Moore Monthly - January 2022

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JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 3

VOL. 18 • NO. 1 • JANUARY 2022

COVER STORY

6 16 24 44

AXE TO GRIND: Seven local residents represented Moore in the recent World Axe Throwing championship, facing off against the best axe throwers from around the world..

TASTE LOCAL WATERS EDGE WINERY: Moore is now home to one of the more unique wine and bistro concepts in the Metro OKC area.

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT RAY TIDWELL: There are only a handful of veterans remaining from The Greatest Generation, and one of those just celebrated his 100th birthday.

SPORTS MOUNTAIN OF A MAN: Don Demeter made a name for himself early on as a professional baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. But his impact on Moore and South OKC goes much, much deeper...and will last for an eternity.

4 Letter from the Editor 11 Business Spotlight

33 Book Reviews

12 Boomtown

34 Pioneer System Library Calendar 37 Moore Healthy

Physical Therapy Central of Moore One Word Could Mean a Year of Transformation

14 Best of Moore Returns for 2022 18 Brand Senior Center Activities 19 Senior Living The Importance of Fall Prevention

38 Ask a Dietician

Staying Hydrated While Traveling

22 Business Building Blocks

42 Moore FFA

26 Calendar of Events

30 The Station Schedule 4 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

You'll also meet seven unique athletes who have honed their axe-throwing skills to a point where they are among the best in the world. Enjoy a peek into the rapidly-growing sport of competitive axe-throwing as we kick of 2022.

Make 2022 Your Year to Get Healthy

40 Class Acts

Basic Peace Officer Certification

It's been said that the way we spend our time defines who we are. In this issue of the Moore Monthly you'll meet two men who have spent their lives serving and impacting others. One of those is a 100-yearold WWII veteran who served as a pastor after his days in the U.S. Army. The other recently passed away after also serving as a pastor following a stellar career in professional baseball. Ray Tidwell and Don Demeter are men who used their time on earth well.

Testimony: A Memoir by Robbie Robertson and The Remember Balloons

20 Chamber Spotlight

Moore Chamber Announces its Inaugural Awards Mixer

Letter from the Editor

Editor Moore Monthly

Moore West's Cat Nguyen is Passionate About Learning and Leadership

Moore FFA Team Overcomes Odds to Achieve High Finish

47 Sports Calendar 48 Sports Photos

Publisher Brent Wheelbarger Writer/Editor Rob Morris Designer April Burgess For ad placement, specifications and rates, call or email Aleta Wheelbarger 405-659-7224 | aleta@mooremonthly.com

28 NE 28th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 • trifectacomm.net

Moore Monthly is a monthly publication by Trifecta Communications, serving Moore, South OKC & Norman. Moore Monthly is free to the public. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Moore Monthly is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, photography, books, or any other material that is submitted for possible publication.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 5

BY ROB MORRIS

T

he idea of throwing an axe has been around for as long as axes have existed. History tells us the Vikings, and Celtic tribes hosted throwing competitions. There are accounts of frontiersmen facing off in America to see who could throw an axe with the most accuracy. Thirteen years ago, the Backyard Axe Throwing League in Canada brought urban axe throwing to the masses. But it has only been over the past few years that a Canadian fad has exploded into an ESPN-televised global sport, thanks to the rise of the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and World Axe Throwing Championship.

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In December, seven local residents competed in the most recent WATL world championships, held at a series of venues in Fort Worth, Texas. Ben Gaddy, the owner of Twisted Axes Throwhouse in Moore, made his second trip to the competition.

"It's really exciting for me to be able to send more throwers every year," said Ben. "And it's so much fun just to be able to represent Oklahoma and Moore on a world stage."

Gaddy was joined in the competition by Devin Simpson, Brock Gruenberg, Rachel House, and Chase Henderson from Twisted

Left to right: Devin Simpson, Ben Gaddy, Rachel House, Chase Henderson, Brock Gruenberg Axes. Sean Evans and Ryan Siegried also competed, representing Norman's Oklahoma Ax Factory.

The seven competed in various categories, including hatchet, big axe, and duals.

"We've been in the past, but we were lucky enough this year in that the tournament was nearby," said Gruenberg. "We've also gone to some regional competitions and some of the other bigger tournaments, so it helped us because we were familiar with the format."

Henderson said, "It was pretty amazing competing against the best throwers in the world. You would kind of catch yourself watching everybody else to see how they do

things. And when it came time for you to throw, you'd be amped about doing as well as you could."

While axe throwing might seem to be a simple sport, there's an elegant complexity to the math involved in making one stick in the middle of a painted wooden bullseye. Competitors must consider factors like angular and vertical velocity, rotation, acceleration, and gravity to hit that bullseye consistently.

Everyone agrees that the only way to master those equations is through repetition.

"It's all about muscle memory," said Evans. "You just have to do the same thing, the same way, thousands

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 7

of times until it's just natural to you."

Siegfried said, "I've heard it said that axe throwing is similar in a lot of ways to the game of golf. You have the physical aspect of the sport combined with the mental side where you have to get yourself into that place where you get out of your own way and let your subconscious do the work."

For Rachel House, that meant carving out time in her daily schedule to work on her technique.

"It didn't matter whether it was 30 minutes or an hour," said House. "I would make sure I was getting in at least a little bit of practice every day because that can make all the difference in the world in how you get that repetitive motion locked in."

Ryan Siegfried (l) and Sean Evans

"It's even tougher at the world pecially in duals where you're having to communicate with each championships because of everything that's going on around other, and then it's so loud at the tournament that you have to you," said Simpson. "You work so hard on your technique, esswitch up how you communicate."

The added challenge of duals is that both teammates have to stick their axes as close as possible to each other while still targeting a bullseye that was made smaller in size this year by WATL officials.

Two axes in the air spinning toward the same target make for a more chaotic competition.

"Obviously, you're going for that small bullseye," said Gaddy, "So your axes are going to collide in the air at some point. Plus, you've got the crowd noise and the sounds of axes hitting the targets going on all around you. It's something we didn't take into account this time around, but we'll be better prepared next time."

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Evans said, "You can look at our axe heads and see the damage that comes from the collisions. They're pretty chipped and dinged up."

Gaddy and his wife were introduced to the sport years ago out of state and loved it so much that they decided to open Twisted Axes Throw House in Moore. As the sport has grown in popularity, it has also provided a sense of fellowship extraordinary to everyone who participates.

"You have the folks you throw with here at home," said Gruenberg, "But you also get to know folks from the a x e throwing community all across the country and even the world."

"It's a tight-knit c o m m u n i t y," said Henderson. "Everybody's competitive, but they're also really supportive and encour-

aging toward each other, and that makes it a real pleasure to compete."

One of the exciting aspects about the growth of axe throwing is that it has exploded over the past two years, despite a worldwide pandemic and lockdowns.

"I had gone axe throwing with my family for the first time in February 2020," said Evans. "We had a great time, and then just like that, everything was shut down.

So, we decided to build our targets in

wound up throwing against others from as far away as Ireland during the pandemic. And it's not just geographical distance at play here. House notes that axe throwing seems to cut across all demographics.

the backyard."

Siegfried added, "And we discovered that there were people all over the world who were doing the same thing. So competitions started happening online."

Evans and said

Siegfried they

" W e don't dress the same," said House.

"Our hair color is not the same.

We don't have the same mindset. It runs across t h e

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 9

whole gamut when it comes to people who are throwing."

The competition is currently open with no divisions based on age or gender. That makes for some exciting matchups.

Brock said, "And while it is very competitive, it's a very supportive community. We give each other encouragement and suggestions, "My 12-year-old son competed against a retired Navy SEAL in whether it's someone who's throwing for the first time or at a tour- one tournament," said Siegfried. "My son ends up beating this nament."

6'3" SEAL, and I can tell you that guy was not happy."

All of these competitors agree that one of the other great House says she enjoyed competing against men in the big things about axe throwing is that it's a sport the entire family can participate in together. Seasons and leagues are going on axe division. year-round, so getting involved is easy and inexpensive.

"It was an honor to be one of five women who got to compete "If you're brand new, you can just compete with people locally in Big Axe," said House. "And I've enjoyed competing against who are throwing at your level," said Gaddy. "And it doesn't matter the boys. It doesn't matter who they are. I'm going to do my how old you are, whether you're short or tall, blind or deaf, or in a best to beat them." wheelchair. You can have a great time throwing in a family-friendly atmosphere."

As the owner of a popular axe throwing venue, Gaddy says he's excited about the growth in popularity and expects that Evans said, "One of the reasons I stuck with it was because upward trend to continue as more and more people discover my family enjoyed it so much. My son and my daughter would the accessibility of the sport. throw with me all the time."

"It doesn't matter if you're from eight to 100 years old. You can As the popularity of axe throwing grows, it appears that changes will continue to be made to the competitive side of the sport. As throw," said Gaddy. "And you don't have to worry about things competitors have become more proficient at hitting their targets, like a golf or tennis club membership to participate, so it's a the WATL has made the bullseyes smaller and more challenging. sport that anyone at any place in life can try out."

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BY ROB MORRIS

ADDRESS: 11521 S. Western Avenue, Suite A PHONE: 405-809-8655 WEBSITE: ptcentral.org HOURS: Saturday & Sunday Closed Monday 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wed. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Physical Therapy Central of Moore “I opened Physical Therapy Central of Moore in 2014, so we’ve been going strong for seven years now,” said Shockley. “We just outgrew our space and needed more private treatment rooms. We’ve just recently moved into this great new space over on Western, and we’re excited to be a part of the Moore community still.”

J

ake Shockley’s passion for physical therapy was born while he was a student at the University of Oklahoma.

“I was in undergrad and studying to be an accountant,” said Shockley. “I went to observe a physical therapist in Norman and watched them, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a patient, helping them work out in a therapy setting, and it just sort of clicked for me.”

