enter at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests, and learn more about Tanganyika Wildlife Park on page 58.



VOTE for your favorites Thanks to all of you who nominated your favorite OKC businesses, attractions and organizations for MetroFamily’s annual Family Favorites awards! Now it’s time to vote to help us crown the winners — and help local parents easily locate the top metro resources. Vote daily May 3 through 17 at metrofamilymagazine.com/vote. Each time you vote, you’ll be entered for a chance to WIN two fabulous prize packages, each including a 2-night stay at the brand new Brut Hotel in Tulsa, which is walking distance to The Gathering Place, as well as tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and Discovery Lab.

Stay tuned for our July/August issue to see the full list of your chosen winners and finalists.

Best. Summer. Ever. When we say summer, you say FUN! Enter for your chance to win our Ultimate Summer Fun Contest with prize experiences from the Gaylord Texan and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, as well as toys and games like Paddlesmash, Gel Blasters and so much more! Enter daily from May 19 through June 19 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

Seize the season! Looking for the best in #okcfamilyfun this season? Planning an Oklahoma road trip? Find Oklahoma’s best beaches, waterfall hikes, drive-in theaters, splash pads, day trips, summer reading programs, tasty summertime treats and much more in our online Summer Fun Guides at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer .

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Earn College Credit in High School Concurrent courses are available in person on Rose State’s campus, online, on high school campuses, and interactive television. More Info: concurrent@raider.rose.edu or --.

Pursue a College Degree Earn a college degree in just years! But you don’t have to stop there. Select from over degrees and programs with options to enter the workforce immediately after graduating or transfer to a -year university. Professional Training & Certifications Earn certifications and training in drone mapping, aerospace, cybersecurity, IT, water operations, biotechniques, personal training, and more! Community Learning Center (CLC) Look no further than the CLC to find a rich assortment of educational opportunities open to the public. Classes include Art, Business/Finance, Conversational Spanish, Basic Computer Skills, Genealogy, Community Ensembles, Day Trips, and so much more. These are non-credit classes, conferences, and activities with the best faculty/speakers to provide lifelong learning and a fun environment.

Kids College Summer Camps Send your kids to college! Rose offers numerous camp options for 1st-12th graders where they can explore aerospace, geoscience, rockets, meteorology, chemistry, drones, archery, rock climbing,

movie making, and so much more! Register at rose.edu/kidscollege

Don't miss the best family party of the year!

Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rose State College Student Union, east of downtown OKC

Enjoy petting zoos, interactive mini-classes provided by the YMCA of Greater OKC, banjo fun with everyone's favorite, Lucas Ross, bounce houses, character meet and greets including your favorite princess and OKC Jedi, touch a truck, Pioneer Library Maker Mobile, Arena 51 Nerf Battle Zone, food trucks and 30 vendor booths each hosting a kid- friendly activity. PLUS be entered to win great prizes including a trip to the Gaylord Texan or a YMCA family membership! Adults and kids under age 2: FREE Kids 2 and older: $5 in advance; $8 at the door. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/kidsfest to learn more and get registered today!

JUNE 26-30 // 9AM–3PM This creative, week-long, day camp is designed for kids who have finished 2nd-6th grade. Students explore their creativity through hands-on projects & fun games. The gallery show is at 6pm Friday! $150 • Register now! JULY 10–14 // 9AM–3PM This fun, week-long, day camp is created for kids who have finished 2nd-8th grade. Students will enjoy music, costumes, choreography and more. The full-length musical will be performed at 6pm on Friday! $175 • Register now! Early Bird rate: $150 ends May 1st!

CROSSINGS.CHURCH/AWA Get details and register online:

14600 N PORTLAND, OKC, OK 73134 405.755.2227

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Thank you to our Kids Fest 2023 sponsors!

Presenting

Location

Community

Preregister and SAVE today: metrofamilymagazine.com/kidsfest

SAVE on the brands you trust with our everyday low prices.

Earn CASH when you sell us the toys, clothes, and equipment your kids have outgrown!

NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY 13801 N. PENNSYLVANIA AVE OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134 405-286-3114 | VISIT US ONLINE

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 9

Oh, Baby! BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

The team at MetroFamily got to “meet” more than 100 adorable babies through our 2023 Cutest Baby Photo Contest. Every single one captured our hearts and it was next to impossible to select the winners.

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos, and thank you to prize sponsors: Luna Sleep Solutions, Radio Flyer, Britax, Evereden, Canopy, Newton Baby, GUND, Boppy and b.box! And parents, get ready to enter next year’s Cutest Baby Photo Contest for ages 0-3 years starting Feb. 1, 2024.

