Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma Aquarium host Symphony by the Sea

Here’s some information about a fun upcoming event from the good folks at the Oklahoma Aquarium over in Jenks:

Who can hear the familiar notes of the Beatles’ classic, “Yellow Submarine,” without feeling like the ocean is nearby? Patrons of the upcoming Symphony by the Sea, 6:00 p.m., August 25, 2012 will have the closest substitute in the Oklahoma Aquarium. Symphony by the Sea is a cooperative fundraiser to benefit the educational programs of both the Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and specifically Symphony by the Sea for Students. The collaborative program immerses school children in arts and science education by introducing them to both classical music and aquatic life. Since joining forces in 2010, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Oklahoma Aquarium have educated and entertained more than 3,000 students through stations such as Brass by the Boat and Sharks and Strings.

Adult patrons of the upcoming fundraiser are treated to similar ambience, with the opportunity to dine alongside the shark tank, coral reef or other exhibits. A premier silent auction will be offered throughout the Aquarium Galleries while Tulsa Symphony Orchestra musicians provide the soundtrack for the evening. The musical entertainment will continue with a concert in the Aquarium Great Hall. “Selections from an Octopus’s Garden” will highlight classical, theatrical, and popular music.

The Aquarium and Symphony are pleased to recognize Becky Frank, Chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, as this year’s Honorary Chair of Symphony by the Sea. Frank’s tireless dedication to promoting the Greater Tulsa region by fostering a spirit of regional cooperation through cultural tourism and economic development make her the ideal honoree.

Sponsor tables and tickets are now offered at the following levels: Conductors and Captains, $15,000; Sharks and Strings, $10,000; Reeds and Reef, $5,000; Brass and Bass, $2,500; Paddlefish and Percussion, $1,500; Mermaids and Musicians, $250 per couple. Reservations can be made by contacting Janis Davis, 528-1555, jdavis@okaquarium.org. The Oklahoma Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra are both 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations.


Get in to the Oklahoma City Zoo for FREE next week!

Admission is free to the Oklahoma City Zoo on July 17. Here’s some more information from the good folks at the zoo:

We thank you, Oklahoma City Zoo supporters, for all you do! Tuesday, July 17, 2012, marks the twenty-second anniversary of the 1/8 of a cent dedicated sales tax being passed by Oklahoma City citizens for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and to celebrate, the Zoo is offering free admission to all on Tuesday, July 17.

Passed by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990, the sales tax has made numerous capitol improvements possible at the Zoo including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, the main entrance facility, the Canopy Food Court, Oklahoma Trails, the Children’s Zoo and the Elephant Habitat. Moving forward the sales tax will help fund a new animal hospital slated to open in 2014.

“We are extremely grateful to the citizens of Oklahoma City for their ongoing dedication to the Zoo. The significant support we receive from the community enables the Zoo to continue to grow and strive for excellence in our mission of conservation, education, research and recreation; while becoming a world class attraction that Oklahomans are proud to call their zoo.” said Dwight Scott, Executive Director/CEO.

Take advantage of the free admission and make plans to visit the Zoo on Sales Tax Appreciation Day, Tuesday, July 17. Group reservations are not required. Regular prices apply for all rides and attractions.

Visit Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three zoos in the country as named in the 2012 10Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. The Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages three-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

Now through August 26, the Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Morning Zoo Rise. Guests can take advantage of our late Saturdays through September 1, and stay and play until 8 p.m. All guests must leave grounds at closing. Become a Zoo fan at http://www.facebook.com/okczoobg or follow us on Twitter @okczoo. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.com.


Pets in the paper – the BIG horse

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pets in the paper – Razzle Dazzle Dogzzles

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie coppernoll


Pets in the paper – the new breeds in town

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Aquarium hosts day camps for kids out of school

Brandi Moss, an aquarist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, touches one of the aquarium's loggerhead turtles. All six species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, meaning they are on the verge of extinction.

Brandi Moss, an aquarist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, touches one of the aquarium's loggerhead turtles. All six species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, meaning they are on the verge of extinction.

Looking for somewhere to take your kiddos in the Tulsa area because school is out? The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has you covered:

It’s warm and dry inside the Oklahoma Aquarium and starting at noon Thursday, January 7th, it’s also a quick solution for working parents whose kids are out of school due to the severe cold. A special Cold Weather SeaCamp will be held from noon to 5:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 to 5:00 on Friday. The cost of the camp is $20 on Thursday and $30 on Friday. Late pick-up is available till 5:30 for an additional $5 both days. Early drop-off is available Friday at 8:30 for $5. This fee is discounted from the Aquarium’s regularly scheduled SeaCamps as a community service during this dangerously cold weather. This means parents can make it to work and have a safe, fun, educational place for their children for $4 or less per hour. Children are asked to bring a sack lunch and wear warm layers as temperatures vary in different parts of the Aquarium. Call ahead registration is recommended as attendance is limited to the first 100 children each day. Call (918) 296-FISH. Details are on our website, www.okaquarium.org.

Maybe your kids will have a chance to see awesome turtles like the one shown here. They probably won’t get to touch them, though.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pets in the paper – where’s Santa?

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pets in the paper – kind man saves kitty

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pets in the paper – getchya a gator!

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Dogs are funniest … not on purpose

americas-funniest-home-videosSo just in case you were wondering, dogs outshine cats when it comes to wins for America’s Funniest Home Videos. I’m not sure that’s a good thing, though. Most of the time winners on America’s Funniest Home Videos have either done something ridiculously stupid or just been hit in the groin.

The show marks its 20th anniversary at 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC. (Read more about TV on the NewsOK Television Blog!)

And in honor of their anniversary, show officials calculated all the animal winners during the past 20 years. Dogs finished first with cats close behind. But there are all kinds of other animals that have won. (Who knew whales could be funny? And who knew that a praying mantis would win not once but twice?)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll