Moore Monthly - June 2020

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VOL. 15 • NO. 5 • JUNE 2020

CRUISING MAKES A COMEBACK

9

Sparked by a longing for simpler days and fueled by a restlessness born from a time of quarantine, the great American pastime of “cruising” has made a rousing return to 12th Street in Moore.

Watching your costs?

So are we.

BLESSING BOXES

20 34 38

They’re called “micro pantries” and they’re popping up across the state of Oklahoma. A Moore couple talk about the passion to serve that led them to get involved in the creation of Blessing Boxes.

90 YEARS OF DOING BBQ RIGHT The story begins with a young man who decides he loves cooking more than roughnecking in the oil fields. That passion for perfect recipes led to the creation of the first Van’s Pig Stand and a family-owned Oklahoma tradition that is still going strong nearly 100-years later.

THE VOID OF SUMMER The grass fields are perfectly manicured. The infields are raked and ready. All that’s missing are the boys of summer. Moore’s three high school baseball coaches share their thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on America’s pastime.

8 Letter from the Editor 12 Entrepreneur’n Moore

COVID-19: Why Strategix Planning is Most Important in an Uncertain Economy

18 Chamber Spotlight What is the New Normal?

22 From Seed to Spoon

The Gardening Perfection of June

24 Business Spotlight Hair by Lily

26 Calendar of Events 29 Moore Healthy

Unique Process Cleans Ambulances in Pandemic

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30 Ask a Dietician

What are Phytochemicals?

32 Taste Local

Van’s Pig Stand Celebrates 90 Years of Great BBQ

33 Book Review

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

33 Crossword Puzzle 34 Crossword Answer 35 Senior Living

Learn the Skill for a Lifetime: Self Soothing

36 The Station Schedule 40 Parting Shots

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Letter from the Editor

WELCOME BACK!

W

e’ve made it to June. Summer is here, but the landscape is decidedly different and clearly will be different for some time to come. Our June issue is typically a “Summer Event Guide” which helps residents sort through the variety of entertainment options and local attractions available to them. COVID-19 has, for all practical purposes, wiped out any regular schedule or predictability when it comes to summer events.

Fortunately, Moore residents are experiencing at least one positive result of the pandemic: the return of cruising to 12th Street in Moore. Over the past month or so, driving down 12th Street between Eastern and Western feels a lot like being dropped into a modern version of “American Graffiti.” We don’t know how long the resurgence of this classic American pastime will last, but we hope you’ll get a chance to enjoy it while you can!

Also, in this issue you’ll learn about the appearance of a Blessing Box in Moore and how families who “have enough” are stepping up to help those who are in need during challenging times. We hope you’ll enjoy the June edition of Moore Monthly magazine!

THIS IS Y All Inclusive | Free Youth Sports State-of-the-Art Equipment | Community | For All

ymcaokc.org Editor Moore Monthly

Publisher Brent Wheelbarger Writer/Editor Rob Morris Designer April Burgess For ad placement, specifications and rates: call 405.793.3338 or email Rebekah@mooremonthly.com

104 SE 3rd St. Moore, OK 73160 • 405.793.3338 • 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.

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JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 9

STORY & PHOTOS BY ROB MORRIS

I

t’s Saturday night on 12th Street. Pull into the empty lot next to the Boomerang Grill and close your eyes for a moment. Listen to the deep, throaty song of muscle car engines as they serenade each other while rumbling past the Sonic.

If you didn’t know better, you might think Doctor Emmett Brown and Marty McFly have piled you into their time-traveling DeLorean for a trip back to a nearly forgotten point in Moore history.

The classic American pastime known as “cruising” has returned to Moore, and fans of this sometimes overlooked rite of passage are, to put it mildly, ecstatic.

Brian Smith is one of those folks who grew up in cruising 12th Street. Nine years ago, he started a Facebook page called “Bring Cruising Back to 12th Street!!” Smith can barely contain his enthusiasm as he navigates a street 10 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

packed with nearly every kind of car imaginable.

