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CHARLES LIPPS Charles “Chuck” Lipps was born and raised in Enid, OK, and he moved to Fairview, OK, in 2006.

He graduated from Oklahoma State University, and he has worked at Wymer-Brownlee since 2005. He is married to Misti Stafford, and together they have 4 children, Dalyn, Jarin, KayDee, and Dylan. He is also a grandfather to 6.

In addition to his career at WymerBrownlee, he’s been a pilot since 1993. He goes to the air show in Oshkosh, WI, every year, and he helps fly adopted animals to their owners across the United States through Pilots N Paws. He is also the owner of the well-known, and well-loved, Settlers Brewing Company and is involved with the Gaslight Theatre in Enid.

He is also the Vice Mayor of Fairview, OK, and he’s active in the Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church. His wife, Misti StaffordLipps shares, “He makes me laugh every day and always sees the best in people” and that “He listens without judgement and makes people feel heard and validated.”

He wears many hats and has an impact in Enid, Oklahoma, and beyond, and for those reasons, “Chuck” is undoubtedly a Local Legend.

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EnidMONTHLY APRIL 2026 | VOL. 7 • NO. 4

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LOCAL LEGENDS..........................

Charles Lipps LETTER FROM THE EDITOR...........

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Advancements in Knee and Hip Joint Replacement Surgery: A Leap Towards Enhanced Mobility and Quality of Life

4 PUZZLE ANSWERS..................20 RE LIFE................................. 21 COVER STORY.............................6 DOWNING'S DOODLES.................

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Recent Rental Trends

Stories of our Own

ADULT BOOK REVIEW.................

The Secret of Secrets ADULT BOOK REVIEW................

My Bohemian Kitchen

CROSSWORD PUZZLE..............

Enid Author Fest SIMPLE PLEASURES.................

Spring

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Spring Into Something New

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Publisher: Robert R. Faulk Editor: Blake Reese Designer: Deanna Parton Advertising Director: Jillian Baker

109 E. Randolph, Enid OK 73701 405.826.0418

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For ad placement, specifications and rates, contact: Robert R. Faulk @ 405.826.0418 or robert@enidmonthly.com Jillian Baker @ 580-603-1877 or advertising@enidmonthly.com

Enid Monthly is a monthly publication by Enid Monthly, LLC serving Enid and Garfield County. Enid Monthly is free to the public. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Enid Monthly is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, photography, books, or any other material that is submitted for possible publication.

4 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

LETTER from the EDITOR We are now in the full swing of Spring! With Spring comes warmer BL weather, longer days, and more of A K E R EESE a drive to get out and enjoy ourselves. This month’s cover story highlights a way to do just that! Whether you’re looking to get involved by joining a new organization, community, or club, or even just getting out to attend an event and socialize, this month’s cover story has a few suggestions in mind. And as if breaking routine and getting out of the house isn’t exciting enough, the story also has a heavy emphasis on all things local! So, break away from your normal day-to-day and that now dated winter routine, embrace spring and change, and have fun! Attend the Author Fest, join a club, and take charge of your story!

Blake Reese Editor, Enid Monthly

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 5

Storytelling, the act of telling or writing stories, is one of the world’s oldest arts. For thousands of years, humans have shared stories whether passed down through word of mouth, carved onto the walls of caves, or written down in a book.

Stories have the ability to bind people together. They can make you laugh, cry, or even take action.

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), authentic storytelling can feel like it's hard to come by. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Original, creative, thought-provoking writing is still in abundance and can even be found in our own backyard!

Oklahoma has a history of great storytellers. One of Oklahoma’s most famous authors is Tulsa-native Susan Eloise (S.E.) Hinton who authored The Outsiders. For many, The Outsiders was part of your required school reading and served as an introduction to young adult fiction. According to Hinton’s personal website, 6 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

she writes that what she likes the most about The Outsiders is that “it taught a lot of kids to enjoy reading.”

The strong legacy of storytelling continues on with authors across Oklahoma today. Luckily for residents in Enid, the annual Enid Author Fest spotlights these talented Oklahoman authors and shines a light on the importance of storytelling.

