Congratulations to Tee Pee Drive-In in Sapulpa! They opened their season last night with a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the cult mockumentery, “This Is Spinal Tap.”

A famous line in the movie is when the “host” of “documentary” (Rob Reiner) asks the fictitious guitar player about the band’s amplifiers, he says that when they need “that extra push over the cliff…it goes to 11.”

Thanks to Chuck, Amanda, and all at Tee Pee for having us! AND allowing Angel and I to spend the night in one of their refurbished 1950s “airstream” style camper trailers. They have brought these trailers back to life in fantastic glory! They include retro style patio furniture, wall art and a kitchen table.

Please watch this reveal video my daughter and I filmed showing how cool it is.

They have lots of fun events planned this summer, starting with the Solar Eclipse on Monday! They will be playing Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety during the eclipse. And it’s FREE to attend!

It’s such a super FUN staycation location! You can see the schedule of movies and rent one of the trailers here: teepeedrivein.com

I‘m seeing more and more posts advertising special treats and flavors inspired by the April 8 solar eclipse. So I thought I’d round them up in one place! If you know of any not listed, please tell us in the comments. I’ll try to add to this article as more info becomes available. In addition, here are some solar eclipse-inspired recipes as well, in case you want to get creative in the kitchen.

Solar Eclipse Treats

Solar Eclipse Ice Cream at Rose Rock Microcreamery

Rose Rock Microcreamery announced via Facebook on April 2 that they’re running a special through April 8. Spend $15 in the store, and you’ll receive a pair of eclipse glasses. PLUS, they’re offering a black-and-orange “solar eclipse” ice cream, flavored with orange and vanilla. Yum!

Rose Rock Microcreamery has three locations: one in downtown Tulsa, one on Cherry Street and one in the Broken Arrow Rose District.

Big Dipper Creamery Solar Eclipse Flavors

I don’t know what the flavors are yet, but Big Dipper shared a photo of an orange ice cream and a photo of a chocolate-looking ice cream on social media. They captioned the images with “4.8.24.” So they’re definitely planning something for the eclipse, I just don’t know exactly what it is yet.

Total Solar Eclipse Donut

This creation, available April 5-8, is a collaboration between Krispy Kreme and Oreo. The Total Solar Eclipse Donut features a glazed donut topped with chocolate icing and star-like silver sprinkles, Oreo buttercream and an Oreo to top it all off. Definitely a win if you’re a fan of Krispy Kreme and Oreos! Click here for a photo.

Krispy Kreme in Tulsa is located at 10128 E. 71st St.

Blackout Slush Float

Sonic rolled out their new Blackout Slush Float on March 25, and each purchase comes with a free pair of eclipse-viewing glasses, while supplies last. The slush float, which is flavored with dragon fruit and cotton candy, should be available through May 5. Learn more at usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/03/25/sonic-blackout-slush-float-solar-eclipse/73094260007/

The drink was VERY sweet and only comes in a medium, so we didn’t finish it. But it was fun to try!

Chuy’s Tex-Mex Totality Celebration

Chuy’s Tex-Mex is celebrating the solar eclipse April 6-8. Their specials include a $5 chips and dip all day long (including queso), a special “Dark Side of the Spoon” parody T-shirt for $15, and (for 21+) an eclipse-themed ‘Rita. ” The Eclipse ‘Rita is made with LALO Blanco tequila, Gran Gala, fresh lime juice and agave nectar with a float of red wine.” See more information and photos at chuys.com/the-latest/tex-mex-totality-celebration

Chuy’s has at least two locations in the Tulsa area: 10808 E. 71st St. and 8120 S. Olympia Ave. (Tulsa Hills).

Solar Eclipse Recipes/Ideas

These are hardly recipes, I guess! Just simple ideas that can be easily implemented.

Lemon Blackberry Tartlets

I like this simple idea, from evaminette.net/lemon-blackberry-tartlets-solar-eclipse. Make – or buy! – lemon tartlets, and top them with a blackberry. The berry looks like the moon, with the bright yellow of the lemon filling creating a sunny circle around it.

Found lemon tartlets at Reasor’s. They maybe don’t look totally eclipse-like, but you get the idea…

Lemon-Anything topped with Oreo

Taking inspiration from the donut above, an Oreo could be used to top pretty much any yellow treat. For example, lemon-frosted cupcakes, a lemon sugar cookie, Or even slices of a lemon-frosted sheet cake. So easy!

A Healthier Option

For a healthy eclipse snack, put a blackberry or blueberry on top of a slice of banana. Maybe you can buy or make some fancy solar eclipse toothpicks.

Eclipse Pancakes

For a 2017 eclipse, Denny’s offered all-you-can-eat “Mooncakes” for $4. (Thanks, Google!) These were just mini pancakes called mooncakes. You could do something similar, or you could get a bit more creative. Maybe add some yellow food dye to the batter (if you like) and top each pancake with a circle of nutella or blackberries. Sounds pretty good to me!

Side note: I love how versatile pancakes are when it comes to holiday celebrations. They provide such an easy-to-decorate surface, and pair well with many flavors.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Joss and I will be watching the solar eclipse from Exploration Place in Wichita. They posted a nice video explaining solar eclipses in an easy-to-understand, visual way. The video ends with a section on solar eclipse safety and how to make your own solar eclipse viewing box.

See more solar eclipse safety tips at science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/

Solar Eclipse Events in Tulsa

TulsaKids has a list of places to view the eclipse in Tulsa. The libraries are hosting several events, as are Guthrie Green and Discovery Lab: tulsakids.com/where-to-celebrate-the-solar-eclipse-in-tulsa/

Way back in the dark ages (the 1960s), we walked uphill both ways to school, and we took a total of two field trips during our TPS elementary years. The most memorable of the two was the trip to Philbrook. We were instructed to be quiet and orderly, keeping our voices to a whisper and our hands to our sides. It was an adult museum, and we felt lucky to visit. Philbrook continues to be a beautiful place, but some things have changed for the better in the intervening fifty-odd years since I was a fourth grader.

Philbrook has become a family-friendly place with activities that appeal to all ages. Last summer, my grandson attended and enjoyed two weeks of summer camp at Philbrook. My three-year-old granddaughter has been doing the Friday morning nature hikes with her mom. On a recent Friday, her brother and I went along also. Fortunately, it was a perfect day for a nature hike, and the tulips greeted us with colorful blooms.

Friday: Nature Hike

The Friday family nature hike begins at 10 a.m. with a garden walk. A Philbrook employee leads the group and gives the kids clippings to put in their bags. After the nature walk, there is a craft activity using the clippings. My three-year-old granddaughter loves this part! The nature walk and art activity are structured yet allow freedom for roaming toddlers and pre-schoolers with limited attention spans.

The surroundings are inspirational for artists of all ages!

Thursday: Storytime and Feeding Koi

Thursday mornings are also a good time for families with young kids to visit Philbrook! Storytime is held outside, beginning at 10 a.m. and moving inside during inclement weather. Immediately after storytime is the fish feeding at 10:30 in the Reflecting Pool. Watching the brightly colored Koi come to the surface for food is an exciting experience for all ages!

Daily Fun in the Gardens

My six-year-old grandson loves what he calls “The hidden playground,” which is tucked away in the southwest part of the grounds. He loves the tightrope walk and the tires. The play area is shady and quiet, providing a pleasant respite for a tired grandparent. The 25 acres of  Philbrook gardens and grounds are worth the price of admission, but there are always interesting things going on inside!

Callister loves “The Hidden Playground!”

Collidoscope

The current special exhibit is Collidoscope, which will run through April 28. Collidoscope is a play on the words kaleidoscope and retrospective and is a blown glass and mixed media collection created by brothers Einar de la Torre and Jamex de la Torre. The Mexican-born siblings have collaborated to create multi-dimensional and multi-sensory pieces that appeal to adults and children alike. There are also some hands-on activities for kids in the exhibit.

The special exhibit has a hands-on element for kids!

Dining at Philbrook

After hours of walking, learning, looking, and creating, we needed food and a drink. Elote Restaurant is at Philbrook until August, which couldn’t make me happier. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, but the downtown location often deters me from making the long trek from South Tulsa. They have a limited menu but still plenty of choices for a feast of delicious food. We took it to the tables downstairs, which was perfect. After the kids finished eating, there were fun activities to keep them happy while we finished eating. Delicious food and entertainment for all!

This kept the kids entertained while we finished eating!

Philbrook has a rich history in Tulsa as a private home turned into a museum with expansive grounds and gardens. It’s a rare gem that has improved with age and is now perfect for a family field trip. We spent about three hours there and still didn’t see it all. The kids could have kept going, but I was ready for a nap after consuming all the yummy food and walking around the museum grounds. The kids didn’t fuss about leaving because they know from experience that we’ll return soon!

I hope we didn’t break any rules by riding the sheep statue!

Philbrook Information

Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays

2727 S. Rockford Road
Tulsa, OK 74114

$17 Adults
FREE Members (Adult & Youth)
$6 Youth (Ages 3-17)
FREE Youth (2 & Under)

Grandfather’s Clock Gallery recently moved from 31st and Yale to the Meadow Gold District off of 11th St. (Between Utica and Peoria). I’d never visited their old location and have been wanting to check out the new one, but we hadn’t made it yet. Then, I saw that they were holding an Easter event with tea time treats (yes, please!), a live bunny (it was the CUTEST), photo op, etc. So we finally made it in. My only regret is not getting a better photo of the bunny.

Not only did they have a table of tasty treats, they also held two Easter egg hunts inside the store. And we managed to arrive just a couple minutes before the first one started! They hid a LOT of eggs, and there weren’t too many kids, so everyone was happy. The store houses so many breakables, it was generous of them to let the kids run around chasing down eggs. However, everyone behaved well.

Items For Sale

Easter events aside, Grandfather’s Clock Gallery is full of fascinating things to see. These include a wall of colorful Kit Cat clocks, a display of intricate cuckoo clocks, globes, antiques, etc. And there was a nice variety of prices. Some antique collectibles were priced under $20, and I can only imagine how much some of the larger clocks might cost.

Repair Service

Grandfather’s Clock Gallery has been open since 1987, so it is a well established local business. In addition to selling clocks and unique collectibles, they offer clock repair and service. From their website: “Our experienced clockmakers perform professional restoration and clock repair of all kinds of time pieces. We can also repair and service music boxes, metronomes, and other small mechanical items. Even if other clockmakers have not been able to help you, we are specially equipped to fix any mechanical movement and can even custom-machine antique parts and gears.”

Find a list of services at tulsaclocks.com/repair/

Clockmaker at work

Woodward Park

This is unrelated, but we also spent quite a bit of time at Woodward Park over Easter weekend. The flowers are so beautiful! I always try to get photos of Joss there when the tulips and azaleas are in bloom. So visit soon for the best blossoms!

This was taken in our neighborhood, but Woodward Park has similar blooms

Spring is usually a busy travel time for our family. For our elementary school-aged daughter, travel also means more time on the iPad when going from place to place. Aside from movies and shows, we make sure her iPad also has educational apps. 

Here are apps that I love for elementary-aged children because they’ve worked well for us.