Shockley says he was captivated by the deep investment of time that came through helping patients with the rehabilitation of various physical issues.

“Simply put, it was the fact that you got to spend an hour, sometimes two hours, two or even three times a week with these folks,” said Shockley. “If you think about it, that’s pretty significant compared to other health care providers.”

cation, injections, even surgery, and you’re still having issues,” said Shockley. “We would refer you to the Pain Squad. Obviously, there’s traditional physical therapy, but we also dive into neuroscience education to help a patient understand exactly why they’re hurting and how to overcome that pain.”

Shockley says he and his staff work with a One of the secrets to the growth and success of Physical Therapy Central is their com- wide variety of patients, from high school athletes to older patients recovering from various passionate approach to rehabilitation. orthopedic surgeries.

“We really do empathize with our patients “Our biggest heading would be orthopeand are very focused on walking through their challenges with them,” said Shockley. “At dics,” said Shockley. “So, we do see your typthe end of the day, our goal is for them to be ical strain, sprains, and injuries along with nuself-empowered to overcome the injuries or merous amounts of post-operative patients. challenges they’re facing. So, it becomes pret- Chronic pain is a big one, also. One in three ty natural for us to walk alongside them and people have ongoing pain after an injury, and support as friends, as well as providing excel- that’s after the tissue heals.” lent physical therapy.”

You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a Physical Therapy of Moore patients will find physical therapist, so Shockley encourages a whole range of treatment options, from the anyone recovering from an injury or experitraditional to more innovative techniques like encing chronic pain to reach out to Physical virtual reality. One of the more unique offer- Therapy of Moore to book an appointment ings found at Physical Therapy Central of and get an initial assessment.

Moore is “The Pain Squad.” It integrates physical therapy, behavioral health, and innovative technology solutions to provide an effective, science-based path for people experiencing chronic pain.

That passion ultimately led to him joining Physical Therapy Central in 2011. Shockley “If you have onopened the Moore location in 2014, and it is going pain and now one of more than 30 sites the group opyou’ve tried medierates across the state.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 11

BOOMTOWN

POWERED BY

579-7000 • firstunitedbank.com

2101 Interstate 35 Frontage Road Moore, OK 73160 10731 S. Western Oklahoma City, OK 73170

Moore Branch South OKC Branch

Spend Life Wisely ™

J

One Word Could Mean a Year of Transformation

anuary is a time of new beginnings. The start of the new calendar year on a new footing. Often, people decide to have some type of New Year’s Resolution.

Something to focus on achieving in the coming year that often hasn’t been attained or accomplished before. It could be a resolution to quit eating fast food, spend more time with family, or learn a new hobby. Though they may work for some, resolutions can often tend to fizzle out after just a few weeks, fostering a negative self-image and disappointment.

We’d like to suggest something different. A better way to grow personally in 2022 could be to pick your “Word of the Year” (WOTY) to focus on.

Essentially – you choose one word that encompasses how you want to approach the New Year.

Instead of concentrating on one specific focus for the year, i.e., losing weight, choosing a WOTY reframes your outlook, bringing clarity to what you want to create in your life.

By choosing your WOTY, you are saying that you want to approach your life through the lens of that word. For example, you might choose the word “courage.” You would then be committing to viewing your work, relationships, spiritual life, etc., with courage. Stepping out when it’s hard, stepping up when it’s time, and giving a full effort to the essential things in your life.

Selecting a WOTY isn’t about crossing things off your to-do list or about specific goal setting. A WOTY is about creating your mantra. A guiding principle to help direct your daily actions helping you become a better version of yourself. Different than a resolution, a WOTY can’t be broken. It serves as a continual encourager of who and how you want to be.

At First United Bank, as part of our focus on our organizational pillar of Personal Growth, all bankers in our metro Oklahoma City region are encouraged to thoughtfully and prayerfully identify

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their 2022 WOTY. Each person’s word will be individually unique and meaningful to them.

Here are five recommended steps that can lead you to your WOTY. 1. Reflect – What seems missing in my life? What do I value most?

2. Visualize – Visualize what a perfect day would “feel like.” Write it down.

3. Build a Word List – Spend 10-15 minutes writing down words that describe your reflection and visualization.

4. Review & Refine – Narrow down your list to your three favorite words. Which word stands out, sheds the most light on what you want?

5. Commit to One Word – Pick the best and brightest word.

There are several ways to foster the word in your life once selected. Make visual reminders in your word. It could be a note on your mirror, placing your word in a frame on your desk, or journal about how it has revealed itself in your life.

We hope you prayerfully and thoughtfully consider what your word from 2022 will be, and may it be a powerful, impactful, and intentional way for you to grow into the person you truly want to be in all areas of your life.

For more detailed information and a helpful guide for selecting your word, you can visit https://mountainmodernlife.com/word-of-the-year/.

Established in 1900, First United has more than 85 bank, mortgage, and insurance locations throughout Oklahoma and Texas. It is one of the largest, well-capitalized banking organizations in the Southwest, with more than $10 billion in assets. It is among the largest privately-held community banking organizations in the United States. First United provides a full range of financial services, including banking, mortgage, insurance, and investment products and services, with a primary focus to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely®. Learn more at FirstUnitedBank.com. Member FDIC

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 13

BY ROB MORRIS

Best of Moore Returns for 2022

T

he start of the 2022 Best of Moore Awards begins in January…and we are thrilled to open the nominations, which include a few new categories this year!

eryone goes home a winner. A complete list of winners and runners-up will be featured in the August edition of the Moore Monthly along with a photo gallery from the gala event. As of today, we're planning to host our usual night of fun and celebration for 2021 Best of Moore Nominations Awards, but we do recognize the possibility The nomination period runs from January that the continued presence of COVID-19 may 1, 2022 to February 28, 2022. Anyone can force us to come up with something a bit more submit a nomination in any category. You can creative. check out the categories below.

HERE ARE THE 2022 BEST OF MOORE & Businesses must be within the immediate SOUTH OKC CATEGORIES area of Moore and South OKC to be eligible (for the purposes of these awards, South OKC 1. Best Apartments is considered to begin along the I-240 corridor 2. Best Asian Dining and extend south into Moore).

3. Best Auto Maintenance & Repair 4. Best Bank 35. Best Landscaping/Lawncare Nominations can be submitted by email 5. Best Bakery: Cakes, Cookies, and 36. Best Liquor Store (rob@mooremonthly.com or aleta@moore- Sweets 37. Best Local Restaurant monthly.com) or by posting the business's 6. Best BBQ 38. Best Lunch Spot name on the Moore Monthly Facebook, 7. Best Breakfast/Brunch Spot 39. Best Massage Therapy/Therapist Twitter, or Instagram pages.

8. Best Burger 40. Best Meal Prep 9. Best CBD/Cannabis Store 41. Best Medical Spa/Skin Care ANY business that is nominated will be eligi10. Best Chicken-Fried Steak 42. Best Mexican Dining ble for votes. There will be no limit to the num11. Best Coffee Shop 43. Best Orthodontist ber of nominations in each category. If you're 12. Best Car Dealership 44. Best Pet Grooming nominated – you're in.

13. Best Children's Clothing Store 45. Best Pharmacy 14. Best Childcare Provider 46. Best Physical Therapy Voting 15. Best Children's Party Spot 47. Best Pizza THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE ROUND OF 16. Best Chiropractor 48. Best Place to Watch the Game VOTING. 17. Best Credit Union 49. Best Plumber 18. Best Dental Care 50. Best Realtor Voting will begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 19. Best Doggie Daycare/Boarding 51. Best Roofing 2022, and end at midnight on May 31, 2022.

20. Best Donuts 52. Best Sandwich/Sub You may vote multiple times each day, but our 21. Best Entertainment 53. Best Senior Living – Independent voting system will not allow you to cast con22. Best Eye Care 54. Best Senior Living – Assisted/Memory secutive votes within a short time span.

23. Best Financial Planning Care 24. Best Fitness/Gym 55. Best Special Occasion Spot FINALISTS (TOP THREE FINISHERS) WILL 25. Best Florist 56. Best Specialty Store – Parties, Gifts, BE ANNOUNCED THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE, 26. Best Funeral Services Cards 2022.

27. Best Grocery Store 57. Best Sports Store – Equipment, Gear, 28. Best Hair Salon Memorabilia Winners 29. Best Heat & Air 58. Best Urgent Care The finalists (top three finishers) in each 30. Best Home Builder 59. Best Veterinarian category will be invited to our festive Best of 31. Best Home Maintenance & Remodeling 60. Best Wings Moore Awards Show in July, where the win32. Best Insurance Agency 61. Best Women's Clothing & Accessories ner will be revealed. The runners-up will also 33. Best Italian Restaurant be recognized at the "Bommie's" so that ev34. Best Jewelry 14 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

Thanks to our BOM 2022 Sponsors John M. Ireland Funeral Home, Randall's Temperature Control, Dental Depot, Norman Regional Health System, and First United Bank

August William “Bill” Brown 1933-2021

August William “Bill” Brown was born in Missouri Valley, Iowa on August 30, 1933. Bill grew up and graduated from Wewoka High School in 1951.

He married Mitzi Fountain of Blanchard, OK on June 24th, 1960, in Oklahoma City. They were married for 57 years.

They moved to Moore, OK in 1965 and bought a new home in the Regency Park Addition.

Bill and Mitzi had 3 Children, Rick Brown and wife Cindy, of Moore, OK. Rhonda McKinney and husband Granger of Oklahoma City. And Christy McElhaney and husband Dustin of Loveland, Colorado.

Bill and Mitzi have 7 Grandchildren, Tyler McKinney, Nick McKinney, Zach McKinney, Ben McKinney and Rachel Brown of Moore, and Justin McElhaney, Jeremy McElhaney of Loveland, Colorado.

