Okie Charmed Fall 2021

OKIE CHARMED Empowering Women

‘ Boutique Cr‘eme de la Creme

THE WONDERWOMEN ISSUE

RISING TO THE TOP

Diana Emerson

Program & Community Resources Director at TSHA (Tulsa Speech & Hearing Association)

Abby Broyles

Her journey into politics and her vision for the future.

Helping People Communicate for 32 years!

Fall 2021

OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

03

On the

COVER

Diana Emerson stuns on the cover of our Fall issue. She is the Program & Community Resources Director at the Tulsa Speech & Hearing Association, see the full feature of how she has been helping others for 32 years on page 27.

FEATURES 10 13 14 16

WONDERWOMEN for a New Generation

22 27 32

Welcoming a New SUPER-intendent!

06 08 31

Building Strength and Diversity Ale & Equity Abby Broyles: Stay True to Who You Are

I Help People...What’s Your SUPERPOWER?

36 41 54 58

A Family Legacy Continued

62 64

Up & Coming Allie

Creme de la Creme, Rising to the Top Restoring Women’s Lives Through Shopping Eternal Autumn, Your Year Round Dark Boutique

Miss Oklahoma

Oklahoma Author Najah Amatullah Hylton

IN EVERY ISSUE : Editor’s Letter Editor’s TOP 10 Picks

38 66

The Indigenous Insight The Chatter Box

Seasonal Style

Okie Charmed Magazine is a seasonal publication that focuses on empowering local women by publishing stories of other local women that are inspiring, motivational, informative, diverse, and entertaining. Okie Charmed Magazine features only local women as its models, we feature women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and races. The magazine highlights local businesses that appeal to our female readership and supports female owned businesess.

If you know a woman that should be featured, visit our website: 3 04

WWW.OKIECHARMEDMAGAZINE.COM

OKIE CHARMED - FALL SUMMER 20212021

14

Contact Us PUBLISHER

Cimarron Valley Communications, LLC. P.O. Box 910 Cushing, OK 74023 Publisher@CushingCitizen.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Kayla Watson 918.223.7070 OkieCharmedMag@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR

Sharen Smith Sharen.OkieCharmed@gmail.com Central OK Area Marketing Representative

38

Afton Pierce 918.899.9535 Sales.Okiecharmed@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS Cindy Lockstone

41

Shannon Ellis

Cindy.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Shannon.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Sara Lane

Sara.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Alicia Renee Chaino Ahkeahbo Alicia.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Alexandra Prater

Allie@CushingCitizen.com

TaMara Skipworth

TaMara.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Belinda Bruner

Belinda.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Additional Editing: JH Edits james1701@yahoo.com

Guest Contributor: Artist: Autumn Tanner instagram.com/auttanner

Copyright 2021 by Cimarron Valley Communications

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Views expressed in features and advertising do not necessarily represent those of the Okie Charmed Magazine team or its affiliates.

OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

05

F

all is here, and it’s my favorite time of year!

Sweater weather, the beginning of holiday shopping, and binge watching my favorite movies. And, oh yes, pumpkin spice everything!

I’ll admit it; I am that woman. Of course, I’m also that type that would gladly drink pumpkin spice year round, watch Halloween movies everyday, and even keep my decor up. If you’re that type too, you should read about Deanna & Renee at Eternal Autumn; Autumn; they take “Halloween Lifestyle” to a new level and are a hoot to visit! Read more on page 58.

58.

Our Fall issue is probably our most important issue of the year. It’s the issue we dedicate to all the “Wonder “Wonder Women”” in our communities. These remarkable women Women come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and have various ambitions.

For many of us, when we think of any inspiring woman that impacted our lives, we think of family members and teachers. I for one, am honored to recognize one of my own teachers in this issue, Dr. Melissa Amon, Amon, on page 22.. She has dedicated her life to helping students in 22 our area, and I would not be who I am today without her influence.

They are the women who’ve reached out beyond Oklahoma, changing the lives of others in various countries, like Krista Thomason on page 54.

54. Her boutique helps women escape sex trafficking and have a chance for a better life.

The women that have dedicated their lives to helping others in the local community with difficult obstacles, like Diana Emerson on page 27.

27. She has been helping the deaf and hard of hearing community for 32 years. She has earned the respect and praise of her colleagues and community for all of her work. Or those, like Abby Broyles on page 16, 16, that dedicate their lives to impacting laws, inspiring change, and bringing awareness to others. She is a force to be reckoned with, and I look forward to seeing her career grow.

I’d also like to say a special “Thank “Thank you” to my Wonder Women

06

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021

nominee, Sharen Smith. Sharen is my Managing Editor here at Okie Charmed Magazine; she has been by my side since the beginning and encouraged me to bring the magazine back after a hiatus. The truth is Sharen was also my English teacher in high school. In fact, I failed English, then retook the subject and ended up in her class. (I know, not what you would expect.) But honestly, I would do it all over again.

If I hadn’t failed that class and met her, this magazine would not exist.

I would not have her in my life, and that would be tragic. She is not only my colleague and friend; she is my big sister. Thank you for making such a big impact in my life.

There are so many Wonder Women in Oklahoma; we are sorry we cannot feature them all. We only hope that highlighting a few will inspire you, encourage you, change you, and show our appreciation to these Wonder Women, these Heroes amongst us.

A LOOK BACK AT OUR JOURNEY FROM MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS TO OUR OKIE CHARMED ADVENTURES.

2005

Kayla Watson

Publisher & Editor

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 07

TOP 10

Editor’s

Picks

2

4

$26.50 Oklahoma Decorative Plate at The Painted Wagon in Cleveland

$65.00 Peking Handicraft Pillow at Where the Buffalo Roams in Pawnee

3

$50-$75 Fresh Autumn Bouquet at Tiger Lily’s in Cushing

$10.00 Western Make-Up Bag at Ash’s Bling in Cushing

$12.00 “Happy Fall Y’all” Printed T-Shirt at Spirit Heads in Drumright

6 7 8

$12.50 Multi-Holiday Countdown Calendar Block at YellowHouse Market & Boutique in Sand Springs

9

$29.99 Destination Oklahoma Cutting Board at OkieSpice and Trade Co. in Sand Springs

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021

5

$60.00 Teepee Creepers Burgandy at Justin Cargill Custom Leather in Cushing

$52.00 Yellow Alligator Backpack at The Cove Collection in Tulsa

10 08

1

$30.00 Pumpkin Decor Potted Plant at Greenlife Planted in Cushing

• • • • • •• • •

• •• • • ••

• ••••• •••• • ••••••••••

Drumright Strong Foundation Contact Jolese Maples for Details (623) 523-9342 OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

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10

WONDERWOMEN for a New Generation

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021

O

ne year for Christmas, my mom bought me and my sister Wonder Woman Underoos. We wore them with such pride; running around the house, jumping off the couch, and pretending that we were invincible. When I was young, I remember thinking that Wonder Woman was the coolest superhero that ever lived. (I actually still feel like that today) I was in awe of her strength, beauty, integrity, and her outfit.

I wanted to fly her invisible jet, to beat up the bad guys, and try to save the world. There were so few female heroines for me to look up to that could actually stand “toe to toe” with their male counterparts.

Fast forward to my junior high/high school self. Still looking for women role models and seeking out women I could identify with who were just as strong as men and fighting to save the world. Only now, I was looking for real women doing this, not a fictional myth. Some of these ladies still stick out in my mind: Oprah, Christa McAullife, Sandra Day O’Conner, Mother Teresa, and Erin Brockovitch.

Today, we don’t have to look very far to find a “Wonder Woman.”

We are surrounded by them: Malala, Simone Biles, Greta Thunberg... just to name a few. Women are achieving new heights in every arena.

Thank goodness we don’t have to search high and low to find female role models in sports, politics, science, etc. anymore. This generation gets to grow up surrounded by strong powerful women who don’t have to hide their talents any longer.

Not all Wonder Women achieve the status of celebrity. Some of them don’t ever get their due. They just quietly keep on fighting their own battles...making their space a better place to live and work in.

This issue of Okie Charmed is dedicated to a few that we recognize as Wonder Women. They may never make it to a list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, but they are making a difference each and every day in their hometowns. We thank them for their dedication to make a change. Here’s to hoping they inspire you on your own journey.

written by Sharen Smith artwork by Autumn Tanner Studio Art Major at OSU

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 11

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

CUSHING, OKLA.

Cimarron Valley

Bulletin Board

Cushing, Drumright, Yale, Agra, Mannford, Oilton, Olive, Ripley, Jennings… If your school, church, club, sports team, association, organization or non-profit group is holding an event, fundraiser, or even just a regular meeting, let us know so we can let everyone else know. Submit bulletin board items for consideration to: news@drumrightgusher.com or publisher@cushingcitizen.com. Include all the who, what, where and when information you’ve got — we’ll get it in.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CUSHING • Cushing Chamber of Commerce member Our Daily Bread - Stillwater will be in Cushing to give out free groceries to Payne County residents on August 25 from 2pm-4pm. Bring an ID to Cushing Community Food Pantry located at 802 N. Maitlen Dr. • A benefit for Feed My Starving Children will be held on September 18 at Frontier Bowl from 1pm-5pm.

“Striking Out Hunger” will raise money for the next lton, Cushing MobilePack event. Each ticket feeds 62 kids! d, Oi orts open For more information call 918-399-2463. Team Lane nnfor b, sp is up d Ma ol clu r t gro an reservations which includes 2 games and shoe rental rofi regula e po ren Agra, urch, is $75. Individual Spots are $15. Registration deadline ild t, th Yale, ol, ch or non-pjust a e star for ch is Friday, Sept. 10 right, ur scho tion even one els ion um rat rtain is $1 • 33rd Annual Festival in the Park hosted by Cushing anizaiser, or every nside , Dr … If yo unce im ing org cush d let Chamber of Commerce will be September 25 at Meco sw an an for sher@ Cush , Ripleyciation, t, fundra can r ily te morial Park, 500 S. Little Avenue from 9am-2pm. For we ere ms bli . Af . Da Olive asso even ow so ard ite or pu at, wh more information and booth applications you can go an m, hine 8 p.m kn bo wh in. tea lding to the Chamber website event calendar tab. There is a us tin her.comwho, get it suns 6 to . ’ll is ho ng, let it bulle htgus ale link posted on the Cushing Citizen Facebook page. rare from passes eti all the we derd e me me . Subm rumrig lude got — DRUMRIGHT ys on “Lau suranc e of so esda seas • Drumright Quarterback Booster Club is selling 4x4 know ws@d om. Inc you’ve d, Tu in d ne age nc n.c on at full color, metal signs to hang on the field fence for all to: state solicit insura d vant swim rties an free citize ormati varsity and middle school football games. New signs an vit ing g ad ilight d inf pa t for 8:30am s da S ok an ea kin hi en ol are $300, renewal signs are $150, and program ads tw NT affi sell ta bo ies.” wh can 0amg ay, th a n on po ne are $50. The club ask that purchasers include artwork CEME The d to dents m 7:3 rtisin ho UN polic dale Frid m. wi io or business card for sign/program ad and to make stu st fro NO inue adve l telep rance uder nce AN Pool - 6 p. format 11 all eakfa pm checks payable to Drumright High School Football.

La cont by ra ne nloca insu Yale noon for in ed a. Br -12:30 For further information visit the Drumright Quarter- Ju has ucts the , ts Ce RA the ts for id that r insu nuary le y 17 cafeteri :30am AG rview ng r Ar es. To fo in od f in turday of Ya back Booster Club Facebook page. en e te Ja ye Ma sa t of pr ices ki in th 11 ol • ss m ym me en til d ol ty Sa • 49th annual Oilpatch Jamboree will be held ed 0 d scho from to ta nter chen art cla able fro e Ci h co ugh serv pting paummon paym ub un timat .0 the lunch October 1 and 2 activities start at 7am and continue mon itted Ce 11 La mmer avail e yout y thro act th Dr take ity Cl tive es $5,000 throughout the day. There will be a parade, live music, acce and ea Drum adm tivity ranc June nt su es are da 10am Cont le n er G day, of ar Tues ere food, and shopping available. Contact the Drumright d to Activ enta s Ac r insu ss ing ods. or ns free.

Whe uderda gall’ s, SHINrting Fri ng diff 25. Cla fo inue lls repres ss of ov open Atwo Chamber of Commerce at 918-352-2204 for further d le CU sti pDoze sines r 2 — of La ll be cont Inga ly In pley ing. type ived. information. erda • Stall be ho 8-225-75 bu a lo de t wi ng lot until Se ndor club Cush erdale, not on of Ri for ts. Un ed of rece 91 wi from . The n had ts.

OLIVE Laud d to ults. Marke parki a ve for day ter l call ud from Town ovid ents pies ul en 17 17, queste the to ad rmer’s in the Thurs being -0101 La tio • Wildcat Spiritwear is being sold online to benefit pr ad co ed 20 20 ym ym za ey e enrol hool d in Fa 52 ell ni 10 pa pa ed le OYSA. A QR code is attached to a flyer posted on sc every sted 22, and reesente g he ed mon o th 918-3 orga these erda ts for provid of canc count pre shing June held st ere the Olive High School Alumni Facebook page to acke le pl in but als .

D tin pr • Cu ursday, ll be are int Pam at rao Laud receip tive Augu to OI and es sta on on en from pies ’s ac cess the purchasing website. For more information ies of Ya ent u t wi or t Ka can Th d m pers , an en On rpe You enta as co Club had be on marke . If yo -3480 the call or text Tina at 918-352-1874. Orders are due by dale zzlem in the polic went mon of na d Ca rk. writt pres well on ay in 2021 8-399 be 28, ity ks The uder Friday, September 3. DO NOT SEND MONEY TO THE a Re ial Pa oadw 11am arily Drum a list m eachyment ber 91 hand club re ts as ng Activ e chec nn ul La of em, May Br from tem Bill at .

SCHOOL. 10 lunt duled th ip fro or pa th hosti Cente 6 E. ts y k Pa ay The e rece m the at th from , 2018 vo eak wi tor wi oney sche ed to 10 • Cornhole tournament benefiting the Olive Baskettified call ationwill be th turda es Mar o coun Frid ty. , 19 at s at m hase of An sp stiga iden on e ow g is ball team will be held Labor Day weekend on Saturday, thes ks fro show inform RA June Game y - Sa eck. Ag 10-17 ngs tw 0 on Coun pt. 27 ilty. 20 rc arin is all izanc ived ve were loss ely ch will be 2 so September 4, beginning at 10am in the Olive Gym. • DC st on trun esda m.

5,00 yne chec D to g he dale y to at Se not gu in 20 t in d rece r the pu uals ned cogn Ou t, Tu cash or ory epare g the Cost to register is $15/person early or $20/ person at OI ed. tric Conteup at guilt ss of $2 t of Pa on ha of filed en encinLauder onal re t fo policy. individ combi proxim to Dis is $10 s categ up. Pr will sinchange m nt n the door in individual tournament, $30/2-person team ea lis ur sit s ce ay ap sig dw Kid and ex ict co ally, d a pl n wa you nnot docu id by the rance urteen The fee A se 2022. a pers in the early or $35/2-person team at the door. Additional as edly depo Broa Entry eligible. be 18 order u ca nners $200, Initi entere tutio this be pa Fo ond. stated alleg club team members will be $10 each. For discount rate regdistr 27, erty on ll insu yo wi gets sti g to ll be ay 7pm. up are ory wi in the d in ce m to le re s e ister by Friday, September 3. At the door registration wi M lib ne nd at me s wa um 7 is erda r for rdin for ain at and categ ist na is tur First pla, Seco prize had m th erdale will close at 9:30am. Admission will cost $1/person . filed , a by Dr davit Laud ed orde . Acco $58,41 third. adult the art try fee artist e $300 s the ages 10 and up. For more information, to be a vendor, rem . vit t fro k Laud shing, affi ce a for for le kid en of or da re th 0 en e eiv .10 , offi , wi or sponsor find the flyer on Drumright Gusher Faceag Sept th the song ll rec affi 3. erda paym e Mar in Cu and r the d $5 king ailing bond sum an clerks Club in $59,11 Laud book page or contact Tina Winford at 918-352-4874. , Once er, ory wi 00. Fo nd, an is loo by em for sell h th on tution t. ord e $1 co ity t were YALE to May 31 an iving roug located ted g to the categ ll get for se Theatre theatr .com will ing resti fend rdin ty cour Activ loca aint ail rece tive th • The Yale Chamber of Commerce annual banquet for ense d on Tuna adult third wi , $75 unity ct the 3@gm de Acco un pl lls er cy build r be held at Mugsy’s Grubhouse on August 26, ted ter rst the nta 7402 com ent been esenta Agen le’s lic expire Co r Inga ns cent tion and for fi Grea n is sla Comm co watewill g e at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25 each and can be istra tt. ing u can eatre s for yne e fo tio itten partm to repr nce ize Still thstarting erda $100

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209 East Broadway features gourmet pizza, but offers appetizers, salads, t) of en pastas peris tribu that pigs ed pu u fix a Rein s ,” sh could us ll. . the Br her, ibutio ted Godofredo’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. andmFriday .or e Drum ke n arise habl pkin and Saturday to th istow said said. e it in th to have police dates. s outsi e in By ? e co Socia right 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. de DeA eir she mm l Ho of reso utilize partm Accord de of Th nna unity Service using store th Rein e av surr ere is they urce fo d the sto ent m ing to . s s fo With ail lots Mad em r ou ha od ho re Drumke, an able pum ndin of fu dox Th ve se mele d fo bers Dollar General DRUMRIGHT: Dollar General a pum Yale: d g pk n pkinMaveric Minimart loca right is distrmonth food e au en in ss and od as a 2324 E Main 700 W Broadway Oilto in patchcomm to be ha thor need te pa ot Com ibut s, sa un d #112-102 310 E Broadway Mini Supermarket Peop hers tch! E Chicago hosti n Ch . arou ity ities d for at . id ed m nd re #105-706 E Broadway at th Oilto auth le ca 510 S. unity at the Legio ng the ambe Octo the ceives n e up n an Tee Pee Trading Post Kum and Go AGRA: r of or pu Ohio Cent n, be ca furth ity The loca mpk com d r. twen the 28314 E 6th 2100 E Main Williams Foods Maveric Minimart Co Stre er er in at 91 ll the ing Pa Accord tieth on pumpk ted at in patch mmer et.

720 E Broadway #113-21 Main St. form 8-35 ho in 60 rn Oc

The idea they landed on was making the current disc golf course safer to play on as well as converting it into a 18-hole course to meet tournament standards.

“I had the idea to pitch a temporary course to gain traction and awareness for this sport here in town,” said Pauly.

Pauly said that after speaking with City Manager Terry Brannon they learned that there was already a grant put in by Cushing Rotary to fund the original nine T-pads located at Memorial Park.

“We secured the funding through the Rotary Club for the first nine and Geoff Beasley with Godofredo’s and the Dunkin Theater gave a matching bid for the remaining nine, so with the city’s help and Terry Brannon working on maybe purchasing those baskets, we can have a brand new 18-hole course here in town,” explained Pauly.

Pauly said he hopes with the support of the commission, Memorial Park can become a

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“I She le in he at th in Ed ing to ho nning who ev en in beca DeAn Meisne tizen ago, e wh in ge a .” ru d, Ci of Citiz long we’ll se id. peop colle lahom s try llege ner, bere iter” ing d be uld sa get d Meis shing co to to bit and ,” she on ral Ok y wa her in s love woul d wo g,” wr e Cush remem star!” e Cu all rs th she a rock excited the that Cent actu art teac d alway wanted th 2020. eisne re an ssin .

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Cush Olive ing, Dr sport , Ripley umrig gro s tea , Jenn ht, Yale, m, up asso ings… Agra, is reg ula ho else r me lding ciation, If your Mann an even organ scho ford, Oil ation know eting, ol, . let churc ton, us kn t, fundraizatio cush to: ne Subm n it and ingcit ws@d bulle ow so iser, or no h, clu n-p tin b, or when izen.c rum rightg board we ca even rofit inform om. ushe items n let ev just a AN Inc NO ation lud ery r.c for UN cons one you’ve all the om or CEME DR e go who, publi iderNT UM sh S t— RIG • we’ll what, er@ HT cornhDrumrig get where it ht in. ole base tou Ath reg ball fi rnameletic As ist eld 2-p ration parki nt on socia ers tio Octob n ng en on the tea ds 11 lot er 2 will be DA throu A. Fo m. Th :30am. First ba in the havin e r gh the furthe tourna on Oc gs thr high g a • Par-4The Rig ir Face r inform ment t. 2 an own at scho d co will 1p ol ati 15, -the ht Pa book Bowl Horse th fal page on co raise st $4 m 0 on mo nta Dec. -A-Th on Oc l even . ct the ney per t da on 17. t. on DA for A Nov. 11, Fa tes are MA NN Participants of the Geographic Club “Do 30 an ll Brea as fol FORD • low d Fa k fro 2:15pHomeco or Dye” Color Run celebrate the end of ll Se m Oc s: me m mi Flo sta ng ste t. 11the two mile journey that took place on at r en Sm appli rting froParad ds e ith ca Saturday, Aug. 21, in memoriam of club Sept. or the tions m Gr will be ee link 28. Fo high will ne nwoo on Oc member Cathy Culp, sc on ed tob d the r furthe hool to be and er • turne Hinton 1 at KeystFirst Re Drumrig r informmain offi . from one sponde ht Gu ation ce by d in to Parad Ha e foo 11am rbor rs Ap sher Fa find the Tues Mrs. da d pre -5p will to en for first m. ciatiocebook appli y, To be depa joy! Ple respo ns of happen n We page cation ek experience conducted in 2016, and CUSHING – Longtime Bob Noltensmeyer.” He command 918-8 rtmen ase RS nders fun ac ing on end . tiv an Octob at 65-52 t on the VP “Emergency and hundreds of hours of the FBI Oklahoma City field Cushing resident and retired continued, no d gu ities 53. sign later est (up and de er 3 AG RA up tha Cushing Fire Department management will become safety training, participating training exercise “Critical shee n Se to 5 pelicious • t. Fo pt. op conducted Captain Franklin Reed an integral part of our in multiple emergency Crossroads” held The Fa r mo 29, pu le) ll re inf t at 4p on Oc Festi Dr has been named the public safety team and response exercises and in 2004. Reed has been um val o ca even m in tober ll durin right the 7. at Ag tabletop/disaster deployed to emergencies new Cushing Emergency with Franklin’s previous annual senio Junio Hot do ra Pu be ts will on (Sto g las the begin r Hig gs wi blic Sc Oklahoma, Management Director for experience in our fire drills for those in the throughout be ry ins t Frida r Tess in so h on ho ll in the the old uth sid camp Lobb be se ol wi Po y’s the City of Cushing. Reed department, this integration petroleum industry. Reed serving in the communities ide us y. At 6p rved ll be ) game lm wa cafet e of and old sta the . Th gy also completed numerous of Catoosa, Stillwater, replaces the retiring Bob will be seamless.” again ves du elemethe ch m, a eria, the elemee 4H cam a va rting sp riety oir ke re nta st W ring sold ntary Franklin started his tabletop drills and exercises Westport, and Carney Noltensmeyer who served conc ook ho will be ry, BIN walk of ellsto the wi anno in the cellar. ert wi use bo Drum devastating the citizens of Cushing for career as a volunteer for the to satisfy the annual following n. unce lobby There ll be in the unce GO wi ll It wa rig d at of wi at 7pm old ag hous ll Pawnee Fire Department. certification requirements tornados. Reed was also over 50 years.

The CU 8:30p the old ll als s a ht Ho in fro build es SHING o good meco m.

Man Cree gym be raffl nt ing City Manager Terry Later, Reed joined the as a hazardous materials deployed to the Murrah • mi with day es of the , 8 an Cushing hous agemenk Coun winn being Brannon said, “Franklin Cushing Fire Department, technician. In addition, building following the 1995 to be ng Pa ty up d 9, ev All Cla in ers t g Em to en a To rade Fr being two build participated bombing, working in search brings the local serving for nearly 30 years, Franklin Ea Hall the foo ts sta ss Re erge be rnad ida Reed appr rlier th new ge ing day opens tball rt at 11union experience we need retiring as a Captain. Reed in the Terrorism and and rescue efforts. o, as y. Po will ncy em useful ov is sc is ga lea ne at :25 er ed all me 10am at 7p din mon rato Drum lm wa hedu am be genc in th ow Franklin will assume the emergency management to build on the legacy brings over 15 years of Emergency Management at g “If sellin m. On to All , even 7pm. on Fri led for right s name e ev Resc the a requ th the rs. the y. day Workshop responsibility of leading our team beginning this Friday. response Planning built by retiring Director emergency use in ent est informg home Oct. Class ts conti Satur came d Fo ue bo leadin Oct. po da 7 to mi a ar Plan of nu that of y ng d facil publ wer we com. ation comi Cush from otba an ing le/str e throu Alumn g ng for purcha Act the Am will yo ic Th i on Publi eet behin ll Home can facil re to go citiesity, or (ARP the e Re u ca t-shir da ghout Cree se erica d to M inform webs union n visit ts. To c Scho nce co the ity ev , A) anag k Co two do sta quar be tra beat ming fu n a wa we coul en fo , a co wn page ation ite or Week cushingregist ols wi rtin ns g er ter en r ll Acco emen unty genera nds sa so Well Quee . is unty to ter to porte plan d use one t.

• Ra The the avail cial me d Sche alumn or for be id n W sto rd Em Di to d n . ias of ab mo ing th du str t or ffle n 48 me am dia stora arner. erge rs truck by a on tic for le on the page le can sociatio re W to -40 a ho em for our War ict 2 ncy busin g oth kets this be . . Sp n. poss ge, he When , ac threesligh arner sa we ner, spita like com Cree co Bran esse er itemsfor a ha year is bsite onso found ib k tly id as l,” he s said the rsh emer ility the missio co Co ked rding on lo The non an of Cu are be ndma “Back and Fa ip th de sh ge of ab gene ner unty of st appr wer ca e gene com Sept. ing tickets d Code ing to ing so quee In Tim cebook “We ncy m expa ere wa out Leon oved pacit rato rato th will e”. m ld n are be 13 En e iss siz anag r is com ndin rs are disc golf destination, as well as have additional homecoming numbers, is an additional 300. Shegame be he $5 ea force nefit by cit the y. s a Powe gene ed ion for of Cree ize qu em lo Cit will ld me Busin , ind ra th The r bid missio k Distr emer oking ent g the ivid on Oc ch or $2 nt Tra y Ma ns an ilt The System tors fro e purc total Improvements to the disc golf course in courses built. He said the sport has grown also said the event will be an overnight event uals ners meetin Coun nage d Boom esse facil ge tob let 0 cy ict at for s nc be ting hase insid s wa m on tri two expa ity. vote that should help increase hotel/motel tax and 1 ba g. y five Nicho r Terry ty Circle Town where do no er 8 at Memorial Park was discussed and approved immensely even through the pandemic. t . las ple- genera s $141 Genera expa opened for th d to ap The said e one rn, th manag nding Supp S Me Nutrit ticke need the ho The dra .

“It is an all-encompassing sport. Men and sales tax. axle ts to (DRU me ,553. c of th ey wi during the Cushing Board of Commissioners to . ns e em pr rs on Lauri ly, Go ats, Cu ion, Ca are av be pre comi wio AR traile en ose Rece 60 ar n MRI do women of all ages: my eight-year-old plays and “We want to make this first event something Oct. project ove meeting on Monday, Aug. 16.

Tic , Be*Yo fredo shing tes Su ailable sent ng build ll be ke t to PA ex will rs so e plac . emThe GH kets Auth ntly, ’s, Ro Nutrit pply, inc to wi to 12 War pend be ex T, ings pt she that ed Octob er wi u*Tifu lud n.

Two Cushing High School graduates, we’ve had people up to the age of 70 come that people really want to come back to,” Co ion ,” he build gency pansio iture part . The they cont ority Drumrig OK er 7. ll be av l Bouti ots, Ah , Fe pper e “B ner.

• said. chne n Pe ailab rbe qu s, ac of th Jonathon Pauley and Christina Morrill came to out,” he said.

Ac now asically and Cushing follo ing to been ainers has be ht H ) le for e, an rg Mi r Pu nny, — au cord cord e Pauly said if things go well, Cushing could Commissioner Mike Griffith recognized wing ok m of even the Cu Open the podium and explained why they thought this purchd Bake ll, Milasmp/ ing get is getti what th ing com bein of food en re ousing shing pre the a ste anagem the it de ase r’s Ph wi ng an be the first place in the state to develop a high disc golf as an up-and-coming sport the and tsaid we g va ority ce to m would benefit the City of Cushing. fo until arm d Me ll be ha Alumnsente disc p signe bids en are moit Dr unity distrib which iving fro riety of has be Rein Thurs acy. so ussio forw t it, r bids pp Cushing needs to stay on the frontdeend sign of i As d by Cu do ria uted Several individuals of various ages came to school team. ke ha m en Exec umrig . so day, the l Dis ening ” he for th d, then that we ing sh n du ard ht H “This sport is family friendly, it covers every before moving to approve the agenda item. ir ow c Golf Satur ciation, ing Dis to ve and rice anfood ite prov , the e ac said we ring show support for improving the disc golf course.

Rein utive n ho da the ha vege ousin Co tual ’ll go can . d wa ms ided le alo urse. y, Oc Farm Pac Golf ke “I’m glad you're doing this, I think it is very Di ta bu s ou a g t.

Morrill said this idea came to the Cushing Alumni age group and it survives COVID because you Br ra ln ngsid MP th 9 an said recto Auth ildin t ist what no way bles. Th uts to nging can social distance,” added Morrill. worthwhile,” said Griffith. e Fli O winn d 10 Tour r g of or ex the ow So Association during the pandemic. at See of ght e th fru er Doro ity da cial cess au Path gets Morrill said the amount of people expected The item was approved by a vote of 5-0 with BULL ys be ey will know comm its prov thor fo “We had a pandemic hit and we needed some to on in ETIN ity Service od frothy future She fore di receive g wh ittee for alumni weekend in October, besides regular no discussion from the commission. the of ide bo BOAR s ha new ideas,” she said. m

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75 Yearp.6s

Your Central Oklahoma Publisher

10

OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

BUILDING STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY Downtown Oklahoma City is such a cool place to visit. Pedestrians, electric scooters, and bicycles buzz between buildings, some glass and others with murals. Streets are wide enough for street parking, the streetcar tracks, and the everyday downtown driving of cars and trucks. Prominently placed, yet not distracting, building and traἀc signages are easily found and assist with the flow. Most people do not give a lot of thought to the aesthetics of downtown, but someone had to design it.

Lisa Chronister sits back in her chair across the desk and gazes at me from her ninth floor oἀce . She leans slightly forward and rests her elbow on the arm of the chair as we talk, engaged in our catching up. It has been years since we have seen each other and even more since we have sat down to visit. She is still the same amazing person from our high school days: kind, quiet, driven, and accomplished.

Now the Assistant Planning Director for Oklahoma City, in h er childhood, Lisa designed bridges, doodled skyscrapers on class notes, and dreamed of being an architect. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Lisa moved to New York City. She later returned to Oklahoma City with her husband and son, and she worked for various architecture firms before joining the OKC Planning Department.

As an accomplished architect, Lisa involved herself in education, from mentoring architecture students at OU, teaching courses at the New York College of Technology as well as OU, to designing educational buildings for the MidDel school district that are cost effective, functional for learning, and include safe rooms.

Community is also a p riority for Lisa. Making Oklahoma City a pleasant sight is part of her involvement in the community, but her dedication is much more than that. In 2001, Lisa led protests to protect the “Gold Dome”, a Route 66 landmark in Oklahoma City. Her efforts paid off and the building is now listed as on the National Register of Historic Places. While saving the Dome was a landmark event, Lisa feels that the community listens when there is involvement and trust.

Supporting diversity in the architectural field is also an important aspect for Lisa. She encouraged fellow women architects by founding the Women in A rchitecture group for the American Institute of Architects Central Oklahoma Chapter, as well as advocating for architectural staff who face disabilities.

