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WHAT’S NEW AT OKC ZOO?

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2018 PUBLISHER

Brian Ihnat | Brian.Ihnat@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Nicolette Martin | Nicolette.Martin@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Celebrating Family

Heide Brandes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cindy Ritchie

WHEN YOU THINK OF FAMILY, WHAT COMES TO MIND? Maybe it’s the people you share your mornings with: the husband or wife who makes you breakfast, the toddler who wakes you up before sunrise or the drooling pup in the kitchen just itching for a full dish of food. Maybe it’s the people you share your years with: the grandfather who tells you old war stories at the Thanksgiving table, the uncle who brings you souvenirs from his travels or the aunt who can almost perfectly replicate your grandmother’s best pie recipe. Or maybe it’s the people you share your life with: the friends who have and always will be there for you, the parents who have always supported you and watched you grow or the kids who are watching and learning from you day after day. This month here at OKC Lifestyle, we’re celebrating our Kids + Pets issue. But we’re also celebrating the overarching feel of family and you, the readers, who always

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF SALES OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

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Thanks for sharing your family with us each month—we can’t wait to see you around!

Brian Ihnat, Publisher Brian.Ihnat@LifestylePubs.com

LAUNCH COORDINATOR PUBLISHER SUPPORT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

Steven Schowengerdt Matthew Perry DeLand Shore Brad Broockerd Sara Minor Janeane Thompson Nicolette Martin Victoria Perry Kate Baxendale Chad Jensen Cyndi Harrington Alicia Huff Adella Wrisinger Jessica Soetaert Cyndi King Dana Rudolph Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek Carli DiMarco Melanie Carlisle Randa Makeen Michael O’Connell Harshith Potu

P.S. When you are finished enjoying OKC Lifestyle, please recycle it so that we can all do our part to help save the environment. The planet thanks you! (And OKC Lifestyle, of course!)

OKCLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Kids at OKC Zoo PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY RITCHIE

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2018

FEATURES 16 Tennis for Kids

OKC Tennis Center Gives Youth Access to Lifelong Sport

20 Book Buddies Metropolitan Library System Partners with Therapy Dogs to Improve Children’s Literacy

26 What’s New at OKC Zoo? From Playgrounds to Special Needs Areas, OKC Zoo Offers Inclusive Experiences for Kids

20 16

34 Five Favorite Things Local Dustin Chilcoat Shares What He Loves about OKC

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Open House

Giving Back

26 Hot Spot 30 Financial Buzz 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

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GOOD TIMES

The Meadows Center for Opportunity Inaugural Golf Outing The Meadows Center for Opportunity in Edmond recently hosted its inaugural Golf Outing. The Meadows is a nonprofit organization where the majority of its workforce is developmentally challenged individuals. In spite of some early morning rain, the sun came out, and it was a great day for those who participated!

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AROUND TOWN

CITY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CONVENTION CENTER

farms in Oklahoma and operates in 30 countries. It first moved into Oklahoma by opening its Chisholm

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and other civic leaders broke ground on the new MAPS 3 Convention Center June 15 as part of the Core to Shore renaissance in downtown Oklahoma City.

View wind farm in 2012.

OKLAHOMA CITY NAMED A TREE CITY USA

The convention center will draw events that

For the third year in a row, Oklahoma City has

bring attendees from around the region and

been designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor

world, boosting Oklahoma City’s economy while

Day Foundation. The honor goes to communities

also serving as an ideal host for local events. Its

that meet several standards for planting trees

position south of the central business district in

and spend at least $2 per capita on a community

the Core to Shore area, along with other MAPS 3

forestry program.

investments, is anticipated to spark the same kind

More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA.

of transformative development. The 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall will domi-

Oklahoma City achieved Tree City USA status by

nate the ground floor, and rooms can be configured

meeting four core standards of sound urban for-

to provide up to 27 individual meeting spaces. A

estry management: maintaining a tree board or

grand ballroom will also be included

department, having a community tree ordinance,

The angular façade has towering glass walls to make maximum use of natural light and takes its design cues from Oklahoma City’s sky, landscape and architectural character. A skywalk will connect the building to the future Omni hotel, which

spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

MONEY MAGAZINE LISTS OKC ON 'BEST PLACES TO GO' LIST

is being developed to complement and support

MONEY Magazine included Oklahoma City on

the convention center and is also expected to be

its list of destinations in the U.S. for "Best Places

finished in 2020.

to Go in 2018" based on must-do experiences and amenities, cost, year-over-year trends and

WIND COMPANY MOVES INTO OKC

customer satisfaction.

