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Families invited to second annual Rock The Block

by Michael Polzella

Dolese will host the second annual Rock The Block, a family-friendly community event, on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 14th and Broadway in Oklahoma City. A quiet hour runs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., for children with noise sensitivities.

At the event, children can explore vehicles of all sizes from construction industry partners, the Oklahoma City Fire Department and more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to donate to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Lunch proceeds from Oct. 20 will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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Business

Brainstorming with a purpose

by Michael Polzella

Challenge: Your client needs fresh ideas – a WOW. This request is tailor-made for brainstorming. Consultant Todd Henry advises session leaders define the situation in advance instead of “fast-twitch thinkers” throwing out a million ideas while “slow- twitch thinkers” quietly deliberate.

Once in the meeting, reiterate the situation to ensure everyone is on the same page, which encourages best ideas. In brainstorming, all suggestions are valid; thus, require 100% participation to get both fast and slow twitchers involved.

Identify the direction, and then define action steps, including discovery, accountability and deadlines. This approach takes brainstorming from bustle to strategy.

– Betsie Gambel, The New Orleans 100

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Business

Five common grammar goofs to avoid

by Michael Polzella

Take note of these common grammatical mistakes to make your next email, social media post or conversation less cringe-worthy.

A part ≠ apart – These words are frequently misused in place of each other.

Its ≠ it’s – “Its” is a possessive pronoun. “It’s” is a contraction meaning, it is or it has.

Supposably ≠ Supposedly – This mistake is most commonly made verbally.

All intensive purposes — This is commonly used in error when meaning all intents and purposes.

Capitol ≠ capital – “Capitol” refers to a building occupied by the state or federal legislature, whereas “capital” can refer to a capital city, wealth or an uppercase letter.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

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LifestyleTravel

Essentials to pack when traveling

by Michael Polzella

Preparing for a trip can be daunting. Here are a few things that should be at the top of your packing list, no matter where you’re heading this summer:

Cash: We’ve all been stuck without an ATM before. Carry around $50 in case of emergency.

Maps: When your phone loses charge, don’t lose your way.

The right clothes: Weather can change suddenly, consider a light rain jacket or extra shorts for the heat.

First Aid: Sunscreen, allergy/pain meds and Band-Aids can go a long way while traveling.

Power: Extra chargers or adapters for all your devices, especially abroad.

– Dustin Mascorro, Jones PR

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Business

Under what circumstances can nonprofit directors be removed?

by Michael Polzella

A recent PA Commonwealth Court decision is prompting nonprofit board members to revisit bylaws regarding the removal of directors.

One director of A Pocono Country Place Property Owners Association had been sending derogatory emails about female directors, and the issue became so severe that the board petitioned the court to remove him as director. Unfortunately, because the bylaws provided that directors could only be removed in specific circumstances, the court declined the petition and the Commonwealth Court upheld that decision.

Board members are reminded to carefully review bylaws to confirm the right to remove directors encompasses a number of circumstances.

– June F. Swanson, Meyer, Unkovic, & Scott, jfs@muslaw.com

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Business

Prairie Artisan Ales opens in Oklahoma City

by Michael Polzella

Prairie Artisan Ales has opened its newest location in the 8th Street Market building – part of the Automobile Alley district of Oklahoma City.

The taproom boasts 16 different beers on tap, with a variety of beers that are brewed in-house. This marks Prairie’s first location in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma-based brewer also has production spaces in Krebs and Tulsa. Prairie beers are sold all around the globe. They are best known for “Bomb!,” an imperial stout.

With a staff of almost 20, the taproom is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Local OKC mom puts hundreds of meals on Oklahoma dinner tables

by Michael Polzella

Families across the country often struggle finding the time to put meals together every day. Local mom and business owner Roxanne Foster noticed this trend. What started as a small business has now led to an OKC Easy Freezy brick and mortar location, plus franchises in Tulsa and Denver.

Her concept? Easy meals families can freeze. Each month the customer chooses the menu (regular, keto, plus or vegetarian). After picking up the food, simply add meat, let it marinate, then freeze.

Throughout the month, place meals in a slow cooker or on a stovetop and prepare according to simple directions.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

End-of-year closet clean out

by Michael Polzella

During the holiday season, many are focused on buying gifts. When the holidays are over, consider another way of giving: donating.

Being charitable doesn’t always mean writing a check. Cleaning out your closet and donating items like computers, household items, clothing, bikes, books and textiles to Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma can impact your community. Each donated item helps generate revenue to support essential job training and placement services, provide workstations and offer the business community motivated workers trained in fields where job openings exist.