Just like in o ur teen years, Lisa is still strong and confident. She leads others from behind, encouraging people and lifting them up along the way. written by Shannon Ellis Photograph provided OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 13

Ale & According to Dictionary.com, equity is “the quality of being fair or impartial.” Add a syllable, and the word becomes equality, “the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quality, degree, value, rank, or ability.” The meanings of these two similar words hold a bit of confusion, but perhaps it is in the last definition that we see the difference, “correspondence in quality, degree, value, rank, or ability.” Suzette Grillot co-founder of Equity Brewing reflects, “Equality is great, but equity is better. It is lifting others up.” So is the mission of Susan Grillot and of Equity Brewing Company, “It’s a humanity project; to overcome and eliminate systems of oppression”.

Beer crafting is an art, similar to winemaking and tasting. The beer found in Equity Brewing is not the average type just to be guzzled down; this beer is for experiencing and enjoying.

Suzette greets me at the door of the taproom.

It is bright and airy and feels like there should be donuts or cupcakes on the bar (there will be . . . that’s a future project with Brown Cow Bake Shop). At this time, it is still a work in progress. The taps happily protrude from the wall behind the bar, almost ready to start service.

Engaging me in a tour, Suzette leads me the sparkling new brew room before we snake around past the offices, past the fresh coffee of the Yellow Dog Coffee Company (we will save that for another visit), to the converted loading dock that houses white chairs, matching tables, board games and the book store Juste Books (a play on the words just and justice). “This will be a sitting area where people can hang out and visit. When the weather is nice, we can raise the doors. We sit, and Suzanne Grillot relates the journey of Equity Brewing.

14

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021

As a child in Tulsa, Suzette learned the subtleties of aromas and tastes of different beers from her German grandfather who crafted beer. As she grew older, he taught her the art of pairing foods to different beers. In graduate school, Suzette began crafting beer herself, until it grew into a passion.

One of the few women in the human science department at the University of Oklahoma, Suzette, who is currently a professor and former dean of International Studies, faced many obstacles and injustices during her

correcting social imbalances, boosting those who need it, and leveling the playing field. The company’s logo, a multi-leveled star, reminds patrons and employees of the company’s values.

Suzette and Hannah are believers in collaboration. They have partnered at events with Brooke Rood of Forage and Gather, a charcuterie caterer. They have also collaborated with Oklahoma City pastry chef, Chef Soreeta Hind of Brown Cow Bake Shop who makes cupcakes and pastries infused with Equity beer. The mother-daughter duo plan to sell these baked treats in the taproom and use 50% of the proceeds to go toward organizations that help combat food insecurities for local children in Norman. These collaborations offer help to others and support their company’s values.

Remaining true to their values is not just found in their collaborative events. “We have an Equity Trust made up of a group of very diverse people that meets monthly to make sure our progress is equitable. We call upon relationships in the community (the Black community, Latino, etc.) for needs that need to be met, and we are intentional about who we hire.”

Equity Brewing Company has a beer for everyone; Solidarity Saison, Collective Action Kolsch, Ninkasi New England IPA, Protest Porter, and Sidamo Stout. Equity Brewing will also custom brew beers for special events.

For more information on Equity Brewing Company or the beers, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or sign up for their newsletter at www.equitybrewingco.com. To enjoy a cold one, visit the Equity Brewing Taproom at 109 E Tonhawa St in Norman.

WONDERWOMEN

tenure. Her daughter, Hannah, also faced discrimination from male coworkers in her industry in Washington, D.C. Both needing a break from their male-dominated occupations, In order to establish the brewery, Suzette convinced Hannah to move back to Oklahoma. Together they created Equity Brewing.

As professor of international studies, and as an advocate of international studies and social justices, Suzette has played a crucial part in developing international study centers in Brazil, Mexico, and Italy. She is passionate about giving a voice to the oppressed, and her passion is reflected in Equity Brewing Company. Equity Brewing believes in

EQUITY written by Shannon Ellis Photos provided

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 15

Abby Broyles: There is something very inspiring about a real life “David vs. Goliath” story. When I first learned that Abby Broyles challenged Oklahoma establishment politician Jim Inhofe, I knew that I wanted to interview this lady. Intrigued, I decided to learn more about the woman who took on a “giant” in politics. Despite her loss in the election, Broyles garnered a respectable 32.8% of the vote in the heavily Republican sided state. I wondered what would be next for this Oklahoma “wonder woman” who is devoted to bringing change in our state.

Not many of us can claim to have followed our childhood dream, but Abby Broyles can. Abby grew up watching Katie Couric who inspired her dream to become an investigative journalist.

Abby grew up in Bethany, Oklahoma and tells about a childhood filled with purpose. She stated that she was “fortunate to grow up in a family that was supportive, compassionate, and taught me the value of hard work.”

Education was always a primary focus of the Broyles family. Abby’s educational journey began in Bethany Public Schools. Her father managed a credit union, and her mother was a professor at Southern Nazarene University for forty years. Abby explained that every trip her family took revolved around history or education. “We were not the Disneyland family.

My mom made it a point that every trip we took had some historical or educational aspect to it.”

Due to the fact that my family visited every local museum within a hundred miles, I can totally relate to her experience.

Ms. Broyles is also no stranger to hard work. She graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. After

Stay True to Who You Are

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graduation, Abby worked as an investigative journalist in Oklahoma City and spent a decade working in the field. Not one to just rest on her accomplishments, Abby diligently worked to put herself through law school while continuing her work as a journalist.

She graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law and then opened her own practice.

Why does one make the leap from lawyer to politician?

At first, Broyles never imagined that she would pursue this direction.

However, she stated, “After ten years it was frustrating sitting on the sidelines and not being able to fix the problems in our state I saw first hand. I’m a lifelong Oklahoman and deeply care about the future of our state, so I decided to get in the fight myself to make sure every Oklahoman from every walk of life is seen and heard.”

the career politician behind us,” she replied.

She also went on to acknowledge the deep issues that Oklahoma faces when protecting our women around the state. “Oklahoma falls on the bottom of just about every list, from a high rate of domestic violence against women to one of the worst states for equal pay for women. We have a small minority in the state legislature, and only 1/5th of our federal delegation is anything other than white men.

Oklahoma women are tough, which is why we keep fighting to break that glass ceiling.”

where we can engage in smart dialogue and talk about ways to work together.”

Some of Ms. Broyles’ major political platforms include: affordable health care, keeping children and schools safe, and the Paycheck Fairness Act which focuses on the gender pay gap that is still present in our state. She also seeks to keep climate change as something we stay aware of while still supporting Oklahoma family farmers and ranchers. Other platforms include universal background checks on guns while still protecting Second Amendment rights. Along with safety reforms, she encourages more access to mental health services and decriminalizing marajuana.

When you look at Abby today, you still find her “fighting the good fight.”

She continues to work as an attorney with her focuses in family law, personal injury, and general civil litigation. Even though she lost to Inhofe, she is not about to “throw in the towel.” She says. “I’ll run for office again, but right now I’m really focused on voter registration. More people voted for us than any Democrat in over a decade, and I’m the youngest woman to run for the U.S. Senate in Oklahoma history. I want to use my platform where it’s most needed, and right now that’s being the voice for voter registration and education, and I can’t wait to engage more young people in the democratic process.” In order to inspire more young people to vote, Abby started the organization Grit for Democracy.

Abby’s journey from journalist to lawyer to politician is incredibly inspiring to me as a woman. Although we pictured above: Abby Broyles with her Mother have come so far from the 1920s, Abby’s political party is Democratic, when women first gained the right but Republicans should take to vote across the nation, we still note that she considers herself a have miles to go before women “moderate Democrat.” She goes achieve full equality and respect. on to state that she gets “criticism I asked Abby how we go about from both the right and the left.” breaking down the “Good Old Her goal of achieving unity across Boys” system that pervades our the state depends on working with both political parties. “I can find world today. common ground with just about “I think we just have to stay in anyone if he or she shares the the fight. Women are incredible same Oklahoma values I have.” leaders and bring a unique skill set to the table. We’re empathetic; we When asked about her plan to can multitask like it’s nothing, and make this a success, she stated we know the value of heaving a “This political climate is tough. I seat at the table because we had think we need leaders who are to earn it. We need new, young, going to work across the aisle to dynamic leaders to step into the get things done. We don’t have to Grit for Democracy is a 501(c)3 notpolitical arena and shake things agree on everything, but we need for-profit organization committed up. I hope we can put the days of to get back to an environment to revitalizing the political

WONDERWOMEN written by Sharen Smith photography provided

“

This political climate is tough. I think we need leaders who are going to work across the aisle to get things done. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we need to get back to an environment where we can engage in smart dialogue and talk about ways to work together.

”

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“

I believe the future is with our young people, and I’m committed to championing the youth vote by registering young people ages 18-34 to vote.

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”

landscape in Oklahoma. This new organization is all about changing the perception of voting. This American right, which is vital to the preservation of our freedoms, is not something that many people take seriously. Abby goes on to say, “We have the worst voter participation in the country and the worst youth voter turnout amongst all states.

I believe the future is with our young people, and I’m committed to championing the youth vote by registering young people ages 18-34 to vote. We’re also working closely with community leaders where there are underrepresented populations. Voting is not a Democratic issue or Republican issue; It’s an American issue.”

a serious conversation about the future of public education in Oklahoma. I grew up in public schools and am a huge supporter of our educators. If we want our kids to thrive, we have to invest early in their future. I think we also have to take a hard look at the history of our state and keep working toward equality and inclusion. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and we still see systemic racism in our state and around the country. I’ve always said my favorite thing about Oklahoma is our people; we have to keep having tough conversations and call out racial injustice when we see it.”

When it comes to her favorite Whether she is campaigning for a inspiration, she mentions her mom political seat or helping to reform as her ideal “wonder woman.” “ My the current voting scene, Abby mom is the kindest, most genuine is committed to making changes woman I know. She has dedicated and helping our state.

When her life to shaping the lives of asked what additional issues young people in our state; from Oklahoma should be addressing, her work as a college professor Abby discussed. “We have to have and advisor, to being a foster mom.

It takes an enormous amount of self-confidence and moxie to take on the establishment as a rookie running for office, and my mom is a huge part of instilling that confidence and willingness to serve in me. She is intelligent, compassionate, and will drop everything to help someone in need.”

Just like her mom, Abby’s genuineness and strength of character shine through. She refuses to let the “Goliaths” of the world get her down. She reminds us, “Learn to have thick skin. I’ve worked in a male-dominated world, from TV news, to being a lawyer, to politics. People will try to tear you down and criticize everything about you, but you have to hold on to what you believe in and stay true to who you are.” I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting Oklahoma daughter. Keep fighting for us Abby, and pushing for the change we need here in the Sooner state.

