December/January Etown 2015 by Etown Magazine

TUNES

Dallas Morris

Damon O. Burrows The amount of goodness that Reverend Damon O. Burrows, Senior brought to the world during his time on Earth is remarkable. The list could go on and on with everything he accomplished in his life and all the lives he touched along the way. He was a people person, a caring soul that had an immeasurable desire to help others and spread the Word. Damon was a graduate of Southwestern College (now Southwestern Christian University) in Bethany, Oklahoma. After graduation, he moved to California and served four years in the Navy where he was a chaplain’s assistant. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Marilyn. The two wed in 1964 and later had two sons, David Burrows of Enid, Oklahoma and Damon Burrows II of Newport Beach, California. Both Damon II and David have nothing but remarkable things to say about their father. “The people he would talk to throughout his life would say he was one of the most personable, funny, and engaging people,” says Damon II. “He impacted many, many people throughout his life and was a very good man. You tend to be biased about your own parents and think your own family is great but I think my dad was pretty extraordinary and many people that met him in his life credited him with their success. His goal was to make people successful and whether he got credit for it or not, he was ok with that.” Damon was also an evangelist pastor for several years. He would visit churches from coast to coast and perform lectures on his “Clinic on Church Healing”. The series of messages was later published in a small book titled, “People Are For Caring”, a title he carried out in his own life each and every day. Damon taught many people life-long lessons, including his two sons. “He would always tell us ‘people don’t always remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel’,” says David. “He knew how to love people. He knew how to make them feel like they were the most important person in the room when he was talking to them and he mastered that ability to connect with folks.” A large part of Damon’s life was spent at Southwestern College. Not only did he graduate from there, he also later served in student outreach, evangelism and recruitment of new students. “There were many kids that didn’t believe they could go to school, but he would help counsel and encourage them,” says Damon II “The number of people he helped get through higher education was extraordinary.” “If I had to tip my hat to anyone on the planet that was the

nicest guy that I’ve ever met and ever known, it would have to be my father. I’m trying to live that out,” says David. “Our dad taught us about integrity and trust in our careers and the importance of doing what you say you are going to do. Damon and I have gone two different directions in our careers but we both have come to agree that lesson is one of the best gifts he gave to us. He left a legacy to so many of the people that he touched as a pastor and minister, but then as a father that is one of the gifts he gave us before he left.” Damon Burrows, Senior passed away on February 23, 2013. Although Damon is no longer with us this day, his light lives on in those that knew him; his wife, his two sons, his friends, people that met him in passing and those that heard him preach. There is a part of Damon in each person he touched and every time they do a kind favor, give a hug or make a generous gesture, he lives on.

1 Austin Redding, Joshua Semrad 2 Austin Redding, Colburn Riffel, Joshua Semrad, Logan Starks Eagle Scout Project at Hedges Speech & Hearing Photos by Nancy Killam

3 David and Logan Starks, Colburn Riffel, Austin Redding 4 David and Logan Starks 1

E contents d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4 Ja nu a r y 2 0 1 5

tfi family connections

To most, childhood is marked with smiles, kisses and hugs, small bumps and bruises solved with a mother or father’s kind hands.

let’s celebrate food! the Queen of cake

How does an Enid gal evolve into The Queen of Cake (and all other sweets)? I spent the afternoon with Monica Rorick and she shared her delicious story of how it originated.

e tunes: dallas morris

10th annual roberts ranch smokin’ red dirt bbQ…the best thing ever

You never know when or where inspiration will strike. For Eagle Marketing’s Lynne Benkendorf it was at Anthony Downs in Kansas..

knott: Just an artist

“We’re cleaning up enid!”

If you were to tell Ronnie and Gwen Valdez twenty years ago that they would be owners and managers of the largest dry cleaning business in the city of Enid, they wouldn’t have believed you. It was a phone call in the spring of 1998 from a friend that led them down the path to where they are today.

December 2014 January 2015 Volume 8, Number 6 Managing Director Frank Baker Art Director ThéOtis Pace Project Coordinator Lynne Benkendorf Etown Promotions Director Cathy Nulph Writers Candace Krebs Robert Barron Jacque Hince Cathy Nulph Trina Walker Liz Cady Elaine Bigge Skylar Osburn Eric Castillo Photographers Nancy Killam Kelly Killam Cammeron Kaiser Dawn Muncy Lori Coonrod Lisa Bland-Selix Kayla Waldrop Lisa White Tana Garrison Penny Sweet Account Executive Cathy Nulph Cover Leeann Hallman Photographer: Dawn Muncy

SUGGESTIONS Do you have an idea for future stories for Etown? We’re always looking for good ideas of people and places to feature. If you have a suggestion give us a call at 580-548-8186 or e-mail fbaker@eaglemkt.com.

1 Fling at the Springs Photos by Nancy Killam

1 Hayley Ream and Harmony Cuthbertson 2 Brian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke accepting award from Gary Collins 3 Jim Nay and Larry Horany 4 Dom McClenny, James Chapman, Laurie Tipton 5 Diana Back with daughter Emily 6 Jerry Allen 7 Paul Stone 8 Billy Beck 9 Isabella Stewart & Peanut

Yes, friends, the holiday season is in full swing. There are presents to be wrapped, baking to be done, holiday parties filled with revelry and the joy of the season. And even with all of the hustle of post-Black Friday events, the real estate market is usually expected to be slow this time of year. While we do generally see a bit of a drop in sales, this is definitely not a slow market. Remember all the times you spent as a child at family gatherings and the awesomeness of the tinsel and lights? Grandma's cooking of pies and cookies filled the air. "I have many fond memories of how beautiful the houses looked all decorated with lights and holiday garland," recalled Jennifer Fugazzi, owner of Paramount Homes. "Many of the homes smelled of cinnamon and spices. All of my senses were in overdrive and in my mind, I couldn't wait to purchase a new home and lay down roots once again." One might ask, why put your house on the market during the holidays? With all of the chaos between now and New Year's, it seems it would be madness indeed to put a house for sale during the winter. But the smart realtors at Paramount Homes say it may just be the perfect time to put up the "For Sale" sign. Showing a buyer how beautiful their Christmas traditions could be in your home is powerful and just might trigger them to make you an offer.

2014 has been a banner year for the market recovery. Inventory levels started off strong and then began to drop at the end of the first quarter. As expected, the inventory levels are sparking rising prices. While conditions still favor sellers, many buyers are still finding great deals through foreclosures and short sales! It is my opinion that this trend will continue into the near future. Additionally, there have been a good amount of new construction starts in the last several months, and that too is a sign of a healing market. See you in 2015 when I'll continue to bring you all the latest local and national real estate news. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

105 n. grand enid, oklahoma 73701

www.ParamountHomesRE.com Etown Sponsor Content

TFI TFI

Family Connections To most, childhood is marked with smiles, kisses and hugs, small bumps and bruises solved with a mother or father’s kind hands. However, the sad fact is that for more kids than we would like to think, childhood is filled with fear, uncertainty and aloneness. Foster children are children faced with that uncertainty, that fear that home will never be permanent. But, that can be changed, and you can be the one to change it.