Congratulations to our 2023 Cutest Baby Photo Contest winners:

Gabriel 6 months

Gabriel loves being outdoors, playing with his big brothers and being around people.

Hunter 5 months Hunter is the happiest of babies who loves tummy time, eating carrots and sweet potatoes and laughing at his furry dog sister.

Cory 6 months

CJ’s favorite food is baby sweet potatoes and he loves to observe his hands and toes. He enjoys listening to mommy and daddy read books at bedtime.

Krisha 9 months

Krisha loves to play with her mom and dad, eat bananas and go for car rides.

Alexander, Adonis, Arianna and Ayren 9 months This quad squad loves listening to Gracie’s Corner, exploring the world around them and chewing on toys, blankets, fingers, toes and anything else that provides teething relief.

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NOW HIRING CASHIERS & REC LEADERS

Monroe 10 months

Monroe loves her pink sit-in toy car, playing with her big brother and eating yogurt.

Gentry 1 year Gentry loves any and all music. She has the best dance moves around. She also loves visiting local libraries and reading books.

Elliana 16 months “Ellie” wakes up every morning and goes straight to see her dog, Juju. (One of her first words was Juju!) She also loves books.

Sullivan 2 years Sullivan loves numbers and building things.

Wiley 2 years Wiley loves dinosaurs, superheroes and going on outdoor adventures.

Scan to apply.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 11

REAL MOMS OF THE METRO

More than 50 metro moms were nominated for our annual Awesome Moms contest, and we are inspired by the stories of each and every one. Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations this year! Celebrate the stories of all our nominees by visiting metrofamilymagazine.com/2023-awesome-moms. Thank you to our Awesome Moms prize sponsors: Wyndham Hotel, 10 North Spa, Redrock Canyon Grill, Hefner Grill, Mama Roja’s, Upper Crust and Eminence Organics. Congratulations to the 2023 Awesome Moms winner and finalists! Awesome Moms BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

DENISE AND HER TWO KIDS

WINNER Denise Serrato

“Denise came to this country not knowing the English language. She fought and persevered and she now works for the Oklahoma [City] Public School System helping kids who were in her exact situation while setting a great example for her own two kids.” Mario, nominator “Being a parent is the one thing I love most about myself,” said Denise. “It’s super challenging and stressful and wonderful all at once. My kids teach me so much about myself. I am loving the ride.” Denise has been so inspired by her students over the past five years — as well as her own two children — that she is now pursuing her teaching degree through OKCPS’ Bilingual Pipeline Program, attending classes at night while working during the day. “My priority is being the best mother I can be, but when you are a teacher, you become a second parent to these kids,” said Denise. While juggling her responsibilities and being a single parent can sometimes be challenging, Denise’s palpable joy and gratitude in being mother to her daughter and son is the motivation for everything she does. Denise remembers what it felt like to be a new fourth grade student in America, knowing no English and being thrown into a brand new culture. Now as a bilingual specialist for OKCPS, she relates deeply to her students in similar situations. “I know what the kids are going through — I see how much they struggle and how scary it can be,” said Denise. “It’s important to remember that it’s as much about getting comfortable in the new environment as it is about learning. Every accomplishment is a huge celebration.”

DENISE IS A MOM OF TWO, BILINGUAL SPECIALIST FOR OKCPS AND STUDENT EARNING HER TEACHING DEGREE.

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REAL MOMS OF THE METRO

FINALIST Margie Brown

MARGIE (CENTER) WITH GRANDKIDS ALEXIS AND CHIKIRA AND GREAT- GRANDKIDS ROYALTEE AND A’LAIYAH

Margie laughs that she has been raising kids all her life. She and her husband, William, had three children and fostered two children. Margie has also helped raise one of her five grandchildren and two of her great-grandchildren. She is proud that today, each of her descendants reflects her desire to “do right and be right” and contribute to the community around them. Margie says parenting takes a lot of patience and a lot of practice and oftentimes more listening than instructing. She’s also a firm believer in the power of prayer. “You have to listen to them as well as give your views because all kids and teenagers are different,” advises Margie. “You have to understand where they are coming from and where they are trying to go. We’re not going to agree on everything, but we can meet them halfway and give them a chance.” Her greatest hope is that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember and continue to pass on to the generations to come that she taught them to treat others with kindness.

