April may 2014

Etown • 227 W. Broadway • Enid, OK 73701

On and Off the Court,

Daniel Martinez

Mountain Man

Let’s Celebrate Food!

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Permit No. 2000 Oklahoma City, OK

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Roxanne Pollard

Detailing Roxanne Pollard’s achievements and contributions to the Enid community is nearly an impossible task. To do so would require an entire magazine devoted to how and why one woman can give so much of herself to better the community and improve lives of complete strangers. Roxanne’s many involvements includes Co-Chair for the March for Babies 2014, Garfield County Livestock Booster Club Board Member, Chair of the Surgical Technology Board for Autry Technology Center, President of the Board for YWCA, Rural Health Project Board Member, Loaves and Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma Treasurer and Women for Oklahoma State University Council Member.

Being part of so many organizations is part of Roxanne’s dream to make a difference in the lives of those who need the services offered. “My passion is with women, children, education and agriculture, and I think it is so important to give back to your community. It is definitely extremely rewarding to be involved in these projects,” she states. Working with volunteers with differing opinions, hopes and goals on each of these boards offers Roxanne a new perspective and encourages her to reach for higher standards. “Sometimes, I look back and remember that special day when someone thanked me for doing something so small. It is a wonderful feeling, and volunteering has made me a better leader and definitely a better listener.”

While her passion has always included children, Roxanne and her family were given an extra special reason to become involved in organizations, which help children with birth defects. Roxanne details the love affair with their granddaughter that started it: “We are the proud grandparents of Rebecca

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Jane King, 2014 March of Dimes Ambassador. She was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, which affects about 4,200 babies a year. At eight months, she has undergone three surgeries already and will have many more in her future. She is a beautiful little girl whom we love so very much.”

Last year, the March of Dimes in Enid raised over $90,000, and Roxanne states that both she and her husband are proud to be co-chairs for this important fundraiser that provides for babies born premature or with birth defects. In Enid alone, 1 in 8 babies are born premature. Roxanne continues, “March for Babies is the largest fundraiser for the March of Dimes, and Enid has been a huge supporter of the walk. We hope our friends and the community will walk with us on April 26th, 2014.”

Though Roxanne’s list of involvement is lengthy, her commitment and passion to each allows her to be an advocate and benefit to each. In her spare time, she spends time at Maple Place Bed and Breakfast, which was purchased one year ago along with her son Jeff and his wife Lissie. Overall, Roxanne’s outlook is truly commendable: “I hope I am making a difference in our community.”

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E contents April/May 2014

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On and off the court, daniel martinez

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Child abuse prevention month

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A New You: Gabriela baeza

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Let’s Celebrate Food!

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the baseball mom’s 23rd psalm

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Mountain man

Few people so young know what it means to live the American dream, but Daniel Martinez is one of those few who knows exactly what it means to embody just that. While he is known for his skill on the tennis court, it is Daniel’s passion for community and his uplifting attitude that makes him quite a remarkable and admirable young man, a definite face to the American dream.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this will be the second year Enid citizens will find the courthouse lawn filled with wooden children, each with a different painted face, unique outfit, and maybe an accessory or two. It’s those wooden faces who represent the abused.

Gabriela Baeza is definitely a woman on a mission. Growing up on her father’s farm outside of Acatic, Jalisco, Mexico, Gabriela is used to getting down and dirty; she is not one to shy away from a challenge. It came as no surprise to her family when she enrolled in Autry’s two-year welding program. Under the tutelage of Ryland Stonehocker and Bob Webster, Gaby has excelled.

In the past few years, Caroline DuPuy has realized just how much food matters to her family‘s health.

Yes, I was a baseball mom and loved it! I was one of those moms who kept all those t-shirts we just had to have from every tournament, because Dad said, “Don’t throw those away!” After our son graduates high school, then after college, I’m still thinking that one day I’ll do something with them.

During the days when America was a young country, there was a type of man who went where others did not. High in the mountains, away from civilization, he roamed the lonesome areas that few men saw. That type of character is rare in modern day America, but he can still be found around Garfield County in the form of David McAlister.

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April/May 2014 Volume 8, Number 2 Managing Director Frank Baker Art Director Theotis Pace Project Coordinator Lynne Benkendorf

Etown Promotions Director Cathy Nulph Writers Candace Krebs Robert Barron Jacque Hince Cathy Nulph Trina Walker Liz Cady Michael Hunter

I'm tickled to share this photo with you.

And not just because it's a photo that includes me.

It gives me the chance to lift up the three people I share this photo with as well as some additional folks.

Cathy Nulph, Lynne Benkendorf and Theo Pace join me as being the core group behind Etown Magazine and Eagle Marketing. Their involvement in all that we do has been invaluable to our ongoing success. They are bright, witty and a daily joy to work with. As well as being complete pros in all they do. I am blessed beyond words to have them as colleagues.

The folks not pictured include what I call our "extended dysfunctional family" at Etown and Eagle. It includes an additional twenty or more folks that we work with here in Enid and, literally, all around the world.

They include writers, photographers, graphics & digital specialists, event assistants plus some folks that we keep in our circle because they're great freaky fun.

Etown continues to be a marvelous, wild ride. Thanks to all.

Frank Baker/Managing Director/Etown Magazine

As Promotions director for E-town , I love being involved in the creative end If “I can dream it could happen” . That is the best way to describe my job. Some of the creative endeavors I have collaborated on “ Fashion Forward” With Dawn Muncy . Cats Fluff n stuff a fun nod to fashion in Enid. The E-town big Band event with Doc Bryant and Michael Batchelder . Play it forward with Oakwood mall , Girls night out at For you boutique ,bridal events . The hot spots map Music fest , and much more. I am grateful to our many sponsors that make E-town magazine and events a reality Cathy Nulph E-town promotions director

SUGGESTIONS

Do you have an idea for future stories for Etown? We’re always looking for good ideas of people and places to feature.

If you have a suggestion give us a call at 580-548-8186 or e-mail fbaker@eaglemkt.com.

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Photographers Muncy Photography Nancy Killam Kelly Killam Cammeron Kaiser MotoPhoto Dawn Muncy Lori Coonrod Holly Taylor Holly Gannett Account Executive Cathy Nulph Cover Gabriela Baeza Photographer: Dawn Muncy

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Story by Robert Barron

April and warm weather are just around the corner providing home owners with lots of ideas for things to do in the spring, including spring cleaning. Jennifer Fugazzi of Paramount Real Estate, said one of the best spring cleaning things you can do is improve the curb appeal of your home.

“It’s spring time, tulips are blooming and people are doing spring cleaning and getting their houses ready to sell,” Fugazzi said. Spring is a good time to sell, she said.

There are a number of improvements that will give your home more curb appeal. Fugazzi said there are seven key steps to improving your home for sale and the first is curb appeal.

“Landscaping will add $5,000 in value to your home and gets people through the front door,” she said.

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Good outside design can sometimes be as valuable as remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Painting is a good place to start and choose color and details that coordinate with the age of the house.

Pave driveways and walkways because those lead people to your home, Fugazzi said. Shutters add charm and depth if they hang correctly and have no flaking paint.

An attractive well-manicured front-yard landscaping also adds value. Drought tolerant plants and easy-to-care-for perennials are a good option if the homeowner is not handy in the garden. Backyards are important, as well. Outdoor living is popular and more people want to be able to relax in their back yard. Sprucing up a deck or patio with attractive furniture, raised garden beds and possibly a water feature will give the homeowner years of enjoyment, as well as appeal to future buyers.

Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their landscaping, Fugazzi said. However, a good design can add to the home’s value. One option is having a landscape architect assess what is there and make suggestions. The homeowner can create a more formal look of natural paths, native plants and lots of ground cover, she said.

Landscaping, however, is more than just greening up the yard.

It includes lights, fences, rock features, paths, ponds and other enhancements. Even if the current plants and trees are attractively laid out, there may be ways to enhance their look with a bench or pathway or lighting, Fugazzi said.

Paramount Realtor Ginger Blasi said there are some things that can be done that are not expensive, but will add curb appeal to your house. Shade trees should be cared for. If there are areas near shade trees that do not grow well, she suggested planting shade grass. Now is a good time to plant shade grass and it will be ready to mow by summer time, Blasi said.

Bare spots look bad.

“Another thing that we’ve had luck with at our house is Knock Out Roses. They are very low maintenance. They stay bloomed all spring and into the fall. Trim them back a little in the fall and they will be rarin’ to go come spring,” Blasi said. “They definitely give color and are low maintenance.” Knock Out Roses can take up a lot of space, or be trimmed back to fill

Pat Cronkhite Sondra a smallerHernandez area, she said.

Another tip is to take the necessary time to trim lawns around the sidewalk, rather than letting them grow over the curb. “You will get quicker sale when you have a manicured look on the outside,” Blasi said.