When a child comes into the system for abuse and neglect, the state looks to find a foster home to keep that child safe, to have a loving environment to help while the need is there. In Garfield County alone, there are 175 children in state custody for abuse and neglect and only 37 traditional foster homes, which is why TFI Family Connections, a private, nonprofit foster care agency specializing in recruiting, training and retaining foster homes, is recruiting foster

Jon Paul Redelsperger, Tana Redelsperger, their daughters Ryan Redelsperger, Reagan Redelsperger, and Courtney Strzinek parents in Garfield County. Jason Cecil, director of regional recruitment services, has been with TFI Family Connections for 20 years and has spent all 20 of those years focusing on the need to recruit quality foster homes. He describes the program’s mission: “The number one goal for any child coming into the system is to reunify that child with their biological family. While most of the time, this is the end result, we know that not every situation

ends that way.” Using a system called ECAP, foster parents and children in the system are matched based on behaviors that foster parents have agreed upon for their homes. TFI Family Connection’s new local representative for Enid, Courtney Strzinek, is the person to call in Garfield County should any foster families or potential foster families have questions during placements. When the state places a child with an approved family, Courtney acts as the support system

for the family, answering any questions they might have throughout the training process and maintaining the wellbeing of both parents and children once the transition has been made. “The goal is to keep the kids in the least amount of places as possible and make certain no one is lacking in support,” Courtney describes. In addition, Courtney will also make monthly home visits to foster parents’ homes. “This allows for the parents and the worker to develop that trust and

Dr. John and Mary Stam

bond needed to ensure that the children have a stable and long lasting placement while they are in DHS Custody,” Jason continues. For some, making the leap into becoming fulltime foster parents is a bit daunting. However, people can still help the foster system with the ability to become respite foster parents, which is a way for families to provide relief to foster parents by taking care of children for the day, overnight or even for a few days. Dr. John Stam and wife Mary found that becoming respite foster parents was the perfect fit when trying to find a way to become involved: “When I put it to the congregation at Emmanuel Baptist to think about becoming foster parents, I needed to be willing to take that step as well. With our ages, becoming respite foster parents works for us and allows us to give foster parents a break, to help in that way.” If you would like more information on becoming a foster parent or how to become a respite foster parent, contact TFI Family Connections at (866)543-9810 or learn more at www.tfifamilyconnections.org. You can help make the difference in a child’s life.

Courtney Strzinek

Mason Dillard

1 Integris President Eddie Herman cuts the ribbon with Enid Chamber of Commerce Integris Robotic Surgery Ribbon Cutting Photos by Lisa Bland-Selix

President Matt Clark. 2 Surgeon Dr. Michael DePriest demonstrates how robotic surgery works to visitors. 3 The Robotic Surgical team 4 Nurses Kristie Shelhorse and Dawn O’Brien 1

By Ebby Stratton Photos by Kayla Waldrop

The holidays are here and many of us are planning festivities and family gatherings. Corks Liquor, Wine and Beer can assist you in the ideal assortment of wine and spirits to compliment your special occasions. Nestled between DaVinci’s and Subway in the Jumbo Foods shopping plaza, Corks is an amazing liquor, wine, and beer establishment. Corks is committed to giving you the best and friendliest service in the state.

Brad Norton, General Manager, has been captivated with the world of wine and spirits for many years. Brad graduated from the University of Mississippi and left his Mississippi farm for the spirits business. After many adventures around the world, he returned to the States, moved to Charleston, South Carolina and was in the wine and spirits wholesale business. Brad is a member of the Compagnie des Mousquataires d’Armagnac in France and has a certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust, a prestigious UK based certification agency for the industry. Enid was a stop off on the way to a new position in California with a Napa based wine importer. While in Enid, conversations with friends led to the decision of opening Corks. Partners Brud and Chris Baker, Josh and Kim O’Neill, and Jimmy and Abbey Stallings are pleased to have Brad as general manager, creative director, and wine expert at Corks. According to Jimmy Stallings, “We are looking to provide a comfortable, modern, and convenient place to buy wine, beer and spirits. We all enjoy drinking wine and believe it should be both approachable and affordable. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to drink great wine……Let us show you how.” It’s not enough to just stock terrific bottles of wine; an outstanding wine shop must also have a point of view. The keys to making the best matches are an open mind and an understanding of why certain foods taste best with certain wines. Next time you plan a dinner or party, visit Corks to find the complementary drink to go with your food. Share your menu and Brad

O Holy Night can suggest 4 or 5 different drink suggestions in all price ranges. “Many of our wines are from very small production, family owned farms like Cass and Girasole in California, and Charles Jouget in France’s Loire Valley.” says Brad. Corks stocks very affordable wine and has an immense selection of specialty beer and spirits. This crisp weather just calls for a hot grill and a cold beer! Corks has hundreds of beers, imports, domestic and craft; the store has taken a strong position supporting Oklahoma and Kansas brewers such as Prairie, Mustang, and Tallgrass. Brad can recommend pairings for your beer purchases and talk about the fantastic variety of brewing going on here in our own backyard.

While you are out and about shopping and getting ready for this holiday season, come visit Corks - Enid’s newest and friendliest liquor store. Corks is located at 2323 W. Willow and their email is corksOK@ gmail.com. Corks has a plethora of affordable and premium spirits for your holiday parties and gifts. Make this holiday season the merriest ever with great drink and good friends!

Holiday Pairings: Holiday Cocktail Turkey/Thanksgiving Reds: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Beaujolais (Gamay grape) Turkey/Thanksgiving Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Viognier or Albarino Another option for Thanksgiving is Rosé: A dry Rosé from France or Spain here is in order, the dry, not sweet, nature of these wines works well with lots of competing flavors. A Tavel would be perfect. Holiday Tables: Ham: Baked Ham tends to the salty side; I recommend Alsace Gewurztraminer, (or a really good one from California); on the red side of things Mourvedre, a red grape from Bandol in France, Jumilla in Spain or an old-vine California Mourvedre. Beef Tenderloin or a standing Rib Roast: The grandest cuts of holiday beef require a go-big or go home solution: California Cabernet from Napa or Sonoma and French Bordeaux are the classics, a good California Petite Sirah, Priorat from Spain and Amarone, Barbaresco, and Barolo from Italy.

Party classics this year:

El Diablo 1 oz Tequila 3 tsp. Creme de Cassis, (not the artificial kind, the ones with real fruit available exclusively at Corks) 3 tsp fresh lime juice ice cubes ginger beer to top Corpse Reviver (like they serve at the Ritz in Paris) 1 oz J Vine Gin 1 oz Cointreau 1 oz Lillet Blanc dash of bitters 1 oz fresh lemon juice (lemon zest to serve) Brad’s Addictive Charleston Bramble an unbelievable bright cocktail with a blackberry punch 1 oz gin 1 oz lemon juice 3 tsp simple syrup ice cubes & crushed ice creme de Mure to top (exclusively at Corks)

With one of the largest domestic and imported cheese selections in all of Oklahoma, Jumbo Foods Deli West location continues to expand its selection and home-cooked menu. The idea is to serve good, home-cooking at Jumbo Foods, and that is just what they have achieved as everything is made from scratch, at the location. From slow-cooked barbeque to signature pies, the selection at Jumbo’s is unbeatable. Toni Ford, deli manager, collaborates with both customers and employees to spice up the selections at the deli. From signature salads with southwestern flair to smoked turkeys, there is always a new find at the deli. Drawing on the experience and backgrounds of their employees, Jumbo Foods continues

to serve up new and intriguing fair to please every palate. Big crowds benefit from the experience at Jumbo Foods deli as well, as they can cater any small to large event, including weddings, parties, and special occasions. “We can make just about anything, and we are huge in customer service. If you have a party you want catered and have specific recipes you want used, we will try and make that happen, or you can choose from our wide selection of meat, cheese, fruit and seafood trays,” Toni further describes. The deli isn’t just part of the shopping trip either as seating inside and an entire soup selection, along with fresh-made to order sandwiches, make it a perfect lunch spot for

those wanting a quick, but still home-cooked, bite to eat. Gearing up for the holiday season, the Jumbo Foods deli also offers complete turkey dinners, featuring baked or smoked whole turkeys, along with all of the trimmings. Top if off with one of the pies, which Toni says is one of their true signature items, and a delicious holiday dinner never was so easy. Not only does Jumbo offer daily specials and special days, such as Military Discount Mondays and Senior Discount Tuesdays, but also Jumbo Foods will soon have a Fuel Rewards Card, offering special coupons to users and, of course, discounts on fuel.