Enel Green Power North America leased 1,700

The article touted the Oklahoma City Museum

square feet of office space in downtown Oklahoma

of Art, the OKC Thunder games at the Chesapeake

City's Robinson Renaissance Building, making its

Energy Arena, the Bricktown District, Stockyards

mark as the state's largest wind farm operator.

City and the city's Adventure District as to why

A subsidiary of Enel Group based in Rome, Enel Green Power North America currently has 10 wind

Oklahoma City is no longer "just a cow town." CONTINUED >

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AROUND TOWN (CON TI N U ED)

LAKE DRAPER TRAIL SET TO OPEN BY END OF YEAR

facilitator, refreshments and Museum admission. The publications are available in The

As part of the MAPS 3 initiative, Oklahoma City

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style-focused with investments of more than $57

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million into sidewalks and trails in the city.

PASEO CALLS FOR ENTRIES FOR SPACE AT SKIRVIN

The Lake Draper Trail is set to be completed this year, joining the West River Trail that was completed in 2015 and the Will Rogers Trail, completed in 2017.

The Paseo Arts Association announces a call

New sidewalks in areas throughout the city are

for entries for SPACE, the Skirvin Paseo Artist

being built on an ongoing basis to provide more

Creativity Exposition, an urban artist-in-residency

access to walkers and to improve the quality of life

program in which Oklahoma artists who are mem-

for Oklahoma City residents.

bers of the Paseo Arts Association can apply for a yearlong on-site residency in Oklahoma City’s pre-

READ THE WEST BOOK CLUB RETURNS TO NATIONAL COWBOY MUSEUM

mier downtown landmark hotel, the Skirvin Hilton. The Skirvin’s Artist-in-Residency program offers

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage

a working art studio and gallery that is open to the

Museum announces the return of its crowd-pleas-

public during established business hours as well as

ing Read the West Book Club Series, which will take

$1,000-per-month stipend, free parking and a meal

place Aug. 2, and Aug. 30 from 6-7:15 p.m. The third

allowance to the selected artist each year.

rendition of this ever-popular series features prom-

“ This is a fabulous opportunity for an emerg-

inent titles such as Matthew P. Mayo’s "Stranded:

ing visual artist,” says Amanda Bleakley, execu-

A Story of Frontier Survival," Louise Erdrich’s

tive director of the Paseo Arts Association. “ The

"LaRose" and Christine Baker Kline’s "Orphan Train."

Skirvin Hilton Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel

“Reading and talking about books brings com-

in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City with

munities together and encourages discussions

considerable pedestrian traffic and a continuous

and companionship,” says Chief Public Experience

flow of hotel patrons.”

Officer Inez Wolins. “A good book opens a world

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel has partnered with the

of doors and introduces new perspectives. These

Paseo Arts Association to market the residency to

inspiring and award-winning books are sure to

its membership and to assist in the selection of the

leave a lasting impression on those who participate

artists who will participate in the program.

and we encourage everyone to join us!”

The 2019 residency begins Oct. 1 and ends the

Cost for the series is $5 at the door, or

last week of September 2019. For more information, visit ThePaseo.org or call 405.525.2688.

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OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

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TENNIS FOR KIDS OKC TENNIS CENTER GIVES YOUTH ACCESS TO LIFELONG SPORT

TUCKED AWAY AT WILL ROGERS PARK IN OKLAHOMA CITY,

"Sportsmanship is a big part of tennis. Your integrity and honor are

YOUTH OF ALL AGES ARE LEARNING THE GAME OF TENNIS

taught as part of the game," he says. "Studies also show that tennis

AT ONE OF THE NATION'S PREMIER FACILITIES.

players live longer."