“To this day, our childhood friends and foster kids keep in touch with my mother and even take time out of their lives to come visit her. And, yes, they still call her mom.” LaTresa, nominator

FINALIST Shelly Fletcher

Just five days after giving birth to her daughter, Emma, Shelly had a stroke and lost complete use of her left side. Doctors told her she likely wouldn’t be able to walk again, and the worries swirled about how she would not only care for her newborn but also return to teaching in her second-grade public school classroom.

Not only did Shelly regain use of her limbs during inpatient care and outpatient rehabilitation, she eventually took up running. As a first grader, Emma wanted to run in the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Marathon, and Shelly was inspired to join her. Shelly has since run five half marathons. Shelly continues to teach, working with PreK students at First Learning

“In May of 2006, Shelly had a stroke. Her chances of living were slim, but she knew that I needed her and she fought through the recovery process.” Emma, nominator

(ABOVE) SHELLY AND HER DAUGHTER, EMMA, WHO NOMINATED HER (RIGHT) SHELLY RUNNING A HALF MARATHON

Center in Moore. Colleagues and friends she has met since the stroke find what Shelly went through 17 years ago hard to believe as there are almost no residual after-effects today. Emma praises her mom’s strength, determination, faith and love, and Shelly says sometimes being strong means asking for help. “Just being a mom, asking for help is hard,” said Shelly. “But we need to be able to accept help and know we can’t do everything on our own.” Learn more about our 2023 Awesome Moms honorees at metrofamilymagazine. com/2023-awesome-moms-contest-winners.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 13

FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

BY ERIN PAGE Parents and Substance Use New programs help improve maternal health, strengthen families and break cycles

Oklahoma has historically experienced high rates of parents with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), which has contributed to increased incarceration of women, maternal deaths and children being removed from their homes, and the statistics have only worsened in recent years. In 2019, Oklahoma had the eighth highest proportion in the nation of children in foster care whose removal was due to substance abuse, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). In 2018, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and other local and statewide agencies studied how to improve outcomes of individuals with SUD, moms in particular, to benefit not just the parent but their children and families. ODMHSAS identified three sites in which to implement a pilot program, including Tulsa’s Center for Therapeutic Intervention (CTI), the STAR (Substance use Treatment And Recovery) Prenatal Clinic at OU Health Sciences Center and Okmulgee’s CREOKS Behavioral Health Services center. When the pilot program began, if a mother was using substances while pregnant, there wasn’t a clear path to connect her with recovery services until her baby was born substance exposed or substance affected. Even that didn’t always result in treatment. In 2018, 1,040 women gave birth to infants affected by opioid withdrawal symptoms in Oklahoma licensed medical facilities, according to ODMHSAS; 70 percent of those mothers were not connected with treatment after delivery. “Child Protective Services (CPS) doesn’t have the ability to intervene until after a child is born, so, unfortunately, it can be a challenge to identify folks who may benefit from treatment or intervention during the prenatal period,” said Katie Harrison, senior program manager for Adult and Family-Centered Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services within ODMHSAS. “The same thing could happen at the hospital level. If a baby is born substance exposed or affected, they are referred to CPS to be assessed for safety. If it is determined during the investigation that the family can provide a safe environment, a referral to treatment may not necessarily be made. And we know that there are often times, even though safety may not be a risk, the family could still benefit from treatment and support.” The agencies considered what positive outcomes could occur if they intervened and offered solutions earlier. “We really wanted to enhance supports by moving upstream to increase recovery during pregnancy,” explained Harrison.

What is a Family Care Plan? One key component has been the development of Family Care Plans (FCP), which were officially launched as part of the larger 2020 SAFER (Safely Advocating for Families Engaged in Recovery) statewide effort addressing the continuum of care for persons who have a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder and are pregnant, parenting or are wanting to become pregnant. Kept either digitally or in a binder, FCPs are client-owned compilations of documents that help moms and their providers keep track of all key paperwork, check lists, appointments and resources needed in their journeys toward recovery. FCPs also highlight the owner’s accomplishments, identify goals and address needs. An FCP could include things like the log from a mom’s participation in a 12-step recovery program, notes from prenatal appointments, resources on safe sleep for infants, information on local domestic violence support services and much more. The client is encouraged to take the plan to all prenatal, treatment, court and agency appointments to be updated or added to by each provider they encounter. “These families can have a lot of intensive social needs and are trying to coordinate care across systems and providers,” explained Harrison. “This tool can bridge some of the gaps between systems and aid not only the person keeping track but also demonstrate the steps they are taking toward recovery to CPS and the court.” “Our primary goal is to prevent family separation whenever safely possible and provide enough robust community supports to that family that they can discharge home with their infant.” Katie Harrison, ODMHSAS

