Google+ Contest - SCAN ME! Remington Park T-Shirt & Ball Cap Giveaway!!!

Add +Remington Park on your circles, post or share the message below on your Google+ profile (don't forget to tag +Remington Park!) And you could be one of our 10 lucky winners to win one “Scan Me Remington Park T-Shirt”.

Message:


“Help +Remington Park to reach 700 followers!. Share this message and you could win one SCAN ME! Remington Park T-Shirt and RO Ball Cap! 7 winners total!”.


New and existing followers are eligible to participate. -U.S. residents only –


-Please read full contest rules below-


Selection of Winners and Announcement:


1. Upon reaching 700 followers, +Remington Park will randomly select a winner using random.org.


2. Winner will be contacted via Google+.


3. Winner then has exactly 7 days to reply our message; if the winner fails to reply +Remington Park within the time limit another winner will be selected.


4. +Remington Park will then email the winner and ensure delivery of the prizes.


GENERAL RULES:


- Must “Circle” +Remington Park and share the message on your Google+ profile.


- Only one name submission per person.


- Must be 18 or older to claim the prizes.


- Remington Park reserves the right to remove any contestant or entry from the contest in case of fraud.


- The prize is nontransferable.


- No cash option.


Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash or substituted for any other items by winners. The winners cannot assign or transfer prize. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a comparable prize of like or greater value, including cash, for any prize, for any reason.


Remington Park reserves the right to cancel this contest at its discretion.


Remington Park shall not be responsible for any possible technical difficulties or delays which might otherwise affect eligibility.


Participation in this promotion is an agreement to abide by these Official Rules. Failure to comply with these Official Rules may result in disqualification from the promotion and a forfeiture of any prizes.


Acceptance of the prize constitutes winner’s permission for Remington Park to use his/her likeness or name for publicity or promotional uses without compensation or notice. Winner must agree to sign a publicity release form before prize will be released.


This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, GOOGLE+. You are providing your information to Remington Park and not to GOOGLE+. The information you provide will only be used by Remington Park for SCAN ME! Remington Park T-Shirts Giveaway.

Behind the Scenes with Rhonda Witt Cross, Security Assistant – Remington Park

Rhonda Witt Cross.

Another behind the scenes example of self-motivation and consistency. We wanted to get a further look into her dedication and involvment with a Non-Profit organization ("The Sky's The Limit Ranch"), so behind the scene we go......

Q1: What is your motivation for doing this?

A:  Ultimately, my motivation is very selfish……I love being there when a rider makes a connection, learns a new skill, or just smiles because riding a horse is fun.
I love horses! I really enjoy sharing that passion and using a horse’s movement to benefit someone’s life physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

Q2: What is your organization’s goal/purpose?

A:  The organization’s mission statement is: “The Sky's the Limit Ranch, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing equine-related interventions through a joint community effort to instill hope for a brighter future, a dream of health and happiness, and a world of success in those we serve.”

Q3: How much more patience does it take to work with people with disabilities than it does with your everyday coworkers and others you encounter?

A:  In many ways, it is actually easier! Able-bodied folks take so many things for granted….sitting, standing, walking, speaking…..so the little things turn into big things….providing so much pleasure and joy to everyone involved that patience is not an issue.

Q4: How exactly does working for a “non-profit organization” work, if not to profit, what is the goal and how is it achieved?

A:   Specifically, a non-profit “is neither a legal nor technical definition, but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals rather than to distribute them as profit or dividends.” (from Wikipedia)

A non-profit organization may be recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS with a 501(c)(3) determination which makes it eligible to receive tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses. The Sky's the Limit Ranch, Inc is so designated, since 2000.
Everyone at The Sky’s the Limit Ranch is a volunteer. We have no paid positions.
Our goal is to provide equine-assisted activity and therapy services to individuals with disabilities at no charge. However, doing that is a function of the number of volunteers we have and the number of certified riding instructors. The more volunteers and certified instructors we have, the more riders we can accommodate.

Q5: How long have you been doing this?

A:  Almost every Saturday since July of 2000.

Q6: What is your title and what does it mean for your organization?