Welcoming a New SUPERSUPER-intendent intendent

Dr. Melissa Amon

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written by Sara Lane photography by Kayla Watson

WONDERWOMEN

In 2004, I sat in my freshman biology class poised at attention. I was the quiet kid who followed the rules and definitely wanted to avoid trouble. My teacher was great, but she also intimidated me just HQRXJK WR NQRZ WKDW , UHDOO\ GLGQ ÿW ZDQW WR PHVV XS LQ her class. Unfortunately, that day my phone went off in class, and I was mortified.

I had known other students who had gotten Saturday school (think The Breakfast Club, but not as much fun) for such an event. I remember hurrying to turn the phone off, and then looking up at my teacher to apologize.

I braced myself for whatever could possibly come and hoped for the best. My teacher just laughed. Yep, she laughed and went on with the lesson.

6KH SUREDEO\ GRHVQÿW UHPHPEHU WKDW EXW RI course I do. Melissa Amon made an impact in more than one way in my education, but that day is a day I will never forget. A day when she could have busted me for having my phone turned on, but instead showed a little JUDFH DQG ODXJKHG DW WKH DFFLGHQW WKDW ,ÿP VXUH ZH have all faced. Needless to say, that event of the errant cell phone never happened again.

But, this was one of many instances that have taught me that it is ok to react to situations in the classroom with grace and mercy. Melissa Amon helped show me this as my teacher and again several years later as my first assistant principal that I worked for.

Now, she is transitioning into becoming Cushing 3XEOLF 6FKRROÿV ILUVW IHPDOH VXSHULQWHQGHQW DQG , FRXOGQÿW EH PRUH SURXG DQG H[FLWHG WR VHH ZKDW VKH will do with her new position.

Dr. Melissa Amon has spent many years in public education in Cushing, Oklahoma (the Pipeline Crossroads of America).

Her career is as diversified as they come. She started at Cushing High School teaching business. Later, she taught biology and earth science. ,Q VKH HDUQHG KHU 0DVWHUÿV GHJUHH LQ 6FKRRO Administration and was then able to become assistant principal at Cushing High School.

L a t e r , she moved over to Cushing Middle School as assistant principal.

She moved to the district level in administration with her position as Director of Student and Instructional Services. In 2019, she was named Assistant Superintendent.

Recently, with the retirement of Superintendent Koln Knight, she has accepted the position of Cushing Public Schools Superintendent. Her new position at CPS is very special to her considering that she is also an alumna of Cushing.

To be in education for any amount of time, an educator or administrator requires something exceptional that can only be found from within, passion. Melissa is driven by a passion to make things the best they can be for not only the students, but the educators at Cushing Public Schools. Her passion can be seen in her dedication to create that ideal environment in each school. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with her can attest to her passion for Cushing Public Schools and the students.

Inspiration it seems was also found within

first female superintendent, she offered that VKH KDGQÿW WKRXJKW PXFK DERXW LW EXW KRSHV WR become the superintendent she would have wanted as a teacher. superintendent will possibly inspire others to seek positions of leadership. Maybe some of our female students who are thinking about careers in education will not only think about being teachers, but will also think about being

With a career like hers, she certainly has experienced some memorable moments. On the first day of school in 2017, CPS purchased to be a teacher. I have always loved school and glasses for every student to be able to witness learning. I was, of course, inspired by the the total solar eclipse. She mentioned that, many great teachers that I have had throughout Now that she is the new superintendent, Starting out in 2014 with 180 chrome Dr. Amon has the opportunity to further help books at Cushing Middle School, she was a and support Cushing Public Schools.

Along major player in rolling out this technology with bringing new ideas to to potentially become a 1:1 the table, she continues to school district. This means “I have always wanted to be a support the goals of past that eventually every student Cushing superintendents. have their own device to teacher. I have always loved school will work from. Today, CPS has and learning. I was, of course, over 1,200 chromebooks in to continue to build on the great work that has been inspired by the many great teachers schools. done by Mr. Knight. I would Be on the lookout for her at that I have had throughout my any student activities and like to see us continue to move forward and complete sporting events. She shared educational career.” that she loves to go to the building projects include events and watch students do a new elementary building and renovations at Cushing High School. students doing things outside of the classroom She also shared with me her hopes on elevating the educational experience that is Dr. Melissa Amon has dedicated a lot of time to Cushing Public Schools and has students in Cushing deserve the very best now reached the point of taking the helm and education. We work hard to make sure that leading the way. As a former student and current we provide our teachers with high quality employee, this writer and teacher is looking professional development and curriculum to forward to her continuing to build on the legacy support them in providing quality instruction that Mr. Knight left behind as she continues to make Cushing Public Schools a great place to learn and work in. Dr. Melissa Amon has superintendent I am able to bring about even always represented hard work and dedication to more positive change. I hope to continue the work so many.

Personally, she has also been an with our teachers and leaders to be innovative inspiration and a great encouragement to be the in our approaches to education so that we are best that I can be. I know that she will do the able to reach and teach our students in ways same for the educators and students of Cushing Public Schools. I believe she will truly be a As for how she feels about being the SUPER-intendent, pun intended.

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I Help People Communicate,

….What’s Your SUPERPOWER?

WONDERWOMEN

I help people communicate; what’s your superpower is a passage used by elinguist.net and words that aptly describe Diana Emerson of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

For the past 32 years, Diana Emerson has been helping better the lives of countless deaf and hard-of-hearing women, men, and children. And she does that by working at the TSHA in Tulsa, a non-profit that serves people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Diana is currently the Program & Community Resources Director, a role she accepted two years ago.

“TSHA is not about people’s ears; it’s about their connection to others and about their ability to live (life) to the fullest,” said Emerson.

Emerson is focused, diligent, and committed to the deaf and hard-of-hearing persons throughout Tulsa and the surrounding area.

Her previous job title was TSHA Community Relations Manager, a position she had for 30 years.

“I work with all three (TSHA) departments (Interpreting Services, Deaf Services, and Community Relations) and continue to handle areas related to families, hard-of-hearing and elderly, and outreach to the community,” added Emerson.

Co-workers are quick to let anyone know that Emerson is an “amazing leader” at TSHA. Besides her full-time position, she is also a nationally certified sign language interpreter for the Tulsa community.

Her colleagues will also tell you that Emerson finds time to work with parents and

B E A U T Y families to help guide them through all the available options and resources for their deaf children.

A fellow staff member - who is deaf herself - says Emerson will share success stories about other deaf adults with parents, reassuring them that their deaf child can succeed in life.

“Her impact is felt far and wide,” added a co-worker. “She’s a loved staff member.”

Emerson was born in Missouri, and when she was three years old, her family moved to a tiny native village on the southwestern Alaskan tundra.

written & photography by Cindy Lockstone

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“My parents were schoolteachers for the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said Emerson. “I spent eight years of my childhood in four different villages.”

“I started out sitting in with my dad’s class of upper elementary students when I was small.”

For a short time, her family moved back to the states, and Emerson finished second and third grade in Mercedes, Texas, a small town located in the far southern tip of Texas.

Her family moved back to Alaska. She began taking correspondence courses before her family moved back to St. Louis, Missouri, where she graduated high school.

“I came to Tulsa to attend TU (Tulsa University) and decided to stay,” said Emerson.

“I roomed my freshman year at TU in a suite with one student who was a sign language interpreter,” said Emerson. The others were upperclassmen taking sign (language) because of her. I was the lone freshman who didn’t know what they were saying. I promptly signed up for a sign language course my second semester, and here I am!”

Emerson majored in Deaf Education and Elementary Education. Her first job after graduating from TU was teaching 3rd and 4th graders at a Catholic school. She then accepted the Community Relations Manager job at TSHA. Emerson went on to earn her Master of Human Relations Degree (MHR) from the University of Oklahoma/Tulsa in 2008.

At TSHA, Emerson enjoys her job and working with clients and family members.

“Hearing loss doesn’t just impact one person; it impacts the connections between people,” said Emerson.

“Parents of a deaf child need information and resources to help their child achieve to the fullest. Elderly individuals losing their hearing later in life need to learn about amplified telephones and flashing doorbells that will help them stay independent and engaged.”

Emerson also works with hearing people.

She believes it is essential that hearing people learn sign language too.

“It is important for everyone in our

community to be able to communicate and connect more effectively,” she added, “with community members who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.”

Emerson also conducts workshops in Oklahoma with law enforcement, first responders, etc., covering how to respond to deaf or hard-ofhearing people they encounter on the job.

“There have been incidents in the past where deaf people are injured or killed because they did not respond to a law enforcement officer,” said Emerson.

“We feel it’s critical for those in law enforcement to receive some education and training on interacting with deaf and hard-ofhearing people. Hopefully, we can prevent such incidents in the future.

In the summer, Emerson and TSHA also host a camp for children. The camps are a fun weeklong summer activity for to enjoy time together. With the goal being to learn new things and to enjoy a family fun day, the camps are themed and filled with fun, educational activities.

Another unique event Emerson and TSHA do for Tulsa area deaf and hard-of-hearing people is to host community-wide events.

“We coordinate social events, silent dinners, outings to the (Tulsa) Drillers, nights at the ballet, and our huge TSHA holiday party for kids each December,” said Emerson.

“People might not think social events are all that important, but they are vital.”

Emerson pointed out that deaf individuals can’t just go out to a club and chat with the people next to them; they come to events where they can communicate with others.

“Children with hearing loss are sometimes the only ones in their whole school who wear a device on their ears” said Emerson.

“They come to camps and holiday parties to meet others just like them and to meet deaf adult role models. This increases their self-esteem and helps them realize they CAN do anything.”

“Dr. I King Jordan said, “deaf people can do anything, except hear,” added Emerson, “they may just need some services (such as interpreters) to make it possible.”

Diana Emerson lives in Tulsa with her

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husband and their foster daughter (who they hope will soon be a permanent part of their family). She is also a mom to a daughter and three bonus daughters, and a grandmother to a grandson and seven bonus grandchildren.

She is a movie enthusiast, a backyard gardener working on her newly built waterfall, and finds time to remodel rental property.

Along the way, Diana has made time to be a part of a Tulsa Toastmaster public speaking/leadership group, where she also interprets for deaf members.

“I still do this weekly and have been working with interpreting interns for several years, who are invaluable in making the Toastmaster groups accessible,” included Diana.

She ran her first 5K right before turning 50 and has been a member of the local Women in Communications organization. She has been on the board of and has served as president of the Ballroom Dancers Association of Tulsa.

“I was raised to value education, so life-long learning is important to me,” adds Emerson. “I also realize, in looking back, that much of my life has been spent in other cultures, first native Alaskan and Hispanic and now Deaf culture.”

On a personal level, Emerson will tell all women that life has taught her that “our girlfriend relationships are critical in life.”

“When a relationship with a husband or boyfriend ends, they rarely remain as a support in our lives. When those relationships come and go, it is our women friends who can remain constant.”

“We can hold one another up through life’s changes.”

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Kenya Nicole, remember that name the next time you’re in Tulsa. Stop by her glamorous boutique, K. Nicole Boutique, and shop her stylish dresses like this Fur Sleeved Ribbed Turtleneck Dress. You’ll be runway ready just in time for Fall.

