Issuu

OKIE CHARMED Empowering Women

BEVERLY’S FINE JEWELRY

THE JEWEL OF SAPULPA

Melissa Wedman

Tracey Massucci An Artist, A Woodcrafter

Meet the Inspiring Women of

The Saville Center A place of healing for local children.

Winter 2021

OKIE CHARMED - SUMMER 2021

On the

COVER

Several inspiring women grace the cover of our Winter issue. This amazing team of women are from The Saville Center in Stillwater, see the full feature of how they are helping local families on page 16.

FEATURES 08 11 12 16

Christmas Tree Farms

Tracey Massucci, Woodcrafter

The Saville Center

24 26 30 46

Gift for Life

Lights from the Heart

Shine Bright Like a Diamond The Sweet Life of Melissa Wedman

IN EVERY ISSUE : 06 Editor’s Letter 07 Editor’s TOP 10 Picks 40

50 51

Traditions Made with Love The Jewel of Sapulpa, Beverly’s Fine Jewelry From Our Table to Yours - Holiday Recipes

The Chatter Box Word Find

The Outdoor Gal

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 - WINTER SUMMER 2021 2021

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

Afton Pierce 918.899.9535 Sales.Okiecharmed@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS Cindy Lockstone

Cindy.OCMagazine@gmail.com

Shannon Ellis

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

Views expressed in features and advertising do not necessarily represent those of the Okie Charmed Magazine team or its aﬃliates. OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Winter is here, and that means it’s time for long cozy nights, special moments with family, and spending a lot of money on gifts. It can’t be helped; it’s the holiday season!

If you aren’t sure what to get your special someone this Christmas, we’ve highlighted a few great places for you to consider. You can never go wrong with decor, on page 24, meet Tracy Massucci, a local woodcrafter that is in the holiday spirit. Or if your loved one has a sweet tooth, they should head over to page 12 and read about Melissa Wedman; you won’t regret it. I’ve also included a few of my personal favorite “editor’s choice” local shops.

But what about gifting yourself something this year? Then you will want to feast your eyes on our fashion shoot with Beverly’s Fine Jewelry, The Jewel of Sapulpa on page 30. This spread is stunning and the jewelry is breathtaking. In this issue, we also wanted to take a moment to recognize those that give unto others not just at Christmas, but year round. On page 16, read about the inspiring women of The Saville Center in Stillwater. They have been helping the youth of Payne County for several years and have a true heart for their mission. We are grateful to all of our readers and advertisers for supporting Okie Charmed Magazine this year. Your comments, messages, phone calls, etc. have meant the world to us. We have so many new and exciting things planned for next year and that we hope you will continue to support us. Big things are yet to come. We hope you have a Happy New Year. See you in 2022!

Kayla Watson

Publisher & Editor

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Vol.

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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

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 o p en For more information call 918-399-2463. Team Lane nnfor b, sp is up l Ma clu r t gro a nd reservations which includes 2 games and shoe rental p o o rofi regula en Agra, urch, th e is $75. Individual Spots are $15. Registration deadline il d r Yale, ol, ch or non-pjust a e ta r t, f o r c h is Friday, Sept. 10 right, ur scho ation even one els ion in s 1 um rat • 33rd Annual Festival in the Park hosted by Cushing er ta is $ ani iser, or every nside , Dr … If yo u nc ing org cush d let Chamber of Commerce will be September 25 at Meco s w im a n an for sher@ Cush , Ripleyciation, t, fundra can r y morial Park, 500 S. Little Avenue from 9am-2pm. For a il f te we ere ms bli Olive asso even ow so ard ite or pu at, wh e. A p . m . D more information and booth applications you can go an m, h in kn bo wh in. tea lding to the Chamber website event calendar tab. There is a us tin her.comwho, get it u ns to 8 . le res o m 6 ’ll is ho ng, let it bulle htgus link posted on the Cushing Citizen Facebook page. s es eti all the we fr era erda e p a s me . Subm rumrig lude got — DRUMRIGHT o m a y s Laud ranc s o n o f s u es d • Drumright Quarterback Booster Club is selling 4x4 know ws@d om. Inc you’ve s ea d, T g e insu nce ne n.c on at full color, metal signs to hang on the field fence for all a nd nta s w im to: state solicit insura d free d v a citize ormati t ties varsity and middle school football games. New signs an vit ing g a d ig h inf p a r t for 8:30am s da il S in l ok an ea k hi en o are $300, renewal signs are $150, and program ads tw NT a bo ies.” wh p o can 0amsell sing y , ta ith a are $50. The club ask that purchasers include artwork o n CEME id a The d to hone polic dale dents m 7:3 rti UN l F r p .m . w tio n or business card for sign/program ad and to make stu st fro NO inue adve l telep rance uder nce AN P o o rm a 6 11 all eakfa pm checks payable to Drumright High School Football. La cont by a le ninf o ra ne loca insu ed eY Cena. Br -12:30 fo r For further information visit the Drumright Quarterno o - Ju has ucts RA the ts for id that r insu nuary Arts . To in th r d a y , f Y a l e y 17 cafeteri :30am AG rview ng fo in od f back Booster Club Facebook page. er en f e te Ja Ma sa es t o pr ices ey tu ki in th 11 ol • ym en til d ty o nm class from • 49th annual Oilpatch Jamboree will be held o o l g h S a ed 0 d scho from to ta nter e Ci ache art serv pting paummon paym ub un timat u th c .0 able the lunch October 1 and 2 activities start at 7am and continue mon itted Ce 11 mmer avail e c t th y o u th r o Dr take ity Cl tive es $5,000 throughout the day. There will be a parade, live music, acce and nta Drum adm tivity ranc June nt su es are r ea d a y 1 am le n er G day, o f a , T u es r ee. Co ere food, and shopping available. Contact the Drumright d to Activ enta s Ac r insu ss ing ods. or ns f Whe uderda gall’ s SHINrting Fri ng di 25. Cla fo inue lls repres ss of ov open Atwo Chamber of Commerce at 918-352-2204 for further d le CU sti pD o ze u s ines er 2 — of La ll be cont Inga ly In ipley ing. type ived. information. erda • Stall be ho 8-225-75 b a lo t wi ng lot until Se ndor club Cush erdale, not on of f o r ts . U nd 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 17 atio ymen 17, queste the d u l to ad rmer s in the Thurs being -0101 La • Wildcat Spiritwear is being sold online to benefit pr a co ed 20 20 ym ey e enrol hool d in Fa 52 ell ni 1 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 acle pl in but als . D tin pr oke • Cu ursday, ll be are int Pam at 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 ara 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, ay 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 1 -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 pro im to categ up. Pr will sinchange Dis is $10 m nt n the door in individual tournament, $30/2-person team ea lis ur sit s ce ay , cu ids e ap pl sig dw e you nnot e fee and A se 2022. a pers in the early or $35/2-person team at the door. Additional edly depo ict co nitially red a tion wa is do paid by th suranc urteen The d as Broa Entry eligible. be 18 order u ca nners $200, Fo ond. state alleg club team members will be $10 each. For discount rate regdistr 27, erty on ll in yo wi gets ente restitu to th to be ll be ay 7pm. up are ory wi in the d in ce m le s e ister by Friday, September 3. At the door registration wi g lib ne nd at me wa um 7 is erda r for rdin for ain at and categ ist na is tur First pla, Seco pri es 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, a ce a le kid 5 for for en of or da re th en e eiv .10 , o g wi or sponsor find the flyer on Drumright Gusher Faceag Sept th , the song ll rec a 3. erda paym e Mar in Cu and r the d ailing bond kin sum an clerks Club in $59,11 Laud book page or contact Tina Winford at 918-352-4874. , Once er, ory wi 1 . Fo nd, an is loo by em for sell h th on tution t. ord e 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 s 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 1 itten partm to repr nce i en Still thstarting erda

