VICKIE WILLIAMS
Vickie Williams was born in Enid, Oklahoma, but she and her family lived in Nash, Oklahoma, which is a small-town Northwest of Enid. She enlisted in the United States Army in 1992 and served in different states, and she retired in 2017. While she was on active duty, she attended NWOSU and then OSU online for her Masters. She has 3 children, Brian Guffy, Alisha Mason, and Caleb Williams. Her daughter, Alisha, states, “She excelled in her military career and has always been driven in any endeavor she takes on.” In 2022, she moved back to Oklahoma and chose to live in Enid.
When she moved back to Oklahoma, she started volunteering at the Enid SPCA, and now she works there in addition to being the
liaison for the Best Friends Society. She has been a voice for the voiceless time and time again, and she’s grown to be quite a vital resource for the furry residents of Enid. Her daughter says, “She is a strong advocate” for all of the animals within the area. Vickie Grantz, ESPCA Executive Director, states, “Vickie Williams embodies a relentless and selfless commitment to improving the lives of Enid's animals. Her dedication goes well beyond the norm, as she consistently makes herself available to ensure every animal gets the care and attention it deserves.” If you’ve ever seen a lost dog posted on Facebook, chances are you’ve seen someone tagging her in the comments. No matter the animal, situation, organization or party involved, Vickie is always there to help, and she always does everything in her power to do so. And with the industry she’s currently in, hav-
ing such unwavering drive and compassion is no small feat.
Her daughter states, “She served her country with a drive that is not commonly seen in people these days, and now she brings that same drive to help the animals that have been forgotten/neglected.” Vickie Grantz goes on to say, “Thanks to her tireless efforts and unwavering diligence, Enid boasts one of the highest live release rates in Oklahoma. Vickie's work isn't just a job—it's a passion that saves lives every single day.” Vickie goes above and beyond for animals and humans alike, and she does it all without asking for anything in return. Her heart, compassion, and kindness shine through in everything she does, and that’s what makes her a Local Legend.
As the year continues to near its end and the world continues to be hectic, time feels as if it’s passing us all by. The holidays are a special time of the year, especially Thanksgiving, because they remind us to be present and thankful. And with so much negativity present, choosing to see the good and be thankful isn’t always easy. And, for some, the holidays aren’t a joyous occasion or a time to be appreciative. No matter your situation, time is, and will always, continue to pass, which is why it’s important to try and find the positives life has to offer. Our community is surely a positive and something to appreciate, for all of its ups and downs, because having a space you can come to for help, expression, and or relatability is an overlooked treasure. So, regardless of your feelings about the holidays, we can almost all agree on one thing, and that’s how special our community is, which includes the military community within our community! As someone from out of town, I can confidently say that the community within Enid is unique and special, and although it may have its moments, it’s something to be cherished. Keeping with the theme of being thankful, for this month’s Cover Story, we chose to highlight the military aspect of our community. In honor of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, we chose to spotlight some of the military history right here within Enid. As the holidays approach, like Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day, try to find something to appreciate or be thankful for, whether that’s our veterans, community, or the cooler temperatures, there’s something out there that’s made a positive impact on you in one way or another. And on behalf of us here at Enid Monthly, Happy Thanksgiving!
BLAK E REESE
BY ALI TA FEEK
HIDDEN
IN PLAIN SIGHT
IN HONOR OF VETERAN'S DAY, EXPLORE THE MILITARY HISTORY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY
The last time you drove by Enid’s Woodring Airport, did you know that you were passing an 80-year-old airplane that flew combat missions in World War II Germany—and even more astonishingly, one that still flies? Woodring is home to what Gary Stein calls “one of the best kept secrets in Northwest Oklahoma,” the Lady Liberty, an A-26 Invader aircraft whose meandering decades-long journey eventually brought her to Enid. Stein is a key member of the dedicated squadron of volunteers who maintains the Lady Liberty under the aegis of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), a national organization devoted to showcasing United States military aviation history.
The Lady Liberty’s journey began long ago on the sandy shores of Long Beach, California, where she came off the line
at the Douglas Aircraft Plant on August 23, 1944. Assembled in record time by the thousands of Rosie the Riveters who worked at the Long Beach plant, the Lady Liberty was the 130th A-26 produced. Even as the plane was being patiently assembled, rivet by rivet, she was hidden in plain sight, since the Douglas plant was itself heavily disguised. Due to West Coast security concerns, the “campus” was adorned with fake plywood houses and trees to help create the illusion of being an ordinary suburban neighborhood, while some areas featured camouflage netting and sandbags helped to create bomb shelters in other areas of the campus. Of all the A-26 Invader aircrafts produced during World War II, the Lady Liberty is the oldest known plane that still flies.
Her ultimate destination was Europe, but she made several stateside hops along the way, including Amarillo (Texas), Hunter Field (Georgia), and Wilmington (Delaware). The domestic transportation of Lady Liberty and other aircraft was performed by the Army Air Corps Ferrying Command. In a unique program that ran from 1942 to 1944, much of the work of stateside ferrying was performed by Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs).