While in Tulsa swing by Colors of Etnika Etnika. You’ll find the perfect hand-crafted artisan Jewelry to match any outfit in your closet. This Labradorite Sunny Ring is certainly worth a look.

- SHOP LOcAL - shop local

Fall Style

On your travels, stop by the gem of Mannford, Silva’s Tanning Garage & Boutique. You can get a tan on those cloudy days, have your hair done, and shop Fall Styles, like these Floral Earrings in the boutique.

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Oklahoma Author Najah-Amatullah Hylton

WONDERWOMEN

How do we explain historical tragedy to children?

playing or going on errands. The idea that it takes a village to raise a child originated in Nigeria and other African When Najah-Amatullah Hylton decided to write a countries. More than a saying, it is a known value among children’s book about Greenwood and the Tulsa Race communities of color.

Massacre, she depicted life in Greenwood right before the horrific slaughter of peaceful black citizens. She recreated As Ms. Hylton explains these ideas and values, she the vibrant, successful community and placed a fictional emphasizes the need for a child to feel loved and to have eight-year-old named Opal Brown within the “Greenwood a sense of belonging. It is the lucky child who grows up Oasis.” nurtured in this way. Greenwood was a special place.

Hylton notes that her childhood was “nothing like Opal’s.”

As Opal makes her way through The community her community, of Greenwood readers are taken was more than along for a tour. We financially are able to view the affluent. It was full doctor’s office, the of love and built newspaper office, on neighborly the barber shop, compassion. and theater; each Greenwood can business owned by be compared to acquaintances of young Opal. There Opal. The story is a brightness, a takes place on vibrance depicted Memorial Day, and in this story. the community is This way of life getting ready for is the result of a commemorative cooperation picnic.

During rather than this celebration competition; here everything will the American Dream does close, and everyone will attend. not have to be accomplished at the expense of All of the adults one’s neighbors. in her community Greenwood is an look out for her, asking whether she is all right or telling her to be careful. oasis in that it demonstrates that a determined group Opal is running an errand to get cinnamon that her of Americans can live the dream in conjoined cadence. mother forgot at the store. As an independent girl who The fictional Opal benefits from being enveloped by just finished third grade, she has confidence in her ability accomplished people who look just like her. to run this errand. She is also smart enough to listen to Commonality does not imply uniformity. There are the adults giving her advice or directives. opportunities for recognition. “Opal was probably the The community of Greenwood is self-sufficient and all the teacher’s pet,” the author says. She has the aptitude and citizens are Black Americans. They look after the children confidence of the child who gets noticed for all the right written by Belinda Bruner photography provided by ˜ e Calliope Group

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 33

reasons. She is capable, for example, of getting cardboard boxes for her mother to use in packing the Memorial Day picnic lunch. She is able to carry money in her pocket in order to purchase cinnamon for her mother. No one has to tell her not to lose her money or forget to pay for the grocery item. Growing up in a community where everyone helps each other allows a child to develop ageappropriate adult skills such as shopping.

Lending us Opal’s voice is the author, Ms. Hylton, an English teacher and poet. Her goal with this book has a couple of components. First of all, a careful presentation appropriate for children was essential.

The book is a group effort. Skip Hill did the illustrations, and Quraysh Ali Lansana developed the idea upon realizing there were no children’s books about Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” or the massacre of the community. He also believed the project needed to be “female forward,” led by a strong woman’s voice. He approached Hylton and together they decided the book’s protagonist needed to be a girl. The female voice became a second goal for the book. This emphasizes to the reader that girls are creative, intelligent, and industrious.

Najah-Amatullah Hylton has always been a writer.

Her calling as a teacher allows her to share her love of literature, and as a black female writer she is making an

The Calliope Group is an indie publisher headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our mission is to present the freshest voices, the purest lyrics, and the red dirt truth. That means publishing talent wherever we find it while honoring our Okie roots.

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Purchase these titles and more.

impact with all she does. She is the author of a collection of poetry, The Risk to Bloom, which has been described as a statement about family, art, and faith. She enjoys performing her work, and she coaches a writing and performance club at her school.

Another passion of Hylton’s is history. If she had a superpower it would be the gift of time travel. She would love to lose the limitations of now, and see and speak to people of other centuries and cultures.

Instead, she uses her imagination.

Horrific crime is difficult to imagine, but we must all remember, ponder, and learn from the Greenwood Massacre. American society needs to stop repeating history. We must create change rather than wait for it.

We must create an environment in which more children understand tragedy, but lead them back home again.

Until then, no one is safe. Was Greenwood an oasis? Most definitely. Then why has it disappeared like a mirage?

We know the answer. Now we must act. We must act and teach everyone until there is no more human-made horror to have to explain to the children.

Najah-Amatullah Hylton’s books are available through Amazon.

A FAMILY LEGACY CONTINUED

written by Sara Lane photography provided 36

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The

Indigenous Insight

written by Alicia Renee Chaino-Ahkeahbo

Women are very powerful in so many ways including our ability to create and carry life. According to Wikipedia, a wonder woman by definition is an allegory for the ideal love leader; the kind of women that should run society. She is a warrior born. She tries to avoid conflict, but if pressed she will engage in battle and on occasion lose herself in the pleasure of battle. Indigenous women are born warriors. We as women have a spirit within us that has compassion to fight for love, freedom, peace, and most importantly for our family. Women like Ms. Ashley Nicole McCray manifest a modern day meaning to an indigenous wonder woman. She has been doing amazing political advocacy for Oklahoma Indian Country. Since Ashley ran with the Democratic Party in 2018 for a seat on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission against Republican Bob Anthony, she has been on a war path to shed light on civil liberties, public policy, and environmental change.

Ashley Nicole McCray, from the Oglala Lakota Nation and Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, was born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She received her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Later, she gained another M.A. degree from the University of Oklahoma. She ended up teaching there, and also applied to the Ph.D program in 2014.

Today, Ashley advocates on several platforms across the state and nationwide.

She has a passion for the environment, industrialization, and political science.

Although she did not win the 2018 election against Bob Anthony, she persevered in her

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effort to make a difference for our wonderful state of Oklahoma. As a leader, she uses her courage and strength to promote the change that our state needs. Because of her leadership and organizational change, Ashley has been honored and awarded by many outstanding community and tribal organizations.

She has recently relocated to Hominy, Oklahoma, and there are many projects that she is currently working on to better our state.

She loves Oklahoma and wants it to prosper and flourish by transitioning to renewable energy and focusing on climate change. Ashley is part of the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN). They advocate, collaborate, and educate Native American Indigenous communities on the importance of their environment. They also look at water resources, the adaptation of changes in climate, and how it will affect our future generation.

She is also a participant in the “Thrive Act,” a new policy that will invest more money in the next 10 years towards climate change.

She enjoys talking to Native communities and getting feedback on their perspective on these issues. Then she reports back to her organizations and tribal communities to better understand what needs to be done in the future.

There are many ways to make a difference in the world. For women to succeed you have to take risks and make sacrifices like Ashley has done throughout her life as a mother, daughter, granddaughter, and friend.

She loves her family and still has passion for her career.

As a Native woman, I was very inspired

by Ashley’s desire to save Mother Earth and to live in a better environment. She empowered me to start doing little changes in my own life to help make a difference or positive change.

If you are interested in learning more about “IEN” (Indigenous Environmental Network) or the Thrive Act, go to their Facebook page to follow and like.

photography by Kayla Watson

Creme ‘

de la

Creme ‘

Rising to the Top written by Sharen Smith photography by Kayla Watson

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 41

“Creme de la creme” is French for “cream of the cream,” but it is an idiom that means “best of the best.” What an apt description for the jewel of a boutique that sits in Collinsville’s historic district.

Shelli Jent bought Creme de La Creme from its previous owners in 2018. In 2020, she relocated the boutique to a lovely, historic brick building on 1008 Main Street.

Unfortunately, this past year brought misfortune to so many beloved businesses. Creme de la Creme, luckily, was destined to survive and rise to the top.

In 2020 and 2021, due to her drive and determination, Shelli was able to continue her store through internet sales.

Shelli’s business has successfully sold merchandise to all 50 states and even shipped to Canada. To join her online live sales, log on to Creme’s Facebook page on Thursdays at 7 pm. With her online sales, Shelli likes to do more than just sell you her latest items; she also gives you great fashion tips, like how to transition your summer clothes into fall. I enjoyed getting a sneak peak of the area where they film their Facebook Live videos. What a gorgeous setting, complete with soft chairs adorned with fluffy pink blankets, and even a bottle of wine! Obviously, these ladies know how to have fun!

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OKIE CHARMED - FALL SUMMER 20212021

She has a VIP Group for customers and fans of the boutique. Not only is this a group for shopping, but also a support system for its members.

In discussing this group, Shelli

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stated, “I want them (the group) to feel like they are a part of something bigger. We are a movement! We believe in supporting and empowering each other. We have a great VIP group where we clap for each other and make each other laugh. It is a great group of supportive women.”

The idea of supporting women is what drove Shelli into this business. In college, she began working towards her degree in fashion merchandising.

Although she didn’t finish her degree, she is still applying that knowledge to her work. Her initial background in glamour started with hair and makeup.

She worked several years doing hair in a salon, but she just felt she was meant to “help women feel better about themselves.” With her boutique, Shelli found a place where she could put her multiple talents to work, all while making women feel and look their best.

woman feels good, she can do good. I want to help all women find the things that they love about themselves and focus on that to build confidence. Because beauty is all about confidence.”

Shelli’s passion is making all women, regardless of their shape or size, feel beautiful about themselves. She knows the importance of carrying a variety of sizes because many American women are over a size 14.

She reminds us that “Beauty is not about the size you wear, but about the way you wear your size.”

She admits that it is not always easy to find fun plus sized clothes because when she is buying merchandise at Market, they are only “10% of the choices” that are offered there. However, she is willing to “search high and low” to find clothing that fits a variety of different sized women.

Her boutique includes a few styles up to 4X and 5X. Shelli believes that “All women are loveable, deserving, and amazing.” She wants to spread that message.

In her boutique it is easy to spot plus-sized clothes vs. other sizes. Sizes from small to large hang on black hangers, whereas plus-sizes are on bright magenta hangers. This color-coding technique is just one of the details that sets her shop apart from others.

Shelli’s work is more than dressing women; she truly wants to help them change their philosophy about themselves. She believes, “All women deal with insecurities.

Even the most beautiful women have things that they are insecure about, and we tend to beat ourselves up. I wanted to do something where I could have an impact on the way women felt about themselves. I truly believe that when a When you step inside Creme de la Creme, you OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 45

are struck immediately by a riot of beautiful colors. It was glowing with a sea of beautiful hues including: hot pink, rust, turquoise, and olive.

