Get Movin' LASO

2011 Ghouls Gone Wild Parade

2011-11-08T11:28:00.003-06:00

Off with your head!

"Leghoul Aid – Making the law a little less scary!!"

The 5^th Annual Gazette’s Halloween Parade celebration or better known as the Ghouls Gone Wild Parade since 2007, took place Saturday, October 29, at 7 p.m. in Midtown and Downtown Oklahoma City. Over 100 entries / floats were featured from local businesses and organizations as well as live music and plenty of spooks and scary creatures for the whole family.

Legal Aid's float platform was a court room scene filled with Halloween drama! The jury, played by Rachel Galindo and daughter of Rick Goralewicz, found the defendant guilty while Judge Richard Vreeland sentenced the dummy defendant’s beheading which was performed by slayer Rick Goralewicz. A gruesome win for the Plaintiff, Aubrie Comp’s husband.

Aubrie Comp, Cindy Goble, Celeste Warden and friends walked along the float. Walkers carried dummy heads filled with candy to hand out to the 50,000 plus spectators. Pumpkins from the 1^st Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest were placed on the float.

Thank you to all participants who made the event successful and lots of fun: Rachel Galindo, Rick Goralewicz and daughter, Richard Vreealand, Maria Perez and husband, Aubrie Comp and husband plus friends, Cindy Goble and Celeste Warden.

“We had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year!”

Aubrie Comp

For more on the 2011 Ghouls Gone Wild Parade, visit the website: http://www.ghoulsgonewildokc.com/

It's the Great Pumpkin

2011-10-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

Legal Aid's First Pumpkin Decorating Contest

The Legal Aid Services Oklahoma City Law Office is holding their first annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Pumpkins will be judged on the afternoon of Friday, October 28th by an impartial external group of Judges. The top three winners will receive Walmart gift cards in the amounts of $25, $15 and $10 prizes! You can see each decorated pumpkins which will be proudly displayed on board Legal Aid's float in the Ghoul's Gone Wild parade.

I got the shirt!

2011-10-04T13:22:00.025-05:00

I got the shirt!

Warrior Dash landed in Oklahoma for the first time in 2011.
The extreme event took place in Tulsa on Saturday, September 24th. Monica Ferguson, Application Specialist, participated in the 3.2 mile obstacle course challenge.
Monica did everything from mud-crawling to leaping over fire. "It was awesome! I'll do it again next year!!" Congrats Monica!

Brian Lepak honored with Sooner Schooner Award

2011-04-13T13:28:00.001-05:00

Brian Lepak, son of Application Hotline Managing Attorney, Linda Lepak, was honored on April 12th by OU President David Boren at the University's Scholar Athlete Breakfast.

By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

NORMAN - What's Brian Lepak doing now that he's finished playing Oklahoma football? One-upping Landry Jones, for starters.

Lepak has grown a mustache, a much fuller version of the stubble Jones wears above his upper lip.

"I grew a beard, then donned the mustache a couple days ago just for good times," Lepak said after being presented the Sooner Schooner Scholastic Award Tuesday morning. "I figured it was getting too hot for a beard, so I trimmed it up for a young Tom Selleck look. I don't know if I'll get there. I don't know if I'll stick with it that long, but that would be the ultimate goal.

Former Claremore standout Brian Lepak (center) receives the Sooner Schooner Scholastic Award from Joe Castiglione (back left) and OU President David Boren at the University's Scholar Athlete Breakfast on Tuesday. STEVE SISNEY / The Oklahoman

"There's a certain quality of class and refinement. It makes me look like I have dashing good looks."

If it sounds like Lepak is enjoying life, he is.

The former Claremore standout finished his OU career in the Fiesta Bowl. His action in the 48-20 victory over Connecticut put him over 400 snaps for his senior season. Not bad for a guy who walked on after transferring from Colorado State three years ago. Things were good.

They've gotten better, or at least busier, since.

One year after his showstopping rendition of "Me and Mrs. Jones," Lepak returns to OU's annual athletes' talent show next Monday night for an encore.

"They needed to fill 10 minutes, so I'm singing three songs," he said. "Some Michael Bublé stuff."

Tuesday, Lepak unveiled his mustache to a ballroom of approximately 400 people, when he accepted his Schooner for maintaining the highest GPA among graduating OU football players. He earned his finance degree in December. He has applied for OU's law school, although that is a fallback.

"I'm wholeheartedly pursuing the NFL," Lepak said. "I signed with an agent. I went up to Indianapolis to train for pro day, and now I'm training with Sam (Bradford), Roy Williams, Dusty Dvoracek here at OU. We'll see what happens.

"The draft is on the 28th. If that works out, awesome. If not, we'll have to wait and see what happens with the lockout in terms of free agency."
If the NFL's labor issues drag on, or the draft/free agency period doesn't net the desired results, it's back to OU. To hit the books, not the blocking sled.

"I put a seat deposit down," Lepak said of law school. "I would like to practice here in Oklahoma or in Texas. The other schools I looked at were Minnesota and Notre Dame. They're great schools, but in terms of where I'll wind up, OU is the best option."

Besides, that will keep him closer to his old football program. As much fun as he's having, and as much as he anticipates his future, Lepak already misses it.

"I've been back to two practices and I keep in touch with everybody," he said. "I do miss the team. I'll miss the camaraderie with my teammates on the offensive line. We're great friends. And it's a lot of fun to play Oklahoma football...

"There was something really special about game day and getting to put on the crimson and cream and getting out there on the field. It was my dream as a child. I'm really happy to be able to look back and say I was a part of that.

"It was a very fulfilling career."

Original Print Headline: OU's Lepak looks toward future
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OU/article.aspx?subjectid=92&articleid=20110413_92_B8_CUTLIN501048

2010 Oklahoma City AIDS Walk a Success!

2010-09-21T14:01:00.004-05:00

The 2010 AIDS Walk in Oklahoma City was by all accounts a huge success!

The 2010 Oklahoma City AIDS Walk was held on Sunday, September 19, 2010, at Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, Oklahoma City at 2 p.m.

AIDS Walks are organized each year in Oklahoma to build awareness about HIV/AIDS and to raise funds that will support the work of nonprofit organizations that provide HIV/AIDS direct care, support services and education. This includes Legal Aid, who receives grant assistance from the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City.

The Tulsa AIDS Walk will be held on October 2nd at Veteran's Park, 1875 South Boulder Drive. Registration for that walk begins at 9 a.m. and the walk is at 9:30. If you would like to participate in the Tulsa walk or donate to either of the 2010 AIDS Walks, you may do so by contacting Marveda Stinson, Rhonda Freeman or Craig Reffner.

A big thank-you to all the Legal Aid staff who donated to this year’s AIDS Walk in Oklahoma City. A special thank-you also goes to those Legal Aid staff who walked in the AIDS Walk as well as Marveda Stinson, who managed the Legal Aid booth during the AIDS Walk. Way to go, you guys!!

Feel Like Rockin' This Saturday???

2010-08-11T14:54:00.013-05:00

pictured above: The Jeffrey James Trio (from Left to Right, Eric Harris - bass, Jeffrey James - lead vocals and guitar and Noah Taylor - drums)

Gary Taylor invites everyone to come check out his son Noah's band, The Jeffrey James Trio, play at Odie's Blue Saloon in Oklahoma City this Saturday.