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN STORE PRESENTS DKS Celebrates 1 year of cooking, parties & shopping Photos by Nancy Killam & Tana Garrison

1 Jessica Andrew and Anna Walcher

6 Birthday party fun

2 DKS Family

7 Mashell Swenn, Kecia Holder, Jessica Andrew

3 Jalene Jackson, Krista Bryant,

8 Anna Walcher, Lindy Chambers,

Heather Jackson. Shayna Stewart

Nancy Hemphling, Jessica Andrew

4 Madison Nulphs birthday party

9 Carmen Ball, Frank Baker

5 Kids birthday party 8

Dustin and Melissa Suire have been members at Emmanuel Baptist Church since 2012. Their two daughters, Annamarie and Breigh, attend Emmanuel Christian School. The Suires first came to Enid in the summer of 2012 because of Dustin’s career. Dustin is stationed at Vance Air Force Base as a T-1A Instructor Pilot. Dustin had previously been assigned to Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska as an Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst on the RC-135. Dustin had been enlisted for nine years when he was selected to attend Officer Training School and pilot training. After pilot training at Vance, Dustin and Melissa decided to stay in Enid, allowing Dustin to take an instructor position and Melissa to take a position as Lead Pastor’s Secretary at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Their choice would also allow them to keep their small family grounded in one location for a few years and closer to extended family than ever before. While in pilot training, Dustin, Melissa, and their two daughters, Annamarie and Breigh, started attending EBC regularly. “It wasn’t long before the girls made new friends and the people of Emmanuel became our new extended family. Sometimes it’s hard to get close to others when you’re only going to be somewhere for a year or

so, but not at Emmanuel. We got plugged into a small group immediately and it was like we had been here for years.” After Dustin was assured of his instructor assignment here, the Suires didn’t hesitate to buy a house in Enid and get the girls into ECS. “The girls absolutely love school. They both have outstanding teachers that really care and have been in education for more than 20 years. They’ve never been in a school where the staff cared so much and are fully invested in them. It’s such a blessing!” Dustin and Melissa are originally from Port Sulphur, Louisiana, a small bayou town 45 miles south of New

Orleans. They grew up together in church, started dating after high school, and eventually married after Dustin finished linguist training and Melissa finished college at Nicholls State. Since then, they’ve lived in Texas, California, Nebraska, and Alabama. “We really like Enid. We’ve lived all over, and it’s nice to get back to a small town where you can really get to know the community.” Melissa has worked at EBC for a year now as the Lead Pastor’s Secretary. “I’ve met hundreds of families. It’s so nice to be a part of the community and EBC. I’ve made life-long friends and it’s

going to be harder to leave here than any other place we’ve lived.” Dustin and Melissa don’t know where they’ll go after his tour here finishes in late 2016, but for now they’re making roots here in Enid that will last a lifetime. “There’s no way we could have gotten plugged into so many things in Enid without EBC. It’s nice to have such a great church family. Living in Enid has been such a great experience for us, and EBC has allowed us to experience the great things and great people this community has to offer.”

1 Jack Morris, Danielle Britian 2 Jeanice Manning, Jovanna Flor, Veronica Kay, Jenise Major 3 Virginia Garrison, Dr. Ron Nolley Jr. 4 Bill Nolan, Jenise Major, Nanci Bunten-Morroe 5 Kasey Boone, Jenise Major, Josh Schmig, Jean Gash, Danielle Britian Aloha birthday party celebration at Mulliganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Bar. Photos by Tana Garrison

“CONTINUATION OF A LEGACy” by Audra W. Harris Photos by Nancy Killam

Over the past two years, Scheffe Prescription Shop has taken the time to introduce their wonderful employees through articles in E-Town magazine. We have learned about where these employees come from, where they went to school, and what they love most about their job. While hometowns and colleges may have varied, one thing was consistent with each employee: What they love most about their job is working with and helping their customers. This time around, the Scheffe crew wanted to focus on something a little bit different. They wanted to share how they have impacted the Enid community, and how the community has impacted them.

When you work directly with people, it is very easy to be internally moved by them. Jackie Elder, a pharmacy technician at Scheffe’s, commented, “One of my passions in life is helping others... I have had the greatest privilege of...serving Enid’s long-term care patients at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes.” Elder has worked for Scheffe’s for the past six years, and has a deep seeded respect for the community of Enid. She goes on to say, “For me, it is the patient first, every time! My patients not only receive and deserve a great customer service experience interaction from myself and the Scheffe team, but also a sense of personal respect, trust,

and safety knowing that their best interest is at heart with each and every prescription.” Pharmacist Kathryn Pryor also feels great fulfillment from working with her customers. “I think working at Scheffe’s has taught me to appreciate the personal relationships we build with our patients. I enjoy getting to know a little about our patients because it helps me to better serve them as a pharmacist.” It’s rewarding for the employee’s to know that they can be there to celebrate with their customers during the good times and to be there as a source of comfort through the more difficult times. Scheffe’s employees thrive off

of helping their customers, even when knowing they are helping with the final stages of life. Amy Brueggen, a pharmacist at Scheffe’s, commented, “Some days [my job] is bittersweet…it’s rewarding caring for a terminal patient by being able to help provide comfort... These situations are very humbling and continue to make me strive to provide the highest quality of care to my patients.”

No matter the outcome of the service, the employees at Scheffe Prescription Shops are there for their customers to the very end, and always with a smile. Share a sense of community with your closest Scheffe’s location. Find them at 127 E. Randolph, 330 S. Fifth, and 1925 W. Owen K. Garriot in Enid. Let Scheffe’s share their legacy with you.

127 E. Randolph • Enid, OK 73701 • (580) 233-2152 * 1925 W. Owen K Garriott Road • (580) 242-3784 330 South 5th • Enid • (580) 233-2128 Etown Sponsor Content

Let’s Celeb DOWNTOWN KITCHEN STORE PRESENTS

Let’s Celebrate Food! By Ebby Stratton

Photos by Penny Sweet

the Queen of cake (and all other sWeets) How does an Enid gal evolve into The Queen of Cake (and all other sweets)? I spent the afternoon with Monica Rorick and she shared her delicious story of how it originated. Monica developed a love for sweets at a young age by helping her grandmother bake in the kitchen. I’m sure many of us can relate to that fond memory……standing on a stool helping grandmother stir. The years pass and around age 26 Monica caught the ‘baking bug’, moved to Pennsylvania, and pursued her love of baking. She got a job in a bakery and as luck would have it, there was a Master Pastry Chef that lived in the apartment above

commercial kitchen; she needed a commercial kitchen and the Church needed a cook to prepare special meals. That’s a win-win situation!! Monica considers church members her biggest cheerleaders and they sure appreciate her cooking skills. There is never a dull moment baking for weddings and birthdays. Monica is also one of the chefs that Downtown Kitchen Store uses for their various cooking classes and parties. She cooks for events at the First Presby-

the bakery. He taught her all the secrets of beautiful cake decorating. Fast forward to 2010; Monica moved back to Enid and worked at various bakeries around town including Jumbo Foods and Angel Delight. With every job came more understanding and an increased love of the art of cake decorating. In November 2012 Monica became involved with The Enid Farmer’s Market and her business exploded!! She became The Queen of Cake (and all other sweets) and she hasn’t looked back!! The First Presbyterian Church is now the home of Monica’s

terian Church and even does some catering! It’s all about her love of baking and cooking! Her passion is indisputable. Monica’s wedding cakes are always original. She consults with the bride and finds out what she likes and also what she doesn’t like. Monica says brides typically know exactly what they want; thanks to Pinterest and the web. Designing the wedding cake is quite artistic and inspires Monica to stay abreast of current trends in cake decoration. Each cake

design is specific for the bride. Monica giggled and said so far she has not run into a ‘Bridezilla’!! She loves sharing the joy of wedding days! A fun happening Monica is involved with is cooking at The Downtown Kitchen Store. From Kids Cooking Camp, to Birthday parties where guests decorate their own cake, to Cake Baking/Decorating Basics, Monica always brings the joy of baking to the kitchen! If you would like to schedule a Birthday party

brate Food at DKS, please call Jessica Andrew at 540-9448. Cakes aren’t the only sweet treat Monica bakes – she has an array of pies and cookies to choose from. Everything Monica makes is made with quality ingredients and most are from family recipes; it’s what she grew up eating and learning how to make. She makes beautiful chocolates that will make your mouth very happy; truffles, caramels, nut clusters, and turtles are just a sampling of the collection of chocolates Monica can prepare. May I just inject here that I am still dreaming of the deliciousness of her salted caramel!! Monica would love to bake for you at your next celebration! You can contact her at 580-402-1909 or email her at thequeenofcake41@yahoo.com. Go visit Monica on her Facebook page – The Queen of Cake (and all other sweets) and she even has her own website – www.thequeenofcake.com You will be able to peruse her gallery of sweet treats! One thing is certain, Monica Rorick sure knows how to Celebrate Cake.