You can tell that Shelli handpicks her merchandise with care. Shelli describes the boutique’s style as “boujee.” This was a new term to me, but my female students tell me it means “fancy.” The girls here love pink, leopard print, and anything with bling. Shelli notes “I just love finding things that you do not find everywhere and putting my own spin on it with accessories and shoes.”

I loved the variety her store held. I found many pieces to dress up my current work wardrobe, including skirts, dresses, cardigans, and blazers.

However, she also had casual, fun t-shirts paired with different styles of jeans. Her Judy Blues jeans have incredible stretch and go up to a size 24. These fly off the shelves! She also carries the popular Verve brand.

As I was strolling through the store, one particular mannequin caught my eye. It mixed olive green gaucho pants with a floral and leopard printed blouse and accessorized it with an exquisite leather bag. It was a fun mix of dressy and casual. I also loved how she combined her flowy skirts with cute, colorful t-shirts. They were accessorized with just the right jewelry, so that you could slip right into the office looking fresh, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable!

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While visiting the shop, I got a nice glimpse of what Shelli has been purchasing for the fall. Her lovely employees gave me a sneak peak at the beautiful sweaters coming into the store. Some of the chunky knits are a beautiful cream color that

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reminded me of the boutique’s name. Also ripe for fall are the poncho sweaters, cardigans, and dolman sleeve blouses.

Not to overshadow the clothes, but her jewelry offerings are fantastic. I can’t rave enough about the variety of jewelry.

No matter what your style, elegant and otherwise, you can find something you will love at Creme de la Creme.

On this visit, I was introduced to the unique line of Qudo jewelry. Shelli stated that she is “in love” with this jewelry, and I can see why. This exquisite brand is hand-made in Hanover, Germany. It starts with a ring, or bracelet band, featuring a silverware ion coating that protects its polish even when you shower.

Then you choose from various stones (many of them European crystals) that you can trade in and out. Shelli states that “you can change the color of your rings every day to match your mood or outfit.” The bases of the rings start out at a reasonable $30.

The stones can range from $30 to $120.

I can’t wait to ask my boyfriend to look into this as a future gift! Imagine the possibilities to accessorize your favorite outfit in a rainbow of colors.

This item must be seen in order to recognize the quality of the craftsmanship and beauty of each piece. Her salesperson suggested that this is a great

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idea for husbands who struggle to know what to buy as an anniversary gift. With each new year, you could have a new stone to commemorate the occasion.

There are so many items to love in Creme. The woman who craves a great purse will find something to take home. Shelli knows the value of a unique, quality handbag. Her store features many sizes and brands of purses. She carries products made in Oklahoma, like the Hyde Junkie brand, which is hand-made leather. Prices range from a card holder for around $64, to a small wristlet of approximately $148, to a tote of around $350.

Another beautiful bag she features is the American Darling bag. These purses have a decidedly western flair and are crafted with hide and adorned with beautiful fringe accents. Each purse is unique; no two bags are exactly alike. Some bags are even made for conceal and carry. Wristlet’s start at $45 and bigger purses are around $180.

Gorgeous clothes, handbags, and jewelry are just the tip of the iceberg in this store. Creme de la Creme is stock full of wonderful shoes, hats, gifts items, and even makeup. So, I encourage you to come visit the store in person. Shelli adores a comfortable shoe. She carries the Mia brand of sandals as well as the popular brand is Gypsy Daze shoes. They are very soft, super flexible, and light-weight. With the changing season, she will be bringing in more shoes like Corky’s.

Shelli has a cosmetic license and her love of makeup is evident in the boutique. The store hosts an area with a makeup table so you can envision new looks on yourself.

She promotes the popular Farmasi brand because it is a cleaner brand of makeup, made with less chemicals.

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They also carry the Okie brand ballcap for around $30.

This brand is popular with Oklahoma locals Blake Shelton and his new bride Gwen Stefani. There are also other dressier hats like felt fedoras and other styles

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A special THANK YOU to all of our Models that volunteered to be in this feature.

Regina Grand Laura Brown Trisha Lee & our canine friend, Lily

A speical Thank you to

THEfor hosting HIDDEN PORCH this photo shoot at your beautiful venue.

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that will help accessorize your latest outfit.

If you are looking for a gift, you will be sure to find a good one. I looked at the Volcano brand candles which are highly concentrated and smell just lovely. She also carries humorous mugs, and colorful Peeper reader glasses in a rainbow of colors.

One of the best things about my visit to this store were the delightful ladies that Shelli employs.

When I stopped by Creme, I got to interact with Kenzi Stanley and Regina Grand. These ladies expressed their love of Shelli and working at this “boujee” boutique. Kenzi not only helps run the store, but she also helps manage the social media. Regina was a customer and friend who Shelli invited to come on board to work with her.

Each one described Shelli as both “a boss and a friend.” They told me that Shelli was devoted to her community and loved working in a place with a “small-town vibe.” They raved about the community of customers and care that Shelli has built in her boutique. Her love of her customers is evident. She even celebrates them with a picture board in her store.

I enjoyed their attention to detail and the help that they offered as I perused the store. I didn’t just go in that day to prepare to write this article, I also wanted to take something home with me.

Each lady offered friendly suggestions and made me feel completely at home. So, I left ready to start my school year with the most comfortable, cute black t-shirt dress accented with a leopardprint ruffle on the sleeves.

I am already excitedly planning my next trip to visit Creme. I just know that I will meet a lonely sweater that needs a new home in my closet! I hope you too will consider a visit to this unique store that will make you feel like the “cream of the cream.” Shelli’s hours are: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 am to 6 pm. Saturdays, she is open 10 am to 4 pm. Facebook Live Sales are Thursdays at 7 pm. To access her online store, visit: https://cremedelacremeboutique. com OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

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WONDERWOMEN

Restoring Women’s Lives Through Shopping

Krista Thomason’s Story

written by Sara Lane photography by Kayla Watson

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I

magine a superhero that could save the world by...shopping. How cool would that be? They could simply go shopping and end poverty or save people from human trafficking. They could go shopping and restore lives. Doesn’t that concept seem like something that could happen?

Yes, it does and we could be some of the heroes to help make a difference.

Krista Thomason is the owner of Hepz, a clothing retailer in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Although Hepz provides a unique clothing experience, at a deeper glance, it is so much more. And Krista is the woman that is leading the charge and smiling the whole way through.

Hepz allows her to work with women in the developing world who are at risk of being trafficked.

Krista likes to say that she “connects women around the globe to enrich each other’s lives.”

Krista explained, “Women here get to have a product made that helps women on the other side of the planet have a job and feed their kids. So, we all work together to make it happen.”

Krista’s awareness of the situations related to poverty and trafficking in the developing world grew through a variety of circumstances. “Poverty and trafficking go hand in hand in the developing world.

It’s a problem here in America too, but there’s different ways that it happens here.”

She was aware of these tragic situations, but the concept of how she could help, grew through other avenues. Through an event she coordinated and hosted at her local church, she was able to help bring in businesses with a similar concept to collaborate with her future business. They would raise money for their endeavors by creating a marketplace where people could shop the products.

It wasn’t until she watched a documentary though that she realized what she could actually do.

In this documentary, they highlighted the story of a woman who ran a start-up business out of St. Louis who employed women who had been rescued from trafficking to make pants. This was a sort of “aha” moment for Krista. With the support of her family, she looked for ways to pursue this.

Through a connection with Rapha International out of Joplin, MO (where she had been volunteering) she was able to establish the beginnings of her business. Luckily, they had already done much of the footwork because they had a safe house set up for women in Cambodia. Rapha International’s safe 56

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house was an established safe place for women they rescued to heal and pursue justice. They offered programs to help teach them skills and never put a time frame on when these women should leave. This set up the opportunity for these women to learn that they were worth fighting for.

When Krista initially went to Rapha to discuss her idea of a store where she could employ at-risk women to make clothing and keep them safe, Rapha’s venture was failing and they were telling the women in Cambodia that they would have to drop this program.

Fortunately, Krista’s new venture was then able to swoop in and take the place of the program they were no longer able to keep.

“So six months later, I was in Cambodia,” she told me. “I thought it would be two or three years to find someone to say yes.” Two to three years to make plans, make connections, and raise finances to do it. Through connections she already held and what seemed like a bit of a whirlwind, she was set up in another country with a plan in place and the finances to make it happen. And the business which would become Hepz was off the ground and she was running with it.

Krista designs the clothes, makes the patterns, and creates the samples here in the US. She typically travels to Cambodia twice a year. During her time there, she picks fabric and teaches the ladies how to create the designs. Next, she brings products back with her that have been worked on for about six months to sell in her store.

Currently, Hepz has been going for five years.

This last year was a struggle as it was for many people during the pandemic. There were many times when she thought she might have to close the doors, but she never did. She was always able to pay the bills and send money to her employees in Cambodia. Now, her

hope is to be able to travel to Cambodia in August, but that all depends on Cambodia opening their borders before then.

Krista’s heart is in this operation, but more importantly she has a heart in seeing these women safe with a career to support themselves. Her hope in the near future is to be able to hire back a young woman who already has three children and is currently working at another factory. The working conditions there are not great, and she is typically gone for more than twelve hours a day.

Hepz is a place of hope and restoration. The name Hepz comes from the word Hephzibah which can be found in Isaiah 62:4. This particular passage of scripture talks about the restoration of the people.

The first part of this scripture says, “No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah.”

Unfortunately, the developing world could be described as deserted or desolate sometimes, but Hepz is helping to restore at least a small part of it.

Hephzibah means “my delight is in her.” These people that Krista works with are worthy and delighted in.

Even though we are halfway around the world from her employees, we can participate in the restoration of these people. There is so much more to Krista’s story that I wish I could include, but instead you should go on to Stillwater, Ok and visit her store.

In her store, you will find beautiful pieces made with love, and you will also find a woman willing to tell you her story and become your friend. As Krista said in my interview with her, “All of us want to feel like we are useful human beings in some way.”

I can’t think of a more exciting way of being useful to the world and specifically these women in Cambodia than shopping the products that were designed and made for the restoration of women.

This is one way we can help change the world.

Many of us countdown to the first days of Fall (some will argue that it begins in August) to begin putting up our decorations and drinking our pumpkin spice lattes. We live in spooky cooler weather bliss for a couple of months until it is over and we mourn. However, Deanna Trippler and Renee Spahr, the owners of Eternal Autumn, live the Halloween lifestyle year round. Whether it’s Spring, Summer, or Fall, they are consistently in a state of Halloween. Their boutique is the proof of their commitment to their passion, all things spooky.

It is filled with handmade items and collectibles straight from their own homes (and yes they are year round decorated as well). From lamps to paintings, creepy dolls to tarot cards, their boutique is packed with unique home decor that cannot be found elsewhere. If this time of year causes your heart to flutter along with the bats, then this boutique is for you!

But where did it all begin? How did these two come together to create a must see shop?