Odie's Blue Saloon is located on NW 10th Street between Villa and May. The Jeffrey James Trio is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. this Saturday, August 14.

Fun Activities Planned for 2010 United Way Campaign in OKC!!

2010-07-19T13:45:00.007-05:00

Join us here at the Oklahoma City office for a month of fun as we aim to raise money for United Way of Central Oklahoma.
This year, we are doing things a little differently. Each Friday, we will have an activity where you can earn a “participation point.” For every point earned, your name will be placed in a drawing for fabulous prizes at our rally on August 20. Below is a schedule of all the fun Friday events coming up!!
Friday, July 23: Used Book Exchange
Read any good books lately? Or just want to pass off some books that are collecting dust? Bring them to the OKC Library/Conference Room by noon on 7/23. During the lunch hour, we'll browse through our co-workers donations and take what interests us.
Friday, July 30: Random Act of Kindness
Go out of your way to express a little kindness to a friend, co-worker, family member or complete stranger. E-mail your RAK (Random Act of Kindness) to robin.wilson@laok.org. Be sure to let us know if you DON'T want your RAK posted for public viewing.
Also on July 30, bring a baby picture. (More information below.)
Friday, August 6: Dessert Contest
Bring your best sweet to the kitchen area before 11:00. Winner gets an extra participation point and bragging rights!
Friday, August 13: Who's that Cute Baby/ Baby Photo ID Contest
Come to the Library/Conference Room and guess which cutie patootie is which co-worker. If you turn in your United Way pledge by 8/13, you'll receive an extra participation point.
Friday, August 20: United Way Rally and Beach Blanket Bingo

Join all your co-workers as we wrap up our annual United Way campaign. This is where you have a chance to win all those fabulous prizes!
Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come!!!

Legal Aid's "Legal Knievels" Place 3rd Overall at 2010 United Way Pacesetter Games!

2010-06-23T11:01:00.007-05:00

The United Way Pacesetter games were held outside the Daily Oklahoman building in Oklahoma City on June 22, 2010.
Legal Aid receives funding from United Way of Central Oklahoma for the Oklahoma City Law office and from 16 other United Way agencies statewide to help support our 20 offices across Oklahoma.
United Way agencies depend on support from the community.
"United Way coordinates the collective strength of more than 50,000 local donors, hundreds of local businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, labor unions, and faith groups to deliver long-term solutions for individuals and families in central Oklahoma," states the United Way of Central Oklahoma's website.
The Pacesetter Games provide an evening of fun and games for the Pacesetter companies. The games serve as a fun, competitive, and enthusiastic kickoff to the Pacesetter Campaign for United Way. "Pacesetters" is the name for companies who agree to volunteer to do their own campaign for United Way and strive to increase annual giving from their organizations by 10% from the previous year. Legal Aid is proud to be a pacesetter and participated in the opening games at the 2010 United Way Pacesetter Games. In fact, they came in 3rd place!
Congratulations to Legal Aid's "Legal Knievels" for placing 3rd overall at the 2010 United Way Pacesetter games! This year, they actually finished the canoe race without capsizing! That's alone makes them winners!!
Great job, guys!

John Kerr on Free Wheel Oklahoma

2010-06-22T09:24:00.003-05:00

Source: KJRH Tulsa

2010 marks the 32nd running of Oklahoma's premier bicycle touring event. Over a thousand cyclists, support staff, and family members gather near the Texas-Oklahoma state line for the trek north to Kansas.
Click the link below to see Tulsa Legal Aid's own John Kerr featured as one of the cyclists...
http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/sports/free-wheel-oklahoma-2010

SalsaFest Heating up Tulsa This Weekend...

2010-06-17T09:29:00.003-05:00

Source:
Tulsa Business Journal
Tulsa Business Staff
6/16/2010
On Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eloté Café & Catering will host SalsaFest, a community-wide festival that will feature a salsa-making contest, salsa music and dancing, a chili pepper-eating contest, children’s activities and — new this year — a Chihuahua costume contest and race, in downtown Tulsa at the Chapman Centennial Green at Sixth Street and Boston Avenue.
Local restaurateurs and home cooks are invited to bring their salsa to the festival. Contestants must use at least one Oklahoma-grown ingredient in their salsa, and they will be judged in three categories: spicy, traditional and alternative. The public will choose three winners, a panel of celebrity judges will choose a winner, and the salsa maker who uses the most local ingredients will also be named a winner.
The winners of the awards get to toss 300 pounds of tomatoes off a seven-story building across the street from the festival.
Proceeds raised at SalsaFest benefit Sustainable Tulsa, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible economic growth, quality of life and environmental stewardship. Sustainable Tulsa plans to utilize the funds to design an educational and environmentally friendly playground in the core business district of downtown Tulsa.
“In order to make downtown more attractive to families, we need to create family-friendly environment,” said Libby Auld, owner of Eloté Café & Catering, Sustainable Tulsa board member and SalsaFest chair. “We want to create an environmentally friendly playground in the core business district to attract more families downtown while also furthering the mission of Sustainable Tulsa. SalsaFest is a fun, flavorful way to accomplish this goal.”
In 2009, SalsaFest brought a diverse crowd of more than 1,500 to downtown and raised more than $2,500 for Sustainable Tulsa. In addition to the impact SalsaFest had on Sustainable Tulsa, it also boosted sales at many downtown businesses.
SalsaFest is free and open to the public. SalsaFest sponsors include Choose Tulsa Jobs, Public Service Co. of Oklahoma, Eloté Café & Catering, Tecate, Kanbar Properties, Gable & Gotwals and 120 Development Group.

Clint Parsons and his Pottery...

2010-05-20T08:53:00.008-05:00

Bet you didn't know that Legal Aid had an accomplished potter, did you? Shown above is Clint Parsons, staff attorney for Tulsa Legal Aid, in front of his pottery booth at Tulsa's Blue Dome Festival. The Blue Dome Festival was held from May 13th through the 16th in the Blue Dome District, Downtown Tulsa. Great job, Clint!!

Run to remember

2010-04-19T10:54:00.005-05:00

Today is the day to remember. Sunday I'm racing the half marathon. If you have an iPhone and want to check it out, there's a free app. -Karl Rysted, Staff Attorney Oklahoma City Law Office

Check Out the Cherry Street Farmer's Market

2010-04-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

The Cherry Street Farmers Market Association prepares to host the Cherry Street Farmers Market this weekend, beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.

Crowds in excess of 2,000 are anticipated to attend the market’s 13th season, which is relocating to 15th Street (Cherry Street) between Quaker and Rockford avenues. This area will be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to noon. Tulsa Police Department officials said drivers who do not plan to participate in the event should avoid this part of Cherry Street.

More information is available at www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com.

Looking for Something to do this Weekend?

2010-03-01T12:22:00.003-06:00

Victor Hunt of the Tulsa Law Office has a daughter directing a play this weekend in Tulsa.
Youth OnStage present "The Diviners" Friday, Saturday, March 5 & 6 at 8:00pm Sunday, March 7 at 2:00pm General Admission Adult: $13.00 Student/Child: $9.00 in Studio Theatre TCC PACE 81^st and 169
For a preview trailer of the play, see the YouTube link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKWrPF_-Em4

Help Support Returning Veterans Being Treated for PTSD

2009-12-09T10:21:00.004-06:00

Support Returning Veterans Being Treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the OKC Veterans Hospital Psychiatric Unit

Please help us meet their needs by donating item(s) listed below.