Art 

Since age 5, Isabelle has had the Crayola Create and Play app. She still thinks it’s fun. This app allows painting, drawing, stamping, and much more. The graphics bring the world of Crayola to life. One of the best features is the ability to design your own pets. The app includes interactive games that range from spelling to coding and mixing colors. The app is well-suited for ages 4-12. If art without the mess sounds good to you, this is worth the download. 

Coding

There are an increasing number of apps that teach kids the fundamentals of coding. Based on reviews and recommendations, we chose codeSpark Academy a few years ago. This app uses a variety of games and easy-to-understand visuals to get kids coding. What I love most about the app is that it helps with problem solving on a larger scale. Kids must figure out how to make characters do what they need them to do, and it can be challenging at first. I sat with Isabelle the first few times she used it, then the frustration turned to fun. She loves the variety of settings you can select (games) within codeSpark Academy. 

Curriculum 

During the pandemic, we tried out the IXL app for both kids, then kept it. This is a traditional K-12 learning app where you select grade level and/or subject and answer questions. It assesses how your child is doing and makes recommendations on what the child should consider trying next. When kids hit milestones such as a certain amount of time spent using the app or a certain number of questions right, it unlocks “prizes.” The prizes in one subject at one grade level might look like animal stickers, for example. It has never been a struggle to get Isabelle on IXL. It is user friendly and an encouraging experience for kids. 

These are just a few of many apps out there to keep kids learning. There are some language learning apps I’ll share at a later time. If you have a young child who is just learning to read, consider Epic – Kids’ Books & Reading. Another app Isabelle has aged out of, but was her go-to for years, is ABC Mouse. This broad educational app serves children as young as 2.

Head’s up — the apps mentioned here either require a subscription and/or in-app purchases, but our family has found them worthwhile. 

The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, will be the last total solar eclipse until 2044. So you may definitely want to take the time to watch it as a family, if possible! Some local organizations, in particular Tulsa City-County Library, are hosting solar eclipse parties in the Tulsa area. Some happen before the actual eclipse, which might be nice for families with kids who will be in school at that time. Always check with event organizers before heading to an event, to confirm details.

The path of totality runs through Idabel, Oklahoma, reaching maximum totality at 1:47 p.m. Idabel is 3.5-4 hours south of Tulsa, near Broken Bow. But that gives you a general idea of when the eclipse should be visible from Tulsa. Here’s more information from NASA: on where and when to view the eclipse: science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/

And go over these safety guidelines to ensure a safe viewing experience for all: science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/

Eclipses Crossing America

• March 26 and April 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Jenks Planetarium, 205 E. B St., Jenks

Produced by JHS Students! In 2023 and 2024, North America will experience two Solar Eclipses. Where are the best locations to view it? What are the best times? This show will inform its audiences all about these amazing events! A pair of solar eclipse glasses included with each ticket! Tickets are $9.

Eclipse StoryWalk® at the Gardens

• April 1-8
• Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave.

There’s a solar eclipse coming on April 8. Get ready and enjoy a StoryWalk® installation at the LaFortune Park Gardens, west of Herman and Kate Kaiser Library. Park in front of the library, then walk west of the building to find the Gardens or enter off of 51st Street at the Gardens at LaFortune Park. In conjunction with the Buddy LaFortune Community Center. For all ages.

Take-and-Make Solar Eclipse Crafts

• April 1-10
• Pratt Library, 3219 S. 113th Ave. W., Sand Springs

Stop by and pick up a take-and-make solar eclipse kit, coloring sheet or bookmark, and a guide on how to make your own eclipse viewer from everyday items. For all ages.

Solar Shindig: Eclipse Party!

• Thursday, April 4 ● 3:30-5 p.m.
• Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave.

It’s a solar eclipse on the April 8! Get ready for the big event by crafting, snacking and learning. Join us for activities focused on what a solar eclipse is and why they’re so amazing. For ages 5-12.

STEM Exploration: Solar Eclipse!

• Thursday, April 4 ● 4-5 p.m.
• Nathan Hale Library, 6038 E. 23rd St.

Join us for fun STEM-based activities and crafts as we get ready for the solar eclipse to pass over Oklahoma on April 8. Attendees will receive a pair of free solar viewing glasses to take home. Supplies are limited and provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. For ages 5-12.

Solar Eclipse of the Heart

• Monday, April 8 ● 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• South Broken Arrow Library

Join us for a variety of fun activities related to the solar eclipse. Light refreshments are provided. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available for use at the event. For all ages.(Glasses available while supplies last)

The Solar Eclipse Celebration

• Monday, April 8 ● noon-2 p.m.
• Central Library ● Tandy Garden, 400 Civic Center

Celebrate the solar eclipse with crafts and science projects. Eclipse glasses will be provided for use at the event. For preschoolers to teens. (Glasses available while supplies last)

Watch Party at Discovery Lab

• Monday, April 8, 1:30 p.m.
• Discovery Lab, 3123 S. Riverside Dr.

Come join the Discovery Lab team and our local partners to experience the partial eclipse of the Sun. (weather permitting!) Take a look at a how you can safely view our nearest star from inside the shadow of our moon!

Solar Spectacle: Solar Eclipse Watch Party

• Monday, April 8, 12-3 p.m.
• Guthrie Green, 111 E. Reconciliation Way

Come experience an out-of-this-world solar eclipse watch party on Monday, April 8, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Guthrie Green. Enjoy beats by DJ Doc Free, delight in the flavors of Comida Sol Y Vida food truck, and learn from various space-themed vendors. Don’t miss out! This is the last visible solar eclipse in the United States until 2044.

Solar Spectacle is a free event, open to all. Guthrie Green will provide glasses, while supplies last. Quantities are limited, and you are welcome to bring your own glasses.

Solar Eclipse Extravaganza

• Monday, April 8 ● 12:30-2:30 p.m.
• Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway Ave., BA

Join us for a community viewing of the near solar eclipse. We will have light refreshments and a variety of outdoor activities (weather permitting). Eclipse glasses will be available for use at the event. Supplies are limited. For all ages.

Solar Eclipse Viewing – Bartlesville Public Library

• April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
• Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone Ave., Bartlesville

Watch the NASA livestream of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse with snacks!

Solar Eclipse Viewing – Sapulpa Public Library

• April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
• Sapulpa Public Library, 27 W. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa

Grab a pair of our free solar viewing glasses, courtesy of NASA, and watch the solar eclipse with us. (Glasses available while supplies last)

Solar Eclipse Crafternoon

• Monday, April 8 ● 3-5 p.m.
• Helmerich Library, 5131 E. 91st St.

Drop in for a quick and easy craft to commemorate the solar eclipse. For ages 6-12.

Where to Get Solar Eclipse Glasses

While some events listed above are providing solar eclipse glasses, that is always “as supplies last.” It is a good idea to pick up your own pair of solar eclipse glasses ahead of time to make sure you are able to watch the eclipse.

• USCellular locations are giving out free eclipse-viewing glasses on April 6 and 7 at the following Tulsa-area locations. Limited quantities are available, each person may receive two pairs of glasses.
  • Tulsa
    • 6703 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74145
    • 7462 S Olympia Ave, Tulsa, OK 74132
    • 8022 East 101st Street, Tulsa, OK 74133
  • Sand Springs: Premier Wireless, 430 W. Wekiwa Rd., Sand Springs, OK 74063
  • Sapulpa: Premier Wireless, 808 E. Taft St., Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • Broken Arrow: 1434 E Hillside Dr, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
  • Owasso: 9046 North 121st East Ave, Owasso, OK 74055
  • Skiatook: Premier Wireless, 201 W. Rogers Blvd., Skiatook, OK 74070
• Tulsa Air and Space Museum has solar eclipse glasses for sale in their gift shop, while supplies last.

Outside of Tulsa

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

• April 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Memorial Park, 200 E. Twin Springs St., Siloam Springs

Experience the Great North American Eclipse in Siloam ​Springs on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Memorial Park! ​Enjoy food trucks, music, games, and the mesmerizing ​view of the eclipse. RedBeard Sound will kick off the event ​with classic tunes at 11 a.m., leading up to the main event ​beginning at about 12:30 p.m.

 My kids and I loved the small, daily adventures we had over spring break. We love taking long road trips and seeing different parts of the country, and hopefully we will have an opportunity to do that this year, but staying closer to home was also a lot of fun. We are blessed to have so many great family things to do in our Tulsa area that I encourage you to explore with your family.

I’ll be doing the same thing and will report back to you our next family adventure. Please share these blogs with your friends and family on social media so they can be inspired to see fun things that our part of the country has to offer.

So from my family to yours… See you in the summer!

The hardest part of any major holiday  is saying goodbye to Atticus as he goes back to the Chickasaw Children’s Village for school. He loves it down there in Kingston, Oklahoma, and as a dad I love it that he has grown up so much, and I am so very proud of him. Angel, I and our dog Domino think of him and pray for him every day. Yes, he’s growing facial hair! Wha????

One last thing I did over spring break was raise money for the Red Dirt Relief Fund, which is an organization that helps area musicians in their time of need. They were instrumental during the pandemic in helping our talented musicians help pay their bills. Thanks to Eric and Ashleigh at Cimarron Bar for allowing me to host their Cimmy Awards.

My Tulsa Rocks podcast cohost Jill Monroe and I had a lot of fun and raised hundreds of dollars for Red Dirt Relief Angel Fund.

My family just got back from a week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I’ve mentioned in several previous posts that we are fans of Florida and the Disney theme parks. I grew up going to Disney World, so it is a tradition. Each trip there is something different to discover, from new restaurants to new attractions. This time I was in awe of just how much Epcot has changed since I was a kid.

On the plane ride home, my daughter Isabelle told me that Epcot was the best Disney theme park. That made me do a double take. What?!? It was my least favorite as a child. Back then, I thought there were a few interesting attractions and great fireworks, but overall, it was boring, and I would rather spend a day somewhere else. However, I agree with Isabelle now  – Epcot has changed over the years and is a must-visit theme park for all ages.

What is Epcot?

I still talk to quite a few people that tell me they are going to Disney World but are going to skip Epcot. I tell them they are making a mistake if they do. For the past 10+ years, it has been a place children can truly enjoy as they have added more rides to accompany the learning experience. So what is this park all about? 

Epcot is an acronym created by Walt Disney in 1966 meaning Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The park opened in 1982. A beacon of innovation and cultural exploration, Epcot stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s vision of an experimental prototype community of tomorrow. It feels like two distinct parks – one part being a world of the future and the other being the World Showcase where people can “visit” many different countries. These areas were going to be two separate parks until the Disney team designing them pushed the two theme park models together and decided to make it one big park. 

At its core, what sets Epcot apart from other theme parks is its unique blend of education, innovation, and global cultural immersion. Kids and adults will learn something new there each time they visit. The great thing is that kids don’t even realize they are learning. As Isabelle explained, “I love Epcot because it gets me excited about technology and the future.” 

Attractions that Educate and Inspire

If you’ve visited Epcot in the past, you’ve likely visited Spaceship Earth inside the iconic “Epcot ball” as most people call it, Mission: Space, and other immersive experiences such as Soarin’ within the Future World area. Isabelle’s favorite ride is Test Track, which has been around for quite awhile, though updated, and invites users to create virtual concept cars. 