In her experience as a realtor, Blasi said many people have already begun to spray for weeds and crabgrass. That is also not expensive, gives a weed-free lawn and shows pride of ownership. People often think if a house does not look well kept on the outside, it won’t on the inside. Also she advised if using lawn ornaments, less is more. Ornaments can date a house, or make it look cluttered. A final item, that can be expensive, is trimming trees, but some customers will not look at a house that has trees that are poorly cared for, or stumps in the yard. They believe it will cost them money to treat the trees and remove the stumps, she said.

Realtor Amber Sprague said curb appeal is very important when selling your home.

“It’s the first thing the buyers see and without it, it can be very difficult to get buyers in the door,” Sprague said. “I suggest you start by power washing the exterior. This will brighten the exterior and make the windows sparkle,” she said. Then tackle the flower beds, she said. Freshen them up with some flowering plants and some greenery. Make sure all the trees and shrubbery have been trimmed, and keep the lawn neatly mowed and edged. “Touch up the exterior paint. Maybe even add a pop of color to the front door,” Sprague said. “By doing a few things to increase your curb appeal you can potentially increase your home’s value,” she said.

Spring Cleaning Word Search Puzzle AMMONIA BUCKET CHEMICALS DECLUTTER DUSTING FRESH FURNITURE LAUNDRY MOPPING PICKING

POLISH RAGS SCRUBBING SHINE SWEEPING SWIFFER VACUUM WINDEX WINDOWS WIPE

www.ParamountHomesRE.com

Etown Sponsor Content

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1 Joy Hofmeister Event Photos by Nancy Killam 1 Senator Patrick Anderson, Joy Hofmeister

9 Leonard Northcutt, Kayle Costello,

2 Rep Mike Jackson, Roydon Tilley,

Joy Hofmeister, Sharon Trojan 10 David Trojan & Roy Easley 11 Amanda and Randy Rader

Christy & Scott Northcutt 3 Matt Holtzen with Jamie Peters 4 Roydon Tilley, Shawn Hime, Joy Hofmeister,

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Jim Strate

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5 Frank Baker and Joy Hofmeister 6 Joy Hofmeister, Mike Stuber 7 Sen Patrick Anderson, Mike Stuber, Reagan Allen, Jim Strate 8 Kristy and Scott Carlson

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On and Off the Court, Daniel Martinez

By Liz Cady Photos by Erin Haney

Few people so young know what it means to live the American dream, but Daniel Martinez is one of those few who knows exactly what it means to embody just that.

While he is known for his skill on the tennis court, it is Daniel’s passion for community and his uplifting attitude that makes him quite a remarkable and admirable young man, a definite face to the American dream.

Born in Ecuador, it was Daniel’s father Eduardo who brought the Martinez Family to Enid through Vance Air Force Base, first as an Exchange Instructor Pilot in 1999 and finally, for good working with the simulators in 2004. Daniel details, “For us, it was a crucial move to start a new chapter in our lives,

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starting from zero. This experience taught me that in America, you can do anything you set your mind to do, as long as you work hard and set clear goals, and that has been our family motto.”

Using a tennis racquet purchased at a garage sale, Daniel started playing tennis with his parents. His first lessons were with Bruce Hess through the EJRT program, which taught Daniel the importance of enjoying the sport. “[Bruce] taught me, in a very fun way, to love tennis. He and my parents never forced me to play; they just wanted me to be active and focus my energy.” Focusing his energy is exactly what Daniel did as most days were spent racing to finish homework in

order to maximize his time on the court.

Of course, like any young person, Daniel wasn’t always certain tennis was his calling. “I remember one day that I came home and told my mom that I didn’t want to play tennis anymore, instead I wanted to play soccer. She said, ‘Ok.’ That lasted for one month, and I realized I could not stay away from tennis.” Since then, Daniel has not dropped his racquet, except for the year in which he was recovering from hip surgery. For a young talent looking to better his game, Daniel and his mom Cynthia went to Oakwood Country Club to approach Jim Shaughnessy, who took a chance on the boy and stayed to watch Daniel play. “Since we

could not afford to become a member, we asked for a scholarship, which I had to wait for about a year. In that year, [Jim] convinced the board to give me a shot, and I have been playing with him at the country club ever since.”

Daniel’s tennis career in Enid has not lacked influential tennis coaches, as Dan Gaston is another figure who logged hours on the court with Daniel. “I am very thankful for everything that Dan, Bruce and Jim have done for me. I will never forget all those long hours they put into me to become the best tennis player and competitor I could be.” In addition to these three influential men, Daniel gratefully expresses his thanks to Coach Herndon and Coach Gaebler, two figures who offered unconditional support, even when Daniel was injured.

While tennis allows Daniel to focus on himself as an individual, Daniel devotes much of his time to giving back to the community through volunteerism. Beginning at age twelve, Daniel accompanied his mom to tour the local soup kitchen, Our Daily Bread. “I started serving the food for lunch, and I can honestly say that I have received more than I have given. It gives me a great feeling knowing that I can actually do something for someone else,” Daniel shares. People, such as Sandy Howard, surround Daniel as he volunteers, encouraging him to become a better person.

Daniel has spent so much time at Our Daily Bread (once a week for an hour and a half) that he has been “promoted”- so he jokes- to cook and helps prepare the food that will be served later on in the day.

More mature than his years, Daniel continues, “It is very important for people to volunteer in their communities, because it is your community which molds you into the person that you are.

I have learned that there are always people that cannot get back on their feet [themselves]. We are not here to judge but rather to care and lend a helping hand.”

The Martinez Family motto to work hard has clearly resonated with Daniel, as he is a young man working hard to be an all-around good person, with some astounding qualities both on and off the court. Attitude is key, and for Daniel, he knows that by following his Christian morals, continuous work and best effort will pay off. Mom Cynthia has always encouraged her son to be humble, and Daniel is just that, which only adds to his geniality.

He has received an academic and athletic scholarship offer from Southern Illinois University, which is located in Carbondale, Illinois. “I fell in love with [Carbondale], maybe because it has an Enid feel… A small town with a huge heart.”

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1 Integris Specialty Care of Enid Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Photos by Erin Haney

1 Cheryl Weiden (left), E. Alex Lebrija, DPM, FACFAS, Ankle and Foot Surgery of Enid (right) 2 Norma & Raymond Lamle 3 (left to right) Kathie Houston, Lori Earl, Gary Skelton, Shelley Stutchman, Mary Feightner

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4 Pam Kyser (left), Stephanie Whatley, PA 5 John Merz, (left), Eddie Herrman, President Integris Medical Group 6 Nicole Winfield (left), Brittany Conner(middle), Becky Kroeker 7 Angela Cosby, Vice President Integris Medical Group (left), Holly Capra, Director Integris

Medical Group (right) 8 Cutting the Ribbon - Pedro L. Cardich, M.D. Neurologist 9 Pam Kyser (left), Adreanne Haggard, M.D. Family Medicine 10 Bruce D. Pendleton, M.D., Neurosurgeon (left), Pedro L. Cardich, M.D. Neurologist (right)

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Child Abuse prevention month

Story Provided Photos by Nancy Killam

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this will be the second year Enid citizens will find the courthouse lawn filled with wooden children, each with a different painted face, unique outfit, and maybe an accessory or two. It’s those wooden faces who represent the abused.

“The whole point of the project from the very beginning has been community awareness,” said Carole Wade, executive director of the Garfield County CARE Campus. Wade came up with the idea for the wooden children. “We need people to realize that [child abuse] does happen here, and we need to pay attention.”

Terri Walters, Debby Buller, Kristi Fossett

Carsyn Felix

Group: Lynn Miller, Carolyn Rapp, Paula Davidson, Joan Dodds, Terri Walters, Kristi Fossett, Debby Buller, Lisa Bloom, Gail Novak, Casey & Carsyn Felix, Linda Hockmeyer

The children are hard not to pay attention to, and Wade says it might be the visual aspect of the project that has made the difference in this year’s number of children, which is up from 94 to 146.

Police Sergeant Dustin Albright agrees that this year’s larger number might simply be a product of people now knowing when to report abuse.

“A project like this brings out the awareness that this really happens,” he said. Albright is a member of the Child Abuse Response Team (CART) board and, along with the Enid Police Department, fostered a child last year with his wife and four daughters. “We plan to do it every year,” he said.

“I’ve been surprised in a good way at how this particular project really got to people,” said Melissa Thomas, volunteer coordinator in charge of the PR committee responsible for the project.

Joan Dodds, Linda Hockmeyer, Paula Davidson

“Some people dressed them in shoes, gave them purses and hats, teddy bears,” Wade said. “One woman called this year and selected the exact same child [she had previously]. She wanted to make certain she gets it year after year.”

Wade and Thomas see a great future for the project.

Those interested in fostering a wooden child for $25 may contact the CARE Campus at 580-242-1153. Plan to pick up the child March 14, dress it and bring it to the courthouse April 1, between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. There will be a short presentation about the advocacy center and other projects Enid has to offer abused children.

