McAlester Living Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

McAlester living BOHEMIAN WEDDING TRENDS

MCALESTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM LITTLE CHAPEL ON THE HILL

SPRING GARDENING

MCALESTER LIVING  

2

SPRING 2108

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 SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Johns Heather Scott Connie Poole ADVERTISING STAFF

Reina Owens Connie Poole Jana Weddle K atina Legg

Photo provided by Heather Scott LaMon Photography

MCALESTER LIVING

3

SPRING 2018

SPRING 2018 CONTENTS

State Laws Regarding School Security

50

McAlester Discovery Museum

54

Foodie at Heart

56

06

28

38

LITTLE CHAPEL ON THE HILL

34

SPRING GARDEN

MCALESTER COUNTRY CLUB EVENTS

SCHOOL SECURITY

MCALESTER LIVING  

12

4

SPRING 2108

BOHEMIAN WEDDING TRENDS

NG DEN

ING

MCALESTER LIVING  

5

SPRING 2018

FL EI A T T LU ER EC HS A T O P ER LY

LITTLE CHAPEL On the Hill

HAS INTERESTING HISTORY

Author: Adrian O’Hanlon III | News Editor

E ast Washi ng to n Aven u e in Mc A lester can get c rowded — p eo ple bustli ng i n a n d ou t of ci t y hall, po li ce a n d fire veh icles respo ndi ng f rom t h eir d e par tment bui ldi ngs, ca rs l in ing t h e street as overf low p a rk ing for t h e co unt y co ur t ho use on e b l ock to t he so ut h .

By James Beaty | Managing Editor

Sundays bring traffic too as churches line the street that sits one block north of the busy main roadway running through the heart of McAlester known as State Highway 270 or Carl Albert Parkway.

A small, cream-colored chapel — named The Little Chapel on the Hill — might be occasionally forgotten amid the noise, but it has an interesting history dating back to the 1800s.

“It’s got to be one of the oldest framed buildings in the city of any kind,” said Tom Crowl, an avid McAlester historian and chairman of the Property and Grounds Committee at First Presbyterian Church.

MCALESTER LIVING

6

SPRING 2108

FL EI A T T LU ER EC HS A T O P ER LY

“ T H IS S HY, G RA CE FU L S TRU CTU RE I S THE ONLY O R IG INA L C HU RCH I N THE CI TY OF M CA LE STER” — T HE NO M IN A TI ON FORM Construction on the building began in

structure became a major thoroughfare

1895 and the congregation met without

replacing the earlier western street as

pews as the structure was not completed

such,” according to the National Register

until 1899, Crowl said.

of Historic Places database.

Twenty-one charter members of the

The First Presbyterian Church of South

church established the First Presbyte-

McAlester used the building until 1911,

rian Church in 1984 and held their first

when the church merged with Cumber-

official service in the chapel in 1899, ac-

land Presbyterian Church.

cording to the National Register of Historic Places database.

After the building was sold in 1915, The Church of Christ, Scientist bought the

Inside the chapel’s main entrance on

facility for $5,000 in 1922 and laid a new

the left side is an enclosed entryway that

cornerstone the following year.

Crowl said was likely used for churchgoers walking up from leaving their hors-

McAlester also utilized a trolley system

es and buggies on the west side of the

in those days that helped citizens get to

building.

church, school, shops and more — “it was great way for McAlester to become

The stairs on the west side were trans-

a major hub for all of the coal mines,”

ferred to the south side of the building

Crowl said.

“when the street on the south side of the Historic place Oklahoma Historic Preservation Survey personnel nominated the chapel for the National Register of Historic Places Inventory, which entered the chapel into its historic database on Dec. 11, 1979.

MCALESTER LIVING

7

SPRING 2018

H O L ID A Y

MCALESTER LIVING  

A L U BU MS

8

SPRING 2108

H O L ID A Y

A L BU M S

“This shy, graceful structure is the

south of it and the chapel to the east.

only original church in the city of

“The church has its original wooden

McAlester, in fact it is one of the few original buildings in the city altogether,” the nomination form states.

“It is the best example of shingle style architecture in the area.”

The nomination form lists the building as 66 feet by 51 feet, one story, cream colored, and a shingle-style church “on one of the hills that overlook the city of McAlester.”

According to the form, the chapel was originally brown to reflect the wood in the rectangular shingles covering the entire exterior, and the steeple and stained glass windows were in the original condition at the

floors and door facings. In the chapel are wooden pews arranged in parallel rows facing east. Hanging from the ceiling are four lights and two double fans. All appear to date before the 1920’s.”

Change in ownership The Church of Christ, Scientist congregation in McAlester became inactive in the 1990s and the building was sold to The First National Bank Development Corp. in 1999, according to a history of the chapel.

Wanda L. Bass took interest in pre-

time.

serving the chapel and was involved

The following are excerpts from the

way to help restore the stained glass

in major renovations. She led the

National Register of Historic Places

windows, repairs to pews, walls,

Inventory nomination form:

ceilings and floors, paint and carpeting and more over the course of

“The lower windows have a gothic

about four years.

arch top as do the front doors, using one of the symbols that is so much associated with religious structures.

The building rests on a foundation of sandstone blocks. This foundation is of varying height because of the building’s location.

The name of the building was officially changed to “Little Chapel on the Hill” and became available for community use in 2003, Crowl said.

First Presbyterian Church of McA-

“The interior is as it was when the building was erected with the exception of fresh paint and some new furnishings. Also the entrance that had been on the western side of the belfry was filled in and a new doorway cut in the southern wall.

lester received ownership of the building in 2005 and continues to maintain it as a historical structure.

Crowl said the church now rents the facility for religious activities, weddings and charitable events.

“The belfry area is a small ante

Anyone looking to rent the facili-

chamber for the chapel. A narrow

ty can contact First Presbyterian

rectangular room extends to the

Church at 918-423-2186.

MCALESTER LIVING

9

SPRING 2018

V IS IT

H IS T O R IC A L

W IL BU R T O N

Visit Historical Wilburton

MCALESTER LIVING  

10

SPRING 2018

V IS IT

H IS T O R IC A L

W IL BU R T O N

Prescriptions filled.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

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

LATIMER COUNTY

GENERAL HOSPITAL 806 Highway 2 North Wilburton, OK 918-465-2391

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

Emergency Services Available MCALESTER LIVING

ROY’S Discount Pharmacy 11

SPRING 2018

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

F E A T U R E

MCALESTER LIVING  

S T O R Y

12

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

2018 WEDDING TRENDS

Colors and the Bohemian Bride Author: Reina Owens | Advertising Executive

Spring is finally here for 2018 — with that comes the beautiful wedding season and new trends with a fresh edg y look.

This is the year of the Bohemian and “New A ge” Bride and weddings inspired by nature and the beautiful outdoors.

MCALESTER LIVING

13

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

AMU-

oluptat-

es core-

igenda

earum,

MCALESTER LIVING  

14

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

The Bohemian style will replace the rustic/country look that has been so very popular. Weddings this year will take a more dramatic and almost enchanted mythical woodland feel with deeper colors and richer textures. The couples who are choosing the Bohemian style will most likely be more relaxed on their approach to planning a specific theme and more focused on creating the perfect setting and vibe.

If you are getting ready to plan your happy-ever-after hopefully these tips and trends for the 2018 wedding season will get you excited and help set your day apart from the rest — and make it more perfect and personalized than ever!

Here are some perfect paired color palettes to hopefully inspire your big day if you are a bride to be and get you in the planning mood!

•

Soft Grey, Pastel Pink & Green

•

Champagne & Bordeaux

•

Dusty Slate Blue, Beige and Greenery

•

Blush, Navy, Peacock and Gold

•

Black, White & Gold

•

Navy, Bordeaux, Pink & Gold

•

Red, Cream & Peach

*The Pantone color of the year is Ultra Violet purple* The perfect pairing is Ultra Violet Purple, Gold & Cream.

MCALESTER LIVING

15

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Wedding Dress Styles of the Season: This year, the wedding gown collection is the essence of bohemian-meets-edgy. The wedding dresses are free and flowy, made with romantic fabrics that are not only beautiful but light and comfortable for the bride. In the past, the wedding dresses were all similar in many ways, however not this wedding season. If you’re a bride-to-be looking for the perfect dress get ready to see a variety of styles. This year the designers went a little out there from floor length wedding capes, lace, fringe, puffy sleeves, edgy jackets, on and off the shoulder dresses, long, or short.

2

1

MCALESTER LIVING  

16

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

9

8

5

6

7

4

1 / Wedding Cape, 2 / Lace, 3 / Fringe, 4 / Puffy Sleeves, 5 / Edgy Jacket, 6 / Short, 7 / Two Piece, 8 / Bohemian Short, 9 / Strappy

3

Lace

MCALESTER LIVING  

17

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids dress doesn’t have to be a dress anymore.

Pants

and jumpsuits will be the trend for this spring, fall and winter.

MCALESTER LIVING  

18

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Menswear: Since the wedding colors have moved in a deeper direction, burgundy and deep purple will be the color for the groom or groomsmen.

This season burgundy and violet or deep purple will be the new blue.

Hairstyles & Jewelry: The Bohemian bride hair look is to use many flowers woven into the hair, or a braid that is looser, such as a fishtail braid or a four strand braid. Beautiful flower crowns are also big this year. The jewelry choice for this particular style is to gear away from the vintage jewelry and lean towards quartz crystal necklaces, turquoise jewelry and metallic floral garlands, headbands and crowns that are more nature inspired.

MCALESTER LIVING  

19

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

The Wedding Flowers & Bouquets: In the past the bouquets were a petite, shabby chic style arrangement. The 2018 wedding trends and bohemian bridal bouquet should feature oversized flowers in a cascading shape with an array of hues, big blooms lots of greenery, the bigger the better.

2

1

MCALESTER LIVING  

20

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

1

S T O R Y

2

RAW BOUQUET

FEATHER BOUQUET

Create the wedding bouquet directly from the

Add a feather accent to the wedding bouquet for

natural and earthy elements found at your

added texture and a bit of whimsy.

Bohemian garden venue.

3

4

MUTED BOUQUET

VINTAGE BOUQUETS

Using elegant but muted floral tones in the

Purposefully add vintage flair to the wedding

wedding bouquet adds a touch of romance to the

bouquet for a classic, less modern vibe.

boho- inspired ceremony.

3

4 MCALESTER LIVING  

21

SPRING 2018

The Cake: The relaxed look is big this year from Drip Cakes, Semi-Naked Cakes with a thin layer of buttercream icing to Fondant are all Boho approved. These cakes will be drizzled with fruit, flowers and anything beautiful from nature.

MCALESTER LIVING  

22

SPRING 2018

Invitations: The invites this year will have more textural elements with the mixing of font styles along with feather motifs, dreamcatchers, crystal and geometric shape patterns that infuse a free and relaxed experience from the moment the guest opens their invite.

MCALESTER LIVING  

23

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

The Wedding Décor: The new aged wedding décor for this season is a little different than the rustic style. For a Bohemian theme skip the mason jars, which in the past have been used in all kinds of ways from drinks, wedding favors, candle holders and more. Your best choice would be to opt for vintage glassware for candles, vases to hold bouquets or to place fabric in with crystal accents. Feathers are a big accent choice as well as stone elements and crystals.

MCALESTER LIVING

24

SPRING 2018

F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Dreamcatchers, teepees decorated with greenery accented flowers, beautiful arches, and wooden swings will all add the perfect touch of Boho to your wedding landscape. Centerpieces pack a punch with lush blooms in a range of colors from rich jewel tones to soft pastels. If you really want to make a statement add in a velvet table runner, this fabric has made a comeback this year.

MCALESTER LIVING  

25

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

26

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

27

SPRING 2018

M C A L E S T E R

C O U N T R Y

C L U B

“W E ’ R E REA LLY F O C U S E D O N H A V IN G M O N THLY A C T IV IT IES F O R THE CL U B M EM BER S , BU T W E H A V E A LO T O F G R E A T EV ENT S C O M IN G U P , T OO,” —K ELLEY B YRD

MCALESTER LIVING

28

SPRING 2018

M C A L E S T E R

C O U N T R Y

C L U B

MCALESTER COUNTRY CLUB

PROMOTIONS, EVENTS IN FULL SWING Author: Adrian O’Hanlon III | News Editor

T he McAlester Countr y Club has a full slate of activities as winter fades and spring brings better weather.

Ten-year Golf Pro Kelley Byrd said the

p.m. and live music 5-8 p.m.

club offers fun for the whole family —

He said the winner of each contest will

including golf, tennis, pool activities,

receive a green jacket — again, like at The

and more.

Masters.

“We’re really focused on having month-

But the events won’t stop there.

ly activities for the club members, but we have a lot of great events coming up,

“One Saturday night in May, we’re going

too,” Byrd said.

to have a fried chicken hoedown,” Byrd said.

