JARRON PETERS
Jarron Peters was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma, and he graduated from Enid High School in 2008. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was later deployed to Afghanistan. He married his wife, Amanda Peters, in 2009, and together they have two kids, Weston and Alaina. In 2012, he and his family decided to go back to their hometown of Enid to settle and further set up roots.
Jarron is a field operator for Mustang Gas, and he’s held that position for 10 years. While working in that position, he’s gotten to travel through Oklahoma, and he’s got to experience wildlife in remote locations, which ended up further piquing his interest. He’s now the founder of the Garfield County Wildlife Education Facebook page and a mod-
erator for the Oklahoma Snake Identification page. If you call emergency services for snakes or snake relocations, they’ll send you Jarron’s contact information. He not only helps the reptiles of the community and throughout Oklahoma, but he also helps community members with their own unwanted reptilian visitors and trespassers. His mother, Kim Clifton, shares, “My heart just swells with love and pride every time he saves an unloved reptile, or any other animal for that matter… He truly is an amazing individual.” As a family, he, his wife, and his kids travel together for snake relocations and birding and herping adventures at various wildlife parks and refuges. His friend Aaron Short states, “He’s a phenomenal wildlife photographer, and his love for wildlife shows through his photography. He’s as good of a person as he is a photographer and has quickly become a good friend of mine.”
He’s a man of intention, kindness, compassion, and information! His friend Dillon Cochran states, “Jarron’s passion for his family, community, and wildlife has been apparent since I met him… Jarron is always present and willing to lend a helping hand. I believe Jarron’s “local legend” status reaches far beyond the city limits.” And his friend Matt Cloyd continues with “Part of what makes him a local legend is his commitment to helping educate people.” Jarron doesn’t just lend a helping hand; he lends kindness and knowledge too.
He’s a true and genuine animal enthusiast, and he’s here to not only help but to educate as well. His wife wraps up by sharing, “It has been such a privilege to be married to this man, and I could talk about him indefinitely. He exemplifies what it means to be an amazing, loving husband, father, son, friend, and, in general, a good person.” Whether he’s helping a stranger, educating the community, or sharing his passion with his loved ones and strangers alike, Jarron is truly a Local Legend.
Well, well, well, funny seeing you all here! After much thought and consideration, we have carved a path that will allow me to continue working with Enid Monthly – my new position is just remote. So, I will remain the Editor and continue to be involved, just in a different location. With that said, let’s dive back into the swing of things –quite literally! August means back to school, back to work for some, and back to routines. With that time of year coming around again, many will be looking for outlets and passions or hobbies, whether it’s something for work, school, or personal interest, it’s nice to have a change in the typical day-to-day. This month’s cover story highlights a few of the crafty spaces and resources available right in Enid! Whether you’re looking for a club to join or a space to let your creative desires flow, Enid may have more than meets the eye, and this month’s Cover Story tells you all about those options available right in town! As you dive back into your normally scheduled programming, don’t forget to carve out time for enjoyment and expansion, whether that means expanding your mind, skills, or anything else your heart desires. And for those going back to school, good luck with the school year!
BY ALI TA FEE
The dog days of summer are winding down. Another harvest season is in the books, and local outdoor swimming pools will soon be closing for the season. College football will be starting up, and children are heading back to school for another year of learning. With the winds of change in the air, it’s a great time to explore some of Enid’s unique spaces and places that offer folks the opportunity to make their own changes. You may not realize it, but Enid offers some genuinely remarkable resources for the innovators, the dreamers, and the problem solvers among us. Are you a crafty stay-at-home mom (or dad!)? Maybe you’re an adult who wants to make custom metal bottle openers for all your friends (or to sell on Etsy). Or are you a backyard gardener who needs some advice on tomatoes? If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading. This month’s story may or may not introduce readers to some truly remarkable innovation agents hanging out right in our own backyards.