All donations are tax-deductible. Find a Goodwill Donation Center near you to donate today.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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Business

Free Dunkin’ coffee for Oklahoma City area

by Michael Polzella

Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are celebrating the opening of two dual-branded stores by offering a free medium hot or iced coffee.

The offer will only be available from Jan. 1 through Jan. 5, 2018 at all nine greater Oklahoma City Metro locations. The new locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also feature a drive-thru window for convenience, comfortable seating, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating on a covered patio.

Visit the new locations in Moore at 630 SW 4th and in Midwest City at 2301 S Douglas Blvd.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Oklahoma City resident makes life-saving donation

by Michael Polzella

When in college at Oklahoma Christian University, Sean and some friends registered as bone marrow donors.

This spring, Sean joined the one percent of matches. For months Sean underwent multiple blood tests to confirm his eligibility to donate. Once finally approved, he received daily injections for five days before the donation. Then he flew to Washington, D.C., to make the donation that could save the life of someone with blood cancer.

This holiday season, consider the life-saving gift you could give to someone with blood cancer. Register to become a bone marrow donor. Read the full story here.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

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Business

Dobson Technologies Brings High-Speed Internet to Weatherford

by Michael Polzella

Weatherford businesses can now enjoy big-city conveniences with Dobson Technologies’ Fiber Optic Network.

Businesses along Dobson’s fiber route are now eligible for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions and high-speed internet services with two types of connectivity:

1. Fiber-to-the-Business: High-speed fiber optic connectivity that reaches up to 125 Mbps.

2. Dedicated-Fiber-to-the-Business: Perfect for businesses with greater data needs with dedicated access to high-speed, fiber optic connectivity with customized speeds and bandwidth.

Businesses looking to kick off 2018 with the right business internet connection can learn more and sign up for services.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Give Back Through the Power of Work

by Michael Polzella

This Giving Tuesday, give back by enhancing quality of life for individuals with disabilities and disadvantages through the power of work with Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma.

The easiest solution to give back is simply cleaning out your closet! Donate unwanted goods to Goodwill and stick around to shop 50 percent off the Color of the Week. It’s not only cheaper for you, but funds numerous programs.

You can also make a monetary donation online or by mail to Goodwill’s scholarship or endowment funds. Learn more about how you can help fund job training programs, employment placement services and more!

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Give Back with Fun, Fitness and Philanthropy

by Michael Polzella

Can’t decide where to give your money or time for Giving Tuesday? Donating to Redbud Classic is a great way to donate to multiple causes in one.

Celebrating its 36th year, Redbud offers running and cycling events for the community to enjoy a day of fun, fitness and philanthropy. Every year, the Redbud Classic selects a new beneficiary. This year’s proceeds benefit Whiz Kids Oklahoma.

Your donation not only helps execute the race, but continues the Oklahoma City tradition of giving more than a quarter million dollars to the community. Mark your calendar for the April 7-8 race!

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Positive Tomorrows Donations to Be Matched Dollar for Dollar

by Michael Polzella

Positive Tomorrows has a BIG #GivingTuesday announcement.

Up to $70,000 of today’s gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, thanks to The Harris Foundation, Debi and Carlan Yates, the Albers Family Affiliated Fund and an anonymous donor. This means your gift will go twice as far.

At Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only elementary school specifically for homeless children, students find peace and joy every day, no matter their circumstance at home. They don’t worry about hunger, school supplies or warm coats. They feel like they belong, they laugh and learn. Don’t wait. These little ones need you now. Donate today!

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Rise of Digital Fundraising

by Michael Polzella

Giving Tuesday has become a top fundraising day.

Recently, corporations have sought ways to join the Giving Tuesday movement. Facebook noticed the trend and knew the platform needed to adapt to help more nonprofits benefit from the corporations looking for local and smaller organizations that could benefit from an end of the year gift.

From Facebook users to business pages, all have the ability to select a nonprofit and set up a fundraiser on their own. Nonprofits are also now able to collect donations directly from Facebook. We no longer live in a society that requires a checkbook to donate.

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Oklahoma History

Oklahoma Veterans Visit National Memorials

by Michael Polzella

More than 70 Oklahoma veterans were honored for their service in an October ceremony in Washington, D.C.

These soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines were selected by the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight Network to visit national memorials in honor of their sacrifices in a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip.

The World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans arrived at the Capitol on Oct. 11 to see their memorials and monuments. The group visited Arlington National Cemetery, Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and other monuments to pay their respects. To nominate a veteran, visit OWHF’s website.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Skydance Bridge Welcomes Visitors to City

by Michael Polzella

Skydance Bridge is an almost-400-foot-long pedestrian bridge standing nearly 200 feet tall above Interstate 40 near Robinson Avenue south of downtown Oklahoma City.