They have two Great Grandchildren, August Brown and Eden Brown of Moore, OK. Bill was preceded in Death by his Wife, Mitzi Brown of Moore, his Mother, Maurine Brown and Father James Brown.

He was a Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War and retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 28yrs of service.

Bill was dedicated husband and dad. He was a founder of

the City of Moore Park Board and member for 25 years. He was instrumental in planning and designing the 12th Street Park in Moore. He was also a baseball coach for Rick for 11 years and umpired for many years afterward, and he was an amazing father for his two girls, Rhonda and Christy. He worked tirelessly to maintain two Campfire campgrounds in OKC and was on the campfire council for 25 years. He was also a lifetime PTA member and served as Moore’s PTA Vice President.

Dad, we love you, you made such an impact on all of us, you will be missed by everyone.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 15

PHOTOS AND STORY BY ROB MORRIS

WATERS EDGE WINERY

PASSION FOR GREAT FOOD LEADS TO NEW RESTAURANT

ADDRESS: 2001 S. Broadway PHONE: 405-232-9463 WEBSITE: wewmooreok.com HOURS: Monday & Tuesday Closed Wednesday-Sunday 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

“The reds can take upwards of a year to ferment properly,” said English. “And once you bottle them, they have to stay in the bottle for eightto-twelve months.”

Mara and her husband first encountered Waters Edge Winery when it was owned by someone else and located on Automobile Alley in Oklahoma City. She and her husband were members of the Waters Edge Wine Club for five years. When the owner decided to retire, she and Mike jumped at the opportunity to take over the business.

F

or those who enjoy wine (and there are a LOT of folks who fit in this category), you can celebrate that Moore is the location for one of the Metro’s premier locations to explore and indulge the fruit of the vine. Mara and Mike English recently opened Waters Edge Winery at Broadway and 19th Street. Mara English says Waters Edge is something truly unique.

“We are an Oklahoma winery. We just don’t have to worry about the vineyards,” said English.

The fermentation process varies depending on the type of wine being produced. White wines can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks, while bold red wines take much longer.

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In addition to the variety of locally produced wines, English says the Waters Edge menu will feature tasty, snack-style offerings still in development. But there’s no question that wine will always be the focus.

“There’s just something so personal and emotional about wine for so many people,” said English. “There are memories we associate with great wines. I just love the idea that it’s so versatile. You can have a sweet blackberry wine on the beach during summertime or a bold cabernet with your steak at a wedding rehearsal dinner. And those memories stay with you.”

In addition to the selection of wines available to customers who visit Waters Edge Winery, you’ll also find options to participate in a wine club.

The different membership levels offer monthly bottles of wine, wine tasting, discounts, and priority invitations to special events.

“We’re an urban winery,” said English. “We work with brokers all over the world, sourcing the juice from vineyards to have it shipped here.

Then we ferment the wine, bottle, and cork it inhouse.”

English points out that this approach allows them to choose the very best juices in making various wines right here in Moore, Oklahoma. It also gives them a great degree of control over the quality of their products.

“We wanted to create the kind of place where people could come in with friends, have a couple of glasses of wine and a kind of snack-grazing menu, and just relax,” said English. “So, for the actual décor, we wanted a homier and inviting feel that was kind of comfortably upscale.”

“We just knew it was a special concept,” said English. “We also knew that we wanted to bring it to this area. The idea of having something this special in Moore, South OKC, and Norman was important to us.”

When you walk into Waters Edge, you get a strong feel for that “third place” vibe that coffee shops offer customers: a place outside of the home and work where you just feel comfortable settling in with friends or a book for some great and relaxing time. English says that vibe is entirely intentional.

“Right now, for the first 100 people who sign up for our Founder’s Club, they will get the platinum club level perks,” said English. “It’s a great option for yourself or to give as a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift.”

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 17

BRAND SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 2022 January 3

Classic Movie North by Northwest Line Dancing

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

January 4

Open Art Studio Counrty Music House Singers Tai Chi

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

January 6

BP Checks Music with Richard Mullican

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

January 6

Art Class MCOA General Meeting Moore Police Department BINGO with Flora

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

January 10

Classic Movie Rio Grande Line Dancing

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

January 11

Open Art Studio Library Tai Chi

8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

January 12

Fresh Cobbler Ancestry Class

11:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

January 13

Dr. David Harris Civil War Surgeon 11:00 a.m.

January 14

Art Class BINGO with Terry and Wanda

January 17

Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18

Open Art Studio Country Music House Singers Tai Chi

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

January 20

Medicare Update with Charity

11:00 a.m.

18 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

9:00 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

January 21

Art Class BINGO with Scott

9:00 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

January 24

Classic Movie The Newton Boys 9:00 a.m.

Line Dancing 12:15 p.m.

January 25

Open Art Studio Library Tai Chi

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

January 26

Ancestry Class

1:00 p.m.

January 28

Art Class

9:00 a.m.

Exercise: Mon, Wed, & Fri 10:15, Stretch, Strengthen and Health: Tues. 9:30, Chair Yoga: Tues. & Thurs. 10:15, Arm Chair Travel: 9am, Wed., Line Dancing Lessons: Wed., 1:00, Woodcarving: Thurs. 9:00-11:00 Dominos, Card games, Jig-Saw puzzles, Pool, Quilting, & Volunteer work to assist the homebound or work is available at the Brand Center.

Moore Council On Aging Bus Service: 799-3130 Seniors may have transportation anywhere in the City of Moore for errands or appointments 8am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday Aging Services Monday through Friday Call & make reservation by1:00pm. Reservations for meals: 793-9069 Donation for a meal for seniors 60 & above: $2.25 Required cost for guests under 60: $5.00

SENIOR LIVING BY TAMMY C. VAUGHN, AGING SERVICES INC.

The Importance of Fall Prevention

F

all prevention may not seem like a pressing topic, but it's essential. And with ice and snow days coming sometime soon, this time of year is a perfect time to talk about it.

As we get older, physical changes and health conditions, and even some of the medications we may be taking, make falls more likely. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life.

Here are six simple fall-prevention strategies.

1. Make an appointment with your doctor. Be prepared to answer such questions as: • What medications are you taking?

• Have you fallen before?

• Could your health conditions cause a fall?

2. Keep moving. Physical activity can go a long way towards fall prevention. With your doctor's OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts, or tai chi. Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Tell your doctor if you avoid physical activity because you're afraid it will make a fall more likely. They may recommend carefully monitored exercise programs or refer to a physical therapist. The physical therapist can create a custom exercise program to improve your balance flexibility, muscle strength, and gait.

3. Change your shoes. Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers, and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. So you can walk in your stocking feet. Instead, wear properly fitting, wellmade shoes with nonskid soles.

• Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and phone cords from walkways.

• Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.

• Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape or slip-resistant backing, or remove rugs from your home.

• Store clothing, dishes, food, and other necessities with easy reach.

• Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower. Use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering.

5. Light up your living space. Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Also: • Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, and hallways • Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs.

• Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances.

• Turn on the lights before going up or downstairs.

• Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.

6. Use assistive devices. We all need a little help - so your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady.

Other assistive devices are available, such as: • Handrails for both sides of stairways • Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps • A raised toilet seat or one with armrests • Grab bars for the shower or tub • A sturdy plastic chair in the shower or tub with a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down.

Aging Services, Inc. has a medical equipment closet, so you check with us to see if we have anything that might assist; you can call 4054. Remove home hazards. Take a look around your home. Your living 321-3200. We hope you have a very Happy New Year as we step into room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallways, and stairways may 2022 without falling into it. be filled with hazards. To make your home safer: JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 19

BY KELLY ARNOLD

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Moore Chamber Announces its Inaugural Awards Mixer

T

he Moore Chamber of Commerce • Demonstrates economic support of the Rising Star • Service and involvement in the Moore will proudly recognize members of Moore area business community. area. the Moore community that reach ex• Initiative in seeking and fulfilling leadceptional achievements in leader- Large Business of the Year ership roles throughout the community. ship and business growth with an inaugu• Must be a business that has been in op• Professionalism in their field of work. ral Chamber “Salute to Excellence” Awards eration for at least five (5) years.

• Vision and passion to mentor and lead Mixer on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m.

• Must be a member in good standing of others. at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at the Moore Chamber of Commerce.

Oklahoma City Community College at 7777 • Must be a “for-profit” business with 50 S. May in OKC. The Mixer, which will be an or more employees in the Moore area. Employee/Team of the Year • Must be employed by a business with a annual event, will serve to raise the profile • Growth through revenue and creation membership in good standing with the of the businesses and professionals of the of jobs.

Moore Chamber of Commerce, during Moore area that exemplify the excellence • Innovative products and services. the dates of Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021. that makes our community world-class. Indi• Volunteerism of employee base.

• Nominee must be a regular employee(s), vidual tickets are $50.

• Demonstrates economic support of the with their accomplishments occurring Moore area business community. during this time period.

Sponsorships are currently avail• Must demonstrate community able to Chamber members, which involvement and/or make civic coninclude: tributions.

Premier - $2,500 (Exclusive) Executive - $1,000 Legacy Award (Lifetime Achievement) Advocate - $750 • Individual making a significant deAssociate - $300 velopment in the history of Moore area.

Please contact Kelly Arnold at • Displays long-term leadership for karnold@moorechamber.com or if over 30 years. interested in a sponsorship.

• Volunteerism that results in civic, social or economic improvement The Moore Chamber will be acof the community that lasts over a cepting nominations in the categoperiod of time. ries listed below. The deadline to • This award may not be awarded nominate is Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. You each year. may find the nomination form here: bit.ly/2022AWARDNOMINATIONS. Citizen of the Year Trailblazer of the Year (Entrepreneur) • Current or former chamber-member Small Business of the Year • Must be a local entrepreneur, business business owner, senior officer, or com• Must be a business that has been in opor service provider. munity leader who has, over the course eration at least five (5) years.