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Meet the Doctor

Michael S. Jackson, M.D., Board Certified OB/GYN

Treating patients the way he’d want his family to be treated is a guiding philosophy in the medical practice of Dr. Michael Jackson, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center’s newest OB/GYN. His approach to medicine, friendly demeanor, and love of family make it a certainty that Dr. Jackson will enjoy great success here.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Dr. Jackson attended Iowa State University on a swimming scholarship earning his undergraduate degree. He then returned to Omaha for medical school at the University of Nebraska, graduating with distinction. His interest in obstetrics and gynecology wasn’t immediate, but was inspired in part by the fact that Dr. Jackson’s mother was a labor and delivery nurse. An experience in medical school reinforced that interest.

“During medical school we followed a patient through the course of her pregnancy. I went to every visit, sat through ultrasounds, and got up at night for her delivery. I got to know the residents and physicians, and they sort of took me under their wing,” he said. “I was able to see a more indepth look at the specialty than I might otherwise have. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Dr. Jackson completed his OB/GYN residency at the Univeristy of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, and then went into private practice and teaching at the medical school in Wichita. A decade later, Dr. Jackson said he felt he was ready for something different. When the opportunity with INTEGRIS presented itself, Dr. Jackson decided to explore it.

“When I came to town and saw the downtown area, I was struck by the fact that it felt much larger than a town of 50,000. The history of the hospital, and the reputation of the INTEGRIS system was impressive and I was looking for a place that felt like home and somewhere that I could envision finishing my career.”

After visiting with hospitals, administrators and other physicians, it became apparent that Enid fit that bill, Dr. Jackson said. The community has been very welcoming.

Dr. Jackson arrived in Enid, this past, October, just as two of the hospital’s OB/GYNs were leaving. As a result, Dr. Jackson’s practice began building immediately, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dr. Jackson said he sincerely enjoys time spent with patients and he

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Weddings with Elegance 2014 Photos by Nancy Killam

takes care to explain options, and be honest and compassionate when communicating. His favorite part of his practice is delivering babies. “That’s the most important possession anyone is ever going to have, so it’s rewarding to be given that trust and it’s an honor to be there and share in that. Even if there’s bad news to deliver it can be rewarding. Helping families get through a difficult, horrible time and then getting a ‘thank you’ from that patient means a lot.”

Being a husband and father, also contributes positively to Dr. Jackson’s patient interactions.

“As someone in their early 40s, and as a father myself, I can easily relate to all ages. I ask myself, how would I want my wife and daughter to be treated, or my mother, or grandmother to be treated.

It’s how I know I am doing the right thing for every patient every time.”

While Dr. Jackson enjoys his profession, he is even more enthusiastic about his family and is looking forward to making Enid their home. His wife Sarah has a master’s degree in child psychology.

Dr. Jackson has four children: Jacob 15, Joshua 13, Lauren 5, and Gabriel 3. They will be moving to Enid once the school year is over.

When he’s not at work, Dr. Jackson can be found spending time with his family, often cheering on the sidelines at one of his children’s sporting events if he’s not coaching.

Enid is a good fit for the whole family, Dr. Jackson said. “I can’t wait to get involved!”

Dr. Jackson sees patients at INTEGRIS Obstetrics and Gynecology and is accepting new patients. Call 580-233-6350 to schedule an appointment.

Jessica Blanchard, Kimberly Bittle, Ashley Jander of “Mug Shots Photo Booth Co.”

Lori Earl, Brittany & Natalie Bride

Maria Lopez – “Mandy’s Catering and Wedding Rental”

Doris Killman, Kinzie Killman, Savannah Killman, Lacey Birdwell of “Bride to Be”

Mylee Winegeart, Daili Meyer – “The Home Place Country Estate”

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2014 Garden Tour of Enid Story by Michael Hunter Photos by Holly Taylor

Garfield County Master Gardener’s take great pride each year with presenting the annual community Garden Tour of Enid. The tour highlights local creative garden spaces and provides an open gardening forum with tour location owners. The Garden Tour of Enid has two community roles with both education and philanthropy. Attending the tour allows the visitor the opportunity to learn about plants and view design concepts. All funds raised by the Garden Tour of Enid support the Ron Robinson Memorial Horticulture Scholarship that is awarded yearly to a student majoring in Agriculture attending Oklahoma State University.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Center gardens will again be included on this year’s tour. Fine examples of Oklahoma Proven perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees can be seen within that landscape. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Center location will also feature a plant sale, garden boutique shop featuring the ever-popular Master Gardener gloves for sale, and complimentary Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Center educational materials.

The five additional garden locations will include 1802 Quailwood Drive, 820 West Cherokee Avenue, 1806 Mocking Bird Lane, 2615 Wildwood Drive, and 4001 Driftwood Drive. Visitors will enjoy live musical entertainment at select gardens on Friday evening June 6th. Gaillardia Pottery will be displaying unique garden pots for sale on both days at select gardens. Bottled water will also be on sale both days at select gardens.

The tour gardens will present interesting lifestyle design options for outdoor living, water features, trees, shrubs, plantings, large planted containers, walkway materials, arbors, and mulching. Remember to bring your pad and pencil to take notes along the tour for observations of varieties of plants used in color, in textures of foliage, and those requiring sun or shade.

Enjoy this time to speak with these enthusiastic local gardeners about their gardens and learn of their individual experiences. Visitors are also encouraged to bring questions of any special concerns they may have regarding their own gardens. Look for ideas to harvest from this year’s Garden Tour of Enid for planting in your own back or front yard.

You can phone the OSU Extension Office at 2371228, fax questions to 242-1955, go to the website at http://oces.okstate.edu/garfield/master-gardenerannual-garden-tour/, email questions to Extension Educator – Agriculture/4H agent Rick Nelson at rick. nelson@okstate.edu, or drop by the Extension Office located at 316 East Oxford Road Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. for more ticket information. Take time during this annual garden opportunity, June 6th and 7th, to enjoy experiencing some of the exceptional locally, found-garden spaces that are cultivated in Enid.

Keep Calm and Garden On! 19

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Mona and John Loewen remember Emmanuel Baptist Church when it was just getting on its feet. In fact, they say when they joined back in 1967 there were only a few hundred members. “It has certainly grown since then,” smiles Mona. A lot has changed in the church in the four decades the Loewens have attended, however they say what hasn’t changed is the laughs Mona. The two were married at the young age of 17 and were soon blessed with two sons. Several years later the family was graced with a daughter as well.

After a short stint working on a farm in Mississippi, John and Mona moved back to Mona’s family farm about 15 miles southwest of Enid. John began working as a banker/lender as well as helping on the farm. Looking for a church that offered family options for their young sons, the Loewens discovered Emmanuel Baptist and knew they’d found their church home. “They had a really dynamic pastor,” remembers John. “He was actually the first pastor of the church. So we’ve been here through all the pastors of Emmanuel.”

Over the years the Loewens

warm, inviting feeling people sense as soon as they walk through Emmanuel’s doors.

Mona and John were both raised in the area, and met on a blind date when they were teenagers. “He came out to my farm and saw my cows and it was love at first sight…for the cattle.

The Hereford cattle have been John’s passion ever since,”

met many of their closest friends at Emmanuel and have continuously given back to the church they love. They both teach Sunday school and Mona teaches a citizenship class as well as English as a second language at the church. John, who retired from banking twelve years ago, puts his knowledge to use with the church’s finances and both Mona and John teach Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University several times a year.

The two also have gone on mission trips and plan to go back to Poland this year. “We’ve invested so much into this church, we just have too much of ourselves invested here to ever leave,” says Mona.

While talking with Mona and John one quickly realizes the two have a vibrant sense of humor. As Mona discusses the

transition from pews to chairs currently taking place at the church, she jokes, “This is kind of huge for us old timers.”

Adding “it may not be as easy to sleep in the chairs as it was the pews.” Then, when asked how faith has changed their lives, John replied, “Well, it’s enabled me to put up with Mona!” Joking aside, the two have a strong deep faith that colors everything they do. They also support the changes the church is making to bring in new members and say Pastor Wade Burleson’s emphasis on grace and love has grown them as Christians.

With three children, and seven grandchildren, plus a farm full of Hereford cattle, the Loewens stay busy.

Still, much of their time is dedicated to Emmanuel Baptist and serving others as they spread God’s message of love.

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Gabriela Baeza is definitely a woman on a mission. Growing up on her father’s farm outside of Acatic, Jalisco, Mexico, Gabriela is used to getting down and dirty; she is not one to shy away from a challenge. It came as no surprise to her family when she enrolled in Autry’s two-year welding program. Under the tutelage of Ryland Stonehocker and Bob Webster, Gaby has excelled. Welders learn how to read blueprints, perform basic trigonometry, and gain an understanding of metal and gas chemistry. So even though she has to refer to Google translator from time to time for clarification on an assignment, Gaby has become an inspiration to her other classmates. Gaby is judged by her instructors to be one of the very best in her class.

Not only is Gaby excelling in her class she has also won many prestigious awards through the National Technical Honor Society,

Post-Secondary leadership conference, and has placed second in the SkillsUSA Welding contest and earned a SkillsUSA Statesman award.