You’ve probably heard of makerspaces, places where people can design, build, and otherwise tinker. Their popularity has skyrocketed over the past decade, and there are hundreds of such spaces in the United States alone. Also known as hackerspaces, they are located in schools, libraries, and community centers and come in an almost endless range of shapes and sizes. But virtually all of them incorporate some kind of high-tech capabilities, such as 3D printing. Enid is home to two such spaces, one at the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County and the other at Autry Tech.
Enid Public Library's Bert Clampitt STEAM Lab
Tucked in a corner on the first floor, the Bert Clampitt STEAM Lab at the Enid public library is a hidden gem. The lab honors the late Dr. Bert H. Clampitt, who was born and raised in Enid. He enjoyed
a distinguished scientific career, which included a stint researching nuclear energy at the famed Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Returning to his childhood home in his later years, he passed away in 2021. With his trademark spirit of generosity and civic mindedness, he and his family arranged generous bequests to the community. The library was fortunate to be among the recipients, and after working with the Clampitt family, the library named the existing makerspace after Dr. Clampitt. Now up and running, the lab holds an eclectic variety of tools: Cricut, button maker, digital flatbed scanners, heat press, and an assortment of small woodworking tools. Other items, such as the lab’s 3D printer, were generously donated by community members.
How does someone get started? “You have to check in at the desk,” said library director Theri Ray, and library staff will help get you go-
ing. “We have a heat press for the Cricut, so you can put stuff on tee shirts. We have the 3D printer. And we’re looking at bringing in some really cool STEM projects for the community to engage in learning.”
The tools are neat, but the remarkable thing is they can be used by anyone, for free. It might even be said that your library card is the most powerful tool, since it lets you access all these things free of charge. Now, patrons are responsible for providing their own materials – for example, vinyl for Cricut – and the library sells filament for the 3D printers at cost. When compared to the retail cost of this equipment, though, it is clear that library patrons are getting a true bargain.
Autry Tech's McCullough Lab
Across town, Autry Tech is home to a very different sort of makerspace: the McCullough Lab, named in honor of Autry Tech’s former Superintendent and CEO Brady McCullough. Opened in 2021, the lab was conceived as “a modern makerspace where students, entrepreneurs, and community members could access advanced equipment and training to bring their ideas to life,” according to Shelby Cottrill, Director of Marketing at Autry. The lab operates on a membership basis, providing outstanding value when considering the sheer array of equipment that is available.
The basic idea is this: if you have an idea for making something, the folks at McCullough “can bring it to life with the help of our software, equipment, and machines!” As long as what you want to create is an item that is tangible, they can help you do it. You provide the materials, and they will guide you through the process and teach you how to use the equipment (note: some items, such as filament for the 3D printers, are available at cost). The lab has several main spaces. The larger area is the “metal zone,” which houses equipment for tackling projects in media such as wood and metal. This zone sees the most usage, and Shelby said that “the water jet is by far the most frequently used piece of equipment in the lab.” In laymen’s terms, the water jet “uses high pressure water and “garnet sand” to cut precise and repeatable shapes out of many different materials, including steel, aluminum, plastic, and wood,” explained Allan Feek, a local hobby enthusiast. Also avail-
able are a Techno Titan CNC router for woodcraft enthusiasts and a Gravograph LS900 Edge laser engraver. They also have a powder coating machine, which Matt considers a “McCullough hidden gem—once people learn how it works and the kind of finish it can create, they’re always impressed by the quality and durability it adds to their metal projects.”
Adjacent to the main floor is a smaller room known as the “soft goods zone.” This room is catnip for anyone with the itch to print large scale items (think vinyl banners) and 3D items. It also houses an industrial-size quilting machine. Fabric artists, imagine the long arm quilters you see at the fair, and then size up a bit from that. Other crafty equipment includes embroidery machines and a heat transfer machine. Shelby reports that personal hobbyists and small business owners alike “regularly [create] banners, stickers, sublimation printing, heat transfer vinyl designs, and custom apparel.”
At the helm of this operation is a small team led by Matt Garis, who brings a lifetime of “hands-on experience in fabrication, design, and entrepreneurship to his role as McCullough Lab Coordinator.” In addition, with the support of his own hardworking staff, Matt also owns and operates Enid Sandblasting & Coating and Out on a Limb Manufacturing. He is also a lifelong innovator who holds several patents and competed on the second season of American Inventor, in the mid-2000’s, even getting to pitch his idea to the show’s judges at the studios in Los Angeles. He smiled at the memory of telling the judges, “L.A. ain’t that big!” Apparently, they loved it, but unfortunately, he did not make it to the final rounds.
Also on board at McCullough Lab are James Rooks, Tim Choate, and Jared Johnston. Between them, they can assist you with just
about anything. From complex printing jobs to metal fabrication (Tim is a retired sheet metal specialist) to anything computerized, these guys can help you tackle the toughest projects.
OSU Garfield County Extension Office
The final stop on the tour of Enid’s innovation spaces is one that readers may not expect: the OSU Garfield County Extension Office. In a nutshell, the cooperative extension program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and land-grant universities. The extension program was formalized in 1914, and today, folks in Enid and surrounding areas benefit from that partnership. Located on a shy lot on Oxford Road, Enid’s extension office is made up of a small team of people who are dedicated to helping the community solve and prevent problems of all kinds.
For anything related to family and consumer sciences, Joy Rhodes is the expert. As a former schoolteacher, she loves continuing the spirit of education in the extension program. One of her newest endeavors is leading “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy,” a research program out of the University of Missouri Extension. The 8-week class is designed to help senior citizens improve their overall strength and balance. “It is part of a research study,” explained Joy. “We do a pre-assessment and at the end, we reassess strength, flexibility, and
balance.” The results are sent to Missouri researchers, along with those from other states. When she’s not leading exercise classes, Joy revels in helping the Enid community in other ways. “We get questions when it starts to be canning season or food preservation season. We’ll run a couple classes on that,” she said. One piece of advice she swears by is “If you’re ever in doubt, throw it out!” Joy also does programming along with 4-H Educator Jessica Nickels, explaining that “they have a monthly cooking club, and there’s a robotics club, a LEGO club, and there’s also a horse club.”
Garfield County is one of only nine counties in Oklahoma to offer the “Strong Dads” program, which helps to empower men with parenting knowledge, resources, and friendships. Strong Dads began in 2023 when the Oklahoma Department of Human Services received $9 million in federal funding to support fatherhood services. DHS partnered with OSU Extension to implement the curriculum and reach dads on the ground. And that is where Teddy Barker comes in. As the Strong Dads Program Coordinator for the Garfield County Extension, he helps local fathers become the best that they can be.
Teddy did not start out in extension life. In fact, his professional background is in retail management. He used to work for Sherwin Williams paint stores in sunny Florida, but eventually life sketched him a new picture. He ended up in Oklahoma, and Florida’s loss has been Enid’s gain. As Teddy explains, “Strong Dads is a fairly new program that’s a 12-week workshop for fathers that want to strengthen the relationship with their kids.” He also does a class at the Enid
Correctional Facility. “It’s not just that we’re one-and-done, but we continue that relationship outwards. I have a father that, because of the program, he wanted to be a better person, so he actually signed up to do his GED.”
The extension program’s historical roots are underpinned by the desire to help farmers prevent and address problems. Livestock specialist Dana Zook does just that, sharing her expertise with both large scale and hobby farmers in Northwest Oklahoma every day of the week. She explained that “I focus on livestock, which encompasses a lot of different animals. Beef cattle take the most time…there are chicken questions. And goats and sheep are increasing. I don’t cover horses as much, but nutrition, management, parasite control…anything that falls under the livestock umbrella, I help people with.” She also helps answer agronomy questions, which are concerned with crops. Clients connect with Dana through a variety of ways: sometimes they literally walk in the door, and other times they are referred by the ag educator in their own county. And when needed, she connects with state specialists at OSU to tackle a problem.
Rounding out the visit was Extension Director Rick Nelson, who is the go-to person for all things having to do with plants. “Probably from April to October, it’s almost 100% horticulture. Whether it’s trees or turf grasses or vegetable or flower gardens, I’m on a first name basis with the plant pathology folks [at OSU], because I refer a lot of
questions to them,” said Rick. “What’s going on with my tree, what caused this bare spot…last week it was a pond question.”
While the extension staff help the many clients who simply walk in the door or pick up the phone, one of the things they most enjoy is getting out of the office and out in the field. “I like working oneon-one and getting out to their operations and helping them solve a problem,” said Dana. Teddy makes it a point to go out in town, meeting with dads and conferring with partner agencies in the community, and Joy does the same working with educators on different topics from time to time.
Enid's Unique Spaces
From metal fabrication equipment to Cricut’s to gardening help, Enid has spaces for you to design, dream, build, and problem solve. Even better, there are plenty of experts who stand ready to help— hardworking individuals who want to serve the community. Rick summed it up nicely: “I can pick up two or three things on my way to lunch and then stop at someone’s yard and visit with them and make a recommendation. I think we wouldn’t be as effective if we were not out in the community.”
Enid has an incredibly strong sense of community, and everyone involved with this story shows why. Keep up the great work, Enid!
FULL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
Children's Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Impossible Creatures
Author: Katherine Rundell | Rating: STARSTARSTARSTARStar
Impossible Creatures, a middle grade book by Katherine Rundell, has been very intriguing to me for a while now, and the reason is this: it was released in the United Kingdom a year before it was released in the United States, and the amount of attention it garnered in that time was, at least in my time as a bookseller, unprecedented. Now, with the book’s sequel coming out in September 2025, I had to dive in and see what all the excitement was about.
The two main characters are Mal, from the Archipelago, and Christopher, from the Otherlands. The Archipelago is a series of islands with mythical animals like griffins and hippocamps and longmas, but the magical force of the place, the glimourie, is fading. The animals are already beginning to die, and there hasn’t been an Immortal for years who would know how to fix things. Christopher and Mal must team up then – along with a scientist, a Berserker, and a ratatoska – to find the answers. They fight off attacks from centaurs, solve riddles from sphinxes, and even elude a murderer out for blood. If anyone is going to save the Archipelago before it’s too late, it’s going to have to be them.
My very first thought after finishing this book was that it reminded me of Harry Potter. I don’t think it’s there –yet – but it has the magic, it has the creatures, it has the themes of bravery and friendship. It’s this grand adventure of a book – a little too long of an adventure in my opinion; I thought it could have been a bit shorter – but it really is an impressive book. I think it’s safe to say that whatever my level of intrigue was for this book, it is now two-fold for the sequel. It will be really interesting to see where Rundell takes the characters next and if the hype and energy can be sustained like, say, a Harry Potter. I can’t wait until next month to find out.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Impossible Creatures today!
EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU
Adult Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Essex Dogs
Author: Dan Jones | Rating: STARSTARSTARStarStar
If June and July are the months for light beach reads, August is the month when I’m ready for the opposite. This month, I wanted something that was lengthy, that had depth, and that was out of the ordinary for me. Essex Dogs fit the bill perfectly – over 450 pages of medieval military history of the Hundred Years’ War. It is the first book in a trilogy, and the final book is set to be released next month, September 2025. The author, Dan Jones, is actually a historian with many non-fiction books to his name, but Essex Dogs marks his fictional debut.
In this first book, we meet a ragtag group of men – a leader named Loveday, a giant Scotsman, a former priest, and more – as they land on Normandy in July 1346. The king of England believed that he was the actual leader of France and that all the French lands therefore belonged to him. The group, the Essex Dogs, along with all of the other compa-
nies, are marching toward Paris to claim the throne. The French forces keep withdrawing, so the English ransack and burn the villages as they advance. The Dogs and the others are getting restless for battle, and the book ultimately ends with the two sides facing off in Crécy.
Let me just say, this book is not for the faint of heart. The weapons of war are crossbows and swords and catapults, and the battles are extremely gory. When the men aren’t in battle, there are plenty of crass jokes and profanity. I actually put the book down multiple times, thinking it was just too much for me, but it was the characters who drew me back every time. Jones managed to write them so well that I was invested enough in their stories that I could look past all the other parts. I might need a breather before I pick up the second book in the series, but I do think that for readers who like military history, who like medieval history, who don’t mind quite a bit of grittiness, Essex Dogs would be a good pick.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Essex Dogs today!
FOCUS ON Wellness News from Back Pain 101: Finding and Treating Its Cause
Mention back pain, and chances are, someone you know suffers from it.
Rebecca Szewczak, DO, FACOFP, medical director, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, shares her thoughts on handling this common condition.
Q: What are some causes of back pain?
Low back pain can result from a wide range of problems, from ruptured or slipped disks to injuries from falls or accidents. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis and aging can also cause pain. Repeated lifting of heavy items, bending or stretching the wrong way, as well as being sedentary and overweight, can also cause pain. However, ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes spinal joints to fuse together, is related to genetics, and may not be easily preventable.
Q: How is it treated?
Depending on the type and cause of back pain, many doctors start out with conservative and noninvasive treatment, such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, massage or physical therapy. If they prove unsuccessful, other treatments can include nerve blocks, minimally invasive surgery or even artificial disk replacement.
Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is the most common back pain and comes on suddenly. It can last up to six weeks and is often caused by falls, trauma, rough sports or improper lifting. Pain is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three months. The cause of chronic pain is more difficult to pinpoint because the pain can vary, from a dull ache to tingling to burning, and is often not preceded by an abrupt event.
Q: At what point should you see a doctor for your back pain? If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness or tingling, or pain accompanied by fever, trouble with urination, weakness or unexplained weight loss, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
If you are experiencing low back pain, call 580-249-3741 to find a doctor, or visit doctors.stmarysregional.com.
In an emergency call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
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.
Teen SCENE It's OK to Relax BYSOP
H I A FAULK
Hey, Y’all, and welcome back to "Teen Scene" in Enid Monthly. As summer's end is approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to reassure the teens out there, who did not get a lot done this summer, that it is OK to relax!! Let's go!!
Summer is supposed to be the time of year when we finally breathe again. No 7 a.m. alarms. No homework due at midnight. No cafeteria chicken pretending to be lunch. And yet… Why does it feel like we’re still being graded, even during break? From the moment school ends, there’s this unspoken pressure to make summer count. You’re supposed to get a job, volunteer, take AP prep courses, start your college applications, work out, clean your room, go outside, see friends, learn a new language, get a tan, and somehow still post aesthetic, relaxing beach pics on Instagram. But here’s the thing. Rest is not laziness, and productivity doesn’t always mean working yourself to exhaustion. Whether it’s scrolling through TikToks about “leveling up” or hearing adults say things like “So what are you doing this summer?”, it’s easy to feel guilty if you’re not constantly accomplishing something. But this socalled “hustle culture”, especially during summer, can seriously mess with your mental health. Burnout isn’t just for adults with full-time jobs. Teens feel it too, and it is completely normal. And summer burnout hits harder when it’s supposed to be your time to chill. It is OK to slow down!! Here’s your reminder: you don’t have to earn your rest. Doing nothing for a while is actually doing something. Taking care of your mental health, catching up on sleep, spending time with family, or just laying in bed listening to music isn’t a waste of time. It’s recovery. It is also helpful to remind yourself what the word “productive” means. Productivity doesn’t have to look like an Instagram profile. It can be reading a book just because it’s good, learning how to bake your favorite cupcakes, painting your nails or doodling while watching a new show, and going on walks or runs to clear your head. Sometimes the most valuable time comes from resting. Whether you’ve spent this summer resting, laughing, healing, discovering small joys, or simply surviving, you have done more than enough. As someone who is constantly doing something during the summer, I always enjoy the days that I can just lay in bed and not have to worry about anything. So, if you’re reading this and feeling like you wasted your summer because it didn’t look like a productivity contest, maybe that means you spent it just right!!
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 your first weeks back to school go great, and I can’t wait to see you next month. Bye!!