WEDDING WHITE CAKE

BUTTERCREAM ICING

Everyone loves the flavors of Wedding White Cake. This is a recipe Monica freely shares. It’s not the recipe she uses when she makes a special wedding cake for a bride, just an easy one for the average baker.

Ingredients 1 cup shortening 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup water (more if needed) 1 and 1/4 16oz bag powdered sugar ( 20 oz. total)

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 2 packages white or vanilla cake mix 2 cups water 2 cups white sugar 2 cups sour cream 4 whole eggs 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons almond extract 1 package vanilla pudding mix

Directions Blend all ingredients together. **For chocolate buttercream, cut powdered sugar back to one 16oz bag, add 1 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup chocolate syrup.

Directions Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients until blended smooth. Place in two well-greased 12 inch round pans or one 15 x 19 inch pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool and frost with your favorite frosting. **for two 8 inch round pans or one 9x13 inch pan, cut recipe in half.

Growirng Throaugh The Years With

GRACE: Taking Charge of Your Future By Jacqueline Hince Photo by Nancy Killam

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

So much that occurs in life is beyond our control. We cannot control the natural and normal process of aging; which includes changes in our body, skin and hair. We see those changes in the lines that are now etched into our skin, or the gray hairs that seem to creep in overnight. It is simply life and life has a way of journeying through unplanned twists and turns. Though the future is unknown what you can control is how you plan for it and planning can make all the difference. As we continue to look at ways to Grow Through the Years with Grace, the next several articles focus on taking charge of your future. Grabbing hold of the reins and being proactive in securing your desires and needs before it is too late. “It is time to educate ourselves and plan for some decisions that need to be made as we chronologically get older,” says Lori Long. “It is time to look at things that need to be determined as to what your wishes are. Time to educate yourself to have the power to make those decisions.” Long and her family own and operate Greenbrier Village in Enid. She has her Mas-

ters in Gerontology and also has personal experience in this field. “My mother and I’ve had this discussion about her home and her yard. She knows growing up in this industry what the signs are that she’s ready to go to a place that’s better suited for her needs. As certain things begin to happen she knows that is her clue to look at decisions she has already made and prepared for, and they are totally her decisions.” Throughout the next four articles we will detail what some of these decisions are. We will go through legalities, and read through the fine print with you. We will discuss what you can do now to be proactive and become your own advocate. “It is never too soon to start estate planning,” says Attorney Randy Long. “And it is never too late to go meet with someone and talk about your options for estate planning.” Long, who has been an attorney for 32 years with the firm Field, Trojan, Long & Claypole and also happens to be married to Lori Long, often discusses the importance of estate planning with aging adults. He recommends three

key documents: a will or trust, power of atat torney and an advance directive.

Will or trust

A will is a document that allocates where your estate will go upon your passing. Everyone needs a will and everyone has a will whether they know it or not. Unless you create your own, your will has been written by Oklahoma lawmakers. “The will the state writes is a one size fits all,” explains Long. “You don’t get to utilize your choices or what you want which is very important. Whatever assets you’ve got, I don’t care how big or small, you have worked hard for it and it should go where you want it to go.” A will is only applicable after you have died. Compare that to a trust, which can take effect as soon as you sign it and start distributing property or assets before death, at death or afterwards. You only need one or the other, so discuss with an attorney which may be the best fit. Unfortunately the majority of people do not have wills. “There is a great resistance,”

notes Long. “None of us like to talk about our passing or what is going to happen, but it is like people think they are hastening their demise if we talk about it. I just think that’s a human nature type thing.” However, having a will is exactly the thing you need to talk about. Though it does come at a cost, Long encourages you to discuss payment with an attorney as payment plans may be an option. There are also online companies that may charge less, however Long says it is important you fully understand your choices. When writing a will or trust take time to choose wisely who will carry it out. “We can write these documents with all of the safeguards and protections you want but at the end of the day it’s the person you choose to carry out those responsibilities that you have to have confidence and trust in,” says Long. “Because you wont be here to say, ‘No, no, no, that’s not what I want.’”

Over the years laws have changed. No longer does a spouse necessarily have access to files and accounts. No longer are children of a loved one in the hospital able to make medical decisions for them just because they are related. That is why obtaining a durable power of attorney is incredibly important. “Without a power of attorney if someone comes to me and says for example, ‘My mother had a stroke, and it has affected her ability to make decisions. We can’t handle her affairs, we can’t see her medical charts.’ It could be too late to do a power of attorney. At that point the only other option is to go to court, file a legal guardianship and ask the court to find them incapacitated. It is a lot more involved process and a lot more costly,” explains Long. Power of attorneys can only be created and signed when a person is of “sound mind”. Long again suggests you talk to an attorney and pick the best option for you now. Once again entrust only those you have the highest confidence in as your acting “attorney”.

poWer of attorney

Another important document one should seriously consider is a power of attorney or POA. There are two types: a general power of attorney and a medical power of attorney. General refers to most legal business (i.e. banking, accounting, signing on behalf of the person) and medical is specifically to have access to medical information and make decisions. You can make either of these POA’s “durable”. Durable means the “attorney” named will continue to have the power to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions. What’s important to understand with a POA is that just because you give someone “power” does not mean you no longer get to make your own decisions. You have the power to revoke or take back that POA at anytime. It is also important to understand that a POA becomes void upon your death.

advance directive

The last document Long suggests is an advance directive. This paper records your desires when it comes to life sustaining procedures. “These laws rose out of trying to recognize that with all of the advances of medical science that there are, doctors can keep us alive longer,” explains Long. “But many times that quality of life is lacking. To balance that the legislature said we are going to recognize limited circumstances that a person has the right to choose whether they want life sustaining procedures.” Those circumstances include a terminal illness, which the state defines as an irreversible and incurable condition that no matter what they do you are going to die in 6 months or less, if you are persistently unconscious which means you have total absence or awareness of self or of environment, or if you have an end stage condition which is a condition caused by injury or illness which results in severe and permanent deterioration. In the event of these cases you can choose if you want life sustaining treatment, and/or if you want to receive artificial nour-

ishment. The document also includes a health care proxy where you can appoint someone you trust to make decisions if you lose the ability to make them yourself, and an anatomical gifts section. You can actually find an advance directive on the internet, however Long again recommends you understand what you are choosing. “Devils in the detail. I tell people that though the legislature is well intentioned and you can get the form anywhere, an attorney may be a good idea to explain it to you so that you know the decisions you are making.” This is a lot of information to digest, but it is important to understand these choices are available to you. So much of the aging process can leave you feeling helpless. By taking time to research your options, and knowing what you want in the event something occurs, you combat those feelings of helplessness. Randy Long says gathering together these documents is often the best gift you can give your loved ones. “Take that responsibility off of your loved ones and making those decisions before the circumstance happens. In the end it can save them a lot of angst and anxiety.”

