December 2022

BILL ROBINSON

The Robinson’s have been in Enid nearly 100 years, and for a lot of that, so has Bill Robinson. Bill was born to a machinist and a teacher right here in Enid, OK. He was raised playing sports, but he especially excelled at baseball. He graduated from Enid High School in 1968 and started (and finished) his collegiate career at Phillips University under the legendary Joe Record. Bill graduated from Phillips with a degree in physical education and sociol ogy. After graduation, he thought he would be a teacher and coach, but life had oth er plans and he became a salesman for

Larry Black Sporting Goods. After leaving Larry Blacks, Bill spent time in Arlington, TX as a salesman for Canon Camera and the Texas Rangers. Upon returning to Enid, Bill decided to put his sociology degree to use and began his true calling – counsel ing. Over the years, Bill has both been in individual practice, as well as a partner in larger agencies such as OASIS. While at OASIS, he counseled hundreds of indi viduals from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. In individual practice, Bill has given thousands of assessments and counseled hundreds more who struggle with addiction. He currently runs “Real Life Solutions” where he gives Alcohol and Drug Evaluations, Assessments, Anger Management, DUI Classes and Individual Counseling. Along the way, Bill has mentored and taken in lots of people that have needed help, which shows the kindness of his heart.

In nominating Bill, a friend said: “Bill has dedicated his life, money and others’ judg ment in giving hope and faith to people that a lot of people turn their backs on. He’s been a positive influence on anyone he helps. I’ve seen him save families, time and again, maybe knowing the end result,

but he is ever the optimist. The man de serves more than an award for his great deeds and the many sacrifices he has made in his career. I admire the passion for people that drives him daily.”

Fellow counselor Michael Coleman said of Bill, “He has taken his own life experi ences and used them to facilitate change in healing others. He has a passion for helping and has dedicated his life to fight ing addition. I am happy to call Bill an friend, and peer.”

Bill had two sons, Zac Robinson who currently lives in Germany with his wife and two children, and Benjamin Robinson, who died suddenly, leaving a daughter, Autumn, who Bill has been instrumental in raising to adulthood. He is very proud of them and will talk about them at any chance. Anyone that knows Bill, knows he’s the very embodiment of his slogan “Be Kind – It’s Important” and for that, he’s this month’s “Local Legend”

As I am writing this, “The One” has arrived on this very cold, snowy and wet November day, and with it, the promise of the upcoming holi day season. Special events in our town, like “The One” are part of what makes Enid special. It’s only with the dedication of people like the Williams family, and all the other volunteers in this town that give their time, talents and treasure that we can have these special events. So be sure to thank an organizer or volunteer, if you see one, at any of the many events we have throughout the year.

Of course, we here at the Enid Monthly, are big supporters of all the local businesses in Enid, and hope that you will spend some time shopping, dining, and being entertained (to borrow a phrase from Main Street) all the while remembering to be kind, and love one another. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Robert Faulk Editor Enid Monthly

ROBER T FAULK

STORY

BY K A CI CARPENTER

The ONE, Take Two

World’s Tallest Christmas Tree Comes to Enid Again

When you sit back and think about the holidays, what is your favorite part? The presents? The food? The weather? Well, here in Enid it is all about the things that bring us together as a com munity and the memories that we cherish for a lifetime. Lucky for us, The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree does just that. Enid is getting the opportunity to host the tree for a second year and like many, I had so many questions! So, I dove into it and want to answer them all for you.

The Tree

The tree is coming from an area near the Shasta-Trinity Na tional Forest in Northern California. It was picked by a company that is used to assemble and decorate the tree out of California. They have been doing this for a number of years with trees as large as 125 feet so they have the knowledge of what it takes to select the best tree for Enid’s event. Last year the tree arrived on October 13th and was assembled at that time but stood for over a month before being decorated with about 10,000 orna ments and 20,000 lights. It took 4 days to decorate the tree with lights and ornaments right before it was lit on Friday, No vember 26th, 2021.

While last year the event lasted 42 days this year it will go for 40 days. It will be lit during Enid Lights Up the Plains event on Friday, Nov. 25th, and be turned off the evening of Jan. 3rd, 2023. There are a wide variety of events planned during that

time and we encourage those interested to visit The One web site at theoneenid.com or stay up to date on their Facebook page.

The reason the world's tallest fresh-cut tree comes to Enid is because of a dream of Kyle Williams and his family. Thanks to the presenting sponsors, Jiffy Trip and Takkion, as well as sev eral other businesses and organizations, they are able to bring this project to life for a second year. So essentially this project is privately funded. Their executive team is an incredible group of passionate and community-minded individuals that bring an array of talent to the project to make everything possible. This truly could not happen without their help. They have been such a blessing to this project!

Takkion, is the company that hauls the tree from California to Oklahoma. They work to ensure Takkion is onsite during the tree cutting and the tree is immediately loaded and starts its journey through 6 states and over 1,800 miles. Last year, due to a few delays, it took 5 days but still arrived on time. This year the tree arrived on Nov. 14th, after a short weather delay. It will require extra work to brace the tree to ensure it has a lesser chance of breaking. Then it will be assembled and decorated then ready for the One Tree Lighting on Nov. 25th in conjunc tion with Enid Lights Up the Plains event.