Donations are being collected & delivered by RSVP. Donations will be accepted through December 21st.

Donations Needed for our Returning Troops:

Deodorant (Huge Need!)

Shampoo & Conditioner

Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

Combs (little black kind)

Paperback Books (can be slightly used)

Playing Cards

Board Games

Soap

For more information or to make donations, contact Beth Patterson, Executive Director for RSPV of Central Oklahoma, 405.605.3110 or beth.patterson@rsvpokc.org

Congratulations Marveda and Marilyn!

2009-12-04T10:59:00.013-06:00

Pictured at top are the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma group at the 2009 Oklahoma City AIDS Walk and below, Marilyn Staats and Marveda Stinson

The Oklahoma City’s AIDS Walk was a huge success this year, with thousands of dollars in grants distributed amongst several local nonprofit agencies at the World AIDS Day Remembrance Service. Of those nonprofits, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma was honored to receive $8,200 in grants for their HIV/AIDS Legal Resource Project.

The project, run by Marilyn Staats, Staff Attorney and Project Director, and Marveda Stinson, Legal Assistant, has been assisting clients since 1992.

“This grant is so important because it shows how supportive the AIDS community is of our program. To have our services recognized as being vital to the community says a lot,” said Staats.

Serving all 77 counties, the HIV/AIDS Legal Resource Project assists with the legal problems of individuals with HIV or diagnosed with AIDS. Legal services are provided for civil legal problems related to HIV or AIDS diagnosis.

“The majority of the cases we deal with have to do with housing or homeless issues,” said Staats, “because most of our clients are disabled, they can often go homeless or are forced to go without medical care if they don’t receive legal help.”

The project closed 132 cases in 2008 and each year, the number of cases closed continues to go up. Plans are currently under way to add a third employee in Tulsa under the HIV/AIDS Legal Resource Project so that clients can be better served in Eastern Oklahoma.

Marilyn and Marveda make it a point to speak with each potential client that calls in. With the client to attorney ratio being so high at Legal Aid, several cases are referred to pro bono attorneys. Marilyn and Marveda are always seeking assistance from private attorneys across the state who are looking for pro bono opportunities.

In addition to the Oklahoma City AIDS Walk, the project is funded in part by the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the Inasmuch Foundation and the George Kaiser Family Foundation

Chili Luncheon to benefit Ada Regional United Way

2009-11-18T09:26:00.004-06:00

Source - Ada Evening News

ADA - Ada Regional United Way’s 15 member agencies will host the second annual Agencies Giving Back chili lunch on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (Broadway and 14th Street) 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

This event was organized by all member agencies who wanted to give back to Ada Regional United Way to support and show thanks for what the United Way does throughout the year for their agencies. Tickets for the chili lunch are $5; includes a drink, chili, homemade corn bread, and desserts. All proceeds from the event (ticket sales and donations) will benefit the Ada Regional United Way.

Ada Regional United Way’s 15 member agencies include: Ada Area Youth Shelter/Services, Ada Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts-Arbuckle Council, Boys & Girls Club of Ada, Camp Fire USA, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center, Inc., Ada Area Community Emergency Services, Inc., American Red Cross, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Family Crisis Center, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., 2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma, Ada Senior Care Center, and PAWS.

Tickets will be sold at the door, or may be purchased by contacting one of the member agencies. For more information, phone 580-332-2313 x 223.

Congrats, Karl!

2009-11-02T14:10:00.010-06:00

Sending a big ol' shout out to our very own Karl Rysted, staff attorney Legal Aid's Oklahoma City office, for completing the Marine Corps Marathon on October 25, in Arlington, VA.

Did I mention he finished in the top third overall? That's out of over 20,000 finishers! He and his training buddy, Paul Friese, were both mentioned in the October 30, Oklahoma Sports & Fitness newsletter. Wow, not bad!

His final stats were as follows:

Name, City, Age, Gender, Chip Time, Official Gun Time

KARL RYSTED, MOORE, 48, M, 4:16:54, 4:26:09K

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, KARL!!! You're making us proud!

Tulsa Run this Saturday!

2009-10-27T14:05:00.008-05:00

For all you runners out there, this Saturday, October 31, Tulsa hosts the 2009 Tulsa Run. If you plan to register, the cutoff is October 27 at midnight. That's today folks!
The Tulsa Run is the oldest and largest run in Oklahoma and includes several special events throughout the day. Plus, it's for a great cause! This year's beneficiaries include YMCA of Greater Tulsa and LIFE Senior Services.
To learn more about the Tulsa Run, visit their website at http://www.tulsarun.com.

2009 Ghouls Gone Wild Parade

2009-10-22T10:50:00.006-05:00

"Sucking the Life out of Legal Nightmares for 35 Years"

This will be the slogan for Legal Aid's float at the 2009 Ghouls Gone Wild parade.
The parade, which takes place Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. in downtown Oklahoma City, will feature several floats from local businesses and organizations as well as live music and plenty of spooks and scares for the family.

This is the third year for the parade, which is put on by the Oklahoma Gazette. Once again, the grand finale will include The Flaming Lips and their "march of 1,000 skeletons."
Most importantly, you can see fellow Legal Aid staff dressed as witches, vampires, zombies and even "good guy" attorney vampire and zombie slayers!!
If you would like to participate, contact Rachel Galindo by emailing her at rachel.galindo@laok.org.

For more information on the parade, visit the Ghouls Gone Wild website here:
www.ghoulsgonewildokc.com

2009 Day of Caring

2009-10-15T15:21:00.003-05:00

This year's United Way Day of Caring was a huge success for Legal Aid.
Last Friday, several volunteers showed up at Legal Aid's Oklahoma City office to help assemble at least 50 packets of brochures and other information. Following this, the volunteers delivered the packets to various senior sites across Oklahoma City.
United Way's Day of Caring is a chance for partner agencies to submit projects that need to be completed such as landscaping, painting or interacting with clients. Companies then pick the projects and bring the materials needed to complete the projects for the agencies.
Thanks to the volunteers for all your help!

Join us at the 2009 Aids Walk this Sunday!!!

2009-10-08T13:23:00.004-05:00

Come help represent Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma by joining us to walk for a cause at the 2009 Oklahoma City AIDS Walk!!

The AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City is a day of citywide HIV/AIDS awareness. Oklahomans from all walks of life join together to raise funds to support individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in the greater Oklahoma City community. AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

The one-mile walk will take place Sunday, October 11, 2009, with Registration & Entertainment at 12:30 p.m. and the walk beginning at 2:00 p.m. Walkers meet at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 West Reno Avenue. The walk is approximately one mile and goes through the scenic Bricktown district of Oklahoma City.

Please contact Marilyn Staats at marilyn.staats@laok.org or Marveda Stinson at marveda.stinson@laok.org if you have questions or would like to sign up to walk with Legal Aid. We would love to see all of you there!