• Must be a business that has been in opof his or her career, demonstrated a • Must be a member in good standing of eration 3 years or less. long-term commitment to the Moore the Moore Chamber of Commerce.

• Must be a member in good standing of area and its business community.

• Must be a "for profit" business with the Moore Chamber of Commerce.

• Citizen in the Moore area involved in fewer than 50 employees in the Moore • Demonstrates involvement in the engrowing the community through their area. gagement, development and growth of vision and leadership.

• Growth through revenue and creation • Demonstrated commitment to voluntary entrepreneurship. of jobs. service.

• Positive impact on entrepreneurship or • Innovative products and services.

• Displays high ethical and personal integrity. small business activity in the community.

• Volunteerism of employee base.

20 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 21

POWERED BY

Business Building Blocks Basic Peace Officer Certification

Robert Wasoski

Coordinator, Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) Robert Wasoski serves as coordinator and lead instructor for the Basic Peace Officer Certification at MNTC. Before coming to MNTC, he served for 29 years with the Norman Police Department, where he served in multiple department areas, including the SWAT and Pistol Teams.

Wasoski true passion is training. He was a training instructor in multiple disciplines, driving, firearms, taser, fitness, ALERT, and several other areas where he maintained and held certifications to teach. For the last eight years of his career at Norman PD, he served as the lead training officer for the department and has trained almost 30 academies during his career.

22 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

Why would someone want to take part in the Basic Peace Officer Certification?

The certification is great for those wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement, security, or corrections with training from Moore Norman Technology Center’s Basic Peace Officer Certification Academy. As a CLEET-authorized technology center, MNTC provides a new route to becoming a certified basic peace officer. Our curriculum meets all CLEET-mandated basic peace officer requirements.

What are you looking forward to for the upcoming BPOC academy?

Our 4th academy will begin on January 10th.

We try to keep our academies small for better instructor/cadet training interaction. We are excited to welcome our largest BPOC academy class yet with 22-cadets scheduled.

Are there any new updates for forthcoming academies?

We are looking to add more de-escalation, emotional intelligence, critical

incident, mental health, and crisis awareness training most likely in Fall of 2022.

We are looking at potentially adding 30+ hours of additional training in the future. These changes are based on feedback from administrators of training for the various departments we train for and the cadets themselves.

Feedback keeps us current and allows us to meet the needs of the departments we serve. Administrators and cadets are both giving us feedback that improves training in both directions.

BPOC has been training officers now from urban, rural, and tribal departments and continues to add partner agencies, how does that feel?

It makes us feel good and that we are doing a good job. Agencies have heard good things about us and our partner agencies have put a lot of faith and trust in us in training their officers and they seemed very satisfied by the program. Looking forward to training more officers and continuing to grow.

You can find out more about MNTC’s Basic Peace Officer Certification academy, visit www.mntc.edu/long-term-programs/ health/basic-peace-officer-certification-academy. You can sign up for a free online application orientation and even submit an application on the website.

Preparing for Success, Changing Lives, Building Better Tomorrows.

POWERED BY

(405) 801-5000 • mntc.edu

MNTC Business Building Blocks — VA Benefits Moore Norman Technology Center recently expanded program eligibility for VA education benefits; what does that mean for eligible veterans?

Moore Norman Technology Center recently had all of our long-term programs approved for eligibility of VA benefits. That includes all the different types of VA programs sponsored through the Veterans Administration: and that includes vocational rehab, the GI bill, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, dependent's education assistance.

Veterans or qualified family members may use their VA Educational Benefits at MNTC while attending one of our VA-approved courses.

It’s been more than ten years since I served in the military. Does my VA education benefit expire?

I always say I would contact the VA and see if they can send you a certificate of eligibility to tell you what you're eligible for because they'll tell you how many months you have left, if your benefit is a hundred percent or maybe 50 percent or other important information like that.

If I’m a veteran and I’m interested in potentially utilizing my VA education benefits for a long-term MNTC program, what should I do?

First, you need to apply for the eligible program you’re interested in pursuing. Once you're accepted into the program, I would contact the VA and inquire about your eligibility. Get a certificate of eligibility and bring that

to our office, or you can email it and transcripts from any previous universities or institutions that you've attended since high school. Once we get that information, then we can work on getting you certified through the VA, and then it is pretty streamlined. The VA will send whatever payments for which you’re eligible.

What if I’m a veteran, but I’m not eligible for a VA education benefit? Is there anything else available?

Yes, we offer a military tuition discount for our short-term and long-term programs. To be eligible for the discount, an individual must currently be a member of the armed forces or have received a discharge from the armed forces other than a dishonorable discharge and be able to provide documentation. Eligible students may receive a reduction of fifty percent (50%) on the cost of tuition in career majors and short-term courses. Additionally, current spouses of such individuals are also eligible to participate in the program. To establish eligibility, the spouse is required to submit a military identification card which indicates the relationship between the student and the military member.”

Audra Main Financial Aid Coordinator Audra has worked in financial aid services for nearly thirty years. She has served student populations at two-year, fouryear, graduate-level institutions and the career technology system. She loves working in financial assistance because she gets to help make people’s educational dreams possible.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 23

POWERED BY

H E R O E S OF MOORE

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

405-329-2076 • waggonershvac.com

RAY TIDWELL 1351 E. Indian Hills Rd. Norman, OK 73071

Waggoners' Heating and Air

V E T E R A N / A R M E D F O R C E S S P OT L I G H T

dier began in Duncan, Oklahoma.

He grew up on a farm, learning to farm and helping his family grow cotton. When World War II broke out, he was one of the many who answered the call to fight.

ing to stop and salute every American flag I ever pass.”

When he came back from the war, Tidwell spent the rest of his life as a pastor in the Baptist church. He says his faith sustained him during “Uncle Sam said come on, so I the war and throughout his life. came,” said Tidwell. “I was 18 years old, and they sent me over to Fort “If I had any questions, I’d go to Sill for basic training. Then I went the scriptures,” said Tidwell. “No from there to South Texas and from matter what the situation was, I knew I’d find the answers there.” there to California.”

Army Technician Fifth Grade and truck driver Ray Tidwell found himself in a desperate situation during World War II. He drove ammunition from camp to the front lines in the Philippines, and during one of his supply runs, he drove across a flooded river. He and the truck became trapped, and the rapidly rising water put his life in peril.

As he approaches his 100th Tidwell has vivid memories of the war and says the further he got from year of life, Tidwell says his love for America and the freedoms we home, the harder things got. have here that are important for every generation to remember.

“If I could sit with any young man or young woman, I’d tell them the same thing,” said Tidwell. “We are so blessed to have the freedom and opportunities we have here. These are things worth fighting for.”

“I was stuck there for a long, long time,” said Tidwell. “When they finally realized I was missing and found me, the water had risen to my bottom lip. So that was a close call.”

Despite the close call, Tidwell still finished his job and delivered the supplies to the soldiers on the front line.

Life for the young sol-

LICENSE: 038828 051757 02188 TACLA0085780E 149509

24 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

“You never really forget those moments,” said Tidwell. “There were some hard times, but we all knew that we were fighting for our freedom. Even now, that’s what’s important to me. I find myself want-

POWERED BY

F I R S T R E S P O N D E R S P OT L I G H T

SGT. AUSTIN SCHETTLER

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY

BACKGROUND: I grew up in Sterling, Oklahoma. We had 36 people in our graduating class, which was actually the largest graduating class in Sterling High School history at the time. After high school I went to Cameron University in Lawton and was planning on becoming a coach. But then I went to a citizen’s police academy, and it hit me that being a police officer was something I was really interested in pursuing.

When I turned 21,I put my name in the hat and applied with the Lawton Police Department, just to kind of get FAMILY: My priorities are God, my family, and my name out there. I ended up getting the job, so work. My wife and I have a two-year-old son that’s where it all started for me. named Lincoln and he is so full of energy. He really gives us a run for our money. So, between REASON FOR BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER: The taking my wife out on dates and still trying to go first thing I remember making me interested in becom- to the park with my son and just do fun things ing a police officer was that it was such a detailed and with him, my life is pretty fulfilling.

1909 S Telephone Rd, Moore | (405) 977-3502 blackriflecoffee.com

Moore Police Department

LIFE AS A POLICE OFFICER: We are blessed with a great community in Moore, with great citizens. I think that most of them understand that we’re there to help them, not to make life miserable for them.

Even when we give tickets, we’re doing our best to be fair. People tend to think of what we do as good versus bad, but it’s really not that way for me.

The challenging part is understanding that we’re all people. We all make mistakes. It’s not always a case of good guy versus bad guy. There are a lot of times when both people are good, but someone just makes a mistake. So, you’re just doing your best to help bring resolutions to some of these situations. There’s just so much about the job that continues to hold my attention, so I think I’m just trying to put in for things that interest me and see how it all falls out.

SERVING AMERICA'S COFFEE TO THOSE WHO SERVE

hands-on experience with a lot of variety and different ways you could go. Of course, I thought things like the SWAT team was cool, but I also liked the detective work and how that was more of a chess game. There were so many aspects to the job and where it could take you. But even deeper than that I had this feeling that I could really give back to the community. I do enjoy talking to and helping people, especially when you are able to help those who have been through a terrible experience and can’t really help themselves.

So, there’s this desire to give my best service, to help people find the resolution they’re needing to difficult situations, and a passion to protect.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & PERFORMANCES AND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 2022 Due to positive tests for the coronavirus across the area and the constant changes still taking place as of our press deadline, please confirm the events and services listed in this calendar are still in place before making your plans to attend or participate.

It’s especially important to ensure the safety of your family, loved ones and yourself by practicing safe COVID-19 recommendations.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART 555 Elm Avenue, Norman, OK 405-325-3272 The University of Oklahoma’s The University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is one of the finest university art museums in the United States. Strengths of the more than 20,000 object permanent collection (including the approx. 3,300-object Eugene B. Adkins Collection and the more than 4,500-object James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection) are the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, 20th century American painting and sculpture, traditional and contemporary Native American art, art of the Southwest, ceramics, photography, contemporary art, Asian art and graphics from the 16th century to the present.