Aging Matters
6 Ways to Talk to Your Doctors (and Get Them to Listen!)
“How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions?”
– Dissatisfied Patient
Dear Dissatisfied, communication difficulties between patients and their doctors is nothing new. Many older patients feel like their doctors are dismissing their concerns, which can be frustrating and lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care. If you believe your doctor isn’t listening to you, here are some tips offered by the National Institute on Aging that may help.
Prepare for your appointment.
Before your exam, make a written prioritized list of any questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor, or print any online health research you’ve gathered, and bring it to your appointment so you won’t forget anything. If you’re in for a diagnostic visit, you should prepare a detailed description of your symptoms, when they began, and what makes them worse.
Be honest and upfront.
Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s important to be honest and upfront with your doctor. You may feel uncomfortable talking about memory loss or incontinence issues, but these are all important to your
health. It’s better to be thorough and share detailed information than to be quiet or shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters.
Ask specific questions.
If you and your doctor aren’t communicating well, ask specific questions that require a response. For example: What might have caused the problem I’m dealing with? What’s the specific name of my diagnosis? Is the problem serious? Will it heal completely or require ongoing management? What future symptoms might suggest you need emergency care or a follow-up visit? When and how will you receive your test results? If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask: Can you explain that in simpler terms? Or: Can you give me more details about that?
Take someone with you.
Bring along a family member or friend to your appointment. Your companion can help you ask questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered and listen to what the doctor is telling you and give you support.
Be persistent.
If your doctor isn’t addressing your questions, repeat them or rephrase them. If you still don’t get anywhere, follow up with one of these statements: “I’m worried that we aren’t communicating well. Here’s why I feel that way.” Or: “I need to talk with you about X. I feel like I can’t. Can we talk about this?”
After your appointment, if you’re uncertain about any instructions or have other questions, call or email your healthcare provider. Don’t wait until your next visit to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, or anything else that might affect your health.
For more tips, the National Institute on Aging offers a free booklet called “Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older Adults” that can help you prepare for an appointment and become a better and more informed patient. To order a free copy or see it online, visit order.nia.nih.gov/ publication/talking-with-your-doctor-a-guide-for-olderadults or scan the QR code.
*Thanks to seniorresource.com for these great suggestions.
BYMOLLY NICHOLAS
RE al Life
Mysterious Market Move: More Applications, Slower Sales
The current housing market reflects quite the contrast. Mortgage applications are on the rise, yet buyers are taking notably longer to finalize their home purchases. This seemingly contradictory trend can be attributed to a confluence of factors, primarily revolving around affordability, a shifting inventory landscape, and persistent economic uncertainties.
One of the most significant drivers behind the prolonged buying process, despite an uptick in applications, is affordability. While mortgage rates have seen some fluctuations, they generally remain elevated compared to the historically low levels witnessed during the pandemic. For instance, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has hovered around 6.5% to 7% in 2025. This, coupled with steadily rising home prices – with the median existing-home sales price hitting new highs – translates into significantly higher monthly mortgage payments for prospective buyers. Many individuals and families, particularly first-time homebuyers, find themselves stretched thin by these increased costs, making the decision to commit to a purchase a more arduous and drawn-out process. They may need more time to save for a larger down payment or to reassess their financial capacity.
The "mortgage rate lock-in" effect also plays a crucial role. A substantial portion of existing homeowners secured historically low interest rates in recent years. This creates a disincentive for them to sell their current homes, as doing so would mean trading their favorable mortgage for a new one at a much higher rate. This reluctance contributes to tight inventory levels of existing homes, even as new listings show some improvement. While more options might be available, the overall supply still struggles to meet demand, particularly in desirable areas. This imbalance means that while buyers are actively applying for mortgages to prepare for a purchase, they may not be finding homes that perfectly align with their budgets and preferences as quickly as they'd like. The increased competition for the available homes can also lead to bidding wars, further extending the decision-making period for buyers who are wary of overpaying.
Furthermore, economic uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over the housing market. Concerns about inflation, potential job market shifts, and broader economic stability make buyers more cautious. Even with a pre-approved mortgage, the looming possibility of financial headwinds can lead to hesitation. Buyers are meticulously evaluating their long-term financial security before committing to a substantial investment like a home. This heightened scrutiny can involve extensive research, multiple home viewings, and a more deliberate negotiation process.
The rise in mortgage applications can be seen as a sign of underlying demand and a desire for homeownership, perhaps fueled by a slight easing of rates or a sense that waiting much longer might not yield significantly better conditions. Buyers are getting their finances in order, knowing that when the right opportunity arises, they want to be prepared. However, the subsequent slowdown in actual purchases indicates that while the intent to buy is strong, the ability and willingness to close the deal are being challenged by the realities of the current market.
In essence, the housing market in 2025 is a complex interplay of strong buyer aspirations meeting significant affordability hurdles and a still-rebalancing inventory. While mortgage applications reflect persistent demand, the extended time it takes for buyers to close signifies a market where caution, financial prudence, and a discerning approach have become paramount.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
CROSSWORD PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 13
FOUND ON PAGE 12
BYKRIS TEN DAY SIMPLE
One Last Summer Adventure
I usually write about DIY projects, but since it’s August, I thought it would be fitting to share a couple ideas for a ‘DIY adventure’. August is the perfect time to take one last day trip, before getting back into the normal rhythm of work and school. These trip ideas strive to be cost-effective, family-friendly and of course – lots of fun!
Alabaster Caverns State Park day trip
The first time we went to Alabaster Caverns State Park, located in Freedom, I was absolutely stunned by the architecture of the cave and all we learned from our tour guide about the rock formations. If you’ve never been before, Alabaster Caverns is a short 1.5 drive west to the state park. Once you’ve arrived, you will first head to the visitor center to purchase tickets for a low fee for the tour. When your tour group leaves the visitor center, you’ll head to the cave entrance and be transported into a cool, dimly lit oasis beneath the ground where you’ll go on a guided adventure through the cave.
Afterwards, I highly recommend checking out a couple of the small trails that leave the visitor center area (remember to always ask for a map) and enjoy the lovely scenery. After all that exploring, we certainly were hungry, and I highly recommend packing a picnic. We thought it would be fun to bring our camping stove and ingredients for a sim-
ple meal. If you’re with kids, this may be a fun option because you’ll get the feeling you’re ‘camping’ with the ability to quickly pack up and head home.
Route 66 exploration day trip
There is nothing more fun than a summer road trip, but if you’re short on time, why let that stop you? Some of our favorite memories have been exploring the quirky roadside attractions on Route 66 in Oklahoma. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed visiting the Round Barn, Pops 66, the Blue Whale of Catoosa and some others. Luckily for us Oklahomans, Route 66 cuts through a large portion of the state, so there are a variety of locations or stops to choose from. I highly recommend the roadside attractions in Acadia or Tulsa. You can’t go wrong no matter what you choose as this is truly a pick-your-own-adventure type of daytrip!
To get started, I recommend viewing Oklahoma’s Route 66 Guide on Travel OK and picking the locations and activities that interest you and your family the most. A fun addition could be watching Disney’s Cars the day before with the kids to get them excited about their adventure. Most roadside attractions are free or come at an extremely low cost and there are plenty of food options for any budget whether that’s packing a car picnic or stopping by a classic diner like Sid’s Diner in El Reno, Oklahoma.
No matter where you go, I promise you the simple pleasures of spending one more summer trip with your loved ones will be a sweet memory to hold onto.
BYEMILY
L EBARON
NOW SERVING!
Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Serves 6
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Pasta salad
• 1/2 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 small bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a small jar, combine all ingredients for lemon herb vinaigrette. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss warm pasta with vinaigrette to avoid noodle clumping. Refrigerate if desired.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Serve immediately or keep up to two days.
With August already upon us, school picking up and changing schedules again, a quick, easy pasta salad is always a great go-to on a busy night without heating up the oven!