Preventing the Swine (H1N1) and Seasonal Flu this Fall

2009-09-22T15:11:00.007-05:00

There are plenty of ways in which you can take precautions to make catching the flu less of a risk. Follow this link to get some good advice on what you and your family can start doing now to help ward off the seasonal & swine flu (H1N1):

http://www.thestate.com/opinion/story/943341.html

In addition, exercise has been proven to strengthen the immune system, enabling it to fight viral & bacterial infections. Follow this link to learn more about how you can help prevent the flu through regular exercise:

http://fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/strengthen_your_immune_system_with_exercise

First Rock & Rib Festival in Tulsa

2009-09-18T13:35:00.008-05:00

First Rock & Rib Festival in Tulsa

Tulsa Business Journal

When the BOK Center began planning how to attract Oklahomans to its first anniversary, it went the stomach-to-heart route with its first Rock ‘n Rib Festival, sponsored by local fast-casual eatery Rib Crib BBQ & Grill.

“Right now (the BOK Center) is a brand new arena, and we’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of big acts come to Tulsa,” said Jeff Nickler, special events manager for the SMG-managed center. “Down the road, as acts thin out and the arena is not as full, we’ll need other events to draw people to the arena. This will be a sustainable annual event.”

The Rock ‘n Rib Festival, of which Tulsa Business Journal and local grill manufacturer Hasty-Bake are sponsors, will have downtown rockin’ for four days, Sept. 17-20, with seven award-winning rib vendors and other concessions purveyors treating downtown-goers with delicious barbecue and fair fare while 13 regional bands entertain.

Click here to learn more about the Rock & Rib Festival...

What to Do???

2009-09-16T12:38:00.006-05:00

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend?

Try checking out some of the events going on this year at the State Fair of Oklahoma, held September 17-27.

Not everyone goes "just for the food" after all. Or do they?

Either way, there are plenty of events for adults and kids to check out.

Check the State Fair of Oklahoma's website at http://www.okstatefair.com for a full listing of events and other information.

LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS & HAVE SOME FUN

2009-09-14T11:31:00.008-05:00

The O Club did a trial run today during lunch, doing a 1 mile walk video. It was a huge success! We were able to time the video perfectly to fit into our lunch hour with no problems.
The O Club is a group we started this month in the Oklahoma City LASO Office to allow staff to have at least a day each week to step away from their mundane routines and share a few laughs with co-workers over lunch. From that, we decided a short “pick-me-up” workout would be a great thing for all of us!
Anyone who wishes to join us in the conference room for future "walks in the library" is welcomed!

Note: I will post "walk days" up in the break room at the beginning of each week to keep those who wish to participate informed. Due to conference room scheduling, we will do this week's video on Tuesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the conference room. Bring your sneakers and join us in the library!!!
Questions regarding The O Club can be directed to Sandy Neal at 405-488-6761 or sandy.neal@laok.org

Cool weather means hit the trails!

2009-09-14T11:21:00.001-05:00

Fall is a great time to enter a race. Yes, you, I'm talking to you. You don't have to be fast. Race for the Cure and similar events draw all kinds of people like moms pushing baby strollers, not just runners. Or maybe you need a different motivation. I hear tell of free beer at the finish line of the Tulsa Run next month.

I'm ramping up my training again after a small setback. I won third in my age group this summer at a fun new race in Tulsa, the Reckless Redneck Downhill One-Mile Race. It was on my birthday, and no, I didn't carbo load on cake because you don't need to carbo load for that short of a race!

2009 AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City Just Around the Corner!

2009-08-27T15:16:00.005-05:00

Every year, LASO forms a group to participate and walk in the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City. This year's walk is October 11, which means we can start organizing our group now!

If you would like to be a part of the Legal Aid team this year, please contact Marveda Stinson at marveda.stinson@laok.org or Marilyn Staats at marilyn.staats@laok.org in the Oklahoma City Legal Aid Office.

Click here to learn more about AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City or see below flier.

**Click on image to enlarge

LASO Employee United Way Campaign Rally

2009-08-13T14:31:00.014-05:00

Don't forget to join us Wednesday, August 19th from 2-3 PM in the Oklahoma City Law Office Conference Room for games, appetizers, desserts, prizes, and video games!

Pledge cards will be distributed this week and if you turn your pledge cards in before the rally your name will be put into a raffle for fabulous prizes. You will earn an additional raffle ticket for your attendance at the rally.

If you have questions, please email Richard Vreeland at richard.vreeland@laok.org

OKC Memorial Marathon Registration Opens Labor Day!

2009-08-10T12:42:00.003-05:00

This is for all you runners and walkers out there!

The 10th Anniversary Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon registration will open on Labor Day, September 7, 2009 at 8:00am CST.

Mark your calendars and make sure you are a part of the historic 10th Anniversary Run to Remember. The events are sure to sellout again so don't hesitate.

The 10th Anniversary Run to Remember will be held on April 25, 2010.

For more information, visit the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon's website at http://www.okcmarathon.com

United Way Pacesetter Event at Michael Murphy's

2009-07-28T16:05:00.002-05:00

(click image to enlarge)

2009-06-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

The Pacesetter Games provide an evening of fun and games for the Pacesetter companies. The games serve as a fun, competitive, and enthusiastic kickoff to the Pacesetter Campaign for United Way. This year, Legal Aid has a team of staff participating who would LOVE your support.

Games are being held Thursday, June 25, 2009, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at:

The Oklahoman

9000 N. Broadway

OKC, OK 73114

LASO Employee Highlight: Karl Rysted

2009-06-11T11:01:00.011-05:00

Sometimes people don’t necessarily think they have a talent for something until life comes calling and the talent finds them. This is the case for Oklahoma City Legal Aid staff attorney Karl Rysted.

It was 2002 when Karl ran his first marathon, the Baltimore Comcast Marathon. He was running to honor the child of a family friend who had just been lost to cancer. Karl trained and ran the marathon wearing the kid's picture in a button as a reminder to proceed onward when he felt like giving up.

Since that first marathon, Karl has become a sponsored runner who has participated in 20 marathons and 1 ultra marathon. An ultra marathon involves running longer than the traditional marathon length of 26.21 miles.

His most recent marathon was May 3, in Eugene, Oregon, where he set a 12-minute personal record. He has received 3rd place for his age group in two separate races, which has resulted in a sponsorship from Brooks Running. Most definitely nothing to sneeze at.

If you are like me, you only dream of being fit enough to run anywhere near that distance. If it’s any consolation, Karl wasn’t into fitness at all before he ran that first marathon. According to Karl, his idea of a workout before was “taking the dog on a walk around the block.”

It was after that first marathon that Karl just sort of became addicted to training for the marathons and competing. He has a buddy he trains with, which Karl says helps in keeping him motivated. Karl maintains his health by running five days a week in the evenings or on the weekends and takes two days off. Usually, he ends up running between 40-50 miles per week. In addition, Karl has recently started doing yoga to improve his flexibility.

Now, I wanted to know Karl’s secret. Being a working husband and father, I’m sure Karl’s schedule could easily fill up. So, I had to ask him just how he stays motivated and manages to find time when things get hectic.

“It’s just routine,” he said, “if I went for a period of time without running every day, I wouldn’t feel right.” In turn, the exercise and staying physically active has caused his body to crave whole, fresh foods such as vegetables and seafood.

Karl’s next marathon is coming up this October. In the meantime, he enjoys working out with his family at the YMCA. As it turns out, Karl’s 13 year-old son is a “natural runner” himself; however, his strength is speed whereas Karl’s strength comes in long distance running.