Gaby even came to class one day and welded her own piece of art work from using scraps of metal on the classroom floor. Once Gaby graduates the Autry welding program, she will go on to Cowley Community College in Kansas, and earn her Associate’s degree to become a welding inspector. Once Gaby is finished with her education she plans on opening up her own shop, and traveling around with NASCAR drivers to help repair their wrecked racecar frames and shells.

Furthermore, welding is viewed as a man’s domain but with women having the ability to pay closer attention to detail women like Gaby are taking the welding field by storm. Gaby is a woman with a plan, and Enid’s Autry Technology Center is assisting her in making her dreams a reality.

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Etown Advertiser Content

Put Craftsmanship & Quality Into Affordable Custom Homes

By Trina Walker Photos by Holly Taylor

When Holly and Richard Taylor began planning their home they knew it would be their dream home. With their vision in mind they went to several architects but could not find one that understood what they wanted. Holly began drawing up her own plans. After receiving multiple bids they settled on a builder who later decided their project was just too much to take on.

Back to square one, Holly and Richard loaded up and drove to

Tuttle to visit with Richardson Homes. The couple was intrigued by the advertising they had seen. A builder offering full custom homes at a price considerably lower than previous bids…they had to check them out.

What the Taylors found was a company full of experienced individuals willing to work extensively with them to get the home they dreamed of. With in-house designers to create the architectural blue print, Holly’s drawings were taken and easily worked into a buildable plan.

“Richardson Homes brought their designer in and went after it,” said Richard.

Dennis Lee, owner of Richardson Homes, remembers the Taylor house as one of the first built in the Enid Area. Increased demand for their homes in Enid prompted the opening of a local office a little less than a year ago. Dennis says there are now around thirty Richardson Homes in and around Enid. That number is growing every day. Twelve new homes have been sold since opening the Enid office.

Dennis is now a member of the Enid Homebuilders Association and is on a committee with the Enid Regional Development Alliance. Dennis feels it is important to be an involved part of the community he is helping to build.

When the Taylor home was being built it became a topic of conversation all over town. The Richardson Homes sign drew attention because people were familiar with the company from TV advertising but had not seen anything built in our area.

“Neighbors have told us that there was just a steady stream of cars coming through to look at the house while we were building it,” said Richard.

The home site on Maple Leaf Circle was challenging to design but the end result is stunning. The traditional two-story brick home looks over the neighborhood. Sitting on a hill meant there was a lot

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of work moving dirt and building retaining walls.

Stone columns and a balcony define the grand entry way.

Extra-large windows and French doors provide views from all sides. The home interior features custom cabinets designed

by Holly. This includes the built-in buffet in the formal dining room. The top section appears to be a mirror but it is actually an opening into the sitting room off the kitchen.

Richard credits his wife for the majority of interior design choices. From the layout of the tile work to the kitchen design, Holly took charge. This is one aspect the couple loved about working with Richardson Homes.

“They were so willing to work with us on every choice we made,” Holly said. “We got in the kitchen and I described what I wanted and the cabinet guy would grab some wood pieces and say ‘how is this’ and ‘is this what you were thinking’ and together we just created it right there.”

For the most part the Taylors kept items within the standard building package they had chosen. A few key upgrades included sliding cabinet hardware, solid wood shelving in the pantry and a larger soaker tub in the master bath.

Richard, who works in property management, has spent enough time making repairs in homes that he knows what items to avoid to prevent future repairs.

Holly and Richard were more involved in the process than many homeowners. Some builders do not want much input from homeowners but Holly and Richard found that Richardson Homes wanted their suggestions and went above and beyond to not only complete the task but to add their own ideas.

There are many display nooks that were added during the build because the space just worked to include them. Richardson Homes added inset lighting making wonderful areas for highlighting art.

While the home has an open floor plan there is distinct separation from room to room. The office and dining room open into the foyer which leads to the kitchen and breakfast area. A wide hall off the foyer also leads toward the back of the home to the master suite, stairs and a large open family, game and movie room.

A personal touch in an alcove at the end of the hall was provided by the Taylor’s daughter.

Her art work is showcased throughout the home in framed drawings and paintings but the mural in the alcove stands out as a feature to the home.

Beyond simple beauty, the home is functional and convenient. The master bedroom, bath, walk-in closet and laundry are connected so Holly can walk through one to the other. The laundry room can also be entered from the main hall and a guest bath off the large family room.

A laundry chute even makes getting laundry from

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upstairs an easy task.

Dennis is proud of the work his company does. “We want our customers to be happy with their homes,” he said. Keeping prices affordable makes it possible for more to have access to a custom home. The starting price in Enid is $89 per square foot. This is built on the homeowners land. Buying and building in volume is how they keep their prices reasonable.

Richardson Homes is large enough that their sub-contractors work full time for them.

Working with the same people keeps deadlines on time and you can trust the work being done.

“We use some local work when we can as long as it will not change the schedule,” said Dennis. The Taylor home used a local company to buy flooring and Dale Pelletier to lay the tile. They also contracted locally for heat and air.“We are the largest custom home builder in the state,” said Dennis.

All Richardson Homes include granite counters, crown molding and hard wood. As homes get larger other options are included. At 2200 square-feet and up a fireplace and threecar garage are standard.

Dennis says the average size of homes they build are 2800 square-feet. That means the size of homes ranges anywhere from 1600 to 5500 square-feet. Some people want a lot of space with no frills while others want all the extras.

Most are pleasantly pleased when they see the detail and quality material used in even the most basic homes built by Richardson Homes. “Of course we like the million dollar homes, but we treat all our customers the same…and that is important to us,” says Dennis.

The Enid offices are located on 1011 West Cherry Avenue. Kathy Choate and Joel Strickland work out of this office and are happy to answer any question about their company and the work they love to do. Call them today at 234-3350.

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“Continuation of a Legacy”

by Audra W. Harris Photos by Nancy Killam

Kelsey Simunek

Scheffe Prescription Shop has been in Enid since 1946, and has recently expanded to include a third store. Kelsey Simunek is the pharmacy manager at the new store. This location used to be the Medic Pharmacy, but was purchased by Sheffe’s in 2013. Simunek has worked at this store since May but has been a pharmacist since 2011. She is happy to be a new member of the Scheffe family.

Responsibilities of a pharmacist are great, especially when they manage

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the store. Simunek not only puts prescriptions together for patients, she also compounds prescription drugs, and oversees this process. This means that she changes the forms of drugs according to the needs of the patient.

Drugs can be in a capsule or liquid form.

In addition to this, pharmacists also have to make sure that the drugs prescribed to their patients will not have negative interactions with other medications they might be taking. Pharmacists also have

to make sure prescriptions are consistent with federal laws regarding drugs and also have to file all of the appropriate paperwork that goes with it.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Simunek responded, “I like helping people day to day who need it and who appreciate it.” Fulfilling her customer’s needs brings Simunek great joy.

Simunek is an Oklahoma native, born and raised in Hennessey,

Oklahoma, where she still resides. While earning her undergraduate degree at Southwestern in Weatherford, she went to pharmacy school at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. In her spare time, Simunek enjoys cooking and baking and spending time with her family and her fiancé.

While this new location does carry the Scheffe’s brand, this location is still different from the other stores; gifts. In addition to all of your pharmaceutical needs, this location also offers candles and candle sets, stuffed animals and toys, and picture frames, truly making this a one stop shop.

Explore the new Scheffe Prescription Shop location and meet Kelsey Simunek in person at 1925 W. Owen K Garriott Road in the Indian Hills Shopping Center.

Kelsey Simunek

127 E. Randolph • Enid, OK 73701 • (580) 233-2152 * 1925 W. Owen K Garriott Road • (580) 242-3784 330 South 5th • Enid • (580) 233-2128 Etown Sponsor Content

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Let’s Celeb Downtown Kitchen Store Presents

Let’s Celebrate Food!

By Ebby Stratton Photos by Holly Gannett

Food Matters

In the past few years, Caroline DuPuy has realized just how much food matters to her family‘s health. Cooking duties at the DuPuy home have switched from Paul, her chef-turned-oily husband, to Caroline. It is a job Caroline has embraced and is constantly refining!

As a child, Caroline struggled with minor health issues, which included struggles with her weight. She was reared by the motto of “clean your plate and drink all your milk”.

Around junior high age, Caroline grew concerned about her physical image, she saw

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herself a bit heavy compared to her friends.

Pretty common for teenagers, isn’t it!! She quickly put herself on a very low calorie diet and a high exercise regime. What developed was closer to anorexia than a healthy weight and her health struggle continued.

In college Caroline met her husband Paul.

One of the many things she admired about Paul was his accomplished cooking and fun times entertaining friends. With all the fun meals came a few more health problems for Caroline, such as sinus infections and more weight gain.