Enid Author Fest The Enid Public Library is excited to host its annual Enid Author Fest! This event will be hosted at the Enid Public Library on Saturday, April 16, 2026.

Originally started in 2016, Enid Author Fest seeks to bring together authors from across Oklahoma for a day to celebrate the stories these vibrant authors have brought to life. Authors represent a variety of genres - fantasy, romance, historical non-fiction, sci-fi, and so much more.

Theri Ray, Director of the Enid Public Library, shares how events like Enid Author fest, “celebrates how important it is

to be able to tell your story and share your story.”

During the event, attendees can interact with authors, attend select readings, purchase books including signed copies, and enjoy camaraderie with fellow readers and writers. For individuals interested in purchasing a copy of a book from their favorite Oklahoman authors, cash is typically accepted by each author, in addition to card payment. Visit the Enid Public library’s website or Facebook page for more information.

Local Authors Highlighted Enid Author Fest shines a spotlight on the wonderful Oklahoman authors that are right in our own backyard. One of such authors, Amy Prokopis, shared her insight on what it means to be an author. To Amy, Paranormal Romance and Romantasy author, she, “always loved stories and knew writing would be a part of my life. I was probably about seven when I learned that authors were people who wrote books for a living. My goal was not just to publish my own book, but to make writing my career.”

Amy has certainly made a career out of writing - she has published ten books including titles such as Curse of Wings and Darkness and Trial of Flame and Wings. Amy is currently working on her eleventh book and uplifted that she is, “so thankful for the continued growth of my [her] career.” As an author at previous Enid Author Fests, Amy highlighted that, “each year it has gotten larger. I’ve always loved being part of the community in this way and connecting with other authors and readers.” To stay up to date on Amy’s latest work, visit amyprokopis.com .

Erin Eiden, Sci-Fi and Fantasy young adult novelist, always loved reading, humorously sharing, “maybe even a little too much if that's possible. My parents would take away reading time whenever I got in trouble when I was younger.” This love of reading led to her first

writing experience, “writing fanfiction for the Vampire Academy novels back when I was in middle school.”

This background laid the foundation that would eventually lead Erin to publish her first novel, Hypersomnia, which is available on Amazon or Kindle. Erin enjoys writing about, “anything with magic, technology, and a touch of romance…”

These elements manifest themselves in Hypersomnia as protagonist Kaia must use her time travel capabilities and team up with a handsome magical being and group of scientists to save her parents from a coma. To connect with Erin, you can follow her Instagram account at @erineidenauthor or visit her website erineiden.com.

What Makes a Good Story For many people, what they consider a good story differs - perhaps it’s the characters, the plot, the setting etc.. In that sense, Amy shares that, “what makes a good story can be highly subjective,” but from her perspective, “it boils down to relatability mixed with a little universal fantasy.” Afterall, who doesn’t appreciate elements of a story that transport somebody from their everyday life! In this sense, Amy thinks that “universal fantasy provides readers with an escape, a common reason many read, and I think a big reason why romance books in particular are the bestselling genre in publishing.”

Erin emphasizes how important characters are to a good story. In particular, Erin believes, “if a reader can’t connect with your characters in some way, shape, or form, they probably won’t connect with your writing.” To this end, Erin encourages writers to, “definitely spend time thinking out what makes characters unique and relatable,” but notes that, “that they don’t necessarily have to be likeable.”

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 7

Advice to New Writers There is a story in all of us and for those interested in taking the next step to share it, it can be nerve wracking to know where or how to start. Amy passes along two pieces of advice to writers. The first is to, “read as much as you can. Read things outside of your personal experience, read about people who are different from you, and read widely within the genre you would like to write.” For those in Enid, we are lucky to have such a wide variety of books to pick from at the public library in addition to fabulous selection at bookstores like Putnam Six, located in Sunset Plaza or Ruth’s Christian Bookstore.

Amy’s second piece of advice is to, “put words on a blank page and know that the first draft is always terrible, no matter who writes it. If you keep creating, you will improve.”