When Deanna was a young girl in Southern California, she wished to live in the Haunted Mansion Ride at DisneyLand. While her friends were terrified on haunted trails, she was enthralled and asking, “How did they do that? That looks really good; I want to try that!” Her mother also ensured every holiday was magical, special, and over the top. Over the years, her husband has been completely supportive and often helps her build shelves, props, and coffins. Her curiosity as a child grew into a hobby, which grew into a passion, and ultimately her lifestyle.

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written and photography by Kayla Watson

ETERNAL AUTUMN YOUR YEAR ROUND DARK BOUTIQUE For Renee, as a child her father would decorate their 3 car garage and allow her to have parties in it with friends.

She also would help her church do a haunted house every year. These experiences opened the door for her to become a Halloween Designer.

She met her best friend Drew Hunter, who owned a Halloween company, Vorta, Inc. and they began working together. In 1991 when Time Warner

bought Six Flags, Vorta Inc. (Drew Hunter, Renee Spahr, and Charles Chapman) created and designed the beloved Fright Fest event. She worked with them for several years before they moved on. Over the years, she has continued designing haunted houses and is even more dedicated to her art.

She is regularly commissioned to do memory keeper art of families and beloved pets.

However, one of her favorite pieces is “The Spite Mansion.” Renee shares, “Because I love New Orleans, (it’s a little creepy without being extremely creepy) I had painted this out of my own imagination trying to create an item for a gallery show in Jacksonville, Florida.

The first night of the reception at the gallery, a little old man was standing there looking at the painting for quite some time. So I walked over and asked him if I could answer his

questions. And he said that I had painted the Spite Mansion. I said, “No I just painted something out of my imagination.” He explained that around the turn of the century right outside of New Orleans, a very wealthy couple got divorced. The woman demanded the mansion be recreated down to every piece of silver and furniture. And the husband complied. But, nowhere did the court say where it was supposed to be built. So, the husband built the mansion in the swamp. It could not be occupied and sat and rotted away.

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And to the best of his recollection, my painting resembles that house. So, now I call it The Spite Mansion.”

Though Renee and Deanna lived states apart most of their lives, fate brought them together here in Chandler, Oklahoma through a mutual friend. They finally met, had tea, and have been dark sisters ever since. Deanna and Renee both believe things happen for a reason. They both had suffered loss before meeting, and their friendship has helped them heal. Their love for the season led to them creating items together, traveling to events, and eventually opening their boutique Eternal Autumn.

Deanna says, “When customers walk in here, they express their happiness in finding a shop and knowing that there are other people that like the creepy and the dark.” She explains, “I see beauty in the darkness.

And others don’t feel like they can express it, then they walk in here and are surrounded by it. They feel happy and at home and that makes me happy.” Eventually Deanna and Renee would love to expand and grow, but for now they are happy to be serving Chandler and its surrounding communities. They invite the local community and travelers to come shop and share their passion for this spooktacular holiday.

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Editor and Publisher , a newspaper industry magazine.

She has also been honored in Oklahoma for her journalism work. In June, Allie received first place in News Photography, second place in Feature Photography, and third place in Column Writing by the Oklahoma Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

Although she is a hard-working, talented, and 62

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Up & Coming Allie

Oprah Winfrey. Hermione Granger. Katniss Everdeen. Allie Prater. These women, fictional and real, are all persistent, hard working, talented, and determined. Each stands out in her respective field and is a strong leader. At the tender age of 22, Allie Prater is listed as one of 25 Up and Coming Editors in the Nation under the age of 35. She is a wonder.

As I interview Allie, her clear voice confidently resonates through the phone receiver. Without hesitation, she answers my questions as if she thought of them herself. She is a multi-tasking journalist; a photographer, reporter, column writer, and editor for three publications that serve 12 communities in Oklahoma: The Cushing Citizen , The Gusher, and The Yale News.

Being a journalist is not just her occupation; it is in her blood. Allie’s father worked in the newspaper industry most of his life. In February, 2020, shortly before the infamous virus suspended our normal world, he purchased The Cushing Citizen.. Six months later in August, Allie came on board. She became a photographer, reporter, columnist, and editor with training on the spot. In just a few months, she became a young Katniss in a world of Prims, an Ernest Hemingway in a pool of Sherwood Andersons. The odds are ever in her favor.

Less than a year of experience tucked in her quiver and barely old enough to buy a margarita, Allie Prater is the youngest editor in the nation to be named one of the Up and Coming Editors under the age of 35 for 2021. This honor was bestowed on her by

persistent journalist, Allie has to overcome obstacles in her job. While reporting, she sometimes finds that her subjects don’t want to talk to her because of her age, “I have to build up trust and confidence because they want to deal with whoever is in charge; which is me.”

Is the everchanging news format a hindrance to the newspaper industry? Allie states that the publications are all accessible online, yet many readers still prefer the physical paper. Adjusting to publishing the newspaper in multiple formats is a hurdle that she handles with professionalism.

While bumps riddle the newspaper commerce, Allie navigates them with determination.

Her vibrant youth also works to her advantage, “No one expects me to be as knowledgeable in the industry as I am, and I can be helpful.” Another advantage Allie discovered is that she is able to recognize her mistakes and own up to them, a skill many of us need to hone.

Knowing the communities she writes for also contributes to her success. “Getting to know what makes the community thrive is what makes the news thrive,” As an editor, her goal is to ensure that the newspapers’ content benefits their readers. Allie also connects with her readers in her weekly article “Adventures with Allie” in The Cushing Citizen.

With her young age, her high school diploma, and a demanding occupation, Allie has proven herself to be a dedicated and determined journalist and editor. She is award winning and an example to women of all ages that strength and ingenuity come from more than age or experience.

Allie, may the odds ever be in your favor.

written by Shannon Ellis photography by Kayla Watson

written by Heather Taylor

MISS OKLAHOMA

In a society that practically promotes poor self-image via photo filters and social media metrics, it is easy and even natural to question the integrity of an age-old tradition: Beauty Pageants. However, what you don’t know about pageants may surprise you – and offer unexpected opportunity for a young lady in your life!

2021 marks the Miss America Organization’s (MAO) centennial anniversary, celebrating 100 years of what the organization boasts as, “…looking ahead!”

Their 1921 inception came directly on the tails of the Suffrage Movement. A new image of the ideal modern woman had emerged, surpassing the delicacy and fragility of the 19th century with feminine strength and vigor. From the Great Depression, through World War II – and into the new millennium, MAO has empowered American women through decades of societal evolution.

As society has changed, so has the pageant – right down to its very nature.

What once was a “beauty pageant,” is no more. In 2018, the Board of Trustees for the Miss America Organization announced that contestants would no longer be judged on outward physical appearance. “We are no longer a pageant.

Miss America will represent a new generation of female leaders focused on scholarship, social impact, talent, and empowerment” Gretchen Carlson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. (https://www.missamerica.org/miss-america-2-0/)

It might come as a surprise to you that the controversial decision to eliminate the traditional swimsuit portion of the competition wasn’t their first (or even biggest) public statement to reiterate their mission, “To prepare great women for the world, and to prepare the world for great women.” (https:// The Organization’s single-most www.missamerica.org/miss-america-2-0/) important innovation came in 1945, with the introduction of their scholarship program. Now known as the Miss America Foundation, the scholarship arm of the Organization offers “academic and community-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as endowed scholarships for those young women attending medical school, working in special areas for military service awareness and in the performing arts.” (https://www. missamerica.org/foundation/) Their momentum to encourage female education has only strengthened with time; the Organization has grown to be the country’s leading provider of educational scholarships for women.

Our local qualifier for MAO, the Miss Oklahoma Organization, offers more than $2,000,000 in scholarships to candidates each year, statewide. (https://

missoklahoma.org/about/)

You read that correctly: more than 2 MILLION dollars in scholarships awarded to bona fide female Oklahoma residents, between the ages of 17-25, each year – with scholarship opportunity beginning at the local level of competition.

Approximately 41 local qualifiers are held in Oklahoma each year, with the local “Queens” then advancing to the Miss Oklahoma stage, where even more financial assistance opportunity awaits.

Miss Oklahoma is an annual 3-day competition in which candidates are scored on four phases of competition, according to the Miss Oklahoma Organization website. (https://missoklahoma.org/local-competitions/become-a-candidate/):

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Personal Interview with Judges Onstage Interview Talent Competition Social Impact Pitch The crowned Miss Oklahoma isn’t the only one who has a chance to earn additional scholarship money at the state level; all Miss Oklahoma candidates are eligible to apply for supplemental scholarship based on service and social impact. Equally important, all candidates gain valuable experience through participation in interviews, talent performances, public speaking, developing and promoting individual social impact initiatives and social/digital media interaction.

Year of Service The application process and personal/on-stage interviews are reflective of the position candidates are competing for. The role of a State or National titleholder is a full-time job, making appearances to advance their chosen Social Impact Initiatives and serve as external facing representatives of the mission of the Miss America Organization. On top of lucrative financial assistance, titleholders enjoy furnished apartments, sponsored vehicles and other benefits that support their travel and appearance throughout what the organization refers to as their “year of service.” Miss America is reported to make a 6-figure salary during her reign, in parallel with $50,000 in scholarship.

What is a Social Impact Initiative?

You may be more familiar with the concept of “platforms.” Social Impact Initiatives (SII) are the evolution of the conventional platform. With the 2018 changes to competition format, more emphasis was placed on candidates’ actionable plans to educate, advocate and affect positive change in the world. It addresses their chosen social issue, reflects the passion behind their decision and how they would use their title to grow their initiative to new audiences and affect even greater change.

Tripping over talent?

The talent portion of competition is typically full of gifted singers, trained dancers and practiced musicians. It can be extremely intimidating if you haven’t spent years training in “traditional” talents. What I can tell you is this: if you are a singer, dancer or musician – you better be the best or get creative. From my experience, repetition and mediocrity is exhausting to a panel of judges. For those of you who don’t think you are “talented,” I’ll say this: be entertaining. MAO history is full of unique and creative talent acts that include playing cups (yes, it’s exactly what you think it is), comedy routines, roller skating and even an on-stage demonstration of how to pack a suitcase (Miss Maryland, 1955).

Give it a shot!

The Miss Oklahoma Organization and Miss America Organization websites are incredible resources for learning about all aspects of competition including: qualifications, sponsors, awards and important dates. It’s not too late to get involved, either! Local Oklahoma competitions are held from June-February each year. While many have geographical boundaries, some are open to contestants statewide. You can find the list of local competitions (qualifiers), as well as contact information and forms at MissOklahoma.org. It’s VERY common to plan to compete in multiple qualifiers – and even smart to. If you don’t get the crown – don’t let it get you down.

Keep trying!

Oklahomans will have twice as much to cheer about this December Miss Oklahoma 2021, Ashleigh Robinson, will find local competition on the Miss America stage in December, as she competes with Oklahoma-native, Miss Washington 2021, Maddie Louder, for the paramount title of Miss America 2022.

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The Chatter Box

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