Temporary exhibitions are mounted throughout the year that explore the art of various periods and cultures.

EXHIBITIONS Coffee with the Collection January 21 at 9:30 a.m.

Grab your favorite cup of coffee and start your morning off right with a delightful look at artwork from the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Once a month, these virtual discussions will feature a favorite object from the collection presented by a curator, OU faculty member, or other art professional. With a mix of works currently on view or from the vaults as well as recent acquisitions, you

won't want to miss these candid conversations.

Friday, January 21 at 9:30 am, Grayson Wise, Art History and French Senior at the University of Oklahoma, and recipient of the 2021 T.G. Mays Purchase Award, will discuss her piece "She's a Dreamer: Italian Remnants" now a part of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art permanent collection.

During the program be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee from our local partner Black Camel Coffee. Visit their website and enter promo code COLLECTION for an exclusive 20% discount on any of their roasts.

cess. The eight-week tour packed houses across the country and received an enthusiastic response from audience members new and old. Performances and educational activities drew strong support from Mexican-American communities in particular.

Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era. With its permanent home at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of Mexico City’s most historic venues, the company has developed choreog108th Annual Student Exhibition raphy for 40 ballets, composed of Opening 60 folk dancers and musicians who January 27 at 7:00 p.m. have performed extensively across The 108th Annual School of Visu- Mexico and abroad. al Arts Student Exhibition opens to For more information call 405the public Thursday evening, Jan. 682-7579 or purchase tickets at 27, 2022, with an awards ceremo- occc.universitytickets.com ny from 7 to 9 p.m. This year’s guest juror is an independent curator and CHURCH & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION author Jennifer Scanlan, who received her MFA in Studio Arts from FRESH START COMMUNITY CHURCH the Institute of American Indian Arts FOOD PANTRY in Santa Fe, NM. Scanlan reviewed open the third Thursday of each over 150 submissions and selected month, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 70 works from 48 students for the 309 N Eastern Avenue, West Camshow. The exhibit will be on display pus-Family Life Center. Canned and through Mar. 20, 2022. dry goods available. Must be a resident of Moore (please bring an ID).

OCCC VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CELEBRATE RECOVERY 7777 S. May Avenue, OKC – 405- Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 682-7579 8:30 p.m.

Faith Crossing Baptist Church, BALLET FOLKLORICO DE MEXICO 13701 S. Pennsylvania. For more DE AMALIA HERNANDEZ information, contact Nancy at 405Friday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m.

514-9990.

Experience Mexican Culture CITY MEETINGS & EVENTS through the unparalleled vision of choreographer Amalia Hernández In 2021, Ballet Folklórico de Méxi- CITY COUNCIL MEETING co will return to the United States for Monday, January 3 at 6:30 p.m. an extended multi-city tour featuring Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, renewed performances of the com- Moore pany’s classic choreography.

The company’s US tour in Fall PARKS BOARD MEETING 2018 was a coast-to-coast suc- Tuesday, January 4 at 6:00 p.m.

26 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway.

MOORE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY MEETING Monday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING Tuesday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

COMMUNITY CONNECTION ADOPT-A-PET Moore Animal Shelter, S-I35 Service Road. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., closed on holidays. For additional information call (405) 793-5190.

BIG TRASH PICK UP Moore residents will be allowed two FREE big trash pick-ups a year and one free voucher to the city landfill for each physical address in Moore.

Call (405) 793-5070 to schedule your trash pick-up.

CT CLOTHING CLOSET Last Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CrossTimbers United Methodist Church, 3004 S. Sunnylane, Moore. CrossTimbers UMC Clothing Closet is a place where those in need can find men’s, women’s and children’s clothing along with shoes and accessories. All siz-

...................continued on Page 28

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & PERFORMANCES AND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS • JANUARY 2022 - from Page 26 es are available and are free for Health Nut Café, 12201 S. Westcommunity members. ern. Make a strong start for the New Year... by networking more!

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM Our regular meeting date for the Moore Police Dept. is starting a Seriously Fun group is on the first Neighborhood Watch Program. If Thursday afternoon. Other netyou’re interested in helping your working groups include: the Dream neighborhood reduce crime, con- Team which meets on the second tact Sgt. Jeremy Lewis, (405) 793- Wednesdays at lunch time and the 4448.

Coffee & Commerce group that starts up in January meeting on the PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP third Fridays for breakfast! We alFirst Tuesday of each month, ways have a round of self-introduc6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tions and frequently have special 2800 SW 131st Street. For more in- spotlights! For more information call formation contact Connie Daniels at Linda Richardson at 405-473-8008 405-703-2300. or email lrichardson@aol.com SOUTH OKC CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, December 2, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Frontier Bank, 5100 South I-35 Service Road. Let the holiday season begin! Join us for an evening of networking at Frontier State Bank.

Gourmet hors d'oeuvres will be served and refreshments provided.

You do not want to miss this event!

For more information contact Elizabeth Awbrey at 405-706-6691 or email elizabethawbrey@southokc. com.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER DREAM TEAM NETWORKING GROUP Wednesday, January 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

The Stuffed Olive, 12215 S. Pennsylvania. The Dream Team meets for an early lunch on the second Wednesday of each month at one of the chamber-member restaurants. This is one of the chamber's networking groups... the others are Seriously Fun usually held on 1st Thursday afternoon and the new Coffee & Commerce on 3rd Friday morning. We always have a round of self-introductions and usually a MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE special spotlight speaker. For more EGGS & ISSUES – TOWN HALL WITH information call Linda Richardson at CONGRESSMAN TOM COLE 405-473-8008 or email lrichardWednesday, January 5, 8:00 a.m. son@aol.com to 9:00 a.m.

Moore Chamber Conference Room, MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 305 W. Main Street. Eggs & Issues is CLOSED – MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY the Moore Chamber of Commerce's Monday, January 17. forum where our business community gathers to discuss business WIN NETWORKING HOUR and legislative issues. $10, RSVP Tuesday, January 25, 4:00 p.m.

Required. For more information call to 5:00 p.m.

794-3400 or email karnold@moore- 239 34th Ave. SW, Norman, OK. Emchamber.com. powering, Impacting and Encouraging women in business and life.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER SERIOUSLY Newly formed in 2020, WIN was FUN NETWORKING GROUP created to bring the businesswomThursday, January 6, 3:15 p.m. to en of Moore and the surrounding ar4:30 p.m. eas together for strength, support, 28 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

and camaraderie in both business and life. We will do this through events and programs throughout the year. For more information call 794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com SOUTH OKC CHAMBER LEGISLATIVE LUNCH WITH CONGRESSWOMAN STEPHANIE BICE Wednesday, January 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, 13301 S. Pennsylvania. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, U.S. House of Representative for Oklahoma's fifth district, will be joining us to give a legislative update. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Congresswoman Bice and her background, as well as take a look forward to the things she hopes to accomplish in the future. You do not want to miss this crucial conversation. For more information call Elizabeth Awbrey at 405-643-1436 or email elizabethawbrey@southokc.com.

TRANSPORTATION: • Metro Transit will provide van service for age 60 and older on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the Moore area to Oklahoma City for medical appointments. Call Jackie at (405) 297-2583.

• Moore Council on Aging. Seniors may have transportation anywhere in the city of Moore for errands or appointments. 8:00 a.m.

- 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Call (405) 799-3130 at least one day in advance.

• “Share-A-Fare” for age 60 and over or disabled. Purchase taxi fare at 40% off.

SENIOR CONNECTION P.A.L.S. PROGRAM FOR SENIORS Seniors are assigned to a buddy who will call every day to check on you. Sign up with Sgt. Lewis, Moore Police Dept., (405) 793-4448.

PROJECT RETURN HOME FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS IN MOORE For information about enrolling a loved one, contact Virginia Guild at (405) 793-4478 or Sgt. Jeremy Lewis at (405) 793-4448.

SEE THE FULL CALENDAR AT

MOOREMONTHLY.COM

CO

T!

C K E U H S OU C E M

405-921-8394 405 440 00555-92 -99921 92221

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 29

THE STATION SCHEDULE • JANUARY 2021

ACTIVITIES & CLASSES

DUE TO POSITIVE TESTS FOR THE CORONAVIRUS IN CLEVELAND COUNTY THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY POINT IN TIME. Please check with www.cityofmoore. com or call (405) 793-5090 for the latest information.

This is a partial list of schedules, activities, and classes available through the Moore Parks & Recreation department.

You can find something of interest for everyone by visiting The Station website at: centralpark.cityofmoore.com/ activities-programs or by calling The Station front desk at (405) 793-5090.

CAMPS SPRING BREAK YOUTH ART CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 6–9 FEE: $95 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 4 CLASS MAXIMUM: DESCRIPTION: 25 Create colorful paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more using various materials and supplies. Participants will make creative projects while making new friends along the way!

SPRING BREAK PRE-TEEN PAINTING CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 10–12 FEE: $110 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Moore Community Center Room 1 REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 4 CLASS MAXIMUM: 25 DESCRIPTION: This new camp will be for those who want to take it up a notch in their painting skills! During this 5 day camp, participants will learn how to paint in different ways!

SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPS SPRING BREAK EXTREME ANIMALS CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 1–4 p.m.

AGES: 6–12 FEE: $125 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 4 CLASS MAXIMUM: 25 Get ready for a wildly entertaining experience!

DESCRIPTION: Get up close and personal with endangered species, creepy crawlies and more! You will also learn about different habits and create different types of arts and crafts that relate to those species and their habitats.

SPORTS CAMPS SPRING BREAK TENNIS CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 6–12 FEE: $95 includes T-shirt WHERE: Buck Thomas Park REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 4 CLASS MAXIMUM: 25 DESCRIPTION: For any youth aged athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun. In this camp, participants will learn the ins and outs of tennis! Trust me, you will “love” this camp.