Kieren designs a car at Test Track

What truly distinguishes Epcot’s Future World is its commitment to education and environmental stewardship. Attractions such as The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Living with the Land not only entertain but also educate guests about marine life conservation and sustainable agriculture. This was our first time to visit Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana which opened in October 2023. We walked through the area at night, and it was magical! Children can interact with the water while learning about the global water cycle. This self-guided path attraction is absolutely worth doing. 

Isabelle activates water with motion at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

On the inspiration side, it was our first time riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster. It is one of the largest indoor roller coasters, and we all loved it. Though not high on the educational side, it arguably has one of the biggest awe factors of any Disney ride because of the technology involved. We had just watched a documentary about Disney Imagineers, and what they accomplished with this attraction was amazing. 

Visiting the World in One Day

You get a hint of world travel when you visit Epcot’s World Showcase. In this area, 11 pavilions representing 11 different countries provide culturally immersive and educational experiences as well as fantastic restaurants at different price ranges. In each area, you can also purchase souvenirs specific to each country and items that would be very hard to find elsewhere. Our teenager, Kieren, loved the World Showcase area. 

There is also country and cultural-specific entertainment at each pavilion, which adds to the unique vibe of the World Showcase. Something I love about this area is that when you visit the France pavilion, for example, many Disney employees (called cast members) working in this area are from France. It has the employee’s name and country on their name tag. The cast members are happy for inquiring children to learn about their heritage. 

There are also added bonuses for younger children in the World Showcase such as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at the France pavilion and Frozen Ever After located in the Norway pavilion. Watching the night fireworks is the perfect way to end the day at Epcot. The show takes place on the pond in the middle of the World Showcase. 

Epcot is a celebration of human achievement (past and present), cultural diversity, and the endless possibilities of tomorrow. Walt Disney once said, “Epcot… will always be in a state of becoming,” and it continues to become something better with each visit. It is a place that everyone, toddlers through adults, can enjoy over and over again.

I confess that I have a copy of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird on my nightstand because when I read a book with particularly bad writing, I can pick up To Kill a Mockingbird and read a few pages to act as a mental palate cleanser. It’s one of the few books that I’ve read more than once. As a fan of the novel, I was anxious to see Aaron Sorkin’s stage version of To Kill a Mockingbird. I’m also a fan of Sorkin’s work, and I was not disappointed last night.

To Kill a Mockingbird, presented by Celebrity Attractions, and starring Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch, is playing at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center through Sunday, March 31.

Justin Mark (Jem Finch), Yaegel T. Welch (Tom Robinson) and Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) at a panel discussion organized by Magic City Books and Celebrity Attractions.

In Lee’s novel 6-year-old Scout Finch is the protagonist, and the story is told from Scout’s first-person point of view. Sorkin’s adaptation, however, is decidedly Atticus Finch’s story, with the trial front and center. Scout (Maeve Moynihan), her brother Jem (Justin Mark) and their friend Dill Harris (Steven Lee Johnson) act as narrators throughout the play. It was an interesting shift to pull Atticus’s personal journey to the forefront. Richard Thomas’s Atticus perfectly captures the transition from a comfortable country lawyer who believes in the legal system and the inherent goodness of people to a person who must confront the unfairness of a broken system and his own participation in it. The parallels between Atticus Finch’s case and the Tulsa Race Massacre could not have been lost on a Tulsa audience.

The crackling courtroom drama of a white woman accusing a Black man of assault in 1930s Alabama is the central conflict in the play. But the way that conflict affects the rural citizens, their relationships, and especially the relationship between Atticus and Calpurnia, feel deeply personal and often uncomfortable – a mirror to us. There were a couple of times at the end of a particularly pointed line, expertly delivered, when the full-house audience breathed a collective “ah” of understanding, realization or shock, giving testament to the power or Sorkin’s script and the talent of the cast.

Melanie Moore (“Scout Finch”) and Jacqueline Williams (“Calpurnia”). Photo of Original Tour Cast by Julieta Cervantes.

As serious as the subject matter is, Sorkin’s writing and the cast give real humanity to the characters. As in life, amidst tragedy there is humor. To Kill a Mockingbird provides plenty of opportunities for laughs. The actors playing the children, especially Maeve Moynihan as Scout, embody the loose physicality of children. The easy interaction between Atticus and Calpurnia is witty and fun.

If you have an opportunity to see To Kill a Mockingbird, go. I wouldn’t recommend it for children, but certainly adolescents would relate to questions and issues raised by the Broadway play. Discuss it with your teen. Ask questions. Here are some to think about: Why do you think Bob Ewell makes fun of Atticus Finch’s education and intellectualism? Why does Mayella Ewell lie and spew the same hate as her father, despite his abuse? What does the play say about how we learn to hate others? What finally breaks Atticus’s belief in the fairness of “good” people and the legal system? How does he change at the end? Atticus Finch failed to defend his client. He failed to make changes in the law to allow Black people to sit on juries. He almost failed to protect his own children. Is Atticus a failure? Why or why not? Who are the actual “good people” in the play?

Tom Robinson on the stand. Photo of Original Tour Cast by Julieta Cervantes.

In Sorkin’s writing of To Kill a Mockingbird, the children recognize injustices before Atticus is willing to admit they exist – or at least he’s unwilling to fight injustice outside the system of the law and of the social mores of the South. The children want Atticus to fight, which hints at hope to come in a new generation, a hopefulness alluded to at the end of the play. Only after facing personal flaws, “crawling around in someone else’s skin,” and then acting with other “good people” to fight hate and inequality can change happen.

Flashback to 2012. I’m the mom of three very young children. Kid messes and a mountain of laundry are gradually taking over my life, and with each passing day, the monster of household organization seems to morph and evolve like Shin Godzilla. And that’s to say nothing of the looming late capitalist pressure to somehow earn money while managing all of that household labor. 

But I’ve found one thing that keeps me going, a fantasy world of pure escapism to retreat to where everything has its right place: a little website called Pinterest. Minute by stolen minute, I’ll end up spending countless hours here planning gorgeous parties I’ll never throw, picking out hairstyles I can’t afford to maintain, and imagining arts and crafts projects I have no intention of attempting. In a time of my life when most things felt completely beyond my control, Pinterest gave me a place to dream, imagine, neatly categorize, and occasionally even pick up a game-changing idea. And even though my account is now “Inception” layers deep with more than a decade of plans on top of plans, my love for Pinterest is still going strong after all these years. 

Just the hacks, ma’am

There are plenty of downsides to social media, and I know for a lot of folks, seeing other people look overly happy or put-together can leave them feeling low or like they don’t measure up. But I run on the assumption that everyone is a hot mess and they’re sparing us the gory details. I don’t need to see how the sausage is made — I just want a quietly life-changing tip on towel storage or how to fix a ponytail that doesn’t slip out when I’m scrubbing grout. 

And I know I can’t pull off the multi-thousand-dollar birthday party I’m pining over, but those images gave me the great idea to use vintage mismatched teacups for a Wonderland-themed celebration, teacups I was easily able to pick up at garage sales and thrift stores for under a buck each. 

The joy of inspired risktaking

Sometimes people will say to me, “I wish I could pull off an outfit/hairstyle/home decor choice like that.” Neurospicy as I am, I can’t honestly tell if it’s a compliment or not. But whether they are insulting me to my face or earnestly wish they had the gumption for risk-taking, I like to assure them that pulling things off is just a decision you make to set aside social conventions or other people’s judgment. And I’m not really as secure in those decisions as some folks might think. But seeing other people do it first and do it well usually makes me realize that whether or not my decor or style choice earns some snark from detractors, I’m the one who has to live with it, and hey, you only live once. 

Take our living room walls. For years, we had struggled to work out where to place all of our art, which usually meant some of it ended up in storage until the next time we decided to switch up the wall art. The first time I saw a gallery wall on Pinterest, I maybe thought it was a little crazy, but in a way that tickled my endorphins. The algorithm started kicking up more of them, and I pinned more and more. Maybe 100 or so gallery walls in, I was ready to pitch my idea to the spouse, and to my surprise, he liked it, too.

Now when we have guests over, they’ll often compliment our gallery walls. And they’re more than just random pictures — they’re a collection of meaningful artifacts from our 27-plus years of life together. But the thing I love most is that our kids love them, occasionally commenting on their gratitude that our home feels colorful and live-in. 

Thanks, Pinterest. 

A lot of times, it’s not the direct idea I take from Pinterest but the seed of one…the inspiration to look at objects, spaces, or outfit ideas from different angles and experiment with things that may or may not work. After checking out hundreds of photos of jewelry organization ideas from repurposed objects, I started to see the possibilities in everyday objects. I repurposed desktop organizers and a paper towel holder to corral my fragrances, tiaras, and bracelets. A couple of coat racks offered a nice way to keep all my handbags at the ready. 

Short on bedroom space and privacy, we reworked the kids’ bedrooms so the teens each have a private hangout underneath a bunk bed. And I even solved the problem of too many plushies by tying ribbons all over a bunk bed and sandwiching beanie babies and squishmallows in between them. 

Also, it’s just escapism

Truth time: Even if I got no real-world value out of Pinterest, I still love it. In a world where as much as I dream of living in this gorgeous mid-century home or imagine myself globe-trotting, that’s simply not what the wheel of fortune is doling out for me, and that’s all right. Although it probably sounds ridiculous, I don’t know how many times just zoning out while clicking through hairspo and plannerspo calmed me out of a spun-out headspace when the Generalized Anxiety Disorder was clamping down. 

Like most folks, I’ve got to grind for my overpriced eggs, bread, and housing, and that’s all right, too. But somewhere in my pinboard headcanon, nobody has to struggle, and we’re all busy becoming our artistic best selves, taking chances on home decor choices and throwing gorgeous, whimsical parties. 

Drop me your Pinterest in the comments and I’ll follow you, and have an inspired week in your little nebula. 

I‘ve been having to deal with car repairs for the past week, making spring break a little less fun than it could have been. Not only did I have to do major repairs to the timing belt, but I was rushing to pick Joss up from camp (not speeding, just stressed) – and something went wrong with what I thought was my muffler! Suddenly, my car was making a horrific noise. So I took it to B&S Muffler ASAP, where they said it wasn’t the muffler, but the flex pipe. While there, they pointed out that my rear strut seemed to be leaking….so it’s back to the mechanic I go this week. On top of everything, I locked my keys in the car Thursday morning. Why?!

Anyway, all this left me feeling a bit “blah” about spring break. We were staying in town, but I wanted to do something new and fun! We ended up meeting a friend at Gathering Place Friday afternoon for their spring break activities. This included a magic show and lawn games – like a giant parachute! This was a big hit and helped me feel better about making sure Joss and I did some fun things together.

Broken Arrow Eats

But on Saturday, we ended up spending the afternoon in Broken Arrow, thanks to a Pokémon Go raid day. Because of Pokémon, I’ve been spending a little more time in BA lately, but there is so much more to do there! And when I say “more to do” – I realize that I mainly mean places to eat.