One members-only event the club will host is Masters Saturday on April 7 dur-

Byrd said the event’s theme will be coun-

ing the PGA’s The Masters tournament

try and western, including two-stepping,

— set for April 5-8.

country cooking, and more.

He said the club will provide pimento

He said the club hopes to continue the

cheese sandwiches — “like they do at The

monthly

Masters,” Byrd said — and host several

themes each month throughout the year.

gatherings

with

different

small events throughout the day.

Byrd added the club is also looking at Byrd said the day will start with a Par 3

hosting movie nights at the pool or the

tournament at 10 a.m., a putting contest

No. 1 tee box, an event every Saturday,

at 2 p.m., a Masters Trivia contest at 4

and more.

MCALESTER LIVING

29

SPRING 2018

M C A L E S T E R

C O U N T R Y

C L U B

Junior golf week Byrd said the country club will host Junior Golf Week on June 12-15 for area golfers ages 6-15.

The weeklong camp usually starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 11:30 a.m. and ends with a day on the full course.

“We work with the kids on all the different aspects,” Byrd said. “The basics of a swing, putting, chipping, goHe said the club hosts the Men’s Golf Association on Tuesdays for golfers looking to compete

ing on the course and overall golf etiquette. And those are always a ton of fun.”

on nine holes and end the day with a cookout.

Byrd said the camp usually hosts about 30 golfers and

Byrd said the event costs $10 and includes a

has McAlester High School golfers and college golfers

meal. The proceeds go toward projects through-

helping coach.

out the course.

He said the club will also soon start hosting

He added that campers will receive a free water bottle.

Ladies’ Tee Time, clinics for women looking to

Byrd said anyone interested in participating in the

learn more about golf.

camp can call him at the golf shop.

MCALESTER LIVING

30

SPRING 2018

M C A L E S T E R

C O U N T R Y

C L U B

The following is a list of upcoming tournaments at the Country Club: April 27 — MHS QB Club May 4-6 — Big Mac May 19 — Davenport Classic May 25 — TeeUp against trafficking June 4 — MRHC tournament June 9-10 — Bud Hale Invitational July 14-15 — Italian Open Aug. 10 — Chili’s St. Jude Sept. 15-16 — Bar Tournament Oct. 20 — Fireball Challenge

The following is a list of membership rates: • Regular (golf) — $193.26 • Social — $157.02 • Nonresident (25 miles) — $155.51 • Junior (golf) — $157.02

Tournaments The club will host a variety of tournaments to benefit charities.

Byrd said the Davenport Classic is coming back to the area and is scheduled for May 19. The tournament was originally established to benefit former police officer Randy Davenport, who was paralyzed during a training exercise.

• Junior (social) — $116.64 • Senior (golf) — $189.51 • Senior (social) — $141.88 • Senior single (golf) — $157.02 • Senior single (social) — $116.64 • Corporate 2-4 (golf) — $278.60

The club will also host the inaugural TeeUp Again

• Corporate 2-4 (social) — $196.66

Trafficking tournament, with 21-year-old reign-

• Corporate 5-9 (golf) — $264.51

ing Miss McAlester Alexandria Williams as the tournament director.

Also on the club’s docket are tournaments benefiting the McAlester Regional Health Center Foundation, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and more.

The club will host the Italian Open on July 14-15 in association with the Italian Open.

• Corporate 5-9 (social) — $186.88 • Corporate 10-19 (golf) — $234.62 • Corporate 10-19 (social) — $165.61 • Corporate 20+ (golf) — $205.28 • Corporate 20+ (social) — $144.91 For more information, contact the pro shop at 918-423-3599.

MCALESTER LIVING

31

SPRING 2018

D IN IN G

IN

MC A L E S T E R

HELLO

spring into

McAlester for your dining experience

MCALESTER LIVING  

32

SPRING 2018

D IN IN G

IN

MCALESTER LIVING  

MC A L E S T E R

33

SPRING 2018

S PR IN G

G A R D E N IN G

CAN’T WAIT FOR GARDENING TIME Author: Connie Poole | Senior Advertising Executive

Gardening time is just around the corner and we are all definitely waiting for it. We are waiting for the hot sun, the bees, the butterf lies, green grass — you name it!

When we see all of these things, we know it is once

to the feed store to find an almanac to see when was

again its planting time. Beautiful vegetable plants or

a good time to plant such as twin days, also making

seeds to be planted with whatever our love of vegeta-

sure their was plenty of fertilizer for the garden. Fond

bles is, well it’s that time. Planting a garden is a joy

memories can be made while working in your garden

for some and a love for others, and then work for all

with your kids, and I have many. My three kids Frank-

which that pays off with mouth watering vegetables.

ie, Brooke and Jacob now joke about working in the

There is nothing like a garden red plump tomato or a

garden when they were little, but back in the day I re-

nice green cucumber to sit down and eat during the

member small arguments and who was picking more

summertime. It is a like a cool glass of lemonade on

vegetables than somebody else. Another memory was

those hot days when just a nice cool refreshing fresh

a neighborhood kid who put firecrackers in some of

snack is needed.

our vine ripe picking tomatoes and blew them up. At

I can remember when I was young, gardening was a

that time it was very upsetting but now it is a funny

necessity, you had to make a garden for a nice summer time meal and you also canned plenty of vegetables to last thru the winter. I also remember us having go

MCALESTER LIVING

memory for all of us. It’s a great time to spend with your kids in the garden, let them plant something of their own and let them take care of it, their reward

34

SPRING 2018

S PR IN G

G A R D E N IN G

will be the first pick of their hard work and it is all

business is located and along with their other two ad-

well worth it. Gardening is hard work, no doubt about

joining businesses- The Barber Shop on one side and

it, but it is also nice to sit down and share some of your

the Quality Storage Buildings that are for sale on the

crop with friends and say ‘that came out of my gar-

other side, pretty unique little setting.

den.’