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FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

because it allows the continued relationship between the child and parent, reduces recidivism, improves child welfare outcomes and is a great motivator toward someone staying in recovery.” Any person with an SUD who wishes to become pregnant, is pregnant, is in the postnatal period or who has child welfare involvement is a candidate for an FCP. Any provider can start an FCP for a parent or parent-to-be with an SUD, using online training from ODMHSAS. Harrison hopes the success of FCPs will keep more families together, improve how local and state systems work together to support parents with SUD and empower long-term recovery. “We have this view that if you don’t stop using it means you don’t love your child,” said Harrison. “But SUDs are a medical disease that need treatment. It’s important to address so we can improve the quality of treatment, engagement and access to treatment.” Editor’s note: This article is part of a 10-month series of articles and podcasts with 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Find the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/mental-health.

If an infant is born substance exposed or affected and CPS is notified, the FCP details the steps the mom has taken and will continue to take in her recovery. While having an FCP doesn’t mean an infant won’t be removed from the home if the environment is deemed unsafe, it does help families reduce or eliminate safety issues and give them a better chance of keeping custody of their children. “Our primary goal is to prevent family separation whenever safely possible and provide enough robust community supports to that family that they can discharge home with their infant,” said Harrison. “This provides the family greater odds for long- term recovery, reduces the ACE [Adverse Childhood Experience] score on day one of a baby’s life and breaks cycles.” The data shows FCPs are working. At CTI in Tulsa, between October 2019 and November 2022, 81 Family Care Plans were developed. Of those families who had babies in that time period, 100 percent of infants were released from the hospital with their parents. Similarly, at the STAR Center in Oklahoma City, 85 percent of infants whose parents had FCPs were released home. The next step is to increase education and reduce stigma so that parents, or parents-to-be, with SUD will feel empowered to access services. “Research shows a punitive approach has counteractive results,” said Harrison. “It can push people not to engage in prenatal care or treatment. But a public health approach has greater success

SPONSORED BY

BY CHRISTINA MUSHI-BRUNT . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

The current cost of raising a child from birth to 18 years in a U.S. middle class household is estimated to be a little over $300,000, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some costs can be anticipated and planned for, what happens when the unexpected occurs? In 2020, Aaron and Natalie Waters and their first daughter, Ella Kate, welcomed their second daughter, Collyns Claire, into their family. As a parent and a wealth advisor with Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies, Aaron was acutely aware of the costs the family would face. However, when prenatal screening tests revealed that Collyns had Down syndrome, a condition in which an individual has a partial or full extra copy of chromosome 21, he and Natalie had to start reimagining their family’s short- and long-term plans, including their finances. Based on his professional and personal experiences, Waters shares his top five tips for families as they balance the expenses of raising a child who has special needs with creating joyful family memories. 1. Build a support network. This network can consist of family, friends and professionals who have a child with special needs or who have experience in associated areas. Seeking out wise counsel, whether through personal relationships or professionals like financial planners, lawyers and health care advocates, can be extremely beneficial. 2. Make decisions based on your family’s needs and assets. As parents, we often have a vision for what our family’s journey will look like and make decisions based on that vision. However, becoming a family that includes a child with special needs or disabilities may require significant adjustments. Waters shares one such example: “When my wife, Natalie, decided to stay home with our children, we lost income, but we did save on daycare costs. Weighing those kinds of things is important, and they are not always easy decisions.” 3. Assess your short-term needs. Managing day-to-day finances is one of the most commonly cited challenges for families of children with special needs. It’s especially complex when the diagnosis is new. “You look at what expenses are going to be,” explains Waters. “In that moment, all of a sudden, now we weren’t just having a baby. We were looking at a NICU stay, heart surgeries and

DAD AND WEALTH ADVISOR AARON WATERS HELPS FAMILIES LIKE HIS BALANCE THE EXPENSES OF RAISING A CHILD WHO HAS SPECIAL NEEDS WITH CREATING JOYFUL FAMILY MEMORIES.