Pictures and Information provided by Nicole Winfield

The Dreamer: Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams is the reason Enid is able to have such an amazing expe rience. He started his plan in 2019 with the hope to have the tree here in 2020 but due to the pandemic, 2021 ended up being the realistic goal. Kyle Williams and his family wanted to provide something special for our community and state. Not everyone has the opportunity to trav el to the coasts to see the other large Christmas trees, so he wanted to give everyone here this incredible opportunity. His passion to bring the tree to Enid is Faith in Jesus and the celebration of his birth. He want ed to bring the community together as a reminder that the holidays are bigger than materialistic things. With the help of many volunteers, Williams’ vision started to become a reality. Thanks to his loving and supportive wife Carol, Nicole Winfield, the project coordinator, Don Rose, who head ed up engineering, Jessica Nelson han dling the events, Ryan Fossett for visual de cor, and a few mem bers of his family, Jor dan, Angela, Matt, and Alex, this all became a possibility.

This year, there will be a large star added to the top, so he is hoping for calmer weather. Last year we had five wind events of 50MPH and higher resulting in a little work having to be done to fix the tree. Mr. Williams has the hope to bring the tree back to Enid yearly, but for that to happen, sponsors are greatly needed. I asked Mr. Williams what

could do to make this happen and this is what he said “We need businesses to help sponsor this event.  Last year and this year we are deeply in the red but believe we can be revenue-neutral next year. Our

Enid

The One was an amazing journey of faith for me. It made me stronger in my faith and im so honored to be a part of such an incredible project. We always said that if we touched ONE person, it was worth it. The one person was me. It truly changed and strengthened my walk with Christ. I hope it touched others, I know it did, in so many ways. We heard many stories of peace, hope, inspiration, joy and that’s what this is about.

— Nicole Winfield and her Family

goal isn't financial, but simply to perpet uate this event and Lord willing bring a hundred thousand visitors to Enid this year, weather per mitting, and perhaps soon, bring 100,000 to Enid on opening night.  We also need churches and our civic organizations to pitch in wherever they can. Many already are and we are grateful. Our event aware ness nationally is also so much better than last year. Our desire is that it will continue to grow and Enid, Oklahoma will be known as the home of the Christ Tree, the World's Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree.” He also strongly encour ages everyone to support the local and state-wide businesses that support “The One.”

The Lighter: Dr Lyntel Murphy

Dr. Murphy was asked to light the tree last year due to her very honorable background and being an amazing part of the Enid com munity. I asked her a few questions about her experience lighting the tree last year and how it made her feel.

“I was on Fall Break in Alabama with my granddaughters when Kyle Williams called and told me I was selected to be the Grand Marshal

I loved the whole idea of the tree. It really brought out the spirit of Christmas. I felt like I was in a Christmas Hallmark movie with the lighting of the tree. What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas with my grandkids!

— Jennifer Pierce with granddaughter Paityn

Many people have asked about the lighting of the tree but to be honest, what I think about is the night the lights went off. It was as if a part of my heart went with it. Kyle Dillingham and I were standing by the tree in the cold singing. Once the lights went off it went complete ly silent. Even to this day when I go downtown, I look over to where she stood for all those days. All the programs and singing, and com munity involvement were so good. Every night someone had some thing going on down by the tree. It was like a winter wonderland. The streets of Enid were alive and it was a contagious kind of happiness in the air. I loved the entire time spent with The One!”

The Events

OPENING NIGHT EVENTS FOR THE ONE TREE LIGHTING

The Schedule of events is as follows:

• 6:15 - Main Street Enid Parade Begins

• 7:15 - Opening Music

• 7:30 - Ceremony Begins

• 8:00 - Tree Lighting and Park Avenue Thrift Fireworks Finale

• 8:15 - The One Enid Band Christmas Concert

It brought me such joy to be able to take my family down town and see the excitement on my daughters face when she got to run around the winter wonderland that they created. It’s really such a special thing Enid did for the community and I’m so happy to have something like this to go to during the holiday season!

for the first year of “The One.” At first, I was stunned then as it began to settle in, I felt humbled. He had previously asked about my military career then he asked about my educational career. I started teaching in New Mexico, and the class of fifth graders I taught then are now in their thirties. When I think about that moment and when it was put on Facebook and the comments started coming in my heart was so happy! This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I did not take it for granted because this tree was so special! As the lights began to go up I felt like it was coming alive.

They have a large variety of events happening during the 40 days of The One Christmas experience. All of those are on the calendar on their website.

This year there are 3 BIG events that they are incredibly excited about:

CHRISTMAS CRUISE CAR SHOW

Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Christmas Cruise, sponsored by Enid Auto Body, is a family-friendly event featuring cars and trucks from around the region featuring music, food trucks, and other fun activities. The Grinch will also make an appearance during the festivities.

All makes and models of cars will circle The One campus around Christ Tree and the downtown square before making their way to park along Independence Ave. for visitors to check out and enjoy.

CHRISTMAS CRITTERS

Saturday, Dec. 10

Christmas Critters, sponsored by Brody Electric, is a family-friendly event featuring Express Percheron horses, reindeer, and other fun an imals for the kids (and adults) to enjoy. Leonardo’s Children’s Museum will have critters and present an educational feature to children. There will be crafts, face painting, music, and other fun activities for every one of all ages!