KUYKENDALL

HEARING AID CENTER & DIAGNOSTIC AUDIOLOGY 40 YEARS!! IT IS TIME TO CELEBRATE, 2014 MARKS THE 40th YEAR OF THE KUYKENDALL FAMILY DOING BUSINESS IN ENID. For the last 40 years, we at Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center have been testing and successfully fitting hearing aids for thousands of people in our community. It all began in 1974 when Robert Byron Kuykendall, who was in the hearing aid business in Missouri, encouraged his son, Robert Darrell Kuykendall to purchase the Beltone Hearing Aid Business in Enid. Darrell purchased the hearing aid business and succeeded in his dream of providing for his family while continuing to improve the lives of the hearing impaired. His stories about giving the gift of hearing have brought smiles and tears to many. He experienced enormous changes during his lifetime…from 4 pound hearing aids strapped to your thigh to tiny 1/2 ounce digital hearing aids that are nearly invisible, yet provide the hearing quality not omery, ntg Mo ndi even imagined in earlier days. Sa ll, nda yke Ku d ht: Tod Kuykendall. Enid staff pictured left to rig e r’s Kyl nte Ce and November 2014 marks the anniversary er Aid g eel Wh arin He rah ll Sa nda berts, Kuyke el, Greg Kuykendall, Cindy Ro Cre e bbi of 40 years for the Kuykendall family De , 05 20 ce sin er okkeep

Office Bo

business. The business has grown throughout the years with the most recent purchase of N.W. Diagnostic Audiology and Hearing Clinic, forming Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center and Diagnostic Audiology. This expansion allowed the combination of hearing aid specialist, audiologist and otolaryngologists to work together to provide the most complete hearing healthcare services in Northwest Oklahoma. In May of 2012, the family business welcomed a fourth generation Kuykendall Hearing Aid Specialist, Kyle Kuykendall, the great-grandson of Robert Byron Kuykendall. Kyle joins his father, Robert “Greg” Kuykendall, and his uncle, Todd Kuykendall, in the family business. Forty years later, they still work with the same philosophy today. They want you to be satisfied with their products, services, standard of ethics and honest approach to the profession. They offer free hearing evaluations and risk-free 30-day trials on all our hearing aids. When you purchase from Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center, you receive their service for life. These services include cleanings and adjustments at absolutely no cost to you! Often, they can also perform in-office repairs

Sandra Coup, a former secretary of the Kuyk endall’s back in the mid to late 1970’s, and her husband Clarence are now customers. Seen here discu ssing hearing aid options with Todd Kuykenda ll.

completely free. Their care for you goes beyond the purchase… they are dedicated to providing better hearing for a better life. The home office of Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center is located in Enid in the Northwest Medical Specialties Building at 3201 N. Van Buren, Suite 200, with branch offices in Woodward, Ponca City, Stillwater, Alva and Perry.

Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center’s Patient Care Coordinators, Sarah Wheeler, above and right, Debbie Creel.

In May of 2012, the family business welcomed fourth generation, Kyle Kuykendall, Greg’s son and great-grandson of Robert Byron Kuykendall.

TUNES

Dallas Morris

By Eric Castillo Photos by Nancy Killam

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more ardent supporter of Enid’s live music scene than Dallas Morris. The 75-year-old retiree, a diesel mechanic by trade, is still happy to be invited up on stage occasionally. Morris grew up in Ada. His mother was a ragtime piano player, as was her father. When Morris was 12, his parents gave him his first guitar — a Kay Archtop he still owns. He became largely self-taught, with a special affinity for folk music. Looking back, he recalls the 1960s as an era of “folk singing days.” He spent his spare time playing at coffee houses and other small gatherings, and learning folk songs from around the world and past centuries. Even today, he’ll often share a song or two when given the chance. He and his Paul Beard Signature Round Neck Resonator are a familiar sight at events like Third Thursday (formerly Turpin Tunes). Morris is also just as happy to sit back and be a part of the audience, but don’t expect him to remain quiet. Before a musician or band starts to play you’ll often hear him clear his throat and shout out his familiar refrain: “This better be good!” (Sometimes his jesting gets mistaken for heckling. “I don’t see it as heckling. It’s meant to be encouraging,” Morris explains. “The band performs better if the crowds into it, you know?”) Morris is a familiar sight at Q-Spot, Tiff ’s Barn and Lucky’s Pub, where he catches up with local bands and musicians like Scott Carson. “It’s really amazing how many shows he’ll catch,” Carson says. “You see him in Enid but I’ve seen him in Garber, Covington, Ringwood — he’s always there. And all the musicians from out of town know who he is. Really a neat guy.” He’s easy to spot in the crowd, thanks to his trademark top hat. Morris says he owns about eight them, all made from beaver skin. The hats are a symbol of his passion for antiques, which he shares with Carol, his wife of 54 years. Between them, they’ve collected countless items, including her 1880s era automated figurines and early 20th century Native American themed dolls, along with his 1958 RollsRoyce Silver Cloud, 1957 MGA sports car and 1950 Ariel Motorcycle. In the garage, he stores a miniaturized steam locomotive, large enough for kids of all ages to ride — including Morris, who just might be the biggest kid around. “I keep thinking over and over I can’t believe what good friends I have and how much fun I’m having,” he says. During the holiday season, Morris will undoubtedly be found attending Christmas parties and concerts, lending his voice to old favorites and drawing inspiration from the famous line of a folk song he’s carried in his head all these years: “The road goes on forever and the party never ends.”

By Carrie Vega Photos by Cammeron Kaiser

brought to you by

For nearly fifty years, Enid’s Autry Technology Center has provided a wellrounded education for all students wishing to learn a new skill or trade. Producing productive adults for today’s society is one way to ensure a healthy future for Enid. Furthermore, judges, probation officers, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections refer their clients to Autry’s At-Risk Young Learners Program. The program is a four-month fast-paced welding program. Headed by welding instructor, Kenneth Hansen, students learn welding and valuable job skills that will make them more desirable to employers. The skills learned will give Autry students a competitive edge above other job applicants. Autry provides them with a delicious daily lunch, welding gear, development of other required skills, and assists with future job placements and business-related networking. By providing offenders with life-long skills, many will eventually go into business for themselves. These men will graduate with better selfesteem and appreciation for what life has given them. Enid’s Autry Technology Center looks at each person as a whole and believes in giving second chances to help create a better future for its students and community. (I cannot use names with my quotes since they are from the DOC students.) “Finally, I am doing something with my life that makes my family proud of me.” “I am learning a skill that will last me a life time.” “Autry wants to make sure we succeed. They really do care about us.” “Sometimes people just need to have a second chance.” “Without this program I would go back to the streets.”

10th annual Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ… The Best Thing Ever by Trina Walker

You never know when or where inspiration will strike. For Eagle Marketing’s Lynne Benkendorf it was at Anthony Downs in Kansas. There was no yellow brick road or red heels but she did stumble across a BBQ cook-off that made her mouth water and got her creative juices flowing. Lynne’s husband, Scott, happened to know a few of the cooks. Lynne, being Lynne, began thinking what a great event this would be for Enid. With no real clue about BBQ contests, she gathered her Eagle

Marketing crew and decided, “We can do this.” What she had thought would be a cookoff in a few months turned into a year-long process. To hold a Kansas City sanctioned BBQ contest many unexpected details had to be worked out. “We had to shadow work another contest to learn how to set-up and run a contest. We also went to Kansas City to the KC annual banquet and attended classes,” said Lynne. With her cheat sheet of cooks from Anthony

Downs, Enid’s first Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ began to take shape. “To be sanctioned we needed 25 teams,” she said. That was just the beginning. “We were dragging friends from The Frisco to be judges,” laughs Lynne. Ten years later with an expected 65-70 cooks, Lynne will no longer be dragging friends from the Frisco to judge. All judges are now KC certified. Some fly from as far away as California to be a part of Enid’s not so little BBQ contest. Lynne says many

of her original Frisco volunteers have now taken classes to become KC certified judges. “If you ask any one of these folks, they’ll tell you that if they helped out in any way just once….they’re in for life,” said Lynne. So how does Lynne keep these people coming back year after year? “We don’t give them a chance to get away,” she says, “Many of the folks in the trenches have seen just about everything, making the Red Dirt BBQ run pretty smooth….most of the time.” Ralph and Karen Williams from Fort Smith, Arkansas were KC certified judges at the first contest. They are now the official KC representatives for the Red Dirt contest each year. Ralph has seen the show evolve first hand. As reps, Ralph and Karen get to enjoy the entire contest rather than being con-

tained to one table. This freedom lets them meet more people. “We call the BBQ folks our family,” he said. Ralph says they spent their first year in the old convention hall wondering how they were going to get up and down those steep stairs. From judging in the old convention hall to tents, Ralph still thinks their time in the Q-Spot is the most memorable. “That was a unique experience. The walls were painted black and the only lights were the ones over pool tables. We had to pull curtains back to see anything,” he recalls. While chuckling over that memory Ralph contends that Enid’s Red Dirt BBQ is among the best organized they attend. He credits this in large part to Lynne’s direction. “She (Lynne) has a handle on everything. That first year I remember them running out of food trying to keep it going, now it has just grown and grown. Lynne knows exactly what is needed to make it great for everyone.