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• Be aware of laws and programs for families of children with special needs that can provide financial peace of mind. For example: The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act is a federal law passed in 2014 (and adopted in Oklahoma in 2016) that allows families to save and invest money in an account specifically for children with special needs. The funds that the parent, the individual or anyone else deposits into an ABLE account can help cover medical or therapy costs, and the funds won’t affect eligibility for other income-dependent federal and state benefits. If used for eligible disability expenses, the money is tax free to the beneficiary. The 2022 Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE 2.0) Act also includes a provision that increases the age of disability limit from 26 to 46, meaning even more families can open ABLE accounts. Special Needs Trusts ( SNTs ) allow individuals a way to hold and manage assets for a beneficiary while still maintaining eligibility for needs-based government benefits. An attorney must establish an SNT, and this type of trust also allows the freedom to contribute unlimited funds (unlike ABLE) for a child’s lifetime needs. 5. It’s never too early, and it’s not too late! Whether your child is a newborn, in the midst of their teenage years or an adult, the time is always right to prioritize family finances. Simple tasks such as assessing your finances each year can help families avoid surprises, enjoy a sense of security and plan activities that cultivate joy. “Our whole story is filled with twists and turns and things we never expected or thought we wanted,” said Waters, “and while it has not been easy, it has changed our lives in ways we could have never imagined. We’ve stressed over hospital stays, heart surgeries, medical bills and everything in between, but when I look back on our last few years, I quickly realize how much joy and beauty has been brought to our family because of Collyns and her diagnosis.” Editor’s note: Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies is a full-service wealth management firm offering comprehensive financial services, tax and accounting services and business consulting services all under one roof.

extra care that we weren’t planning on and all of those things can become very expensive. It was daunting.” Aaron and Natalie sought out resources to help with immediate needs. Waters recommends families learn about their options through state programs, for example: • SoonerCare is Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, which provides coverage for health care services to vulnerable populations. SoonerCare helps cover medical costs for individuals and families who are unable to afford them and who lack access to other health insurance coverage. SoonerCare can help families manage the costs of medical, dental and vision appointments, therapies, prescriptions and more. • Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act (TEFRA) can help ease some of the financial burden associated with caring for a child with special needs, including therapies, medical equipment, copays and even transportation costs. A child must meet eligibility criteria, and then families are paired with a case manager, who helps them navigate through the process. Waters said TEFRA has been a “huge help.” 4. Plan for the long term. For families of children with special needs or disabilities, future financial security may require more detailed planning. Is independent living possible? What happens if the child outlives their parents? “When you first receive a diagnosis of special needs, your mind races to all the selfish possibilities of how life is going to change,” said Waters, “including things like: will they be able to live on their own, what will our day-to-day lives look like and what will costs look like as we get her all the help she needs to thrive?” Waters recommends two areas of focus when planning long term: • Create a financial independence plan. Being financially independent is “that point where you know everyone is taken care of for whatever life brings,” explains Waters. “Creating a step-by- step plan for the new ‘what if’s’ in life will help you create peace of mind knowing that everything will be OK.”

3 Locations to Serve You! Edmond • Yukon • OKC

Call 405-840-1686 to schedule an evaluation!

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 17

Making Friends with Fido 3 tips to prevent dog bites

BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

1 “Education is essential,” said Soriano. “There are specific behaviors a dog displays when in an aggressive state and being able to recognize those can help anyone avoid being bitten.” Soriano offers 3 tips on how kids and families can prevent dog bites: Be vigilant. Adults should always keep an eye on children around dogs, says Soriano, even if the dog is well known to the family and there have been previous safe interactions. “Most dog bites happen in a familiar location — in the home or a friend or family’s home,” explained Soriano. “They may happen in the dog’s territory and because children by nature can be unpredictable, there is always the chance that a dog could react negatively to a child’s attention.” Soriano also emphasizes to never take an owner’s opinion of their dog at face value. Owners often only know how their dog behaves with them or their immediate family. They are unable to foresee how their dog may react or be triggered by a new environment or situation. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States and at least half of those bitten are children, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to the fact that children are more likely to be bitten, their injuries are often more severe. These alarming statistics, along with a passion to support safe interactions with “man’s best friend,” prompted Angel Soriano, founder of Oklahoma City’s K9 University, to develop his specialized Dog Bite Safety training. Drawing from his 40 years of experience as a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral expert, Soriano’s Dog Bite Safety training focuses on dog bite prevention as well as respecting and understanding the nature of dogs. “The American Veterinary Medical Association considers dog bites a public health crisis,” said Soriano. “But with education, we can help prevent dog bites, especially in children. I have grandkids, and like any grandparent or parent, I want to keep them safe and teach them the tools needed to avoid being bitten.” While Soriano regularly provides training for organizations where employees come in contact with unknown canines — think mail carriers, utility workers, law enforcement and many others — he also wanted to help educate children in a fun way they would remember. That’s how The Adventures of Frannie and Frankie came to be: this kid-friendly video series teaches children how to avoid potentially dangerous situations with dogs, and, if a risky situation occurs, how to best react to protect themselves.