The OKC Tennis Center is the largest tennis center in the 10-state

At the OKC Tennis Center, three major youth programs are offered.

region and won Outstanding Tennis Facility of the Year in 2016. Built

The Junior Academy is for ages 5 to 12 and is aimed at the serious

in 1969, the OKC Tennis Center boasts 24 outdoor courts, six indoor

player who wants to compete or play on through college.

courts and six youth courts. It plays host to numerous tournaments,

The Basic Summer Camp is geared for ages 5 to 12 and teaches

both nationally and regionally, as well as a vibrant adult league, sum-

the basics of tennis. The camp, which runs for six weeks in the sum-

mer camps and private lessons.

mer, is best for beginners or low-intermediate players.

But for Steve Henry, director of recreational programming, getting tennis rackets into the hands of kids is his goal. "Growing the sport of tennis and getting kids to pick up rackets is a personal mission of mine," Steve says. "Tennis is a great way to get

Another program called First Serve, overseen by the National Junior Tennis and Learning, is a charter program that serves primarily underserved youth. A yearlong program, First Serve teaches not only tennis but life skills and mentoring as well.

physical activity. Tennis is one of the sports where you use your whole

"Our youth programs are very popular. In June, we had 125 kids

body, so it's a workout. But it's fun, so you don't realize it's a workout."

here in three different programs," Steve says. "It's just a great sport

Moreover, the sport of tennis gives children more than just a way

for kids to get into."

to move. It teaches them life skills like sportsmanship, how to win well and lose well and how to develop dedication, he says. 16

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

For more information, visit OKCTennisCenter.net or call 405.946.2739.

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book buddies METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM PARTNERS WITH THERAPY DOGS TO IMPROVE CHILDREN'S LITERACY

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

CAN A DOG HELP A CHILD BECOME A BETTER READER? As odd as it sounds, a study at the University of California showed that reading aloud to a canine listener not only improves a child's reading skills by as much as 12 percent in 10 weeks but also creates confidence in speaking aloud. The

Oklahoma

Metropolitan

Library

System believes dogs can help children read better, and the Reading to Dogs program has been so popular over the past decade that it continues to grow. "The Reading to Dogs program started over 10 years ago. We have different teams bring their therapy dogs to the library, sometimes up to four a time, and those dogs sit there with a child to encourage children to read aloud," says Kim Terry, director of marketing and communication for the Metropolitan Library System. "Reading to a dog increases a child's self-confidence. Dogs aren't going to judge you or laugh at you when you make a mistake. We've found that the program not only makes children better readers but also increases their self-confidence in speaking aloud." This summer, children from around the metro area sat with dogs ranging from Yorkies to golden retrievers, reading stories aloud while the adults sat off in the corner. Kim says the changes she sees in the young readers can be amazing. "We had one girl who was on the autism spectrum who had a hard time speaking aloud and reading. She took part in Reading to Dogs for several years, and now she has CONTINUED >

August 2018 | OKC Lifestyle

BOOK BUDDIES

(CON TI N U ED)

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

her own therapy dog that she takes out to hospitals and nursing homes. It's huge. Parents love to see their kids reading. They want their child to be better readers, but sometimes a child won't read at home because they don't want to be corrected or fail."

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Joy Lauffenburger was diagnosed with autism at age 7. After participating in the program, she and her own therapy dog, Goldie, speak around the country about autism. Goldie was inducted into the Oklahoma State Veterinary Medical Association Hall of Fame in 2009. The therapy dogs are the same kinds taken to children's hospitals, nursing homes and more. They are used to be petted, handled and read to, and Kim says the bond between child and her canine friend builds that natural confidence children want to have. "It's a non-judgemental environment," she says. "The dog isn't going to laugh at you or talk down to you. It just likes the attention." Local therapy groups bring their animals to the Reading to Dogs program, and Kim says there is never any shortage of people willing to bring their dogs to the libraries for kids to read to. Brandy Pierce learned about Reading to Dogs while involved with pet therapy back in 2010. Although her golden retriever, Daisy, was older, she saw a need at the Choctaw Library for a team and applied. "We see the children just once a month; however when a returning child comes into the room, they immediately remember Daisy, and most will remember her name," Brandy says. "I

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think the novelty of the children seeing a dog in the library is a bit of an unexpected shock and so at first, they approach us a bit timidly. Typically, with a bit of encouragement, they blossom during the reading hour. No matter what their reading level, the children respond positively to Daisy, and each meeting sees the child growing more confident in their ability and

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WHAT’S NEW AT OKC ZOO?