They have everything from seeds to plants to the vegOne of our sources in this area to buy plants is from

etable itself. They have a wide selection of seeds such

Papa’s Country Market. Wayne and Marilyn Grogan

as sweet Kandy corn, early sweet corn, purple hull

are the proud owners of Papa’s Country Market locat-

peas, Boston pickling cucumbers, Chantenay carrots,

ed at 1411 East Carl Albert Parkway. Papa’s Country

dwarf green long pod okra, purple top turnips, Swiss

Market has been in business since 1997. Just driving

chard, Bloomsdale spinach, jalapeno peppers, squash,

by their business reminds you of a little country store

lettuce, radishes...and loads more, you name it they

where they have all kinds of goodies inside, which

probably have it. Not only do they have the seeds, they

they do according to employee Phyllis Collins. She

have plants that are ready to be put into the ground.

said they carry honey from a Red Oak bee-keeper, and

Wayne and Marilyn invite you to come in and will

also ‘Made in Oklahoma’ products, peaches from Por-

happily answer any questions you have about garden-

ter, preserves and jams of all kinds. They also honor

ing, plants, etc. So now, are you and your family ready

coupons from Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation

to make some memories out in your garden this sum-

for produce only. Wayne and Marilyn own the whole

mer? If so, just pull into Papa’s Country Market, and

block on the North side of Carl Albert where their

they will get you started!

MCALESTER LIVING

35

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

36

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

37

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

SCHOOLS ACROSS PITTSBURG COUNTY CONSIDER SECURITY Author: Lacey Sudderth | Staff Writer

Schools in Pittsburg County are taking a closer look at security measures as concerned citizens across the nation consider student safety following the recent mass shooting in Park land, Florida that left 17 students and staff members dead and more than a dozen injured on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The McAlester News-Capital contacted officials for 15 schools in the county. School officials said they continuously update and review campus security throughout the year, adding student safety is top priority.

However, most are facing the difficult task of updating security measures due to the schools’ limited budgets and some are even asking for private donations to help acquire simple security mechanisms, such as locks and cameras.

The McAlester News-Capital visited with superintendents to see just how they plan to improve campus security: Frink-Chambers

“We have over 60 new cameras and we keep

Frink-Chambers Public Schools Superintendent Richard Peckio and Principal Scott Burke said school security is reviewed twice per year.

“We already review our emergency plans twice yearly anyway as part of our emergency management,” Peckio said. “If we do a fire drill

all of that up to date,” Peckio said. “We know who comes and goes all throughout the day. Nothing is perfect, but we try to

and it doesn’t go 100 percent as well as we thought it would — or

go in and keep adding security measures.”

someone makes a suggestion — we review it and make it better.”

Peckio said if a threat is made to the school,

Peckio added the school did recently update its security in 2018.

procedures for a lockdown are performed.

MCALESTER LIVING

38

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

“WE HAVE PROCEDURES FOR E V ERY T HIN G WE C AN PE RCEIVE,OUR S TA FF HAS BEEN TRA I NED WEL L E NOUG H T O KNOW WHAT T O D O D URIN G AN EVEN T .”

— RIC HARD PEC KIO

KEVIN HARVISON | Staff photo Randy Hughes, McAlester Public Schools superintendent, discusses campus security measures with the McAlester News-Capital.

“We have procedures for everything we can perceive,” Peckio

He added a local provider will also conduct training for CPR,

said. “Our staff has been trained well enough to know what to

emergency response and trauma.

do during an event.”

Peckio and Scott both said they believe Frink-Chambers Public

Peckio said Frink-Chambers is scheduled for a walkthrough

Schools is doing everything necessary to protect the children.

with the Pittsburg County Emergency Management team, a Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the local fire

“We try to be proactive, but we do have the policies in place to re-

department to give administration feedback on potential im-

act,” Scott said. “You will react the way you practice or you will

provements.

play the way you rehearse. You have to be actively preparing.”

MCALESTER LIVING

39

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

“O UR BES T DE FEN S E IS IF AN Y O N E HEA R S O F A T H REA T T O LET US KNOW I MM ED IA T ELY” — GAR Y R EED ER Savanna Savanna Public Schools Superintendent Gary Reeder said he believes his faculty and staff are trained well and the school is doing everything to keep students protected.

“Our best defense is if anyone hears of a threat to let us know immediately,” Reeder said. “Staying in communication with us is very important so we will know ahead of time.”

Reeder said security cameras are in place, but the Savanna Public Schools Board of Education plans to add more security measures throughout the year. He said the board is constantly exploring and coming up with new ideas to im-

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

“We have exceptional parents here,” Butcher said. “Whenever there is a need we will send a letter home and they are very good at contributing — especially when it comes to the safety of the kids.”

Butcher said the board is looking into metal detectors for the exterior entrance door.

“We are just going to see what the cost and effectiveness are,” Butcher said.

“WE A RE D OI NG E V E RYTHI NG NE CE S S A RY TO B E A S PRE PA RE D A S WE CA N,” — STE V E B U TCHE R Butcher said intruder drills are per-

date,” Reeder said.

Lakewood Christian School Superintendent Steve Butcher said the board of education will discuss additional safeguards, such as ways to more effectively secure doors.

Butcher added parents have expressed interest in helping fund additional security needs.

intruder.

He said the state of Oklahoma has made it difficult to increase security financially.

“It’s not something we traditional had to consider,” Lindley said. “We have committed to making security a bigger part of our budget.”

students and staff are well trained.

Lindley said the state needs to help

“We are doing everything necessary to be as prepared as we can,” Butcher said. “We are doing all we can think of to do without making it a prison environment.”

provide that funding.

“We need the state and the lawmakers to make it a priority as well,” Lindley said.

Lindley added there is always going to be a challenge to find the best op-

Hartshorne

tion for protection.

Hartshorne Public Schools Superintendent Jason Lindley said the ad-

Lakewood Christian School

prepare students and staff for an

formed per semester and he feels

prove security.

“It is a constant battle to stay up to

“WE HA V E COM M I TTED T O M A KI NG SEC URIT Y A B I GGE R PART OF OU R B U D GET .” — JA S ON LI N DL EY

ministration has been working on security plans for several years.

“We have made a large commitment to students’ safety and we will continue to make an even large commitment in the next few years,”

He said locked doors with buzzers,

Lindley said. “But you will never

new parent pick-up procedures —

be 100 percent prepared for what

such as requiring parents to put

might happen.”

names on a list for acceptable pickup — security cameras and bullet-proof windows have been added.

Lindley added intruder and lockdown drills have been increased to MCALESTER LIVING

40

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

“If a student walks in having a bad day — we know about it,” Pool said.

“Very seldom do we do not have teacher greet them in the hallway and we have a teacher on duty in the

“I think you have to prioritize your budget and look at everything and we have done some things to upgrade our surveillance and other

Kiowa

halls, at lunch and in the halls.”

Kiowa Public Schools Superinten-

Pool added lockers are searched if

would be nice if the Oklahoma leg-

there is a concern and backpacks are

islature would make it a priority to

left in the lockers during class.

fund school safety.”

dent Rick Pool said the safety of the students is the school administration’s main concern and safe school committee meetings have been held to discuss how to improve overall security at the campus.