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Any d Cu on investi r, Mar , 2017 erda ke sa sess at TASCty Cr ting was an presen tation. ure ap ipley,” m d fro pm Summ atten ud Thursday t or gra S. armserve th -12 to ta e as be and the ve to er mee oval ed the stigato uly 31 at La will Transp proc rth of acemen Tails ne 521 ll be m 11am part of t ha t able for th service prop pr ve On at ng an no is ap is in no t wi le fro e as pl d Ju th of of ap rr th 99° 74° t t fas ab m gy an ent hosti from ion tle ge re wa does fre be n up rnet shee rtmen ge that t a lit ar, orat on a id lo m avail eat for e child will gram n sig N. arch Friday Inte May pa brid us a br al ye 5 corp pin it techno assess y Th e De sc a se 8 ibrary g pro you ca at 21 ve ma ram. fi e tt. alu t c din 19 n th ting The st of 10 e ha and e. The akes Prog ols. Cave Publi er rea May ProV n at e ne perso 96° 73° June igh we vett. ty to us es m th n take e mee to ere.” ilt th ing to Scho shing l summ began or in are un is wi th id Cu th rd ed g n bu Ca ing org Co l prov • at datesCush ation . ent Saturday actio virtua tratio kpls. prov gency said ect goin be re ll, acco yne ent newa pler reem d no oved to Tales Regis rary.o fa g ev at the inform ples ap Emer ned 1 Pa ct re rvices sim ag ha appr lib 0. proj is set in the yclin ly 25 ther ww.re ra 1-3 shing 94° 72° An s that s e wa r the explai ncy rec t Ju fur e /w June cont e Se ard. r at cu Ave. Pride , and . For http:/ y, ge a tiv e bo id Service ting waProValuices fo vett e tim 11 ele lot er Oue out esda ting, Ca th tt sa ee emer Sunday Ste istra som shing , July rking t go to rv mb 1. r. Tu m in se e Cu giv by 27 m pa • to 27 ve th ty et mee e me to ne even the Towe erc shing June barn at an g-ok June coun At ission tal Ad proved ch Ca ovided SC on Ju e intern nter where r 13, ol ag 94° 72° hin the make Commin Cu nts on ing an tee m e To s ap ner Za s pr . TA , id ns Ce is at d. m ov Scho volun n/cus ber of ll be reside m. Br d at n r th co th n wa issio joi rvice o ce apping g pr eratio towe statione place ls ca or to .com/ Cham ater wi unty 2pm-4p locate with oratio Comm for se or s m agin Co Op the t is ary o cia ntry nysh shing - Stillw yne ss th from 22 Corp ict 1 ntract asse ce wi al Im do that agemen second cted • Cu ead s to Pa st 25 Food Pa -2 line Br rie gu ty 2 21 y on Distr is a co Coun or s o d Glob TASC und man is is a and ele Daily groce and Au unity the totall years , ro mm ss r for e Th e is is an t t 28 a rg t ey se Co l. fre fou rol th Payn e as t Th unde ty, be ing mee July lmen lmen . Always be ready to breakdown. Even if your car w or ge 23, Cush n Dr enrol Enrol must d to en birth the ides th d utili vett. and can sess a fe ay. dents traine ild’s is in perfect workin’ order, or is brand new, always iD to Maitle PreCa as , un ov s rw be e e res ch N. ro pr ow de d th rg be ready for a breakdown. Keep water, nonsaid opertie help th 802 c shing is un m - stu potty their of of e kn woul e on GIS, unde ices,” pr • Cu year ers.co and be upload and pro Publi to perishable food, jumper cables, basic tools, and a the ing ol d sh , she mor 1 , tig ld serv eys on things lue.” rough scho shing mber shou record Cush ﬂashlight with extra batteries in your car. Prepare e di later , but d va s on Littl years in the at cu Septeardian em surv ties an ment vett, th for the worst, expect the best. work by gu ni ati reside t r th to old ts/ utili assess g to Ca that immu st shor ing fo app to ued an Paren cate, nt mu sunu de good cordin k up work later. contin cluding oliday certiﬁ e. Stu trict. H fore y is . 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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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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 1pm ol ati 15, -the ht Pa book Bowl ors th fal page on co raise most 4 on nta Dec. -A-Th e on Oc l even . ct the ney per on 17. t. 11 t dates on DA for A MA are ov. , Fall Participants of the Geographic Club “Do 3 an Brea as fol FORD • low d Fa k fro 2 15 omec or Dye” Color Run celebrate the end of ll Se m Oc s pm om me Flo ing sta 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 inton 1 at KeystFirst Re Drumrig r informmain o . 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 oy 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 . at 5-5 t on the P no and gu tivities Octob “Emergency and hundreds of hours of the FBI Oklahoma City field Cushing resident and retired continued, 253. er 3 and sign later est AG RA up tha up to deliciou Cushing Fire Department management will become safety training, participating training exercise “Critical shee n Se 5 pe • t. Fo pt. op s 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 D has been named the public safety team and response exercises and in 2004. Reed has been ru m val o ca even m in tober r ig h ll d u r the 7. at Ag tabletop/disaster deployed to emergencies new Cushing Emergency with Franklin’s previous annual t s en ing Junio Hot do ra Pu be ts will on io ( S to la the begin r Hig gs wi blic Sc Oklahoma, Management Director for experience in our fire drills for those in the throughout be r y ins s t F r id r T es s in so h on ho ll in the the old uth sid camp Lobb be se ol wi a y ’s P o l the City of Cushing. Reed department, this integration petroleum industry. Reed serving in the communities id e) m w us y. At 6p rved ll be g a m cafet e of and old sta the . Th a v gy ea also completed numerous of Catoosa, Stillwater, replaces the retiring Bob will be seamless.” elemethe ch m, a eria, the elemee 4H cam a va rting g a ins es d u spoo rie oir ke re wi nta r ing sold ntary Franklin started his tabletop drills and exercises Westport, and Carney Noltensmeyer who served co tW walk ty of k th in the cella ncert hous ll be ry, B el l s wi an e bo to n. e D r u devastating noun the citizens of Cushing for career as a volunteer for the to satisfy the annual following lob r. Therewill be in the unce GO wi ll m r ig by ced at 7p It w old hous ll Pawnee Fire Department. certification requirements tornados. Reed was also over 50 years. at 8:3 of the will h tH a s ag m The CU a g SHING o m 0pm. old also be in fro build es Man Cree gym o o d ec o ing City Manager Terry Later, Reed joined the as a hazardous materials deployed to the Murrah nt • m ing with ra es of the , d a y 8 an Cushing hous agemenk Coun winn being Brannon said, “Franklin Cushing Fire Department, technician. In addition, building following the 1995 to b P a r ty up d 9, ev All Cla in ers t a ea g Em to en being two build participated bombing, working in search brings the local serving for nearly 30 years, Franklin Ea T o r d e F r id erge be all the foo ts sta ss Re Reed na d 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 , a a y . P o will ncy em useful ov is sc is ga lea ne at lm s D 25 er ed all me 1 am at 7p din mon rato hedu am be genc in th w ow ru m 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 r ig h a s na m e ev Resc the a requ th the rs. the y. day tc a Workshop responsibility of leading our team beginning this Friday. response Planning built by retiring Director emergency use in ed ent est informg home Oct. Class ts conti Satur ue bo leadin Oct. po m e da F 7 to mi a ar Plan of nu that of y ng d facil publ wer we com. ation comi Cush f r o m o o tb a an ing le/str e throu Alumn g ng ll H for purcha Act the Am will yo ic Th i on Publi eet b eh o m can facil re to go citiesity, or (ARP the e Re u ca t-shir da ghout Cree se erica ind ec o M inform webs union n visit ts. To c Scho nce the ity be ev , to b A) anag k Co two do m ing sta quar trans fu n a wa we coul en fo , a co wn page ation ite or Week cushingregist ols wi rtin ea t Q u ee g er ter en r ll Acco emen unty genera nds sa so W el . 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 l s to W rd Em Di to d n . ias of ab mo ing th str t or n4 am stora arner. erge rs truck by a e tic me for le on dia pa dule ca socia re on 8 -4 W to a ho em for our War ict 2 ncy ge. n be tion. busin g oth kets this the 0 . poss ge, he When , ac threesligh arner sa Sp 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 n Tim cebook “We ncy m expa ere wa out Leon oved pacit rato rato th will e m ld n are be 13 e . iss si anag r is com ndin rs are disc golf destination, as well as have additional homecoming numbers, is an additional 300. Shegame be he the y. s a Powe gene ion 5 ea nforce nefit by citize ed qu for of Cree em lo City will ld me Busin , ind ra th The r bid missio nt k Distr emer oking ent g the ivid on Oc ch or 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 2 for Tracy facil ge tob let ict at s nc be ting hase insid r s wa m on tri two expa ity. vote that should help increase hotel/motel tax and 1 ba g. ich y five ty Circle Town where do no er 8 at Memorial Park was discussed and approved immensely even through the pandemic. ola Terry t . ple- genera s $141 Genera expa opened for th d to ap The said e one rn, th manag nding Supp S Me utr ticke need the ho The dra s. “It is an all-encompassing sport. Men and sales tax. axle (DRU ,553. c of th ey wi during the Cushing Board of Commissioners to . ats ition, ts are to be meco ns ly, e wem pr rs on io , AR Go traile auri, Cush Cates avail pre en ose Rece 60 ar n MRI women of all ages: my eight-year-old plays and “We want to make this first event something se ming Oct. project ove Be dofre meeting on Monday, Aug. 16. Tic build ll be ke t to PA ex will rs so e plac . emThe GH kets You do’s, ing utr Supp able inc nt to wi Auth ntly, to 12 War pend be ex T, ings pt she that ed Octob er Tiful Ro wi lud n. itio ly, Co Two Cushing High School graduates, we’ve had people up to the age of 70 come that people really want to come back to,” ,” he build gency pansio iture part . The they cont ority Drumrig OK er 7. ll be av Bouti ots, Ah n, 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 we and tsaid 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 1 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

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OKIE CHARMED - WINTER SUMMER 2021 2021

Put Your Presents Under a Live Christmas Tree…

Visit an Oklahoma Christmas Tree Farm. This holiday season, choose or cut a Christmas tree grown at one of several Christmas tree farms in Oklahoma. According to Travelok.com, Oklahoma is home to about 20 Christmas tree farms, three of which are in the Okie Charmed area. Most of Oklahoma’s Christmas tree farms open on Friday, November 26. Molly & Socks Christmas Tree Farm is northeast of Bristow. You can find a beautiful Christmas tree at this tree farm. While there, taste s’mores and drink hot chocolate, warm up around the fire pit, visit the gift shop, feed the barn animals, and even take a train ride. This tree farm is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the season. Or travel a little further south and visit Cross Timbers Christmas Tree Farm near Harrah. This farm offers its visitors lovely cut Christmas trees, a variety of fresh holiday wreaths, swags, and garlands, plus delicious hot chocolate, and apple cider. Adults can roast chestnuts on the open fire, and kids can ride the barrel train and visit the petting zoo. Hours are Monday thru Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 1-8 p.m. on Sundays. If you are closer to the Tulsa area, you can find your Christmas tree at Pleasant Valley Farms, located west of Sand Springs. At this Christmas tree farm, you can cut your own tree or have one of the Valley woodsmen cut one of their Virginia Pine trees for you. This is a nice spot to purchase handmade wreaths and fresh garland, and also enjoy a hayride. Santa visits every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and homemade cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and candy canes are complimentary. The farm is open Monday thru Thursday from 1-6 p.m. and Friday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 10 08

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER FALL 20212021

Other Oklahoma Christmas tree farms include: Wonderland Farms Live Christmas Tree Farm, Harrah Redbird Farm, Enid D&L Christmas Trees & Wreaths, Fletcher Silver Bells Christmas Tree Farm, Tuttle Martinbird Tree Farm, Tuttle All Pine Christmas Tree Farm, Yukon Goddard Christmas Tree Farm, Norman Wells Family Christmas Tree Farms, Norman Red Barn Christmas Tree Farm, McAlester Cal2homa Christmas Tree & Mum Farm, Gore Janda Bend Christmas Tree Farm, Stillwell The Wilkinson Christmas Tree Forest, Tahlequah Owasso Christmas Tree & Berry Farm, Owasso Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree & Blackberry Farm, Edmond Santa’s Forest Tree Farm, Ponca City Odell Christmas Tree Farm, Asher

written by Sharen Smith OKIE CHARMED OKIE CHARMED - WINTER - FALL 2021 2021 09 11

118 E. Broadway Street in Cushing

918.323.1107

Editor’s Choice

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

WWW.JCARGILLLEATHER.COM

Shine Bright like a DiamonD written by the Elegant Okie, Sharen Smith

What’s your take on sparkle? I have always been a “sparkle” girl; even from a young age...the shinier the better. Sequins, bling, and jewels remind me of being a princess, and I feel like it is important to be reminded of our inner princess. As I grow older, I realize that sometimes less is more. Simplicity can be both beautiful and ultimately very elegant...think Audrey Heburn. I have spent more time in the last few years working with my friends on adapting their wardrobes. I have learned more by helping them find pieces to incorporate into their wardrobes, while still adhering to their own personal style. Many of my friends like a sportier wardrobe. I’ve learned from them to be simpler, and they’ve learned from me to add a bit more flair and try new things. Sometimes I even challenge them to add a bit more sparkle to their lives. If there is one season when sparkle matters just a bit more, it’s wintertime. When I think about the beauty of winter, I think about the sparkle of snow and ice bouncing off of the landscape. This is a contrast from the dark nights and cold days of winter. When the skies turn gray, it is just the time to turn up the sparkle. Also, think of Christmas lights, tinsel, glitter, and holiday parties. This is the perfect time to add a bit of sparkle to liven up your wardrobe. So, what if less is more for you? What is the best way to adapt and add a bit of sparkle? Start small...just a pinch or a sprinkle. Maybe a pair of sparkly stud earrings, or a scarf with a few sequins? Shoes or a belt add just a touch of reflection. Your makeup could also benefit from an icy bright highlight or eye makeup with a shimmer. I know my fellow sparkle girls don’t need this subtle push towards the light because if anything we may need to “tone it down a bit.” If sparkle is not your game, that is totally okay. We all have our fashion limits, but it is important to always be evolving. I will continue to embrace the simple life. Will you consider adding a bit of the bright life?

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Melissa Wedman

As a “dessertarian,” I pride myself in being a “foodie” in the dessert and candy genre of foods. In my amateur critique of candy, the caramels from Mollycoddled Hash Slinger are excellent confections. Four delectable ˜ avors are available, each made with primarily Oklahoma sourced ingredients. While each ˜ avor is distinct (salted whiskey, browned butter honey, apple, and espresso), they are also velvety smooth, supple, buttery, creamy, and don’t stick to your teeth. Melissa Wedman and her husband met in their hometown of Yukon where Justin’s great uncle, Andrew Wedman owned the local candy store in the early 1900’s. ° e Palace Confectionary is now a historic building located in downtown Yukon. While growing up, Melissa’s own sweet tooth was developed with her visits to her grandparents’ house in Cushing, Oklahoma. Her grandfather, Frank Allen Sr. kept a supply of sweets next to his recliner ready to indulge his grandkids. Melissa’s father, Frank Allen Jr. always enjoyed caramels. In the fall of 2013, two years a˛ er her father’s death, Melissa wanted to make a caramel to honor her father.