This easy vegetarian pasta salad is so light and fresh, it pairs perfectly with your favorite prepared salmon or as a side to any great meal! The crisp peppers and onions, zesty lemon, and soft noodles, spinach, and olives give a great overall texture profile while balancing health and taste!
Now Serving Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette! Enjoy!
AUGUST 1–30
10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday–Saturday
Resilience: A Sansei
Sense of Legacy
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Japanese American artists reflect on legacy of wartime incarceration
AUGUST 1
6 – 9 pm
First Friday
Downtown Enid
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Live Music: Austin
Duplantis
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
AUGUST 2
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Rowdy Stickhorse (626 S. Hoover)
8 pm
Live Music: Knight Ryder
Elks Lodge (520 W. Oxford)
9 pm
Live Music: Van Damage
The Locker Room (417 N. Grand)
Enid's Enid's E-vents E-ventsE-
vents
August Events
AUGUST 2–3
10 am – 6 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday
Enid Comic Con
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
Celebrity guest “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, WWE Hall-ofFamer
AUGUST 2
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
6 pm
Live Music: Austin Duplantis
La Salsa (213 W. Willow)
7:30 pm
Auto Racing: USL Non-Wing Sprints
Enid Speedway (302 E. Oxford)
Factory Stocks, Hot Shots, Sport Mods/B Mods
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
AUGUST 5
6:30 pm
Trivia Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
Live Music: Billy Beck & Jacob Tovar
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
AUGUST 6
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewery (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 7
11 am – 12 pm
Veterans Coffee Social
OK Military History Exhibit (4125 W. Owen K. Garriott)
12 pm – 2 pm
FREE Ice Cream and Open House CFCU (2021 W. Garriott)
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
6 pm – 8 pm
Teen Swim Night Champlain Pool (400 W. Cherokee)
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 9
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Rowdy Stickhorse (626 S. Hoover)
9 am – 12 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee
7Brew Coffee (4010 W. Garriott)
10 am – 6 pm
Back to School Bash
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
7:30 pm
Auto Racing: Sooner
Late Models
Enid Speedway (302 E. Oxford)
Factory Stocks, Hot Shots, Sport Mods/B Mods
8 pm
Live Music: MPYRE
Pressure Cooker (710 N. Walker)
8 pm
Live Music: Jimmy Lee
Jordan
Elks Lodge (520 W. Oxford)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
AUGUST 12
4 – 6 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Night
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
6:30 pm
Trivia Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
Harvest Wine Series:
Blue Mood Jazz Duo
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
AUGUST 13
3:15 – 4:15 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Day
Spirit Express (3104 N. Van Buren)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewery (202 E.. Randolph)
AUGUST 14
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 16
7:30 – 10 am
Monthly Breakfast Fly-In
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.)
Barnstormers Breakfast Buffet $10.99 each.
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Rowdy Stickhorse (626 S. Hoover)
11 am – 3 pm
History Alive!
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.
AUGUST 18
5 – 8 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Night
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
6 – 9 pm
Back to School Skate
Jam
Jerry Allen Memorial Skate Park (124 N. 5th)
6:30 pm
Enid Charity Ball
Oakwood Country Club (1601 N. Oakwood)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
AUGUST 19
6:30 pm
Trivia Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
Harvest Wine Series:
Duo Romantique
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
AUGUST 20
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewery (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 21
11 am – 12 pm
Veterans Coffee Social
OK Military History Exhibit (4125 W. Owen K. Garriott)
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Turpin Tunes
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)
AUGUST 23
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Rowdy Stickhorse (626 S. Hoover)
7 pm
Karaoke
Elks Lodge (520 W. Oxford)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
AUGUST 26
6:30 pm
Trivia Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
Harvest Wine Series: The Cowboy Poet
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
AUGUST 27
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewery (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 28
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Hannah
Dasher & Tennessee Jet
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
Two of the most electrify-
ing voices in county and rock-infused America.
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
AUGUST 30
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)
8 am – 12 pm
Farmers Market
Rowdy Stickhorse (626 S. Hoover)
8 pm – 11 pm
Live Music:
Skeleton Station
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