LED lights illuminate the bridge from dusk until dawn each day to welcome visitors to downtown. The color can be changed remotely, depending on the event or holiday.

Opening in April of 2012 and modeled after Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the bridge will eventually serve as connector for the north and south ends of the new Scissortail Park. Skydance Bridge is widely regarded as a public symbol of Oklahoma City’s renaissance.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Oklahoma History

Explore Evolution at Sam Noble Museum

by Michael Polzella

How does one species of fruit fly turn into 800? How can environmental change and a differing food supply cause finches’ bills to change size and shape?

These are two questions, among others, you can find answers to when you “Explore Evolution” at the Sam Noble Museum. From rapidly growing viruses to whales that walked, learn about the evolution of life and earth’s organisms.

The exhibit considers seven interpretive areas focusing on cutting-edge scientific research and illustrates how the evolutionary principles of variation, inheritance, selection and time are at work in different organisms. Visit Sam Noble Museum and explore!

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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Photo of Vera Miles
Oklahoma History

‘Psycho’ Star Has Oklahoma Roots

by Michael Polzella

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 masterpiece “Psycho” is an oft-watched film to this day around Halloween, but did you know a native Oklahoman stars in the film?

Vera Miles plays the role of Lila Crane, one of the guests at the Bates Motel. Miles was born in Oklahoma’s own Boise City. She lived there and in Kansas prior to moving to Hollywood and working under one of the movie industry’s greatest directors.

Lila Crane arguably became Miles’ most famous role, but she also starred in several other films including “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” alongside John Wayne and James Stewart.

– David Dishman, Jones PR

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OKINNOVATE Flyer
Business

OK!NNOVATE Focuses on Oklahoma Entrepreneurs

by Michael Polzella

Oklahoma is a prime location for entrepreneurial development.

A new program to assist entrepreneurs, launch startups and spur innovation is being created in Oklahoma City. OK!NNOVATE is designed to connect entrepreneurs to resources to accelerate and support their success. The program seeks to help these business leaders start, build and flourish within Oklahoma. These goals will be accomplished by providing space for these companies to grow as well as opportunities to secure funding through grants.

OK!NNOVATE will assist Oklahoma’s young talent, creating a place of action and impact and space to build community, culture and commerce for innovators.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Crowd during the OU-Texas Weekend
LifestyleTravel

Travel Guide to OU-Texas Weekend

by Michael Polzella

For many Oklahoma football fans, OU-Texas weekend in October is comparable to a holiday.

Thousands make the drive south to Dallas for the rivalry game held in the heart of the State Fair of Texas at the Cotton Bowl. While you’re in town, check out some other attractions to visit in the Dallas area.

1. Grab dinner and drinks in Uptown Dallas

2. Two step at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth

3. Brunch at one of these popular eateries

4. See Foster the People at the House of Blues

5. Shop at NorthPark Center or the Galleria

6. Take a tour of AT&T Stadium

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Food + BeverageLifestyle

ONIE Serves up Food Education

by Michael Polzella

The Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project offers nutrition resources and quick, tasty recipes to help Oklahoma families prepare healthy homemade meals.

A SNAP-Ed grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services funds ONIE. ONIE creates nutrition education material, designs community programs and delivers health campaigns designed for Oklahoma families.

Founded in 2000, the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project is part of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences in the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Visit ONIEProject.org to learn more about the initiative.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Business

Free to Live Announces New Executive Director

by Michael Polzella

Oklahoma’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary has a new executive director.

Reagan Hamlin took over the role at Free to Live Animal Sanctuary on Aug. 2.

Hamlin comes to the organization with more than 10 years experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, according to Free to Live. She most recently was the assistant vice president for development at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Located in Edmond, Free to Live serves the Oklahoma community through its work. The sanctuary staff care for stray, neglected and abused animals. Those animals that are not adopted live out their lives peacefully at the sanctuary.

– Meghan Jackson, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Groups Aim to Improve Literacy Among Oklahoma Adults

by Michael Polzella

It’s never too late to go back to school. Some local adult literacy nonprofit organizations are providing free classes in time for the new school year.

According to Community Literacy Centers, nearly 140,000 Oklahoma City adults are functionally illiterate. Simple tasks like reading road signs or filling out forms are challenging. Adult literacy issues contribute to more than $230 billion a year in health care costs.

Community Literacy Centers and the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition provide resources for adults looking to learn to read or take classes dedicated to English as a second language. Both groups are looking for volunteers.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Business

Sprint’s Family Summer Survival Guide

by Michael Polzella

Now that school has ended and parents are starting to panic about what to do with the kids this summer, it is the perfect time to talk about technology responsibility with your tweens and teens.