Pool said electronic locks have been installed and more security can be added if needed.

safety measures,” Broyles said. “It

“If we are nervous we will search

Broyles added the state could sup-

them,” Pool said. “We haven’t had to

ply an armed security guard at each

do that yet but we have the ability to

school.

do that with our policies.”

Pool added being a small community everyone feels safe but there is always room for improvement.

“We are going to talk about our school

“I would welcome that,” he said.

Broyles spent five years at Fort Gibson Public Schools before leaving the summer before the shooting that occurred at the middle school in

safety plan at the next board meet-

Canadian

ing,” he said.

1999 when 13-year-old Seth Trickey

Canadian Public Schools Superin-

used a 9mm pistol and left five peo-

Pool added active shooter and in-

tendent Mike Broyles said a safety

truder drills are performed at the

and security audit will be held at the

school.

campus.

“The Kiowa Police Department does plan to do a concealed carry class for our teachers,” Pool said. “It will be on a volunteer basis for them to have it in their vehicles.”

Pool said Kiowa Public Schools try to be proactive and as a small school administration and teachers know their students very well.

“TH E K IO W A POLICE DE P A RT M ENT DO E S P LA N T O DO A C O NC EA LED CAR RY C LA S S F O R O UR T EA C H ER S ” — RICK POOL

ple injured.

“I still had a lot of close connections to the faculty and the communi-

“I T W OU LD B E NI CE I F THE OKLA HOM A LE GI SLA TU RE WOU LD M A KE I T A PRI ORI TY TO FU ND SCHOOL SA FE TY.” — M I KE B ROYLE S “We are bringing in a professional that is going to make recommendations to us,” Broyles said. “Canadian is unique because we have so many buildings that are not attached.”

ty,” he said. “We mostly all believed before that day that a school shooting at Fort Gibson was completely out of the realm of possibility, but were sadly proven how wrong that thought was. It has shaped my view as an administrator without a doubt.”

He added when he was hired at Canadian Public Schools in July he started taking steps to make the campus more secure.

“I increased video surveillance and began to build relationships with local law enforcement,” Broyles said.

“Any threat that could potentially endanger our students and staff or that

Broyles said an outside perceptive

disrupt learning will not be tolerated.

will help improve the weak spots

My focus in light of recent events is

and security upgrades are in the

to continue to be vigilant in ensuring

budget.

our schools and children are safe.”

MCALESTER LIVING

41

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

Krebs

Crowder

Krebs Public Schools Superinten-

Crowder Public Schools Superin-

dent Patrick Turner said he feels

tendent Robert Florenzano, High

security at Krebs Public School is

School Principal Preston James and

adequate — but improvements are

Elementary Principal Anna Kille-

still being considered.

brew said new security measures

“K R E B S P U BLIC S C H OO LS A RE AL W A YS O N LOCKDOWN R E GA R D LES S O F TH E S IT U A T IO N O UTS ID E, ” — P ATRIC K T U RNER

were added last year with the help

adequate, but we are looking to replace some old doors,” Turner said.

He added intruder, lockdown and other emergency drills are performed regularly.

“Krebs Public Schools are always on lockdown regardless of the situation outside,” Turner said. “All of our doors are locked and windows are covered and we have an electronic buzzer system at the front office to get in.”

He added surveillance cameras are also used.

“We added door security such as the on the doors,” Florenzano said. “We

“There are so many different scenar-

can see them before we buzz them

ios we have to practice for,” Floren-

in.”

zano said. “We have to do all the

Florenzano said fencing and securi-

scenarios for our students.”

ty cameras were placed around the

Florenzano added Crowder Public

campus as well.

Schools is working with the Okla-

“We are looking at other security

“WI TH THE B U D GE TS B E I NG THE WA Y THE Y A RE — THE RE A RE SOM E FU ND S FOR SE CU RI TY U PGRA D E S B U T NOT A LOT” — ROB E RT FLORE NZA NO A new pick up and drop off system

required by the state is only a few —

Killebrew added.

required.

Turner said he feels Krebs Public Schools is doing everything necessary to protect the students.

is consistently looking to improve security and perform required drills.

was also created for the students,

and the school does more drills than

what we have to.”

buzzers on the door and cameras

Turner said the number of drills but overall the staff is well trained

now is the kids’ safety. We will use James said Crowder Public Schools

of a school bond.

even in the gym,” Florenzano said.

“Overall, I would say our security is

“It’s one of our top priorities right

Florenzano said the changes were made possible by a bond passed last summer.

“With the budgets being the way they are — there are some funds for security upgrades but not a lot,” Florenzano said.

MCALESTER LIVING

42

SPRING 2018

homa State Bureau of Investigations to do active shooter training at the campus to give opinions and advice on what more can be done to improve security.

James said active shooter training will be very important to prepare the students and staff for such a situation.

“Also we plan to update all of our procedures,” Florenzano said.

“We are always looking at different ideas and things that are best for our school and community,” Florenzano said. “I feel we are doing a lot but it is never enough–we will continue to get better.”

Florenzano said he wants the parents to know the children are safe and Crowder Public Schools will protect them with everything they can.

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

Pittsburg Pittsburg Public Schools Superintendent Chad Graham said updating security is an ongoing process.

“I T IS IM P O RT A N T W E S T A Y P RO A C T IV E I N TH E S EC U RIT Y O F OU R K I D S , IT IS A S C A RY TI M E W E LIV E IN A N D S A D W E HA V E C O M E TO T H IS P O INT . ” — CH A D G R A HA M “We discuss safety issues every month at our board meetings,” Graham said. “Our board tries to stay proactive monthly with any concerns and questions they have with us.”

Graham said it is a struggle financially to always update security systems.

“We are having to piece everything together as we can,” he said.

Graham added a school messenger system keeps parents and staff constantly informed of any activity at the school.

“We have such a small number of kids we can be really secure and safe,” Graham said. “We do a really good job of giving kids individual attention and the teachers work really hard to keep the kids safe.”

Graham added there are always areas to improve.

“It is important we stay proactive in the security of our kids,” Graham said. “It is a scary time we live in and sad we have come to this point.”

MCALESTER LIVING

43

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

KEVIN HARVISON | staff photo Haywood Public Schools Superintendent Bud Rattan is pictured with the school’s new security camera monitors.