At 47, Karl is proof that simply because your age goes up, doesn’t mean you can’t be twice as active as you ever were. It’s never too late to start up a new hobby or set a new goal. He has certainly raised the bar for himself and gone above and beyond what, I'm sure, even he expected. I must say that I was impressed by his passion for running and the certificates and awards in his office spoke for themselves.

Trivia night- Benefitting MHAT-Thurs., June 11th

2009-06-03T14:55:00.003-05:00

After we go to Oscar's GastroPub (Thursday, June 11th) next week, let's all roll down to Joe Momma's for Trivial Pursuit! Scott says it's great fun and the food is good. A percentage of the proceeds from food and drink on June 11th will go to the Mental Health Association in Tulsa.

yoga

2009-05-22T08:56:00.004-05:00

For anyone who hasn't tried yoga, I recommend it. If you're a member of the Y, there's probably a free class available, as there was at mine in Norman. When we get a little older, the body is less flexible and the muscles need to be lengthened, not just stretched, and yoga does this when you hold a pose about 30 seconds. The other benefit is that it gives you a time-structure. For about an hour once or twice a week, you know you will be getting beneficial exercise. It's also important to structure time to get that heart pumping in a cardio workout like running, or the elliptical trainer if you can't run. This weekend marks the 7th anniversary of my new life in fitness. I wasn't in bad shape before, just not in shape. On Memorial Day weekend in 2002 (I was 40), I started a walking and running routine with Team in Training. I cannot overemphasize the importance of a routine. It was important to get me going then and it keeps me at the level I'm at now. I just ran a 12-minute Personal Record at the Eugene Marathon and my sponsor Brooks is providing me a guaranteed entry to the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. This is one of the most popular marathons in the U.S., so it's hard to get an entry. There is no prize money, and most marathons attract the elites from around the world because they are professionals and need the prize money. This type of marathon is more fun for the rest of us. The Marines based at Quantico, Virginia man the course and do a great job. This will be my third time.

Don't Let Scary Roads Stop You!

2009-05-21T15:29:00.005-05:00

When the weather is nice, who doesn't enjoy a walk or a bike ride to get around town? But what do you do when your town makes it close to impossible to do so? Some of you may already be aware, but I recently heard that Oklahoma City was voted #5 in a list titled the Top Ten Least Walkable Cities. Yikes!

On the bright side, word on the street is that we are slowly but surely on our way to becoming more pedestrian friendly. So, what do we do in the meantime? Heaven knows most of us who live in the OKC metro area wouldn’t dare get out on roller blades. I know that there are several parks in my neighborhood, but on the trek to or from the park you might be crossing several busy streets with no cross walk or signal. I love riding my bike, but again, if I want to go very far I’m seriously running the risk of being hit and I have come close a time or two.

So, rather than sit here and huff about it, I thought I would come up with some solutions to this.

Lake Hefner. No, this isn’t in keeping with “going green” because you would be driving there, but you are guaranteed to have lots of smooth sidewalk to walk, ride your bike or whatever else WITH the kids or the dogs and not run such a risk of being hit.

Shartel. This is the only stretch in the OKC metro area within the neighborhood that I’m aware of with pedestrian lanes. It starts at NW 30^th and goes up to 50^th street. This is near my home, so usually I end up going here to exercise. This is a very pretty area as well with a few parks nearby.

Find a Trail. The following link from The City of Oklahoma City provides info on pedestrian trails located in Oklahoma City as well as detailed maps on their locations. http://www.okc.gov/trails/n_canadian.html

Be an Early Bird. I imagine that getting out around 5 A.M. or so would be a much safer alternative to getting out after work during rush hour. Plus, you would be getting your workout in first thing so it’s out of the way. Gosh, I wish I were a morning person!

Or, you could just say “forget it” and sit down in front of the air conditioner with a juicy burger and a soda. Ok, that was a joke so please don't do it!

If you know of any other trails, parks or areas that offer pedestrian friendly roads, I would love to hear about them so please share! Otherwise, get out there and enjoy the lovely weather we have had lately and be safe!

Beaver's Bend State Park Open for Memorial Day

2009-05-20T10:17:00.002-05:00

After unseasonable rains and flooding, Beavers Bend State Park is open for Memorial Day weekend.

McCurtain County offers something for the family including a museum with a dinosaur, nature centers, golf and antique shopping.

There are several lodging options: Log cabins in mountain pines, cottages, bed & breakfasts and luxury resorts.

McCurtain County, www.mccurtaincountygetaways.com promotes itself as Southeast Oklahoma's destination for weekend getaways and family vacations. Source: Tulsa Business Journal, staff

Earth Week Events April 22-26

2009-04-22T15:42:00.002-05:00

Check out these local Earth Week events provided by http://www.okc.gov

Earth Week; April 22-26

Join in the Fun!

Greening OKC

Oklahoma City's future is not just bright - it's green. Start "greening" Oklahoma City by joining us for Earth Week events; April 20 - 26th

Log on to www.okc.gov and check out our new green Web Site, which offers green tips and lets you know what Oklahoma City is doing to green up.

Family Friendly Earth Week Events

Ride the Bus Free - METRO Transit will honor Earth Day by offering free bus and trolley rides from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Get route information and learn how to ride the bus by visiting www.gometro.org or call 235-RIDE (7433).

Free Bike Riding Class - Not only is cycling good for the environment, it's also healthy, saves money and can be an enjoyable way to commute short distances. Learn the basics of bicycle riding in Oklahoma City by signing up for a brown bag lunch and learn at noon on Friday, April 24th on the east steps of City Hall. Stay for an optional 90-minute ride around downtown. Bicycle and helmet required. Call 297-3908 or email lance.gross@okc.gov to register.

Earth Fest at Martin Park - Visit Martin Park, 5000 West Memorial Road , from 10 a.m. - 5p.m. on Saturday, April 25 for Earth-friendly educational booths and free seminars.

10:30 a.m. - Save the Earth With Little Blue

11:30 a.m. - Cooking with the Sun

1 p.m. - Earth Friendly Lawn Care

2 p.m. - Recycling Rainwater

3 p.m. - Composting 101

Kids can make recycled art all day long. Visit with a mechanic at our Alt-Fueled Car Show featuring natural gas and electric vehicles from the City's fleet. Call Martin Park at 755-0676 for details.

Recycle your tires, ammo and computers - Saturday, April 25; 9 a.m. - 1p.m. south-side of State Fairgrounds. Enter from Gordon Cooper Blvd. (Gate 5 ) off of North May. This special hazardous waste collection is open to Oklahoma City residents only. Recycler's must bring their current Oklahoma City Water bill stub to prove residency. Televisions, wheels, rims and oversized tires such as equipment or farm implement tires will not be accepted.

Call 682-7038 for details.

Mercury-free Thermometer Giveaway -The first 100 residents that drop Household Hazardous Waste off at the city's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S Portland from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th will receive a free, mercury-free thermometer. Don't forget your water bill stub to prove residency. Call 682-7038 for details.

