KEEPING ENID SWEET, ONE TREAT AT A TIME
Even though Brad Nulph was born in Wichita, Kansas, he is Enid through and through. Brad attended Waller Jr. High and was the starting center on several Enid High football teams. He attended Oklahoma State University, and while there met Cathy Cuthriell, who was to become the love of his life. After graduation, Brad returned to Enid and was the staff manager for National Life Insurance, winning many awards for his work there. The Nulph’s moved to Virginia for a few years, to be closer to Cathy’s family, but made their way back to Enid as they missed the close community of Enid. Upon return, Brad went to work for the Enid News & Eagle where he has had several different roles, culminating in circulation manager, the position he has today.
While always great at his job, Brad’s spirit of volunteerism is what makes him a “Local Legend.” As a longtime member of the Enid Noon Ambucs, he is on a short list of the hardest working members, and biggest volunteers. He is often asked to be a member of the Board of Directors for Ambucs, has served as the President, and has headed up several large fundraising events, including the Red Dirt BBQ lunch. Because of his service to Ambucs, Brad has won project manager of the year, and the “Big Earl” Award twice. “Brad is a great friend whose positive attitude will make any situation better. I love having him on any committee because he can always be counted on to be dedicated to make the project a success,” said Anna Blubaugh, a past National Ambucs President.
Brad also was a founding member of the “Greybeards,” a group of ex Enid High Football Players who started a pregame tailgate before each home game to feed the coaches and student-athletes at no cost, and to raise money for the team.
Brad loves sports, and partnered with Chad McKee to call football games on the radio for several yers. He has coached little league football and baseball both here and in Virginia, for his two boys, Brock and Nick, and was happy to haul his daughter Holly to dance practice and recitals growing up.
Brad and Cathy have been married for 45 years (“he should get an award for that alone,” says Cathy) and they now have 8 grandkids to whom he is a doting grandfather.
If you know Brad, you know what a kind and humble person he is. He’s a great cook, family man, worker, and friend. He is truly a Local Legend.
Our cover story this month is about several local businesses that are trying to make it through a lot of hard times, price increases and changing customer wants, but the one thing that they all share, is that they are local. Local businesses are the lifeblood of the community. They support local organizations and causes and spend their own money here in town. Here at Enid Monthly, we are big supporters of all Enid businesses, but we do have a special place in our hearts for the local ones, so #shoplocal when you can, and let’s all support each other!
Robert Faulk Editor
August is a month full of special occasions that highlight sweet treats. From National Raspberry Cream Pie Day to National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, National Smores Day and National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, there are plenty of opportunities to sink your teeth into something tasty and plenty of places around Enid to find such delicacies. Four shops in particular offer not only sweet treats but a look behind the counter at the beginnings and missions behind the baking.
It’s rare to find delicious food that’s good for you and even more rare to find delicious food from farm-fresh ingredients, but both are the staples of the menu at Farmhouse Fresh Coffee Shop and Deli.
Since 2018, Farmhouse Fresh has been serving specials on its daily-changing menu made from scratch with ingredients raised on the 500-acre family farm or bought from farmers to put into handed-down recipes that have stood the test of time. As one might imagine, this is no small endeavor but for the Rink family a way of life that has grown to serve its customers their very best.
“We were on the forefront of buy fresh, buy local,” Paulette Rink, owner of Farmhouse Fresh, says. “We’ve been doing this for about 30 years before it was even popular, trying to direct products from
our farm to people who would be interested in buying it to give them something quality, something good and something they wouldn’t find many other places.”
The Rink family began selling their farm-fresh goods in larger cities across the state before hitting the road in a bus fashioned with freezers, dehydrators and refrigerators to process their fresh produce and bring them to more locations anywhere they stopped. Rink says the bus and eventual storefront that came to Enid in 2018 helped alleviate the problem of ways to grow the family business and make it more sustainable, which was compounded when they began putting their produce into meals and marketing that side of the business into what would become the Farmhouse Fresh Coffee Shop and Deli.
Of course, it takes more than ingredients to create a quality meal that leaves customers coming back and wanting more, which again was a family effort. Rink says she grew up learning to cook, preserve and save with her grandma, who also ran a restaurant and passed down many recipes Rink uses today along with some of her own modifications to provide full vegan and gluten-free menus that give customers healthy options.
“I’ve spent a lot of time developing recipes with healthier ingredients that still taste good or even better than the original,” Rink says. “Frito chili pie, taco salad and even cinnamon rolls sound ordinary until you’ve tried ours and can tell there’s something different in them that makes them taste great, and we’re glad to say it’s healthier for them.”