Like the Rosies who worked in factories, the home front work of WASP pilots helped free up men for combat roles. Although the WASP program ended in December of 1944, it is almost certain that when Lady Liberty rolled off the production line in August, she would have been flown by a series of WASPs.
Lady Liberty’s final American stop was Grenier Airfield in Manchester, New Hampshire, which served as a major staging area for European-bound aircrafts. On September 10, 1944, she departed Grenier for RAF Great Dunmow, an air base in England.
She was assigned to the 9th Air Force, 410th Bomber Group and began combat operations in early 1945. The 410th was assigned four A-26’s, which were painted completely black and initially used to conduct night missions ranging all over Germany. As Wes “Jammer” Smith, the squadron’s Chief Pilot, says, “In contrast to a lot of war birds that you see these days, this is an airplane that was actually in World War II. This is the real deal.”
When you enter the Lady’s hangar at Woodring, the plane stands proudly, her nose art gleaming in the dim overhead lights. Large but not overwhelming, she is meticulously maintained and stands as a silent testament to the sacrifices made by those who lived aviation history during the 1940s. However, Father Time comes for all, and the veterans of World War II are no exception: their numbers diminish daily. The men and women who served in WWII are well into their 90’s, and according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, just “66,143 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are alive as of 2024.”
But while their numbers may dwindle, their legacy does not. Smith remembers that legacy every time he flies the Lady Liberty, saying “I consider that some young man sat in that same seat and flew combat against an unknown enemy.”
Keeping that history alive is what motivates the Lady Liberty squadron. As Gary Trice, Air Force veteran of the Korean War and squadron lead mechanic said, “I just don’t want the public to forget the greatest generation that operated this equipment before we came along.” Some members of the group are retired Air Force pilots, while others are retired from industry. And some of them haven’t retired at all. What brings them together is a shared commitment to honoring the legacy of service that the Lady Liberty represents. The group works tirelessly to “keep it flying, even though it takes a lot of hours, sometimes a lot of sweat, and sometimes even a little bit of blood from when
the Invader bites,” said Stein, who serves as the squadron’s Director of Training.
Whenever possible, they share the Lady Liberty with both Enid and the wider community. Just this summer, she flew to both El Reno Airshow in El Reno, Oklahoma, and the Frontiers in Flight show at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. Attending air shows is a great way to share the plane’s heritage with the public, which is often very curious about how the plane even got there. Crew Chief Scott Richardson says, “Because it’s an old airplane…a common question that we will get is, how did you all get this airplane here? When we tell them we flew it here, they look at us like we’ve got two heads.”
The Lady Liberty is the most high-flying demonstration of Enid’s commitment to veterans and the military community, but it is not the only one. Across the street from the Lady Liberty’s hangar is the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park. The park originally opened in 2000, growing over time, and in 2013, the Vietnam Memorial Wall was installed. The wall itself is an 80% scale replica of the original wall in Washington, D.C, and according to their website, over 990 Oklahoma names are on the wall. At a cost of approximately $1 million, Executive Director Elaine Johns said, “It was a huge undertaking…but the community pulled together.”
The Enid community has continued to support the organization. In 2017, they were able to open the M.L. Becker Education Center, which is located across the street from Veterans Park. The Center houses an art gallery, library, and museum. The Center offers tours, educational events for schoolchildren, and more.
Even more special is the “branch” location at Oakwood Mall, which houses the numerous artifacts and donations for which the Center lacks space. Housed in the former Sears, the Oklahoma Military History Exhibit is another of Enid’s hidden gems. The doors opened in November of 2023, and according to Steve Niswander, who helps operate the site, “We’ve had people from England, Yugoslavia, Mexico, Canada…all over the place.”
Coming in at about 40,000 square feet, the exhibit offers a multifaceted look at United States military history, with a focus on the 20th century to the present day. There is a wide variety of artifacts: uniforms, maps and photographs, weapons, and vehicles. Incredibly, entire planes are also featured, including a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a Lockheed T-33 trainer, and a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. They have a T-33 simulator, and there is even a miniature Jeep that children can drive. There are videos, too, and sometimes they can elicit the strongest
reactions. “This place is very emotional,” said Niswander, who recalled that they were once approached by a woman who requested help for her mother. The older woman “sat on the floor, sobbing,” and when the staff asked what was wrong, she said, “My dad died at Pearl Harbor.” Video footage of Pearl Harbor was running on a TV, and it had shaken her.
Then there is the tiger cage, which sits near the entrance of the exhibit. As a relic of the Vietnam conflict, the tiger cage is a powerful object. Niswander explained, “This guy leaned on that tiger cage and just went to sobbing. His fraternity brother at OU flew F-16’s and was shot down and captured. Spent five years in one of those cages.”
One thing that both Niswander and Johns want the Enid community to know is that they are not just here to commemorate the service of veterans. They are also here to here to help veterans in direct, tangible ways. Johnson said, “We have worked with the Disabled Americans Veterans here in Enid” to assist local veterans with that process. In addition, they have arranged for a VA representative to come to the Oakwood Mall exhibit. His name is James Conner, and he is “a retired chaplain from the Army,” according to Johns.