We were supposed to meet friends at Pho 71, which I’ve heard nothing but good things about. However, they’re closed on Saturdays! So we ended up at Lima Peruvian Cuisine, which is next door to Pho 71. They don’t have a huge menu, but it was really good! I got an appetizer that sounded interesting (and looked beautiful). The Casa Limeña is “mashed potatoes with Peruvian yellow pepper and lime juice, stuffed with shredded chicken, avocado and mayo.”

Joss opted for beef stew with beans and rice.

I didn’t get a picture, but I tried their Chicha Morada drink, which is made with purple corn, cinnamon, pineapple and lime. I’d definitely order that again!

Next to the restaurant was another BA establishment I’d been wanting to try for months: DBK Desserts by Kou See. They specialize in Asian sponge cakes and desserts. I tried an ube crepe cake and Oreo Korean bbang (cake taco). Joss chose a strawberry short cake, which was very delicious but a little creamy for his taste. They offer some drinks as well, if you’re feeling thirsty. And although we didn’t hang out, the atmosphere is very pink and fun.

Broken Arrow Library and Downtown

Broken Arrow has two libraries. The one closest to downtown was an easy drive from the restaurant, just a few minutes away. Plus, it has three Pokémon Go gyms so is a popular destination on Raid Days (as is downtown BA in general). I hadn’t been inside the Broken Arrow library before, so made sure to remedy that while there. They had a really cute “fort” leading to their children’s section, as well as a puzzle and LEGO table, etc. It was very bright with lots of nice windows.

From the library, we walked over to the main part of the BA Rose District. It’s a really beautiful place to walk around, with lots of interesting restaurants, statues, murals, etc. Next time, I hope to visit Laurannae and Rocket Fizz because Joss would enjoy that, I’m sure. And Rainbow Bowls looks like a healthier, tasty option.

Back in Tulsa – Crave and Coffee @ Heirloom

Saturday evening, I remembered I had one last thing I wanted to do that day: Get a free cookie at the new Crave cookies on Cherry Street! Crave is a national chain much in the style of Crumbl (there’s been a lawsuit – dropped), with over-the-top flavors of the week. Crave also serves specially flavored sodas, so we bought a couple drinks in addition to grabbing our free cookies. All very tasty!

Crave is located at 1441 S. Quaker Ave. I used to work here way back when it was Topeca’s Heirloom Bakery – up until Joss was born. Since then, it’s been Cherry Street Kitchen and Zoe’s Cakes Unlimited, so it’s seen some changes over the years.

There are a few new coffee places I want to try around town. So on Sunday morning, I drove over to Heirloom Rustic Ales to grab a couple lattes. Yes, they serve coffee now! Coffee @ Heirloom is their new-ish? coffee concept, serving classic drinks using Prodigal Coffee and a special brand of oatmilk. They don’t offer regular milk, but their oatmilk lattes were so good. The berry-fruitiness of the coffee really shone through, which I love, personally.

Next up on my coffee list is the new Origin location in The Heights Neighborhood (once they open) and Dweller, located in the Brut Hotel.

If you’ve tried any new coffee shops or dessert places or restaurants that you’d recommend, tell us about them in the comments!

The impact that animals can have in the therapy/recovery process of individuals has been proven significant. With National Pet Therapy Day on April 30, we want to share a little about one person who knows about the benefits of animal therapy firsthand. Lisa Bain is the Founder of Lisa Bain Ministries, a local nonprofit organization that assists people during their time of need. Pet therapy is one of Lisa’s many tools.

TK: Share the mission of your organization.

Lisa: At Lisa Bain Ministries, our mission is “delivering hope and tangible support to those who are facing illness, a special need or a crisis situation.”  It is about care, connection and community.

TK: What are some ways that you deliver hope and tangible support?

Lisa: We give this tangible support through the delivery of personalized care boxes and bags designed specifically for each recipient, referred to as resilience care boxes. These tangible expressions of support serve as a guiding presence for individuals navigating challenging circumstances. Our projects cater to diverse groups, including those dealing with illnesses, veterans, Gold Star families, individuals facing homelessness, and first responders aiding children in crisis situations.

During many of these visits, our therapy dog ambassadors – Mabel Joy, Maddie Grace and Moose – accompany us. We incorporate the two, and it is the perfect combination! Collaborating with various animal organizations introduces a range of therapy animals, from pigs and llamas to horses and rabbits, enhancing the overall experience with an additional level of comfort and joy.

TK: What have you seen as a result of incorporating therapy animals in these visits?

Lisa: Remarkable transformations unfold when therapy animals become part of the equation. Our therapy animals have played pivotal roles, aiding children in overcoming reading challenges, alleviating anxiety, providing comfort during chemotherapy sessions, and offering comfort to hospice patients and their families in times of great difficulty.

Additionally, we bring many of these animals to visit children with special needs, where the infectious laughter and shared joy create heartwarming moments for all involved. Our visits to nursing homes are filled with joy as we witness the vibrant spirits of our seniors who come alive during their interactions with our animals. Therapy animals are simply game changers! The stories are endless, but the bottom line is that the comfort these animals bring to the situation is indescribable.

TK: Talk about the stuffed animals that the police can give to children.

Lisa: We started receiving requests from first responders who expressed the need for bags containing practical items to accompany them when responding to children in crisis situations. These encounters are often traumatic for the children involved, but the items in our bags aim to provide comfort, a sense of safety and hope. Our bags include an activity resilience book, Mabel and Maddie coloring books, Mabel’s new children’s book, puzzles, a stuffed Mabel pup, sensory items, bubbles and gel balls, hygiene items, activity pads with games, cards, a T-shirt, snacks, a small blanket and socks.

TK: How do these bags benefit the kids who receive them?

Lisa: These carefully curated bags not only benefit the children in crisis but also offer support to the first responders. Many of the first responders have said these bags have been their game changer when they are called to help children in what, to some, may be the worst day of their life. What were very frantic and volatile moments with many tears immediately turned to laughter and joy when they received their backpack filled with comfort items. The stuffed Mabel Joy pup in the bag is a favorite.

Stuffed Mabel Joy pups are the calling card of Lisa Bain Ministries and are included in every resilience care box and bag we deliver. They are snuggly and soft, and the clothing and bandanas on the pups are handmade by our volunteers. This little pup is a reminder that the child is never alone when they walk through a broken place, and a symbol that someone cares.

TK: Why do you think therapy pets are so beneficial?

Lisa: Therapy pets offer endless love and unconditional acceptance, providing an indescribable comfort. Many individuals hold a cherished story of a special animal that supported them through challenging times, bringing back positive memories. For nursing facility residents who had to leave their own pets behind, the affection from a therapy animal becomes a source of comfort, helping them cope with the heartbreak of that separation. Animals serve as a joyful refuge for people, creating a nonjudgmental and accepting space.

TK: Tell us more about Mabel, Maddie and Moose. Who are your partners for expanded pet therapy?

Lisa: We are passionate about animals and animal therapy, so our hearts and house are full here at the Bain home, also known as the Bain Barn. Our family welcomed Mabel Joy in 2020. She is a Bernese Mountain dog with a huge purpose. Her name means “beautiful and loving,” and she lives up to that every day. About nine months later we welcomed Maddie Grace, named after some very special angels in our lives. And on July 4 of 2023 we welcomed Moose!

The three musketeers are all Bernese Mountain dogs. All are involved in therapy work. They are big dogs with a very big cause! Mavis Pearl left big paws to fill. We are thankful Mabel Joy had the opportunity to have Mavis Pearl as a teacher. She carries on the legacy with Lisa Bain Ministries.

We take great delight in our collaborations with other therapy animal organizations. Imagine the joy of a visit not only from Mabel, Maddie and Moose but also Creek the duck or Hamilton the pig or Dorito the llama? Our partnerships with American Therapeutic Riding Center, Funtastic Farms and Little Bitty Acres Mobile Petting Zoo, among others, continue to grow.

By joining forces, we bring our therapy animals to nursing homes, special needs children, schools, homes, veteran centers and beyond. It’s a privilege to stand alongside these nonprofits that contribute significantly to our community, collectively spreading the joy and comfort that therapy animals provide.

TK: What prompted you to write the children’s book, Mabel and the Big Paws?

Lisa: Writing a children’s book was always a dream of mine. I also wanted to share the story of how Mabel learned to become a therapy dog and, in doing so, I found a source of closure in the loss of Mavis Pearl. While the page with Mavis Pearl crossing over the rainbow bridge still brings tears, I also witness the incredible legacy she left behind, especially in her significant role in training Mabel Joy. Mabel Joy had big paws to fill, but Mavis Pearl trained her well. The journey of therapy animals has been a profound passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to finally share this story through a children’s book.

TK: You’ve had more than your fair share of setbacks and struggles. What advice do you have for others going through a difficult time?

Lisa: When my mom and I both faced a challenging diagnosis, her immediate response was, “Let’s go treasure hunting!” She believed that there is always a treasure to be found if you look for it, no matter how dark, emphasizing that what you see is determined by what you are looking for.

This perspective led to the birth of Lisa Bain Ministries, emerging from a backdrop of cancer and autoimmune diagnosis. We defied the odds, witnessing miracles, often found in the small moments rather than the grand ones. Celebrating those small victories, being present and savoring seconds became crucial. Choosing joy on tough days may be difficult, but it is consistently the right choice.

I’ve learned that setbacks and struggles have made me stronger, wiser and better. They taught me to love more deeply, forgive more robustly and appreciate the fleeting seconds of life. I often use the illustration of the Japanese art form kintsugi, where broken pottery is intentionally mended with gold. In this technique, the broken places are celebrated as symbols of beauty and strength. Through our brokenness, we can emerge better and stronger.

TK: How can people get involved in your organization?

Lisa: Visit our website at lisabain.com or connect with me via email at lisa@lisabain.com—I’d be thrilled to hear from you! Our diverse team of volunteers spans ages 2 to 101, and we cherish every contribution, whether through financial support or your valuable time.

TK: What about kids and families getting involved?

Lisa: We absolutely love collaborating with students and families. The possibilities are endless, and we’ve witnessed creative ways in which families come together to raise funds for Lisa Bain Ministries. As my mom used to say, “Giving equals Joy, Joy equals Hope, and Hope equals Healing!” Serving together is a healing experience. Whether you’re part of a school or church group, a family or an individual, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a positive impact.

TK: What are your needs?

Lisa: We deeply appreciate financial support, and we also welcome donations of items that aid us in creating our care boxes. Check out our Amazon wish list for essential backpack items, as well as those needed for our care boxes. We are also in need of a donated storage facility for our growing inventory for care boxes and bags. Additionally, we hold incredible appreciation for our dedicated volunteers!

To learn more about how Lisa Bain uses animal therapy, check out: LisaBain.com/mabel. To purchase a copy of Mabel and the Big Paws, visit lisabain.com

Listen to a visit with Lisa Bain on the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast (SharingPassionandPurpose.com) as she shares more about the reason for starting Lisa Bain Ministries.

Nancy A. Moore is a Public Relations Coordinator at Montreau, Adjunct Professor at Tulsa Community College, and has been writing for TulsaKids for almost 20 years.