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written & photography by Shannon Ellis

In the beginning, head sugar slinger Melissa experimented with recipes, throwing out lots of unsuccessful batches, but carefully writing down the recipes of the caramels that her family and friends determined were yummy. She didn’t just experiment with recipes, “When I get involved in a project, I am obsessed with it. I researched the science of making caramel as well as the history of it.” It turns out that a lot of science goes into making a batch of caramel. Melissa gave her friends and family her homemade caramels for Christmas and other gi˜ giving occasions. ° en her friends started asking her to make custom batches so they could share with their friends and family. Soon, Melissa had so many requests that she started an online Etsy shop, selling mainly to corporations for corporate gi˜ s. Within two months of launching her Etsy shop, she had order requests from 16 states. Soon, Melissa exceeded the production limit in her own personal kitchen and had to ÿ nd a commercial kitchen to make her caramels. She wanted to ÿ nd a place that had a storefront, a kitchen, and an open area where patrons could see the caramels being packaged. She found a great place on North Rockwell in Oklahoma City, not too far from her home in Yukon. Now, Melissa has shipped her delicious caramels to 49 states. When the citizens of Vermont ÿ nd out what they are missing on these delectable yummies, they will soon be making orders as well. Her customers include several companies and celebrities. It takes Melissa two hours to make a batch of caramel on her “mollycoddled” gas stove, hence the name “Mollycoddled Hash Slinger,” meaning “spoiled chef.” Melissa also is intentional in buying ingredients sourced from Oklahoma and Made In Oklahoma products for her store. “When you buy Oklahoma products, you are supporting Oklahoma’s economy, and the U.S.

economy as well.” Melissa states that it is her mission to support micro to small businesses in Oklahoma, and was even on Good Morning America in May 2020 to talk about her growing business during the pandemic. Mollycoddled Hash Slinger is located at 12100 N. Rockwell Avenue in Oklahoma City. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 to 5:30, and from 9 to 4 on Saturday. Online orders are available through the store’s website, www.mollycoddledhashslinger.net, or call the store at 405-506-9207.

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Our hope for you, and all those close to you, is for a joyous holiday season filled with health and happiness. This year has been filled with many challenges and we want to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your unwavering support during the difficult times. There are no words to describe how much each gesture of kindness has meant to us. The letters and cards with inspirational messages, the drinks, snacks, and other donations made the hard times a little more bearable.

On behalf of our entire family at Stillwater Medical, Thank You!

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

The Saville Center A place of healing for local children.

The red door that opens to The Saville Center in Stillwater, Ok intrigued me. I thought about the feelings the color red could symbolize. It can evoke feelings of excitement, strength, confidence, or power. Red can also symbolize love or life. I wasn’t able to think about what this red door could symbolize while I was there, but I do recall wanting to see what it would lead to. The moment I walked through that door, I was greeted with an environment meant to incite comfort and peace. Which, according to Kelsey Proctor, is the goal of the design and honestly I thought, “Wow, I wish I could make my own home feel this peaceful.”

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I met with Kelsey Proctor, the executive director, and Holly Chandler, the forensic interviewer, of the Saville Center to learn a bit more about what they do for our community and more specifically, our children. The Saville Center for Child Advocacy is a place where the Department of Human Services or law enforcement can refer children who have experienced abuse. Kelsey explained the confidential nature of the cases they receive and how they are all under investigation. In these cases, children often will have to visit with multiple people regarding the abuse they experienced. When they arrive at the Saville Center, they will first meet Shannon Hiner. Shannon is the victims advocate and works with the family to be sure they have everything they need during this process. Next, the child and family will be introduced to Holly. Holly will then perform the forensic interview with the child. During which, Shannon is meeting with the family and detailing the process that they will experience. “If the child discloses something in the forensic interview that warrants a medical exam, then that child meets Brandi,” Holly explained. Brandi Watts is the onsite clinical services director and performs the medical exam, if needed. Children who come to the Saville Center for their services are always referred to counseling. At that point, the child would meet Mary Melton who is the onsite mental health therapist.

Kelsey Proctor Executive Director

Now, the unique thing about the Saville Center is: rather than sending the child and their family to multiple locations in potentially different towns to receive these services, all of these services are available in one place. The child does not receive all of these services at one time, but are able to come back to a familiar site with familiar faces to receive these services. “We want it to be less traumatizing and the easiest possible way,” Kelsey said of the process of helping a child who lives in the area that the Saville Center serves. “Everything always circles back to that, you know, the child and keeping their best interests at heart.” It only makes sense to have all of those services in one location and to help families feel more comfortable as they walk through an uncomfortable journey. But, all of this is a part of the Saville Center’s goal. According to their website, their mission is to “facilitate the protection, prevention, and healing of victims of child abuse and to promote the health of families in our community.” With that goal in mind, they begin the healing process from the moment they walk in the door. Their facilities are comfortable, peaceful, and calming. The employees are kind, respectful, and compassionate. But, there is one very important employee that has not been mentioned, but I would assume the children OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

would be most excited to meet her. That employee is Maria, their facility canine companion. “She came from California from a specific place that trains and raises companion dogs, facility dogs, or therapy dogs,” Kelsey explained. Holly jumped in about Maria saying, “She’s just incredible. She just has this sense and way about her. She knows when a kid needs her. We are so lucky to have her here.” Holly continued to tell me how Maria is now being trained to go into the forensic interviews with kids. She also is trained to be in the courtroom with kids. Kelsey Proctor shared with me that the Saville Center is a non-profit organization. Kelsey outlined where the funds to keep the Saville Center running comes from. There are a few different grants that make up a decent portion of their funding. Another contribution comes from being a United Way agency. Outside of those areas of funding though, any other funds they need come from fundraisers and community help. Several years ago, Stillwater High School raised money for the Saville Center during their SMAC. SMAC stands for Stillwater Makes a Change and is a fundraiser done by the local high school. During that fundraiser, the school was able to raise over $100,000. Those funds helped to create a larger parking area for the center as well as bring the precious Maria home to Oklahoma. Another group that blesses their organization is the OSU chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi. The Saville Center is one of the philanthropic projects for AOπ. The sorority comes to clean the facilities every Friday. Also, they help keep the Heidi Warren gardens looking great. Each year, they host a fundraiser for Mary Melton Program Administrator the Saville Center called Sweets for Saville. Kelsey bragged Mental Health Therapist on the girls of Alpha Omicron Pi saying, “They are so incredible. I cannot imagine it without them!” Kelsey and Holly shared with me that due to the confidential nature of their job that not many community members are able to come and volunteer in a way that one 18

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

would think they could. Because of the confidentiality of their jobs, the ladies at Saville carry the weight of these experiences alone. “Working in this field, you hear a lot of terrible things. So, I think we all have a super close bond, way more than just as employees. We know way too much about each other. We pray together; we laugh together,” Holly said of the ladies she works with. “We’re all kind of, it sounds kind of cheesy, like a family.” The bond between these ladies is inspiring especially considering the nature of their work. Even though the community cannot participate with those who come through the Saville Center, they can volunteer in other ways. There are always volunteer opportunities and many groups in the community take part in that. But there are even ways to give back and help them from home. Holly suggested, “Look at our stuff on Facebook and social media, and share that awareness” Some community members who want to give back to the Saville Center will call and see if there is something they need like snacks. In order to bring a little more comfort to their lives, some have even done sewing projects for the children that might come through the center. Kelsey also told me about their board of directors at the Saville Center. The board is made up of various community members. Kelsey informed me, “They volunteer their time to serve on our board, which is incredible. We have an amazing board.”