While sitting down with a blank page can seem daunting at first, there are resources available in Enid, like the Enid Writers Club, that make you feel supported.

Erin quoted Nike when asked about her advice to individuals interested in writing - “Just Do It.” She encourages new writers to simply, “sit down and try it out,” and reassures their apprehension by saying, “there is someone out there that is going to love reading your story and will be so happy that you sat down and took the time to write it.”

Getting Involved Beyond Enid Author Fest For existing book lovers, or someone interested in getting back into reading, there is a book club for you at the library! The Enid Public Library currently boasts four book clubs: the Banned/Challenged Book Club, a Sci-Fi Book Club, a Romance Book Club, and the Fourth Tuesday Book Club. The Fourth Tuesday 8 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

Book club gets together and picks a new book each month, which can be from different genres.

Perhaps you are already part of a book club or want to start one with your friends or colleagues, the library has a collection of books your club can borrow. Theri Ray highlights these book club bags, located upstairs at the library, as a great option, “ if you wanted to have a book club with your friends, you could come and pick a book… most of them have some sort of discussion guide in there, so that you and your friends can read a book together and then talk about it.”

Beyond reading, the library also hosts the Teen Creative Writing Club, which is open to ages 11-17. The Teen Creative Writing Club will meet on April 7th at 5pm.

Teens are encouraged to bring a pen and notebook, or use ones offered at the library, and enjoy time spent together writing with access to snacks. The goal of the club is to exchange tips with other writers, share your work for feedback, and explore your creativity. The club meets monthly and the schedule can be found in-person at the library or on the Enid Public Library website.

In addition to the Teen Writing Club, the library also participates in National Novel Writing Month, which happens annually in November. Last year, National Writing Month challenged adults to write 50,000 words for the month of November and issued a daily writing challenge for youth.

Theri Ray shared that one of the youth participants in this challenge, who was also a Teen Creative Writing Club member, wrote a story of over 30,000 words and went on to publish their story!

Enid Writers Club For individuals who would currently refer to themselves as authors or to individuals looking to explore their writing,

there is no better place than Enid Writers Club.

Enid Writers club has the privilege of being the oldest writing club in Oklahoma - it's over 100 years old!

According to their website, Enid Writers Club was founded in 1923 by a Philips University Professor.

for your next read. Depending on the size of your book club, perhaps you could even ask the author for a private reading at your next get-together, or for them to share a list of discussion questions they would pose to their readers about the book.

For individuals interested in how to become an author themselves, certainly connect with Enid Writers Club, the Teen Creative Writing Club at the library, and keep an

This club, which typically meets on the first Thursday of each month, is a writing support and social hub. Individuals of all genres can expect to share their writing with others through eye out for National Novel Writing Month. Beyond informal critique sessions, share these incredible resources, Erin Eiden recommends support and tips, as well as gain inspiration. reading The First 50 Pages: Engage Agents, Editors and Throughout the year, the club also hosts special events such as monthly speakers, a fall workshop, Readers, and Set Your Novel Up for Success by Jeff Gerke. a Christmas party, writing contests, and an annual banquet. This book provides writers insights into how to hook readers and potential publishers with your novel.

Each year the Enid Writers Club hosts its Short Story With so many ways to get involved, the art of storytelling Scholarship competition for high school students who will can continue with you. Everyone has a voice, and if you're be attending college, university, or technical school in the interested in learning to share it, Theri Ray encourages following school year. Every year, the Enid Writers you to, “Come to Author Fest, get inspired, get ready,” and Club selects a theme for the short story entries. then “get a jump start on your novel in November and…be For the 2026 competition, which has already passed, the theme was for students to write ready to share it back next year!” about an unexpected hero. Individuals interested in submitting an entry for next year’s competition should keep an eye out on the Enid Writers Club website, Enidwriters.club, around January 2027.

Time to Get Started!

With so many inspiring voices in our community and across Oklahoma, you might be looking for that next step you can take to support local storytellers.