STORYBOOK NIGHT

Saturday, Dec. 17

Storybook Night is an evening of storytelling and characters coming to life. Storytellers placed across The One campus reading books aloud where guests can sit on a blanket and enjoy a story by lantern light. There will be face painting and crafts, and characters will be walking The One campus for photos and autographs

— Tori Tate and her daughter Avery

FOCUS ON

Wellness News from Preventing Falls This Season

Winter weather can lead to hazards like ice that can cause you to fall. If you injure your bones, joints or the surrounding soft tissue, you may require orthopedic care. Edgar A Fike, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at St. Mary’s Physician Associates, discusses what you can do to avoid falls this season.

Q. Who is at higher risk for falls?

A. Older adults are at highest risk for falls. More than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year in the U.S. Others at risk in clude those with weakness in muscles, legs and joints; people with sedentary lifestyles; and individuals who engage in certain sports. Those who take medica tions that can affect balance may also be at higher risk for falls.

A Fike, MD

Q. What can I do to prevent falls?

A. There are several things you can do, in cluding making your home and yard safe and free of obstacles. Make sure to clear ice and snow outside and check to see that you have proper lighting both inside and out.

You should also stay active, as physical activity can make you stron ger and improve your balance. In addition, wear appropriate foot wear to help you stay on your feet.

Q. How can I prevent falls through exercise?

A. Try exercises that improve your balance. Tai chi is a good choice for this. You should also work on building muscle strength by using weights or resistance bands during exercise. Talk with your doctor about the right routine for you. You may want to ask about physical therapy services to help build strength and balance.

Q. What should I do if I fall and injure myself?

A. Fractures must be treated right away, as they can cause pain and disability. If you think you may have broken a bone or injured a liga

ment or tendon, seek immediate care and be sure to follow up with an orthopedic doctor to help you recover. You should also seek im mediate care if you impact your head to ensure you do not have a concussion.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fike, call 580-249-3468 or book online at stmarysphysicianassociates.com

SOURCES: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention (CDC)

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination no tice, visit our website.

Edgar

BYSOP

H I A FAULK

Teen Choice Awards Teen SCENE

Hey!! And welcome back to "Teen Scene" in Enid Monthly. I am very happy to say we made it through the year, so you know what that means……the 2022 TEEN SCENE AWARDS!!! Since it’s the end of the year I think its time to give out some awards hence the title. Let’s get to it!!

Best Singer/Songwriter

I think many of us could agree that Taylor Swift deserves this award. She recently came out with her new album “Midnights” which has had many songs hit the billboard in a day of their releasing. My favor ite song from this album is "Anti-Hero."

Best TV Series

My favorite series this year would have to be the Summer I Turned Pretty!! I know MANY teens my age would agree with this winner

because it was all that could be talked about!! From the AMAZING storyline to the very cute boys. This series written by Jenny Han is based off the trilogy book series by Jenny herself. I remember going to summer pride the next morning I watched it, and A LOT of the girls were talking about it. I didn’t hear about one person disliking it!! This series is my favorite this year, because it is full of many cliffhangers, adorable scenes, and awesome music. I would have to say this will be in my top 3 all time favs I’ve ever seen. (You can watch this for free on Amazon Prime Video).

Best Food Trend

In my opinion I would have to say the “Perfectly Round Cookie” trend had to be my favorite this year. As a baker I tend to try hard to perfect my baked goods and having round cookies is a must!! I know not a lot of teens would agree with me on this but when I saw it on TikTok it seemed very popular!! How you do it is when you take your cookies fresh out of the oven, get a round glass cup and put it over each cookie, one at a time. Shake the cookie around with the glass so that the edges become perfectly rounded.

Best TikTok Scandal

I think most of the teens reading this will probable know what I’m talking about based off 2 names, Monty Lopez, and Yung Gravy. As some of you may know the famous “TikTok star” Addison Rae, you might know that her dad cheated on her mom with a younger girl. After this incident the 26-year-old songwriter Yung Gravy decided to take his chances with Sheri Nicole or Addison’s mom. I think this scandal is not just funny but very entertaining!!

That’s it for this year’s Teen Choice Awards. I hope you all enjoyed!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas on upcoming articles be sure to email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I would love to hear about some of the winners you disagree with and what or who you think should’ve won!! So, email me for that as well. If you are reading this before Christmas, I want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy December!! See you next year!! <3333

Just Like Magic

Author: Sarah Hogle

Released in October of this year, Just Like Magic is the third novel from author Sar ah Hogle but the first holi day-themed one. It would appear to be a typical Christmas romantic comedy – bring fake boyfriend home to family, end up falling in love –but Just Like Magic is so uniquely quirky and different. It has the cliché things, like ice skating and caroling and snowball fights. But also, socks that sing a Polar Express song with each step? A large live-in ginger bread house that appears in the blink of an eye?

The main character, Bettie, was once a prosperous influencer but is now secretly broke and dreading the upcoming Christmas gathering with her family. One night, after a few too many drinks, she accidently summons the Holiday Spirit, personified by a handsome young man named Hall. Bettie initially only uses his magic powers to benefit her self though – asking for wealthy items to keep up the appearance of her prior fame, enacting revenge on the people who have wronged

her. But Hall’s enthusiasm and sincer ity and warmth – think, Buddy the Elf energy – starts to rub off on her, as well as her family. Rather than bick ering at every dinner or treating gift giving as a who’s-the-richest compe tition, they start showing their true selves and rediscovering the love they have for each other.