Paul’s love of cooking led him to culinary school in Austin, TX. He realized food was his passion so when he had the opportunity to attend culinary school in Italy, he jumped at the chance. Caroline was excited for Paul and certainly excited to have the opportunity to visit him in Italy. Paul completed a fabulous culinary experience in Italy and then it was back to Austin. In 2004 Caroline and Paul were married. Paul worked in several restaurants in Austin and earned a distinguished reputation as a chef. They soon moved to Marathon, TX and operated

brate Food a unique breakfast and lunch coffee shop. A short time later they learned they were pregnant. Caroline and Paul were blessed with a son, Gus, and the next year Sarah Eloise was born. The coffee shop was a great success and as with most restaurants, the craziness was exhausting! Paul decided to switch careers and went to work for SandRidge Energy. Paul’s new profession moved them to Longview, TX.

Caroline was happy to be closer to physicians since Sarah Eloise was often sick as a baby. There were tummy issues and even a bout with pneumonia when she was 6 months old. Gus was a large toddler and that was of concern to Caroline. Caroline grew increasingly concerned about the health of her children and of her own health. She just knew something was causing her family to be unhealthy even though they were eating a va-

riety of foods. Caroline was not really getting the answers from physicians that she needed to improve their health. She wasn’t ready to start her children on numerous prescription; she wanted to find the root of the problems!

Caroline decided it was time to do some research on her own. After hours and hours of study, she made an appointment with a naturopathic physician and what she found out changed all of their lives. Caroline was

allergic to gluten, dairy, coffee and almonds.

Sarah Eloise was allergic to eggs and dairy.

Gus was not diagnosed with any food allergies but he did suffer from acid reflux and an odd bumpy rash on his legs. Caroline soon realized that Gus’s symptoms were due to sensitivity to artificial flavors and artificial colors. A bulb went off in Caroline’s head and she realized just how much food matters with overall health!

Caroline was determined to overhaul her family’s eating habits for the sake of their health. She wanted a ‘real and healthy’ diet

for her family; not a ‘weight loss kinda diet’ but a ‘lifestyle change diet‘. Caroline put on the ‘chef hat’ her husband had worn for years and soon was preparing ‘clean’ food for her family. What is ‘clean’ food? For Caroline, the Paleo Diet fit the ‘clean’ eating plan she wanted for her family. Paul loves that his wife has taken the healthy approach and stepped up as a healthy cook! Caroline quickly realized that reading food labels was essential to good health. “I thought we were eating healthy but realized we really weren’t.

We were eating many foods that had artifi-

cial ingredients and colors. We are what we eat”, says Caroline. She turned their eating habits around and switched to organic foods as much as possible. The family went gluten-free and within two weeks, she saw their health improve. Many people think gluten-free is an impossible task but Caroline has found many resources online that make it possible. She often replaces wheat flour with coconut flour. Coconut milk has replaced cow’s milk. Caroline buys organic foods when available and is thrilled that Enid Farmers Market has a wide array of farm

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fresh fruits and vegetables. A few changes make all the difference in their health. Food matters!

Of course, Caroline is also realistic about her children’s new ‘clean’ eating plan. Caroline said, “Kids are kids and will gravitate to typical kid’s foods like peanut butter and hot dogs. So, I buy organic peanut butter and organic, nitrate-free hot dogs. I just do the best that I can do.” Caroline shared that her kids have this pre-conceived notion that they don’t like many of the ‘clean’ foods she is experimenting with. She confesses to putting a super-healthy green smoothie into a Superman cup with a lid to hide the healthy goodness. “Don’t give up”, says Caroline, “Every day is a work in progress. Every day

I give them a little something they love and also a new ‘clean’ food. They may say they don‘t like it, even if they haven‘t tasted it, but I just encourage a bite and usually they really do like it.”

A few Saturdays ago, I was invited to share a meal with the DuPuy family. Gus and Sarah Eloise are darling children and always have smiles on their faces. Caroline’s menu included coconut chicken tenders, roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles, roasted broccoli, and a gooey chocolate brownie with strawberries. Gus and Sarah Eloise were eager to help their mom and dad in the kitchen. Caroline realizes that involving the children in the preparation of food encourages them to try the new foods! Isn’t she a smart mom!! Gus

enjoyed using the julienne cutter on the zucchini noodles and Sarah Eloise couldn’t wait to get her hands on serving the brownie! As we shared the meal at the table, Sarah Eloise told her mom she didn’t like “those green noodles”. Paul reminded her that he knows her taste in foods and she would really like them; she took a bite, smiled, and continued to eat them all. Gus needed a little bribe of a big serving of brownies and strawberries to eat his broccoli.

The DuPuys are just a real family with real kids and they have decided to rely on food as medicine. ‘Clean’ eating is the goal for this family, one meal at a time. Caroline and Paul know that Food Matters!!

Recipes Fat Bomb Brownies Grass Fed Girl Caitlyn Weeks 3/4 cup cocoa (or organic cacao) 2 eggs (organic and pastured is best) 1/2 cup maple syrup or raw honey OR 1/2 cup organic birch xylitol or 2 tsp stevia powder extract (for lower carb) 1 cup coconut oil, melted 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk

1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup almond flour, heaping (blanched is best) 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (always use organic ingredients when possible)

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the cocoa, eggs, sweetener, coconut oil, coconut milk and vanilla in a bowl. In another bowl combine the almond flour, baking soda, shredded coconut.

Mix the two bowls together and pour into a square baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Chicken Tenders Against All Grain Danielle Walker 1/4 cup coconut flour 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon rounded mustard seed 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

2 eggs or 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut 1 pound chicken tenders 4 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Place the coconut flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, mustard seed, and onion powder in a shallow bowl and mix. Place the eggs in a separate shallow bowl and whisk. Place the shredded coconut in another shallow bowl.

3. First, dip each tender in the coconut flour mixture and lightly shake off the excess. Then, dip it into the eggs. Lastly, dip it into the coconut and press the coconut into the chicken.

4. Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes, then turn the tenders over and bake another 8 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the chicken is evenly browned.

5. Meanwhile, put the mustard and honey in a small bowl and mix.

6. Serve the chicken tenders warm with the honey-mustard sauce or sauce of your choice.

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Downtown Kitchen Store

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First Cooking Class with Ramona Barbour Photos by Nancy Killam 2

1 Teresa Aebi, Sheron Kindred, Barbara Ryan, Debra Meritt 2 Ramona Barbour teaching first cooking class at newly opened Downtown Kitchen Store 3 Renee’ Hann, Krista Beasley 4 Jessica Andrews, Jonathan Chambers, Lindy Chambers 5 Cooking Class Demonstration

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Ginataang Manok

(Spicy chicken cooked in Coconut Cream) 5

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The Baseball Mom's 23rd Psalm Story by Lynne Benkendorf Photos by Cammeron Kaiser

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The baseball schedule is my ruler I shall never break it.

It maketh me to wash the uniform at midnight It destroyeth my sleep.

It filleth my car with dirty equipment It turneth me into a junk-food-junkie.

It forceth me to lose my ‘cool’ The ump ejecteth me from the ballpark.

Yea, though I faithfully sit at a ballpark Night after night I fear great evil, for I have faded the uniform, I am forced to sneak the stinky ball cap in the Dishwasher to cleaneth, The lettering has washeth away!

One stirrup getteth lost in the washer, I forgeteth one sock, And the dog dineth upon the glove.

Surely, bats and gloves and baseballs Shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell at the baseball field forever!

Cyndy Shepherd

Yes, I was a baseball mom and loved it! I was one of those moms who kept all those t-shirts we just had to have from every tournament, because Dad said, “Don’t throw those away!” After our son graduates high school, then after college, I’m still thinking that one day I’ll do something with them. I’ll make a quilt! I had grand plans of painstakingly laying out each one, cutting them in perfect squares and lovingly stitching each one to form a beautiful quilt.

Who am I kidding! The skill and patience my own mother had gone straight out the window and right to my sister, so that leaves the next best thing: hire it done!

Well, that was 20 years ago and still I was hanging on to those shirts. Every time the hot water tank busted and caused inches of water to flood the closets I would drag them out, wash and dry them, and put them back in the closet. Threatening to give them away, I finally moved them to the basement and hung them there still thinking, “I’ll get that quilt made one day.”

That day finally came. Our baseball son was getting married!

Then panic-mom mode kicked in: where do I find someone that makes quilts, do I have time to get it done, how many shirts can we use, what size will it be, will I have enough shirts? Will I have enough shirts?!? How silly am I, there are thousands of shirts, and I’ll have plenty.

First I asked some friends, “Where can I find a quilter?” The quilt shop in Enid is no longer in business, and our church doesn’t have a quilters group. Should I call every church in the county? Then a dear friend told me to call the Prairie Quilt Shop in Hennessey! I called and hit a “home run” (pun intended.) Christy Hladik is a t-shirt quilting master! All I had to do was put the shirts together, she would pick them up and do her magic. Easy, right?

But then I go to the “t-shirt shrine” and begin going through and sorting the shirts. After I discarded the duplicates (yes, Dad

always had to have a shirt too) I had my stash. I called the “quilt master.” Hold up! (Yep, another baseball term, meaning, stay on the base.) Dad said, “Let’s include shirts of the bride-to-be. After all, she was active in sporting events too.” I contacted the bride-to-be’s mom; she loves the idea and a few days later I get a box of still more shirts. The quilt master informs me I need to decide on the number of shirts and the size. Do I go small and have her make several lapsize quilts or one large quilt? I decide to go with one large to fit a queen-size bed. Done! Hold-up! (Can’t I just get to the next base?