One step to consider is to select a local book for your next book club pick. You can do this by organizing a visit to Enid Author Fest with your book club. This is a great way to mix up your standard book club event, attend some readings, and maybe even pick up a signed book copy ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 9

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Adult Book Review

Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore

The Secret of Secrets

Author: Dan Brown | Rating: STARSTARSTARSTARStar As you can tell by my last name, I am one of the many Fuksas in the area, and I’ve found that as I’ve gotten older, I am more and more interested in my Czech ancestry. I don’t exactly have the time or money to visit Czechia at the moment, so I did the next best thing: I went there in a book. Author Dan Brown published The Secret of Secrets in September 2025, and shortly after, the New York Times wrote that the book “could be read almost as a guide to Prague.” I thought, “This is perfect!”

The Secret of Secrets is the sixth novel in the Robert Langdon series, and this time, the symbologist is in Prague to attend a lecture by scientist Katherine Solomon, his new girlfriend. Katherine studies human consciousness and is about to release a groundbreaking new book on the subject. Things become highly suspicious the following day, though, when all copies of Katherine’s manuscript, including on her publisher’s database, are destroyed – and Katherine herself goes missing. Add to that, there’s a rogue member of the Czech national intelligence service, a competing scientist who is gruesomely killed, and a US ambassador who was placed in the position under rather dubious circumstances. Somebody – or something – definitely doesn’t want Katherine’s work to get out.

This was my first Dan Brown book, and I really did enjoy the twisty, puzzle-like nature of it. There were lots of characters, and it really built the suspense to alternate between their different perspectives. I do think the book could have been shaved down some from its 670 pages, and I did skim a bit when the parts about human consciousness got really deep into the weeds. My goal for this book, though, was to “visit” Czechia, and I do feel like it achieved that. I learned history and geography and lore – all while enjoying a well-crafted, edge-of-your-seat thriller.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580297-5089 to get your copy of The Secret of Secrets today!

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Adult Book Review Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore

My Bohemian Kitchen

Author: Evie Harbury | Rating: STARSTARSTARSTARStar You’ll have to forgive me, please, for not doing a children’s book, but I thought the two books I’ve selected this month just paired so well together. Evie Harbury is a chef and food stylist who divides her time between London and the Bohemia region of Czechia.

In September 2025, she released her debut cookbook, titled My Bohemian Kitchen: A Nostalgic Guide to Modern Czech Cooking.

I obviously know sauerkraut and kolaches, but I wanted to get a “taste” of so much more.

Harbury opens the book with some wonderful introductory sections – a brief history of Czechia, a little bit about her own family, and a list of some of the common ingredients and themes in Czech cuisine. The recipes themselves are divided into eight parts, ranging from appetizers and main dishes to baked goods and beverages, and they all have a small paragraph

ENID AUTHOR FEST IS APRIL 16

by Patrick Jordan

ACROSS 1. Arrests 5. Having the lowest quality 10. Religious offshoot group 14. Soothing lotion liquid 15. Slack off slowly 16. You're reading one now 17. Like a snail's pace 18. Varnish ingredient 19. Lasso cord 20. Pose a question 21. Oklahoma creator of ten novels (2 wds.)

23. Apple centers 25. Made angry 26. Pale in the face 28. Post-___ drip (cold symptom) 30. Avoid getting caught by 31. Former Japanese audio brand 32. Auction off 36. Recede, as the tide 37. Underlying meaning in a book 40. ___ de Janeiro, Brazil 41. Eyelid hair 43. Butterfly-catching tools 44. Creature from another planet 46. In a bizarre way 48. Like Marilyn Monroe, famously 49. Cosmetics legend Lauder 51. Witherspoon of film fame 52. ___ Club (support group for budding authors): 2 wds.

55. "No ___, ands, or buts" 58. "___ boy!" ("Nice job!")

59. Lorna ___ (cookie brand) 60. Slobbering dog in "Garfield" 61. Horse's slow run

62. Hooting bird's baby 63. Departed 64. "Auld Lang ___" 65. Hurricane-force winds 66. Reaches a conclusion DOWN 1. Moon landing org. (Abbr.)

2. "___ fair in love and war" 3. The Enid Public Library hosts four of them (2 wds.)