A:   I have several titles………………PATH, Intl Certified Riding Instructor, President of Board of Directors, Program Director, in addition to equine caretaker, head groom……
The Sky's the Limit Ranch, Inc is a member of PATH, Intl (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International). In order to remain a member, we have to have a certified riding instructor on-site during any sessions. At the moment, I am the only certified riding instructor for the program, therefore, we only have riding sessions on Saturday mornings due to my full-time employment.

Q7: What is your organization’s affiliation with the Remington Park Golf Classic and how does your organization benefit from the event?

A:   The Sky’s the Limit Ranch is blessed to have been a beneficiary of the Remington Park Golf Classic since its inception in 2007. Without such generosity, the program would not exist. The proceeds from the Golf Classic pay the boarding fees for three horses, feed and hay, veterinary services, program supplies, and more.

Q8: How many individuals does your organization work with every month/year?

A:  We serve approximately 12 individuals, adults and children, annually. The therapeutic benefit comes from consistent weekly riding. Again, the number we serve is a function of the number of volunteers we have and the number of certified riding instructors. The more volunteers and certified instructors we have, the more riders we can serve.

Q9: What have you learned from your experiences with helping these people individuals with disabilities?

A:   I’ve learned to be grateful and thankful for what God’s given me. I’ve learned that when we serve others, we are blessed beyond measure. I’ve learned that I can do/be more than I once thought….I enrolled back into college in 2009 at 49 y/o to take required classes in order to apply for a Physical Therapy doctorate program which I will do in January 2013. I want to use the horse in the physical therapy setting for “hippotherapy”, treatment with the help of a horse, using the horse’s movement to facilitate physical therapy activities.

Q10: What is your favorite thing about being a part of this?

A:     The smiles and hugs of the riders, families, and fellow volunteers.

Additionally, I get the opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities by speaking to civic organizations and other groups along with future school teachers and occupational therapy assistant students doing service hours for their college classes.

An interview with Oklahoman Photographer: Linda Earley

Behind the Scenes with Linda Early

     Linda Early is an excellent photographer that does live shots at Remington Park from time to time. We decided to get a closer look at what she does and share her story with you all, so we had to go Behind the Scene......

Q1: What sparked your passion for equine and other animal photo's and at what age did you discover this love?


A:   I've owned horses for 40+ years and always wanted to get good photos of them. In 1984 I finally bought my first 35mm camera and I was hooked. I've been taking photos ever since.

Q2: Of all the pictures you’ve taken, can you think of a fav or a specific picture that meant the most for you to take?

A:   One of my favorite photos is actually not of a horse or dog but of musician Stevie Ray Vaughn. I was living in Austin, TX in the late 80's freelancing for a couple of music papers and I went and saw him play at the Opry House. I was front row center and was able to capture his passion for playing guitar on film. It was an amazing night. He passed away a few years later.

Q3: In your opinion what makes a good picture, what makes your say "I'm keeping/deleting this one"?

A:   In horse or dog sports you want to capture the peak of action so that is one of the first things I look at. I also look at the focus, composition, exposure, etc. Many times I have had photos that I wasn't crazy about but the owners loved it because it captured their horses or dogs personality.

Q4: Of all the events that you take photo's for at Remington Park, which is your fav event to capture?

A:    It is always fun to take pics at the camel and ostrich races but I also love shooting the big Quarter Horse stake races/futurities.

Q5: If you could go to any one live event and capture it all through your camera what event would you choose, why?

A:   The Olympics! I love shooting sports and that is the ultimate event for any sports photographer. I would also like to shoot the Kentucky Derby especially all the "backstage" shots in the weeks leading up to the event.

Q6: What is the best Equine picture your ever laid eyes on?

A:    I see so many great photos on the internet that I would love to hang on my wall that picking one would be impossible.

Q7: How often do you take pictures for events, how often for fun and how often for just pure practice to work on your craft?

A:    If I am not out messing with my horses on the weekend then I try and find some event to go shoot. Sometimes I am freelancing and sometimes it is just for practice. I am a member of the PSA(Photographic Society of America) and they have various photo competitions all over the world that I enter so I am always trying to come up with good competition photos.

Q8: What type of camera(s) do you use, and what would you recommend for a beginner who may be reading this?