Just Like Magic isn’t a perfect book – the humor can be a tad bizarre at times and one scene in particular doesn’t make, frankly, an ounce of sense toward the plot. But if you look past that, it does have great char acters – Hall in particular – and some good messages too. It’s a really fun, enjoyable read that will surely get you ready for Christmastime.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Just Like Magic today!

EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU

Children's Book Review

Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore

Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend

Author: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry

Author Alice Schertle may not have the name recognition like a Mo Willems or a Sandra Boynton, but the Little Blue Truck has quick ly become one of the most popular series for children. There are board books for the littlest kiddos, picture books for the old er kiddos, and holi day-themed ones for the whole range. Lit tle Blue Truck: Makes a Friend is the newest addi tion to the series, having been published this September.

The story begins when the farm animals notice that someone new has moved in on the farm. They immediately start wondering if it is

like any of them. Does it have hooves like Horse or wool like Sheep? Can it float like Duck or jump like Goat? When the animals discover it isn’t like any of them, they immediately get frightened and go hide away. But not Blue and Toad – they welcome Chuck and invite him into their friend group. Chuck is so relieved that they stopped by, and the other animals imme diately come say hello once they see that Chuck isn’t scary at all. The book ends as the whole group, including Chuck, jumps in Blue for a ride around the farm together.

This book is wonderful for multiple reasons. The simple, snappy rhym ing pattern on each page makes it a perfect pick for a storytime readaloud, and kids can practice what sound each animal makes from the repetition throughout. Most importantly, it has a really good message on kindness and acceptance, as well as leadership. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a youngster aged 4-7, you certainly can’t go wrong with Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend today!

Enid's Enid's E-vents E-ventsE-vents

December Events

DECEMBER 1-JANUARY 8

Monday-Thursday: 3-9 pm, Friday-Saturday: 3-11 pm, Sunday12-9 pm

Holidays on Ice in Downtown Enid 400 S. Independence

DECEMBER 1-JANUARY 3

The One Enid- World’s Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree 150 W. Park Ave

DECEMBER 1

10 am – 5:30 pm

Open House

Pearson’s Natural Food Center (131 W. Garriott)

25% off entire store! Goody Bags!

7 pm

Trivia!

Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover)

The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 2-4

10 am-5 pm Saturday, 1 pm-5 pm

Sunday Christmas at the Farm

Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)

Cut down your own Christmas tree, shopping in the barn, fresh wreaths, hot chocolate, petting zoo, more

7:30 pm Friday & Saturday, Sunday 2 pm

Gaslight Theatre presents

A Seussified Christmas Carol Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)

DECEMBER 2

5 pm-7 pm

Leonardo’s Night of Lights

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

Picture with Santa, Christmas crafts, hot chocolate, more

5:30 pm-9 pm

Chisholm Music Night

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6 pm-9 pm

Christmas in the Village

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

Experience a Victorian Christmas in the Humphrey Heritage Village with Christmas music, ornament deco rating, crafts, hot drinks, and a visit from Santa

7 pm

RED Grand Opening Party

RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

9 pm

Live Music: Backstage Pass

The Spot (417 N. Grand)

DECEMBER 3

10 am-1 pm

Risen Baking Co. Presents The Gingerbread Jubilee

The Farm on Norman, 1401 Norman Rd.

Decorate gingerbread people and build a gingerbread house

11 am-2 pm

Back Stage Pass Classic Rock Concert

The One (150 W. Park Ave.)

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 am-3 pm

The One’s Christmas Cruise

Blaze’s BBQ (1002 W. Willow Rd)

Cruise starts at Blaze’s BBQ and ends at The One, food trucks, live music, ice skating, more

1 pm-3 pm

Book Signing (Joe Cummings)

Putnam Six Bookstore (610 S. Cleveland)

3:15-5:15

Hype Dance Co.

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6 pm-9 pm

Christmas in the Park Meadowlake Park (1200 W. Rupe)

6 pm-9 pm

Live Music: Tunes with Taylor Fussell

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm

JWL Gala: Hot Havana Night Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence)

7 pm

Live Music: Stacey Sanders Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

9 pm

Live Music: Justin Shanholtzer & the Blacktop Rodeo The Spot (417 N. Grand)

DECEMBER 4 7 pm Karaoke! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 6 4 pm – 6:30 pm

OBI Mobile Blood Drive The One (150 W. Park)

DECEMBER 7 7 pm

Live Music: Scott Laughlin Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm

Karaoke! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 8

4:30 pm-7 pm

Community Children Choirs The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6:00 pm & 7:30 pm

NOC Mackie Planetarium presents Star of Bethlehem

NOC Mackie Planetarium (Randolph & Hedges)

1 pm

Basketball: NOC-Enid vs. Mid-America Christian Mabee Center (2401 E. Maine)

5 pm-7 pm

Leonardo’s Night of Lights

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

Picture with Santa, Christmas crafts, hot chocolate, more

5 pm-8 pm

World Harvest Church Worship & Carols

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 9-10

Mid America Nationals Wrestling Tournament

Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand) High School varsity wrestling invita tional tournament.