Not yet!) A queen-size will accommodate 25 shirts, and my stack is closer to 40, so back to sorting I go. I have a “use these” pile, a “use these if you have room” pile and a “leave these for last” pile.

Three and a half months until the wedding shower. Can Christy make it happen? Of course she can, she is the quilt master! And indeed, what a beautiful treasure she made.

On Saturday, Feb. 15th, with 80 of their closest friends and family in attendance at their couples shower in Breckenridge, Okla., Mac Benkendorf and Danielle Caldwell took their happy stroll down memory lane, scanning the many shirts from the many events they had each participated in separately, now sewn together as one.

And what about the “Baseball Mom’s 23rd Psalm?” Well, that my friends, is the prayer printed onto another shirt, the shirt I myself wore to many games and just had to have made into a pillow. This pillow is a gift from me; a baseball mom to Danielle, a future baseball or softball mom.

That is what you call a Grand slam!

Danielle Caldwell and Mac Benkendorf officially became Mr. & Mrs. Benkendorf Saturday, March 22 2014 in Mansfield Texas

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Enid Day at the Capitol Photos by Alan Tarin

1 Natalie Villalobos, Buddy Nichola 2 Rob Houston, Pamella Ballard, Wayne McMillin 3 Chad Caldwell, Bill Shewey, Jon Blankenship, Patrick Anderson, Rictor Bird Dan Ohnesorge 4 Keith Beall, Marcey Janett 5 David Murphy, Bruce Baade, Bill Hulsey, Tosia Maples, Edd Lynch 6 Bob Osbom, Rodney Fowler 7 Enid Mayor Bill Shewey; Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman; Pam Ballard, Director, United Way of Enid; Jon Blankenship, Enid Chamber President; Senator Cliff Branan; Andi Holland, Director, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center.

8 Cale Walker, Cheryl Evans

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1 Fat Tuesday – Mardi Gras at the Moose Lodge Photos by Nancy Killam

1 Chris Hempfling

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2 Dale Schulz 3 Cobe Blue Band 4 Troy & Robbie Goodwin 5 Winning Mardi Gras prizes 6 Kent & Maureen Selby 7 Group: Dale & Shellie Schultz, Kristi & Phil Gammon, 4

Donna Murray, Sharron Veach, James Baker, Linda Franklin, Janna & Dale Pellitier, Wes Madison, Brenda 8 Butch Craft & Kari Valter 5

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Martin Luther King Celebration Photos by Nancy Killam 1

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1 Colonel Christopher Daniels, Commander 71st FTW Mission Support Squadron 2 Lanita Norwood

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3 Cotina Norwood, Breanna Johnson, Keyonna Johnson, Wendy Quarles 4 Rev. Norris Williams, Lanita Norwood, Clifford Porter Receiving Diversity Award 5 Community Choir 6 Bobby Thomas with MLK Poster Contest Certificate 7 Rev. Norris Williams 8 Rev. Elijah Hill

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9 Rev. Francisco Hernandez 5

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GIRls just wanna have fun

My friends and colleagues are a hardworking group of ladies. We all love our jobs and our busy lives; however, we also know it’s important to hang out together every so often. We really need that. It’s fun to talk food, careers, families, fashion and chocolate. None of us share the same background but it doesn’t matter. We find common ground. Recently, several of us had a ladies evening at Maple Place Bed and Breakfast. What a fun night to network, take pictures and snack. Everyone who was there is so involved in our community and excited about the future. We really do work hard, but we also like to have a little fun. Getting together is great therapy, and it doesn’t cost a dime.

5 See ya around E-town!

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Cathy Nulph 1 Roxanne Pollard, Lissie King 2 Martha DelTora, Martha Syms 3 Billie Jo Tucker, Kim Dyer 4 Frank Baker, Carol Scott 5 Martha DelTora, Jessica Andrew 6 Monica Tate, Sharon Scott, Jada Cecil, Jessica Andrew 7 Carla Ruff, Mona Ward, Lisa Parson, Peggy Harvey 8 Becky Kroeker, Amy Schemmer 9 Sonya Wofford, Gigi Moore 10 Dawn Muncy, Mona Ward 8

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Enid Arts Council Mardi Gras Photos by Kelly Tompkins

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Etown Sponsor Content

Growing Through The Years With

Grace: The Highlights

by Jacqueline Hince Photos by Nancy Killam

“Knowledge is power” - Francis Bacon

Aging affects every part of our being. Gray hairs, wrinkles, loss of vision or hearing are all signs a body is getting older. However, aging affects the mind, spirit and emotional well-being of a person as well.

Over the last several months the Growing Through the Years with Grace series has aimed to help educate and give ideas on how to embrace aging.

Today, we highlight some of the key findings presented.

“Once you hit puberty you’re aging. So all of us are going through it, we’re just at different stages.” Lori Long’s matter of fact statement comes from years of education and experience. Long has her Master’s in gerontology and is an active member in her family’s business Greenbrier Village. Long encourages her residents to employ two strategies to help them embrace their older years. The first is “life review”, which is remembering the past and taking yourself back in time to events, memories, or people in your life. The second process is called

“reminiscing”. “Reminiscing” is when you express or talk about former events, recollections or accomplishments.

Reminiscing is also an important mechanism to utilize as you cope with the changes that occur throughout the aging process. Every day we are confronted with problems or difficulties to overcome. Although we cannot always control what happens in life we can control how we react to it. “A normal part of living for all ages is coping with challenges, problems, stresses; whether good or bad. You have to cope every day,” explains Long. She goes on to say that the processes we use to handle these changes are called coping mechanisms. “If we understand what some coping mechanisms are we can first identify them and then learn to control them.” Several positive and negative coping mechanisms are listed in the box below.

BOX OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE COPING MECHANISMS NEGATIVE: Regression – dealing with people/situations by regressing back to childish behavior Projection – projecting your feelings onto someone else.

POSTIVE Insight – talk openly with a confidant, listener needs to focus and reflect back, do not try to solve the problem, just listen Faith -- encourage religious people to lean on their faith by sharing scripture promises and

Working to employ positive coping mechanisms at every opportunity takes time. However, by doing that and relying on close friends or family to help you work through challenges Long says you will be rewarded in your relationships.

In important relationships remember honesty is crucial.

Especially when communicating with older generations. In order to promote healthy communication in her own family, Long created something she calls

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other words of faith.

Humor – adopt a lighthearted attitude (make sure situation is appropriate when using humor) Reminiscing -- express or talk about former events, recollections or accomplishments.

“The Agreement”:

I agree to communicate honestly with you. When I offer something I truly mean it and when I accept one of your offers I do so because I want to. My actions will be genuine. I will not do or say anything out of feelings of guilt or obligation. In turn, you must be honest with me. Whether you are accepting an offer or asking for something, your responses and actions will reflect what you truly desire. We do this to honor and respect each other and our relationship.

You can use “The Agreement” when deciding something as simple as offering to buy groceries or when discussing certain legal issues like Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney. By using “The Agreement” in essential moments, alot can be resolved. “You will be relieved of worry, you will be relieved of guilt and relieved that no one is going to take away your independence and yet you’ll still feel comfortable relying on each other,” explains Long. She says in the end, being completely transparent with one another can only make you closer.

A close family often has moments of encouragement, laughter and utter craziness, yet that core group of loved ones are the people who will most likely carry our love, heritage and legacy on long after we leave this earth.

Long is a firm believer that as you age and progress in life, it is crucial you pass along your core values to the ongoing generations.

“Everyone in the family hopefully looks up to the older people, they honor and respect them. With that comes responsibility. That’s why we’re never retired. We might be retired from a career or an organization, but in life we’re never retired. There’s always something we can teach to our family,” says Long.

In life, lessons and education can be learned, yet wisdom has to be earned. “Life is marvelous; a marvelous adventure,” mulls Long. “We are all learning our own wisdom that we can then pass down.”

Long recognizes that not all families are close. Many families have scars and past hurts that cloud gatherings and strain relationships.

Village, says, “The secrets to healthy aging are all common knowledge now. Good life habits, the more exercise the better, stay socially and spiritually involved, take care of medical needs and preventative health. Successful aging doesn’t come in a bottle. It is not a supplement. It is more of a lifestyle.“

Dr. Snyder says there are steps you can take to work to prolong your life and ensure you have a better quality of life. In his experience the two greatest struggles among aging populations is isolation and depression. He says it is imperative to keep and maintain friends, have an active social life, stay involved in your church and try to maintain strong relationships with your children or grandchildren. Other actions that can make a difference include eating healthy, exercising regularly, visiting the doctor to get check ups as well as getting plenty of rest each night. “Aging gracefully has much more to do with common sense then it has to do with an unhealthy lifestyle or trendy medical or nutritional entities,” reiterates Snyder.