FROM PLAYGROUNDS TO SPECIAL NEEDS AREAS, OKC ZOO OFFERS INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS

THIS SUMMER, CHILDREN OF ALL AGES CAN FIND NEW AND

“At the Barnyard area, they can interact with goats, including new

RECENTLY RENOVATED EXPERIENCES AND ADVENTURES AT

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THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO. From playgrounds to new “senso-

director of public relations.

ry-inclusive” areas, the OKC Zoo is expanding its offerings to children of all needs, abilities and ages.

“The Children’s Zoo features many other places to explore, such as a sand area and willow canopies that resemble forts. With the

First and foremost, the Children’s Zoo, which opened in 2010,

latest addition to the Children’s Zoo, Wallaby Walkabout, guests

includes 2.5 acres of interactive features that are designed to get

can observe and experience these lively yet smaller relatives of

children connected with nature. The $8.3 million Children’s Zoo

the kangaroo in a safe, up-close environment.”

allows young adventurers to wade in streams, engage directly with lorikeets and feed them nectar at the Explorikeet habitat. 26

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

expanded to include a new "Expression Swing," which allows an adult to swing with a child. This summer, new components such as the "Climinator" and the "Wobbler" were added for children ages 5 to 12. Other updates included a refreshed, original mural designed by Oklahoma City author and artist Margaret Hoge, featuring animals like lions and zebras found at the zoo. “There were 660 volunteers who contributed a total of 5,161 hours over four days to renovate the Jungle Gym at the Oklahoma City Zoo,” Candace says. “They continued working on the project during days marred by unexpectedly frigid temperatures and biting winds to enhance the zoo experience for all children, particularly those with disabilities.” KULTURECITY SENSORY-INCLUSIVE ZOO CERTIFICATION The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden partnered with KultureCity to become certified as a sensory-inclusive zoo. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for guests with sensory sensitivities that visit the Oklahoma City Zoo. “KultureCity, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to creating sensory-inclusive community spaces that provide accessibility for all individuals with unique abilities. The OKC Zoo is one of 12 accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums members to be recognized as a sensory-inclusive location by KultureCity and the second certified attraction in Oklahoma, joining Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City Thunder,” Candace says. “OKC Zoo visitors will now have access to complimentary sensory bags that include fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones and more.” These sensory bags plus weighted lap blankets will be available for guests to check out at no cost on a daily basis from the Zoo’s Guest Experience office in the Entry Plaza and Rosser Conservation Education Center. KultureCity’s comprehensive program also includes training for zoo team members and volunteers on how to respond to guests with sensory needs and on-grounds signage designating quiet zones and headphone zones for those who may feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the zoo. SUMMER EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES “The Oklahoma City Zoo's education programs offer a wonderful way for the whole family to have fun while exploring and learning together,” Candace says. “Parents seeking a unique adventure filled JUNGLE GYM PLAYGROUND ZOOfriends, the OKC Zoo and the Junior League of Oklahoma

with fun for their children this summer should explore the summer camps taking place at the zoo.”

City spent more than a year laying the groundwork for the renova-

Summer camps are filled with crafts, animal guests, exhibit tours

tion of the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Jungle Gym, undertaken in honor of

on zoo grounds and more. The zoo has weeklong camps for kids ages

JLOC's 90th anniversary.

3 to 15. For toddlers, ages 2 to 5, the zoo offers Cub Club programs

In 2004, the same organizations joined forces to create the

every second and third Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m.

30,000-square-foot playground, and much of the project's focus

Classes including information about zoo animals explored through

was on making the Jungle Gym more accessible. The project

lessons, crafts, discovery stations and guided zoo tours.

included the addition of an “Ability Whirl,” allowing children in wheelchairs to use the merry-go-round. The playground has been