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

“I T’S I M PORTA NT THE COM M U NI T Y I S WI LLI NG TO SU PP ORT A NY A D DED S E CU RI TY M E A S U RE S THA T M A Y BE AN I NCONV E NI E NCE TO THE M ”— B U D RAT T AN

Haywood Haywood Public Schools Superintendent Bud Rattan said school safety is a top priority.

“We try to keep everything as secure as we can,” he said. “It’s important the community is willing to support any added security measures that may be an inconvenience to them.

Schools are meant to be inviting and when you lock everything up it takes away that environment.”

Rattan added the school will take whatever steps are necessary to

“We have cameras in all classrooms,

Rattan said every year emergen-

hallways and outside as well as

cy plans are revised and all re-

locked doors and a buzzer system,”

quired drill procedures are per-

he said.

formed.“You have to be prepared

Rattan said the school tries to spend

and well trained,” he said. “They

the budget on educational resourc-

do very well in the drills and take it

es and there is not a lot of slack on

very seriously.”

spending money on security.

“We are going to do everything we possibly can to protect the children,” he said. “School security is an ongoing process–we are always looking for things we can improve on.”

protect the children.

MCALESTER LIVING

44

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

Tannehill Tannehill Public Schools Superintendent John Wilcox said school security is being improved.

“Our staff has been to crisis training in the last few weeks and the state

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

“Several of us have been to Home-

Hemphill said local police plan to

land Security training and I feel

participate in the security drills at

our students also need professional

the school.

training to teach them how to protect themselves,” he said.

“Several of us have been to Homeland Security training and I feel our students also need professional

department has been good about

Haileyville

giving us information and training,”

Haileyville Public Schools Super-

tect themselves,” he said.

intendent Roger Hemphill said the

Hemphill said he is grateful for the

he said. “We have had school safety meetings and we will continue to go back and look into it.”

“We can always do more,” Wilcox said. “There is always the unexpected scenario — we can to always be making improvements.”

training to teach them how to pro-

school is adding more security, such as storm-rated doors.

several bonds to be passed to help

“We are also looking at the classroom

provements over the last few years.

handles,” Hemphill said. “We are

“Those have helped us get cameras,

talking to the students and teachers about safety procedures. We talk

discuss hiring a security guard.

about things they can do to help im-

Haileyville Public Schools Superintendent Roger Hemphill said the school is adding more security, such as storm-rated doors.

“We are also looking at the classroom mechanisms that slide over the door handles,” Hemphill said. “We are talking to the students and teachers about safety procedures. We talk about things they can do to help improve and they have to be stewards of their own safety.”

Hemphill added communication is key.

“W E C A N A LW A YS DO M O RE” — J O H N W ILC O X “Communication is a must,” he said.

Hemphill said local police plan to participate in the security drills at the school.

with things such as security im-

mechanisms that slide over the door

Wilcox said the school board will Haileyville

community support and allowing

prove and they have to be stewards of their own safety.”

“SE V E RA L OF U S HA V E B E E N TO HOM E LA ND S E CU RI TY TRA I NI NG A ND I FE E L OU R S TU D E NTS A LS O NE E D P ROFE SSI ONA L TRA I NI NG TO TE A CH THE M HOW TO P ROTE CT THE M SE LV E S” — ROGE R HE M P HI LL

doors and locks,” he said. “The last thing we did was add safe rooms out here that the community can also use.”

Indianola Indianola Public Schools Superintendent Adam Newman said security has always been a concern and security cameras were recently added.

“We added a lot of cameras to the district for the first time,” Newman said.

Newman added hiring a security guard or police officer to be on campus is not an option.

“I don’t feel we could budget a security guard, but I would love to have one,” he said. “The way the budgets are right now, I just don’t see that being possible.”

Newman said security drills are performed periodically and staff and students are familiar with the

Hemphill added communication is key.

“Communication is a must,” he said.

MCALESTER LIVING

45

SPRING 2018

procedures.

“Obviously, we can’t practice breaking out the window and things like that,” Newman said.

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

Newman added he is planning to

“After events like this in Florida

have active shooter training at the

everyone wants to jump on and

school in the near future.

add more safety measures but with

Newman said the board will discuss

the way the finance is in the state

the option of arming teachers at the next board meeting.

“I have a board member who works in corrections and two who were federal employees at the base,” Newman said. “They were the ones who decided to add the cameras–as

of Oklahoma, most schools would have to start cutting education,” he said.

Newman said a private donor is interested in helping fund added security measures at the school.

“I don’t know a school in Pittsburg

a first step.”

County who would turn away a do-

Newman said there is constant jug-

nation,” Newman said.

gle of providing safety or providing service.

“WE ADDED A LOT O F CAMERAS TO TH E D ISTRICT FOR TH E FIRST TIME” — ADAM NEW MAN

Quinton Quinton Public Schools Superintendent Stacey Henderson said security improvements are an ongoing process and the school recently added a school messenger app to help im-

46

“We have implemented the school messenger so we can notify parents immediately if there is in an emergency,” Henderson said. “It is just one thing we have done to be more efficient so we can notify them

prove school security.

MCALESTER LIVING

“W E HA V E I M P LE M E NT ED THE S CHOOL M E SSE NGER SO WE CAN NOTI FY PAREN T S I M M E D I A TEL Y I F THE RE I S IN A N E M E RG EN C Y ” — STA CE Y HE ND E RSON

timely.”

SPRING 2018

P IT T S BU R G

C O U N T Y

S C H O O L S

Henderson said the main concern at

“We are small enough we know our

Ward said a consultant will be visit-

the school is the open campus, but

students very well and we keep an

ing the school to help identify where

Quinton Police Department are moments away.

“We are always concerned about the open campus but we make sure everyone checks into the office and obviously if we see someone suspicious–our first call is to the police who can be there very quickly,” she said.

Henderson said adding more security is an issue due to the low budget.

“I think that is a problem that we

eye out for strangers on campus.”

She added the school keeps all doors locked for more added security.

“I feel confident we have a secure campus,” she said.

Carlton Landing Academy Carlton Landing Academy Interim Head of School Lindsay Ward said Carlton Landing Academy is currently going over all its security measures and looking at ways to

all face,” Henderson said referring

improve.

to all public schools. “Security will

Ward added the board of directors

take precedence and security is always a concern–we do everything we can keep kids safe.”

“We are absolutely fortunate to be a smaller school and we take note of

improvements can be made.

“There is always room for improvement and we are open to suggestions to help keep our kids safe,” Ward said

“OU R PRI ORIT Y IS KE E P I NG T HE KIDS S A FE ” — LIN DSAY WA RD

is currently looking at adding more effective ways to increase safety measures.