Shannon Hiner Victim Advocate

When we have a group of people working to keep our children safe and help them heal from the hurts they have Brandi Watts experienced, we tend to want to help. All it takes is a bit of Clinical Services Director creativity to offer something that might be able to bring comfort or peace to the victims. As well as, it might bring a little joy to those who are working so hard to help others. There is also one more extremely important way that we can give back to what they are doing: help protect the OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

children in our lives. Holly and Kelsey both reiterated this statement during our conversation. “In all the bad, I think we do see the good. There are people that care, and there are people that want to do the right thing,” Holly mentioned. “If you see something, report it. If you think something’s not right, check it out. It’s more of an educational piece. A lot of people don’t think that physical or sexual abuse happens in our neighborhood or our community.” “If you see something, say something. You can’t turn a blind eye,” Kelsey offered on the same note. I’m sure these ladies wish that no one ever needed their particular skills, especially children. But, I know that if you ever experience the services at the Saville Center, that you are in the best hands possible because they care. They are only trying to “protect, prevent, and heal.” I now know what that red door symbolizes or rather, what I think it symbolizes after becoming acquainted with this place. That red door represents HEART. It takes a lot of heart to be able to work in a place like the Saville Center. It takes a lot of heart to be able to offer a place to heal like the Saville Center. These ladies are the real deal. They have big hearts filled with compassion for their clients and this community. They represent the heart of giving back.

If you are interested in learning more about the Saville Center, visit their website at www.thesavillecenter.org.

Holly Chandler Forensic Interviewer Maria Facility Canine Companion 20

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written by Sara Lane photography by Kayla Watson

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Gift for Life

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In 1978, 50 year old Sherman Walker received a kidney during an organ transplant at the University of North Carolina Hospital at Chapel Hill. In 2019, in the very same hospital, his great granddaughter Sierra Warfe donated a kidney. “No greater gift has no one than to lay down his life for his friend.” These words from Jesus are another beautiful reminder of the giving season. Although the Blanchard resident didn’t lay down her life, Sierra did sacrifice er kidney for her friend. Sierra has always wanted to make a difference in the world by helping others. She is studying to be a nurse at Oklahoma City Community College and currently works for the Oklahoma Blood Institute as a phlebotomist. One day while driving to work on Interstate 35, Sierra saw an RV with a sign on the back requesting a kidney for a veteran. It included the veteran’s blood type and other pertinent information. A mission formed in her heart. As she drove by the RV, Sierra thought to herself, “I can do that.” Shortly after, the father of a close friend was diagnosed with cancer. Having had the experience of losing a parent (Sierra’s father passed away when she was 16), she didn’t want her friend to share in that experience. Th s intensifi d her desire to help others. Then, Sierra’s mother saw a post on Facebook from an old friend. The friend’s daughter Cheyenne Houser, only 17, had life-long problems with her kidneys, and she was getting worse. Cheyenne was spending eight to ten hours daily on dialysis and taking 12 different medications to stay alive. She desperately needed a kidney. Sierra believed this was her opportunity. “It’s what I’m supposed to do; It’s my way to impact the world.” In order for Cheyenne, who’s blood type is AB positive (the universal recipient), to get a kidney, she had to be on a list in multiple hospitals to increase her chances of receiving a kidney. The normal wait is five to seven years, but she needed it immediately. Sierra, who has the universal donating blood type, O negative, underwent rigorous testing at various hospitals. After becoming a

possible match for Cheyenne, Sierra fl w to North Carolina for two days of intense medical and psychological testing and meeting with a board that consisted of a psychologist and a social worker. After enduring the energy draining process, Sierra was notifi d by email that she was a suitable donor for Cheyenne. Cheyenne did not know that she had a possible donor. When Sierra called her to tell Cheyenne’s mother that she was a suitable donor, she cried tears of hope and relief. Cheyenne did not know that Sierra was trying to be her donor. In December, 2019, Sierra and her mother met Cheyenne and her family at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. On December 17th, one month after Sierra’s 22nd birthday and one week before Christmas, she underwent her fi st and only surgery to remove her healthy kidney. Both the removal and replacement procedures took about three to three and a half hours. When Sierra woke up from anesthesia, her fi st concern was for Cheyenne. Transplant recipients usually have to wait a few days to see if their body will reject or accept the new organ, but Sierra’s healthy kidney was working in Cheyenne’s body before she left the operating table! The young ladies spent their Christmas in the community house provided by the hospital for patients in recovery. With a healthy kidney, Cheyenne is living the life that she missed out on during her illness. She attends a community college in Tennessee and remains active in many areas. While they haven’t been able to visit because of Covid-19, Sierra and Cheyenne keep in touch regularly. Sierra is grateful for the experience, “My life didn’t change through this experience, but I walk through life differently, and I am a kinder person for it”. The RV with the sign looking for a kidney donor inspired Sierra. She researched the pros and cons of organ donation before diving into this experience. Her advice to someone who wants to become an organ donor is to contact the transplant coordinator at teaching hospitals. They are the best resource.

“My life didn’t change through this experience, but I walk through life differently, and I am a kinder person for it.”

written by Shannon Ellis photography provided

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Tracey Massucci

An Artist, A Woodcrafter

“I took a leap of faith five years ago and opened up a private group on Facebook and started Woodtique Treasures,” recalls Tracey Massucci, “It’s been an amazing journey.” If you haven’t found Woodtique Treasures by Tracey on Facebook, you need to. Tracey has found her niche as a wood craftsman. “I started out making crafts with my best friend about 30 years ago,” said Tracey. “We would get ideas and go home and gather up our materials and lay a board on her front porch steps, and one of us would sit on it while the other one cut the design out with a jigsaw.” Tracey was born in Lawton, raised in Thomas, and lives with her husband on their small farm near Chandler. Together they raise cattle, bucking bulls, chickens, turkeys, ducks, dogs, and a few cats. The mother of two, a daughter and a son, and a grandmother to six grandchildren, she still finds time to work in her flower gardens and yard. Today Tracey works with plywood, pine, birch, and reclaimed wood for her wood crafts in her shop at home. “I take a lot of pride in my work, and it’s one of my favorite hobbies,” said Tracey, who creates each woodcraft project by drawing a pattern on

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paper and tracing it to the selected wood type. “Then it’s just me and my DeWalt jigsaw and sander.” “I use heavy wood, good paint, and I put three coats of sealer on each order to protect it as much as possible,” added Tracey. Most of her wood pieces are displayed outside for yards, porches, front doors, but some are displayed inside the house. “I have made custom orders with fabric and scrapbook paper.” She says fall and Christmas are her busiest times of the year, and she does special orders too. Now and then, Tracey will do wood crafts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, children’s rooms, weddings, sports, new baby celebrations, and all kinds of special orders. “I find ideas and post them on my page, and my customers send me ideas that they find that they want me to do for them,” said Tracey. “I have had tremendous support from friends and family. I have customers who have been with me for over twenty years, and I get new customers all the time.” Tracey is grateful to all her followers and her family for all their support and love. And she is quick to tell you she is most thankful to God for giving her such a great talent. “I am truly blessed.” written by Cindy Lockstone photography provided

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

For me, the holidays are always so exciting. As a kid, I think it was the presents and sweets that caused my enthusiasm. As an adult though, I look back and see what made it so special - the people. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles going out of their way to give us something memorable. Many of the memorable things have now become traditions. My family has some unique traditions which prompted me to wonder about others’ holiday traditions. Naturally, I took to social media, as one does, to hear about these wonderful traditions. Now, I am sharing some of them with you. If you are like me and love to hear how other people spend their holidays, look no further. If you are wanting to add something new to your holidays with your family and friends, then I hope you find some inspiration. Number 1, I always love hearing about how families build anticipation in getting the kiddos (and adults) excited for the holiday. Many families participate in one of Santa’s little helpers invading their home to either cause mischief or leave a little gift here and there. Many times the elves will leave new Christmas PJs or a small gift to start the season. However, I was enticed by some other interesting ideas that families do to build anticipation for the holiday. My friend, Heather Lasson, shared with me about an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf that visits her daughter every December. She found something called the Shepherd’s Treasure. It is a shepherd stuffed toy that appears to the children much like the elf, but the difference is the purpose. The shepherd comes with a book and a series of scripture verses to start discussion about Jesus’ birth. In Heather’s home, it seems to have been a

Traditions Made with Love

conversation starter and has led to a new tradition. Heather and her daughter bake a birthday cake on Christmas Eve for baby Jesus.

Christmas morning breakfast tradition of having biscuits and gravy. Karmen Pearcey serves family favorites on Christmas Day instead of the “traditional” Beka Vier responded with a Christmas foods. This meant that tradition her family has done for the her family ate Pizza and hot wings past 21 years. She shared with me for dinner. that her family gets to open their first gift on Thanksgiving evening. Number 3, Christmas morning She mentioned that the gift is traditions are the most fun and can usually something like pajamas or be the most special as well. movies, but it still is something to get excited with. Karmen Pearcey’s children used to wake up really early on Beka is not alone though. Many Christmas morning while she and others mentioned they also give a her husband had stayed up late gift before the start of the holiday wrapping presents and wanted and most often, the gift is pajamas, a bit more sleep. Before the kids books, or movies to help celebrate could wake mom and dad, they the holiday. were allowed to open stockings. In the stockings would be a movie Number 2, Let’s not forget that no for them to watch together and holiday is complete without food. their favorite sugary cereal to eat. When the movie was over, the kids Foods can also hold a special place were allowed to go wake up mom in our traditions. Our traditions and dad to begin the Christmas involving foods can be sentimental morning fun. such as having enchiladas with mashed potatoes. It sounds At Breann Todd’s house, Santa strange, but it has become a brings gifts with no name tags. tradition to have it together in my Santa and his helpers wrap the family. gifts for each child in their own Trudy Evans’ family has a special wrapping paper specially selected fondness for an item called french for each child. But, before Santa fried cauliflower. It was something ever arrives, each child has to their late mother made frequently, select a bag of toys to donate and now they continue to make it each year. I’m certain many moms for the holidays. and dads would approve of that tradition. Molly Reed’s family hosts a cookie competition every year. The ladies Many traditions also include bake the cookies, and the men are reading the nativity story on the judges. Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. More than one family has a

written by Sara Lane

Number 4, The holiday’s wouldn’t be the holidays without the decorations, right? Okie Charmed’s editor, Sharen Smith, and her family have each had different themes for their personal Christmas trees. After the season has passed, they pass along their decorations to another family member. Decorating stays frugal, fun and creative when there are new decorations to trade each year. Loraine Jenkins started what she calls the “Jesus Tree.” Each year they have a special tree where they hang one ornament that is labeled with a name of Jesus found in Scripture. Each night they read the scripture, talk about it, and hang an ornament. On Christmas Eve, they hang an ornament of Jesus to finish it up. Many families’ responses included picking out a new ornament or receiving a new ornament to commemorate that year. Mikaela Mayo’s mom had the intention of giving all the ornaments that her children picked out to them when they were grown. However, the kids enjoyed seeing the ornaments on their mom’s tree, so she kept them. The tradition has now grown to include the grandkids picking out new ornaments too. Susan Ledgerwood’s family has passed down a small ceramic red dog named Bulger. Bulger hangs out under the Christmas tree and is a sentimental item from her grandfather’s childhood. Bulger

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

is now over 100 years old and is The ornament is given to the still special to the family. “crabbiest” person of the year to hang on the tree. I’m sure their I now have my own personal home is full of fun and laughter decorating tradition. Each year, when the award is given out for I go to my grandparent’s house the crabbiest person of the year. and help decorate their house. My grandmother asked me to Sharen Smith’s family had a help her a few years ago and literal bag of coal to put in now it has become one of my someone’s stocking as a joke. favorite things to do each year. Each person signs the tag on the bag to commemorate the year Number 5, in all the responses he or she received the coal. I received there were some that were too unique to fit in any one Allie McDougal’s family hides a category, but I have to include pickle ornament, and the kid that some of them here for your finds it gets an extra present. enjoyment. This is inspired by a German tradition. One of Okie Charmed’s writers, Shannon Ellis, wrote to me Liz Moon’s family goes out about a unique ornament. on Christmas Eve and throws It is a red, crystal crab that reindeer food (deer corn or Shannon describes as gaudy. pretzels) on the roof for the

reindeer. They, of course, leave cookies and milk for Santa, but they have a great time leaving something special for the reindeer too. No matter what traditions we choose to do, if we do it with love for those we spend time with on the holidays, it will always be memorable. With that, I hope you have a very joyful holiday filled with lots of love and happy memories!

Editor’s Choice

12 E. Dewey Ave. in Sapulpa (918) 347-9300 WWW.GIGISPOPCORN.COM

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021

THE JEWEL OF SAPULPA BEVERLY’S FINE JEWELRY

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Some girls love shoes, but I want the “icing on the cake”...jewelry! I can’t help but think of Marilyn Monroe’s, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” But why leave it at diamonds, Marilyn? Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls..all fit for a princess. Shouldn’t we feel like royalty once in a while? What better way to pamper yourself or a loved one with some priceless jewelry? Yes, I know…”mom always said you can’t eat diamonds,” but I love to think of them as an investment piece. I believe they are something you can pass down to future generations. Way back, when I grew up on a farm, I loved watching old movies with women glittering in the opulence of long ago. Their glamour inspired my dreams of life outside the farm. As I grew up, my appreciation went from anything sparkly to an appreciation for vintage jewelry. I also learned that “oneof-a-kind” pieces are very special. I started craving jewelry store visits and pictured pairing them with the right ensemble. If you are looking for jewelry inspiration in eastern Oklahoma, you don’t have to go far. In downtown Sapulpa, at Beverly’s Fine Jewelry, you will meet Beverly Harrison, a true jewel of a lady with a heart of gold. I met with Beverly right before Thanksgiving at her unique store. As she explained about her passion for jewelry, she brought out beauty after beauty for me to peruse, and I exclaimed over each piece. In the 80’s, Beverly moved from Iowa to Oklahoma. She stated, “We were heading to Texas looking for work but stopped in Tulsa, got jobs and moved to Sapulpa. We fell in love with this nice little town.” She told me the great thing about this place is that the town stood behind them, and that they all wanted to see and help new businesses

grow. Leroy Harrison, Beverly’s husband, designs and creates some of the beautiful jewelry in the store. Although he was not there during my visit, Beverly showed me their studio and explained the process. I learned about the wax molds and the gold casting process. It was interesting, and I hope to come back to visit when Leroy is there working his magic. She showed me some of his special work, like his lovely gold crosses featuring lustrous pearls that remind me of something from the Renaissance. Custom jewelry is a major part of their business. She remarked, “It is very time consuming, but there are a lot of people who want that one of a kind piece of jewelry.” I told her about some jewelry that I would like to have redesigned. I have a few rings that I would love to have reimagined into a necklace that I could wear and maybe pass down to a future grandchild. She said that she and her husband specialize in the process. We discussed how perfect this is for family jewelry needing fixed or re-purposed into new designs. I asked Beverly why jewelry is important, and she gave me a variety of responses. She stated, “I have so many answers for this. My favorite is when someone comes in with a piece of jewelry they have received from a grandparent...They get written by Sharen Smith photography by Kayla Watson

comfort when looking at it and thinking of them” She also mentioned that “The most important piece for a lot of people is their wedding ring. It is a sign that your spouse loves you, more than anyone else.” Finally she answered, “Then there are those pieces of jewelry that can actually save your life because they have all of your medical information on them.” As I walked around the store, Beverly showed me so many spectacular pieces. She told me they specialized in unique jewelry that can not be found in other stores. She has a rainbow of beautiful gemstones. My eyes delighted in aquamarine, amethyst, sapphires, emeralds, opals, and rubies. She also carries lovely birthstone rings and turquoise jewelry. One of the pearl brands she features is the Imperial Brand. She showed me a lovely necklace, where one part of the strand is pearls and the other side features the popular paperclip link gold chain. It would please any lady who wants the luxury of pearls with a new, trendy setting that offers you a variety of ways to wear this piece. When I asked her about her favorite pieces, Beverly said, “One of my favorites we just sold was an ancient glass pendant in 18k yellow gold with OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

a ruby accent. I have a couple new ones I love. I just started carrying a Luxury brand called Lovente. There is a ring in white gold that has a dome with 5 rows of diamonds.” She showed me several of these gorgeous pieces, encouraging me to touch them and feel their quality. This is a brand that is typically sold to larger, more exclusive dealers, but luckily it is now offered in Beverly’s store. Prices of this brand run from $150010,000 dollars. This brand has a guarantee which replaces missing stones. When I asked Beverly about wedding band trends, she mentioned that the halo ring is still very popular. These rings feature stones that are surrounded by a “halo” of diamonds. She also mentioned that many people are opting out of diamonds, in favor of other gemstones or pearls for engagement rings. As a gemstone lover, I am appreciative of this trend. She also showed me several pieces that could be used 36

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as wedding bands or stackable pieces. While discussing her pricing, Harrison mentioned that she will do returns if customers are not satisfied with their purchase. She also does a layaway plan if the customer is unable to pay for their purchase. We talked about the fact that fine jewelry does not have to cost what you’ll pay for in the larger stores. Beverly says that her shop is more like what you would find at wholesale prices. She often prices her pieces by weight. She said, “You don’t have to pay prices like you would find at Moody’s.” Her prices range from $10 to the higher end pieces at $20,000. S h e told me that Christmas is their biggest time for sales. This is when they do 40% of their business. Although they are typically open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, during December, they extend their hours. She says that many men

A special Thank you to Kelsey for modeling for this fashion photoshoot.

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still do their shopping on Christmas Eve. If you are considering getting your child’s ears pierced for Christmas, she has recently added this service. She carries sparkly cubic zirconia earrings that start at $30 and gold with crystals that start at $65. I thought her tulip rings would be a perfect gift for many ladies this Christmas; one of Beverly’s top sellers, this is a throwback to the 80s and 90s. The rings have a tulip shaped setting with manmade gemstones in a ﬂoral shape. Selling for $40 each, they have blossomed into a favorite since she featured them on her Facebook page, and she also carries matching earrings. Even though jewelry is her primary passion, Beverly mentioned that none of this would be possible without God. She feels that she has been very blessed in this business. We visited about her faith and her love for helping others. She has had many people come to her for help. She recently auctioned off jewelry in order to help a lady who needed a transplant. In December, Beverly’s Fine Jewelry will have its fifth anniversary. As for her dreams for the business, Beverly Harrison says, “I feel like I have fulfilled a lot of my dreams for my store. The only one left is adding on to the store, and we are starting construction in the next few weeks.This business has gone so much farther than I ever could have dreamed.” It’s almost Christmas, and time to remember your inner princess! I recommend that you take a drive to Sapulpa soon (maybe even before Christmas) to bask in the beauty of her precious gems, and consult with Beverly for the perfect piece. If you can’t visit in person, visit her Facebook page and get a glimpse of the unforgettable “Jewel of Sapulpa.”

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Bringing the Outdoors In Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, National Best Friend’s Day, National Cat’s Day, National Frankenstein Day…...I don’t know, Facebook says it's a thing. Whatever….all I’m saying is if you are looking for a holiday to celebrate, if you look hard enough you’re going to find one! I don’t know about some of y’all, but in my family, Deer Season is not only a holiday, but an absolute event and way of life. If you have never hunted before, chances are you know someone who does. Opening day of archery season sees many absentees at our lil’ country school as some kiddos take a day out of school to hunt the opening day and celebrate the season for what it is. My family has hunted for as far back as I can remember. October first is the beginning of the Holiday season for us. I can think of no better way to bring the outdoors in than to get up at the butt crack of dawn, put on a few layers of cold weather camo, grab my weapon of choice, and head out into the unpredictable Oklahoma weather. Then, I climb up a tree to a tree stand and ride out the gale force winds to try my luck at outsmarting a cunning deer into coming close enough for my projectile of choice to find its mark! That, my friends, is a holiday worth celebrating! Not only do we spend the next few months bundled up and roaming the woods trying to kill a trophy, we bring it home. When you think of bringing the outdoors in, most ladies conjure up thoughts of cute table toppers, fall decorations, and wreaths that incorporate acorns, pinecones and deer antlers. I mean..I do have all of 40

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those cute fall decorations with the acorns, pinecones and antlers. However, to me, it means having a mountain of camouflage laying on every nonessential surface, orange hats and vests on the backs of chairs or the table, the rifles, muzzleloaders, and compound bows laying around, bullets, black powder pellets, broadheads, binos, doe pee, the grunt call and any other sort of hunting accessory or equipment that we happen to have out. That also means the meat grinder, the slicer, the dehydrator, the cutting board and assortment of skinning and boning knives. Deer season just kind of takes over the whole house sometimes. “As for me and my house, we will butcher our own.” Deer Season 24:7 I do all of my own butchering, including summer sausages, snack sticks, jerky, stew meat, andouille, and Italian sausages. We case and smoke our sausages and put it all in the freezer for later use…..except for that backstrap! We eat those the night after we skin! Backstrap is a prime cut of meat from the deer. It is one of the most tender and heavenly things you’ll ever eat! In cows, we know it as the ribeye, and in pigs it’s known as the loin. The term “backstrap” is used when one is talking about deer, elk, moose, and other similar Cervids. The backstrap is found along the spine on both sides and runs from the hip to the neck. Some of us slice it and call it “strap-steak,” or wrap it in bacon and call it filet mignon, or throw it in the crockpot with ‘taters and carrots, or slice it thin and cook it with onions and mushrooms, or...well, you get the idea. There are so many ways to cook these wonderful cuts. written by The Outdoor Gal, Tamara Skipworth

When we butcher, it’s a family affair; we all chip in and get ‘er done. My daughter has grown quite quick at helping skin and is the best butcher’s assistant one could ever ask for. I start butchering and plop it over onto the cut table, and then she starts cleaning up the cuts, slicing, packaging and labeling. We have done it for so long together that we have a rhythm. I honestly love butchering with her. We have the best conversations and are always laughing. This year my granddaughter, Oaklynn Grace, who is 15 months old got to be involved...and by involved I mean she hung out in her playpen watching while we were working. It is very gratifying to be able to pass along my love of not only the outdoors and hunting, but also the satisfaction of the whole process, from field to table. It begins with cultivating the hunting spots, putting out corn, checking the feeders and the camera. Then it proceeds to the hunt itself, the ups and downs of successful and not so successful hunts, the joy of bringing home your own meat, the butchering process and then finally to sitting around the table having a meal that was start to finish prepared in EVERY single way by YOU! There is something about it that is satisfying in the most primal way. I take great pride in knowing that my children and soon enough, my grandchild can provide for themselves that way. When I'm making a pot of chili on a cold day in February, I will stand at my stovetop reflecting on some of the conversations or funny stories that were told during the packaging of that meat months before. I’ll smile and giggle a bit thinking about my daughter knocking my coffee cup down and coffee splattering her in the face while in the midst of hoisting one of our bucks up onto the gambrel. When I am making tacos in May, I’ll pull a package of ground deer meat out of the freezer, see Kylie’s writing on the label and think about Oaklynn dancing in her playpen to the music we had blasting while we were butchering it, just like her mama used to. When I make a roast in August, I’ll smile thinking about some silly remark made that day way back in October. What I am saying is, bring the outdoors in, embrace it all! It means so much more than antler towel racks and candle holders. It means bringing the experience of the hunt, rewards of the hard work, and diligence of the field to table process into my everyday lifestyle. It also means finishing the day with a fabulous meal that is filled every step of the way with fun family experiences and ends with a satisfied full belly at my table. This Outdoor Gal brings the outdoors in, with a thankful heart, messy home, and full freezer! Happy Holidays Y'all!

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written by Shannon ellis

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from my childhood was going to see Christmas lights. On Christmas night my mom, aunts, brothers, cousins, and I piled into the covered back cabin of my uncle’s pickup with pillows and blankets while my dad, uncle, and cousin Sam sat in the front. Uncle Albert drove us to Turner Falls to see the Christmas lights while we sang Christmas carols at the top of our voices in the back. Christmas lights have the whimsy, charm, wonder, and romance of the season, and now that I am older, my husband and I agree that seeing a great display is integral to our holiday festivities. Our state has several wonderful displays, but one of our favorites is Purcell’s Lights from the Heart. We often drive through Purcell to visit my parents in Ada or my in-laws in Pauls Valley. Adequately dubbed the “Heart of the Oklahoma,” Purcell is located on Interstate 35 south of Oklahoma City, in the center, the heart, of the state. Purcell’s Lights from the Heart is easy for us to get to on our way home from holiday visiting. This year, 2021, is the fourteenth year of Lights from the Heart. City officials began the display in 2007. Lights from the Heart is an asset to Purcell, and Parks Director, John Blue gives all the credit to the city’s electric and street departments for the hard work of setting up the lights. Their work includes putting up two and a half miles of lights surrounding the Purcell City Lake. At the entrance, viewers are greeted by volunteers from various local businesses, organizations, churches, or families. Photo opportunities are available for selfie takers, and hot chocolate and kettle corn are sold from the concessions. On Saturday nights, Santa stops by to say “Hello.” The drive around the city lake includes skiing polar bears, juggling teddy bears, gnomes, flying pigs and a magical, colorful tunnel of light. The drive through display begins on Thanksgiving Eve and lasts until New Year’s Eve from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Participants have the opportunity to give a donation at the entrance. OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

107 N. Main St. in Sand Springs 918-514-0045

WWW.OKIESPICEANDTRADE.COM

Editor’s Choice

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The winter months can bring with them some unique skin and hair challenges. As the weather and seasons change, so do our skin and hair. Dry hair and skin are the most common issues.

BEAUTY PAGE

Follow these easy tips for relief! -H2O! Staying hydrated goes a long way to keeping our skin and hair healthy, not to mention the wonderful health benefits to the rest of our body. -Swap your shampoo and conditioner to a more hydrating or nourishing blend.

- Cut back on your styling days. Less heat damage now will pay dividends later! - Adjust your skincare routine. Maybe you need a more nourishing cleanser or a heavier moisturizer.

CONTRIBUTED

AFTER FX SPA & SALON

-SPF! It wouldn’t be a self care column if -Leave-In conditioners can be applied as needed we didn’t mention the importance of SPF. to keep your hair deeply hydrated. Prevention is key when it comes to healthy skin you love! Oh, and don’t forget to reapply every -Grab your favorite hat or beanie to protect few hours to keep the protection going. not only your locks but your skin as well! Plus you’ll look extra chic. Even in the winter the -Those relaxing hot showers can leave our skin sun can cause damage. feeling dry and lackluster. Applying a hydrating body mist after towel drying can make a huge difference in your body lotion absorption.

Not sure exactly what you need this winter season? Call and book your complimentary skin care or hair care consultation today! The highly talented team at After FX Spa & Salon are here to help you achieve the skin and hair of your dreams! Stop by and check out the high-end luxury setting they’ve created in the heart of southern Broken Arrow. OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

OKIE CHARMED - WINTER 2021

Christmas Treats

by Cindy Lockstone

Thelma’s Green Chile and Cheese Pie

by Shannon Ellis

Grandma’s Homemade

Dressing & Stuffing

by Sharen Smith

Smoked Meatloaf

by Tamara Skipworth

Ingredients:

Approximately 8 C. of dried bread cubes

1 C. chopped onion

2 C. chopped celery

Sage, salt, pepper (to taste)

6 C. of chicken/turkey broth

3 tablespoons fresh parsley

3 eggs beaten

2 Tbsp. butter

1. Saute the celery and onion in butter until slightly tender. Add sage, parsley, salt and pepper and stir. Bring broth to boil and add the celery/onion mixture. Boil for fi e minutes. Pour over bread and mix well. Let cool. Next add beaten eggs. If too thick, you can add more broth or milk. 2. Mixture should be sloppy. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 degrees until semi-firm in the center, but not too dry. *Additions: my grandmother always liked to add giblets to the mixture, but I prefer to leave them out. I like using a half cornbread and half bread mixture to the dressing base and dotting the top of the mixture with additional butter.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of ground beef 2 pounds of ground deer 1 McCormick Meatloaf seasoning packet 1 Onion Soup seasoning packet 1 chopped onion

½ cup Italian seasoned Bread Crumbs 1 egg 1tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder Homeland brand Cattleman’s Ranch seasoning

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl using your hands to make sure all of the meat is blended well and seasoning is evenly distributed. 2. Form into 2 loaves and sprinkle generously with the Cattleman’s Ranch seasoning. Place it on the smoker and keep the temperature at a steady 250 degrees with a heavy rolling smoke. 3. I like my big Ole Oklahoma Joe smoker and used split pecan weed and mesquite chips. Smoke for about 75-90 minutes all together. After about an hour I use a basting brush and brushed honey bbq sauce on the top and sides. I normally brush it with sauce a couple of times and then at the end get your heat up to about 300 degrees to caramelize the bbq sauce. Remove from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup sugar

1 package (6 oz., 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup butterscotch chips

6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal

1. Place corn syrup and sugar into a 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside. 2. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let stand until firm. ut into 2 x 1-inch bars when cool. Note: Before measuring the corn syrup, coat your measuring cup with cooking spray--the syrup will pour easily out of the cup.

Ingredients:

1 ½ C shredded jack cheese

1 C half and half

1 C shredded cheddar

3 slightly beaten eggs

cheese

¼ tsp salt

Prepared pie crust

⅛ tsp cumin (optional)

1 4oz. Can of chopped green chiles, drained

Sprinkle all the jack cheese and half the cheddar cheese over the bottom of the partially cooked pie shell. Distribute the chiles over the cheese. Beat half and half with eggs, salt, and cumin till blended; pour into pie crust. Sprinkle remaining cheddar over filling. Bake in 325 degrees oven for 40 minutes or until the center of pie is set. Shake gently to test. Let stand about 15 minutes before cutting.

OKIE CHARMED - FALL 2021 17

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