Editor's Blog / Web 2012 / Is It October Yet?

Sep 21, 201210:17 AMEditor's Blog

Is It October Yet?

I don't know about you, but I'm excited about October. Yeah, September is okay, but it's still a little hot, especially after the grueling summer we've had. But I'm always working ahead, so it may be that I've subconsciously skipped the rest of September without giving it a fair chance. We sent our October issue to the printer yesterday, so I hope you pick one up when it comes out next week. There's lots of good stuff in this issue, but more on that later.

First, this weekend. So much is happening! There's the Hound Dog Blues Festival at Chandler Park (kids 6 & under are free), and some proceeds go to animal rescue groups. My labradoodle is an adopted dog, so I have a special place in my heart for those groups that help pets find homes. The Greek Festival is also underway. Just thinking about it makes me hungry! And the Art of BBQ is downtown in the Blue Dome District this weekend. I'm feeling even hungrier. I love Tulsa festivals because they always include things for the kids, so go out and enjoy some of this beautiful weather with your family this weekend.

I know I've already told you all about Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, but I have to plug it again. My husband and I (and the dog) went to listen to music there last Sunday. It's lovely. You can sit and listen, people watch, dance, eat, visit with friends. Groups of kids were having a great time dancing in the grass while their parents relaxed on blankets. You can go listen to music every Sunday through October. And it's free! What could be better than that?

OK, so now a little about our October issue. Maybe you're like me and you love politics. Or maybe you're not. Whatever. I've always been a political junkie, probably because my dad was a political scientist and a sociologist. I remember going door-to-door with him for various candidates over the years. Anyway, I sat down with our two major party 1st Congressional District candidates, Jim Bridenstine and John Olson, to talk about their views on a variety of issues. Read what they had to say about why they're running and what their vision is for the country. My hope is that everyone will do their research on all the candidates and get out and vote on Nov. 6.

Many parents are concerned about over-crowded classrooms and underfunded public education in Oklahoma. You can't complain if you don't vote. It's sometimes difficult to sort through what candidates are saying. Who's going to say they're against kids? But ask candidates to put their money where their mouth is. One place to find out information is through the Parent Legislative Action Committee, a grassroots advocacy organization that was started by parents.  PLAC and 49th is Not OK are hosting a Question and Answer event for individuals running for office in Oklahoma at Will Rogers High School. Here's a link for information: http://49th Is Not Ok "Ask About Ed." - Tulsa Kids - Web 2012 - Tulsa, OK www.tulsakids.com For a link to PLAC's Facebook page, go here:  http://www.facebook.com/TulsaAreaPLAC  If you care about what is happening to our pubic schools, I suggest you go.

Other October fun -- We have a list of 21 Outstanding October Outings compiled by writer Cindy Webb in the upcoming issue of TulsaKids. Our calendar just wouldn't hold it all. Oktoberfest, the Tulsa Run, HallowZOOeen, HallowMarine, the Haunted Castle of Muskogee, pumpkin patches......  See what I mean?

We're also partnering with Tulsa Global Gardens in a community-wide effort that the Global Gardens folks started called SET THE TABLE, TULSA. For our part, we asked two families who want to revamp their dinnertime to share the experience. The families want to sit down to eat dinner together at home at least four times a week. The moms said they need help with meal planning/organizing and good, healthy recipes. Also, they would like to have conversation at the table instead of being on electronics or arguing. If you all have any suggestions for them (recipes, ideas that you do to keep conversation going, how you plan meals, etc.), please write them in the comments below or post on our Facebook page. We'll follow the families through social media and blogging during November as they aim for their goals to improve mealtime.