“Our priority is keeping the kids safe,” she said.

all of our students,” Henderson said.

KEVIN HARVISON | Staff photo Area superintendents prepare for the start of the monthly Superintendents’ Meeting at the Kiamichi Technology Center.

MCALESTER LIVING

47

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

48

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

49

SPRING 2018

S C H O O L

S E C U R IT Y

KEVIN HARVISON | Staff photo Oklahoma District 18 State Representative Donnie Condit stands in the hallway of Washington Early Childhood Center.

Author: Adrian O’Hanlon III | News Editor

“N O — I D O N O T THI N K T E A C HE R S S HO UL D B E A R ME D , I D O , HO WEVER , LI K E THE ID E A O F H A V IN G A R ME D PE OP L E IN THE BUIL D IN G — B U T I D O N O T THIN K IT SHO U L D BE A TE A C H ER ” — R A N D Y HU G HE S

What does state law say about school security?

Ok lahoma lawmakers continue discussing school security following the Februar y shooting at a Florida high school that left 17 dead.

House Public Safety committee members voted recently to allow educators with valid handgun licenses to carry on campus — if approved by local school boards and district leadership.

MCALESTER LIVING

50

SPRING 2018

S C H O O L

S E C U R IT Y

On the same day the committee passed the bill, a high school teacher in Dalton, Georgia, barricaded himself in a classroom and fired a weapon.

Nobody was shot, but Renegar referenced the event in his argument against teachers carrying firearms.

“I had a lot of calls and emails on that — both ways, but mostly against having teachers (carry),” Renegar said.

Renegar said handgun licensees must show proficiency in handling a gun, but schools would benefit more by employing CLEET-certified personnel, a reference to personnel who go through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training programs designed for law enforcement officers.

District 18 State Rep. Donnie Condit, D-McAlester, said he is a firm believBut District 17 State Rep. Brian Renegar, D-McAlester, serves on the committee and said he believes the bill is not a new piece of legislation.

er in the Second Amendment, but believes in researching what can be done to improve security on school

“Right now, schools already have that capability,” Renegar said. “This was a political statement — this wasn’t anything new.”

State Rep. Jeff Coody, R-Grandfield, authored the bill, which must pass the full House and Senate.

Current law allows Oklahoma staff members with a peace or security officer’s license to be authorized by district leadership to carry a handgun on campus. Peace and security officer licensees usually complete training during the course of a few days.

campuses.

“I think we’re to the point where there is nothing so sacred that we can’t at least study it and discuss it,” said Condit, a retired educator after working more than 30 years at McAlester Public Schools.

Renegar said this means McAlester Public Schools officials already have the capability to arm staff members who have a concealed carry license if they wanted.

As discussions regarding school se-

However, McAlester Public Schools Superintendent Randy Hughes previously told the

curity remain at the forefront across

News-Capital that he would be against arming teachers.

“No — I do not think teachers should be armed,” Hughes said. “I do, however, like the idea of having armed people in the building — but I do not think it should be a teacher.”

MCALESTER LIVING

51

SPRING 2018

the country, Condit said he knows the safety of children and teachers will be the top priority.

S C H O O L

S E C U R IT Y

“YOU DON’T WANT TO PUT A D OLL AR FIGURE ON THE PR I CE OF A CHILD’S LI F E, BUT FINA NCIA L L Y , HOW M UCH IS T H E COM M UNITY WI L L I NG T O PUT OUT TO DO WH AT THEY D ID IN INDI ANA? ” KEVIN HARVISON | Staff photo At left, Oklahoma District 17 State Representative Brian Renegar listens during the the monthly Superintendents’ Meeting at the Kiamichi Technology Center Friday.

“Every school administrator that

The bill amended state statutes

I know of, the number one thing

to change the type and number

on their mind is the safety of the

of safety drills schools must con-

children,” Condit said.

duct, including but not limited to:

Drills Oklahoma House Bill No. 2931 was first read Feb. 1, 2016, before it passed through the Senate on April 18, 2016; Gov. Mary Fallin signed it May 18, 2016, and it became effective July 1, 2016.

Each Oklahoma school district is required to conduct at least four security drills and six safety drills, including: two fire drills, two tornado drills, and two other safety drills each year.

“Security drills shall be conducted for the purpose of securing school buildings to prevent or mitigate injuries or deaths that

• amending the verbiage of “lockdown” drills to “security” drills • amending the minimum of two security drills to four security drills to be conducted at each district each school year

be conducted within the first fifteen (15) days of each semester.”

Southwestern High School in Shelbyville, Ind., — referred to as “the safest school in America” — takes campus security to another level with its safety system, called the Safe School Flagship.

may result from a threat around or in the school,” the bill states.

52

The school has cameras with a direct feed to the county sheriff’s office, panic buttons for teachers, smoke cannons in hallways and more security features.

The

system

reportedly

cost

$400,000 — a figure that further complicates the campus security issue.

• adding “One security drill shall

MCALESTER LIVING

— DONNIE CONDI T S AI D.

SPRING 2018

“You don’t want to put a dollar figure on the price of a child’s life, but financially, how much is the community willing to put out to do what they did in Indiana?”

Condit said.

SPRING McAlester News Capital

500 South Second Street McAlester, OK 74501 918-423-1700

www.mcalesternews.com

MCALESTER LIVING  

53

SPRING 2018

D IS C O V E R Y

M U S E U M

MCALESTER DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Seeks Donations Author: Lacey Sudderth | Staff writer

Community members are working to create something unique for the children in McAlester and surrounding area — the McAlester Discovery Museum.

The grassroots project began in September 2016 and is

The project recently launched a fundraiser on Gen-

a collaborative effort with a board of educators, par-

erosity.com aiming to raise $5,000 to open a pop-up

ents and community partners whose goal is to create a

museum — a temporary installation in an unoccupied

space for children from kindergarten to eighth grade

building — during the summer of 2018.

to explore, create, and connect with the community, according to Discovery Museum Board President Re- “The plan is to open a pop-up as a demonstration for gina Peoples.

the community,” Peoples said. “We want to show what a small group of volunteers can do on a limited budget.”

Peoples, a Hartshorne resident, decided to gather in-

Peoples added the $5,000 will go towards initial ex-

terested individuals to form the nonprofit organiza-

penses including liability insurance and rent for the

tion which is dedicated to the creation of a children’s

facility used during the pop-up demonstration.

discovery museum in McAlester.