When we were kids, life was simpler. Many of us just hung around the house during the summer and played with neighborhood friends or maybe attended a local day camp sponsored by our school or city. Well, nowadays there are camps for everything you can imagine! It can be quite confusing, and even stressful, trying to find the right camp for our kids. Sometimes we even have to choose different camps for each child based on their interests.

Finding the best camp is essential for our children’s comfort and growth. Camps can offer them experiences and tools to go out in the world and discover who they are and what they want to become.

If you are struggling to find the right camp for your child this summer, take this fun and easy quiz. You’ll be able to discover which type of camp is the best fit for your child.

Please only choose one answer.

1. How would you best describe your child?

1. Artistic
2. Athletic
3. Brainy
4. Adventurous

2. What is your child’s favorite subject in school?

1. Music
2. Physical education
3. Math or science
4. My child likes a variety of classes

3. What is your child’s favorite activity after school?

1. Music lessons
2. Playing a sport
3. Robotics or science club
4. Participating in a bunch of different activities with friends

4. Which type of birthday party would your child most likely choose?

1. Dance party
2. Indoor soccer or gymnastics
3. Science museum
4. Every year it’s different

5. What does your child usually do on weekends?

1. Goes to theater rehearsal
2. Has a game
3. Competes in a robotics or math tournament
4. Mixes it up with bike rides, art projects, and shooting hoops

6. What is your child’s favorite role in a group project?

1. Presenter
2. Collaborator
3. Researcher
4. Fills in wherever needed

7. What’s your child’s favorite rainy day activity?

1. Listening to music
2. Running around the house
3. Playing a video game
4. Inviting a friend over to hang out

8. Which would be your child’s dream vacation?

1. Seeing Broadway shows in New York City
2. Touring sports stadiums around the country
3. Visiting science museums
4. Doing something different every day, including hiking, playing on the beach, and amusement parks

9. What would your child hope to achieve at summer camp?

1. Starring in a musical
2. Being team captain
3. Creating an app
4. Trying new things

10. What does your child want to be when they grow up?

1. Movie star
2. Coach
3. Engineer
4. No clue

Camp Quiz Results

Tally up your answers and match the letter you mostly chose to the type of camp below.

1. Creative/Performing Arts Camps

Specialty art and musical theater camps focus specifically on the arts. Some may offer a variety of art forms to choose from, such as pottery, woodworking, painting and photography. Others focus solely on one type of art, such as sewing camp or band camp. Musical theater camps are quite popular and typically showcase a production after a few weeks of rehearsals. Art camps come in all lengths and locations. You can sign your child up for a one-week-long art camp or find multi-week, even overnight, art camps where they can truly hone their craft.

2. Sports Camps

Sports camps usually consist of only one sport that a child plays throughout the day. The main goal is for participants to improve their skills by focusing extensively on a sport they love. You can find all types of sports camps like tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, or gymnastics. It is also a way for your child to try a new sport or something only offered during the summer, such as surfing and sailing.

3. Science/Tech Camps

If your child loves to code, build and tinker, then a tech camp may be the right fit. These types of camps make learning about science and technology fun and exciting for kids. They also provide an opportunity for kids to dive deeper into a subject they love, such as working on a science experiment, designing a website or programming a robot. You can find science and tech camps through local schools, colleges and museums.

4. Traditional Camps

Traditional camps are what you think of when you envision summer camp—canoeing, hiking, archery, relay races, swim lessons and crafts. They can be considered “jack-of-all-trades” camps because they offer all types of activities for children to try. They give kids an opportunity to enjoy natural surroundings. Some are day camps, while others are overnight experiences where your kids can also learn more independence skills.

It’s one of the worst imaginable situations a loving parent can face—discovering that their child has been exposed to a sexually abusive situation. The very idea of child sexual abuse is so painful and upsetting to think about that many people don’t talk about it at all, until a news report brings something horrific to light. While situations like the event in Henryetta in 2023 that resulted in several tragic deaths catch attention and spark outrage, the reality is that sexual abuse of children is much more prevalent and insidious than most might realize.

Statistics Don’t Lie: It’s All Too Common in Tulsa County

Child sexual abuse is any exploitation of a child for the purposes of sexual gratification of an adult or significantly older person—from actual sex acts to lewdness and exposure, to pornographic exploitation and more. At least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States, says Bob Beard, chief development officer for Tulsa’s Child Advocacy Network (CAN), an organization that helps parents and children navigate their way through resources to help them heal. “This is likely an underestimate, because many cases aren’t reported,” he adds.

Child abuse numbers are high, especially in Oklahoma. “Any time child abuse happens, it’s serious, even for one case,” Beard says. “But we are ranked number seven in the nation for cases. Sometimes we beat out high metropolitan cities as well for substantiated cases. In Tulsa County, it’s just jumped pretty dramatically.”

As it turns out, Tulsa County has one of the highest numbers in the state of substantiated cases of sexual abuse in children. A total of 1,629 children went through the Child Advocacy Network in 2023 alone, and 58 percent of them involved sexual abuse. The issue affects girls and boys alike, with just over half of the claims being filed by females. Among them, 45 percent are children ages 6 through 12, while 25 percent are ages 13-17, and 25 percent ages 5 and younger.

One in 11 children in Tulsa County will be involved in the investigation of abuse—and many of these cases will involve sexual abuse. And that’s why it’s crucial for everyone in the community—parents, teachers, neighbors and youth themselves—to understand this danger and how to deal with it should it happen to them or someone they know.

What to Do When Sexual Abuse Comes to Light

If the worst happens and you suspect or know that your child has experienced sexual abuse, what should you do? While it’s never easy to hear a child express that they’ve experienced something abusive, it’s important for parents to take steps that safeguard the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Here’s what to do.

Believe the Child

According to statistics from the Child Advocacy Network, when a child expresses that they have been abused, they are overwhelmingly telling the truth—over 95 percent, to put a number on it. Very few claims are false. “Believe a child if they say it,” Beard says. “As an adult, if a child does come to you, remember they have everything to lose by doing that. So it’s best that they have a safe place to be able to do that.”

Remain Calm, and Maintain Trust

If your first instinct is to panic, you’re not alone—but fight that urge. Remember, your child is being incredibly vulnerable and revealing something that is painful. It’s essential to create a safe space filled with trust. Allow your child to talk about the abuse at their own pace, without bombarding them with questions.

Affirm Your Love and Support

Sexual abuse can create feelings of shame for a child—they may know it was wrong, yet feel responsible for what happened. They may also be confused and unsure of what to do. They may even feel guilty for bothering you, the adult. Make sure your child knows how much you love them. Let them know what happened is not their fault. And make sure they know you are there for them.

Avoid Criticizing the Abuser

Remember that children often have mixed feelings about the person who abused them. In fact, they may love the offender and want to protect them, so refrain from criticizing the offender in front of the child. Instead, support the child and focus on getting professional help. Law enforcement and other experts (like the team at CAN) can help you identify what to do next.

Seek Help from Trained Experts

If you or someone you know is facing this issue, there are local community resources to help both you and your child. Beard says that organizations like CAN exist to connect people with the assistance they need in a time of crisis.

“If a client comes through here, we connect them with 70 different partners in the community,” Beard says. “We have family advocates that are assigned to each client and family, to walk them through the journey after abuse has taken place. We’ll stay with them for a year and be able to help support them.” That support may include finding safe housing, food, clothing and other resources.

Prevention: How to Limit Abuse Risks for Children

Whether your child is barely in elementary school or ready to graduate high school, they are vulnerable to those who would seek to take advantage of them. And that means a parent or guardian’s role is significant in helping to protect and train children to be aware. Knowing what to say to children at different ages and developmental stages can feel difficult, even uncomfortable. It takes time and thoughtfulness to strike the right balance between sharing information to keep children aware, without creating fear and anxiety.

As with any area of parenting, helping your children navigate risks like these and emerge as well-adjusted, confident adults requires an ongoing conversation. The abuse talk is not a one-and-done. Of course, these are not exactly easy conversations. But that’s where resources such as the information available on CAN’s website can be so helpful.

Be Open for Conversations

Develop close communications with your kids. Let them know they can tell or talk to you about anything. In addition, make a rule that there should be no secrets kept from you. Secrets can be dangerous. Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult if they are hurt or worried. Help your child identify who those adults might be.

Explain Bodily Autonomy in a Child’s Terms

One of the most common ways that abusers get in the door is through a child’s natural curiosity. If you aren’t talking to your child about their bodies, someone else will—and what they share may be inappropriate, manipulative and harmful. Teach your child about the parts of the body and sexuality, making sure they know they have a right to body privacy and self-ownership. Let them know they have a right to say no to touching, hugging or anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Know Your Child’s Friends and Families

It is all too easy to become complacent in this area, as children’s friends can change so often as they go through school. Resist that temptation and stay involved in your child’s life by getting to know their friends—including the families of those friends. According to childprotect.org, 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way, and 68 percent are abused by a family member.

Listen to Your Instincts

It’s important to respect your gut. Often, we sense things even if we don’t know why we feel them. So, if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, trust that—and respond accordingly. And teach your child to trust their instincts, too.

Stay on Top of Technology

Today’s tech is constantly evolving, and it can feel like there is a lot to keep up with. But there’s still a lot that parents can do to manage their child’s use of technology. Set limits on where and when they can use their computer and phone. Make sure your child knows that they might encounter predators online—and encourage them to keep the lines of communication open with you to talk about anything that concerns them. Install parental controls on their electronics, set their online profiles to private instead of public, and stay aware of what they are doing online.

See Something? Say Something

Preventing child sexual abuse (and other forms of abuse and neglect) is the responsibility of everyone in the community. “In Oklahoma, everyone is required to report suspected child abuse,” Beard notes. That means not just parents and teachers, but also church members, counselors, coaches, neighbors and anyone else in the community.

“Children should be able to say things are happening and they’re hurting,” Beard says. When that happens, the adult should call to report it. They can reach out to the Oklahoma abuse hotline at 800.522.3511 or the National Hotline at 800-4ACHILD (800.422.4453). Reporting allows a case to be opened, so that children can be connected to getting help in a safe environment, telling their story, and beginning the healing process, says Beard.

Signs of Abuse: What to Watch for in Your Children

Intervening in an abusive situation is best done as early as possible to help children and families recover. Knowing the common warning signs is a must. Children of different ages and stages of development may express their experience of sexual abuse in different ways. Here’s what to look for:

Children Aged 2-9

In these early, formative years, children often don’t have the easy vocabulary to describe what is happening. They tend to direct their pain inward or show outward behaviors that are uncharacteristic of them. Signs may include:

• Specific fear around particular people, places or activities
• Regression to earlier behaviors such as bed wetting or stranger anxiety
• Victimization of others
• Excessive masturbation
• Feelings of shame or guilt
• Nightmares or sleep disturbances
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Eating disturbances

Pre-Teens and Teens

As children enter their preteen and teenage years, their ability to express the abuse may get easier, but the pain remains. They may express their hurt and fear in ways that come across as normal teenage rebellion but are anything but that. You might notice signs in them of:

• Depression and/or anxiety
• Poor school performance
• Promiscuity/overly sexualized behaviors
• Substance abuse
• Anger and/or Aggression
• Running away from home
• Eating disturbances
• Suicidal gestures and/or self-harming behaviors
• Nightmares or sleep disturbances
• Withdrawal from friends and family

Physical signs of abuse

At any age, sadly, physical indicators can arise, too. Among the most common that children and teens may experience are:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy
• Genital pain, itching and/or bleeding
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Problems with sleep — too much, too little or nightmares
• Problems with appetite — eats too much or too little

All of these issues are indicators that the young person is attempting to find ways to protect themselves or find outlets for their painful emotions.