There are some contests that you know when you get there everything will be ready and Enid is one of those,” Ralph says. Barry Hildinger of ‘Barry & Erica’ may be remembered by some from the team ‘We Do BBQ.’ He got his start at competitive BBQ at Red Dirt in an old Winnebago and a pup tent. Barry remembers Lynne calling them ‘The Blues Brothers.’ “That thing (Winnebago) could barely make it to Enid,” he said. “Once in Enid I wasn’t sure if it would start back up or not.” Today the Winnebago is just a memory. His new rig lets him cook out of the weather and travel to contests as far away as Tuscan, Ariz. and Laughlin, Nev. The name of Barry’s team changed when his daughter began cooking and competing with him on a more regular basis. Only 14-years-old, Erica has to work their travel schedule around school. Barry hopes that as she discovers boys she will still want

to hang out with dad at BBQ contests. Barry is not the only cook to start at the Red Dirt BBQ before venturing into the competitive circuit. John Coughlan with Iron Wheel Cookers was also relatively new to BBQ when the Enid contest began. With his Kingfisher Cooker and a secret recipe he still uses to this day, John competes at many contests during the year. “Our first contest was at a kiddy tractor pull at the El Reno County Fair. We won first and have used the same recipe ever since,” Barry said. He notes that ‘Iron Wheel Cookers’ is the only team at Enid’s BBQ that is still competing under the same name. According to John good organization brings people back each year but it is the continued improvement that has kept it growing. “That first year the high BBQ scores were around 627 then they went up to 660 and today cookers are scoring 700 points,” John

said, “As the competition and cooks have expanded there is more precision in the cooking.” As a regular to the Red Dirt BBQ, John looks forward to the friendly reception the cookers get. “They treat you real well, feed you, and take care of you,” he said, “I’ll make sure I get back for the 10th year.” With so much food being prepped there is invariably more sent to each judges table than is necessary. This is where the ‘left over’ crew comes in. Often referred to as the ‘Three Amigos,’ Jason Maly, Jessica Andrew and Rob Johnson have this job down to a science and do not plan to pass it on to new hands anytime soon. In the early years all three where part of the Eagle Marketing team. While new careers have taken them in different direction they still come back each year to help Lynne with the BBQ.

Rob says the role of the left over table is more than just getting to eat a lot of food. “At each judges table is a table captain. They do not get to sample and eat during the contest. They are busy making sure that the food from their table is taken to the left over area,” said Rob. The left over crew packs up the food in containers and makes sure that every table captain gets their food. “When you work the left over table everyone is your best friend,” laughs Rob, “We have to barricade ourselves in a fortress of containers because everyone wants our food.” The entire event is very serious. But the Three Amigos manage to have a lot of fun and horseplay throughout the event. An occasional reprimand from the reps is not unheard of for this threesome. As the show has grown they have been able to move a bit further away from the judges so their antics

do not draw too much attention. “Jason is the comedian…Jessica is the ‘left over Queen,’” said Rob. “Her hair has to look good and she makes sure Jason and I wear gloves.” Rob says Jessica is really the sister that just keeps the two of them in line. Fun aside, they work together as a well oiled machine. “We know the rules and how to handle the left overs. And you can’t beat getting to eat the best BBQ on the planet. “The Big Boys come to this contest… it is NOT a backyard BBQ. It come down to one thing, it would not be what it is without Lynne and the months of work she puts into it,” said Rob. Lynne is flattered that people credit her with the success of the Red Dirt BBQ but she says in reality it’s the many volunteers, community businesses and colleagues that

makes this event a success. She just happens to be at the helm. “I often get asked, ‘how do you do it and keep it all together’ and I always go back to the same simple answer, something that stuck with me years ago from a good friend’s mother-in-law. If you’re not nice to your guests, next time you’re invite them over, they won’t come.” “Simply put, be a good host, that’s it. If you treat your guests with kindness and respect, take time to stop and talk to them and listen to them, they’ll enjoy themselves, feel like part of the family and then at the end of the day when you tell them ‘thanks for coming, come back and see us’ they will and they do and they even tell their friends,” said Lynne. One local supporter Lynne credits is Mary Buthman, owner of Maria Rae’s. Mary

suchas played a large part in the contests suc cess. In addition to donating chips and salsa for goodie bags, and acting as a co-sponsor for the People’s Choice, Mary is an avid ambassador for the event. As Mary travels across the state promoting Maria Rae’s she also works recruiting new cooks for Red Dirt. There are some people it is hard to imagine the BBQ running without. April Danahy with Security National Bank is one of those people. Practically in their back yard, Security as been an avid Red Dirt supporter through the years. April has jumped in to help in many areas. Having judged in the beginning April decided that was just not for her. “Too much meat!!!” she said. April found her place working at turn-ins where she gets to see first hand the anticipation of cooks turning

in their food. “When a cook is entered they are given numbers. I give a new set of numbers so we can track the cooks without the judges knowing who cooked the food. They all present their food differently. Some come with wrapped containers others with simple boxes wrapped in towels. No matter how they present their food you can see the pride they have in what they created. “I just enjoy watching something from Enid become such a beloved event,” said April. This beloved event holds a special place in April’s heart in part because of her late husband Mike. Mike was a certified KC judge. He and April also entertained the crowds with music. According to April, Mike was the band…she was just his back up. While no longer with us. April says, “Mike is looking down thinking

this is just the best thing ever.” The ‘best thing ever’ seems to sum up how many feel about the Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ. The old saying says time flies when you are having fun…there is lots of fun at the Red Dirt BBQ. “Has it seemed like ten years?” asks Lynne, “No, it hasn’t.” When the last cook team pulls out and all the clean up is done there is a group that sits down, kicks up their feet and goes over the good and the bad, and what can be improved. “We then start telling stories from disasters of years past and successes of the current event. We laugh, we cry….it’s family and we start planning for the next year.” says Lynne. Benkendorf added that without the im-

mense support of our title sponsor, Roberts Ranch, and the huge contributions of the City of Enid, the BBQ would not have been able to reach the stature it has achieved. Myrl Mortonson and Tom Layne of Roberts Ranch have been a part of the event very nearly since its inception. Benkendorf went on to say that the City of Enid has also been a substantial partner in all of the 10 years of the BBQ’s history. From infrastructure to facilities, the City of Enid has been an invaluable player each and every year.

SIDEBAR

The Red Dirt BBQ contest started as a small contest with 25 teams. A pulled pork dinner fed 200. In 2015, 70 plus competition teams are expected and more than 2000 will be fed Friday night between the “People’s Choice’ event and free pork sandwiches from Roberts Ranch and the National Pork Board. An Art show and the Little Miss Red Dirt Contest are additional that events that have become part of the weekend. Six different organizations now benefit from this event. Habitat for Humanity Miracle League Enid Noon Ambuc AmTyrkes Garfield County Domestic Violence Task Force Enid and Area School Art Departments Enid Art Association The 10th annual Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ is April 1718, 2015.