On the first and third Thursdays of every month, Conner comes up, and his sole mission is to help veterans. “He cranks it up. He knows his stuff,” said Niswander, explaining that Conner sets up his computer and helps veterans navigate the of-
ten-bewildering disability process. Niswander emphasized that any veteran in the community is welcome to come and speak with Conner. There is no charge or fee of any kind, and in fact, the exhibit itself is free as well, although donations are gladly accepted.
That brings us to Vance Air Force Base, which can hardly be said to be hidden in plain sight. The Enid community sees the airplanes flying overhead every week; the T-6 and T-38 trainer aircraft are a regular feature of our skies (and for at least a bit longer, the T-1 trainers). Vance currently produces over 300 pilots per year, and while they are here, pilots, students, and their families are valued members of the Enid community. This is probably not news to anyone reading this.
What might be less well known are some of the exceptional contributions that Vance has made throughout history. For instance, according to Vance historian Dr. Daniel “Wombat” LeClair, Vance produced over 9,000 pilots from 1941 to 1945. “It was extraordinary,” said Doc Wombat. “Their largest war class… had 374 people enrolled in it. That’s a year’s worth of production for us right now. They would go through, figure out how not to kill themselves in the air, and then go to advanced pilot training somewhere else.”
Vance has also borne its share of losses. Although we are used to seeing the little planes circling overhead, it is never a task without risk. According to Doc, “We have lost 131 people to flying training accidents over the years.” Vance has had two pilots awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for military valor: 2 Lt. Lloyd Hughes (posthumously) and Capt. Merlyn Dethlefsen. In addition, two Vance alumni were among those who perished in the 2003 explosion of the space shuttle Columbia: shuttle commander Air Force Col. Rick Husband and payload commander Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson.
Enid is home to just over 3,000 veterans, many of whom passed through Vance at some point. It is little wonder that so many have chosen to stay here, since the community has historically been extremely supportive of the military community. In fact, in 1995, when Vance was on the short list for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), “over 12,000 area residents gathered [in Enid] to show their support for Vance,” wrote Dr. LeClair. When the BRAC commission met a week later in Fort Worth, Texas, “over 1,200 Enid citizens gathered outside the BRAC commission meeting to show their support again.” Ultimately, the commission decided to close Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas.
Vance proudly continues its mission of training and graduating the pilots of tomorrow. And today, those who keep the Lady Liberty flying and those who operate the Woodring Wall of Honor, Veterans Park, and Oklahoma Military History Exhibit actively encourage everyone in the Enid community to come out and visit these unique pieces of history. Year-round, Enid folks can visit the wall, park, and of course, the museum exhibit. The exhibit is open Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 – 4:00, it is free of charge, and as Niswander said, “The history of the military is here. All you have to do is walk through that door and see it.”
The Lady Liberty warmly welcomes members of the public to come and see the historic plane. With advance notice or at any of Woodring Airport’s summer fly-ins, which generally occur once per month, you can come see the Lady Liberty up close. It is a great way to chat with members of the squadron and see a bit of living history. In addition, the squadron is always looking for new members. According to Richardson, “They don’t have to really know anything about an airplane…everybody has skills they can bring to a unit like ours.”
Both organizations are on social media, so be sure and check out their respective Facebook pages for the latest updates on events. In honor of Veterans Day, the community is invited to “Celebrate Freedom: A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans.” Taking place November 2nd through the 11th, the weeklong celebration features daily events at locations throughout the city. “Celebrate Freedom” is presented by Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park in partnership with the City of Enid.
Enid area veterans, past and present, cherish the many ways that the community shows its support. Please know that however you observe Veterans Day, your support is sincerely appreciated.
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Adult Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Love & Whiskey
Author: Fawn Weaver
Did I intentionally choose to review a book about whiskey for the month of November, when there happens to be an election? Purely coincidental?
You can take a guess. Love & Whiskey was written by entrepreneur Fawn Weaver and is the true story of her journey researching and honoring Nearest Green, the first Black master distiller in the United States.
Weaver first came across Green’s story in a newspaper article in 2016 and felt called to look into it more. Although Jack Daniel’s has become one of the most well-known whiskeys in the world, what Weaver helped bring to light is that Green, a former slave, was actually the one who taught Daniel the distilling process. Ultimately for Weaver, she decides that the best way to tell Green’s true story, to put his name in the history books where it belongs, is to create Uncle Nearest Whiskey and have it offered all across the country. It’s a tough battle for her independent brand to go up against the bigger names in distribution, but through her persistence, Weaver is able to make Uncle Nearest the fastest-growing Black-owned spirit brand of all time.
Now, this is not the history/biography book I was imagining. There is actually very little that Weaver is able to find about Green, and the information she does discover about his descendants and their town of Lynchburg, Tennessee, is presented pretty dully. However, the later parts of the book, where Weaver discusses the different aspects of launching and running the business, those parts are more interesting and read more quickly. While I am a bit disappointed in the book overall, it is wonderful that the name Nearest Green is finally being learned, and I can’t wait to try out a bottle for myself soon.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Love & Whiskey today!
EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU
Children's Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
The Lemonade War
Author: Jacqueline Davies
I know an ice-cold cup of lemonade is perhaps not the go-to beverage of choice in the month of November, but I’ve wanted to try this series for a long time – and then this month’s review theme can be “Beverage Entrepreneurs.” The Lemonade War is the first in the six-book series by author Jacqueline Davies and is intended for children ages 8-12.
When older brother Evan learns on summer break that his super-smart younger sister is skipping a grade and will be in the same class as him, he isn’t too happy about it. He won’t admit that though, so instead, in his anger and embarrassment, he challenges Jessie to see which of
them can raise $100 from selling cups of lemonade in their neighborhood. The competition keeps escalating until they are soon buying out the grocery store’s supply and recruiting friends to open other stands as “franchises.” When the contest changes to winner-takes-all of the profits, the sibling rivalry becomes serious business.
I thought this was a great read, and I liked all the small details from the author too. There are simple definitions for different business terms at the start of each chapter, and there are hidden math problems for kids too –for instance, if each can of lemonade produces 64 ounces and Jessie puts eight ounces in the cup for the customer, how many customers can she serve. Even though the contest doesn’t bring out the best in Evan and Jessie, I found their relationship otherwise to be really kind, and I look forward to reading about more of their adventures in the rest of the series.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Lemonade War today!
Aging Matters
Living Life to Its Fullest – Assisted Living
Although a majority of older adults will state that they plan to age in place in their own home, this may not aways be safe or practical. Declining health, mobility, and cognitive ability can leave elders vulnerable in their efforts to navigate day-to-day life. With families dealing with their own busy lives and responsibilities, it is not always possible to step in to provide the care needed as their older loved ones face these challenges. Family members often need to come alongside to help aging parents and other loved ones to find the most appropriate and comfortable living situation for them. This can be difficult and, depending upon the older family member’s willingness to consider options, can lead to guilt, frustration, and anxiety for all concerned.
Family members and friends may fear that their loved one is unsafe or unhappy alone at home and don’t know what to do about it. They express concerns such as poor nutrition, forgetting to take medications properly, becoming more isolated at home, forgetting appointments, falling, lack of activity, and loneliness.
For those who cannot provide care themselves and do not choose to hire in-home caregivers, assisted living communities may be an alternative. Assisted living communities offer services and support for those needing assistance with daily living activities including medication management, bathing, dressing, reminders, wellness checks, meals, housekeeping, laundry, home maintenance, and socialization. At the same time, these communities encourage elders to be as independent as they are able to, offering choices and opportunities to have control of their daily life and routines as much as possible.
Scott G. visited Greenbrier Assisted Living recently for information and a tour. When asked to describe his family’s situation, Scott stated, “I love helping my mom. I love her very much and want the best for her. But it’s getting to be more than I can handle. I want to be her son, and right now I just feel like her caregiver.”
One of the primary benefits of joining an assisted living community is the availability of social engagement. The detrimental effects of isolation among the elderly in particular have been shown to contribute to a lowered quality of life and health.
“I’ve made so many new friends!” states Greenbrier Assisted Living Mary Jane Evans. “Now I just walk outside my apartment when I feel lonesome, and there’s someone to talk to.”
It is not uncommon for an older adult to be reluctant to leave their home and make a move to a community. It is important to allow them to retain as much control as possible over the process, giving them
opportunities to make choices and have input. Invite them to visit two or three communities and meet staff and other residents. Schedule a meal so that they can experience the environment and observe the menu options. Ask them if they would like to participate in an activity or event to see if they enjoy the culture. Look through the communities’ Facebook pages and websites and look for reviews and comments. Ask the community’s staff to offer family contacts who might be willing to share their experiences.
As a concerned supporter of your loved one, make an impromptu visit to the community you are considering. This should give you an idea of what the typical environment is when visitors are not expected.
Most residents settle into their new home in an assisted living community, become familiar with the routine, staff, and other residents, and often find themselves feeling happier and more secure than they were before. Not having to constantly worry about falling and being stranded, making meals, handling routine tasks, loneliness, and isolation can give elders the freedom and security to live more independently and successfully. Many also welcome the freedom from their dependence upon assistance from family and friends and feel more in control of their lives.
A good, assisted living community will want to support families and be a part of the caregiving team. Family members and friends should be welcome to visit, provide input, offer suggestions, and ask questions. The goal is not to replace the family, but to come alongside and support.
Greenbrier Assisted Living offers visits and tours to anyone requesting information or suggestions about community living or aging issues in general. We would love to show you around our community whether you are looking for options for now or the future. Call Lori Waken or Natasha Willson at 580-233-1331 or just drop by at 1217 E. Garriott for a visit.
FOCUS ON Wellness News from Stroke Survivor Triumphs Through Rehabilitation
In May, 2023, Randy Caywood of Cherokee, Oklahoma, suffered his second stroke that left him with difficulty walking and slurred speech. But thanks to the Rehabilitation Institute at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, he was able to go home and enjoy life again.