4. Imitate Betsy Ross 5. Microwaved briefly 6. Follows orders 7. Talk like Popeye 8. Swirl a spoon in 9. High-pitched brass woodwind, briefly (2 wds.)

10. Moves down a web page 11. Get married secretly 12. Cherub on Valentine cards 13. Golfer's ball balancers 21. The Ram of the zodiac 22. Korean car company 24. Far from youthful 26. Prepare an orange for snacking 27. Jessica of the "Fantastic 4" series 28. ___-gritty (core facts) 29. Leaves speechless with amazement 31. Cain's unlucky brother 33. Oklahoma novelist of "Hypersomnia" (2 wds.)

34. Committed perjury 35. Having no companions 38. Unlikely winner 39. Stories 42. Romantic night out (2 wds.)

45. ___ Angeles, California 47. Droplets on morning lawns 48. Flat French caps

at the top telling a little bit more about it. There are lots of food photos throughout, but Harbury also includes family photos, stretching from the 1950s to the 2000s, with short captions underneath.

Now, in full transparency, I have not made anything from this cookbook yet – it remains a reading cookbook for me at the moment. My one complaint is the font choices for some of the book. I understand wanting something unique and edgy – lower-cased bohemian, if you will – but surely there were better, more readable options for headings and notes and the like.

Fear not, you can still make everything out for the most part; it was just an odd stylistic choice. Aside from that, I really enjoyed reading and looking through this cookbook, and I think for all of us Czechs in the area, this would be a really neat addition to have in your kitchen or bookshelf.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of My Bohemian Kitchen today!

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SIMPLE BY

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SPRINGTIME GATHERINGS There is no better time to plan a girls get-together than Spring! With the seasonal delights of Spring cleaning, warmer weather, and beautiful blooming nature, there are so many themes and fun activities to plan and share with your closest gals. Below are a couple of ideas to consider that can be as simple or involved as you desire. What do they all have in common? You are sure to create sweet memories to look back on with your friends!

Spring TRADING TRENDS Way back in middle school, I once hosted a “trading trends” party with my friends, where we each brought clothing we no longer wore or fit us and swapped clothes. It was an incredible way to reduce waste and save money, all while gaining fun, “new” items. Moving into this Spring, the same premise could make for a great get together with your gals!

You don’t need to limit it to just clothes though, you could pick other items such as books, kitchen items, house decor, or maybe even BACKYARD BRUNCH outdoor gear that you no longer use but still have life left. Especially for friends who have kids, this could be a fun way to swap kid gear One way to gather with the ladies this Spring is to host a back- whether that's bicycles, strollers, t-ball bats, and so much more. yard brunch on a sunny day. This is the perfect low-cost get-together because it can be hosted potluck style. There are a million fun No matter what decorations or food you host, the simple pleasure of brunch recipes but some of my favorites that I’ve made or had friends gathering friends to swap stories and create new memories together bring include a homemade quiche, sourdough cinnamon rolls, coffee is sure to help you savor the Spring. spread, DIY parfait bar, and, of course, monkey bread! Personally, I love rolling out some butcher block paper on the counter or table where people can place their food and use a marker to write out the name of the dish (and note any common allergens). This also gives the food spread a chic farmers market look!

If you don’t have designated patio furniture - don’t let that hold you back from hosting your friends! Nothing is more Pinterest-worthy than bringing your kitchen table and any chairs out to the back patio/yard, etc… If you don’t have enough seats, ask people to bring their lawn chairs! A lovely touch is to decorate the table with any candles you have on hand, fresh flowers from your yard or garden, and bonus points for cottage-core thrifted platters and plates.

If you plan to host a backyard brunch for a baby shower or birthday, Canva has wonderful free invites that you can customize. I typically save my Canva invite as a photo and text it to my friends. For more formal events, you can save the free invite you design and then print at Walmart for an affordable price.

16 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 17

FOCUS

ON

Wellness News from

ADVANCEMENTS IN KNEE AND HIP JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY: A Leap Towards Enhanced Mobility and Quality of Life The knee and hip joints are crucial for maintaining mobility and performing daily activities.