Twelve-year-old Carver Middle School student Bryson Rentie competed in the USA BMX Grand Nationals where he qualified for Mains, the final race of the event. Bryson got involved with riding through the USA BMX Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (resiliency, inclusion, social awareness and education) program, which was co-sponsored by the Terence Crutcher Foundation. R.I.S.E. is a three-month mentorship and education program in which children meet with BMX professionals and community leaders. They receive BMX coaching, general mentorship, STEAM education lessons and instruction on how to build their own bike.

TulsaKids: You were part of the R.I.S.E program. Tell us about that and what you learned.

Bryson: I learned that if you fall, you get back up and overcome your fears. We had mentors and speakers for a 6-week course last summer through the Terence Crutcher Foundation and BMX Foundation.

TulsaKids: What was the best part?

Bryson: BMX.  It’s fun and fast-paced. It gives me something to do whenever I’m bored. I love riding a bike.

TulsaKids: Have you ever crashed or gotten hurt?

Bryson: I did crash because I wasn’t riding right and fell over. My feet came off the pedals. But I got back up.

TulsaKids: What is the best thing about riding the bike?

Bryson: BMX and winning. There are different classes. I’m a novice. I need to get six more wins to get to intermediate, the next level up. I got to go to Grand Nationals. It’s a big-time race in Tulsa every year. Every pro rider comes out and races. It was a fun and new experience for me, and I would definitely do it again. You can showcase your talent and you get a trophy. It’s the Super Bowl of BMX.  It was an experience I won’t forget.

TulsaKids: How has BMX riding and being in R.I.S.E. helped you in other parts of your life?

Bryson: It has helped me be a leader and focus on what’s good rather than what’s bad. I’ve met a few people, and I’ve made some new friends. I see them at the track. I also feel more confident every time I go, and I just go as fast as I can.

TulsaKids: How does it feel when you lose? How do you handle it?

Bryson: When I lose, I contemplate on what I did wrong and the next race, I try to do better.

TulsaKids: Do you participate in any other sports?

Bryson: I play football. Corner and linebacker for Carver.

TulsaKids: What’s your favorite subject in school?

Bryson: Language arts.

TulsaKids: What advice do you have for kids who might want to try BMX racing?

Bryson: If you want to get into it, definitely try it. It’s a very fun sport. You’ll develop a feel for it, and you’ll get better. It’s a year-round sport. Don’t be scared to try new things.

TulsaKids: What are your goals for BMX?

Bryson: To reach intermediate at a certain level and then expert. Beyond BMX, I want to get into a good college and be successful in life. In the future, I may join the Air Force.

TulsaKids: What’s a fun fact about you?

Bryson:  I’m not thinking any time soon about cutting my hair. And I speak a lot of Spanish.

 Betty Casey is the associate publisher and editor in chief of TulsaKids Magazine. She has been with TulsaKids over 20 years. 

 “For every child in an afterschool program, four more children are waiting to get in.” (Afterschool Alliance)

As a high school student in Albuquerque, Christian Calloway was freshly emancipated from his parents, living in a youth shelter, and looking for a career option that would help him finance a college degree. He landed on culinary arts, which did support him through an English education degree by cooking at hotels and working after-school childcare jobs.

Now an English teacher in his first year at East Central Middle School, Calloway wants to pay it forward to those who helped him. In addition to his teaching duties – of 160 kids – Calloway sponsors several afterschool activities, including the ECS Culinary Arts after-school program. The activity is supported by The Opportunity Project, or “The Opp,” a nonprofit that serves as an intermediary for students to have access to high-quality afterschool and summer programs.

The Opportunity Project

The Opp partners with schools and teachers to develop programming “to ensure that all Tulsa youth have equitable access to after-school and summer enrichment programs that are dynamic, safe and engaging.” Teachers develop the activities according to their students’ needs and interests and are paid a stipend by The Opp for teaching the extra class. In the spring of 2023, 129 educators led clubs.

“We are at 63 sites in TPS,” says Lauren Sivak, executive director of The Opp, “and are expanding to more schools. After-school programs build better connections and relationships. They keep kids from being home alone.”

“The Opp has been great,” Calloway says. “We partnered with them to get equipment (for the culinary club), and they help with buying food by providing grocery store gift cards.” Calloway says that he also buys ingredients out of pocket and that other teachers have helped.

Buying supplies is not always easy since Calloway doesn’t own a car. He lives a 10-minute walk from the school and finds the city bus service inadequate to get anywhere in a timely manner, but he makes it work. He says donating gift cards or cash to The Opp (theopp.org) can help provide food and other supplies for his program and others.

Teaching More Than Culinary Skills

The culinary arts club has already met many of the school culture, safety and equity goals that Sivak says The Opp hopes to achieve by supporting high-quality, site-based after-school activities.

Knowing that many of his students suffer from food insecurity, Calloway plans the culinary program around food that students might get in a food bank package. In addition to learning the difference between sauté and sear, or how to make a Creole sauce, students learn about budgeting and serving sizes.

“Some have working parents,” Calloway says. “The kids are here until 6 or 7 at night, so we’re able to send them home with food at a low cost that has helped them.”

The program has also built a sense of community and a positive environment for the kids. “They talk about how much they love the club,” Calloway says, “and ask what they’re going to cook next.”

An Academic Incentive

Since students must have good attendance, behavior and grades to participate in the club, Calloway says he can use it as an incentive to encourage students to get their grades up in other classes. Calloway says the kids in his classes have seen a 30 percent growth this year across all standards, and “the club has definitely helped. The kids see me doing extra stuff, which helps with relationships.”

To enhance the entire school culture, Calloway held a cooking tournament where students created a budget and then prepared their best dishes for teachers to judge.

“The cafeteria smelled amazing,” Calloway says. “The students become part of the school culture. It brings up motivation in all areas. School culture is everything.”

Calloway says he always wanted to be a teacher. “I had a few great teachers,” he says. “They were unwavering in their support. They spent their own money feeding me on holidays. It’s not about the money; it’s about how you inspire others. I try to live close to that pay-it-forward mentality. Culinary Arts has really helped on bad days. Sharing a meal with the kids is awesome. They love it.”

Data on Draft: The Opportunity Project Fundraiser

• What: Trivia night and silent auction
• When: Thursday, April 25, 2024. Doors open at 5 p.m.; trivia starts at 6.
• Where: McNellie’s, 409 E. 1^st St., Tulsa
• Cost: $25/ticket
• Website: theopp.org/dataondraft

Funds raised will go to directly support Tulsa EnrichED during the 2024-25 school year.

 Betty Casey is the associate publisher and editor in chief of TulsaKids Magazine. She has been with TulsaKids over 20 years. 

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

Starting a garden this spring? Make it a family activity! Gardening is the perfect space for adults and kids alike to try new things, practice critical thinking and make discoveries.

Involving your kids:

Find appropriately sized tools. Our favorite kid-friendly tools are hand shovels, hand rakes and larger tools like digging forks—or full-sized shovels in larger spaces. After practicing tool safety with your child, you may be surprised by their ability to use tools well!

Invite your kids into the design-making process. Ask questions and make decisions together. Where will the garden be? What size should it be? What will you plant? Be unafraid to try new things or go with your kids’ ideas. This process is more about creating an experience for you and your kids than having the perfect garden.

Garden Steps:

1. Determine where your garden will be.

For most flowering or fruiting plants, find a spot with six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Leafy greens and root veggies can handle a bit less sun, but the minimum amount of direct sunlight any plants will need is three hours. Consider where your garden’s water source will be. Easy access will help you keep the garden watered. How big will your garden be? A garden can be any size—whether you choose to garden in a few small flowerpots, or a larger raised bed.

2. Before planting, prepare the soil together.

Remove weeds, rocks, sticks—all things that could hamper your seeds’ growth. Be on the lookout for insects and decomposers who’ve made their home in your garden. Identify any bugs and determine what their garden jobs might be. Bugs like roly-polies, worms, millipedes and ants benefit the soil by breaking down dead materials, and other bugs help eat plant pests. Once the garden soil is clear, fluff up any clumps that have formed, and gently level your planting area. Be careful not to pack the soil down—this will make it harder for air and water to move in the dirt and feed your plants.

3. Pick out some seasonal seeds.

Take some time to observe your seeds—notice how large or small each seed variety is. Compare the colors and shapes. As a rule of thumb, the size of a seed corresponds with how deep to plant it. Tiny seeds, like carrots or lettuce seeds, can be sprinkled on top of the soil. Try to spread them evenly, like you would sprinkles on top of a cupcake. Seeds that are slightly larger (e.g., kale, radish, beet, spinach, pepper and tomato seeds) can be buried up to a fingernail’s depth. Bigger seeds, like peas or beans, can be buried ¾ to a full finger deep. See the back of your seed packet for specific details. Instead of packing the dirt, gently pinch the soil closed over your seed, or sprinkle dirt on top. Use popsicle sticks, paint stirrers, or even plastic spoons to label where and what you planted so that you can watch them grow.

4. Care for your seeds.

Daily routines are measuring and tracking plant growth and watering your plants. Find a time to do these tasks together. Keep your garden weed-free after your seedlings sprout. Be careful weeding around your baby sprouts. Make garden care fun with weeding competitions and bug hunts, and by brainstorming creative uses for your garden’s bounty (e.g., creating flower art or bouquets and trying new recipes together).

What to grow:

Consider your space, the amount of sunlight and the season. Mid-April through May is a great time in Oklahoma to plant beans, okra, peas, kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, zinnias, corn and cucumbers. May and June will be great months to plant sweet potatoes, peppers, melons and tomatoes.

Work with your kids to choose plants to grow. Maybe you choose certain vegetables because you love eating them already. Maybe you are excited to try new things! Or maybe you decide to theme your garden based on what you and/or your kids love. Can you plant a Minecraft Garden with plants you might find in Minecraft? Or a Pizza Garden filled with pizza ingredients? Harvest and celebrate by making a garden pizza.

Follow your own—and your kids’—excitement and curiosities in the gardening process. You’ll find that you learn and grow as gardeners—and as people!

About Global Gardens: Global Garden empowers students and families through inquiry-based learning that takes place in the garden. Our holistic model teaches students about science, peace, health, and the environment, while challenging them to become caring, engaged community members. As our students plan and cultivate their gardens, they grow the confidence and skills to create positive changes in their lives and the world around them.

For a lot of kids, recess is the best part of the school day.

And for many of those kids, 20 minutes of sunshine is about all they can expect. That’s just not enough as far as some parents and educators are concerned.

A growing movement to move indoor education outdoors is taking hold across the country, including in Tulsa. Connecting to the earth by seeking nature and being outdoors is a priority as important as math and reading to some parents.