A:    I shoot with the Canon 7D and have a Canon 50D as a backup. For shooting out at Remington or any sporting event I would recommend getting an SLR camera(interchangeable lenses). Point and shoots are fine for still shots but are just not fast enough to capture the action of a fast moving horse or sports.

Q9: If you could work alongside any one photographer who would it be?

A:   There are so many equine photographers that I would love to hang out and learn from. Gabrielle Boiselle from Germany, Bob Langrish, David Stoecklein, Barbara Livingston, Robert Vavra, Alexia Khruscheva and so many more. Hard to pick just one.

Q10: Is there a place where people can view the bulk of your work?

A:     My website is under construction but you can see some of my photos on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17712565@N00/



Behind the Scenes with Lisa Coker, Security Lead Dispatcher – Remington Park

Here is another example of a "Behind The Scenes" story...

 Lisa Coker - An individual that has a soft spots for kids and is doing things in her personal spare time to try an better there lives. We wanted to get a further grasp her contribution, so we constructed a list of 10 questions to see if we could do just that! Check out the interview below......

Q1: How long have you been donating?

A:   I have been donating for as long as I can remember . But I have been doing Toys For Tots at Remington park for the last 3 years.

Q2: What exactly is Toys for Tots?

A:    Toys for Tots is a U. S. Marine Corps Reserve program that collects new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

Q3: Do you orchestrate or donate to Toys for Tots outside of the Remington Park branch that you get organized?

A:   I don’t do the Toys for Tots outside of Remington Park.

Q4: How did you initially get involved with this?

A:   I have always wanted to help people in need and after my first year at Remington Park I realized that we didn’t participate in the Toys for Tots program and thought it would be a great thing to bring to Remington Park.

Q5: I am told you are off and on volunteering for Food Drives, what are Food Drives and what do you do to assist?

A:   I have in the past done food drives at Remington park. Basically I just set up boxes for people to donate nonperishable foods. Once when I did it we donated the food to the Horseman’s church (I can’t think of the official name for the church) in the stable area of Remington park and that donation actually ended up going to the family of a team member of Remington park who had passed away. The 2nd food drive I did was for The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Q6: How many hours wk/month are spent working on these Food Drives?

A:   For the Toys for Tots I start planning and making up signs and stuff around late September but I don’t start doing the hard work until late October until the middle of December.

Q7: What would you tell somebody that is “on the fence” about donating, or someone who worries if the donations make it to the destination they are said to be?

A:   Well if people are worried about dropping toys off at one of the drop off locations they can also make a finical donation directly to Toys for Tots.

Q8: What has donating taught you over the years?

A:    It’s worth all the time and effort I put into it to know that children are going to have toys for Christmas

Q9: What is your favorite part about donating?

A:    The feeling I get after .

Q10: Would you ever consider (all things allowed) starting your own organization where people could donate for a common cause? If so what would it be?

A:    If I could I would do something similar to toys for tots I love helping kids!!!

Behind the Scenes with Nancy Kemp, HR/Uniform Specialist – Remington Park

Imagine taking care of Uniforms for approx. 600 employees (E.G - Sizes, measurements, ordering, storage space, sewing, etc.)... ... ... Now meet the individual organized enough to manage such a task; Nancy Kemp.
 
 

 
Not only this but Nancy finds time to get involved in her community. We wanted to get a further grasp her contribution, so we constructed a list of 10 questions to see if we could do just that! Check out the interview below......

Q1: How long have you been involved with community activities?

A:    For almost 7 years.

Q2: What is FOGAS and what is your involvement?

A:    FOGAS wants to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted animals at local animal shelters, to promote community awareness and utilization of the spay and neuter services provided by FOGAS and to improve the quality of life for pets. FOGAS (Friends of Guthrie Animal Shelters).

Q3: Are you on the board of any organizations, if not would you like to be or is that a future goal?

A:   My career and home life do not currently  allow time for that; however, I would consider being on a board in the future.

Q4: What is the Cancer Walk/Relay for Life? Do you do walks for them?

A:    Time permitting, I walk. Every summer there is a local 24 hour fund raiser. I have walked with and for the AHA for the past 5 years.