DECEMBER 9-11

10 am-5 m Saturday, 1 pm-5 pm Sunday

Christmas at the Farm Red Bird Fam (8812 N. Hwy. 81)

Cut down your own Christmas tree, shopping in the barn, fresh wreaths, hot chocolate, petting zoo, more

6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Living Drive-Through Nativity

First Church of the Nazarene (324 N. Cleveland)

7:30 pm Friday & Saturday, Sunday 2 pm

Gaslight Theatre presents A Seussified Christmas Carol Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)

DECEMBER 9 9 pm

Live Comedy

Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

Tickets at www.enidbrewing.com

DECEMBER 10

9 am-3 pm

15th Annual Goodies Galore

Redeemer Lutheran Church (215 S. Cleveland)

Crafts, cookies, candies, and home made chicken noodle dinner from 11 am-1:30 pm

12:15 pm-12:45 pm

City Cheer: The Grinch & Elf Squad The One (150 W. Park Ave)

1:45 pm-3:45 pm

Kara McIntyre Dance Co. Christmas Recital The One (150 W. Park Ave)

3 pm-6 pm

Christmas Crafts presented by All Moms

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

3 pm-7 pm

OBI Mobile Blood Drive

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

4 pm-7 pm

Christmas Critters Petting Zoo sponsored by Brody Electric The One (150 W. Park Ave)

5 pm-7 pm

Santa & Mrs. Clause The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6 pm-9 pm

Tunes with Taylor Fussell The One (150 W. Park Ave)

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

7 pm

Live Music: Austin Duplantis Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm

Xmas Rave and Glow Party RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

9 pm

Live Music; Robert Allen Shooters Saloon (1416 N. Grand)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover)

The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 11

7 pm

Karaoke!

RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 13

5 pm-7 pm

Cocoa & Canvas

The Farm on Norman (1401 Norman Rd)

Kids will paint a winter-themed design on an 11 X 14 canvas. After painting, they will enjoy cocoa & cookies

5 pm-8 pm

Candy Cane Cash Holiday Event & Drawing

Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)

DECEMBER 14

5 pm-8 pm

OBI Mobile Blood Drive

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

4:30-4:45

Redeemer Lutheran Church Youth Choir

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6 pm-8 pm

Central Assembly of God Worship Service

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm

Karaoke! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 15

6:30 pm-7 pm

Saint Joe’s Children’s Choir

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm-7:30 pm

Club Theatre presents: “This Just in From Bethlehem”

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm

Trivia!

Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover)

The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 16

5 pm-7 pm

Leonardo’s Night of Lights

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

Picture with Santa, Christmas crafts, hot chocolate, more

5 pm-9 pm

Sleigh Rides with Santa 81 Ranch (5220 N. US Highway 81)

6 pm

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Live Music: Van Damage The Spot (417 N. Grand)

DECEMBER 16-18

10 am-5 pm Saturday, 1 pm-5 pm Sunday Christmas at the Farm Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)

Cut down your own Christmas tree, shopping in the barn, fresh wreaths, hot chocolate, petting zoo, more

DECEMBER 17

10 am-4 pm

Pop Ups on Park St. Park St. Event Venue (150 W. Park St.)

11 am-3 pm

History Alive!

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

Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893

1 pm-5 pm

Christmas Bounce Houses The One (150 W. Park Ave)

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

Bagpipe Caroling The One (150 W. Park Ave)

3 pm-5 pm

Dually Noted Band & Friends The One (150 W. Park Ave)

4 pm-7 pm

Parents’ Night Out Champion Park Gym (700 N. 10th St) Crafts, games, free popcorn

5 pm-7 pm

Crafts & Face Painting The One (150 W. Park Ave)

5:15 pm-5:45 pm

Caxcan Hispanic Dance Group The One (150 W. Park Ave)

6 pm-9 pm

Storybook Night

The One (150 W. Park Ave)

Storytellers placed across The One campus reading books aloud where guest can sit on a blanket and enjoy a story by lantern light, face paint ing, crafts carriage rides around the downtown square

7 pm

Live Music: The RevolT Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 18

7 pm

Karaoke!

RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 21

6 pm-9 pm A Night of Carols The One (150 W. Park Ave)

7 pm Karaoke! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 22 7 pm

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

7 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover)

The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 23

5 pm-7 pm

Leonardo’s Night of Lights

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

Pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts, hot chocolate, more

9 pm

Live Music: Alltown The Spot (417 N. Grand)

DECEMBER 28

7 pm Karaoke! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple)

DECEMBER 29

7 pm Trivia!

Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence) 9 pm

Karaoke (No Cover)

The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)

DECEMBER 31

7 pm

NYE Party Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm

Live Music: Knight Ryder Elks Lodge (700 W. Oxford) Party Favors, countdown and more!

7 pm

Super Duper NYE Bash! RED Nightclub (302 E. Maple) Free Champagne and Party Favors!

BYDALE N MCVAY

THE LAW OF THE Land

I Have No Place to Hunt! Help!

If you aren’t lucky enough to own property holding wildlife, seeking land to hunt or even lease can be a difficult, frustrating process. In addition to all the “no hunting” signs you see, some hunting/fishing groups from the cities are constantly paying high dollar to lease land all across Oklahoma for their club members to enjoy.