Caywood, who rehabbed after his first stroke at St. Mary’s, spent 23 days at the Rehabilitation Institute participating in three to four hours a day of physical, occupational and speech therapies.
“They really work you hard, but it is for your own good,” Caywood said. “You will get the care you need.”
Through consistent hard work and unwavering determination, Caywood gradually regained strength and control over his body. His therapists
tailored exercises to address his specific needs, ensuring a holistic approach to his recovery.
“By discharge, Randy could walk 850 feet by himself with a front-wheeled walker, be independent with daily routines and had improved speech,” said Brittney Buller, M.S.,CCC-SLP, Rehabilitation Institute Program Director. “He also received home health services with continued therapies when he left rehab.”
The Rehabilitation Institute is a 22-bed inpatient facility that offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services including 24-hour nursing care, on-staff dedicated rehabilitation physician and neuropsychologist, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, case managers and dietary services.
The program is dedicated to treating individuals who can benefit from intensive inpatient therapy (at least three hours a day, 5-7 days a week) and 24-hour medical management, and who are being treated for conditions including:
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Multiple fractures
• Amputation
• Spinal cord disorders
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barré
• Cardiac conditions
“Our rehab program is in the top 10% for meeting patient outcomes in the nation, and we are the only inpatient rehabilitation facility in Northwest Oklahoma,” added Buller. “We have tenured and experienced physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists that provide a high level of evidence-based best practice therapy to our patients. In 2022, 81% of our stroke patients were able to return to their homes. Because
of our positive patient outcomes, we continue to receive a high number of referrals from metropolitan hospitals over two hours away. These referrals are patients requesting to come back to Enid to our inpatient rehabilitation facility.”
Today, Caywood is doing great. Although the journey was tough, Caywood emerged not only physically stronger but also mentally tougher, demonstrating that with determination, support, and the right mindset, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
He has been back to the Rehabilitation Institute to visit and bring the staff treats. “If you come into rehab with a positive attitude, believe me, you will go home walking. There’s no better place to be for rehab than at St. Mary’s,” said Caywood.
St. Mary’s recently received the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Silver designation. If you require rehabilitation after a stroke, St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Institute is the place to receive the therapy you need to get back into your daily routine.
To learn more or to refer a patient, please call us at 580-548-5001 or visit stmarysregional. com/rehabilitation.
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
305 South 5th Street Enid, OK 73701 Phone: 580-233-6100
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.
Randy Caywood
Business Shopping for Business
As the holiday season nears and the season of gift giving approaches, we welcome you to consider a Micro Retail Membership option at momentumHQ. This provides flexibility to retail businesses in many forms. Are you looking for a second storefront location to showcase your products and have more reach to increase sales? Or maybe you have an online platform that has a need for actual product displays and a sales location without the overhead of a typical brick and mortar storefront. Or perhaps you have a full-time job, but you have had a dream to start a store. momentumHQ is a great place to start up something with little risk as well as a community of business minded individuals that could provide knowledge and help you grow your new business. Not only do we provide a storefront presence to display your products, but we help market your business as a membership perk. From a shopper’s perspective, the availability of multiple products from unique local stores at one location provides a one stop shop for your gift finding needs! Check out momentumHQ.org for pricing information or call 580-599-1939 to discuss with a managing member.
mHQ Member Highlights
Azalea Park Boutique
This popular store originated as a traditional brick and mortar location in downtown Enid but has transitioned into an online platform due to the ever-changing world. However, the need to provide a small presence as a storefront was still present. momentumHQ has met this need by providing pick up services for online orders and displays for feature products to be purchased directly at momentumHQ.
TJ Honey
Locally sourced honey that is not only delicious and healthy but also makes a wonderful gift for your loved ones. Their jars can be found in multiple stores around town including momentumHQ. One major benefit the business has at this location is that customers can call ahead at 580-599-1939 to pre-order their specific type of honey and how many jars they’d like to pick up on their way home from work. This benefits customers as well because they don’t have to worry about going to the store and risk not having their complete shopping list met at that location, and then they’d have to find another to finish shopping.
Indian Hills Plaza Business Spotlight
Jade Garden welcomes you to enjoy delicious Asian cuisine. Take a break from holiday shopping to dine on chicken fried rice, a bento box, sushi, or other yummy dishes. Our members love having a short walk to a quick lunch between meetings!
BYMOLLY
NICHOLAS
RE al Life
SELLING A CHILDHOOD HOME
How to cope when your kids freak out!
Many families face tough decisions when selling a family home. In this article, Julie Taylor shares her experience in hopes to help other families navigate the process.
Shortly after my daughter graduated from high school, my husband and I decided to sell our California home of 17 years and move out of state to save money.