Q5: Your “Dream Trip” is to go on a Mission Trip to a 3rd world country, describe what a mission trip is and how it works?

A:   Find sponsors’ for materials and expenses. Take material, build schools and churches, build water purification centers, recruit teachers and take bibles; spend months teaching about God; teaching how to cook healthy with the resources’ you have available.….

Q6: On this Mission Trip, if everything were to go flawlessly as planned, what all would you hope to have accomplished?

A:    To make sure every child has clean water, safe housing and environment, nutritional food, access to proper education and health care, to leave behind a desire in people to thrust for and WANT to learn more about helping themselves; and to leave many resources’ behind for that purpose. To leave a desire for them wanting to understand God, and His promises’.

Q7: What would be your top 3 countries of choice (Chronologically if applicable)?

A:    Panama, Mexico, Africa…

Q8: What got you interested and started in helping out the less fortunate?

A:    I am very blessed! I have talents (I’m a carpenters daughter), have good health and am relatively strong, I believe part of our purpose in this life is to share what we are blessed with! We are a spoiled county - in general - (that does not mean we don’t have our share of starving children and un-safe environments) WE DO. Until my dream comes true, I’ll help where I can in my local communities…

Q9: What is your favorite part about what you do for your community?

A:   We are a small community. I like knowing lots of quality people who honestly  care for - and help each other. It makes my heart feel happy and healthy. What more can you ask for?

Q10: What has giving to others and helping out the less fortunate taught you over the course of time?

A:      Again – THAT I AM BLESSED BEYOND WORDS!  That NO matter how bad I feel I may have it, someone else has it worst. That life is a precious GIFT, and it is to be shared!

Erma Bombeck:
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything You gave me.”

  ... And that's Nancy Kemp in a nutshell, very endearing. We hope to see you off to one of your Mission Trips someday...
 
--- RP

Behind the Scenes with Kathy Luman, Human Resources Director – Remington Park

Calley (Daughter) & Kathy Luman

Mrs. Kathy Luman is very much involved in her community. We wanted to get a further grasp her contribution, so we constructed a list of 10 questions to see if we could do just that! Check out the interview below......

Q1: What motivates you to be a part of so many extra activities in your community?

A:    It originally started with my daughter’s enrollment at the Thelma Gaylord Academy at Lyric Theatre. (Musical Theatre Production, Voice and Dance Training), I have made some really good friends that are very active in the community. It’s a lot of fun.

Q2: How long have you been involved in your community?

A:   Since 2002 or so.

Q3: What does LAPS stand for and what is your affiliation with LAPS?

A:    Lyric Academy Parents Support, Co-Coordinator.

Q4: As Co-coordinator of LAPS, what is it your job to do?

A:   Help determine a budget to help support Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy, assist in planning meals for cast parties and snacks during the very busy tech and show week for Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy fall and spring productions. We sell concessions, roses and show related items during the productions to help fund the productions. In the past year, with the dedication of LAPS, we were able to raise enough money to help the academy purchase wireless mics for the young actors, amplifiers for the Rockademy class and personalized binders for the script and scores. We also help with costumes and make-up depending on the show’s needs. We work closely with the Lyric staff to make sure they have what they need to present a quality production. All parents are invited to the meetings and given volunteer opportunities. My daughter graduates this spring, I intend to stay on as long as I am needed.

Q5: What are the goals of LAPS?

A:   One of our goals is to help parents understand the requirements of the children during the process of bringing a show to the stage. The parents play a vital role in the success of the students, providing essential support in preparing for Academy classes and final productions. Scenery, costumes, props, event-planning, program printing, posters, and fundraising boutiques...you name it, and LAPS does it.

Q6: As a part of the Lyric Theatre Raffle Committee, what sorts of raffles are held, how often, and what do the funds go towards specifically?

A:   In the past we have raffled golf carts, bicycles, jewelry, scooters and iPads. The tickets are normally $10. The raffles are held during Lyric’s summer productions at the Civic Center Music Hall in Downtown OKC. The drawing is held at Lyric’s Broadway Ball, the winners do not have to be present at the ball to win. The funds are used to present Broadway quality shows in Oklahoma City. It takes more than just ticket sales alone. Lyric’s mission is to produce excellent professional musical theatre, nurture artistic talent, promote collaboration among the arts, and enrich the lives of Oklahomans.