Global Gardens

In Tulsa, the Global Gardens program has been part of the community for more than 16 years. Its mission to empower students through hands-on science and peace education can be seen at several Title 1 Tulsa Public Schools sites. Each participating school has a dedicated thriving, full garden space for kids to explore and learn. During the school year, kids see firsthand the life cycle of a garden, from seed to harvest.

“Being in the garden has a big impact on kids. It can be very calming for kids who are overstimulated in the classroom and engaging for kids who are bored in the classroom,” said Maryann Donahue, executive director of Global Gardens.

Expanding the walls of the classroom is something Donahue says has shown real benefits to kids.

“For kids for whom the rules and requirements of a classroom setting don’t match up with the best ways for them to learn, the garden can be a really engaging space,” she said. “The hands-on aspect of it creates a level of engagement that is beyond what their typical day in the classroom might be.”

Donahue has many stories of ways the garden spaces have piqued curiosity, created science-minded kids and developed empathy in children. Recently a teacher shared a story with her about a child who found an ant in the classroom. The student cared for that little ant, and the entire classroom went out to the garden to release the ant among the herbs in the garden.

Focusing on nature and the living things around them is part of the Global Gardens mission.

“There’s something about being in a garden or an outdoor space – feeling the sun on you, smelling the smells of the garden,” Donahue said.

Learning in such a natural and beautiful space creates openings for drawing kids’ attention to what’s around them – the insects, animals and other factors that make contributions to the garden and the world around us. It also creates opportunities for empathy, Donahue said.

Under the Canopy

Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek wants to see children outdoors. She wants them to see them gardening, caring for animals, nature crafting and learning outside. In 2016 she founded Under the Canopy to give kids more nature education opportunities. What started as after-school classes and workshops has grown considerably. Under the Canopy was accepted as a Tulsa Public Schools charter school (pre-K to 5^th grade) and will open in the fall of 2025.

The idea for this nature-based public Waldorf-style school is to use nature to enhance academic learning and to connect students to each other and their community through active engagement with their natural environment. It’s also important to Arthrell-Knezek that the focus be on accessible nature with an appreciation and understanding of what’s right outside the window.

Photo courtesy Under the Canopy

So, what does that look like? Students at Under the Canopy will have a brisk morning walk before they begin their academic day. And students will take part in an immersive day-long nature experience including outdoor education and a school-wide community garden.

“I believe one 20-minute recess a day after lunch, what the standard public school offers, is not enough outdoors time. I often see recess being taken away as an incentive for good behavior. I also think this is fundamentally wrong because often the children acting up are the ones that need the outdoor time the most to get out their energy,” Arthrell-Knezek said.

She has seen increased interest in an education that’s more than the four walls of a classroom, as parents have contacted her about Under the Canopy for their children.

“Parents want nature education for their children,” she said. “During the pandemic people seemed to become more aware of the importance of being outdoors, and the program has gained a lot of momentum.”

The idea of spending more time outdoors would get two thumbs up by most kids and parents, even if they don’t know the research behind the benefits. Arthrell-Knezek said the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outside are immeasurable.

“This is especially true for children having adverse experiences. The research points to nature playing a vital role in creating positive and therapeutic interventions,” she said.

For parents seeking a nature education for their children, it’s about so many of these things – outdoor play, fresh air, exploration and interacting with the natural world on a consistent basis.

“We are so excited to share our new education model with the children of Tulsa,” Arthrell-Knezek said.

Information and enrollment information for Under the Canopy can be found on the school’s website, underthecanopy.org

Natalie Mikles is a mom of three. She writes about food, sharing recipes for busy families and picky eaters. She has been recognized for her food columns as well as features on families and issues affecting local children. She loves pizza and movie nights with her family.

In a world where diversity remains a pressing need, especially in children’s media, “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” is a story of inclusivity and empowerment. This animated series, with its protagonist Ameka discovering magical powers within her hair, not only entertains but also educates young viewers about the importance of representation, empathy and standing up for social justice. Having faced discrimination and bullying as a child due to my skin tone and my hair texture, I created the “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” cartoon series to help youth appreciate the differences in themselves and others.

The Importance of Representation in Cartoons

Statistics paint a stark reality: Only 17 percent of animated films feature women as lead or co-lead characters, and just three percent overall depict women of color in such roles. This lack of diversity not only limits the scope of storytelling but also deprives some children of seeing themselves reflected positively in media. Representation in cartoons is vital because it teaches children to be accepting, empathetic and confident in their own identities. When kids see positive characters who look like them, it validates their experiences and fosters a sense of belonging.

Lessons from “Ameka and Her Magical Crown”

In the pilot episode of the series, Ameka faces discrimination from her cheerleading coach, who deems her hair a distraction. However, Ameka’s friends rally around her, standing up against this injustice and teaching valuable lessons about acceptance and self-worth. At a recent screening and event at Circle Cinema, participants and viewers shared their feelings about the show.

“Ameka” Viewers with Dr. Tamecca Rogers. Photo by James Cooper

Voices from the Viewers

Gabrielle Williams, who voiced Lily in the series, said the character resonated with her. She said shows like “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” help promote diversity and combat negative stereotypes.

“I see myself in Lily,” Gabrielle said. “I stand up for my friends and what’s right. I think the lesson is to just let people be themselves, no matter what their appearance is.”

Heather Williams, Gabrielle’s mother, echoes this sentiment, praising the series for empowering youth and promoting acceptance. She was proud of her daughter’s role in the film and appreciates the values that it reinforced.

Viewer Kashtyn Rice’s immediate empathy for Ameka’s plight, particularly regarding the coach’s unfair judgment of her hair, reflected Kashtyn’s understanding of the importance of embracing individuality. “Ameka’s hair makes her special,” Kashtyn said.

Ryan Grace, who voiced two characters in the series, appreciated its relatability to all ages, and its powerful message about standing up against discrimination. Ryan admired the solidarity Ameka’s friends display as they support her in overcoming adversity, and how this connects with audiences.

“You should never judge a book by its cover,” she says.

Ryan Grace’s mother, Detrice Lewis, said that young girls need positive role models in cartoons. “’Ameka and Her Magical Crown’ offers children a positive role model to emulate,” Detrice said, “guiding them towards empathy, acceptance and standing up for what is right. Storytelling can play an important role in shaping young minds.”

Sisters Evelynn and Madison Coachman, along with their mother, Meghan Scott, were moved by the series’ message of self-acceptance and the power of friendship. Evelynn’s revelation about learning to embrace herself just as she is without feeling the need to conform to societal standards epitomizes the empowering principles of the show.

“I’m beautiful just the way I am. It doesn’t matter what people say,” Evelynn said. “We’re still pretty.”

Meghan’s emotional response to her daughter’s revelation speaks volumes. Through tears of pride and gratitude, Meghan saw how “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” instilled self-confidence and empowerment in young viewers like her daughter Evelynn. Their heartfelt exchange illuminates the impact of diverse and inclusive storytelling in fostering self-acceptance and celebrating individuality.

The target audience for “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” is elementary to early middle school level, however the cartoon is great for families to watch together.

The next showing of “Ameka and Her Magical Crown” will take place at the Roxy Theater in Muskogee during the Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, May 2-5, 2024.

Dr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.

Our daily lives, regardless of age and stage, are full of highs and lows, challenges and glimmers. For young children, these emotional moments can be particularly overwhelming. It is in these moments that they look to us, their caregivers, for safety and support. There is nothing quite like a small child leaning into you when they are hurt or reaching for you when they are tentatively testing a new skill like crawling. You feel, in your heart, chosen. It’s an honor to be their safe harbor. So how do we cultivate that relationship with children?

Get on their level

Towering over a child does not create feelings of safety. Make yourself more approachable by sitting down on the ground or in a low chair. Free to crawl or toddle up to you, they may choose to climb into your lap or simply observe you from a distance. Be patient, as even the most outgoing child may need some time to size you up. Given time, you will be trusted as a safe harbor.

Radiate calm contentment

Children will match your energy. If you are loud, energetic or up in their space, you can put a hesitant child even more on edge. Sitting in a relaxed way, build with a few blocks or flip through a nearby book. As you show yourself to be calm, you may be invited into play by the child or at the very least enjoy some brief, cheeky glances. Personally, I approach children the same way I might approach a cat. I want my body language to say, “You’re welcome to come over here, but it’s OK if you don’t.”

Be encouraging and kind

Tone is one of the languages first understood by children. A little baby can be upset by harsh voices and, even as adults, we can be calmed by a softly spoken affirmation. When you speak with a young child, using a tone that speaks to wisdom, warmth and authoritative guidance will carry you far. Even when redirecting or addressing a behavior, we can utilize this consistent pattern of speech to create connection. And where there is connection, there is peace.

Don’t take it personally

Finally, try to remember that your teething toddler, your impulsive 3-year-old or hangry 2-year-old is not enjoying being dysregulated. A few minutes of slowing down, empathizing with their feelings and meeting their needs will not only smooth the rest of your day, but cement the feeling within them that no matter what may come their way, you are there to help.

When your children can trust you’re a safe place for big feelings, they will feel empowered to take steps, learn and grow, knowing you will always be there to catch them if they fall. It’s hard to imagine any honor in life more worthwhile than that.

Alicia Kobilnyk is an Early Childhood Educator who works with young toddlers. She finds joy and inspiration to write in their cheeky shenanigans, as well as those of her three daughters.

While billions of people worldwide utilize social media platforms, it’s no secret that their use can have negative effects, especially for children. Although it’s difficult to say with certainty “how much is too much,” there is increasing evidence demonstrating that use of social media can lead to increased risk of anxiety and depression in teenagers. Despite the fact that most social media apps ostensibly require users to be at least 13 years old, statics show that nearly 40% of children ages eight to 12 years old are regular users. Every parent knows that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to limit a child’s access to apps like Instagram and TikTok, especially when many adults struggle with their own social media addiction. “Do as I say not as I do” simply doesn’t work. No doubt there is a problem. The question becomes how to fix it. Many states, including Oklahoma, are turning to legislation to address the challenges of this ubiquitous, transformative technology.

Oklahoma Legislation

Last month, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 3914. Introduced by Representative Chad Caldwell (R-Enid), the bill aims to limit social media accounts for youth by requiring social media companies to verify account holders are over the age of 18, or to confirm parental consent for those aged 16 to 18. At the time of this writing, the bill was on its way to the State Senate.

According to Caldwell, the bill wasn’t about targeting the content found on social media.

“Instead, we are simply taking the necessary steps to protect our children from an addictive product that is verifiably dangerous to children and teenagers just like we do with alcohol, tobacco, adult websites, gambling, etc.,” he said.

Although similar legislation has passed in other states—Ohio, Utah, Arkansas and Louisiana, among them—federal judges in several of those states have blocked the laws that followed, citing First Amendment issues.

First Amendment Concerns & Judicial Scrutiny

On the surface, legislation, such as Oklahoma House Bill 3914, that purports to protect kids from the negative impact of social media by banning children younger than 16 might seem like a good thing; however, it’s not that simple. One of the first challenges to such legislation is First Amendment rights and the protection of free speech, which apply to children, too.