Oklahoma City Zoo Party for the Planet

Sunday, April 26th

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Leap into action and discover the importance of conserving wildlife and wild places. Enjoy fun, family activities, live music, giveaways and more. Free with Zoo admission. For more information call 424-3344 or log on to www.okczoo.com

Pearl Famers' Market tomorrow

2009-04-22T14:30:00.009-05:00

Pearl Farmers' Market

Starts Tomorrow! 6^th & Peoria in Tulsa

Thursday 4:30 pm to 7 pm

Hey ALL - Tomorrow is the big day. The Pearl Farmers' Market is opening. We will have many great items for our first market of this year... Items include -

Pastured Eggs

Asparagus

Greens

Onions

Pork

Beef

Heirloom Tomato Plants

Bedding Plants

...and don't Forget PALACE CAFE is Back

Pearl Farmers Market 6th and Peoria Tulsa

Pearl Farmers Market 6th and Peoria Tulsa OK 74120

Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma 2nd Annual Poker Run Fundraiser

2009-04-06T13:16:00.004-05:00

Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma 2009 2nd Annual Poker Run Fundraiser Saturday, May 9th

Begins and ends at the Thunder Roadhouse Cafe (900 W. Memorial Rd., Oklahoma City)

Registration Fee is $25 (Second hand only $10)

Free patch to the first 50 registrations

Registration Begins at 9 a.m. (First out, 10:30 a.m.; Last in: 3 p.m.)

Best Hand Wins $1,000

Low Hand Wins $500

For questions call 405.843.4386 or to download a registration, visit http://www.dsok.net/

Play For a Cure This Saturday!!!!

2009-04-03T16:52:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, April 4th, help Alana Ralson, daughter of former Legal Aid employee, to raise money to find a cure for Type I diabetes. Proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

When: Saturday, April 4, 10 A.M. - midnight

Where: Cactus Jack's Family Fun Center (NW 12th & Council, OKC, OK)

Includes moon bouncers, pizza, games and more!

Win a Wii - - only $1/raffle ticket

Get Your Fiber On

2009-03-26T14:38:00.004-05:00

I can't help but think of this blog when I hear good health tips that spark my interest on Good Morning America. This time GMA had Oprah's well known trainer Bob Greene on to talk about fiber. He is best known for being Oprah's trainer, obviously, and writing The Best Life Diet Cookbook.

My mother has always mentioned fiber while nagging me to eat my vegetables growing up. Really, mama was right. According to studies, most women under 50 are getting about 40% less fiber than they need. Men have it even worse, getting only about 1/2 the recommended amount.

Why is fiber so important, you ask? Not only is fiber good for digestion and weight loss, but it also aids in preventing heart disease, colon cancer, diverticulitis and obesity. Besides that, fiber-packed foods provide important nutrients such as Vitamin B, magnesium and selenium.

Without further ado, here are the five ways to painlessly incorporate fiber into your daily diet:

1. Eat high fiber cereals for breakfast. You can rack up one-third to one-half your daily fiber requirement in a 160-calorie bowl, because a lot of these high-fiber options have the added benefit of being low in calories.Some good examples include All Bran, Uncle Sam, Kashi Go Lean, Nature's Path Optimum Slim, Nature's Path Flax Plus, raisin bran and Special K Protein Plus.

2. Beans are a great source of fiber as well as other important vitamins and minerals. Black beans, lentils, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, red kidney beans and chickpeas are all great examples.

3. whole grain versions of staple foods. Eat brown rice, whole wheat pasta, barley, Bulgar wheat and quinoa, and use whole grain crackers and bread.

One-hundred percent whole wheat breads, tortillas, English muffins and pitas contain twice the fiber and almost half the calories of their all-white counterparts.

Some products include Wasa Crispbread (multigrain, hearty rye and fiber rye are all good choices), Barilla whole grain pasta, Flatout flatbread multigrain wrap, Peppperidge Farm 100% Natural and 100% Whole Wheat Reduced Sodium Bread.

4. Fruits and Vegetables. You get better fiber when you see strings in a vegetable -- that's the cellulose or fiber. When you look at a broccoli stalk or an artichoke, you can see the fiber. Pears have five grams of fiber, compared to that old standby the prune, which has three grams.

Raspberries are also a good option. One cup of antioxidant-rich raspberries has 8 grams of fiber and only 60 calories. Try adding berries to high-fiber cereal. Best of all, you can eat them as a dessert.

But don't just eat the same things over and over. It's wise to diversify. Eat a variety so that you take in as many nutrients as possible. And try to go seasonal with fruits and vegetables when they taste the best. In season now are grapefruit, oranges, grapes, apples, pears, strawberries (in Florida), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and butternut squash.

And think twice about peeling fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes and cucumbers, because the peels have much of the fiber.

5. Nuts and seeds are probably the easiest thing to mix into your food for that extra kick, but they can be high in calories, so stick to about one ounce a day.

Not only are nuts rich in fiber, but also in good fats, and phytonutrients found in nuts have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease.

Pistachios have the least amount of calories and fat of all nuts, and a one-ounce serving has 3 grams of fiber. Toss pistachios into your cereal or yogurt, on top of salads or eat them on their own as a fiber and protein-packed snack.

Source: Good Morning America: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/Story?id=7163835&page=2

2 Minute 5k

2009-03-18T12:18:00.006-05:00

Did you know that a woman is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for this issue. The YWCA wants to kick off the month with the First Annual 2 Minute 5k.

The event will take place Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Lake Hefner Stars & Stripes Pavilion. Registration is at 8 A.M. and it starts at 9 A.M. A community fair will follow at 10 A.M.-1 P.M.

You can register online at http://www.ywcaokc.org.

Legal Knievals Rise Again!

2009-03-12T12:10:00.011-05:00

The Legal Knievels are back with a vengeance and need your support!

Deirdre Shipley, Cindy Goble, Paula Wood, Rick Goralewicz and Richard Vreeland are the "Legal Knievals" and will be representing the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. in the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2009 Bowl for Kids Sake.

“Law Bowl” will be held on the evening of April 2, 2009, at Redpin in Bricktown, OKC, from 5:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. Since this is the main fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Legal Knievals are needing to raise $625.00 as a team.

Any type of donation would be greatly appreciated. Moral support is also greatly appreciated, so come out to cheer on the Knievels and give them your support!

For those who are able to donate, please contact:

Deirdre Shipley

deirdre.shipley@laok.org

405-488-6819

or Richard Vreeland

richard.vreeland@laok.org

405-488-6821

Inspired!

2009-03-12T10:48:00.001-05:00

Karl, you are inspiring!

I’ve not ‘participated’ in any events in almost 4 years, but am going to volunteer at a triathlon in Claremore in April.

Just thinking about that makes me want to ‘participate’ in a more active way. I’ll get there!

All the energy, nerves and excitement around these events are great motivators.

So, LASO folks … get inspired by volunteering at an event in your area.

How? I know you’re asking …
The Oklahoma Runner is one of my favorite inspirational magazines with this web site http://www.okrunner.com/

Check out the very full event calendar. Did you know all those events were taking place in our area?

That’s just the world of running… be brave and check out the cycling events http://www.tulsawheelmen.com/events.php

Select an event, show up, help if they need you and watch/cheer all the way!