Q7: As a volunteer for the OKC Arts Festival how do you help that organization?

A:   Last year a friend asked me to volunteer as “Friends of the Artists”. We watched the artist’s booth while they took breaks and we would run little errands for them. It was fun meeting the artists and enjoying the art festival.

Q8: What is your involvement with Oklahoma City Beautiful?

A:   My good friend, Lisa Synar is the Executive Director of OKC Beautiful; she is one of the good friends I made from Lyric Academy 10 years ago. Remington Park has participated in the LitterBlitz campaign for the last 2 years and we are doing it again this April 25th. My husband, Don and I also attend events and support their other projects.

Q9: What is the goal of the Auction Committee @ Yukon High School, what type of auctions are held, how often?

A:   The Auction Committee secures items for the live and silent auctions. They included restaurant gift certificates, sports memorabilia, home décor, salon and spa packages, pool cleaning services and many more items. This year Remington Park donated a Suite Package that brought $400 in the live auction. Project Graduation has several events to raise money to provide a drug and alcohol free party (lock-in) after graduation. There are numerous activities for the students in a safe atmosphere.

Q10: Which of these extra activities has taught you the most?

A:     Probably LAP’s. I’ve learned teamwork and responsibility.

Kathy Luman, we at Remington Park thank you for your contribution(s) in effort to better your community and keep theses kids active and passionate!

Everyone go check out Kathy Luman's daughter Calley's upcoming event "Sweeney Todd" (Details Below):

Remington Park, OQHRA announce The Betting On A Cure ‘Pink Out’ event May 26th

Remington Park, OQHRA announce 4th annual The Betting On a Cure "Pink Out" Event

Event celebrates cancer survivors, raises funds for two Oklahoma organizations.

SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, May 26th
Remington Park
One Remington Place
Oklahoma City - OK 73111

Photos provided by Taylor Made Photography  Children’s Hospital Foundation

Remington Park and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association challenged horse owners, jockeys and racing fans to trade in regular race day attire for pink shirts, hats and even silks during the 4th annual The Betting on a Cure "Pink Out"  Benefitting two Oklahoma nonprofit organizations that help families across the state fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases, the annual fundraiser will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th with live racing beginning at 6:00pm.

Hosted by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, the event will feature live racing, a silent and live auction, and other activities all geared toward raising awareness and funds for Rein in Cancer and Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“An unbelievable number of Remington Park employees, horse owners and trainers experience the challenges that cancer and other life-threatening diseases present each year,” said Wells. “Whether a person is enduring treatment firsthand or watching helplessly as a loved one fights for her life, we count each of these people as heroes. They truly are our inspiration for this event, and it is an honor to have generous patrons who come together to raise such a significant amount of money in one afternoon.”

“There is so much hope now for fighting breast cancer. In early 2010, I was diagnosed with a very rare type of breast cancer and was in the middle stages of my cancer treatment program around this time last year. I was fortunate enough to attend Tough Enough to Wear Pink and I am even more fortunate this year to attend the event cancer free.”

Additionally, park patrons will be able to purchase special pink event T-shirts, wristbands and pins as well as to make monetary donations and bid on special items during the live auction. Featuring a Weekend in Ft. Worth Basket (hotel, concert tickets at Billy Bob’s {concert of your choice} and dinner and Dinner at Coopers BBQ), Meat Basket from Coopers BBQ (Mail Order), Thunder Basketball signed by players in a glass display box, Serge Ibaka's Shoes that were worn in a Thunder Game, Remington Park Private Suite Package for 20 guests, Designer Sofa Pillow Set, also have Jewelry, Equine Items, Magazine Subscriptions, Beauty Items and certificates, Golf Packages and much more, the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Eclipse Room.

All proceeds from the event will be distributed evenly to Rein in Cancer and Children’s Hospital Foundation – two Oklahoma-based organizations that support cancer research and families affected by many life-threatening diseases. Parking and admission are always free at Remington Park. For more information, call (405) 216-0770 Krissy Bamberg.