Seena was getting ready to go to college in the Midwest, and the home sale proceeds would pay for her tuition. Yet while this transaction made financial sense, emotionally, Seena was devastated. When Seena lashed out at me about the move, I felt guilty and defensive. I found myself repeating the reasons the move made sense financially — hello, college! — but that fell on deaf ears. While my daughter’s reaction seemed outsized to me, apparently many kids have mixed feelings about selling their family home. One reason my daughter was so upset might have been due to how I approached the subject: I just casually dropped the bomb on her, without expecting it to be a big deal. But it was, to her. Instead, I should have treated it like a serious matter to discuss in depth — like a death or divorce in the family.
Looking back at all those arguments with my daughter now, I also wish I had tried harder not to let her freak-outs get to me. When Seena expressed fury or frustration, I also probably didn’t validate her feelings enough, which psychologists say is extremely important in scenarios like this. Even though my daughter was heading to college, she was likely looking forward to “coming home” for summer and holiday breaks. And I might have underestimated the strength of the bonds she’d formed. I told my daughter we could always go back and visit. We even planned a trip to the Coachella music festival so she could reconnect with some of her old classmates. Surprisingly, once we made the move, my daughter was still upset about it. However, once college started, the proceeds of the house sale started benefiting her in a more concrete and tangible way. I pointed out that she was able to live in a single dorm instead of a double and got to enroll in a summer class that allowed her new adventures that were not available prior to the sale.
My daughter can finally see more clearly how selling our L.A. home benefited her life and isn’t as angry about it now. She Face Times with her best friends in California daily and hopes to move back there someday. When she does, it will be on her terms and her dime, and I’ll be in Missouri cheering her on every step of the way!
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THE LAW OF THE Land Archery at Autry Tech
Howdy folks! It’s me again, your ole’ lawyer here that would rather be a hunting or fishing guide. Comin’ back at ya with some useful knowledge for those of you that are archers, are “wanna-be” archers, or have ever had questions or the desire to learn the sport.
At Autry Technology Center, they offer a course titled Explore Bowhunting: Beginning in 2010, the Explore Bowhunting curriculum was developed by the Archery Trade Association (ATA) to teach students (aged 11-17) basic skills used to bow hunt. The program not only teaches students how to interact with nature using ageless hunting skills,
but it also teaches an appreciation of what is around them and enhances their encounters with the outdoors. As one of the first states to pilot Explore Bowhunting, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is excited to coordinate with state schools to conduct the program, particularly as a compliment to the highly successful National Archery in Schools and Oklahoma Hunter Education in the Schools programs.
These are evening courses (usually 6-8pm) open to the public at no cost. They are taught by Brian Moorehead, one of the training specialists on staff at Autry Tech. He does this outside of his normal job, simply because of his passion for the outdoors and working with youth.
Upcoming dates for that one includes 10/16, 11/13, 1/15, 1/22 and 2/12!
They’ve done a handful of partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, including coordinating programs like Archery in the Schools and Fishing in the Schools. Their local hunter ed course is also taught on their campus.
They recently hosted Oklahoma Sportsmen’s Week with the ODWC at the end of August where different experts were brought in to share on a variety of topics.
Teen SCENE
BYSOP H I A FAULK Running
Hey, y’all, and welcome back to Teen Scene. In honor of cross-country season coming to an end, I wanted to share an essay I wrote for my College Composition class. I hope you enjoy my career story!!
Running: Most other athletes' punishment, and my everything. I have run almost daily for the past 4 years—one mile, maybe four, or even eight. I started running during eighth grade after the cross-country coach noticed me keeping up with a talented runner during summer pride workouts. Running then became a significant part of my life, and my application would be incomplete without it.
Running that 8th-grade cross-country season was like love at first sight. I enjoyed the idea of being the best on my team, which was never the case in any other sport I have played. I was either an average player, or close to being the best, but I was not quite at the point to be number one. My first-ever race was a one-mile run on my home course, and I, unexpectedly, took the gold medal. From my first race to the last that first year, I consistently beat my times one after another and received many medals. I participated in school soccer and tennis come spring, so running track was not an option for me.
Entering my freshman year, I realized that it was time to work harder due to more experienced competition. I had a new coach since it was now high school, which I was kind of worried about. Coach Johnson was his name (we called him BJ). He was one of the reasons I stayed in this sport and had fun every day. I started the season off great as everyone expected and made it all the way to the state cross-country meet as an individual. This had not been done by anyone else at Enid High for around seven years, therefore this accomplishment was huge, espe-
cially since I was a freshman and only in my second season of running. The state meet was the peak of my career where I ran my personal best five-kilometer time: twenty-one minutes and twenty-five seconds.
Track season was just around the corner, and I was prepared to kill it! To my disappointment, I started to experience sharp pains in my shins from running on the hard track every day. This caused me to slow down, and it hit me hard. I pushed through these pains the whole season but was not satisfied with my times. I ran the two-mile and four-by-eight-hundred relay every meet. My four-by-eight-hundred relay team consisted of two seniors, one junior, and me, a freshman. We ended up making state for the first time in years, which again was a huge accomplishment.