Monthly musings

2009-03-09T10:51:00.007-05:00

Good for your sis, Janna! Hope I didn't scare anyone with that morbidity stuff in my last post (I like to humor myself by thinking people actually read this). It's always my intent to inspire but the road to you know where is paved with good intentions! I'm planning on volunteering this year at the Memorial Marathon. So if you're a LASO employee and planning on participating in the half or full marathon, maybe I'll get to hand you a cup of water or sports drink. Did you notice we keep talking about "participating" because did you know you can walk, and more than just the designated 5k event? Check out the marathon web site for details. I've been blogging my workouts this year so if you want to be "inspired" check out http://marathonmaniac.sweat365.com/

Memorial Marathon

2009-02-24T11:21:00.004-06:00

The Ninth Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is coming up on April 26. I already know some of you are planning to participate, so feel free to chime in on how things are going. My sister has been running every morning for the past few weeks to prepare. The marathon is for a great cause & features a marathon, half marathon, 5k walk & even a kid's marathon! For more details on the Memorial Marathon or registration info, visit their website at http://www.okcmarathon.com/.

Dr. Oz's Top 5 Healthy Tips for Women

2009-02-06T14:25:00.008-06:00

Nearly every morning I tune into Good Morning America while I get ready for work. This morning, they had Dr. Oz doing a special piece with a group of women taking part in the "GMA Fitness Challenge" where he shared 5 Healthy Tips for Women. I found all of them very helpful and thought I pass along:
Tip 1: Ease Up on the Stress to Control Eating
"When you have stress, you'll eat more and things you wouldn't normally eat," Oz said. "That's because we are hard-wired to equate stress to famine."
Oz suggested eating a small snack, like a handful of nuts, a half an hour before eating a meal so you're not starved when mealtime arrives.
Tip 2: Don't Just Count Calories, Count Exercise
According to Oz, good eating habits mean nothing if women don't have the muscle to back it up.
"If you don't have muscle mass you can't churn through calories. Remember, muscle, when it's being used, will burn 50 times more calories than fat will. So if you don't have muscle mass, you're never going to be able to keep the weight off, especially as you go through menopause," Oz said.
Women should optimally move 10,000 steps per day, or 20 minutes of exercise, just to keep the weight off.
During menopause, Oz said a woman's ovaries stop making estrogen as well as testosterone.
"No testosterone, no muscle. No muscle, you get a little pooch, and all of the sudden all the fat begins to accumulate. As you get older, that happens more and more frequently," he said.
Tip 3: Sleep Is the Key to Building Muscle
"Of all the things in my own personal life that I do that I treasure the most it's to sleep because it is the best way for us to generate growth hormone, and without that we can't build the muscle mass," Oz said.
Along with sleep, Oz said most women have problems building muscle mass because they "don't work at it."
"I'm not talking about being a big muscle-bound weightlifter. I'm talking about developing programs that allow you to build that lean muscle, that churns through the calories and gives you a look that you want to have," he said.
If you don't have access to a gym, Oz said lifting your own body weight can be a good workout.
Also, women should "rev your engines" often.
"The body is designed to, to be sped up a little bit. What I'm talking about, literally, is you have to at some point every week run as fast as you can run, jump as high as you can jump," Oz explained. "You have to push the system and to get your heart rate up, to push the muscle mass, to stretch your limbs out. Do the things you did as a child, and continue to do them into the adulthood and you'll keep the hormones where they need to be."
Tip 4: Forgive Yourself for Mistakes and Learn to Feel Better
"Listen, when you're driving along on the road and you missed your turn, the GPS doesn't berate you. Right? It says at the next available moment, make an authorized U-turn. What's the big deal? The whole purpose of this is not to be healthier, it's to feel better," Oz said.
Forgiving mistakes and fixing habits can keep Americans healthier, like our European counterparts.
"We cost twice as much to take care of as the average European per person," Oz said. "And we're twice as sick as the average European. That's why we cost as much. So if we address these where it matters, not to prevent disease, but to live better today."
Tip 5: Make Long-Term Changes You Can Sustain
"None of this is a wind sprint," Oz said. He said there's no real benefit for people to eat what they hate to eat for the short term.
"Don't deprive yourself. And you will automatically go back to your playing weight," he said. "You will only stay there if you build the muscle mass, but at least it's a head start."

Monthly musings

2009-02-02T15:52:00.005-06:00

Okay, we've had some bad weather but it's beautiful today, so get out and enjoy it!

My running is going great, and I wanted to share with you a piece from an interesting article in the January Briefcase, the publication of the Oklahoma County Bar Association. It's by Warren E. Jones, JD, an American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist, etc. and so forth and is entitled, "Your Body Weight is Probably 'Normal,' But You Better Do Something About It." Here's the final paragraph, which also summarizes my journey to health:

"Finally, this: your waist circumference, under the newest peer reviewed science, may be the best tool of all, as it is reflective of "visceral" adiposity, the most telling of all body measurements relative to health risks.

Measure your waist at the level of your navel, being certain the tape is level to the ground. Relax, breathe out, and measure. Keep the tape tight to your skin, but not compressing. Per the most recent Harvard Men's Health Watch, men, if your waist, as measured as described, is at or above 37.1 inches, and women, if yours is at or above 31.6 inches, you are at elevated risks for a number of morbidities associated with obesity."

Guilt-Free Cold Weather Comfort Food

2009-01-26T13:38:00.024-06:00

So, you're stuck at home on a day like today and the snow and ice are pouring down. What sounds better than a big, hearty helping of comfort food. After all, it's too cold to go outside and run...and you don't want to venture out onto the roads and make an icy trek to the gym.

So, you might as well indulge a bit and snuggle under the covers. Well, there actually are healthy alternatives to your tried and true comfort food faves. Chili, mac and cheese, brownies and even chicken fried steak can be made to taste great without all the calories that normally leave you wanting to hibernate all winter.

Here are a few that I think you'll find especially appealing:

Ultimate Beef Chili Offer garnishes, such as reduced-fat sour cream and grated Cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon each per person), chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and a green salad topped with orange slices.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/ultimate_beef_chili.html

Swirled Cheesecake Brownies Made with whole-wheat flour, these decadent-tasting brownies have a beautiful marbled cheesecake topping. Cutting them into bite-size pieces helps to keep the calorie count in check.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cheesecake_brownies.html

Calories Eaten vs. Calories Burned

2009-01-16T17:06:00.001-06:00

Speaking of watching those calories burned vs. calories eaten.... check out the 'Links to Get You Movin' for a few sites that might shed a little light while you're shedding those pounds!

Give Resolutions a Rest: Just Do Your Best!

2009-01-12T16:15:00.006-06:00

According to USA.gov, the top New Year's resolutions include the following: * lose weight * manage debt * save money * get a better job * get fit * eat right * get a better education * drink less * quit smoking now * take a trip * volunteer to help others * reduce stress at work

Sound familiar? If you are anything like me, your resolutions have been somewhat similar in year's past. I say don't bite off more than you can chew. Rather, make a resolution to try each and every day to at least do one thing that will better your life-whether that be swapping a soda for a tall glass of water, resisting that box of Krispy Kreme sitting in the break room, taking your kids/grandkids/pets outside to do something active, or just going out of your way to brighten someone's day.

If you are in fact trying to lose some weight (like so many of us are), I urge you to check out the following resources that I have found very helpful and hope you do too. Remember, it's not "what can I do this year?" it's "what can I do today?".