Growing up in Beaver County, I was privileged to be able to hunt about anywhere in the county. The farmers I worked for had a signif icant amount of acreage I could hunt, but the majority of landowners in that part of the state knew my family well enough they’d let us hunt their land. They knew we’d take care of it, and sometimes share our bounty.

After I graduated from Iowa State, I made the trip up to Turpin with some pals to see if we could find any pheasant or quail. I was shocked to see how many “Edmond Hunting Club” type signs were posted. I really couldn’t blame the landowners, as many were being paid to keep CRP fields in addition to leasing the lands to these clubs for some good money.

If this is you, don’t fret, there are still plenty of fields available for you to traverse. I’d suggest looking at the Oklahoma Wildlife Depart ment’s website (www.wildlifedepartment.com). On it, you’ll find a link to public hunting areas including some here in Garfield County. The Drummond Flats contains over 5,000 acres with some timber, a cou ple of creeks and some timber.

When we aren’t in a drought, these wetlands hold ducks and geese. Pheasant and quail are both present (although like the rest of the state the numbers have continued to decrease). Turkey, rabbit, coyote and dove can also be found on the public grounds and are available to be harvested. Canton, Dewey County, Beaver County, Ellis County and the Salt Plains all have WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) and are within driving distance and have some large tracts of land to hunt.

Please note in addition to the hunting regulations, there are “area specific” hunting regulations as well. The same webpage mentioned above will provide the information concerning each particular WMA. My last bit of advice is this: this is public ground available to all li censed hunters. As such, it’s possible you encounter strangers or even a large amount of other hunters. Be respectful and courteous but most of all safe. If you tip toe into some timber with a climbing stand looking to find a deer, don’t set up 25 yards from another hunt er that’s set up a ground blind. If you come across other’s personal property, leave it be. If someone is already pheasant hunting a quar ter you’d like to hunt, don’t start at the other end of the same quarter. That’s enough preaching from me, so get on out there and find ya some wildlife or if you are like me, just get out and sit and solve the world’s problems in your own head.

Until next time, Okies . . .maybe I’ll see ya around the bend.

OBA Commitment

Community Service Learning Project Days

By Emily Holland

In an attempt to serve and give back to the community, OBA Head master, Andrew Wilkins, made the decision to install a new monthly rhythm in the lives of OBA students and faculty this year. On the first Friday of every month, OBA students split into individual classes and serve the community in various ways for the remainder of the afternoon. Students have served this year by reading books to children, picking up trash on the side of the road, playing bingo with the residents of The Commons, and so much more. The junior class has served at 4 R Kids the past two months, cleaning up the putt-putt area, prepping games for their annual carnival, organizing donations, helping and engaging in the paper-shredding barn, and completing other various tasks as needed. Brendon Tubbs said he, “enjoyed talking with the employees of 4 R Kids and getting to know them. It was great to see the behind the scenes of the familiar Putt-Putt course.”

Senior Kate Janzen says of the service learning days, “It has been so fulfilling seeing the joy we brought to the people of The Commons, I met a sweet lady and we had a great time talking about her life story and hobbies, and we still keep in contact to this day. I can’t wait to go back again next month and see her and the others again.” These ser vice learning outings are twofold in design: to bless the community that has blessed us so much, and to instill a love of service in OBA students. Senior and Student Body President, Holden Caldwell, recounts, “It re

ally made an impact on me to talk with people who had much more life experience than I have as they taught me invaluable life advice. The experience showed me a possible way to give back to my community in the future.”

As a Christian school our expected outcomes are different than a government school. We desire for our graduates to be faithful servant leaders to local church and community. OBA is committed to educating the heart that looks to serve others because of Christ's love for us. Our prayer is that our students choose a vocation to serve others well from within the strengths and passions God has given them and not just lev el of compensation. Our hope is that these service projects help these outcomes develop in our students.

THOMAS-GARFIE

L D COUNTYMASTE

SRENEDR THE Garden PATCH

R G A

The Holly and the Ivy

The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown

The holly bears a blossom, As white as lily flow'r, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our dear Saviour

The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good

The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas Day in the morn

The holly bears a bark, As bitter as the gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all

The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown

When we think of ever greens, we usually focus on pine trees. However, one of the most iconic holiday evergreens is the English holly tree, or Ilex aquifoli um. This European species found its way into the grand gardens of the nobility early on due to its rich and glossy foliage. It is mainly used for hedges, wind barriers and for topiary. You will find it in

Italianate gardens cut into all sorts of shapes. In fact, it is ideal for this art because it has a very hard trunk and branches, so it tolerates all sorts of cutting and pruning.

The American holly tree has been popular since the beginning of Amer ican history, having served the indig enous people with wood for many different applications and berries that were used for buttons and bar ter. Yaupon holly (Ilex Vomitoria) is another type of holly that can be both a shrub or a small to medium sized tree. The Latin name comes from the fact that its twigs contain caffeine and Native Americans used to eat them ceremonially and then vomit them back out. It has very thick branches covered in thick glossy and leathery foliage. The leaves are elongated with shallow toothed edges.