After freshman year, I started to lose my passion for running. I was no longer interested in giving it all of my effort, in trying to be number one on the team. I was already burnt out. My sophomore season was average and not even close to the past two years. I started to realize I was only running for the social aspect and to stay in shape. I did not try my hardest anymore, which disappointed a lot of people, but I did not care. This was the same for that track season as well. I am now in my junior season and trying to build back the fire, courage, and willpower I once had three years ago. Running is my life, even if it is not what it used to be, and I could not live without it.
Thank you for reading my story! I hope you enjoyed it or maybe even learned something. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful November. See you next month!!
NOVEMBER 1 – 2
10 am – 5 pm
A Broader View: The 1893 Land Run in an Era of American Change
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
11 am
Mennonite Relief Sale
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
NOVEMBER 1 – 3
NJCAA Region II Soccer Tournament
Advance Soccer Complex (1526 S. Garland)
NOVEMBER 1
All Day
Free Friday Open House and Free Coworking Day momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
6 pm
Live Music: Lane Haas Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
6 pm – 9 pm
Mommy and Son Dance RED (302 E. Maple)
NO ALCOHOL SERVED DURING EVENT
9 pm Latin Night RED (302 E. Maple)
NOVEMBER 2
TBA
Watch Party: Oklahoma
State v. Arizona St. Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
Enid's Enid's E-vents E-ventsE-vents
November
Events
10:30 am
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Ride to Remember Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.) 100-mile ride to military sites.
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
11:30 am – 5 pm
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Celebrating our Veterans OK Military History Exhibit at Oakwood Mall (4125 W. Garriott)
7 pm
ESCPA 25th annual Food & Fun Festival
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue) Must be 21 or older to attend, tickets $35
9 pm
Live Music: Backstage Pass Alibi (224 W. Broadway)
9 pm
Taylor’s Dirty 30 Party! RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 5
10 am
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Tree Planting Ceremony
Vance AFB – Kincade Blvd.
6:30 pm
Trivia Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
NOC Enid
Planetarium Show
NOC Enid Mackie
Planetarium
NOVEMBER 6
11:30 am
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Free Luncheon for Veterans
First Baptist Church (401 W. Maine)
3:15 – 4:15 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Day
Spirit Express (3104 N. Van Buren)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
NOVEMBER 7
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)
7:30 pm
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: The Veterans’ Story Gaslight Theatre (221 N Independence)
Veterans share their military experiences.
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph Ave.)
NOVEMBER 8 – 9
7 pm
GT Arena Motocross Nationals
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
NOVEMBER 8
8:30 am
Working Women
Business Club
momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
6 pm
Live Music: Stacey
Sanders
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
NOVEMBER 9
TBA
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. TCU
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 am – 4 pm
Vance Spouses’ Club
Holiday Marketplace
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
11 am
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Square
1 pm
Oklahoma Brewery
Running Series
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
FREE to Enter and First 30 RSVP will get a FREE T-Shirt
RSVP: www.breweryrunningseries.com/locations/ oklahoma
8 pm
Live Music: Skeleton Station Band
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 11
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
NOC-Enid Veterans Presentation
Gantz Center (2200 E Maine)
6:30 pm
Celebrate Freedom, A Weeklong Tribute to Honor Our Veterans: Veterans Day Service & Legacy Award Ceremony Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
Keynote speaker is Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Dwight Birdwell
NOVEMBER 12
4 – 6 pm
Sensory-Friendly Family Nights
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
6:30 pm
Trivia
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.
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 13
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
NOVEMBER 14
12:00 pm
Business Book Club by Drew Ritchie momentumHQ (1909 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)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph Ave.)
NOVEMBER 15
United Way of NW
Oklahoma Day of Kindness
Multiple communities & multiple activities planned
A day to show kindness in all that we do to all who we meet
Contact Dan Schiedel at 580-237-0821 if you wish to be included or wish to share your plans
6 pm
Live Music: Larry Newsome
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
8 pm
Live Music: Dually Noted RED (302 E. Maple)
NOVEMBER 16
10 am – 12 pm
Book Signing: “Squatch on the Watch” – Krista Braud momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
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
CARE Campus Gala: A Griswold Vacation Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
Come dressed as your favorite character from any National Lampoon Vacation movies.
6:30 pm
Taste of St. Joes: Belles & Beaus
St. Joseph Catholic School (110 N. Madison)
7 pm
DJ Dance w/Dale Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9 pm
Lingerie Party RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 18
5 – 8 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 19
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 20
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
NOVEMBER 21
11 am – 12 pm
Veterans Coffee Social
OK Military History Exhibit (4125 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)
7:30 pm
Singo
Setters Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
NOVEMBER 22 –JANUARY 5
Holidays on Ice in Downtown Enid
400 S. Independence
Enid’s real ice, outdoor ice skating rink.
NOVEMBER 22 – 24
10 am – 5 pm Friday, Saturday, 2 – 5 pm
Sunday
Christmas on the Farm
Red Bard Farm (8812 N. US Hwy. 81)
U-Cut Christmas trees, gift shop & play land.