Sprint employees can show parents how to set controls on their accounts to monitor cellphone and data usage – giving parents peace of mind!

Covering your devices with screen protectors will help shield them from messy fingers and accidental drops. Planning a family road trip? Better grab some Beats headphones for the teens. This way, they can listen to their music and you can enjoy yours!

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

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LifestyleTravel

Roadside Oddities in Oklahoma

by Michael Polzella

Take the road less traveled in Oklahoma, and you’re bound to stumble upon some quirky roadside attractions. Weird statues and kitschy museums dot the state, but here are some must-sees:

World’s Largest Peanut — Located in Durant, this nutty statue is dedicated to peanut farmers in Bryan County.

Quan Am Bodhisattva Statue — The tallest Buddhist statue in America is located in Tulsa and is part of the Tam Bao Buddhist Temple.

Spider VW Bug — Located off the beaten path in Lexington, this mechanized arachnid gallantly stands 15 feet tall and is constructed from the body of a classic Volkswagen Beetle.

– Page Jones, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Enjoy the Oklahoma Great Outdoors

by Michael Polzella

Sometimes, you just need to retreat somewhere secluded and enjoy the fresh air and starry night skies. Here are some of the state’s greatest camping destinations:

Beavers Bend and Hochatown State Park, Broken Bow – Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy a half-mile float trip down the Mountain Fork River.

Greenleaf State Park, Braggs – Play the 18-hole miniature golf course.

Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore – With 13,000 acres and an on-site ATV area, guests will be entertained all day.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur – Relax along the Lake of the Arbuckles, which is great for fishing.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

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LifestyleTravel

Travel Advisors, Not Agents

by Michael Polzella

Years ago, travel agents were the ideal way to book vacations. Today, with online resources coupled with our ever-growing desire for personalized service, we need a new kind of partner to help with our holiday plans; we need a travel advisor.

Travel advisors use personal relationships to learn about exclusive offers and design holidays specific to individuals’ needs. They ensure it’s a candid, two-way conversation and that they can understand each person’s preferences, expectations and budget. Travel advisors add an additional layer of personalization for vacations, from specific VIP experiences to added value that matter to every traveler.

– Stephanie Miller Murphy, The New Orleans 100

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

Luminous Loft Living to Rise in Midtown

by Michael Polzella

Something new is rising in Midtown. Unlike anything built in OKC, the 10 apartments are designed around an open oculus that will frame a full moon at least once a year.

Full Moon is the brainchild of local architect Rand Elliott. The design is a four-story building with large flats at ground level topped with eight loft apartments ranging from 800-1000 square feet.

LED lighting lining the oculus will provide a soft glow at night while a see-through walkway will cross the diameter. A community garden and patio will be located at the bottom of the oculus.

– Page Jones, Jones PR

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

OKC Bombing Famous Photo Story

by Michael Polzella

The Oklahoma City Bombing is set to be made into a feature-length film, detailing the stories of people impacted by the tragedy on April 19, 1995. The movie will follow first-responder Captain Chris Fields and his life after the bombing.

Fields was seen around the world as the firefighter carrying one-year-old Baylee Almon in the famous Pulitzer Prize-winning photo. The movie will also follow the story of Baylee’s father, Aren Almon Kok, as well as the iconic photo. Daina Bradley, the final survivor to be pulled from the rubble, will also tell her courageous story.

– Page Jones, Jones PR

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Business

The Right Media Hit Isn’t Always the Most Comfortable

by Michael Polzella

My company has been in business for 15 years and with that tenure we’ve garnered some great media hits – People Magazine, the Today show, Sports Illustrated, etc. What I’ve realized is that in some cases clients push back on certain opportunities because they believe the topic or outlet doesn’t highlight their product or service directly.

Although this might be true, we have to think big picture. The reason the client is being chosen is because they are seen as an expert. By doing such interviews, it’s likely the media contact will seek your opinion over others’ for future media opportunities.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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LifestyleLiving + Wellness

New Skyscraper Could Be out of This World

by Michael Polzella

The UAE could be home to another ambitious project that is literally out of this world!

Clouds Architecture Office is targeting Dubai to construct an enormous (32,000m) floating skyscraper that will be suspended from an asteroid. The project, named Analemma Tower, is just a concept at this point but the science backing it is very real.

Analemma Tower will rely on a space-based supporting foundation from which the tower is suspended. By manoeuvring a large asteroid into orbit around earth, a high-strength cable can be lowered towards the earth’s surface from which the tower will hang … crazy.

– Razan Zahra, The Dubai 100

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