THE ADVENTURES OF FRANNIE AND FRANKIE VIDEO SERIES HELPS KIDS AVOID POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WITH DOGS.

Know the signs. To avoid a dog bite, it’s vital to recognize the signs of aggressive dog behavior and to teach children to view them as warnings. “Watch for stiffness,” said Soriano. “Dogs will stiffen up or momentarily freeze when they are uncomfortable. It’s a subtle cue that lets you know it’s best to keep your distance. Also look for hackles, which is when a dog’s hair on its back is standing up. This happens when a dog is fearful or feels threatened.” Other more obvious signs of aggressive behavior include growling, barking, lunging, snarling and baring teeth. These are all indicators that the dog is in a state of fear, frustration or agitation and may react by attacking and biting.

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Be prepared. When faced with or approached by an aggressive dog, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe. To begin, remain calm and yell commands in an authoritative voice, like, “Stop!” Avoid looking into the dog’s eyes, as this may be perceived as threatening, and don’t turn your back. Resist the urge to run and instead back away slowly. “Dogs are hard wired, meaning it’s their natural instinct, to chase prey,” said Soriano. “Never try to outrun a dog. By running, it triggers the dog’s innate drive as a predatory animal.” Learn more Soriano has spent his entire career studying canine behavior and has always had dogs in his life. He grew up watching his father informally train their beloved pets, and then when he chose to become a professional dog trainer, he had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best trainers in the industry. Along with his work in dog bite safety training, his expertise includes search and rescue (SAR), tracking, cadaver search, personal protection, police and drug dogs and severe behavior curbing. Since establishing K9 University in 1985, a family owned and operated business, it has become the largest institute in the Midwest to include nearly all aspects of dog training and behavioral curbing — and employs Soriano’s patented training methods.

“The introduction of our Dog Bite Safety training and now the addition of our videos tailored to kids is an opportunity for us to continue meeting a need within communities and help individuals of all ages safely coexist with dogs,” said Soriano. “We hope schools and any organization that works with children will consider this an effective resource to help educate and protect kids.” Editor’s note: For more information and to access the children’s video series The Adventures of Frannie and Frankie , visit dogbitesafety. com . The videos are ideal for use by caregivers, day cares, schools, scout groups and more to share age-appropriate education and instruction about dog behavior and how to prevent dog bites. This video series is most appropriate for kids 12 and under.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 19

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JUNE 3 MetroFamily’s Kids Fest at Rose State College Student Union (1910 Hudiburg Dr, Midwest City) features engaging hands-on activities, bouncing fun, arts and crafts, character meet and greets, face painting, animals, balloon animals, food trucks and more. Kids (2 & up), $5 in advance, $8 at the door; parents and kids under 2, free. 10am- 2pm. metrofamilymagazine.com/kidsfest

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Things to Do in May & June MAY 13

MAY 20 NAMIWalk at Scissortail Park - Songbird Plaza (1423 S Robinson Ave) features an inspirational, family-friendly event with music, a resource fair and a 5k walk. Free to attend; fundraising encouraged. 8:30-11:30am. namioklahoma.org Wild-ones Wildlife Walks at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a guided hike to see and learn about the amazing wildlife all around us. Preregister. $2. 9-10am. Also held: June 17. okc.gov Endangered Species Day at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington Pl). Discover ways you can help endangered species at activity stations throughout the Zoo. Free with admission. 10am-2pm. okczoo.org Drop-in Art at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features come-and-go art activities for all ages. No preregistration required. Free with admission; kids (17 & under) get in free. 11am-4pm. Also held: June 17. okcmoa.com

FREE Second Saturday XL at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features a showcase of their most popular camp offerings including DJing, shadow puppets and more. Enjoy art-making, artist demonstrations and family-friendly activities such as dance lessons, puppet shows and a pretend campfire. The first 75 kids (ages 12 & under) will receive a free ticket for a treat from the Snow S’more food truck. 1-4pm. oklahomacontemporary.org MAY 16 Sensory Playdate at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features sensory-friendly activities designed for all abilities. In May, create your own “I spy” sensory bag and learn a Western dance from Aspiring Attitudes dance instructors. Free with admission. 10am-noon. Also held: June 20. nationalcowboymuseum.org