NOVEMBER 22
6 pm
Live Music: Jazz Daddies
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
NOVEMBER 23 – 24 Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Enid Fall Home Show:
Home for the Holidays
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
NOVEMBER 23
TBA
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. Texas Tech
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm
Turkey Day Rave RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 25 –27
10 am – 5 pm
Christmas at the Farm
Red Bird Farm (8812 N Hwy. 81)
U-cut Christmas trees, decorations in the barn store, much more
NOVEMBER 26
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
NOVEMBER 27
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. and Eatery (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Thanksgiving Eve
Karaoke Party RED (302 E. Maple)
NOVEMBER 28
7:30 am
Turkey Trot 2024 4RKids (710 Overland Trail)
NOVEMBER 29 – 30
10 am – 5 pm
Christmas at the Farm
Red Bird Farm (8812 N Hwy. 81)
U-cut Christmas trees, decorations in the barn store, much more
Friday 4 – 9 pm; Saturday 9 am – 4 pm
The Market Neighborhood Shops: Christmas Craft Show
Stride Bank Center
Grand Ballroom (301 S Independence)
6 – 9 pm
BAT Express and Mini BAT 400 S. Independence
Army truck and barrel
train decorated for Christmas and giving rides.
NOVEMBER 29
TBA
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. Colorado Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
4:30 – 9 pm
Enid Lights Up the Plains Downtown Enid
6 pm
Live Music: Mitch Hayes Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
NOVEMBER 30
8 – 11 am
Breakfast with Santa Stride Bank Center
Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Enid Symphony Orchestra Presents Retrophonic Christmas featuring Joan Ellison
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
8 pm
Live Music: Midnight Gambler Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9 pm
Get Rid of the EX Party RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
Be Fast or Be Last PLAINS
The 2024 Enid High Plainsmen and Pacer Cross Country Teams came to this season on very different footings. The boys were coming off an excellent building year, only losing one varsity runner to graduation and had high expectations. The girl’s team lost several varsity runners, and their head coach, so were looking to find their way. In the end, both teams met some of their goals, but still have more to look forward to.
Senior Blake Jensen was the clear leader last year, but this year has been pushed by another Senior, Carson Nault and a star Freshman, Jose Hernandez, all of whom have taken turns leading the team during meets this year. As a group, they are usually between 30 and 60 seconds faster than last year’s team, and even losing a Varsity starter to injury, has not slowed them down much. “Losing a Varsity starter could be really bad, however, our Junior Varsity team is so strong and deep, we are able to replace them and not lose too much time,” said Head Coach Justin DeClerck. Jensen won the Enid home meet, and both the Varsity and JV won the Ponca City meet, which given the rivalry is extra special.
At the beginning of the year, the boys set a goal to make the state meet as a team, and DeClerck believes they can meet that goal. “These next two weeks, we really need to train hard and have lot of effort, but we have a real shot if they run well,” said DeClerck.
As for the girls, getting used to a new coach has been a challenge for both coach and runners, but DeClerck has been excited to step up into the new role as head of the girl’s program as well. “I am so happy and grateful they selected me as girl’s coach this year, and while coaching girls has been different than coaching boys, but both me and the girls are learning each other and figuring it out,” said DeClerck. Even after losing a few Varsity starters, the girls are up to 45 seconds fast as a team this year. The Varsity girls also won the Ponca City meet with Junior Esmeralda Solis usually leading the team with promising Sophomore Cassidy Lebeda pushing her at most races. “Unlike the boys, we aren’t losing very many seniors off the girl’s team this year, so we have some real potential if they keep up the hard work,” said Declerck.
This group of runners has put in the miles, and now it’s time to show up, and hopefully make state!
BYEMILY L EBARON
Pulled Pork Chili NOW SERVING!
November brings the hectic rush of the holidays, even cooler air, and family gatherings. Thanksgiving’s lingering near, and menu planning is on the mind. To help ease some stress and soothe the soul, this month’s Now Serving will be an easy but amazing crock pot chili to free your schedule and hands for a warm, delicious meal! While chili is traditionally made with ground beef, this recipe has a switch up with soft pulled pork and your favorite BBQ sauce! Start it on low for 8-10 hours the night before for lunch the next day, or in the morning before starting your day for dinner, or on high for a meal in 5-6 hours!
Now Serving, Pulled Pork Chili!
Pulled Pork Chili
Serves 8-10
Ingredients
• 1 Pork shoulder
• New bottle of your preferred BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 cloves of garlic, diced
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Two 15.5 oz cans dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Two 15.5 oz cans light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Two 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with chilis and onions
• Serve with your choice of cheddar cheese, sour cream, corn bread, or corn chips!
Directions
Place your pork shoulder at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer with the coarsely chopped onion and sprinkle with the paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Squeeze half the bottle of the BBQ sauce over it and let cook on low for a minimum of 7-8 hours or on high for a minimum of 5 hours. During the last hour of cooking, pull the pork apart with two forks and add the cans of beans and tomatoes. Let it cook for the remaining hour and add more BBQ sauce if desired. Serve with a topping of shredded cheddar cheese and/or sour cream, cornbread, crackers, or corn chips! Enjoy!