The project is currently operating under the nonprofit

“THE PLA N I S TO OPE N A P OP- U P A S A D E M ONS TRA TI ON FOR THE COM M U NI TY. WE W A NT TO S HOW WHAT A SM A LL GROU P OF V OLU NTE E RS CA N DO ON A LI M I TE D B U D GET .”

— RE GI NA PE OP LE S

McAlester Area Arts and Humanities Council until the project organization is able to reach its own 501(c)(3) status.

Peoples said she came up with the idea after visiting several museums with her daughter and feeling it would be possible to create one closer to her hometown.

“I have a daughter, Anna, and we visit museums pretty often,” Peoples said. “When I left, I often had the thought that certain aspects of the museums would be replicable back home.”

MCALESTER LIVING

54

SPRING 2018

D IS C O V E R Y

M U S E U M

LACEY SUDDERTH | Staff photo Discovery Museum Board President Regina Peoples with daughter Anna.

Plans for the interior of the pop-up museum

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback on the

include a construction area with building sup-

idea and this is an opportunity to give the idea

plies, a space dedicated to Oklahoma’s natural

a small-scale test run,” Peoples said. “We are

history and a STEAM (science, technology,

looking to connect with individuals interest-

engineering, arts, and math) area where chil-

ed in building this space for the community

dren will be able to design and create with a handson experience.

“This will be the first step toward the eventual goal of planning and fundraising for a permanent mu-

to explore, create, and

“WE ’V E HA D A LOT OF P OS I TI V E FE E D B A CK ON THE I D E A ” — RE GI NA PE OP LE S

connect with science, art, community, and culture.”

A community meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Feb. 22 at Spaceship Earth Coffee in downtown McAlester.

seum in the community,”

Peoples said this is an op-

Peoples said.

portunity to get involved in the planning of the museum, meet some

She added an admission to the pop-up mu-

of the men and women working hard to make

seum will be a suggested donation of $5 per

this dream a reality and get a sneak peek at

guest.

the exhibits planned for the pop-up museum.

To donate or learn more about the project, contact Peoples at McAlesterDiscoveryMuseum@ gmail.com or to find the project on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/McAlesterDiscoveryMuseum.

MCALESTER LIVING

55

SPRING 2018

S PR IN G

R E C IPE S

FOODIE AT HEART Author: Amy Johns | Publisher

I recently hosted a bridal brunch for my friend Yvette Martin’s daughter Kelly and her fiance’ Mike. It was such a lovely event and so easy to put together.

I thought I would share the menu along with some tricks of the trade.

Menu Monte Cristo Sliders Raspberry and Peach Preserves Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta Cheese, Praline Candied Pecans and Strawberry Vinaigrette Fresh Fruit Salad Raspberry Champagne Cocktails, MARTINELLI Sparkling Cider Mini Bottles – purchase from your local grocer, Macarons and Royal Iced Sugar Cookies (The macarons I ordered online since no one makes them locally.

The cookies I ordered from Samantha Sweetcakes locally)

MCALESTER LIVING

56

SPRING 2018

S PR IN G

R E C IPE S

MONTE CRISTO SLIDERS

SPINACH SALAD

FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

•

Large bag of baby spinach

•

Green seedless grapes

•

Two pints of strawberries chopped

•

Red seedless grapes

•

Sliced Turkey

•

Sliced Ham

•

Gruyere Cheese Shredded

•

Two packages Hawaiian Dinner Rolls

and sliced

•

Strawberries

•

One cup of crumbled Feta cheese

•

Blueberries

•

One cup Praline Candied Pecans

•

Cantaloupe

•

Strawberry Vinaigrette

•

Mango

•

Basically any kind of fruit you like.

•

One egg

•

One stick of butter

•

Two Tablespoons of Dijon Mustard

Open bag of baby spinach and wash.

•

Raspberry and/or Peach Preserves

Use a salad spinner or paper towels to

Slice and cut fruit to bit sized pieces. I like

get all the moister off the leaves. I like to

to cut the grapes horizontally and verti-

de-stem the spinach leaves. It makes a

cally to give the salad nice textures. Once

prettier presentation and is easier to eat.

all fruit is sliced mix it all together in a

Put leaves into a large bowl and tear into

large bowl. Sprinkle some sugar over the

bite sized pieces. Add strawberries, feta

top and allow the fruit to macerate. I also

cheese and candied pecans. You can make

add several tablespoons of local honey.

the candied nuts if you like – I purchase

The sugar allows the juices to surface and

from the local grocery store. Mix the sal-

the honey makes the fruit shiny. That’s it.

How to make:

How to make it: Heat oven to 350 degrees Take rolls out of packaging and slice through horizontally making a top and bottom. Spray a large baking pan with cooking spray and place bottom of rolls in pan. Layer turkey

ad until well mixed. I also purchase the

and ham on top of bottom of rolls. Cov-

vinaigrette from the store. The easier the

er with the shredded cheese. Place top of

better.

rolls onto sliders.

Put the dressing in a pitcher to the side.

Melt the butter in the microwave. Make certain the butter is cooled somewhat

How to make:

Putting it onto the salad will make the leaves wilt and become soggy.

before mixing in the egg or the egg will curdle. Add the Dijon Mustard. Mix until blended. With a pastry brush cover all the roll tops with the mixture and pour the remainder on top.

Create a foil tent to cover the sliders. Try not to touch the tops with the foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, then uncover. Bake another 10 minutes. Take out of oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Take a sharp knife and drag through to make individual sliders. When sliders are cooled sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve while warm and garnish with preserves for savory and sweet deliciousness.

RASPBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS Ingredients: •

One can of Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate thawed

•

One bottle of Prosecco

•

Half bottle of Ginger Ale

•

Two cups Raspberry Vodka

•

One pint raspberries – save a few to use as garnish

How to make it: Mix all the ingredients in a large pitcher. Smash up the raspberries and add to liquid.

Add a small amount of ice to keep cocktails cool. Serve in flutes garnished with a couple raspberries.

MCALESTER LIVING

57

SPRING 2018

A BO U T

MCALESTER LIVING  

T O W N

58

SPRING 2018

A BO U T

MCALESTER LIVING  

T O W N

59

SPRING 2018

A BO U T

MCALESTER LIVING  

T O W N

60

SPRING 2018

A BO U T

MCALESTER LIVING  

T O W N

61

SPRING 2018

McAlester News Capital 500 South Second Street

McAlester, OK 74501 918-423-1700

www.mcalesternews.com MCALESTER LIVING  

62

SPRING 2018

MCALESTER LIVING  

63

SPRING 2018