For more information, visit OKZoo.org. August 2018 | OKC Lifestyle

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FINANCIAL BUZZ ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY CINDY RITCHIE

people’s bank of edmond LOCAL BANK KEEPS HISTORY OF HELPING NEIGHBORS REACH SAVINGS GOALS WHEN IT COMES TO SAVINGS OR TEACHING KIDS HOW TO SAVE, SOMETIMES THE LESS YOU THINK ABOUT IT THE BETTER. Programs like Auto Transfer at People’s Bank of Edmond, for instance, automatically takes a set amount of money from a checking account or paycheck to put into a savings account. Not having to remember to set aside cash each time means boosting a savings account with little to no pain. “Auto transfer is a great idea to help kick-start a savings account,” says Ben Branson, president and CEO of People’s Bank of Edmond. “This way the money is automatically taken out of your checking account or paycheck. This helps most people because it makes you do the transfer before you forget or change your mind.” A little bit goes a long way. If a person gets paid twice a month and saves $25 each paycheck, that’s $600 a year. If you were able to save $100 per paycheck, that’s $2400 a year,” Ben says. People’s Bank has a long history of helping clients with finances. M.H. Barrett Sr. opened Peoples Bank & Trust Co. in 1906 in Ryan, Oklahoma. Now, more than 100 years later, the bank is still owned and operated by the Barrett family. The bank is owned by Kay Barrett Branson and her son, Ben Branson, who also serves as the president, CEO and chairman of the board. M.H. Barrett founded the town of Ryan and believed in people and in their honesty. He began loaning money to people in 1883 from the drug store that he owned and operated and made loans to help farmers, ranchers and business owners. In addition, he made nearly 50 loans to young people to help them get college educations, and in that time, only one failed to repay the loan. That spirit of trust continues in 2018. “Most of our customers have the chief of operations or chief of lending cell phone numbers because we want to be available all the time to try to fix our customers' problems or at least be available to answer questions,” Ben says. “Before there was FDIC, that insured people’s money, people banked where they trusted their bankers. That's still the same way we try to do business today. We want to build trusting relationships with our customers where they know how important they are to us.” In addition to auto transfer, People’s Bank also offers Elite Savings, which has one of the highest rates for a savings account in the metro at .50 percent compared to some as low as .03 percent. “We also have text alerts and mobile app to let you know what you have 24/7. Plus our online banking has budget tools to help reach your financial goals," Ben says. “Our online banking is very unique compared to other banks. We have lots of tools to help you keep track of your spending, budgeting and goals.” For more information, visit PeoplesBankUSA.com. 30

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

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AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

THE SUMMER SIGNATURE TOUR

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK PRESENTS SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

OKC RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING SHOW

tinues from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday

Myriad Botanical Gardens

ovation & Landscaping Show brings

through Friday at the Oklahoma

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park

homeowners and the area's most knowl-

National Cowboy and Western Her-

Presents Sense and Sensibility from

edgeable and experienced remodeling,

itage Museum. Visitors can expe-

Aug. 9 to 25 at the Myriad Botanical

building and landscaping experts togeth-

rience the artwork of Remington,

Gardens. The play, adapted from Jane

er to help bring ideas to life. Attendees will

Russell and Native American artists

Austen’s novel by Kate Hamill, follows

discover thousands of smart, stylish and

during the docent-led tours that

the adventures of the Dashwood sisters

cost-effective ways to design or renovate

culminate in a look at the evolu-

after their father’s sudden death leaves

your home. HomeShowCenter.com

tion of the working cowboy in pop

them destitute and socially vulnerable.

culture and film. Through Aug. 31.

OklahomaShakespeare.com

Oklahoma National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

The Summer Signature Tour con-

NationalCowboyMuseum.org

3 FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE PASEO

Cox Convention Center

On Aug. 17 to 19, the Oklahoma City Ren-

INTERNET CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL

KATTFEST

On Aug. 18, the Internet Cat Video Festi-

Myriad Botanical Gardens

OKC Zoo Amphitheatre

val will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Myriad

Paseo Arts District

KATTfest featuring Godsmack and

Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridges

First Fridays at the Paseo will be

Shinedown will be held at the Oklaho-

Tropical Conservatory. This event features

held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Oklahoma

ma City Zoo Amphitheatre with special

a 75-minute show featuring the Internet’s

City’s Paseo arts district. Each First

guests Like a Storm. Presented by Rock

best cat video offerings for thousands of

Friday, the Paseo's galleries offer

100.5 The KATT, the concert is open to

cat lovers everywhere. Calendar.Okla-

special themed exhibits, refresh-

the public. Katt.com/KattFest

homaCityBotanicalGardens.com

pate. The Paseo is Oklahoma City’s

PAW PATROL LIVE!