Broadly written legislation that prohibits minors’ access to social media content, or “speech,” (“content legislation”) must be balanced with these rights, or it may be considered unconstitutional. Laws like these that brush up against constitutional rights come under a heightened level of judicial review known as “strict scrutiny.” In other words, lawmakers must show the existence of a real harm or problem and prove that restricting speech, in this case restricting access to social media, is necessary to solve it.

Although there are plenty of things on social media that might be inappropriate for young teenagers to see, there is also an argument that for many teens, access to the ideas and communities found on these platforms is valuable. Teens can connect with others who share identities, abilities and interests. Social media may also provide access to important information and create a space for self-expression.

Privacy Concerns

In addition to free speech challenges, legislation that requires age verification can also create privacy issues. The reality and logistical challenges of how age would actually be verified is a big question. It could involve the necessity of uploading identification and the sharing of even more personal information. Social media companies, internet providers or cell phone companies could then have access to vital information, like a government-issued ID or other data, which may not be desirable.

Looking Ahead

Few people would argue against the importance of protecting minors from the negative aspects of social media. The issue is how to best accomplish this. Carefully crafted legislation that withstands constitutional challenges may be one piece. More parental engagement may be another. It also seems clear that the companies that have created these highly profitable apps should be held accountable in some fashion. For more information, visit hhs.gov to read the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on social media use and youth mental health.

Julie Wenger Watson is a freelance writer who’s worked in all aspects of music promotion. She’s also Co-Director of “Live From Cain’s,” a public radio show pilot.

When the baby has croup, your middle schooler is having a bad week and your spouse is out of town, it’s not the time to make an elaborate dinner. It’s times like these that freezer meals can be a life saver.

There are a few ways to go about making freezer meals. Organized parents might plan an entire “fill the freezer” day, making a super-organized shopping list with all they will need to make multiple meals to pack the freezer.

Others might just occasionally double whatever they’re making for dinner, stashing half in the freezer for a rainy day.

Freezer meals can either be prepped, baked and then frozen, or can be prepped and frozen to be fully cooked when you’re ready to eat. Either way works – it just depends on how much time you want to take on the front end.

Entire cookbooks, websites, Instagram and TikTok accounts are devoted to making freezer meals. There’s no shortage of recipes and organization tips out there. But sometimes we need it simpler. We’ve included a few tips and a few recipes to get you going. Try stocking your freezer with a few recipes to see if it’s a game changer or just a freezer burn.

This recipe from Fix, Freeze, Feast makes a lot – three freezer dinners of four servings each.

Sesame and Soy Steak

• 6 pounds boneless top sirloin steak
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons minced ginger
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 (1-gallon) freezer bags

1. Rinse and divide steaks evenly among the freezer bags.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil and brown sugar in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. Divide the marinade evenly over the steaks.
3. Into each bag measure 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Seal and freeze.

When it’s time to cook:

1. Completely thaw one entrée in the refrigerator.
2. Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium heat.
3. Cook steak for 14-16 minutes for medium doneness. Turn occasionally and baste as desired. Do not baste during final 5 minutes of cooking. Discard remaining marinade.

Assemble this dish, stash it in the freezer, then let it cook in the slow cooker. It makes about 6 servings. Double it to freeze two meals.

Southwest Chicken

• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 (8-ounce) jar chunky salsa
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a 1-gallon freezer bag. Freeze until ready to use.
2. Remove bag from freezer and thaw overnight.
3. Place contents in slow cooker, and cook on low 3-4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165 degrees.
4. Shred chicken with two forks and return to slow cooker; heat through. Serve over rice. If desired, serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Make your own chicken strips to keep in the freezer. When you need something fast for dinner, pull out what you need for a quick, kid-friendly dinner.

Favorite Chicken Strips

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut chicken breasts into equal sized strips.
2. Using three bowls, place flour, salt and pepper in one, mixing well. Place eggs in another, beating well. Place breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then panko.
4. Place chicken strips on a greased or parchment covered baking sheet. (At this point, you can bake right away or place in the freezer.)
5. Flash freeze chicken by placing the raw chicken on the baking sheet in the freezer for 2 hours or until frozen solid. Transfer to a 1-gallon freezer bag. Store in freezer.
6. To bake, place frozen strips on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes (turning halfway through cooking time).

Freezer Meal Tips

1. If making some freezer meals ahead of time, make at least four so that you have one a week to last a month. Your future self will appreciate it!
2. Get organized. Set out the ingredients and everything you will need to store your meals. Make sure you have gallon-size freezer bags.
3. Label your freezer bags! Have you ever found a bag in your freezer and wondered what in the world is in it or how long it’s been there? Label and date each bag.
4. Having the main dish in the freezer is great, but also consider breakfast, snacks and dessert. Pancakes, granola, breakfast sandwiches and mini pizzas freeze well.

Natalie Mikles is a mom of three. She writes about food, sharing recipes for busy families and picky eaters. She has been recognized for her food columns as well as features on families and issues affecting local children. She loves pizza and movie nights with her family.

New York Times bestselling author Raina Telgemeier will be in Tulsa to receive the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2024 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature at the Central Library on May 3 at 6 p.m. She will talk about her work and present awards to winners of the Tulsa City-County Library’s Young People’s Creative Writing Contest.

Telgemeier’s graphic novels are loved by young readers and are known for featuring relatable topics such as friendship, anxiety, puberty, braces and even IBS.

Q: As a child, did you like to read all kinds of books, or were you primarily interested in comics and graphic novels?

Telgemeier: All kinds. Picture books, novels, nonfiction…illustrated and not! I discovered comic strips in the newspaper when I was 9 years old, and my dad started buying me collections of my favorite strips—those quickly became the things I read most often, again and again.

Q: Do you get more enjoyment out of writing or illustrating, or are they equal in your mind?

Telgemeier: Illustrating comes more naturally to me, I’m a very visual thinker and learner, but I also need to write experiences down or talk them through in order to process them. With comics, I actually don’t consider it either writing or illustrating per se. Cartooning is a third form of communication that incorporates both elements, and it involves a LOT of active participation on the part of both the creator and the reader! So I actually don’t consider myself a particularly great artist, or a very talented writer. But I think I’m a pretty good cartoonist.

Q: Lots of kids love reading graphic novels and want to do what you do when they grow up.  Do you have any advice for parents and teachers who would like to help these kids grow their interest and begin working on their own comics?

Telgemeier: My parents gave me tools and time. There wasn’t much of a popular interest in comics and graphic novels when I was a kid, but today I hear about cartooning classes and workshops at libraries, museums and free local conventions. There are plenty of tutorials online to learn the basic technical aspects. If teachers want to offer kids comics-making units, or the option to do some assignments in comics format…amazing! But really, having free time and lots of pencils and paper (nothing fancy – a #2 pencil and a spiral-bound notebook were what I used!) gave me the freedom to make stuff for my own enjoyment. It’s okay to go slowly and to read lots of comics, and to make them just for fun.

Q: Books are often great conversation starters between adults and the children they care for.  Given that many of your books appeal to kids approaching their tween and teen years— which can sometimes give rise to parental silent treatment—are there any of your books that you think offer good conversational opportunities for parents to have with their children?

Telgemeier: My memoirs (Smile, Sisters, and Guts) seem to be the biggest conversation starters. Plenty of reasons for this: I’m a Geriatric Millennial (or a baby Gen-Xer, depending on who you ask), so lots of my readers have parents who are my age. That means Raina in the book might have sat next to their mom in middle school or been her friend. And parents remember some of the real events I talk about in my books: the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco, the fashion trends!

But I think the real reason my work sparks conversation is because I talk very openly about tough experiences – self-confidence, bullying, anxiety, changing friendships, complicated family dynamics. Nothing I’ve experienced in my life is all that unique, but I think reading about it (and because it’s comics, also seeing it) can really validate someone going through it for the first time. I think there’s a time and place for platitudes and happy endings in stories, but so much of life is uncertainty, waiting, wondering. I think it’s okay to write stories with a mix of hopeful optimism, and acknowledgement that some of this stuff is really hard.

Q: I understand that one of your books, Drama, has been banned. What are your thoughts about book bans?

Telgemeier: No one person (or politician) should get to decide what everyone else has access to, full stop. Drama has been banned in communities that would prefer LGBTQ+ stories and characters simply not exist, and that tells LGTBQ+ kids that they, too, should not exist. A queer kid with no language or representation of who they are in books and media denies them their humanity. I advocate for empathy toward all human experiences and for books to be a safe place for all kinds of stories.

Danielle Hill is a local writer and former teacher with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and ethics and a degree in education.

Who You Gonna Call?

One of my favorite things to do is see a movie. My dad was the same way. He loved relieving the stress of the day immersed for a couple hours on the high planes with John Wayne or helping Dirty Harry fight crime.

And to share some of my favorite movies with my kids is the best! As any Gen X’er, I loved “Ghostbusters”! And so do my kids. We have watched them all, so since the new one was released last weekend, it was definitely on the Spring Break 2024 itinerary.

And better yet, the General Manager of Cinergy Entertainment, Scott Lowrance invited me and the kids for a movie and snacks on the house! His goal is to make sure you know about their special programs, which include sensory-friendly screenings for those guests affected by autism and sensory sensitivities.

Along with the help from Superior HealthPlan, one Saturday a month is dedicated is dedicated to allowing these families to enjoy a free movie.

Cinergy is helping the community by honoring veterans, hometown heroes and teachers with free movies and gift cards.

Plus, Cinergy donates to local food banks and toy drives, so if you’re in need, be sure to give them a call and ask how you can partner with them. Click on the Cinergy link.

BTW, the kids and I all give “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”   UP!

Also, a special Spring Break BONUS! We met the great Laura Mock, Fox 23 Meteorologist Extraordinaire!

Osage Tribal Singers

And the fun keeps on coming! Angel and I were treated to something very special on Friday. A perk of being in media is seeing special things from behind the camera.

Fox 23 had The Osage Tribal Singers in-studio to perform their song featured in the film “Killers of the Flower Moon.” It is called “Wahyzahze (A Song For My People),” and it was nominated for an Oscar this year for Best Original Song.

Spring Break in Springfield!

The kids and I usually visit my twin sister Lynda in Austin. However, this year we decided to stay closer to home. We have been to Oklahoma City many times and enjoy going, but thought maybe we would go the other way on the highway.

We have always enjoyed going to the Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow, and looking at the giant fish tanks. I told the kids the world‘s largest Bass Pro Shop is in Springfield, Missouri, and their eyes lit up. I told them there are also really cool giant caves that we can explore, and again they seemed interested.

As a parent, I’m all about anything that shifts their focus away from their phones!

So we decided to head north! It’s only about a two-hour drive, but I decided to find a hotel with an indoor pool because the kids love swimming.

I contacted Megan Buchbinder, Director of Marketing for Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and asked about a good place for dinner and breakfast.

She NAILED it!

If/when! you go to Springfield you HAVE to try Black Sheep Burgers downtown for dinner and Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe for breakfast! Both are worth the wait!!

And of course on the way home we HAD to gas up at Buc-ee’s! Did you know their General Managers can make almost a quarter of a million dollars a year?! That’s lawyer and doctor money!