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Merry Christmas, Enid. What a great year in fashion for E-town: With of Fashion week and fashion show; hot spots maps for Spring and Winter. Plus our features on our very own Enid designers. Not to mention Muncys great fashion spreads this year. This has been a dream come true for this fashionista. Some day I would love a stand alone E-town fashion magazine. But until that happens please enjoy the recaps of our wonderful Fashion sponsors during fashion week. Merry Christmas and a have leopard print year!

Cathy Nulph

Knott: Just an Artist By Jena Kodesh Photos Provided

Engaging in opportunities to create energizes the spirit of Bryce M. Knott, a former AP visual art student and 2010 graduate of Enid High School. Bonus gratification follows when others admire his work. Knott has created multiple murals which include lettering along with whimsical and realistic design. Bryce will tell you that he is – just an artist. However, Sam Peart owner of Light and Salt Massage describes Knott as a transformer. Knott’s murals grace the walls of baby nurseries, restaurants, corporate offices, and a beauty salon. Yet, his most intriguing public art is the 10’ X 11’ mural room in Tonkawa, OK. Upon entering the massage room, viewers feel as if they have stepped into another world. The massage room was transformed into a bamboo

hut with views of ocean, mountains, and rainforest. Complete with painted bamboo furniture, and foliage painted window shades. Knott’s artwork does not stop with murals. He has illustrated a children’s book and sold hundreds of art pieces online. Bryce is a humble man, yet a bold uninhibited artist whose emotionally charged realism is becoming a recognizable trademark. The artist explains, “Ever since I was a young boy I’ve been drawing, painting, and creating. My intent is to put feeling into living.” When Knott is not creating art, he can be found researching art forms. Recently Knott’s interest was captured by the history of Hobo Nickels. These coins originated from Hobos who transformed found

coins into artwork which they would trade for necessities. Knott continues their art by using primitive, homemade tools. His nickels have become popular items both online and at trade shows. Currently Bryce has acquired a passion for painting portraits. His excellent fine motor skills team with his keen eye for detail so that he paints rapidly. Knott is able to paint a portrait from life in about 45 minutes. His paintings express his concentration on capturing realistic light, reflection and shadow. Knott, just an artist, transforms visual planes into realistic emotion. Contact the artist by emailing bryce65@hotmail.com.

“We’re Cleaning Up Enid!” by Elaine Bigge Photos by Cammeron Kaiser If you were to tell Ronnie and Gwen Valdez twenty years ago that they would be owners and managers of the largest dry cleaning business in the city of Enid, they wouldn’t have believed you. It was a phone call in the spring of 1998 from a friend that led them down the path to where they are today. “My friend knew of someone try-

Now in its 16th year of business under Valdez ownership, Heritage Cleaners brings customers remarkable service and years of experience. They even have an employee that has worked at the business longer than they have. When Ronnie purchased Heritage Cleaners, employee Guylene Baggitt had been working with the previous owner. “I joke with her that I bought her, when I bought the plant,” says Ronnie. “That was the best bargain in town.” Baggitt brings 25 years of dry cleaning experience to the

ing to sell a dry cleaners business,” says Ronnie. “ They thought I could buy it, reorganize it and turn it into something manageable. I didn’t have a clue about the dry cleaning business at the time but after I cleaned it up I thought it looked pretty good so I decided to keep it.”

business. Gwen and Ronnie speak incredibly highly of Baggitt as well as their other employees. “I think that our standout is that our employees know their customers very well and we are all about service,” says Gwen. “We go out of our way to do what is best for our customers. If they have an issue, we fix it.” To ensure complete customer satisfaction, all employees go through a detailed training process. “The girls at the counter have to know what goes where,” says Gwen.

“They are trained to assess your garment, and know what cleaning is best. You really have to know your fabrics, your spotting issues and the spotting treatments. There is a lot going on behind the scenes. We pride ourselves on knowing what is best for the clothing; therefore, what is best for our customers.” Customer Russ Frazee has been going to Heritage Cleaners for more than ten years now. “They did a great job the first time I went in, so I just kept going back,” says

Frazee. “They are speedy, very friendly and always do a great job. If I leave something in my pockets, which I normally do, they make sure to put it aside in a bag for me.” Since Ronnie and Gwen took ownership of Heritage Cleaners, it has expanded to three locations. Currently the business consists of a drop off store on Willow (Heritage Hills), another drop off store on Oakwood (La Mesa) and the Randolph location which is the plant as well as a drop off location. Just recently Heritage Cleaners installed two new machines, the Unipress Lightning Series Shirt Press and Sleever as well as the IPURA Dry Cleaning Machine. “I love our plant,” says Ronnie. “We are excited for our new machines. They are all up to date, all green and super efficient and will help increase productivity.” Heritage Cleaners is all about convenience for the customers. With a motto of “in by 4pm and out by 4pm the next day” as well as three convenient locations, what more could you ask for? “Customer satisfaction is our priority,” says Gwen. “Our customers love it when they can drop off their clothes and we know their names and how they want their clothes processed. Expert customer service, with a smile; that is what Heritage Cleaners is all about.”

SNB presents the Vance-Enid Partnership Page 1

Col Clark Quinn & Ms. April Danahy

CMSgt Peter Speen & Ms. Paula Nightengale

CMSAF James Cody, Ms. Melody Shiflet, Mr. George Pankonin & Mrs. Athena Cody

Mr. Chris Daniels & Mrs. Athena Cody

CMSAF James Cody & Mayor Bill Shewey

Col Clark Quinn & Mr. George Pankonin

1 Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody, speaks to Vance Airmen during an Airmen’s Call at the Armed Forces Reserve Center Oct 13. Cody spent two days at Vance visiting work centers, meeting with base leadership, and thanking Enid community leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta) 2 Student pilots from Vance inspect the B-29 Superfortress “Fifi” at Woodring Regional Airport, Enid, Oklahoma, Sept 22. Fifi is the only operational B-29 in the world and is used to educate people about the history of the B-29s as it flies around the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nancy Falcon)

Photos by Tana Garrison

The Enid SPCA was the beneficiary of nearly $10,000 in donations from two fun fundraisers. Paula Nightengale and David Hume of Park Avenue Thrift were big supporters of both functions.

3 Staff Sgt. Nichole Curran, the 71st Weather Flight NCO in-charge and an Enlisted Spouses Group member, loads a donation box at the Enid, Oklahoma, Young Women’s Christian Association Sept. 12. Members of the ESG gathered donations of clothing, towels, blankets, soaps, feminine products, dental care items, laundry detergent and dish soap. The items gathered were from a list provided by the YWCA of the most-needed products. The YWCA provides shelter for women coming out of abusive relationships as they settle into homes and offers confidence-building programs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta) 4 Members of Team Vance perform dances with Zumba inspiration during the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Oct. 2 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nancy Falcon) 5 Airmen from Aerospace Physiology simulate a parachute drag for a Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training student during parachute landing fall training here Oct. 10. The Vance chaplain corps takes these training opportunities to introduce themselves and their services to new students. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nancy Falcon)

First, this year’s Enid Paws 4 the Cause Dachshund Dash raised $7220 for the Enid SPCA with their yearly racing weenie dogs at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center. The committee of April Danahy, Lynne Benkendorf, Jonie Ehrman, Steve Barnes and Frank Baker called this year’s event a huge success!

6 Senior Airman Danielle Jamison, a 71st Medical Group mental health technician, practices interview skills with a co-worker Sept. 30 at Mental Health. Jamison is the 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month for September. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta) 7 Col. John Menozzi, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, left, Staff Sgt. James Bolinger, the 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Office NCO in charge, crouching, and Maj. Craig Christ, a 33rd Flying Training Squadron, instructor pilot right, watch as George Pankonin, the local Air Force Association chapter president, lines up a putt during a golf tournament at the Oakwood Country Club in Enid, Oklahoma. The yearly tournament creates an opportunity for community leaders to meet base personnel in a social environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta)

Secondly, the annual Dogtown Block Party, with a Park Avenue match, gifted the Enid SPCA with $2600 in dog tag donations from its neighborhood bash. Hosts David and Cheri Ezzell, Nancy Roeming, Ben and Stephanie Ezzell, Dan and Teresa Washburn, Patrick Neville and Lenita Krejci, Riley and Stela Jantzen and Frank Baker and Carmen Ball were pleased to have a grand party and help out our furry pals as well.