SPRING BREAK YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 6–9 FEE: $95 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Basketball Court 1 REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 15 CLASS MAXIMUM: 50 DESCRIPTION: For any youth aged athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and

30 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

have fun. In this participants will learn a variety of basketball skills!

SPRING BREAK PRE-TEEN BASKETBALL CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 10–12 FEE: $95 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Moore Community Center Basketball Court REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 15 CLASS MAXIMUM: 50 DESCRIPTION: For any pre-teen aged athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun. In this camp, participants will learn a variety of basketball skills!

SPRING BREAK PRE-TEEN VOLLEYBALL CAMP WHEN: March 14–18 (5 day camp) TIME: 9 a.m.–Noon AGES: 10–12 FEE: $95 includes T-shirt WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Basketball Court 2 REGISTRATION: Jan. 1–March 14 CLASS MINIMUM: 15 CLASS MAXIMUM: 50 DESCRIPTION: For any pre-teen aged athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun. In this camp, participants will learn a variety of volleyball skills!

FITNESS PROGRAMS WALK THE PARKS WHEN: March 14–May 8 FEE: Free registration WHERE: Various City of Moore Parks REGISTRATION: Feb. 14–March 14 DESCRIPTION: Walk the Parks is a physical activity-tracking program that encourages participants to practice healthy walking habits while exploring our exercise-friendly parks in the City of Moore. The goal of Walk the Parks is to promote health, wellness, and community by encouraging physical activity and highlighting free resources for all ages.

TWILIGHT YOGA WHEN: Every Wednesday TIME: 5:45–6:45 p.m.

AGES: 16+ FEE: Passholders free; Daily drop-in rate is $6 per class ($7.50 for Non-resident) WHERE: The Station Group Exercise Room DESCRIPTION: Learn how to progress through a variety of slow flow Yoga movements to promote strength and balance. Twilight Yoga also provides great restorative meditation techniques for stress relief.

FIT AS A FIDDLE WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Feb. 1-22, Mar. 1-29, Apr. 5-26

TIME: Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m.

WHERE: The Station, 700 S. Broadway Avenue AGES: 3-5 years FEE: $25/month, Free to First Five Station Passholders REGISTRATION: By the first Tuesday of each month DESCRIPTION: Toddlers will enjoy getting their exercise by running, jumping, tumbling on mats and dancing to favorite energetic songs.

ZUMBA KIDS WHEN: 10-11 a.m.

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 7+ FEE: $20 per month/Free to Station Passholders REGISTRATION: By the first Thursday of each month (20 maximum) DESCRIPTION: Perfect for our younger Zumba® fans! Kids 7+ years old get the chance to be active and jam out to their favorite music. Zumba Kids helps devel-

op a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun.

PICKLEBALL - ADULTS WHEN: Wednesday, and Friday TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Station, 700 S. Broadway Avenue AGES: 18+ FEE: Free to Station Passholders, $5 for Non-Station Passholders DESCRIPTION: Play this nationally-trending sport twice a week. Scoring and rules will be covered.

ADULT MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

LEAGUES

Games: Monday nights starting March 7th (Bye Week on 3/14 due to Spring Break) League runs 7 weeks + Tournament Time: 6 – 10 p.m.

Cost: $450 a team

For: Men 18 Years and Older Where: The Station Recreation Center Registration: Jan. 1st – Feb. 22nd Registration Type: Online - Coach Registers Team Team Minimum: 4 Team Maximum: 16 ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Games: Tuesday nights starting March 8th (Bye week on 3/15 due to Spring Break) League runs 7 weeks + Tournament Time: 6 – 10 p.m.

Cost: $300 a team For: Men 18 Years and Older Where: The Station Recreation Center Registration: Jan. 1st – Feb. 22nd Registration Type: Online - Coach Registers Team Team Minimum: 4 Team Maximum: 16

SPRING CO-ED YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE (RECREATION NON-COMPETITIVE LEAGUE) Starts: March 26th Games: Saturdays / times TBD / 6 game season / (Bye week April 9th) Fee: $60 for resident / $70 for non-resident Late Fee: Regular fee +$20 after Feb. 6th Registration: Jan. 1st – Feb. 6th Late Registration: Feb. 7th - Feb. 20th (Registration closes after Feb. 20th) Ages: Boys & Girls Co-Ed 3/4 & 5/6 & 7/8 Age Determination: March 26th Where: Buck Thomas Park Coaches Meeting: March 1st Practices Begin: March 7th

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 31

32 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — ADULT BOOK REVIEW

Testimony: A Memoir by Robbie Robertson Author: Robbie Robertson Reviewer: Pioneer Library System Staff I had just started watching a documentary film about The Band's final concert called The Last Waltz. It opens with a rip-roaring cinematic rendition of the band's encore performance ("Don't Do It"). A slender, laconic gentleman in a hooded sweater and widebrimmed hat wanders out on stage with a cigarette, approaches the mic, and says, "We're gonna do one more song, and that's it."

I was hooked.

The man is Robbie Robertson, the band is The Band, and I immediately felt the need to know everything I could about this musical journey. Robbie's memoir, Testimony, accounts for his life up to The Band's breakup. It's a fascinating journey that began in

Toronto and the Six Nations reserve. Along the way, he discovers his previously unknown Jewish family, joins the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins at 15 years old, works with Bob Dylan, and launches a seminal musical career that influenced nearly every contemporary American artist. The story of Robbie Robertson is the story of American rock music.

This is a memoir filled with laughter, heartbreak, and nostalgia.

There's an undercurrent of "aw shucks, gee whiz" attitude that belies the fraught realities of Robertson's life, which include brushes with organized crime, collaborations with musical icons, and affairs with hard drugs. When Robertson recounts a conversation with Jimi Hendrix about guitar strings, you get the feeling you're being told the story as if little ears were present. And when Robertson recounts the heady days of The Band living together at Woodstock, you feel like these artists were doing something monumental.

Take the whole memoir with a grain of salt, but if you're interested in the life of a musical virtuoso whose career shaped the industry, check out Testimony: A Memoir by Robbie Robertson.

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW

The Remember Balloons

Author: Jessie Oliveros · Illustrator: Dana Wulfekotte Reviewer: Elizabeth Lawrence, Children’s Librarian, Moore Public Library What if your memories were depicted as balloons you carried with you? What if—one day— those balloons begin to float away?

James' Grandpa has the brightest and most colorful balloons because he has the best memories from a long, full life. James loves hearing the story behind each balloon and creating his own balloons with Grandpa. Until Grandpa starts to let go of his balloons, he doesn't even notice they're gone. But James

sees, and he's heartbroken. When Grandpa no longer has balloons, but James has many, James realizes he can share and hold onto his own balloons for them both.

The Remember Balloons is a touching book and excellent resource for a parent to share with a child to help them understand the effect of Alzheimer's or dementia in a loved one. As a picture book with an AR level of 2.8 worth .5 points, it's written for ages 3-7 or grades K through 2nd, but even older children and adults will appreciate its simple depth.

The Remember Balloons is available as an electronic and physical copy at the library. For more information on finding this title or other recommendations, please come to the Moore Public Library Children's Services Desk, call us at 405-793-4347, or visit www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 33

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — JANUARY CALENDAR Virtual Programs

In-Person Programs

Many virtual programs require signup in advance with a valid email address. Go online to www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/ calendar for more information and the most current schedule of upcoming events.

Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard Ave. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 10:00 a.m. Toddler Story Time

Thursday, Jan. 6, 4:00 p.m.

Lego Club

Thursday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Penn Avenue Literary Society Book Discussion

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.

Manga Book Club

Thursday, Jan. 20, 4:00 p.m.

Lego Club

34 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Thursday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Thursday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Vinyl Stickers for Journaling Tuesday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Thursday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Friday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

Soldering: Melt That!

Saturday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.

Styrofoam Recycling

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Thursday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m.

Tai Chi for Better Balance

Where are you storing your toys?

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36 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

BY RICHIE SPLITT, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

This story sponsored by

Make 2022 Your Year to Get Healthy

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or many, the new year comes with a renewed effort to eat better, exercise more and quit all the unhealthy habits that harm our health. Of course the most popular New Year’s resolutions – losing weight and quitting smoking - are also the most difficult. The good news is, you don’t have to tackle those issues alone. Help is available.

Appointments, labs, physical therapy and psychological evaluations will all take place in one location.

Journey Clinic even has a demonstration kitchen for patients to learn how to cook healthy meals. We want to help patients along every step of their weight loss journey. If you’d like to learn more, call 405-515-2049.

Weight Loss That Really Works Obesity is a serious problem in our state. Oklahoma has the third worst obesity rate in the nation with 36.5% of adults being obese. Our children aren’t doing much better. A third of Oklahoma kids between the ages of 10 and 17 are overweight or obese. Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, putting them at a higher risk for chronic diseases and 13 different types of cancer. But still, even knowing all this, taking that first step to losing weight isn’t easy for many people.

It’s OK to Quit Tobacco Oklahoma’s other big health problem is tobacco, whether it’s smoking, dipping, chewing or vaping. Statistically speaking, when compared to all other states, Oklahoma is 4.4% higher in its high school smoking rate, 6.2% higher in its adult smoking rate, and 7.3% higher for male high school students using smokeless tobacco. Oklahoma sees 1,800 kids under the age of 18 become new daily smokers each year. The use of e-cigarettes has exploded in our youth, with a one-year increase of 78%!

Norman Regional’s Journey Clinic is dedicated to helping people battling with obesity. It offers both medical and surgical options for weight loss. Medical weight loss is a comprehensive approach focused on the patient’s individual needs.

Treatment plans vary but may include medications, personalized meal plans, nutritional counseling, an individualized exercise plan and metabolic testing.