MAY 5-7 Shrek The Musical Jr. at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre (1727 NW 16th St) features a production by the Thelma Gaylord Academy based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. $15. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2 & 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. thelmagaylordacademy.com MAY 6 FREE Armed Forces Day Parade in Del City (SE 17th & Sunnylane, Del City) features a military color guard, decorated floats, vintage cars, Shriners and more. The parade starts with a flyover and aerial performance by the Tulsa Warbirds. 10am. cityofdelcity.com/armed-forces-day-parade Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features a family-friendly festival with over 60 areas of fun including kayaking, pony rides, painting, inflatables, crafts and more. Best suited for ages 12 & under. $5 in advance, $7 day of; adults, free. 10am-4pm. yukonok.gov MAY 6-7 Space Days at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features special hands-on activities and live demonstrations, plus the museum’s permanent exhibits with NASA artifacts, interactive simulators and more. Free with admission. 9am-5pm. sciencemuseumok.org MAY 7 FREE BikeFest at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel (1700 S Western Ave) features local bike shops, live music, family- friendly activities and more. Noon- 3pm. facebook.com/ACOGOK FREE Calderón Dance Festival in the Plaza District (1745 NW 16th St) features dance classes in various styles and performances from more than two dozen genres on several stages throughout the day, plus live music, artist vendors and more. Noon-8pm. plazadistrict.org/calderon

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 21

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MAY/JUNE CALENDAR

Celebrate with Mom

PHOTO BY ANDREA J.

FREE SENSEsational Saturdays at Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) features a celebration of Factory Obscura’s immersive art experience SYNESTHESIA, which explores the five senses. Enjoy hands-on art activities inspired by the museum’s collection, meet Factory Obscura artists and more. 2-4pm. ou.edu/fjjma FREE Kick Off to Summer at Southern Oaks Recreation Center (400 SW 66th St) features refreshments, lawn games, art and more to learn about summer programs at OKC recreation centers. Donations of canned foods are encouraged. All ages welcome. 2-6pm. okc.gov MAY 24-JUNE 4 Hamilton at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the story MAY 6-27 Ostrich Egg Breakfast at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) features a delicious breakfast buffet. Tickets include admission into the OKC Zoo, the breakfast buffet, tram and carousel access, lorikeet feeding opportunity and entry into Stingray Bay. Adults, $40-$56; kids, $30-$45; kids (2 & under), free. Saturdays, 8 or 9:30am. okczoo.org MAY 12 FREE Movie in the Park at Central Park (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features an outdoor screening of ET the Extra- Terrestrial (PG). Movie begins at sundown. Concessions available. cityofmoore.com

Fame member. Thursdays, 10am-5pm; story time & crafts, until 2pm. oklahomahof.com JUNE 3 FREE Kids Fishing Derby at Spring Creek Park at Arcadia Lake (SE 15th St, Edmond). Young anglers, ages 5-15, compete for prizes. Bring bait, fishing equipment, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a lawn chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 7:30am-noon. arcadialakeok.com Edmond Electric Touch-a-Truck at UCO Parking Lot #6 (Main & Hurd on Baumann, Edmond). Kids of all ages can experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firefighters, construction workers and many more. Proceeds benefit the Edmond Hope Center. $2 suggested donation. 9am-noon. edmondelectric.com/touchatruck Oklahoma Stories: Clara Luper Centennial at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features guest artist Karen Slack and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic performing in honor of the 100th birthday of Civil Rights activist Clara Luper. $27 & up. 8pm. okcphil.org MAY 19 FREE Dancing in the Gardens at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features an evening of dancing with salsa dance instructors and a live DJ. All ages welcome. 7-11pm. Also held: June 16 – MTV Dance Hits . myriadgardens.org

of American founding father Alexander Hamilton with a score that blends hip hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. Best suited for ages 10 & up. $39 & up. See website for showtimes. okcbroadway.com MAY 26-27 Savannah Bananas at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr) features a fast-paced, action-packed style of baseball. The Bananas will face off against their rival, the Party Animals. $25. See website for game times. thesavannahbananas.com JUNE 1-JULY 27 FREE Summer Thursdays at Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features complimentary museum admission, story time, arts and crafts and outdoor games. Each Thursday will highlight an Oklahoma Hall of MAY 13 OKC Flower and Garden Festival at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a variety of vendors with flowers, herbs, succulents, jewelry, art, crafts and other garden-related items sure to brighten anyone’s home. Free to attend. 9am-4pm. myriadgardens.org FREE Family Yoga Class at Bikram Yoga Studio (210 S Ellison Ave) features a family-focused class taught by Heather Geis Lensgraf, RYT-500. Preregister. 2pm. bikramyogaokc.com