8 A contractor guides the new visual system for the T-6A Texan II flight simulators, Virtual Image Takeoff and Landing 1100, in the 71st Operations Group building at Vance Air Force Base Sept. 22. Students can expect to fly the new simulators beginning Oct. 27. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta) 9 Senior Airman Yenia Ortega-Flores, a 71st Communications Flight knowledge operations manager, reads a computer work order Sept. 5. On Sept. 1 the 71st Communications Squadron became a flight.

Paula Nightengale, Lynne, Benkendorf, April Danahy

Through The Camera eye In a few years, it is going to be worthwhile to look back on this period in time and study the minds of some of the most interesting movie psychopaths in recent film history. I saw two films recently that seemed to argue that psychological cinema is going to become rather important, at least during this Oscar season. David Fincher (Seven, The Social Network) has returned with another adaptation based on a recent piece of genre fiction that was loved by the general public and not quite so loved by the literary elite,

there is more than enough material to write several articles about what Fincher has done for genre films, but that isn’t my aim at the moment. I want to talk about the film in all of its marriage-critiquing, media-despising, voyeur-accusing glory. Gone Girl is the cinematic equivalent of an open-hand slap to the face, followed by a smirk and a shrug of the shoulders that says, “What were you expecting?” There is little I feel like I can truly say without giving away the film’s central conceit, so my compliments to it are going to sound more like bullet points than I would prefer, but here we go. Have fun connecting the dots. Whatever your opinion is on marriage

his previous attempt at doing this being the 2011 adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. So, before we even get into discussing the merits of the film, the cerebral director has invited plenty of discussion already, regarding the distinctive qualities of genre storytelling and storytelling as an art form, and whether or not the two can overlap. Fincher has been accused of falling on both sides of that line, and standing directly on top of it, like a king of the hill making fun of the angry, screaming children on either side of him. Anyway,

in today’s social climate, this film has many issues with it, and it feels no shame in bringing them to the forefront, unlike some more subtle films that would let those questions simmer underneath it all. Subtlety, however, has not usually been Fincher’s focus, and if it can be difficult to find in the rest of his filmography, this film makes it like trying to find a needle in a haystack, while the media and your psychopathic spouse simultaneously invade your haystack trying to take your precious needle away from you. Gone Girl also shows no delicacy in its critique of the powerful ignorance of the media, and the terrifyingly dumb results that one might see in public reaction. In the wake of the Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman trials and

the chaos seen in Ferguson, this material surpasses dark comedy and becomes a tragedy of the human condition. Fincher is working on the same level here as Scorsese was with The Wolf of Wall Street. Both directors are not just content with the refusal to point fingers at the bad people in their films. They point the finger at the audience and exclaim that we are to blame for this megalomania, this particular brand of psychopathy. And while I compare Gone Girl to Scorsese’s film as a compliment, the similarity also means that it isn’t likely to reap many rewards this Oscar season. The Academy doesn’t like this kind of bitterness. No matter. Gone Girl is still one of the best films of the year. Jake Gyllenhaal’s new psychologi-

cal thriller Nightcrawler can scarcely be discussed without referencing another Martin Scorsese film, his masterpiece Taxi Driver in this instance. Like cabbie Travis Bickle, freelance video journalist Louis Bloom is a man so desperate for praise that he goes to psychopathic lengths in his personal work to achieve it. My favorite way to compare both films is in the way that they handle violence as it relates to their specific moments in American society. Travis Bickle actively murders people, face to face, in the open world. This was appropriate for a decade fresh off of the public’s first true knowledge of the horrors of war (horrors Travis had likely seen first-hand), provided to them by a more intense kind of journalism in Vietnam then had ever been seen before. However, Louis Bloom lives in the 21st century and is entirely conscious of the contradiction between the death of privacy and the anonymity of the internet. He has no need for a gun; he has a camera. All he has to do to reduce someone to their lowest point possible is film them in their most needful moments, refusing to assist, and then sell the footage for the public to see. This character is Travis Bickle moved entirely away from any final desire to assimilate to the world around him; this is Travis Bickle in the last twenty minutes of Taxi Driver, letting his rage run wild on the world with a camera, a vocabulary, and a grin that will burn itself into your fears about the modern world. Dan Gilroy, making his feature-film debut, lets this all play out perfectly, not a moment too rushed, and James Newton Howard provides a frighteningly optimistic score that underlines Louis’s faith in himself.

There are still a few problems here, unfortunately. What kept Taxi Driver from wandering into territory that becomes redundant and detached from the audience was a sense that Travis was developing, over the course of the film, into the monster we see at the end. Louis begins Nightcrawler as a sociopath. And while this does aid in the critique that society allows this kind of anti-social to perpetuate, it takes away from the personality that could bring this story that much closer to home. Given this detriment, Gyllenhaal still generates a terrifyingly engaging performance very deserving of an Oscar nod. Birdman, from what I know (why can’t I find any screenings in Oklahoma?!), isn’t as easily grouped into this category of psychologycentric cinema, but it definitely seems to have some broken psyches within it. The upcoming film Foxcatcher, however, is another thriller to watch out for, one that will provide another angle in the current battle of broken and twisted film figures. I’m eager to see what particular brand of crazy will be rewarded with Oscar gold.

Corey Clayton Financial Advisor From grappling and takedowns to budgets and retirement plans, no matter his career; Corey Clayton has pursued his passion for helping people. A teacher and head wrestling coach for fifteen years, Clayton now is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor. He is still teaching and coaching, just no longer on the mats. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Clayton first moved to Enid in 1994 to teach and be the Head Wrestling Coach at Enid High School. “During that time I met a lot of people that have changed my life, including my wife Shannon (Perry) Clayton.” In 1999 the two moved to Tulsa where Clayton continued to teach and be the Head Wrestling Coach at Tulsa Union. “As a teacher I set my sights on teaching my students and athletes the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them,” explains Clayton. “By 2009 I felt like we had accomplished several of the goals that we had set for our kids and our wrestling program. We had won two state titles and made the national top 40 rankings three years in a row. I decided it was a good time to purse my original interest in business.” So

Clayton went back to school to work on his Masters in Business Administration. “My interest in business soon turned into a passion for finance.” While studying for his M.B.A., Clayton jumped at an opportunity to return to Enid as the General Manager at Advanced Water Solutions. The move brought Clayton’s wife, who is from Waukomis, and their three children closer to family. “When I discovered that Edward Jones would allow me to combine my two passions, finance and helping people, it became a natural transition into Edward Jones and the financial services,” explained Clayton. Clayton has been with Edward Jones for nearly a year now. He says his experiences before becoming an Edward Jones Financial Advisor have already proven valuable.

“For example, “For example, running running a small small business business provided provided me with with the the experience I need to help people work toward their retirement goals and help small businesses establish a retirement plan for the owners and their employees.” employees.” Clayton Clayton is is driven driven and and a hard hard worker, traits inherited from his parents. Growing up money was tight. After Clayton’s father retired from more than 20 years of service in the Air Force, both his parents 58

worked worked two jobs jobs to provide provide the the family with a higher quality of life. “It was my parents’ willingness to do what they needed to do to support the family that shaped my work ethic. It has also made me

appreciate appreciate time time with with my family,” family,” adds Clayton. Clayton has an insatiable appetite for learning and enjoys meeting with clients to work together to meet their financial

goals. He is excited to be an Edward Jones Financial Advisor because that means he will have the opportunity to help people like you. “I believe that one of the keys to reaching the highest levels of success is to have passion in what you do,” says Clayton. “I have a passion for helping people. That has shaped my working career and that is one of the things that led me to Edward Jones.”

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

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Happy Holidays From Lynne, Frank, Cathy & ThĂŠOtis

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