Best of luck and may 2009 be your best year yet!

http://www.calorie-count.com/

This is a site I use daily. Members can sign up for free and create a profile, set goals, enter your daily calories, manage weight loss, etc. There is also a database of healthy recipes, exercise advice and forums from other members trying to get fit. You can even add the site to your desktop to easily access information. http://www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com/ This is the website created last year when Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett put OKC on a diet...err fitness challenge rather. I wonder how many kept it going? The site is updated with new, healthy recipes weekly as well as a calendar of fitness events coming up. http://www.hungry-girl.com/ This is just a fun little website aimed towards women which includes advice on how to replace those favorite dishes with lower calorie versions. The punchline is "Tips & Tricks for Hungry Chicks!" I believe that says it all, right ladies? http://www.thebestlife.com/ As seen on Oprah, this is the Best Life Diet. Though you have to be a paying member to fully access the website, you can get a free diet profile which at least tells you how much you should lose to be within your target weight range.

Kamp's Market & Deli, OCU Collaborate to bring cabaret to Asian District

2008-10-01T09:27:00.000-05:00

Want all the thrills and soaring vocals of music theater without the cumbersome story lines?
See what Kamp’s Market & Deli and OCU are cooking up!

Article at this link: http://www.probono.net/link.cfm?10797

TLO TAUW Luncheon Reminder

2008-09-15T10:48:00.001-05:00

Remember that today is the first United Way luncheon of the 2008 campaign.

Stop in pay five bucks and have a lunch that Ironman would approve of.

We hope to see you at 12:00 (noon) in the large conference room.

Your friendly office United Way Committee

Julie Goree

OKC Law Office United Way fundraising event.

2008-08-04T17:07:00.000-05:00

Dear fellow Legal Aid employees,

The United Way fundraising event is tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. There will be desserts, entertainment, and a drawing for prizes. Donate by noon tomorrow and your name will be in the drawing and/or attend the event and your name will be included in the drawing. Meaning if you do both, you have two chances to win. So it should be a good time had by all and we hope to see everyone there. Oh, and yes, there will be another exciting video directed by Richard Vreeland.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Tennery, Richard Vreeland, and Dan Reich.

Aug 5, LASO Employee United Way Wrap UP Rally

2008-08-01T15:02:00.002-05:00

This is a reminder that the LASO Employee United Way Wrap UP Rally is Tuesday August 5^th, 2008, at 3:00 pm in the Oklahoma City Law Office Conference Room.

There will be desserts, drinks, a raffle drawing, and entertainment of sorts!

And remember if you have not yet turned in your pledge or contribution and you do so before the day of the rally then you get a ticket in the raffle and then another for coming to the Rally!!!!

So if you have your pledge/donation ready just let Dan Reich, Elizabeth Tennery or I know and we will pick it up.

Look forward to a great rally and lots of early pledges/donations!

SO FAR WE HAVE 25% EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION – GREAT JOB BUT WE CAN GET 100%!

Richard J. Vreeland

LASO's Hall of Justice United Way Campaign Rally!!!!

2008-07-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

It’s time for OKC Law Office LASO’s annual United Way Campaign-! This year’s theme is the Hall of Justice.

We at LASO work in the Hall of Justice to provide help to those with the biggest need. Feel proud of yourselves for the work you do and know that somewhere out there, you’re someone’s hero. If you don’t really believe that, then come to our rally and have a cupcake anyway!

Beginning Monday, July 28, tickets for prizes will be awarded to anyone who pledges or gives a one-time donation to the United Way fund. Prizes will include items from your favorite local restaurants and shops that will be awarded by randomly drawn tickets at the rally commencing at 3pm on Tuesday, Aug 5 in the OKC Law Office Library. An additional ticket will be given per person for just showing up at the rally to enjoy the food and entertainment. Homemade cupcakes, cookies, iced coffee drinks, and other desserts will be on hand as you enjoy the entertainment LASO’s United Way Committee has especially prepared for you.

Look for United Way posters in your offices beginning today.

For further details or questions, contact…

Richard Vreeland (aka The Litigator)

Elizabeth Tennery (aka Expunge-a-Girl)

Dan Reich (aka HomelessMan)

We expect to see you there!

Daniel Reich

RE: Question

2008-06-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations!!! Didn’t know you were due!!! Wow, two babies in one spring – Iris is due soon.

Gayla does the official newsletter, I do an online version pointing to stuff on our web site (www.probono.net/ok LASO Staff area)

If you want to login and post your photo, I’ll highlight it or you can send me something. (I haven’t sent anything in a few months…swamped with other pressing tasks)_

Also I posted a Life and Times blog on that site…you can send an email to the blog at:

mhamlett.getmovinlaso@blogger.com

It will automatically post it to the blog and you can insert photos. The blog is public, though, so I can get it into the web site, see the links here from the RSS feed so, don’t send anything that you do not want out on the public web to the blog email address above…check the way it pulls in here:

http://www.probono.net/ok/laso/

I had to do that to get it do perform in a blog fashion but pull it into our site. Folks can’t get into any other part of the site, so if you’d rather, I can post a pic on the laso area protected front page.

Let me know if I can help! Again, wonderful news! Send pic’s! Margaret

Margaret Hamlett Shinn | Community Education/Pro Se
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
918.295.9439 voice
find us on the web at http://www.legalaidok.org

From: Laci Klinger
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 5:01 PM
To: Margaret Hamlett
Subject: Question

Do you create the LASO newsletter? I had a baby in April, and I was wanting to put that information in the newsletter so my friends in other offices will know.

Thanks,

Laci Klinger

Stilwell

Clean Air Challenge

2008-04-16T11:56:00.004-05:00

For those of you who walk or run... FYI A good occasion for Team Law-Minator 2008 FastER Care Clean Air Challenge Saturday - May 10, 2008 Oklahoma City Zoo http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=1629 Carolyn Sullivan Energy Program Manager Oklahoma Department of Commerce Phone: (405) 815-5347 E-mail: carolyn_sullivan@okcommerce.gov Gary A. Taylor

3 races in 3 weekends!

2008-04-10T16:25:00.002-05:00

I just ran 3 races in 3 weekends, the Grasslands Trail Marathon near Decatur, Texas; a pacer at the Knoxville Marathon; and a Personal Record at the Redbud Classic 10k here in OKC. I’m sponspored by Brooks as part of their Inspire Daily program (although I don’t have a cool pic like Kevinn’s yet).

Karyl Rysted

2008-04-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

Ok, this is my first blog ever –(welcome to the 21^st century Jeff)

Blog: Just got back from walking two miles at lunch, two cars sprayed me by speeding through a puddle, I now smell like a wet, dirty sheep, (that is where wool comes from isn’t it?)(wherever it is, “it ain’t perdy”) I love walking and getting healthy ß(big lie)

Jeffrey T. Branch

May 31, 2008 Diabetes Fundraising Walk in OKC

2008-04-08T14:39:00.002-05:00

Two routes, 3K and 5K. Sign up at http://www.idrf.org/. Any questions call 405-706-5578.

Julie Plant

Law-minators Get Moving in OKC

2008-04-08T14:03:00.005-05:00

A group of twenty-one staff in OKC, aka the “Law-minators”, have signed up and committed to walking 10 miles a week for 13 weeks from April 30 to June 29 for the “Get Moving OKC walking challenge.” What’s going on in your locale? Anything they could do some walking at, to, or around?

Juli Plant

Kevinn Matthews Rides for PowerBar

2008-04-08T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hotline Attorney, Kevinn Matthews, is a PowerBar Athlete! He’s officially sponsored for Velodrome racing. This photo was recently featured in PowerBar Nutrition Edge Newsletter: February 2008!