Holly leaves are often spiked. Un like many spiked-leaf plants holly is quite strange. Many varieties of hol ly have spiked leaves at the bottom and not at the top. It evolved as a trait to protect from munching herbivores lower down the plant! The waxy red Holly berries are also poisonous, so don’t eat them. On the plus side, not even goats eat holly leaves or berries! If goats won’t eat it, nothing will. This makes it a great orna mental and protective hedge which will deter even the deer.

Despite spiky leaves and poisonous berries, hollies produce incon spicuous greenish or cream flowers with a notably pleasant aroma. The American holly was said to be a favorite of George Washington, and more than a dozen hollies he planted are still evident today. The first scientific observation of the American Holly tree was recorded in 1744. It is also widely known as the basic raw material for Christmas wreaths.

So this holiday season, whether you are caroling or decorating, think of the holly tree and all the year-round pleasure it brings.

Photo by Łukasz Nieścioruk via Unsplash

of the "Live the Creed"

Pride PLAINS

Although the Boy’s swim team lost 10 swim mers from last year’s 3rd place team (including State Champions Kade Couchman and Dane Griffin), first-year head Coach Samuel Stew art has some lofty goals for his much young er team. “Even though we lost a lot of guys, I still expect a few of our guys to do well. Ju nior Weston Stewart (no relation) is one of the top distance swimmers in the state. He broke the team record in the 500-yard freestyle last year, and will also swim the 200-yard free as

well. He works extreme ly hard and is dedicated to being a good student athlete both in and out of the pool. He makes good grades, and I cannot say enough good things about him. As a Sopho more, he finished 5th in State in the 200 and 4th in the 500, and our goal is for him to make the top 3 in each of those events this year,” said Coach Stewart.

“Another guy that I am really proud of is our Captain, Cody Higbee. He is a Senior this year. He is the hardest-work ing guy on the team, and motivates everyone to work harder. Our goal for him is to make the final in the 200 Individual medley, and the 100 backstroke,” Coach Stewart said.

As for the girls’ team, they do not have as much rebuilding to do as they did not lose nearly as many teammates. “Our girls finished 7th in the state last year, and we are counting on doing better this year. Our Captain, Shyann Kissinger, has the ability to win the 200 and the 500 freestyle events. She missed winning the 500 last year by .1 second, which was heart breaking. We are also looking for Elsa Stewart to make the finals in her events (50 and 100 free). As a team, we are really shooting for top 5 placement,” said Coach Stewart.

While this is the first year Coach Stewart has been the head coach for Enid High, he has been the assistant for the last 6 years and has headed up the Enid Club team, the “Aquatic Club of Enid” for the last ten year. “We have a really strong swimming culture here in Enid, and while we never turn anyone away from the club team, we are pretty full mainly due to the facilities we have available. We compete all over the state and host our own meets too. It’s a great program and a great sport.”

Along with our sponsor Slater Mechanical, we wish the Boys and Girls Swim Team good luck this year!

2021-2022 EHS State Swimmers

RE al Life

Outsmarting Jack Frost!

BYMOLLY NICHOLAS

While it's important to be eco-conscious year-round, we love when winter months roll around and put a focused lens on staying warm and conserving energy. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens suggest the following small changes that could make a big difference in your winter energy costs.

1. Change your routine with your appliances.

Washing clothes in cold water can save you up to $40 per year in water-heating costs. Save energy and water by scraping off dishes in stead of pre-rinsing them before you load the dishwasher, and always run a full machine. And are you guilty of making your electric stove's small burners work extra hard heating large pots? Pair your burners and pots correctly, and you'll save approximately $36 annually.

2. Reconsider your heating needs.

Heating and cooling accounts for half of the energy used in your home. Start spending less by lowering your water heater's tempera ture. Many are set to 140 degrees but most homes don't need water hotter than 120 degrees, and you can save $12-30 per year with each 10-degree reduction. Also, consider whether it's time to get rid of an old water heater, furnace and air conditioner. Replacing at least 10-year-old

equipment with Energy Star products can save you a bundle.

Finally, make sure your home is properly insulated, so heat doesn't escape easily. Light an incense stick and watch where the smoke blows to seek out drafts. Or try a thermal leak detector— the one- time cost could save you big bucks over time.

3. Beware phantom power.

Even when some electronics are turned off (like TVs, DVRs, and com puters) they can still consume "phantom" energy if they're plugged into an outlet. This trickling of electricity can add up to $100 per year. Avoid it by unplugging your devices when you're not using them, or using a power strip so you can cut off the juice with a flip of a switch.

4. Swap out old light bulbs.

Replacing the bulbs in five of your most-used light fixtures with Ener gy Star-qualified lights can save you $70 per year in energy costs.

It is easy to see how a few simple changes can help save money as well as help the environment. Saving money and staying warm is a win-win!

BYELIZABET H CUMMINS

Tech Tips for the New Year

Greetings! As we wrap up 2022, and I write my final article for a few months, I want to leave you with some simple tips for maintaining your online presence in 2023.

Google My Business

Make sure you’ve got access to your Google listing, as the platform is evolving and unveiling new features.

Make it a New Year’s Resolution to keep your listing up to date. Don’t skimp on filling out your entire profile - it’s an easy and free way for you to up your findability online.

If you are a public-facing employee at a large corporation, make your own listing! This will travel with you easily if you change companies, and you won’t get stuck listed as “closed,” or at an address and phone number that is no longer your own.