Our surgeons are board certified and fellowship trained in weight loss surgery. Weight loss procedures include bypass, sleeve or band surgery, as well as modified duodenal switch.

All of these can be performed with minimally-invasive techniques. For patients, that means less blood loss, smaller scars, and a shorter recovery time. The results are absolutely tremendous, with some patients losing more than 100 lbs. after surgery.

Lana Nelson, DO, is the Director of the Bariatric Service Program at Norman Regional Health System. She knows weight loss is about much more than the number on the scale.

“It’s also about enabling people to go for a hike on the weekend and do that without getting out of breath or without having terrible pain,” said Dr. Nelson. “It’s about helping people be able to ride a roller coaster at Frontier City. It’s about helping people get on an airplane and not asking for a seat extender. It’s about helping people train for their first 5K, and in some instances, their first marathon.”

Journey Clinic’s new Norman location, 2821 36th Ave. NW, Suite 200, offers patients a comprehensive program onsite.

As if these statistics are not staggering enough, consider that smoking costs Oklahoma $1.62 billion a year in healthcare. Norman Regional Health System has made it a priority to turn the tide. We recently implemented a new process to refer patients to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The new process led to nearly 700 referrals in just one year. That’s a cumulative 604 years of life given back to our patients.

We are also taking part in a statewide campaign to help Oklahomans quit tobacco. The campaign, OK to Quit, encourages tobacco users to talk to their healthcare provider about how to quit smoking. That’s important because studies have shown that people who combine counseling and medication double their chances of success. More than 50 organizations are taking part in OK to Quit, helping spread the message during Oklahoma Quit Week, Jan. 15-22. Quitting tobacco is tough, but support from loved ones and medical professionals can help you kick the habit and live a healthier life.

Norman Regional Health System has 15 primary care locations across south central Oklahoma, six of which are in Moore or south Oklahoma City. All six locations strive to offer same-day or next-day appointments, while some also accept walk-in patients. Call us at 405-515-5000 to find the right provider for you and your family.

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 37

ALLISON WASHINGTON, OUHSC DIETETIC INTERN

This story sponsored by

HEALTHY MOORE: Staying Hydrated While Traveling

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ravel is an integral part of all our lives. Whether it’s a trip back home for the holidays, a family ski trip, or a trip down south to relax by the beach, many people will pack their suitcase, load up their cars, or hop on a plane, to head to their destination.

With all the stressors that can come with traveling, the least of someone’s worries should be the concern of hydration. While your vacation may be a much-needed break, traveling can still take a toll on our minds and body. You fall out of your routine. This can lead to you not drinking as much water as you usually would. Don’t let the effects of dehydration hamper your adventure. Some common symptoms related to dehydration include: • Fatigue • Increased irritability • Memory fog • Increased thirst • Headaches • Dry mouth Some tips for staying hydrated while traveling include: • Be sure to hydrate before traveling. As traveling can be so hectic, it is essential that you prepare your body ahead of time.

for that exorbitant cost of bottle water from an airport shop.

The reusable bottle will provide you with a means of monitoring how much water you are drinking throughout the day.

• Set yourself a goal to refill the bottle at least four times throughout the day.

• Set reminders on your phone to ensure you don’t forget to drink water throughout the day.

• Try infused water. By adding various fruits to your water, you can enhance its flavor of it with numerous possibilities. With countless flavor options, you may be more inclined to drink water throughout the day. Some infused water combination flavors to try are: • Mint + cucumber • Lemon + lime • Orange + lime • Blueberry + orange + mint • Strawberry + lemon + rosemary • Buy electrolyte hydration packets. Hydration packets such as Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier or Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Mix help replenish electrolytes and minerals while also helping to prevent symptoms of dehydration.

• Pack plenty of water or at least a reusable water bottle. Keep the bottle filled. Always keep it close to you, sipping it often.

You want to aim at drinking about 2 liters of water daily. Do not wait • If traveling by plane, take an empty reusable water bottle until you become thirsty to start hydrating, as you are already in a state through security.

• Once cleared, go directly to the water fountain, filling up your of dehydration. Be sure to hydrate gradually throughout the day and bottle. This tip means you don’t have to worry about paying not all at once. Enjoy your well-deserved break and stay hydrated!

38 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 39

CLASS ACTS:

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Moore West’s Cat Nguyen is Passionate about Learning and Leadership

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CLASS

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Dr. George Elessal awards Cat Nguyen $50 as our January Class Acts Recipient. ou can set aside the myth of the bored student when it comes to eighth-grader Cat Nguyen. She says she looks forward to every day at school. Especially math.

One of the current projects she’s working on is adding American Sign Language as an elective class in which students can enroll. She believes it would be a beneficial option for her classmates to have.

“I love learning new things at school,” said Nguyen. “When it comes to algebra and learning new formulas, I just think it’s exciting to be able to follow the formula and come up with the correct answer.”

“It seems to me that there are moments in time when it would be very helpful to know sign language,” said Nguyen. “There are a lot of people we come in contact with who are hearing-impaired, and to be able to communicate well with them is important.”

Nguyen’s passion for learning new things is easily seen in her 4.5 GPA. But her love for school-related activities goes beyond the classroom. Outside of class, the Moore West Junior High student is also involved in various clubs and leadership roles.

40 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

Nguyen said, “I participate in National Honor Society, Student Council, and some other clubs that allow me to be involved in different parts of school life. When it comes to Student Council, the thing I love most is to bring new projects to life at school.”

Even though she is still in eighth grade, Nguyen says she already has a pretty good idea of what kind of career she’d like to pursue.

“I would love to be a dentist,” said Nguyen. “I think it’s interesting. Everyone wants to have a nice smile, but I think it’s also important to have good dental health.”

Her passion for learning new things extends outside the classroom as well, taking her into the world of music.

“I’ve been playing piano for about two years, and I’m really enjoying learning to do that,” said Nguyen.

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loriculture CDE competitions consist of four-person teams, which significantly impact the final scores. In their recent fall competition, the Moore FFA team found themselves short a team member, but Camy Stark, Diego Lopez, and Bryanna Gruber still managed to walk away with some impressive hardware: 1st Place for High Individual – Camy Stark (Southmoore) 3rd Place for High Individual – Diego Lopez (Moore) 4th Place Team For those unfamiliar with the Moore FFA Floriculture program, Gruber says it’s about a lot more than just recognizing flowers and plants.

“It’s a very in-depth view of flowers and plants,” said Gruber. “We really dive deep into so many details about them. How they grow, the various challenges of growing them, bugs and diseases that impact them.”

Lopez adds that the mental aspect of floriculture is pretty challenging, which fits with his passion for learning.

“It’s not necessarily physical like a sport,” said Lopez, “But it’s still exciting to push your mind and understanding to learn about these things. And it’s like a metaphor for life because you’re dealing with things that are alive and are impacted by all the things in the environment around them.”

The floriculture competitions involve testing on areas of knowledge in the realm of floriculture, as well as public speaking. Lopez, who was previously involved in band and basketball before switching to the FFA program, says he has learned a lot from participating in floriculture competitions.

“I’ve found that it has made me a better public speaker,” said Lopez. “It has also helped me improve on taking tests. It’s also a cool party trick to be able to talk about flowers in such detail.”

42 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

Gruber also loves the intellectual challenge of being involved in Moore FFA and the floriculture program.

“It’s so much more than just identifying plants and flowers,” said Gruber. “There’s a lot of problem-solving involved.

You’re challenged to understand how the different bugs and deficiencies impact them.”

Both Lopez and Gruber say that participating in the Moore FFA and horticulture programs has impacted their thoughts on what career path they may choose to follow in the future.

“I’ve enjoyed all of this so much,” said Gruber. “It’s made me realize that I might want to pursue a flower or plant-related career as I grow older.”

Lopez said, “It has impacted me. I want to go into teaching as a career, and that would probably be in History or English.”

If you are interested in participating on a CDE team this coming spring, be sure to visit with an Ag Teacher about the opportunities that will be available!

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 43

BY JOHN J. DWYER (Reprinted by permission from johnjdwyer.com)

DON DEMETER:

T

MOUNTAIN OF A MAN

he mighty Old Testament prophet Ezekiel thundered, in the depths of Israel’s fall from grace: “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

Sadly, Ezekiel did not live in the time of Don Demeter. In an age of great knowledge, little understanding, and scarce wisdom, modern Oklahoma has not had that problem. At least one good, gentle, quietly great, giant of a man fought the good fight, finished the race just after Thanksgiving, and kept the faith.

He was a mountain of a man whose preaching voice sounded chiseled from Western canyons, whose loping gait made the great major league home run base paths he devoured seem small, and whose bearlike handshake gifted warmth and belief in you, and he empowered the wounded, the unlovely, and the overlooked to feel and walk as kings and queens of the world, and to follow the King Himself.

How unlikely a tale to have begun the way it did. But isn’t that just the sort that God glories in authoring?

Don Demeter began life in the depths of Dust Bowl and Great Depression-wracked Oklahoma, in a broken, poverty-stricken southside OKC home near the smelly old Stockyards “Packin’ Town.” He was a lanky, broad-shouldered boy who could run like the wind.

As Demeter bounced from home to home, around the country, God pieced together a life and a vision for him through a devout grandmother who taught and demonstrated the gospel to him and daily prayed for him. A foster father, meanwhile, gave the youth a vision of Christian manhood and servant leadership of a loving family.

44 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

At 11 years of age, Demeter trusted in Christ at Exchange Avenue Baptist Church and was spiritually saved. Having found Someone who would never leave him, the verse he clung to from that day until the end of his life was Hebrews 13:5, in which Jesus promised His followers: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

He attended a Capitol Hill High School teeming with tough, poor kids who won state championships in everything, became college All-Americans, gained fame as professional athletes and hall-of-famers, and brought home Olympic gold.