However, they are susceptible to wear and tear, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis, which erodes the protective cartilage, causing pain, stiffness and reduced function. In such cases, joint replacement surgery emerges as a possible option to relieve pain and restore normal joint function.

These surgeries have become increasingly common, offering a new lease on life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain and impaired mobility.

Edgar Fike IV, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, discusses the need for knee and hip replacement surgery and the latest surgical techniques.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain and potential joint deformities.

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Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a serious knee injury.

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Hip fractures, often resulting from accidents or falls.

How are these surgeries performed? ●

Robot-assisted surgery can offer enhanced accuracy, which can result in improved outcomes and reduced recovery times.

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Customized implants can enhance the precision and fit of the prosthetic joint, optimizing overall functionality.

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The use of advanced materials, such as highperformance plastics and metal alloys, can contribute to the durability and longevity of knee implants.

Is rehabilitation an important part of the recovery process?

What conditions benefit from knee and hip replacement surgeries? ●

Osteoarthritis leads to the breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness.

18 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the success of knee and hip replacement surgeries. Physical therapy programs are tailored to each patient's needs, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles and promoting a gradual return to normal activities.

Patients who undergo knee and hip replacement surgery can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. Reduced pain, increased joint function and enhanced mobility can contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

What is the Joint Replacement Institute?

The Joint Replacement Institute is a specialized unit that is dedicated to providing efficient, personalized, quality care to people who’ve had joint replacement surgery. Our program is made up of an experienced team of medical professionals who provide clinical evidencebased patient care to help patients return to normal daily activities as quickly as possible.

The Joint Replacement Institute is proud to announce they have achieved The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. This certification was achieved by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care.

For a free physician referral, call 580-249-3741.

To learn more about the Joint Replacement Institute, visit stmarysregional.com/institute.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.

Physicians are on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

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ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 19

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

RE al Life

BY

MO

L LY N I C H

A OL

S

RECENT RENTAL TRENDS...

Recently the traditional floor plan of the American apartment is undergoing a radical, budget-driven transformation.

As of early this year, a growing number of renters are intentionally forgoing the "social heart" of the home—the living room—and converting it into an additional bedroom.

The primary driver is, unsurprisingly, the widening gap between wages and housing costs. Recent data shows that nearly half of U.S. renters are now "costburdened," spending more than 30% of their income on rent. In high-cost metros like Denver and Phoenix, many shared rentals now operate without a living room.

By installing a pressurized "temporary wall" or even high-end acoustic curtains, a two-bedroom apartment effectively becomes a three-bedroom. This allows roommates to split the total rent three ways instead of two, often slashing individual monthly expenses dramatically.

For many, this isn't just about "saving" money; it’s the only way to remain in design-conscious urban centers where the median rent continues to climb.

While the financial benefits are clear, the "vanished living room" trend comes with a significant cultural and psychological cost. Traditionally, the living room served as a decompression zone - a place to transition from "work mode" to "home mode." Without it, the social dynamics of a household shift dramatically. ●

Kitchen as the New Hub: With no sofa or TV area, the kitchen table or even the hallway becomes the only site for incidental interaction.

●

The "Silo" Effect: Residents often find themselves spending nearly all their home hours inside their private rooms. This can exacerbate feelings of isolation, especially for remote workers who no longer have a separate space to "leave" their office at the end of the day.

Interior design trends in 2026 are already pivoting to accommodate this lack of communal square footage. We are seeing a rise in: Intelligent Modularity: Furniture that serves triple duty, such as "Cloud Beds" that lift into the ceiling to reveal a desk or small sofa, allowing a bedroom to feel like a micro-studio. ● Warm Minimalism: Renters are using "renter-friendly" hacks like peel-and-stick arched mirrors and layered lighting to make these smaller, converted rooms feel intentional rather than cramped. ●

Ultimately, the sacrifice of the living room represents a shift in how we value space. In 2026, many renters have decided that a door that locks and a lower bill are more valuable than a communal couch they rarely have the time—or the budget—to enjoy.

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 21

BY

SOP

HIA FAU

LK

Teen SCENE

Spring Into Something New

Hi there, and welcome to Teen Scene in ENID MONTHLY. This past February, I had the opportunity to try something new. My new experience is one I will never forget, so I wanted to discuss why trying new things, especially in high school, is so important. Let’s go!!

I decided to write this article specifically for April because it is a great time/month for teens like us to try new things. Since April falls close to the end of the school year, everyday routines start to feel repetitive. I usually settle into my routine around the start of September, so you can only imagine how it feels 7 months later to do the same thing every day. But that is where new experiences come in. This year, I decided to join Enid High’s 2026 musical production of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. I had only done required music performances in elementary school, so this was extremely new to me. The practices were long, hard, and tiring, but I will never forget how much fun I had.

I got to sing, dance, and perform my heart out with some of my best friends, while entertaining a full audience of loved ones. I will never forget how many new people I met and how I got the chance to reset my mindset and get out of my repetitive routine. Now, joining something like a musical production might be too big for some teens to start, and that is okay! If you really think about it, spring itself encourages change.

The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and people feel more mo-

22 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

tivated to go outside and be active. So, start small, like joining a new club or trying a new hobby. Photography is a great hobby during April because flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are green, and you and your friends are probably tan (lol). If you want a more active experience, try going on walks with a couple of your besties or even jogging!

During this time, you can join a club or start a new hobby, with the ability to experiment to see if you like it before summer and the next school year hits. If you begin to love it, then continue it next year! If you hate it, then at least you gained a new experience. You never know, sometimes the things you try on a random day in April end up becoming friendships or opportunities you would have never expected.

Thank you for reading this month's article. I hope you enjoyed it!

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I hope you have a beautiful April and a Happy Easter. Lastly, remember to always be kind. See you next month! XOXO - Sophia.

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s ' d i n E E-vents APRIL 2026

APRIL 4 11 am–3 pm History Alive!

7:30 pm Trivia

7:30 pm Auto Racing: Sooner Late Models

APRIL 9

8:00 pm Live Music: The Revolt

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

10 am-5 pm

Tuesday-Saturday

The Art of the Wish – Temporary Exhibit

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)

APRIL 1 6:00 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

7 pm Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Muskogee Sky Kings Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)

7 pm Trivia

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 2 12 pm – 11 pm Thirsty Thursday Free Sample Tasting Rock Island Liquor & Wine (2705 Rock Island)

6–8 pm Trivia

Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)

6:30 pm Singo

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 2-4 Gladys Winters Prep Baseball Tournament David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)

APRIL 3 6-9 pm Main Street Enid’s First Friday Downtown Enid

28 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th)

Enid Speedway (312 E. Oxford)

APRIL 1-30

6:00 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

8 pm Live Music: Skeleton Station Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)

8:30 pm Drive-In Movie: Zootopia 2

Crosslin Park (1520 W. Oxford)

9:30 pm Karaoke

Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)

APRIL 8 3:15–4:15 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Day

Spirit Express (3104 N. Van Buren, Building B)

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

12 pm – 11 pm Thirsty Thursday Free Sample Tasting Rock Island Liquor & Wine (2705 Rock Island)

6–8 pm Trivia

Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)

6:30 pm Singo (music bingo)

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 10 6-9 pm Liquid History: Off the Vine

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.) Explore Oklahoma’s rich wine history.

If you would like a free listing for your event, please email robert@enidmonthly.com by the 5th of the month PRIOR to your event! Events are as accurate as possible as of print date. Please see VisitEnid.org for any updates/changes, or scan this QR code.

10 am-3 pm Shepherds Show ‘n Shine Custom & Classic Car Show

St. Paul’s Lutheran School (1626 E. Broadway)

10 am – 2 pm $1 Hot Dog Saturday

Atwoods (5400 W. Garriott)

6 pm Mad Dog Demo Derby

Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)

7 pm Eggstravaganza Rave

RED (302 E. Maple)

7 pm Piano Illusions

Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom

6:30 pm Enid Arts Council Gala: Grains of Creativity

(301 S. Independence) Showcasing musical mastery paired with theatrical flair, making it a must-see event for music lovers and families.

APRIL 10-11

7:30 pm Auto Racing: USL Sprints

Oakwood Country Club (1601 N. Oakwood)

9 am-7 pm Friday, 9 am-5 pm Saturday Hospice Circle of Love Book Sale Hospice Circle of Love (314 S. 3rd St.)

APRIL 11 9 am-12 pm Superhero Saturday

Meadowlake Park (1200 W. Rupe) Free miniature golf, paddle boats, games and fun activities for the entire family.

APRIL 11-12 Soccer: Jiffy Trip Youth Tournament Advance Soccer Complex (1526 S. Garland)

APRIL 14 4–6 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Night Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)

6:30 pm Singo

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 15

7:30 pm Symphony: Bon Voyage! Mozart in Jeans

7:30 pm Trivia

Enid Axe (104 N. Independence

6–8 pm Trivia

David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)

Enid Speedway (312 E. Oxford)

9:30 pm Karaoke

Rock Island Liquor & Wine (2705 Rock Island)

7 pm Baseball, Hot Dogs & Apple Pie: NWOSU vs. Southern Nazarene

6:00 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway) Next stop, Austria! Stroll through Salzburg in your jeans with works by Mozart and more.

12 pm – 11 pm Thirsty Thursday Free Sample Tasting

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 16 11 am-12 pm Veterans Coffee Social

Okla. Military History Exhibit (4125 W. Garriott)

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 29

E-vents

APRIL CONTINUED...

7 pm Bingo Loco Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom

Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)

7 pm An Emerald City Affair: Youth & Family Services 15th annual Charity Gala

6:00 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

9 am-4 pm Corvette Expo XXXV

APRIL 17

11 am–3 pm History Alive!

Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)

APRIL 22

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

APRIL 18

Baseball: Merrifield Office Plus Prep Tournament David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)

6 pm Craft Night Out

5-8 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Night

(301 S. Independence) A show with the mentality of a theatre performance & the energy of a festival.

Oakwood Country Club (1601 N. Oakwood)

APRIL 16-18

APRIL 20

Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue) Oklahoma’s largest indoor Corvette show.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th)

6 pm Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. ADS Sentinels Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)

8 pm Live Music: Skeleton Station Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)

9:30 pm Karaoke

Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)

APRIL 19 3 pm Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. ADS Sentinels Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)

7:30 pm Trivia

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 23 12 pm – 11 pm Thirsty Thursday Free Sample Tasting Rock Island Liquor & Wine (2705 Rock Island)

6–8 pm Trivia

Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)

6:30 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

30 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY

E-vents

APRIL CONTINUED...

APRIL 26

APRIL 30

3 pm Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs Potawatomi Fire

12 pm – 11 pm Thirsty Thursday Free Sample Tasting

Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)

APRIL 29 6:00 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

7:30 pm Trivia

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

APRIL 29 - MAY 1

Tri-State Music Festival throughout Enid

Rock Island Liquor & Wine (2705 Rock Island)

6–8 pm Trivia

Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)

6:30 pm Singo (Music Bingo)

Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

6:30 pm Live Theater: Robber’s Roost

Garber Dinner Theatre (402 Main, Garber)

APRIL 30 - MAY 3 Great American Conference Postseason Baseball Tournament

David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)

APRIL

APRIL 24

24-26

7 pm TBL Basketball, Enid Outlaws vs. Dallas Stampede

Friday 12-7 pm, Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm Enid Home Expo

Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)

APRIL 24-25 6:30 pm Live Theater: Robber’s Roost

Garber Dinner Theatre (402 Main, Garber)

8:00 pm Live Music: Skeleton Station Elk’s Lodge (700 W. Oxford)

Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)

APRIL 25 10 am – 2 pm $1 Hot Dog Saturday

Atwoods (5400 W. Garriott)

10 am-5 pm The Market Spring Craft Show

Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)

9:30 pm Karaoke

Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)

ENID MONTHLY | APRIL 2026 | 31

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32 | APRIL 2026 | ENID MONTHLY