Website

Don’t wait for your website to be completely out of date to call your website host for an update!

January 1 is a great time to implement consistent updates or a redesign for the new year. Many companies (cough, cough, Wordy Girl Creative) offer packages that give you routine updates for a low monthly fee.

Social Media

Think quality over quantity in 2023. Posting low-quality graphics and copy multiple times a day does more harm than good… Instead, focus on a few quality updates, and grow from there.

I won’t give away all the tricks of the trade, but I’ll start taking strategy bookings again in the spring. Email katelyn@wordygirl.com to get on the list.

Email & SMS Blasts

If you’re doing routine email or SMS marketing, I challenge you to ask yourself why. What’s the end goal? Is there a purpose to the content, or are you checking a box?

Consider the end goal of email marketing, then reevaluate your strat egy and frequency.

REAL ESTATE REAL ROCKSTARS ROCKSTARS

P r o u d l y s po nsore d b y

Sondra Hernandez, Broker/Owner

Cobblestone Realty Partners

402-G S. Oakwood Enid, OK 73703

(580) 297-9901 (O) / (580) 402-0424 (C)

Email: sjhernandez08@gmail.com www.cobblestonerealtypartners.com

Torrie Vann, Realtor

Coldwell Banker Realty III

101 N. Van Buren Enid, OK 73703

(580) 233-8833 (O) / (580) 747-6079 (C) Email: tvann@cbrenid.com www.sellingenid.com

Liz Price, Realtor

Century 21 Homes Plus 715 W Maine Enid, OK 73701

(580) 233-3500 (O) / (580) 541-4938 (C) Email: rlty3@aol.com www.enidokrealtorLiz.com

Starr Prince, Broker Associate

McGraw Realtors

1220 W. Willow, Ste. A Enid, OK 73703

(580) 297-5250 (O) / (580) 541-8008 (C)

Email: ishinerealestate@gmail.com www.ishinerealestate.com

Tara Dalton, Realtor

Coldwell Banker Realty III

101 N. Van Buren St. Enid, OK 73703

(580) 233-8833 (O) / (580) 484-1427 (C) Email: tdalton@cbrenid.com www.enidsbest.com

Tanner Fore, Realtor

Cobblestone Realty Partners

402G S. Oakwood Rd

(580) 297-9901 (O)/ (580) 478-5446 (C) Email: tannerfore@gmail.com www.cobblestonerealtypartners.com

Happy Cooking

BYMONIC A RORICK Chicken Spaghetti Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients

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• ¾ cup milk

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened

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• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Casseroles have become a staple in our home now that the cooler weather has begun to settle in. But I will be honest, there are just so many chicken casserole recipes a girl can handle before starting to go a little crazy...so I started looking to the internet for some new ideas. In my research, I found this recipe and thought it to be interesting. It is a little like a tetrazzini recipe, but with a spicy flare, using a can of Rotel, and no mushrooms. The tomatoes and green chiles really give this casserole a great flavor, while being extra creamy and cheesy with the 3 cheeses in the dish.

The recipe instructs you to use fresh chicken, but I had some chicken breasts already cooked, so I just cut those up into chunks and reheated the pieces in the olive oil with the Italian seasoning.

I also have begun to shred my own cheese. Did you know that preshredded cheeses have anti-caking additives mixed in to keep the cheese from clumping and mold inhibitors to keep the cheese from molding?? These additives also make it more difficult for the cheese to melt, plus...it's additives. So, I found this rotating shredder on Amazon that makes shredding my own cheese super easy. (Amazon link is listed at the end of this article.)

Anyways, this casserole was a HUGE hit with the Hubs, and my extended family, as the recipe makes enough for a good, healthy 8 servings. I served it with a nice green salad and a slice of garlic bread. So, try out the recipe and let me know what you think. And Happy Cooking!!

**recipe adapted from The Cozy Cook (thecozycook.com/ chickenspaghetti)

Link to Cheese Grater: https://tinyurl.com/48a73xyf

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Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Pat dry and sea son lightly with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning.

• Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside. Dice into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle.

Make the Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium low. Melt the butter in the same pot and use a silicone spatula to clean the chicken bits from the bottom. This is called “fond” and it gives the sauce a nice flavor.

Add the onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

• Sprinkle flour over the onions and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, until you can no longer smell flour.

• Add the chicken broth in splashes to maintain the thickness of the roux. Stir in between each splash. Add the milk next, a little bit at a time. Whisk until combined and smooth.

• (Now is a good time to start boiling the water for the pasta. Cook it according to package instructions and drain once fin ished.)

• Meanwhile, let the sauce simmer and re duce while the pasta water heats up. Add the softened cream cheese and stir con tinuously until melted and smooth. This is more difficult if the cream cheese is cold.

• Reduce heat to low and let the base cool a bit. Sprinkle in the shredded ched dar and stir to combine.

• If you’d like to thin the sauce out at all, add a little bit of the juice from the diced tomatoes, otherwise, drain the juice and add the tomatoes along with the chicken. Stir to combine.

• Stir in the spaghetti. If you’re not us ing an oven-safe pot, transfer to a lightly greased 9x13 casserole dish.

Bake

• Top with mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. If desired, broil it for a few minutes at 475 degrees at the end, watch it closely.

• Remove from the oven. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh Parsley. Serve with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese.