McAlester Living Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018

McAlester living A DOCTOR in a different vein

festivals

EVENT PLANNING

Summer

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McAlester living NEWS-CAPITAL NEWS EDITOR

Adrian O’Hanlon iii EDITORIAL DESIGNER

Marsha Erwin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kevin Harvison MANAGING EDITOR

James Beaty EDITORIAL STAFF

Lacey Sudderth Derrick James SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Johns Heather Scott Connie Poole ADVERTISING STAFF Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, is joined by Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby, left, in Hayes’s McAlester office as they perform procedures utilizes during the treatment of venous medical issues.

Photo provided by Heather Scott LaMon Photography

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Reina Owens Connie Poole Jana Weddle K atina Legg

SUMMER 2018

CONTENTS TSET Healthy Living Program

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Top 10 Nature Songs

50

About Town

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A DOCTOR IN A DIFFERENT VEIN

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ROBBERS CAVE

SUMMER FESTIVALS

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FOODIE AT HEART

EVENT PLANNING

NT NNING

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Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, is shown with Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby as they perform a patient-prepping procedure for a venous medical treatment at Hayes’ McAlester office.

Heather Scott | Contributed Photo MCALESTER LIVING

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“W HE N YOU GO TO A D OCTOR, THE D OCTOR’S NOT GOI NG TO LOOK AT YOU R LE GS , U NLE S S Y OU B RI NG I T TO THE I R A TTE NTI ON” — M A RTI N HA YE S

A DOCTOR

in a different vein

Author: James Beaty | MANAGING EDITOR

Martin Hayes is a doctor in a different vein.

Most people don’t think about prob-

pronounced Venus, just like the planet,

What they did know is that some of

lems with their blood vessels until

and refers to blood veins.)

the blood vessels in their legs were

they have an issue with them. That’s

In a typical case, Hayes can treat the

growing larger, as in varicose veins,

when Dr. Hayes can offer a solution to

condition beginning with an incision

and seemed to be branching out and

a problem some patients didn’t know

that’s about the size needed to inset

spreading, as in spider veins, both

existed until visiting his office at the

an IV, he said, referring to intravenous

typical with people who have Venous

Warren Clinic in McAlester.

therapy.

Disease. Other symptoms include

Hayes is a general surgeon with

It’s a procedure he said can benefit a

from the top of the ankle to about

hospital privileges at the McAlester

patient’s general health and quality

midway up the calf. Some suffering

Regional Health Center. He performs

of life, since both varicose and spider

from Venous Disease say their feet or

a number of surgical procedures at

veins are indicative of Venous Disease.

legs hurt, burn or itch, although the

the facility, but one day every week he

Some of the patients he sees have had

condition can be concentrated in a

devotes to treating what is medically

the condition for years — although

single foot or leg.

known as Venous Disease. (Venous is

they were not aware of it by name.

discoloration of the lower leg, usually

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In severe cases, the skin becomes inflamed and produces ulcers that resemble an infected area. However, unless the ulcer itself becomes infected by an outside agent, the condition is not a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics, according to Hayes. Rather, it’s a condition caused by inflammation.

“It can get infected, because it’s an open wound,” Hayes said — but since the wound stems from inflammation, he said an infection is not the source of the problem.

Often, conditions related to Venous Disease remain undiagnosed by a patient’s regular physician — who usually doesn’t examine a patient’s legs unless told there’s a reason to do so.

“When you go to a doctor, the doctor’s not going to look at your legs, unless you bring it to their attention,” Hayes said. When the patient’s initial doctor does become aware of a problem in the legs, it’s not unusual for that doctor to refer the patient to Hayes.

“About half of my patients are referrals,” he said.

Heather Scott | Contributed Photo

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Dr. John Martin Hayes used a local anesthesia prior to treating venous issues on a patient.

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The condition is caused by what’s

Hayes said the valves in the blood vessels in the leg, when performing normally,

known in the medical field as

keep the blood that’s supposed to flow up from the legs and back to the heart, from

venous reflux — literally a flowing

back-flowing to the legs due to the law of gravity.

back of blood through the vessels in the legs.

“The valve closes to keep that from happening,” Hayes said. However, if the valve has been stretched or damaged in some other way, it may not close properly, or not at all,

Hayes noted that the blood flow

resulting in the blood pooling in the legs, because it’s unable to follow the blood veins

originates at the heart, goes

back to the heart. That can cause blood veins in the legs to become enlarged. In many

throughout the body and then

cases, skin discolorations occurs, which can range from pinkish to red and brown.

returns. Blood vessels have valves

Swelling of the legs can also occur, along with the itching or burning sensations.

that help with the blood flow to and from the heart — but when

Ironically, the foot seems to fare OK throughout the process in many cases. It’s the

those valves don’t operate proper-

portion of the leg above the ankle and below the knee where many of the resultant

ly, because of damage or disease, venous reflux disease can occur.

Here’s what the California Pacific

problems occur.

“It tends to be around the ankle,” Hayes said. “The veins in the foot are still working.”

Hayes said the order of symptoms typically proceed along the followings track:

Medical Center says about the condition on its website.

“Venous reflux disease develops

• Spider veins.

• Varicose veins.

when the valves that keep the blood flowing out of the legs and

• Edema (swelling).

back to the heart become damaged or diseased. This can cause blood

• Inflammation, skin discoloration.

to pool in your legs and leads to symptoms such as pain, swollen

• Healed ulcer.

limbs, leg heaviness and fatigue, skin changes and skin ulcers and

• Active ulcer.

varicose veins.”

“ V EN O U S REF LU X D I S E A SE D E V E LOP S W HE N THE V A LV ES T H A T KE E P THE B LOOD FLOWI NG OU T O F T HE LEG S A ND B A CK TO THE HE A RT B E COM E D A M A G ED O R DI S E A SE D ” — M A RTI N HA YE S

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Courtesy Photos MCALESTER LIVING  

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Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, makes a point to Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby, left, while Hamby uses an ultrasound device to pinpoint a problem area in a blood vein.

Heather Scott | Contributed Photo

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Even with people with

vein and produces heat,

varicose veins and spider

which Hayes likened to

veins, most of the veins

a microwave oven pop-

are still normal, according

ping popcorn. “It has an

to Hayes, although the

antenna and a metal coil,”

healthier veins may not be

he said. The procedure uti-

visible from the surface.

lizes a radio wave to heat the equipment at the vein’s

Hayes said he’s taken addi-

trouble spot.

tional courses of medical The treatment When Hayes attended medical school in the mid-tolate 1980s, a procedure known as venous stripping was the norm for treating Venous Disease.

study since graduation

Through the procedure,

and he is a fellow with

the problem vein causing

the American College of

the “leakage,” or the re-

Surgeons.

verse flow reflux of blood back to the legs instead of

That procedure called for removing the vein that appeared to be abnormal. “In the old operation, venous stripping, they would take it out,” Hayes said of the damaged or diseased vein. That was not seen as causing a problem with the blood flow.

“It’s like going down the street,” Hayes said. If one street is closed because of a water main break or another problem, you take another street and continue to your destination. Likewise, the blood in the leg will simply

Hayes works with

up to the heart, is seared

ultrasound technician

together through the heat-

Kevin Hamby, who uses

ing process. That enables

high tech equipment to

the blood flow to find

locate the trouble spot in

another vein — or another

the veins — and makes

street, to use the analogy

it possible for Hayes to

of the closed road — back

pinpoint the area he

to the heart.

treats through a procedure known as radio frequency ablation.

take a different route through another vein, he said.

“We use a local anesthesia, so they don’t feel the heat,” said Hayes.

During the ClosureFast procedure used by Hayes,

How long does the proce-

he makes a small incision

dure take on average?

no larger than that needed to insert an IV. A tube,

“About 20 minutes per vein,”

which is up to 100 cen-

Hayes said. If a person

timeters long, is inserted

has several damaged or

into the vein through the

diseased veins, Hayes typ-

newly-made incision.

ically does not do multiple procedures on one day.

Attached to the tube

Also, if a patient has a bad

is piece of equipment

vein or veins in both legs,

connected to the catheter that enters the troubled

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“We generally do one leg at a time,” Hayes said

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Ultrasound Technician Keith Hamby, left, uses ultrasound equipment to help locate the trouble spot in a vein while Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, stands by and interacts with the patient.

Heather Scott | Contributed Photos

Dr. John Martin Hayes uses a local anesthesia prior to treating venous medical issue on a patient.

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How does the recovery typically go?

S T O R Y

“People that have leg pain because of their occupation should give them a try,” Hayes suggested.

“They have some soreness along the vein,” Hayes said of patients treated with the pro-

Even people with normal blood flows can benefit from wearing

cedure. Because nurses often have to spend

compression stockings art certain times, such as when trave-

long periods of time on their feet alongside

ling on a long trip when they won’t be able to move their legs

doctors, Hayes has performed the procedure

around much, Hayes noted.

on several of them who’ve developed problems in their veins.

“If you’re traveling, they can help,” he said.

Speaking of the recovery time, Hayes said

Moving around from time-to-time could help keep the blood

“I’ve had nurses come in during the morning

flowing the way it should. The problem is not being constantly

and then do their evening shift.”

on your feet, but being on your feet — or sitting — for long periods of time in a stationary condition.

At-risk Those who are at at-risk for Venous Disease include individuals who sit or stand

“Walking helps; developing the calf muscle helps,” Hayes said.

“That helps push the blood back up.”

in a stationary spot for long periods of

That’s why a postman, for example, is less likely than his col-

time, such as assembly line workers, those

leagues back at the office to develop a Venous Disease condi-

operating checkout counters, teachers, truck

tion. The constant motion helps with the blood flow.

drivers and office workers. The list is long, and includes women who are pregnant in some cases. The more pregnancies, the more

“People who walk a lot don’t tend to have the puddles,” Hayes said.

likely the veins are to stretch out, according to Hayes.

Hayes noted there are many veins in the legs. Only a small percentage of them are concentrated along the legs’ surface,

Can those suffering a milder form of the

where varicose veins and spider veins are visible.

condition do anything to help themselves, short of surgery?

Performing the procedure has become a sort of family tradiHayes mentioned several things, including

tion. Hayes’ brother operates the Vein Center of North Texas

sitting with one’s feet elevated. “Get in the

in Sherman. Hayes figured that he’s performed the procedure

recliner and crank it back,”he suggested.

thousands of times and noted his brother recently completed

(If anyone needs another reason to hit the

his 10,000th procedure.

recliner and elevate the footrest, there it is.) Another thing that’s been found to help is wearing compression stockings or socks.

Although some may think of varicose veins and spider veins as primarily a cosmetic problem, that’s far from the case as far as

Asked about the compression socks, Hayes

Hayes is concerned.

pulled his pants leg above the top of his cowboy boots. Since, as a surgeon, he must stand in one spot for a certain length of

“That’s a very minimum part,” Hayes said. “That’s not what I got into it for. I got into it because it’s a very common condition

time, Hayes often wears the compression

and treatment is available.”

gear himself.

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V IS IT

H IS T O R IC A L

W IL BU R T O N

Visit Historical Wilburton

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V IS IT

H IS T O R IC A L

W IL BU R T O N

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We go the extra mile to ensure you receive the friendly service, low prices and pharmacy expertise you deserve.

Pharmacy Hours Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-2pm

ROY’S Discount Pharmacy MCALESTER LIVING

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621 HWY. 2 North Wilburton, OK 74578 (918)-465-0111 Fax: (918) 465-0015

R O BBE R S

C A V E

ROBBERS CAVE offers outdoor getaway Author: Derrick James | STAFF WRITER

R ob b ers Cave St ate Park i n Wi lb u r t o n i s k n own as a “ hi dde n ge m ” — o ffe ri ng lo cals a n d travel e rs ali ke a s ce ni c natu re get away.

The lore with the cave is associated as a place where

buildings that were used as headquarters for different

Civil War deserters and outlaws — such as the legend-

scout troops. The site was named Camp Tom Hale in

ary Jessie James, the Younger Brothers Gang, the Dal-

honor of a McAlester businessman and supporter of

ton Gang, the Rufus Buck Gang, and Belle Starr — hid

the Boy Scouts.

from the law.

In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps Company According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the or-

1825 was organized at the park and under the super-

igins of the park began in 1929 when Wilburton news-

vision of the National Parks Service, built a bath-

paper editor and state representative Carlton Weaver

house, cabins, trials, group camps, shelters, and roads

donated 120 acres of land that surround the cave to

throughout the park.

the Boy Scouts of America for use as a camp.

John Narvall, then warden of the McAlester State Penitentiary, arranged for a group of inmates to improve the site for the Boy Scouts to use. The inmates used locally-quarried rock to build a kitchen and several

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After a 1936 name change from Latimer State Park to Robbers Cave State Park, the CCC and the Works Progress Administration created Lake Carlton, named in honor of Carlton Weaver.

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Photos provided by Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

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Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Southeast Regional Manager Merle Cox said the park currently offers activities for everyone who is planning a getaway.

“We have the paddle boats, the kayaks, aqua water cycles, a swim beach, a pool during the summer, riding stables that have guided tour rides, the trails that go around the cave and through the park, cave tours, and other guided tours and hikes,” Cox said.

According to Cox, the park also has 26 cabins, two yurts, a lake hut, and a 20-room lodge available to rent. The park also has 85 RV sites, primitive campgrounds, and two equestrian campgrounds where people can bring horses and ride the more than 70 miles of trails in the park.

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“TH E P A RK IS R E L AT IV ELY LA ID B ACK , W E D O N ’ T H AVE M U C H AC TI V IT Y IN TE R M S O F LA W E N FO R C EM ENT ” — M E R LE C O X

For the all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts, new trails and campgrounds have been put in place.

“The trails have been open for a little over a year,” Cox said. “We just installed an ATV campground and even though there isn’t water yet, there are electric pedestals at each of the 26 sites.”

Cox said that the campgrounds make it easy for people to unload their ATV, side by side or even Jeeps to ride the 240 acres of different trails that have been made for off-roaders.

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On why Robbers Cave is different than other state parks, Cox said that most of the clientele that comes to the park like the outdoors and respects the outdoors and has very little issues.

“The park is relatively laid back, we don’t have much activity in terms of law enforcement, most of our major incidents are going out and finding people lost on the trail or someone that gets injured,” Cox said.

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Upcoming events for the park include the seventh annual Friends of Robbers Cave Antique Tractor & Implement Show held on June 30, 2018. With live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and activities for all ages.

A “Parade of Power” will be held at 2 p.m. with awards given to first, second, and third place, in addition to people’s choice awards in numerous categories.

Cardboard Boat Races on Carlton Lake will be held August 11. The annual and free event begins with judging at 11:30 a.m. with a free hot dog lunch at noon, followed by the races at 1 p.m.

There will be first-, second- and third-place awards given in three age categories: 12 and under, ages 13-17 and 18 and older. There will also be awards for best design and the “Titanic Award.” For cardboard boat rules and regulations, call the park office at 918-465-2562.

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The largest event that is held at Robbers Cave State Park is the annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival — which is scheduled to be held October 19-21. The three-day annual festival features handmade arts and crafts, quilt show, carnival games and rides, plus a variety of music and food vendors. The Fall Foliage Cruise takes place on October 20, featuring hundreds of restored and customized cars.

Cox says some of his fondest memories of the park have occurred during the festival.

“You get to see a lot of different people, between 70-80,000 people attend the three-day event and it’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of reward.”

For more information, the park office can be reached at 918-4652562 or toll-free at 1-800-654-8240.

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D IN IN G

IN

MC A L E S T E R

summer dining in

McAlester

summer MCALESTER LIVING  

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IN

r eats MCALESTER LIVING  

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S U M ME R

F E S T IV A L S

festivals MCALESTER, SURROUNDING AREAS OFFER VARIETY OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES Author: Lacey Sudderth | STAFF WRITER

Summer is fast approaching — which means people are look ing for fun and interesting activities to do with the whole family.

summ

The city of McAlester Tourism office has a growing list of events for its 2018 event calendar,

which means there will be new and exciting things to do with your family all summer long — right here at home.

McAlester features two cultural festivals each summer which include the annual Italian Festival

held in May and CultureFest in September, both geared toward showcasing the wonders that various different cultures have to offer.

Lovera’s Handcrafted Food Market in Krebs now features a monthly event known as “Second Saturday” where event-goers can experience handcrafted arts and crafts as well as a special cheese tour showcasing Lovera’s award-winning cheeses.

Old Town McAlester hosts a flea market every month where antique lovers can find hidden gems such as vintage handmade furniture items and more.

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F E S T IV A L S

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Staff File Photo

S U MME R

A C T IV IT IE S

second Here is a short summary of some these

“This is to celebrate our culture,” Rachel

events you and your family can look for-

Duffy said. “The Italians that came to

ward to in the upcoming months.

Krebs were gardeners and artists and

it was everything they were about. I

SECOND SATURDAY

think producing has become a dying

The “Maker’s Market” in Krebs is a way

for locals to have the chance to experi-

ence the culture and art of southeastern Oklahoma, according to event organizers

art and if we get this going and get the

community involvement the kids are

“WE W AN T T O

going to carry it on.”

Shawn and Rachel Duffy, of Krebs.

The event will be held at Lovera’s Handcrafted Food Market in Krebs—also

Shawn Duffy said there will be a wide

variety of vendors that will sell items

known as the Little Italy of Oklahoma

that include plants, baked goods,

and is free to the public on the second

hand-made jewelry, cheeses, paint-

Saturday of each month until October from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shawn Duffy has been the head cheesemaker at Lovera’s since 2008 and said

event-goers will be able to participate in

two Lovera’s cheese tours — the first tour

at 10 a.m. and the second tour at 2 p.m.

cheeses and give the community a chance to try it by offering a behind the scenes look at how we craft our cheeses and sample our finest selections,” Shawn Duffy said.

Duffy added during the event, event-goers will also be able to shop for local produce, arts and crafts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from local farmers, gardeners, artists and artisans as well as listen to live musical entertainment and watch live art demon-

S UCCES S O F O U R CHEES ES AND GI V E

THE COMM U NI T Y A CHA NC E T O T R Y IT BY OF F ER I NG

“We have exciting things planned for

A BEHIND T H E

satur each month including a “Jamboree”

for October—which will have several local musicians present,” Rachel

Duffy said. “We are involving people

“We want to promote the success of our

strations.

ings and more.

PROM OT E T H E

of all ages so we can help educate the

public of all the amazing artists and

musicians in our community that they might not know about.”

Shawn Duffy said those wishing to

participate in the cheese tour must register at www.loverasmarket.com/ events.

For more information contact Lovera’s Market at 918-423-2842.

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S CENES L O O K AT HOW W E CR AF T

OUR CHEES ES

AND S AMPL E O U R

FINES T S EL ECT I O NS ”

—S HAW N DU F F Y

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A C T IV IT IE S

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A C T IV IT IE S

“WE A RE ADDI NG CH ALKFEST WH IC H WIL L HA VE FOUR AGE DI VI SI O N S. EVEN T G OER S W I LL B E AB LE T O W A TC H TH E A R TISTS W ORK ON T HEI R P I ECE S DU R IN G THE EVENT ” — MARY HELFE N BE IN

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alkfest S U MME R

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CULTUREFEST

The sixth annual CultureFest is set for Satur-

Cajun, Chinese, Mexican and Italian food

day, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, in down-

trucks at the event as well as traditional fes-

town McAlester, featuring everything from

tival foods, according to Helfenbein.

music and dancers to food, arts and crafts

and for the first time this year, a German vil-

Helfenbein said the event is partnering with

lage.

Parents Club Inc. to bring the first “ChalkFest” art contest to the event this year.

The event is set to begin on Saturday at 11 a.m. and extend until 9 p.m., and Sunday from

“We are adding ChalkFest which will have

noon to 4 p.m., said CultureFest Event and

four age divisions,” she said.

Entertainment Chairman Mary Helfenbein.

Helfenbein said chalk artists will have a

“This event is something our community

chance to meet professional artists who will

should be really proud of,” Helfenbein said.

demonstrate concrete drawing techniques

“CultureFest lets people experience each oth-

and other useful information.

er’s cultures in an educational and fun way. It brings us all together.”

“Event goers will be able to watch the artists work on their pieces during the event,”

Helfenbein said belly dancers, a Mexican

Helfenbein said.

music group and several varieties of music and dance from other cultures are expected

The awards will be handed out on Sunday for

at the festival this year.

the best chalk art, she added.

With all of the entertainment presented free

“ C U LTU R E FES T LETS PEOPLE E X P E RI E N CE

of charge, the only cost to those attending the

E AC H OTH E R ’ S C U L T URE S I N A N

event comes from food and vendor products.

E DU C ATION AL AN D FU N WA Y . I T B RI N GS U S ALL TOG E TH E R .” — MAR Y H E L F E N B E I N

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Germany S U MME R

A C T IV IT IE S

Helfenbein said she is most excited to introduce the German village this year.

“The global village has been my vision for the future,” she said. “Germany will be our first country.”

Helfenbein said the village will consist of German food products, German decorations, educational information and exhibits as well as a German band and dancers.

cultu

“ T HE G LO B A L V I LLA GE HA S B E E N M Y V IS IO N F OR THE FU TU RE . GE RM A NY W ILL BE O U R FI RS T COU NTRY” — M A RY HELF ENB EI N

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ny

S U MME R

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The German village backdrop will be painted by artists featured in the McArt Gallery of Fine Art on Choctaw Avenue.

“Each year we will add a new country to the global village,” Helfenbein said. “We are very excited and this has been our goal from the beginning we just had to generate more interest.”

lturefest MCALESTER LIVING

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festivals Helfenbein said she feels CultureFest is getting more attention and people are starting to get excited about the

event more and more each year.

“We want to see this educational and fun festival grow more and more,” Helfenbein said.

She added if anyone is interested in volunteering, sponsoring or becoming a vendor to visit the CultureFest website at www.culturefestok.wix/mcalesterculturefest.

The CultureFest event is put together by the efforts of The

McAlester Area Arts and Humanities Council and volunteers and the CultureFest committee meets the first Tues-

day of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the McAlester Tourism office at 119 E. Choctaw Ave in downtown McAlester.

Other summer activities

The city of McAlester Tourism office provides an event calendar each year to keep the community updated on all the events happening in or around McAlester.

June activities

Classic Car Show and Poker Run is set for Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, at Sam Wampler’s Freedom Ford in

McAlester.

Sunbelt Classic baseball tournament is set for Friday, June 8, to Wednesday, June 13, at Mike Deak Field in McAlester.

summer July activities

McAlester Independence Day Fireworks show is set for

Wednesday, July 4, at the McAlester Expo Center.

For a full list of events, visit the “community calendar” tab at www.cityofmcalester.com.

“W E W A N T T O S EE T HI S E DUC A T IO N A L A N D F UN FE S TIV A L G R O W M O R E A ND MO R E” — M A R Y HELF ENB E I N

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Keeping McAlester Healthy

OHH named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals The prestigious Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® annual awards program has named Oklahoma Heart Hospital as one of the highest-performing cardiovascular hospitals in the nation.

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(HEART)

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McAlester, OK 74501 Congratulations to the physicians and staff of our local 918-558-2901 McAlester clinic on being part of this top honor.

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McAlester Clinic (Heart) McAlester, OK 74501

McAlester Clinic (Adult Medicine)

721 S. George Nigh Exp. | Suite 1 721918-558-2908 S. George Nigh Exp. | Suite A McAlester, 74501 McAlester, 74501 YOUR OK HOMETOWN HEART CARE TEAM | OK (From left) Jinok Chung, DO; Naveed Ahmed, MD; 918-558-2908 918-558-2901 Derek Norman, MD; Shujahat Shah, MD ADULT MEDICINE | (Far right) Jennifer Brewer, NP

YOUR HOMETOWN HEART CARE TEAM | (From left) Jinok Chung, DO;

okheart.com Naveed Ahmed, MD; Derek Norman, MD; Shujahat Shah, MD

ADULT MEDICINE | (Far right) Jennifer Brewer, NP

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“I LI KE TO CONS U LT WI TH PE OP LE A ND HE LP THE M P U T THI NG S TOGE THE R” — D E E D E E B A LL

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DETAILS

among important aspects of event planning Author: Adrian O’Hanlon III | NEWS EDITOR

Communication is key in event planning.

Deedee Ball owns McAlester-based Ball Designs, which offers event planning services for weddings, graduations, parties, gender reveal parties and more.

She said in her 20 years as an event planner, she has collected linens, plates, crystal and other items that might be good for certain events to offer the best experience possible.

“I like to consult with people and help them put things together,” Ball said. “I love it so much that I dream about it, you know, I think of it and I’ll have to wake up and like write some notes down, but I’ll dream about an idea or colors or something unique. It’s just my passion.

A picture of her in fourth grade in a puffy blouse setting a Thanksgiving table was an early indication of her passion.

Now she said communication with people about their vision of an event is key to making it a reality.

She said discussing ideas for an event with the client helps her get a better picture of how to bring that dream to life.

Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos

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Color coordination is important in event planning — but so is staying under budget.

Ball said her ideas of mixing glass and silver pieces in combination with budget restriction sometimes lead her to using what venues have in store or her own pieces she has collected over the years.

However, she also optimizes charm at an event by thinking about the details.

When planning for a recent wedding reception, Ball said she added little, thoughtful items to help the event be a little more memorable.

“I’ll make mental lists all the time,” Ball said. “So say it’s hot and everyone’s coming in from outside and the ladies are going into the bathroom … so I thought I’d put it in the ladies’ bathroom, some little refreshing things.”

Ball said she put spray-on antiperspirant and a candle in the bathroom, but also wanted to have “a little something” for management and cucumber wipes.

“I L IKE MAKI NG SURE T HAT TH E

For other events, Ball said she sometimes

PEO PLE T H E P ART Y’S FOR A R E

asks more talkative people to insert some conversation into a part of the room that

HA V IN G A GOOD T I ME B ECAU S E

seems a little quiet to help everyone have

SOM ET I MES T HEY’RE NOT —

a good time.

J U ST MAKI NG SURE AB SOLU TELY EV ER YB ODY I S ENJOYI NG I T ” — D EED EE B ALL

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What’s top priority when planning a wedding?

But plans sometimes go awry — like when Ball’s air conditioning quit working before she was set to host a baby shower — so she always tries to be prepared.

“I just feel like it’s my job to make sure that the couple’s very

“Sometimes I’ll have something really, really planned out in

happy with everything that they’ve asked me to do and then

detail and then all of a sudden something falls through,” Ball

to take it a step further and I want their guests to talk to them

said. “I like coming up with Plan B, Plan C — like to stay calm

about how much they enjoyed their reception, where they’re

in the moment. I just feel like … all of the different things I’ve

ready,” Ball said. “If someone has some plans, they’re engaged

done through the years, I feel like I can help problem solve

and they’re getting married next year, you start to break down

through special events that are really important.”

the timeline.

She gave another example of when she hosted high schoolers

She said the timeline spreadsheet usually starts with booking

for prom pictures and their boutonnieres “weren’t right,” so

a venue, then a photographer, then coordinating dates before

Ball pivoted to solve the problem.

much more.

“I just went out in our backyard and cut some of the stuff

What if things go wrong?

down,” Ball said of fixing the boutonnieres.

“If things go wrong, I want to be the buffer — the mediator,

So are all clients hands-on or just provide guidelines?

the one who can help solve it,” Ball said. “So the bride isn’t stressed out over something that was beyond her control.”

“It depends on what they want,” Ball said. “Some people just want some ideas and they want to do it themselves. Some people want you to do all of it because they don’t want to do any of it and they just want to know that it’s taken care of and say ‘call when you need a credit card.’”

“I LIK E COM ING UP WITH PL AN B , PLAN C — LIK E TO S TAY CAL M IN THE M OM ENT. I JUS T F EEL L I K E … ALL OF THE D IFFERENT T H I NGS I’VE DONE THROUGH T H E Y EAR S , I FEEL LIK E I CAN HELP PR O B L EM S OLVE THROUGH S PECI AL EV ENT S THA T A RE REA LLY IM POR T ANT ” — DEED EE BALL Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos

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PR O G R A M

Pittsburg County TSET Healthy Living Program awards 105 at annual event Author: Lacey Sudderth | STAFF WRITER

The Pittsburg County TSET Healthy Living Program held its annual partner recognition event at the First United Methodist Church in McAlester on Thursday, May 24.

TSET stands for Tobacco Settlement Endowment

Pittsburg County Health Department Regional Di-

Trust which serves as a partner and bridge build-

rector D’Elbie Walker said it was an honor to look

er for organizations working towards shaping a

across the room at the crowd of leaders who attend-

healthier future for all Oklahomans, according to

ed the event.

the organization’s website.

“As I look across the room I see community leaders The event was intended to show recognition to

and change agents — each one of you is making a

schools, congregations, nonprofits and businesses

huge impact in these sectors that these ladies work

in Pittsburg County that have incorporated healthy

in daily,” Walker said referring to the TSET wellness

living policies or promoted healthier living in their

coordinators.

communities, according to TSET Wellness Coordinator Michelle Mabray who opened the event by

Some community leaders present during the event

recognizing those who have contributed to the pro-

included City Manager Pete Stasiak, McAlester

gram.

Public Schools Superintendent Randy Hughes, Indianola Public Schools Superintendent Adam New-

“Without your dedication, our work would not be

man and District 3 County Commissioner Ross

possible,” she said.

Selman.

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Compass Capital Management CEO and founding member of the TSET Board of Investors Jimmy Williams

Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos

Walker emphasized TSET’s involvement in helping

Williams spoke about community involvement and

create healthy communities where people want to live.

the importance of partnerships.

Williams used his “Capability Multiplier” which is

“As we focus on different communities and towns

taking initiative, valuing everyone, self confidence,

across the state and across the nation that are healthy

fostering innovation and networking as an example

— many people look for a community that is healthy to

of how community members can get involved.

move to — these ladies work diligently to make Pittsburg County one of the healthi-

“ C OMMU N ITY

est communities in the state

DE VE LOPME N T STAR TS

and with your help we will

WITH AC TION . IT TAK ES

continue to do that,” Walker said.

Compass Capital Management CEO and founding member of the TSET Board of

BOOTS ON TH E G R OU N D

“We have to value everyone,” he said. “We have to take initiative on actions and have self-confidence and maintain it through our leadership. We also have to be innovative and

FOR S OME TH IN G WE

foster that innovation and

DES IR E TO OC C U R ” —

take ownership and promote

JIMMY WILLIAMS

Investors Jimmy Wil-

what our projects are that are good for our community and the state and lastly, we

liams served as the keynote

must enhance our capability

speaker during the event.

through networking with others who have capabilities better than our own.”

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TSET

“I T’S V I TA LLY I M PORTA NT T O HAVE A COM M U NI TY THA T I S T HRIVIN G ” — JI M M Y WI LLI A M S

Williams

also

during the summertime

congregations, individu-

sized the purpose of

because the community

als, schools and nonprof-

TSET, which is to help the

provides things to do to

its who have contributed

citizens and youth of the

keep children active.

community

empha-

state of Oklahoma — be-

come healthier.

“Community

to the wellness of the

—and the

community and incorpo-

“It’s vitally important to

rated healthy living poli-

have a community that

cies or promoted health-

is thriving,” he said. “It is

ier living.

develop-

important to have things

ment starts with action,”

for the kids to do that is

Pride In McAlester Exec-

Williams told the audi-

positive entertainment.”

utive Director Stephanie

ence. “It takes boots on

Giacomo was awarded

the ground for some-

Williams concluded in

the 2018 “Hero of Health”

thing we desire to occur.”

saying the community

award.

must have vision.

Williams spoke about the

“Thank you for always be-

health issues in the com-

“If we don’t have a vision

lieving in our organiza-

munity and how having

in our leadership we will

tion,” Mabray told Giaco-

vision and community

perish,” he said. “If we

mo. “Every time we have

partnerships can help al-

don’t train those in the

an idea you are the first

leviate those issues.

next generation to gain

person we go to. Thank

that same vision and

you for sharing our mis-

“We have issues with obe-

have the confidence to

sion to create a healthy

sity and cancer that are

create what their goal is

and sustainable commu-

even attacking the youth

for our community, we

nity, from grant writing

of our day,” Williams

will perish.”

to project planning and

said. “If we really want

supporting policy and

a community that is the

Wellness

Coordinators

advocating and educat-

dream community, we

Mabray, Karlita Lott and

ing our community, you

have to live our passions.”

Courtney

are an amazing asset to

Owen

con-

cluded the event by preWilliams said he truly

senting 105 recognition

loves living in McAlester

awards for businesses,

our community.”

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OH,

THOSE NATURE SONGS Author: James Beaty | MANAGING EDITOR

Ah, those songs about nature. Really, they are not all that plentiful — unless you include songs about the birds and bees, of which there are thousands, if not millions.

While some songs are about the more pleasant aspects of Mother Nature, there are also songs regarding her unleashed fury — and occasionally both aspects of “Ole Mar’m Nature” are covered in the same song. Here then is a group of songs that cover nature, in all of nature’s myriad majesty.

The criteria is that the song has stood the test of time — or is at least beginning to measure up as a timeless standard. Here they are: 1. “Rocky Mountain High” — John Denver Could there really have been another contender as loaded with nature imagery as Denver’s ode to the city from which he took his name?

He changed his name to John Denver from the original John Deutschendorf Jr. after hearing advice that it might be difficult to get a name that long onto a record label.

Denver wrote numerous songs that are peans to nature, but this one, co-written with Mike Taylor, packs them in, with image-on-image of nature’s splendor.

Denver told the story many times about how the song had been inspired when he and some friends were in the Rocky Mountains to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower on what Denver called “a moonless, cloudless night.”

Denver once testified in Washington that those who believe the song is about drugs have obviously never experienced the beauty of the Rocky Mountains for themselves.

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In the song, he details the journey of a

2. “What a Wonderful World” — Louis

young man: “He climbed cathedral moun-

Armstrong

tains; he saw silver clouds below; He saw everything as far as you can see.”

Sometimes the best songs are the sim-

That’s OK with Armstrong though, who

plest. While Armstrong is rightfully cel-

closes the song with the line “Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Denver sings in another verse “Now he

ebrated for his expertise on the trumpet,

walks in quiet solitude, the forest and the

his gravelly voice is also a major part of

streams, Seeking grace in every step he

the American musical experience — one

The song, written by Bob Thiele, using

takes; His sight has turned inside himself

that Armstrong shared with other na-

the pseudonym George Douglas, and by

to try and understand, the serenity of a

tions on his world tours.

co-writer David Weiss, didn’t even make

clear blue mountain lake.”

On what has become one of his most en-

the top 100 in the United States when

during songs, Armstrong plays nary a

released in 1967 — reportedly because

note on his ever-present trumpet, Instead,

an executive at ABC records didn’t like it

Colorado Rocky Mountain high; I’ve seen

he sings backed by an orchestra and cho-

and withheld all promotion. However, in

it raining fire in the sky; The shadows

rus. One part of being a musical genius is

the United Kingdom, where the song had

from the starlight are softer than a lulla-

to know what each song needs. Armstrong

no such obstacles, it shot to number 1 and

by: Rocky Mountain high, Colorado.”

made the right choice with this one, de-

became the top-selling record of 1968 —

It all climaxes with the chorus: “But the

pending solely on his voice to rhapsodize

eclipsing other groups with big hits that

Denver changes the third line of the cho-

about the wonderful things of this world,

year, including The Beatles and The Roll-

rus each time he repeats it, once singing

such as “trees of green and red roses, too.”

ing Stones.

the lines “Talk to God and listen to the casual reply” and on the last verse singing

Ah, but what a voice it is! Satchmo has

“What a Wonderful World” came to the

“I know he’d be a poorer man if he never

long been one of my favorite singers

world’s attention again in 1988 when it

ever! He can convey more emotion in a

was included on the soundtrack to the

single note than many singers do on an

Movie “Good Morning, Vietnam.” This

saw an eagle fly.”

Although the song hit the top 10 in 1973,

entire song. He goes on to sing about see-

time it rose to number 32 on the U.S.

its popularity continues today. In April

ing “Skies of blue and clouds of white; The

charts and has since become a standard

2017 “Rocky Mountain High” earned a

bright blessed day and the dark sacred

—impressive for a song that struggled to

gold certification from the Recording In-

night,” all the time thinking to himself

reach 116 on the charts upon its first U.S.

dustry of America” when its digital down- “What a wonderful world.”

release.

load sales hit 500,000.

Armstrong then switches to the bridge,

Weiss was once quoted as saying he had

singing about how the colors of the rain-

written “What a Wonderful World” with

Shower that inspired the song in the first

bow are also on the faces of the people go-

Armstrong in mind, because of the leg-

place is set to pass by earth again later this

ing by. “I see friends shaking hands, say-

endary singer and trumpeter’s ability to

year, with experts declaring the nights of

ing saying “How do you do? They’re really

bring people together. These many years

August 11-12-13, 2018, as most likely to

saying ‘I love you,’” Armstrong intones,

later, he’s still doing it.

One more thing — the Perseid Meteor

offer an optimum viewing experience —

before closing with some lines about the

hopefully providing people today to expe-

coming generation: “I hear babies cry, I

rience a sort of “Rocky Mountain high” of

watch them grow; They’ll learn much

their own.

more than I’ll ever know,” he said.

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3. “Five Feet High and Rising” — Johnny Cash Nature is about more than flow- “Well, the hives are gone, I’ve lost ers and sunshine — it has another

my bees; The chickens are sleepin’

side too, as Johnny Cash so memo-

in the willow trees, cow’s in water

rably pointed out is his song “Five

up past her knees, three feet high

Feet High and Rising.”

and rising,” Cash sings.

Dire as the situation is though,

Cash’s song is based on a real-life

Cash finds a little humor in it as

incident from his childhood when

the water reaches a depth of four

floodwater threatened, then over-

feet. He sings “Hey come look

took, the family’s Arkansas farm,

through the window pane. The bus

forcing them to flee from the ris-

is coming, gonna take us to the

ing waters.

train, looks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rain, four feet

Cash modulates the song up a key

high and rising.”

with each new verse, symbolic of the rising floodwaters. He also has

When the water’s at the “five feet

to sing each verse a bit higher than

high and rising” level, the fami-

the preceding one, adding a bit of

ly learns the rails are washed out

anxiousness to the record. It’s a

north of town and they’ll all have

masterful use of music, utilizing

to “head for higher ground.”

only Cash’s acoustic guitar, along with the bass and lead guitar of

Cash would point out in a spoken

the Tennessee Two who accompa-

introduction song he added in lat-

nied him on the recording.

er years that “My mama always taught me that good things come

When the song begins, the water’s

from adversity if we put our faith

already two feet high and rising,

in the Lord.” He said the family

washing over the wheat and oats,

didn’t see much good in the flood

with the family thinking about

when it caused the family mem-

trying to make it to the road in a

bers to leave their homes.

homemade boat.

“But when the water went down, we With each verse, Cash asks “How

found that it had washed a load of

high’s the water, mama?” and

rich, black bottom dirt across our

“How high’s the water, papa?” and

land,” Cash said. “The following

the water rises another foot with

year we had the best cotton crop

each passing set of lyrics.

we’d ever had.”

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4. “Jean” — Rod McKuen the album, “Something” and “Here I liked the music and singing of Rod

waltz time that became a massive hit

Comes the Sun.”

McKuen from the first time I heard

in the era of psychedelia.

On the latter song, his ode to the sun

him. Sure, he had an unconventional

breaking through the clouds fol-

singing voice, but so did lots of oth-

Still, I much prefer McKuen’s origi-

lowing “A long, cold, lonely winter”

er singers I liked, such as Leonard

nal version, which conjures for me at

seems to send its heartfelt emotions

Cohen, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and others. McKuen also sold millions of poetry books, but it’s his songwriting I really admired.

least, visions of a lush Irish hillside.

“Jean, Jean, roses are red, all the leaves have gone green. And the clouds are so low, you can touch them and so, come out to the meadow, Jean.”

His song “Jean” is the title song from the movie “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” which snagged British thespian Maggie Smith the Best Actress Academy Ward for movies released in 1969. McKuen’s song “Jean” also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, but

McKuen focuses on the hopes and dreams of youth in the next verse, working his way to the bridge and the lines “Till the sheep in the valley come home my way; Till the stars fall around me and find me alone, when the sun comes a singing, I’ll still be

alas didn’t win the top honor.

waiting.”

McKuen’s single recording of “Jean”

red roses and green leaves, before

He repeats the lines regarding the

didn’t get much of a reception from

closing with “while the hills are

the record-buying public when re-

ablaze with the moon’s yellow haze,

leased , failing even to chart in the

come into my arms, bonny Jean.”

Bubbling Under the Hot 100 category. Still, you can’t keep a good song

5. “Here Comes the Sun” — The

down. When the singer Oliver need-

Beatles

“Good Morning Starshine” from the

After living in the shadow of John

musical “Hair,” his producer tapped

Lennon and Paul McCartney, as far as songwriting credits and album tracks were concerned, George Har-

A singer with a more conventional

rison brilliantly came into his own

voice, Oliver took the song all the

on the last album The Beatles ever

way to number 2 on the pop charts

recorded, “Abbey Road.” In doing so,

— surprising even the singer himself, who noted Jean is a song in a 3/4

he contributed the two best songs on

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or whatever listening device is being utilized.

Harrison sings to his “little darling” about smiles returning to people’s faces and he voices how “it seems like years since it’s been clear.” The bridge begins with an instrumental played on acoustic guitar, then repeats the lines “Sun, sun, sun, here it comes,” over and over again, adding some handclaps, which serve as a rhythmic accompaniment as well as a sort of applause about the clearing weather.

As the bridge ends, Harrison hits an ascending group of chords that manage to sound like the sun breaking through the clouds. Harrison would not have to stand in anyone’s shad-

ed a followup to his previous hit

“Jean.”

shimmering through the speakers,

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ow again, releasing his epic three-record album “All Things Must Past” not long after the breakup of the Fab Four.

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bobcat why he grins? Can you sing with

Any why not? McCartney gets to do some

all the voices of the mountain? Can you

fancy finger-picking on his acoustic gui-

paint with all the colors of the wind?”

tar and joined one of his most memorable

This song, from Walt Disney’s 33rd ani-

melodies with some poignant lyrics. Mc-

mated film, “Pocahontas,” was inspired

The song won the Academy Award for

Cartney used a style utilized by another

by a letter Chief Seattle sent to the U.S.

Best Original Song at the 1995 Oscars, and

songwriter of sorts — Johann Sebastion

Congress in the 1800s, regarding how

also won a Grammy and Golden Gold

Bach — in his “Bourrée in E Minor.” Al-

man should live in harmony with nature.

Award.

though the pieces do not sound similar

Lyricist Stephen Schwartz and compos-

to me, they both feature the melody and

er Alan Menken incorporated the feeling

Vanessa Williams performed the vocals

bass notes being played in unison, with

and mood of the letter, if not the actual

on the award-winning recording. Wil-

the Bach piece written for lute and McCa-

words, into “Colors of the Wind,” which is

liams, incidentally, once stopped by the

rtney playing his song on the same type

the showstopper musical number of the

News-Capital offices for an interview

of Martin D-28 guitar favored by many

movie.

during her reign as Miss America.

bluegrass and country artists in the U.S. as well as discerning rock artists such as

In the scene, the Pocahontas character

7. “Blackbird” — The Beatles

is chastising Captain John Smith for the

Stephen Stills. It’s a style of playing perfected by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.

way the Europeans are treating the land,

One of the best songs off The Beatles’ so-

resources — and people — they have en-

called White Album — which is officially

Although the original story went that

countered in America.

named “The Beatles” in their 1968 nod to

McCartney wrote the song after hearing

minimalism in album cover art — “Black-

a blackbird tweeting (remember when

“You think you own whatever land you

bird” has proven a staple in Paul McCart-

tweeting meant the sound a bird makes?)

land on, the earth is just a dead thing you

ney concerts through the years. He even

while on a meditative retreat with the

can claim. But I know every rock and tree

played it during his Wings Over America

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh,

and creature, has a life, has a spirt, has a

tour in the 1970s, when it was one of only

India, it later evolved to where McCart-

name,” she sings.

five Beatles songs he played during his

ney said he wrote it in recognition of the

entire concert at the Tarrant County Con-

struggles of African Americans on behalf

vention Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

of civil rights in the 1960s.

“Have you ever heard the wold cry to the blue corn moon or asked the grinning

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“Blackbird singing in the dead of night,

unleashed in the form of a catastrophic

live at an outdoor concert in Tulsa at the

take these broken wings and learn to

Mississippi River flood. The song opens

then-functioning Driller Stadium in a

fly, all your life,” McCartney sings. “You

in a major key, but Dylan uncannily

great concert with Willie Nelson. I still

were only waiting for this moment to

sounds as if he’s singing in a minor key,

remember Dylan band member Don-

arise.”

which provides tension fit for a song

nie Herron — originally of the Nash-

about the mighty river over-pouring its

ville-based group BR-549 — smiling as

banks.

he kicked in some rollicking banjo work

The recording features an actual blackbird warbling in the background as McCartney extols the blackbird to fly “into the light of a dark, black night.”

following the first verse of the song.

“High water rising, the shacks are sliding down,” Dylan sings. “Folks losing their

Dylan played lots of his best numbers

possessions and folks are leaving town.”

that night, including a rare perfor-

“It’s tough out there,” Dylan sings. “High

with resplendent versions of “Visions

It’s a song that works on a lot of levels.

mance of “Tombstone Blues” along

McCartney would later write and record

water everywhere.”

of Johanna” and “Don’t That Twice, It’s

a song titled “Bluebird” on his “Band On

All Right” along with an encore which

the Run” album recorded with Wings —

Things get even spookier in the third

included “All Along the Watchtower.”

the band he formed after the dissolution

verse, when Dylan intones “High water

He even played his 1980s masterpiece

of that other one.

rising, six inches above my head. Cof- “Blind Willie McTell.” fins dropping in the street, like balloons

While “Bluebird” is a great song, it doesn’t soar as high as “Blackbird.”

made out of lead.” He continues with

“High Water (For Charlie Patton)” fit in

“Water poured into Vicksburg. don’t

right along with Dylan’s other great

know what I’m going to do. ‘Don’t reach 8. “High Water (For Charlie Patton) “ — Bob Dylan

songs.

out for me,’ she said. ‘Can’t you see I’m drowning, too.”

Charlie Patton, of course, was the great, gruff-sounding Delta blues singer who

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you Bob

It reminds me of a night I once spent in

inspired Dylan so much that Dylan said

Dylan did all of his greatest work in the

Vicksburg, with the mighty Mississippi

around the time “Love and Theft” was

1960s and ‘70s — or even in the 20th

River rushing by within walking dis-

released he would like to do an entire al-

Century. Dylan started the then-new

tance in a relatively secluded area. As

bum of Charlie Patton songs. Since Dy-

millennium with one of his best albums

the water flowed by in the Mississippi

lan’s last three albums (really five, be-

ever, titled “Love and Theft.” The album,

darkness, with the nighttime breeze

cause “Triplicate” is a three-record set)

released on September 11, 2001 (yes,

fluttering leaves on the branches of

all consisted of songs mostly recorded

that September 11) features Dylan per-

overhanging trees, I thought for an in-

by Frank Sinatra, it’s obvious the Nobel

forming in a variety of styles, ranging

stance how cool it would feel go for a

Prize winner does pretty much anything

from the blues to boogie, from pre-rock

nighttime swim in the nearly-mythic

he wants to in the studio these days.

jump tunes to jazz-tinged ballads.

river. Then, I gauged the strength of the current, and decided that might not be

Hey Bob! Don’t forget about that Char-

On “High Water,” one of the album’s best

such a good idea, after all.

lie Patton album.

songs, he sings about Mother Nature

I once saw Dylan perform “High Water”

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9. “Nature Boy” — Nat King Cole Nat King Cole won high regard as a jazz pi-

strange enchanted boy, they say he wandered

anist with the King Cole Trio long before his

very far, very far, over land and sea.”

leap to stardom as one of America’s top vocalists. During his stalwart career, he record- “Nature Boy” became a smash hit, shooting to ed a number of standards, including “Nature

number one on the charts and enabling Cole

Boy” — a song that helped Cole in the transi-

to dissolve his jazz trio and pursue a solo ca-

tion from jazz master to pop star.

reer in pop music (although many jazz fans didn’t consider that a good thing).

The lyrics about “a strange, enchanted boy” is joined to a beguiling melody, with the song

The song is well-known for its closing lines:

credited to Eden Ahbez, a composer who was

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love

born with the given name George McGrew.

and be loved in return.”

Shortly after he arrived in Los Angeles in 1941, he landed a job as a pianist in a raw food

“Nature Boy” went on to be recorded by every-

restaurant and soon became an advocate of

one from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie to

the diet himself. Ahead of the hippy move-

Ella Fitzgerald.

ment by about 25 years, he changed his name to Eden Ahbez and grew a beard and long

It’s even found new generations of fans, with

hair — something not commonly seen in the

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga including it on

1940s, even in L.A.

their 2014 album “Cheek to Cheek.”

While living in a cave in the Palm Springs

Cole’s recording of “Nature Boy” has received

area, Ahbez wrote a beguiling new song he

a Grammy Hall of Fame Award — not bad for

called “Nature Boy.”

a song written and composed in a cave.

Trying to make it as a songwriter, he managed to get a copy of his song “Nature Boy” to Nat King Cole in 1947. When Cole’s manager refused to look at it, Ahbezs slipped the sheet music to the song to Cole’s valet. Apparently, Cole had a lot of confidence in his valet’s musical taste, because he tried the song out and immediately came to love it.

When Cole tried to find Ahbez to tell him he wanted to record the song, he could not locate the reclusive songwriter. He finally was located from his new vantage point — living under the famed Hollywood sign on a hill that overlooks the city.

The song opens with “There was a boy, a very

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10. “Mother Nature’s Son” — The Beatles For a band from the gritty city of Liverpool

series of “doo-doo-doos” with the Martin’s

in industrial Northern England, The Beatles

brass and string arrangement adding to the

wrote a fair amount of songs about nature.

overall effect, before McCartney’s final couplet, where he’s in a field of grass, where

Leave it to the group, or in this case, Paul Mc- “swaying daisies sing a lazy song beneath the Cartney, to have a song-filled double album

sun.”

jammed with songs that lots of people know by heart. In this case, the album is literally

In cases anybody’s missed the point, follow-

named “The Beatles” — but people still know

ing another instrumental-humming inter-

by its nickname, the White Album.

lude, McCartney closes with singing “Mother Nature’s son” one more time.

By the time of its release, McCartney and John Lennon were mostly writing songs

By the way, John Denver included an effec-

by themselves, although they continued

tive version of “Mother Nature’s Son” on his

with joint credit for every song, sharing the

album, “Rocky Mountain High,” showing how

Lennon-McCartney tag even if most of the

songs about nature flock together.

songs were solo efforts by this time. Meanwhile, George Harrison placed one of his all-time best songs on the album in the form of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and even Ringo Starr got into the act with his country number, “Don’t Pass Me By.” On “Mother Nature’s Son,” McCartney’s lyrical content is minimal, but it works. The song consists of three couplets, with McCartney playing an acoustic guitar and added orchestration by The Beatles’ remarkable producer, George Martin.

The vocals, while brief, are effective: “Born a poor young country boy, Mother Nature’s son. All day long I’m sitting, singing songs for everyone.”

McCartney continues the mood with his second couplet: “Sit beside a mountain stream, see her waters rise. Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies.

The melodic McCartney then segues into a

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FOODIE AT HEART Author: Amy Johns | Publisher

FETTICCINI ALFREDO

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

to a boil over medium high heat and add cauli-

•

1 lb. uncooked fettuccine noodles

•

3 small heads cauliflower

It’s t h e ti me o f year

•

6 cups vegetable broth

w h e re I begi n t hi nk i ng

•

6 cloves garlic, minced

ab o u t tr y i ng to eat

•

1 tablespoon butter

•

1 teaspoon salt

•

pinch of nutmeg

wat ch p e opl e take t hei r

•

pinch of black pepper

fi rst b i te into s o met hi ng

•

1 tablespoon olive oil

I h ave m ade. My f ri end,

•

1/4 cup heavy cream

S u san Wi l l i ams always

•

1 cup starchy boiling water from

h ealt h i er. I enj oy p re p ari ng del i ci o us fo o d.

It b ri ngs me s uch j oy to

says h e r s uper power i s p re pari ng fo o d

Chop the cauliflower. Bring the vegetable broth flower. Cook until cauliflower is soft, about 15 minutes. In my experience, the longer you cook it, the smoother the sauce will be. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.

As the garlic and cauliflower are cooking, bring

pasta pot

a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to directions on package, reserving some of the starchy water to add to the sauce later.

Transfer cauliflower to a blender with about 2 cups of the broth. You may need to do this in

fo r ot h ers. She i s an

batches depending on the size of your blender.

i n c re di bl e co o k. I

Add the sauteed garlic, salt, nutmeg, and black

d e c i d e d to do s o me res earch i nto fi ndi ng

pepper and puree until very smooth, about 5

h ealt h i er ways to

minutes. Once the mixture is moving, stream

p re p are s o me of my

the olive oil into the blender. Add more broth

favo ri tes ; Fettucci ni

or water if the mixture is too thick to move

A lfre d o, Spa ghetti

through the blender. You want it to turn through

w i t h M eatbal l s and

the blender easily. When puree is very smooth,

C h i cke n Parmesan. I

transfer back to the butter/garlic skillet.

te n d t o bel i eve heal t hy eati ng w i l l never be

Add the cream and cook over low heat. Add the

as d ele ct abl e as more

starchy pasta water (or regular water if you’re

trad i ti o nal vers i ons.

not making pasta) and keep warm until ready to

B eli eve i t or not , I

serve. Combine noodles and sauce in a large pot

fo u n d mysel f co mpl etely

or skillet and serve immediately.

s u r pri s ed.

Source: Pinchofyum.com

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SPAGHETTI & TURKEY MEATBALLS

CHICKEN PARMESAN

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

•

8lbs tomatoes, cut into chunks

•

•

1large onion, chopped

•

1/4cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divid-

•

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

ed

•

1 teaspoon olive oil

•

5cloves garlic, roughly chopped

•

Coarse salt and ground pepper

•

1/2teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1

•

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

small dried hot pepper, chopped (op-

•

1 large egg white

tional)

•

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6

• •

into pieces

1tablespoon plus 1 tsp salt, preferably sea salt, divided

to 8 ounces each) •

2cups Italian bread, torn into bitesize pieces

2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, torn

3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (3 ounces)

•

1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, in

•

3/4cup 1 percent milk

•

1lb ground turkey (93 percent lean)

•

1egg, beaten

•

1/2lb whole-wheat spaghetti

DIRECTIONS

•

1Grated Parmesan or Romano (op-

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper

tional)

third. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 400°. In a large baking dish, combine tomatoes, onion, 1/4 cup oil, garlic, pepper flakes (if desired) and 1 tbsp salt; cover; roast 45 minutes. Remove dish from oven; mash mixture to break down tomatoes. Cook, uncovered, until sauce is thick and reduced, 45 minutes. In a bowl, soak bread in milk until it absorbs liquid, 10 minutes; add turkey, egg and remaining 1 tsp salt; mix until just combined.

Gently roll meat mixture into 16 equalsized balls. In a large nonstick saucepan, heat remaining 1 1/2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sauté meatballs, turning occasionally, until light brown, 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce to meatballs; reduce heat; simmer until cooked through, 20 minutes. Cook pasta as directed on package. Serve sauce over pasta; top with cheese, if desired.

Source: Self.com

puree •

1 garlic clove, minced

foil; set aside. In a food processor, place bread, Parmesan, oil, and a pinch each salt and pepper. Pulse until coarse crumbs form; transfer to a shallow bowl. Place flour in a second shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper. Place egg white in a third shallow bowl, and beat with a fork until frothy.

2. Dip top side of a chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip same side in egg white, letting excess drip off, then in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. (Do not bread other side.) Repeat with remaining chicken and transfer, breaded side up, to prepared baking sheet. Bake until breadcrumbs are crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with mozzarella. Continue baking until chicken is opaque throughout and cheese is lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, place tomatoes, breaking them up with your fingers. Add garlic; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve chicken with a generous amount of tomato sauce.

Source: Marthastewart.com MCALESTER LIVING

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