Farmhouse Fresh Coffee Shop and Deli offers organic teas and coffees, healthy lunch specials, homespun sweets like their signature cinnamon rolls, and even more a peace of mind that what you eat doesn’t just taste wholesome, but is, from the ingredients to the hands that prepare it.
It takes only a couple steps into the Five80 Coffeehouse to realize something is different.
It’s not the draft of fresh coffee or the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls or caramelitas made with love by baker Mary Jantz, but it’s a look around at the doctors and judges, homeless and broken enjoying their visit and being served by people who genuinely care.
came after experiencing Jesus for himself and wanting to share that hope with others. The former California surfer and pro beach volleyball player did ministry on Skid Row in Los Angeles which propelled him to want to reach others with the hope that saved him back at his roots in Northwest Oklahoma to prevent Skid Row from happening there, especially to the ones who might already feel like they’re at Skid Row.
“I’ve knocked on enough doors to find that all towns have elements of Skid Row just hidden and behind closed doors rather than open in the streets like L.A.,” Herrian says. “The only way to prevent it is to get the church outside of its four walls and to take the Gospel of Jesus to where the broken, lost and hurting are at to give them a chance at something different. It’s what changed my life and can change anyone’s life.”
Ricky Chance, manager of Five80 Coffeehouse, says the logo behind Forgotten Ministries is “the church has left the building” which is the mission behind each of the ministry’s outlets such as the coffeehouse for its servers to be ambassadors for Christ in hands-on settings and equip churches to go out and be the same.
The Five80 Coffeehouse opened its doors in 2011 as a high-end coffee shop and hub of Forgotten Ministries with the business model for its customers to pay as they could, accepting pay-it-forward donations to cover others’ meals while offering free water, tea, coffee and even lunches to those who couldn’t afford it. Over the years, the Five80 Coffeehouse has seen minor changes in its model and menu but lives on its same mission from day one: to drive back the darkness with the light of Jesus.
Jeremiah Herrian, owner of Five80 Coffeehouse and Forgotten Ministries with his wife Sarah, says the inspiration for the shop and ministry
“Our goal at Forgotten Ministries is to mobilize the local church to get them out of their building and into their streets working as the Acts 2 church did with each other and in the community,” Chance says. “The idea is that we want to get out here to people and meet them where they’re at instead of expecting them to come to where we’re at. Nowadays people don’t come to churches, so we want to meet them where they are and that’s what we do at Forgotten.”
Putting their goal into practice, the Five80 Coffeehouse keeps its doors open when others close during holidays or harsh weather to provide a place for those who need one and serve them as they are, whether upper class or homeless.
“That’s what we’re all about,” Herrian says. “The heart of Five80 Coffeehouse is not about coffee, but is for the broken, for the lost and for those without Jesus.”
since, Baker says, the business has been a family endeavor, equipping generations of family and friends who came together to build the building, make pies and create the cozy environment found at Katy’s Pantry.
The shop opened with just 8 tables and a simple menu, Baker says, but it quickly became a favorite in the Enid community with the signature flavors and personal love put into every meal.
Katy’s Pantry isn’t just another shop – it’s a signature to Enid in more ways than one.
The 2023 “Best Bakery” winner has employed and served generations in the Enid community since it opened in 1978 for the purpose of being a place friends and family could gather and enjoy a piece of pie. Since that first day, Katy’s Pantry has moved and expanded to serve much more than pie, but it hasn’t changed a bit from being a place friends and family come to share memories and flavorful experiences.
Jenger Baker, owner of Katy’s Pantry, says the shop was opened after her parents and their friends realized after gatherings that there wasn’t a place to enjoy a good piece of pie, so they told her mom, Katy, that she should open one. From that first suggestion and ever
“My mom put in hours every day at the shop baking, serving customers and working hard to make Katy’s Pantry special for everyone who came in and worked there,” Baker says. “To this day, we have employees that feel like family and customers that come in with their kids and grandkids now who grew up with us, and it makes it a very personal and special place to us.”
In addition to warm hospitality, Katy’s Pantry is also known in Enid for delicious delicacies. Everything off the menu comes from recipes that are also a family endeavor, Baker says, tweaked over the years to create an original taste.
“We enjoy trying every bakery and café we can find because we’re always baking,” Baker says. “We enjoy trying flavors of different places and creating ideas from there of things we could add that our customers would enjoy back home. We’ve learned we have a different flavor palette but enjoy looking for that real powerful taste.”