A friendly, good-natured kid, he was the only Redskin starter who did not make the All City based team. So revered was he by his teammates, though, that when the Brooklyn Dodgers offered pro contracts to two of them, they refused to accept them unless Demeter was given one, too.

The Dodgers So, on graduation night in 1953, he signed with the Dodgers for $800 and began his professional career with their lowest level farm team, the Shawnee (OK) Hawks of the Sooner State League. Don recalled the “glamor” of that bygone era of minor league ball: When you went on a road trip and had a flat tire on the bus, the last guy who’d joined the club pushed the tire to the next town and got it fixed. The day after I reported, another kid joined the club. We ran over a chicken and blew a tire. That kid had to thumb a ride back to a garage and bring a mechanic back.

positions on the field, received Most Valuable Player in the National League votes two different seasons, and played three straight years without committing one error in the field.

The play that ended that errorless streak demonstrates the cheerful trust in life’s course that marked Don Demeter. A groundskeeper’s dog raced onto the field, disrupted Demeter’s perfect throw from the outfield on an opponent’s line drive hit, and caused the infielder to miss the throw and the runner to advance. He later said with a laugh: The scorer couldn’t charge the dog with the error, so he assigned it to me! But I know in my own mind there were probably some balls before that on which I should have been given an error but wasn’t.

Nonetheless, he held the major league record for games played without committing an error for 30 years.

Gene Mauch, Demeter’s legendary manager in PhilBut within a few seasons, he had risen to play for ma- adelphia, trumpeted the Oklahoman’s work ethic: “He jor league Brooklyn, then Los Angeles when the team grinds it out every day, with the best disposition in the moved. He hit a home run with his first swing in the ma- world. And now he’s established himself in multiple positions, a greater value to himself and any team.” jors. You can watch that here: Soldier of Christ Demeter didn’t drink, smoke or cuss. His abiding trust in God and acceptance of the (apparently) bad His teammates included future hall of famers Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, with the good, shines as an enduring testament. In 1967, he helped the Boston Red Sox win the American and his roommate Don Drysdale.

League pennant, but was traded before they played in At age 24, he played centerfield and got several hits the World Series. His reaction? He thought the player as the Dodgers won the World Series. The three home for whom he was traded helped the team more than games they played in that series still boast the three he would have. largest crowds ever to watch a series game in person, the final of them being the largest ever, with 93,000 people in attendance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcoUU-DIbrs

Yet in the joyous locker room following the final game, Don Demeter asked himself: “Is this all there is to life? Is this the best it gets?”

That memorable sequence tilted his life more directly onto a trajectory that would eventually bless countless people across Oklahoma and far beyond.

Meanwhile, the 6 foot 4 inch Oklahoman with the big hands, speedy legs, and powerful swing blasted 20-plus home run four straight years with the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers, and totaled 163 in his career. He hit .307 one season, the seventh highest average in the National League. Twice, he hit three homers in one game.

A complete player, he competently manned five different JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 45

Demeter’s embodiment of strong, yet patient, forgiving, and loving fatherhood and husbanding has impacted many who had their own fathers. One was his grandson Cole Cleveland, who heard a sermon from Why, at age 32, and still in the prime of his career and a young man’s his grandpa as a boy that changed his life. “It was entitled ‘Give a Cup strength, did Demeter retire from baseball? His Christian convictions guid- of Cold Water,’” Cleveland recalled. “He talked about the importance ed his belief that God bestows His gifts and talents—even great ones— of encouraging people. Instead of adding to their confusing and someon people not primarily for their own enjoyment and fulfillment, though times chaotic life with more struggle, we should give them a cup of cold that often occurs as well, but as means to help draw men and women to water. There’s nothing like a cup of cold water for the soul.”

Himself. “A solider on active service,” the New Testament apostle Paul The boy who heard that sermon grew up to be his grandfather’s sucwrote to his disciple Timothy, “will not let himself be involved in civilian cessor as pastor of Grace Community Baptist Church, and himself a affairs. He must be wholly at his commanding officer’s disposal.” faithful husband and father.

Thus, presented a rare opportunity to return to the powerful Detroit When Demeter was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Tigers, Don Demeter, so often on the road, out of state, traveling the country playing baseball, battling and overcoming painful injuries, in 2010, acclaimed Oklahoman newspaper sports columnist Berry Tramel wrote: “When they build a Father’s Hall of Fame, Demeter will be a looked at his sons Russ and Todd. What did he see? first ballot inductee.”

According to Todd, decades later: “He saw two boys who needed a father.”

But all along the way, usually quietly and with few if any human witAfter baseball, Demeter began the Spartan pool construction busi- nesses, big, manly Don Demeter was impacting the fatherless boys of ness, where both of his sons eventually worked with him, and which the world as well. Only the Lord knows the number of that legion. One proved a long term success that continues even today, under Russ’s of them was this author. leadership.

As a Little League ballplayer living in hot, dusty Oklahoma in a one And he continued a faithful pursuit of Bible study, teaching, and lead- bedroom apartment with my brother and widowed mom—she slept on the couch in the living room so that we ership, which he had boys could have the bedroom—there grown well known were two baseball players whose for during his major bubble gum baseball cards I still releague career. member collecting every year when they came out at the beginning of the Most importantly, he season: Mickey Mantle and Don Deremained strong and meter. They were both poor like me trusting in his faith, and I remember even as a little boy even after his beloved thinking to myself: “They are from son Todd, father of five Oklahoma and they made it…maybe I and himself a tremencan, too.” dous baseball player and man of God, died Who would have predicted that at age 35 of Hodgkins’ nearly half a century later, I would Disease. wind up meeting Pastor Don for the first time, belonging to his church for In 2002, Don foundseveral years, and even teaching my ed Grace Community daughter and some of his grandchilBaptist Church in far dren in Sunday School? Only an omsouth Oklahoma City nipotent God ceaselessly ordering as its pastor, with his the lives of His children and acting on daughter Jill and her their behalf, “working all things together for good to those who love husband, son-in-law Rob Cleveland.

Him,” could have pulled that one off!

All Along the Way He was a mountain of a man whose preaching voice sounded chisThrough the years, Don Demeter won countless awards and was inducted into many halls of fame. All the while, he provided a rare model of eled from Western canyons, whose loping gait made the great major consistent, greathearted Christian manhood for his children, his grand- league home run base paths he devoured seem small, and whose children, his great-grandchildren, and many others. Perhaps greatest of bearlike handshake gifted warmth and belief in you, and he empowall, next to his stainless testimony of faith, was his radiant, 64-year mar- ered the wounded, the unlovely, the overlooked—and the fatherless— riage to the former Betty Jo Madole. Remember that godly foster father? to feel and walk as kings and queens of the world, and to follow the Well, Demeter and Betty met when he was 15 years old at an Exchange King Himself.

Avenue Baptist Church social event in Capitol Hill, where the man served He led us all along the way to follow the King. as chairman of the deacons and Sunday School Superintendent.

In 1968, Detroit wanted to re-sign him, but he decided to retire. That team won the World Series.

46 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

JANUARY SPORTS CALENDAR (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all scheduled events are subject to change)

MOORE Basketball

January 4 Edmond Santa Fe January 6-9 @PC West Tournament (Boys) January 11 @Edmond North January 14 @Norman January 18 Deer Creek January 20-22 John Nobles Tournament

(Girls & Boys) January 28 Mustang

Wrestling

January 7-8 @Jenks Tournament January 13 City Championship Duals@ Southmoore January 14-15 COAC Tournament@ Southmoore January 20 District Duals@Moore HS January 21-22 @Yukon Tournament

Swimming January 7 January 8 January 11 January 18 January 22 January 25

Casady Meet@Mitch Park Senior Meet@Mitch Park PCO Meet@Mitch Park Edmond@Mitch Park COAC Meet@Mitch Park Chickasha@USAO

SOUTHMOORE

WESTMOORE

Basketball

Basketball

Wrestling

Wrestling

January 4 @Edmond Memorial January 6-8 @Bartlesville Tournament

(Girls & Boys) January 14 @stillwater January 18 @Westmoore January 20-22 @Little Ax Tournament (Girls) January 20-22 @John Nobles Tournament (Boys) January 28 Edmond North

January 7-8 @Jenks Tournament January 13 City Championship Duals@ Southmoore January 14-15 COAC Tournament@ Southmoore January 20 District Duals@Edmond North January 27 Duncan Dual January 28-29 @Chickasha Tournament

Swimming January 7 January 8 January 11 January 18 January 22 January 25

Casady Meet@Mitch Park Senior Meet@Mitch Park PCO Meet@Mitch Park Edmond@Mitch Park COAC Meet@Mitch Park Chickasha@USAO

January 4 @Stillwater January 6-8 @Ada Tournament

(Girls & Boys) January 11 Mustang January 18 Southmoore January 20-22 @John Nobles Tournament (Boys) January 20-22 @Carl Albert Tournament (Girls) January 28 Yukon January 4 @Edmond North January 6 Yukon January 7-8 @Jenks Tournament (Boys) January 7-8 @Inola Tournament (Girls) January 11 @Guthrie January 13 City Championship Duals@ Southmoore January 14-15 COAC Tournament@ Southmoore January 18 @Piedmont January 20 Tri-Tournament@

Westmoore (Boys) January 20 @Yukon Festival (Girls) January 21-22 @Yukon Tournament January 25 @Deer Creek January 28-29 Big 4+4 Tournament@

Blackwell (Boys) January 29 @Broken Arrow

Tournament (Girls)

Swimming January 7 January 8 January 11 January 18 January 22 January 25

Casady Meet@Mitch Park Senior Meet@Mitch Park PCO Meet@Mitch Park Edmond@Mitch Park COAC Meet@Mitch Park Chickasha@USAO

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 47

SPORTS PHOTOS

48 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 49

50 | MOORE MONTHLY | JANUARY 2022

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JANUARY 2022 | MOORE MONTHLY | 51