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023

MetroFamily’s Kids Fest at Rose State College Student Union (1910 Hudiburg Dr, Midwest City) features engaging hands-on activities, bouncing fun, arts and crafts, character meet and greets, face painting, animals, balloon animals, food trucks and more. Kids (2 & up), $5 in advance, $8 at the door; parents and kids under 2, free. 10am-2pm. metrofamilymagazine.com/kidsfest Kids Take Over the Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). Learn what kind of plants and animals live in the desert and determine how they manage to survive through a fun game and scavenger hunt. Enjoy story time at 10:30 and 11:30am. Free with admission. 10am-noon. nationalcowboymuseum.org Autism Oklahoma PieceWalk at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features a PieceWalk, kids’ zone, food trucks and a resource fair benefiting Autism Oklahoma. Free to attend; fundraising encouraged. 6:30-8:30pm. piecewalk.org

JUNE 3-4 Children’s Gardening Fair at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features gardening activities, food trucks, vendors and music. $8; free for members and kids 2 & under. 10am-5pm myriadgardens.org

Teach your child about dog bite safety!

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405-231-4335 | 9217 NW Expressway, OKC K9 University Kids and dogs together can be a beautiful thing – until it’s not! More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the US and at least half of those bitten are children (CDC). The experts at K9 University have created a child-oriented video that gives easy-to-understand instructions about how to know the signs of aggressive dog behavior and what to do if a dog becomes aggressive. Go to dogbitesafety.com to find out more about this invaluable video.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023 23

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MAY/JUNE CALENDAR

FREE Floating Films at RIVERSPORT OKC (800 Riversport Dr) features a water- side screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark . No outside food and beverages allowed. Film begins at sunset. riversportokc.org JUNE 23 Spoke Street Night Market in the Wheeler District (1701 S Western Ave) features more than 25 pop-up vendors, food trucks, drinks and more. 6-9pm. wheelerdistrict.com JUNE 23-25 OKC Pridefest & Parade at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features a three-day festival with art, music, a parade and more. See website for schedule. okcpridealliance.org JUNE 27-JULY 2 The Sound of Music at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) presents an all-new production from Lyric Theatre featuring a 75-member cast and live orchestra. $42 & up. See website for show times. lyrictheatreokc.com JULY 1-2 FREE Tinker Air Show at Tinker Air Force Base (3001 S Douglas Blvd, Midwest City) features the U.S. Navy Blue Angles and an array of other flying acts, plus static displays, a STEM area and more. 8am-5pm. tinkerairshow.org

JUNE 6-7 Madagascar the Musical at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a live musical spectacular with Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo. $41 & up. 7pm. okcciviccenter.com JUNE 8-18 Much Ado About Nothing at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (2920 Paseo) features the tale of Beatrice and Benedick, both sworn to a solo life, determined to evade Cupid’s quiver of arrows. $10 & up. Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 7:30pm. okshakes.org JUNE 10 FREE City of Moore Kid’s Fishing Derby at Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12th St). Kids ages 5-15 can cast a pole to try to catch a prize fish. Bring your own pole and bait. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. 8-11am. cityofmoore.com Walk for Kids at Scissortail Park - Robinson Lawn (801 S Robinson Ave) features a family-friendly, 2.5k walk benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Oklahoma City. Preregister. 8:30-11am. rmhc-okc.org/walk-for-kids FREE Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features a family-focused day of art- making around playful patterns, plus performances and gallery adventures. 1-4pm. oklahomacontemporary.org

JUNE 14 FREE SONIC Summer Movies at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features an outdoor screening of Matilda . Pre-movie activities begin at 7pm; movie begins at 9pm. Also held: June 21 – Puss in Boots ; June 28 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding . myriadgardens.org JUNE 15-17 The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder Ave) features an adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s quintessential children’s book of fractured fairy tales. Everything from Chicken Little to The Gingerbread Man gets a complete makeover. Adults, $11; kids (2-12), $9. See website for show times. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org JUNE 16 FREE Fiesta Friday in Historic Capitol Hill (S Harvey between 24th & 25th St) features a family-friendly block party with pop-up shops, a DJ and live entertainment. 6-9pm. historiccapitolhill.com JUNE 17 Picnic on the Prairie at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd) features tours of the historic buildings and the grounds, old- fashioned games, arts and crafts and more. Families can bring their own picnic lunch or purchase from onsite food trucks. Free admission. 10am-2pm. harnhomestead.com

Find a searchable list of local events at metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

Classes for 18 months old - 18 years old

405-721-8807

oklahomacitydancestudio.com

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