Growing through the years with grace can often mean softening your heart and forgiving others or asking others to forgive you. “At some point, even if they don’t ask for forgiveness, we must forgive and have a sense of restoration in our own lives and in relationships.

We cannot change other people but we can change ourselves,” reiterates Long.

Long encourages Greenbrier clients to take interest in what’s going on in their families’ lives. Taking time for each other, be it over long distance calls, letters, or face-to-face conversations, lets your family know they are your priority.

Another priority not to be neglected as you grow through the years with grace is your physical health and well-being. Dr. Tom Snyder, the Medical Director at Greenbrier

In 2011, The Department of Agriculture created the “My Plate” campaign to push Americans to fill their plates with vegetables, fruit, protein, grains and dairy at meals. “My Plate” focuses on things like consuming whole fruits full of fiber, picking green leafy vegetables filled with antioxidants, and eating whole grains. It also suggests you get protein from beans or legumes as well as meat. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration is a must.

Syd Smith, the Dietary Consultant at Greenbrier Village, says following “My Plate” to eat better will have a positive effect on nearly every aspect of your health. Though she says you can still have the occasional indulgence, “It’s all about balance and moderation.” Smith says what you eat and how much you eat plays a direct role in your health. “Oh, diet is critical,” emphasizes Smith. “Medicine is very important, all the treatments we do are very important but you have to maintain a healthy intake and diet to build those cells and tissues back up and to maintain a healthy function in your entire being.”

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DIAGRAM:

Eating right and exercising can also play a part in avoiding serious accidents. Each year one in every three adults age 65 and older suffers a fall, according to the National Safety Council. The NSC also found that the risk of falling increases exponentially at 75 years old and again at age 80 and older. Greenbrier’s Skilled Rehabilitation Unit sees a number of individuals referred by doctors and hospitals after surgery from fractures that can result from a bad tumble. Their goal is to work with them in both physical and occupational therapy to help them get back on their feet. In fact, Greenbrier’s Skilled Rehab Unit is the only free standing facility in Enid with a full time physical therapy director since the unit was built.

Director Dan Burchel explains that the most frequent place falls occur is bathrooms. Installing railings in the bathroom and purchasing a taller toilet seat can make the process smoother and safer. In fact railings throughout your house is a great way to prevent accidents, especially along problem areas like stairs. Other suggestions include throwing away throw rugs and always wearing shoes with non-skid soles. The National Safety Council advocates having your vision tested at least once a year and getting walkers or canes properly sized by professionals.

There are things you can do now if you are concerned about your aging loved ones. Check in with a doctor to make sure older patients are taking their medicine and are doing well living independently. There can also come a time when you need to discuss if the most appropriate option may be to move into a senior living facility.

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Safety Measures in the Bathroom: 1. A taller toilet for easier rising and descent.

2. Secured railings besides the toilet or bedside commode placed over the toilet; offer tactile parameters and give lateral support holds for transfer and clothing management.

3. Remove throw rugs.

4. Use a night-light.

5. Use a transfer tub bench and hand held shower nozzle.

6. Use an adjustable height shower chair with back and a hand held shower nozzle and grab bars.

7. Keep your cell phone or cordless phone nearby during bathing

Signs that you may need to begin to use an assistive device: 1. You find yourself holding onto furniture when you walk through the house.

2. You shuffle your feet when you walk.

3. You freeze up when you have to step up or down a stair or curb.

4. Use of a shopping cart makes you feel more secure.

5. You have fallen at least twice in the last 3 months.

They say, “home is where the heart is” and as you are faced with deciding where your “heart” belongs, remember to educate yourself on your options. Senior living has come a long way from the poorhouses of old. Gone is the institutionalized feel replaced instead with options geared to provide whatever it is the millions of aging Americans desire: Options that can free loved ones from the obligations, stressors and isolation of growing old at home.

Here in Oklahoma, programs implemented by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) ensure facilities provide standard care. They also are creating a cultural change among senior communities by promoting a home environment where residents get to make their own choices, a concept Greenbrier Village has taken and run with. “Each apartment or room with a resident in it is that person’s home within the big community and that’s how it’s set up,” explains Kay Grey who says all Greenbrier facilities employ the “home approach”. Grey serves as a marketing consultant to Greenbrier and has experience in medical management and healthcare marketing. In fact, for over ten years, the Homes of Greenbrier has been teaching and training others how to transition into a Home Care setting with the program: “Welcome Home Oklahoma Project”. The other major shift throughout senior living facilities is the focus on maintaining residents’ independence. For example across every level of housing offered

at Greenbrier Village residents make their own choices about what they want to eat, their daily schedule and what activities they want or don’t want to participate in.

Seniors today have a choice. Many desire to hold onto their current physical residence yet that can come at a cost. Not only can the day-to-day chores and upkeep become overwhelming there are threats of isolation, depression and safety. For some, moving into a senior community may be the best option.

“Leaving their physical residence called home and making a new home at a new place where opportunities await you can improve both the senior’s physical and emotional health,” states Long. “It’s all about finding the most appropriate setting for your loved one.” Long goes on to say moving into a senior community can actually be a freeing experience for older generations. “The freedom comes from becoming more independent again, becoming more social, more secure and having to cope less with the environment and just enjoy the purpose in living.”

Growing older is a process, a long process.

Modern medicine means the average lifespan is increasing into the late seventies. Long encourages everyone to use the information presented throughout the Growing Through the Years with Grace series to educate and empower yourself on the choices you and your loved ones have as you age. “It’s all about helping you enrich your lives and your relationships,” concludes Long.

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By Liz Cady Photos by Dawn Muncy

It’s now a nine-year smokin’ hot tradition… Once again, it’s time for the Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ event! On April 11-12, 2014, over 60 teams will gather their rigs and start their smokers as people flock from near and far to get a taste of great barbecue and a front row seat to music, arts and entertainment galore.

Last year’s Grand Champion was JP Custom Smoke from Wichita, and the Reserve Grand Champion was Enid’s own Wildcatters Que Crew. A winning title only lasts for a year though, and now the competition is back and promises to be fierce and delicious.

Barbecue connoisseurs are not the

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only ones to benefit from this gathering of professional barbecue cooks either as many of the proceeds go to help local organizations. Lynne Benkendorf, Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ mastermind, details, “This yearly event provides over $32,000 to six local non-profit organizations and is huge in helping the Enid Noon Ambucs provide AmTrykes to adults and children, as well as

completing Stage 3 at Enid’s own Miracle League Field.”

Kids are also involved in a few events throughout the weekend festivities through the March of Dimes Little Miss Pageant, Pelagic Tank Kids Q and the Pioneer Cellular Red Dirt Youth Arts Festival. Last year, there were more than 300 pieces of artwork from Enid and NW Oklahoma. This year

promises to have another outstanding art turnout as well.

Music this year continues with an old twist, called the E-town Jazz Orchestra Big Band and Swing Dance Event. Doc Joe Bryant and Cathy Nulph teamed together last year to recreate a 1940s Big Band sound, which was so popular that it continues on Friday, April 11th for the 2014 Smokin’ Red Dirt event. Cathy continues, “This year, the band will be under the direction of Michael Batchelder, a wonderful musician and director. He has assembled over 15 musicians, and the “E-town Dolls” will sing some Andrew Sisters tunes.” Combining popular swing music from the 1940s with popular numbers from different eras, Michael and the band have been practicing each month since October thanks to Oakwood Mall providing the space.

The concert takes place at the new Convention Hall. In addition to music, Wells-Kime Dance Studio will be giving free dance lessons from 5:30-7 p.m. while the E-town Orchestra takes the stage from 7-10 p.m. “We have a wood dance floor, so folks can dance the night away or they can just bring the family to listen to live, upbeat music at no cost,” Cathy continues.

Whether interested in simply barbeque or a combination of arts and music, the Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ event promises to have something for everyone!

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Mountain Man Nash resident spends weeks at a time packing mules into the Colorado high country.

By Robert Barron Photos by Cammeron Kaiser

During the days when America was a young country, there was a type of man who went where others did not. High in the mountains, away from civilization, he roamed the lonesome areas that few men saw. That type of character is rare in modern day America, but he can still be found around Garfield County in the form of David McAlister.

Each year McAlister goes up high into the Colorado Rocky Mountains to places inaccessible by car. He stays for about a month, hunting for elk and living — at least partly — off of the land. McAlister, a retired Enid firefighter, normally goes with his son Josh, and the two of them ride mules.

“I got started doing this 35 years ago. I would go elk hunting, but also just to ride,” McAlister said.

A few years ago David and Josh took a ride along the Continental Divide Trail. They started in Leadville and ended up in Platoro, near the border between Colorado and New Mexico. They rode 400 miles in 20 days, averaging 20 miles per day. In the future, they’d like to ride the same trail from Glacier National Park (near the Canadian border) through Montana, Idaho and into Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park, a distance of about 600 miles.

“I like riding in the mountains. It’s beautiful country,” McAlister said.

The trips are a hobby for him. He started elk hunting when he was younger, packing the animals out on his back. “Then I got old and needed mules,” he said. McAlister hunts in the National Wilderness area where no motorized vehicles are allowed and motor vehicles cannot maneuver. At least half of Colorado is national forestry land, he said.

McAlister and Josh each ride a mule and take along three others to carry their equipment. Horses probably could make the trip, but McAlister said he prefers mules. He raises them at his home on 6 ½ acres in rural Nash. The ones they take are “Mollys,” or females, because they are less troublesome than the males.

“The only way to see the Continental Divide Trail is by mule,” he said.

Each mule can carry up to 200 pounds comfortably. With three mules, they can bring 600 pounds of equipment to use for camping and hunting. It takes two-and-a half hours to break camp and two hours to set up camp every day. “I always take plenty of coffee,”

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McAlister said. They camp out in large tents tall enough to stand up in. In the event of a serious problem where one of them might become injured, McAlister is prepared by carrying a satellite phone and GPS, so help can find them. He also carries a solar charger for the phone.

One of his goals is always to find a good camping place. It must be a flat area, with good grass and water for the mules. There should also be a tree to tie the mules to while unloading them. But sometimes he has to

settle for two or three of those four things.

“I make sure to have food and water for the mules, and it isn’t always possible to put the tent on a level space,” he said.

He also carries a battery-powered pump, which allows him to have a hot shower anywhere he is.

“It’s quiet when you get that far back in there, and the fishing is excellent,” McAlister said. “We catch our own food, although we

take some along too. We catch trout. I love trout. There aren’t many people there. The further back you get, the fewer people you see,” he said.

McAlister has always lived in what he calls “the flatlands,” but loves the mountains and feels comfortable there. He never travels the mountains in the winter, preferring to go in July, August and September, which is elk season. He admires the feel and the beauty of the mountains; it will be snowing in one elevation and bright sunshine 1,000 feet be-

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low. Riding through the high country, McAlister enjoys the smell of the pine and spruce trees while watching the aspens turn gold.

McAlister feels like he was born a hundred years too late. He’s not only a modernday “mountain man,” he’s also a taxidermist, a craft he began perfecting when he was 21. He had been deer hunting and took the deer to a taxidermist who was recommended to him but considered it a poor job. “I thought, I can do as good as that, so I started doing my own,” he said. Soon his friends began asking him to mount their prizes and his business grew. He does his taxidermy work behind his house.

But in late summer or early fall, he takes a month or two off to pursue his backcountry passion. His Colorado trips spent fishing for trout and riding through the high country is a tradition he plans to continue until he can’t do it anymore, when he can no longer get on a mule. “It gets in your blood,” he said.

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Caywood Book Signing Photos By Lori Coonrod

Stacie Caywood of Meno signed copies of her book Keep Praying at Hastings in Enid on February 15, 2014. The date was one day shy of the fourth anniversary of what the family refers to as Cash’s “heaven birthday”. Stacie and her husband Jason’s son Cash was diagnosed with mestastatic cancer at the age of nine months. Caywood takes readers on a journey of faith, love and determination shared in hopes that her story would help families in similar situations. Copies of the book are available in both digital and paperback copies on Amazon or can be purchased directly by emailing sweetbabycash@gmail.com.

1 Chase Newman, Ally Newman, Susan Newman 2 Stacie Caywood, Becky Howe, Asher Howe 3 Amy Bower, Candace Coonrod 4 Lisa And Tim Teske 5 Charlie Barton 6 Jerrid Bramwell, Gavin Bramwell, Kasie Bramwell 7 Carly Navarro, Caitlin Theilen, Tana Theilen, Lyle Buller, Harlan Theilen, Larue Buller 8 Karen Leierer, Kristie Nichols, Kasie Bramwell 9 Karen Leierer, Mary Goss 7

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PASTA GALA 2014 Photos by Lori Coonrod

1 Joseph Lamerton 2 Brady Sidwell, Brenda Sidwell 3 Hazel & Frank Kampschroeder 4 Daylon Caruthers, Jessica Caruthers, Tim Campbell, Ashley McDermott 5 Kaylea Felt, Wayne Black 6 Justin Ford, Diane Ford, Jon Ford 7 Pam Ruby, Mike Ruby 8 J.D. & Faith Sarver 9 Larry Kiner, Kay Kiner, Jonathan Suttmiller, Jason Miller 10 Tammy & Marty Wilson

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And the Oscar Goes To…

Two very different attitudes about the Academy Awards exist among film lovers. Some see it as a great opportunity to discuss movies in front of a wider audience, and others see it as a shameless marketing ploy by stuffy old men who care more about making the Academy appear regal than they do about recognizing films of particular artistic merit. I agree with both opinions, and neither of them really matter to me. I love all of the aspects of a film, and when you combine them with an awards show, I simply get excited. I could start off by talking about all the stiff competition this time around, but every year is a great year for film, so it feels pretty pointless.

So, I’ll start by saying that, unfortunately, I have had neither the time nor the movie theater to see many of this year’s most promising pictures. That does not soften my opinions on those that I have seen, however.

Beginning with some of the less discussed categories, I think that the Award for Best Documentary Feature has to go to The Act of Killing, a film that asked two Indonesian gangsters to recreate their killings from the 1960s in the style of their favorite movies. A documentary that can make a thoroughly corrupt human being so frightened by his past that he becomes physically ill has a rare power that must be remembered.

Next up, for Best Animated Feature, Frozen is an easy choice for me, having been raised on Disney’s 90s musicals. Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises may take the award, but that’s one I haven’t seen yet.

The only film up for Best Original Screenplay which I have seen is American

Hustle, and it certainly has its beautiful moments, but given recent discussion, my money is on Spike Jonze for Her, mostly due to it being snubbed in so many other categories.

My choice for Best Adapted Screenplay is my second favorite of the year, The Wolf of Wall Street, but there is a good chance of it going to Richard Linklater’s romantic finale Before Midnight.

Now on to the acting categories which are probably the most often discussed. The most deserving supporting actress, Lupita Nyong’o, will take home the award for her turn as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. The fight for Best Supporting Actor is between Jared Leto in Dallas Buyer’s Club (another I have yet to see) and Barkhad Abdi in Captain Phillips, though I would give it to any of the other three nominees – Jonah Hill, Michael Fassbender, or Bradley Cooper. Likewise, my choice for Best Actress would be Amy Adams, but most have placed their bets on

Cate Blanchett. Matthew McConaughey is the frontrunner for Best Actor, I think, even though DiCaprio delivered some great physical comedy and Bale delivered a great De Niro impression for two hours.

I would give the Best Direction and Best Picture prizes to the same film, 12 Years a Slave. It was simply so harrowing and so emotionally authentic. However, it could be any between this film for its historical importance, American Hustle for its polish, or Gravity for its technical wizardry.

I write these predictions only hours before the show, and I can’t wait to see how wrong I probably am. The Academy can be full of surprises, but the most famous films are always the ones that get snubbed. The purpose of this night is simply to recognize films that have entered the annals of film history. Sit back and enjoy.

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Bill Andrew Financial Advisor When Bill Andrew learned he had become a licensed Edward Jones Financial Advisor, he was so excited he and his wife, Darla, drove all the way to Arkansas. “We just continued driving East from the testing site and showed up at 5:30 in the morning on the doorstep of the guy who recruited me!” laughs Andrew. “We ended up staying for a celebration weekend.”

Twenty-three years later Andrew is still enthusiastic about his work with Edward Jones. First introduced to the company by a couple of “good friends”, Andrew was instantly attracted to the firm’s culture and emphasis on partnership. Andrew says over the years his peers at Edward Jones have continued to be devoted, diverse and driven individuals. “Nearly 12,000 Edward Jones associates are limited and general partners.

We are all in this together. When one person succeeds, we all succeed,” says Andrew.

Andrew finds success helping his clients achieve financial security and stability.

A real “people person”, Andrew is honest and straightforward and is truly invested in what’s going on in friends’ and clients’ lives.

“My proudest moments are providing services that touch the lives of many of my clients and friends by helping them prepare for life events well in advance. Working closely with them to reach their goals and watching them prepare successfully for retirement puts a smile on my face,” says Andrew.

Enid is home to Andrew. He grew up here and though Edward Jones first based him in Clinton, Oklahoma, fourteen years ago he leapt at the opportunity to move back to his hometown.

“I love the spirit of the people in Enid,” explains Andrew. “They are a pleasure to do business with, whether they are clients of mine or I’m a customer of theirs. There are certainly a lot of talented people in this town, which makes it a fun place to be in business.”

Married for thirty-five years to Darla, who is Andrew’s “drive and inspiration”, Andrew spends most of his free time traveling. He also enjoys horseback riding, hunting and

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fishing when time permits.

He and Darla have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Andrew’s friends claim the secret to his success is “his knowledge of

what he is selling; his patience in understanding his clients’ concerns; his interest in their needs beyond the sale; and his honest desire to make his clients and friends successful

and indistinguishable from each other�. Andrew says he just looks forward to meeting new people and adding to the list of friends he has served over the years he’s worked at Edward Jones.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

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