While many families have grown up with warm memories and delicious treats at Katy’s Pantry, the doors are always open and welcome the newcomer to have a place to make sweet memories, try a homemade delicacy or just gather with friends to enjoy a piece of pie.
What’s in a name?
Behind Donna Jean’s Bakery is more than sweets, but a woman, story of forgiveness, and mission to treat others with love and kindness.
“My mother’s faith was very important to her and having raised me, my faith in Christ is very important to me,” Babcock says. “My hope is to be a light for Christ and my dream is that I can have a place to bake my goods where people can come and not just have another meal, but sense a kind of hope and love and good environment that they can sit in and just enjoy being in here. Being a light for Christ is very important to me, so I think if I can bless people and fill their tummy at the same time that’s good and what I want to do.”
Donna Jean’s Bakery, runner-up for 2023 best bakery in Enid, opened February 15, 2023 to serve its first set of customers: the wife, son and parents of the man who killed the owner’s mother in a drunk driving accident in 2018, and offer them as much as all following customers more than a meal, but Christ’s love and forgiveness.
Effie Babcock, owner of Donna Jean’s Bakery, says she always dreamed of owning a bakery, but her dream and reality became far different. After her mother passed away, Babcock says she faced challenges to open the bakery at every turn from renovating their building to having a car crash into it and personal health issues that made the dream challenging.
Despite the hardship and challenges, Babcock says she is thankful to have had friends and family come alongside her to not only open Donna Jean’s Bakery, but fill it with mouthwatering specialties, a family feel and contagious love they want to pass on to their customers.
“We have really great staff, and I’m thankful and humbled by everyone who is here,” Babcock says. “I don’t think we’ll ever get rich from this business, but if I can be a light for Christ and offer people hope and treat people the way I’d want to be treated and our staff treat people the way they’d want to be treated, then I’d say we’re making a step in the right direction.”
In light of the 2018 tragedy, Babcock decided to name and embody the environment of the bakery in memory of her mother, the woman who raised Babcock to love the Lord, served others as a nurse for 40 years and led by example a life of compassion and forgiveness.
The book may be a few years old now, but its focus comes around every single year: the first day of school! It’s natural for kiddos to feel nervous, but has anyone ever thought if the school building gets nervous too?
Author Adam Rex and illustrator Christian Robinson team up in the 2016 children’s book School’s First Day of School, a funny read that explores what the school itself goes through on the special day too.
Frederick Douglass Elementary is a new school and has only met one friend, Janitor, over the summer. But then teachers start arriving and soon after, more students than the school could have imagined. Suddenly they’re drinking from its water fountains and opening its doors and playing on its playground. Not to mention those pesky,
pointy pushpins everywhere! Plus, it takes it quite personally when it overhears kids say they don’t like school. All of this change is a lot for the school to adjust to. As the day goes on though, the school learns new things, like squares and rectangles, and gets to know the students, including both of the Aidens in kindergarten. And you know what? By the final bell, the school is already looking forward to the next day when the students will come back.
The illustrator of this book has won numerous awards for his prior works, including the prestigious Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor. There are so many small details that will make kiddos laugh, and the story itself has some wonderful jokes to match. Whether your student is a brand-new kindergartener or a more experienced third grader, School’s First Day of School is a perfect book to read in August. It’s entertaining, but also comforting and reassuring. It’s alright to be nervous for this big change – but don’t worry, the school is right there with you! Visit
If you’re a soccer fan like this reviewer, you’ll certainly be tuning in this August to the Women’s World Cup in Australia. If you want a book to read during warm-ups and halftime, author Kate Morton’s latest release, Homecoming, would be a great pick. Set in southern Australia, this historical mystery alternates between Jess Turner-Bridges in 2018, the Turner family in 1959, and excerpts from a true crime book. Coming in at almost 550 pages, you may wonder if it will take you until the next World Cup to finish, but fear not, Homecoming is a marvelous book that you won’t want to put down.
In 1959, late on Christmas Eve, Isabel Turner and her children are discovered dead alongside a creek on their property. Not only is there the question of how they died, but also, when the police arrive, the infant baby is not in her carrier and is nowhere to be found. Fast forward almost sixty years, Jess returns Down Under when her beloved grandmother, Nora, takes a fall and ends up in intensive care. Nora’s cryptic last words to Jess don’t make any sense – until the latter finds a book at the house written shortly after the mysterious deaths of the Turner family. What transpires over the course of Homecoming then is a combination of what the small
town was like in 1959 and after, what Jess discovers more present-day while talking to people who knew Nora, and the case that the author of the true crime book laid out.
To some readers, all of the jumps in time might be too much. For me though, the author wrote so masterfully that it was never confusing or unclear. It is as if Morton is a tour guide, going alongside readers and ushering them the whole way through. Surprisingly, this was my first ever Kate Morton book to read – and it most certainly will not be my last. The scale of Homecoming is impressive, the beautiful, smooth writing is impressive, the way it can utterly absorb readers into a fictional decades-long mystery is impressive. You might just find yourself forgetting that soccer is even on! Visit
Head Back to School Healthy: Vaccinating Kids and TeensThe start of school is an exciting time of year. As students head back to the classroom, it is important that they are up to date on their immunizations.
Rebecca D. Lewis, DO, FACOFP, the Chief Medical Officer at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, talks about the importance of vaccines and which ones should be completed prior to the start of school.
Why are vaccinations important?
Vaccinations protect students from diseases and help keep them healthy. On-time vaccinations help provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
Which vaccinations do my kids require?
• Kindergarten students, ages 4-6, should receive these vaccines: DTaP (a booster for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, also known as whooping cough), polio, and a second dose of the MMRV vaccine, which addresses measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, better known as chickenpox.
• Students entering seventh grade, ages 11-12, should receive: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster) and a first dose for meningitis (MenACWY).
• Students ages 11-16 should receive the second dose of the meningitis vaccine (MenACWY). They are also eligible for an HPV vaccination (Gardisil). At age 16, students can receive the first dose of a second meningitis vaccine (MenB), which is highly recommended for any child who will be in a large group situation such as living in a dormitory or participating in team sports.
• Annual flu vaccinations are important and typically available September of each year.
For the best protection, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. A booster, which is updated to impede the most common strain of the virus, might prevent your child from getting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill or hospitalized. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help your child more safely participate in sports and other group activities, too.
Most insurances cover scheduled vaccinations. If you don’t have health insurance, or if it does not cover vaccines, there are programs that may offer financial help.
To make an appointment with one of the pediatricians at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, call our Physician Referral Service at 580249-3741.
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.
• Please talk to your child’s physician about any questions on vaccinations.
Hey y’all and welcome back to Teen Scene in Enid Monthly!! OMG it’s already August I can’t believe it. This month I’m going to be writing about every high school student's favorite time of year…… the first day back to school and following school year!!
This summer has been one of the best I have ever had for many reasons, but I am really excited to get back to school and start my sophomore year even if a lot of students aren’t! I would like to share a few different things with you about my upcoming goals, feelings, and some other questions you might have. My goals for this school year are pretty basic: get good grades, don’t get in trouble, and do all my work on time but the one really important and new goal I am setting this year to mainly focus on is being dedicated to putting in my 100% effort in anything and everything that I do. Sometimes it’s
really hard to be motivated to do certain assignments or projects so I’m going to really try and do them with a positive attitude. Once you enter your sophomore year at Enid High you can start taking AP classes which are a little harder than an honors class. I am taking two this year and have been told they are a lot more work than what I’m used to, so setting this goal will hopefully get me through them very smoothly. The most frightening thing about a new school year for me is the fear of change. After I get used to a school year it’s hard for me to accept that the next is going to be completely different. New and different teachers, classes, students, and classmates all play a role in that for me as well. I am most excited for athletics and show choir!! In cross country (xc) I am really hoping for a very successful and injury-free season. After making state last year I have high expectations for myself and my abilities for practice and meets. I’m really hoping we can accomplish making state as a team and of course, if we don’t make it again as an individual runner. Ever since I saw the EHS show choir perform and watched all the episodes of Glee I have been really inspired to try and make the choir anddddd I did!! I’m really looking forward to it and have been SO excited. My xc coach is also the teacher/director of it so that makes it even better. One thing I am dreading about the school year is having to wake up early again. I’ve kind of gotten used to waking up early for summer pride and early morning runs but now I absolutely have to. It would probably help going to bed earlier but there are just so many good series and movies I HAVE to watch!! Lastly, I would love to wish all of the students reading this good luck in the 2023-24 school year.
Thank you for reading this month's article. I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any questions, comments or ideas for incoming articles email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I would also love to hear about your goals and feelings towards this upcoming school year so email me for that too! I hope you all had an amazing summer. See you next month!!
AUGUST 1 – 5
10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday
Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St)
AUGUST 1
5 pm
All Together Now Community Read
The Princes Bride Trivia Contest and Book Discussion
Enid Public Library (120 W. Maine St)
6 pm
Singo
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 2
5 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night (21+)
SpringHill Suites (5815 KL Dr.)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 3
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 4 – 6
Fly Film Festival
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence St)
AUGUST 4
8 am – 7:30 pm
Teacher Appreciation Sale
Merrifield Office Plus (202 E. Broadway)
Free grab bag, discounts and more!
3:30 pm
Fighting Misinformation: Digital
Media Literacy
Enid Public Library (120 W. Maine St)
6 – 9 pm
First Friday | Downtown Dogfest
Downtown Enid
AUGUST 5
11 am – 3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
1 pm – 5 pm
Grand Opening
Apron Strings Candy (3700 E. Market)
2 – 4 pm
Doggie Dip
Champlin Swimming Pool (400 W. Cherokee Ave)
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm
Hawaiian Summer Luau
7 pm
Live Music: Jake Bowers
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Larry Newsom
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Live Music: The Peachtrees
The Alibi (224 W. Broadway)
AUGUST 5 – 6
Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
6th Annual Enid Comic Con
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 6
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 8
6 pm
Singo
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Edward Jones Harvest Wine Chamber Series
Backstage Stories: Interview with the Maestro
Enid Symphony Orchestra (301 W. Broadway Ave)
AUGUST 9
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 10
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 11
3:30 pm
Fighting Misinformation: Digital Media Literacy
Enid Public Library (120 W. Maine St)
7 pm
Live Music: Lyndon Burnett
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Brock Niehus
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 12
9 am – 12 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee
Blazes BBQ (1001 W. Willow Rd)
10 am – 2 pm
Sunset Second Saturday
Sunset Plaza (610 S. Cleveland)
6 pm
The Care Campus Annual Gala
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
7 pm
Live Music: Sean Thane
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
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.
7:30 pm
Auto Racing: Sooner Late Models
Enid Speedway (312 E. Oxford)
8 pm
Live Music: Backstage Pass
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9 pm
MMJ Rave Party RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 13
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 15
6 pm
Singo
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Edward Jones Harvest Wine Chamber Series
Music from the Chamber: Juniper
String Quartet
Enid Symphony Orchestra (301 W. Broadway Ave)
AUGUST 16
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 17
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 18
7 pm
Live Music: Jordan Holmes
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Stacey Sanders
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 19
7:30 – 10 am
Breakfast Fly-In
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.)
11 am
Taco & Margarita Festival
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
11 am – 3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
7 pm
Live Music: Lyndon Burnett
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm
Latin Night RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 20
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 22
6 pm
Singo
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Edward Jones Harvest Wine Chamber Series
Cabaret Night: Patrick Hobbes & Cathy Venable
Enid Symphony Orchestra (301 W. Broadway Ave)
AUGUST 23
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 24
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 25
7 pm
Live Music: Stacey Sanders
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Tim Brauer
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 26
7 pm
Live Music: Tom Pevear
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm
Laughter and Lyrics
Chisholm Trail Pavilion (111 W. Purdue)
Dueling pianos and comedian Jamie
Campbell
8:30 – 10 pm
Movie on Park
Park Street Events Area (150 W. Park Ave.)
9 pm
Mom’s Night Out Party
RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 27
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 29
6 pm
Singo
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Edward Jones Harvest Wine Chamber Series
A Night at the Opera: Eduardo Moreira, pianist
Enid Symphony Orchestra (301 W. Broadway Ave)
AUGUST 30
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
AUGUST 31
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
the young artist competition in March. We will have students from Enid and northwest Oklahoma send in audition tapes and come to the hall and perform. We will select one winner and two runners-up for cash prizes, and the winner will get to perform with the ESO and EYO at the show that month. I really wanted to get the youth involved because being part of the larger orchestra community and the training I received in Chicago as a youth was so important to me as a musician and I want to try to bring a similar partnership to our groups here and tie into this year’s 25th anniversary celebration,” said Moreira.
While the subscription series is the main event for ESO, they will be presenting four small events in August as part of the Edward Jones “Harvest Wine Series.” Beginning August 8th, and running for 4 consecutive Tuesday evenings, the ESO will host intimate shows to whet your appetite for the upcoming year.
Although the Enid Symphony Orchestra has been around in one form or another since 1905, the modern version really hit its stride 25 years ago with the multi-million dollar (and counting) renovation of what is now known as the Joan Allen Symphony Hall. For the 2023-24 season, new Executive Director Victoria Moreira and Artistic Director Doug Newell, wanted to celebrate the anniversary.
“We really started talking about the season in January, and had a lot of different ideas,” said Moreira, “and Doug brought up the 25th anniversary, so we thought that would be a good focus and went from there.” That planning led to a season of six main shows from September 2023 to April 2024. The season kicks off September 16th with “Flipside – The Patti Page Story” a fantastic Off-Broadway performance. “We are bringing in Greg White and his Off-Broadway cast with a 6 piece ‘big band” that features the story of Patti Page, an iconic Oklahoma singer and artist and coincides with Cherokee Strip Days. We are really excited for that.”
Guitarist Matt Denman will highlight the October show playing “stirring music with Latin flavor.” November will include a presentation of Handel’s “Messiah”. February will have ESO Concertmaster Ty Myers performing “Scheherazade,” tales of 1001 Arabian nights. In March the Enid Symphony Orchestra will take the stage with the Enid Youth Symphony and the winner of the 2023 ESO Young Artist Competition. Finally, in April, pianist Edward Auer will perform along with the introduction of a specially commissioned piece entitled “Fanfare for Joan” to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Symphony Hall.
As her first year as Executive Director, Moreira said she really wants to focus on youth and community engagement. “I am so excited about
If you have never been to an ESO performance before, Moreira says that you should come not just for the concert, but for the whole experience. “It is a great date night or fun activity. We have a cash bar open an hour before the show and a free reception after. It is always a really fun night.”
Season and individual tickets are available at the Enid Symphony office or at www.enidsymphony.org.
Ten years ago, if you told Oklahoma Bible Academy Head Coach Christopher Cayot he’d be in his 5th year coaching at a private Christian school, he’d have thought you were crazy. But even though he spent 22 years coaching at places like Fairview and Laverne, he is extremely happy he made the choice to head up a program like OBA. “Even though the communities I previously coached in were supportive of faith, it’s not really the same thing as at a place like OBA. We are free to talk about our lives, and our beliefs openly and don’t have to worry it might turn someone off or get you in trouble,” Cayot said. “And especially here at OBA, the approach from the school board, to the administration, to the other coaches, is all about focusing on faith, character and especially living out that faith publicly that really attracted me to the school, but has kept me here. My assistant coaches, especially, do so much for both the program, but more importantly care for and mentor our young men. This is the exact kind of place I want my kids to be raised in, and be able to coach. Winning games is important, of course, but the school really cares more about winning at life, and that’s a place I want to be.”
And while they have been winning at building great students of high character, they have been winning on the field too. After going 6-5 and 7-5 Cayot’s first two years while playing 11 man football in Class A, the decision was made to drop to Class B, where they play the 8 man version. “Our school numbers would have allowed us to drop at anytime,” Coach Cayot said, “and we really tried to make a go of 11 man, but we looked around after a few injuries, or a kid or two moving out, and we just didn’t have the bodies to compete. It’s been a really good decision for us and after a year of competing independent, we really had a great year last year.” And a great year it was – as the Trojans finished the regular season 10-0 for maybe the only time in history. “After going 10-0 in the regular season,
we had a pretty good playoff run, and finished the year 13-1, losing in the semifinals to Seiling, who we beat earlier in the year,” Cayot said.
And while OBA graduated several excellent Seniors off that special team, Coach Cayot expects this year’s team to challenge for championships as well. “Yeah, we lost some really good players, but we still have some guys that were really good last year, and we have some guys that we expect to step up too. After last season, everyone’s expectations have been raised, so we got to show them what we can do. We are going to look a lot different than last year on offense, since we had a QB that could really throw the ball, but I think we can run the ball effectively, even when the other team knows what we are doing. We just have to work hard and get there.”
And the way there will start with Senior Jud Cheatham, last year’s team leading rusher, and all district running back. “Jud will play some QB for us this year, because he’s our best runner. He’s also a leader on defense at free safety, and a really good tackler,” says Cayot. Snapping the ball will be Senior center, Harrison Crow, who also starts at strong side linebacker on defense. “Crow does a good job knowing where to be and who to block. He will be the reason we will be able to run the ball effectively,” says Cayot. Senior Fullback and Linebacker Ian Eastin is another player Coach Cayot highlights. “Ian is a great team guy, is well respected by faculty, coaches and other students, and can really play too.”
With a team of about 24 players, a lot will be asked of these young men, and many others, for the team to be as successful as last year, but one thing is for sure, even if the football scoreboard isn’t the same, these players are all on a great road to winning at life, with coaches like Cayot.
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August may be a bit much for these tender newbies, so they need shade when first planted. Additionally, using a drip line or ground irrigation, rather than a sprinkler will help keep the soil temperature a cooler so as not to cook the seeds or roots. Be sure to add a layer of mulch on top of both seeds and seedlings to maintain the moisture and provide another barrier to the intensity of sun and heat.
“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Just mosey out to the garden and snip a couple of tomatoes and cucumbers for supper, perhaps a few fried squash. Nothing better than fresh-from-your-own-garden vegetables. Unless there was no time to plant your garden this spring.
Fortunately, in Oklahoma we have several growing opportunities for vegetables. In fact, historically, right here in the Cherokee Strip Land Outlet fall turnips were what many settlers survived on that first winter! If you don’t like turnips, there are many other fall vegetables that you can plant right now for a cool weather harvest.
If you want to start with some seedlings for vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale or kohlrabi, remember to harden them off a bit first. They need reduced water and exposure to sun for three to five days before transplanting. Many vegetables can also be started as seeds. Seeds will sprout based on the hours of sun, rather than the temperature. These hot days of intense sun in
According to Oklahoma State University Extension Office, many of these plants can be started at the beginning of August. Be sure to provide some shade, such as screen wire strips or shade cloth to cover the rows. This will also moderate soil temperature and moisture. Some vegetables may be started in a seed flat, setting them in small containers for a month and then transplanting them into the garden when the nights are a bit cooler. A few vegetables that benefit from this kind of handling are broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage and leaf lettuce. Other vegetables that grow best by direct seeding into the ground in mid-August are bush beans, Lima beans, beets, carrots, and cucumbers. These will take about two to two and a half months to mature from planting to harvest. Be sure to soak the seeds overnight before planting. Other vegetable seeds that may be planted anytime up until mid-September for fall harvest are green peas, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard, and the Oklahoma staple – turnips. Many of these will be ready to harvest in as early as 50 days, but most will take up to two months.
The best thing about the root vegetables is that many can stay in the ground through a frost. Frost will improve the flavor content for rutabagas, turnips and parsnips. Leafy vegetables such as kale, kohlrabi, collards, leaf lettuce and turnip greens can also be planted in cold frames to extend their growing season past the first frost.
The key to planting a fall vegetable garden is keeping the starter plants cool and hydrated in the late Oklahoma summer heat. Just like people, summertime livin’ can be easy for plants, with shade and a cool drink in hand during that hot part of the day.
New Enid High Athletic Director Scott Mansfield is no stranger to championships, most recently helping coach NOC to a national championship in 2019. But now, instead of just focusing on winning one in baseball, his goal is to win one in more than a dozen sports, and for both boys and girls. “If you aren’t chasing championships, what are you even doing this for,” Mansfield said.
Along with championships on the field (or court, or pool, or whatever venue EHS plays), Mansfield wants to graduate 100% of the athletes at Enid High and set them up for success at the next level, whatever that looks like for them. “My goal is for sports to help create good quality kids and help them reach their dreams,” Man-
sfield says, “Whether it be a four-year University setting, juco or tech school, we want them to be prepared for what is next.”
According to Mansfield, he is already set up for winning. “One of the reasons this job was so attractive is because the program as a whole is already in a really good place. Our facilities are some of the best in the State, we have great partnerships with the community such as David Allen and the new Soccer Fields, and the staff here is really top-notch. My assistant athletic director, Lyndsay Watts and admin assistant Frances Fowler are really the heart of the department. They will make my job easy, and my plan is to learn from them and hope to be just a small part of our success as a team.”
When asked about the challenges of competing in 6A-1 in football, Mansfield was not intimidated. “I’m not big on comparing ourselves to others. We think we can win, and that’s what we expect to do.” That mindset translates to other sports as well. “Our numbers are up across the board, starting with Summer pride. I really like that all of our coaches are helping out and the kids get some coaching from other coaches other than their sport. We have head coaches in place for every sport but swimming at this time, and the buy-in from both the kids and the coaches is there. I am just really looking forward to attacking a new challenge every day.”
With an attitude like that, the championships are likely to come.
Scott Mansfield grew up in Dallas/Ft. Worth playing baseball. He was a pitcher for Wayland Baptist in Plainview, Texas where he received his degree. He was pitching coach at Hill Jr. College before moving to the same position at NOC- Enid in 2010. Took over as head baseball coach at NOC – Enid in 2019 and was there until taking over as EHS Athletic Director in July 2023. Married to Megan Mansfield who is a special ed teacher at Waller Middle School.
What do I like best about the 1911 you ask (pretend you did, even if you didn’t ask)? The large frame, multiple caliber options and total balance. Reliability and accuracy are also adjectives I’d say adequately describes a 1911. I read that the original 1911 Colt fired over 600 rounds during the “test” program, dunked in water, cleaned, and oiled every 1000 rounds without any issues regarding performance.
Regarding maintenance, no tools are required to strip it down to its components. While some complain the “newer” 1911 isn’t as reliable as the originals, personally I’ve had zero issues with any of mine. I own several Springfield A-1s, a few Colts (probably my favorite), Rock Island, Kimber, Glocks and a Para Ordnance. I have a steel silhouette at my property where I can often be found practicing or better yet, relieving stress after a stressful day at work. I’d suggest that of all the handguns I own I’m most proficient with a 1911. While too large for my everyday carry, it’s always a good time to simply fire some brass down the range.
Created by John Browning (a gunsmith and firearms designer in the late 1800s, early 1900s) the 1911 handgun has withheld the changing of the times as one of the most sought-after handguns still today. Used by the United States military for decades, the firearm has proven to be tough, reliable and well, simply beautiful.
Sometimes called the “Lord’s caliber,” the .45 was known to have tremendous “stopping power.” Designed by several different companies from several companies, the gun ranges anywhere from a few hundred dollars up into the thousands.
Jeff Cooper, a United States Marine and known as the creator of the “modern technique” of handgun shooting once said “The 1911 pistol remains the service pistol of choice in the eyes of those who understand the problem. Back when we audited the FBI academy in 1947, I was told that I ought not to use my pistol in their training problem because it was fair. Maybe the first thing one should demand of his sidearm is that it be unfair.” I couldn’t have said it any better.
Until next time, Okie friends. . .
That’s a tricky question because there’s no onesize-fits-all answer to it. But the exact amount depends on your personal circumstances.
Experts at REALTOR. com recommend that buyers don’t spend more than 28% to about a third of their gross income, which is how much they earn before taxes, on their monthly mortgage payments. These payments typically include property taxes, insurance costs, and homeowners association fees. That percentage can still be too high for many first-time buyers. Unfortunately, this may mean postponing homeownership or purchasing a cheaper property. Stressed-out first-time buyers eager to get on the property ladder might not appreciate this advice, however, buying—and owning—a home is so much more expensive than one might think. While many people buy homes to keep their housing costs fixed, property taxes, home insurance, and HOA fees can rise substantially over time. In fact, many local governments are now planning to raise to get their bite of rising home values over the past few years. In addition, insurers stretched thin by the steady parade of natural disasters are raising rates in many areas. All of these contribute to why buyers should not max out their payments. You need to make sure that you have more than enough each month to pay for child care, health care, or whatever else life throws at you.
Here are a few examples of hidden costs that come with buying and owning a home—and a couple of tricks for saving money where you can.
Energy usage — Energy costs are generally higher in a four-bedroom house than in a one-bedroom apartment. Energy costs can be as much as triple during the winter months. There are things that could be done to lower it such as changing out our windows and insulating the eaves in our home. Sadly, these improvements can run tens of thousands of dollars. Improvements that would only end up saving a few percentage points on our monthly energy bills.
Home maintenance — Another item to be considered is just how much maintenance a home actually requires. Gutters have to be cleaned, boilers need tuneups, and lawns must be seeded and mowed. Some of it can be done by the homeowner, but some of it requires calling in professionals. If homeowners let small problems become larger ones, they generally cost more to fix.
Unexpected repairs — Then there are the unforeseen repairs, such as basements that flood, electrical issues, and tubs that need caulking to prevent water damage. Landscaping can also be an issue that will sneak up and need attention to avoid causing harm to the outside of the home.
Replacement of big-ticket items — Major appliances and home systems have a shelf life, which means eventually they will die. No one wants to be saddled, unexpectedly, with springing for a new stove or dishwasher—or even a dreaded roof replacement. These items aren’t cheap.
Home furnishings and decorations — These costs are on top of any furniture you’d like to buy, walls you’d like to paint or wallpaper, and landscaping work you’d like to have done. That’s why it’s important to have as large of a financial cushion as possible.
Lenders may offer more money, buyers don't need to take it — Lastly, lenders may offer more than you can afford. You might be thrilled if you find a lender who qualifies you for a loan large enough to buy the house of your dreams. But think carefully before you take the offer. Make sure there’s enough room in your budget for larger mortgage payments, maintenance, repairs, and unexpected replacements, as well as the cost of just living. You might need childcare, have to replace an aging vehicle, want to go on vacation, or go to a game once in a while. And you shouldn’t forget that inflation means your expenses will likely continue to rise.
That’s why it’s more financially prudent to purchase a property with manageable monthly mortgage payments, even if it’s not your absolute dream home. After all, no one wants to be house poor.