GILLIAN WELCH

unique arts destination, located

Cox Convention Center Arena

Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St.

between NW 27th & 30th Streets

Nickelodeon and VStar Entertain-

On Aug. 24, Emporium and Citizens

and

ment Group present PAW Patrol

Bank of Edmond presents An Evening

Live! “Race to the Rescue,” an ac-

With Gillian Welch at 8 p.m. at Tower

tion-packed, music-filled produc-

Theatre. TowerTheatreOKC.com

ments, guest artists and a variety of entertainment opportunities – all within walking distance. More than 80 artists in 22 galleries partici-

Walker

and

Hudson.

Visit

https://www.thepaseo.org.

4 BLACKLIGHT SLIDE NIGHT

tion, presented by Pedigree. The heroic pups from the top-rated animated preschool series PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertain-

Remington Park Racing Casino

ment, will visit the Cox Convention

AMP FESTIVAL

Blacklight Slide Night event will be

Center Arena Aug. 10-12. Tickets

Film Row

held from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the

for all performances are on sale at

On Aug. 25, the AMP Festival will rock from

Remington Park Racing Casino. Vis-

Ticketmaster.com or by phone

noon to 8 p.m. at Film Row. The free AMP

itors can go down slides filled with

at 800.745.3000.

(Art, Music, Power) Festival is a street mu-

neon glow-in-the-dark water to the

sic and art festival that celebrates women

sounds of some of the best DJs in

creators with music performances of all

the country. BlacklightSlide.com

genres and more than 80 artisans. Spend the day on Film Row shopping, eating and listening to music. AMPFestOKC.com

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Five Favorite

Things

LOCAL DUSTIN CHILCOAT SHARES WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT OKC ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY CINDY RITCHIE OKLAHOMA CITY NATIVE DUSTIN CHILCOAT LOVES ANYTHING TO DO WITH SPORTS AND WATER, AND IN HIS HOMETOWN, HE FINDS PLENTY OF PLACES TO INDULGE THOSE PASSIONS. The 32-year-old married his high school sweetheart and was involved in sports like baseball, cross country, volleyball and more. A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Dustin loves being outdoors and traveling to new places, especially places with a focus on the water or the ocean. Dustin is the business development specialist for Monte Cristo Ironworks, a company that offers residential and commercial custom ironwork for doors, mailboxes, corbels and window boxes.

OKC Thunder: Like many Oklahoma City natives, Dustin is an avid fan of the OKC Thunder NBA team. “Russell Westbrook is my hero, and I love going to the games and cheering on our team,” Dustin says. “They have made downtown a different place and brought pride to our city. Oklahoma sports, in general, have the best fans.” OKC Riversport Rapids:

downtown

Oklahoma

City, Dustin and his family enjoy Class II-IV whitewater rafting at RIVERSPORT Rapids, Oklahoma City’s $45.2 million whitewater rafting and kayaking center. Guides are on hand to take families on an exciting, authentic whitewater rafting experience in the heart of an urban area. “I went here a few times with my family. There are so many activities in one place!” he says. Plaza District: Tucked along Northwest 16th Street, the hip and happening Plaza District is a reimagined hub of locally owned shops, neighborhood bars, quirky galleries and restaurants. Named for the historic Plaza Theater built in 1935, the area has become a center for creativity and a magnet for local businesses. “It’s amazing to see all the developed areas, and it’s a fun spot to hang out with my wife. Empire Slice and Pie Junkie are some of our favorites,” Dustin says. Arbuckle Mountains: Located just south of the city on Interstate 35 is a gem of Oklahoma geology and history. Dustin says it’s his favorite place to hunt for fossils. “The Arbuckles are just a quick trip out of Oklahoma City and great for hunting fossils and hiking around. It is a hidden beauty in Oklahoma.” Volleyball: As a sports fanatic, Dustin loves to play volleyball at the city’s various public courts, like the Lighthouse, the Downtown Court or at Southern Nazarene University. “We have such a community of players in Oklahoma City. My dad played and gave me a passion for the sport,” Dustin says. 34

OKC Lifestyle | August 2018

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