“My Uncle Greg brought me out to 12th Street when my family first moved to Moore in the early ’90s,” said Smith. “It was bumper-to-bumper traffic, and that absolutely blew my mind.”

so I could get ice cream and watch the cars,” said Jury. “Then, when I got older, I had a little Mustang, and I became kind of like the epicenter of information on Saturday nights. I kept up with where every-

Smith remembers those days as a vibrant, community experience filled with friendships, laughter, and conversation. He’s not the only one. Michael Jury grew up in Moore and has crystal clear memories of his teenage years on 12th Street.

“I used to beg my dad to take me to the Braum’s

Photo courtesy Jessica Cline

Truth someday, but in the meantime, he’s grateful for the bond he shares with the youngster over cars.

“Truth loves cars,” said Beard. “I love bringing him out to 12th Street so he can experience a little of what I got to grow up with.”

It’s safe to say that Truth has been bitten by the car bug as well.

“I love talking to my grandad about cars,” said Truth. “And I love how great all the cars look and sound.”

Ironically, a bug might be the catalyst for the explosive return of cruising to 12th Street. Smith and Jury say that a few months ago, the thought of a jampacked 12th Street was a pipe dream. But then the Coronavirus pandemic hit and the world basically shut down. As the quarantine days passed and people became restless, some began stumbling onto Brian’s cruising-related Facebook page.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Dixon Vaughn one was, and so I would sit at the Sonic while people would come up and ask me where everybody was.”

Smith and Jury experienced 12th Street during the ’90s, but the truth is that the popular weekend cruising experience goes back much farther. Jerry Beard graduated from Southeast High School in the mid-’70s. He says that by the time he was old enough to drive, cruising 12th Street had been an established tradition for more than a decade.

“I had created the page mostly to get hold of old pictures and videos,” said Brian. “It had about 350 or so members who were sharing pictures and memories. Then a few weeks into the Coronavirus thing, it just went crazy.”

Smith said that one of the page moderators posted a Thursday night message suggesting a meet-up for cruising 12th Street in April. The membership jumped from 350 to 700 overnight. It climbed to four thousand people over the weekend and is now closing in on 10,000 members.

“I used to cruise back in the ’70s and ’80s,” said Beard. “But we heard about the guys who were legends long before I was able to get on the street with my own car.”

Beard says he was drawn back to 12th Street by the siren song of engines, old friendships, and the connection he and his 12-year-old grandson have built over cars. The specific vehicle that bridges the gap between the grizzled 60-something cruiser and a tech-savvy tween is Beard’s pride-and-joy: a beautifully restored 1926 Ford Model-T. Beard says he’ll be passing the car on to

Photo courtesy Charles Burger

“I wasn’t expecting things to blow up like that,” said Smith. “It was exciting, and we started hoping to actually bring cruising back, but with some structure so that the City of Moore would go along with us in keeping it around.”

Photo courtesy Mark Crick

Smith and Jury began to craft some cruising guidelines, talking to the Moore Police Department about the kinds of things they would need to do to keep things from getting out of hand. continued on Page 14 JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 11

ENTREPRENEUR’N MOORE

COVID-19: Why Strategic Planning is Most Important in an Uncertain Economy

I

n an uncertain economy, human beings tend to hunker down, focus on surviving, freeze, feel overwhelmed, tend to be change adverse, and simply try to hold on! Stress is up, communication is down.

One way to stay pro-active and avoid knee-jerk reactions to economic changes is to conduct a strategic planning session.

Keep a couple of things in mind while you embark on your planning efforts in the midst of uncertainty: 1) create a plan that is also adaptable (for example develop several if-then statements and develop some basic scenarios of how you might need to adjust the plan), and 2) pay attention to fundamental structural changes that would point to entirely new or adjusted approaches. With those things in mind, then, the conscious and intentional act of planning can be very helpful. Re-visit your purpose as a company, what has made you successful, sometimes called core com-

petencies. Conduct current marketing research, examine the market and your customer’s/client’s needs: how have they changed in light of the recent turmoil and what changes to your business are necessary to meet their new reality? Where can you realistically pivot in the short, or medium term (planning for 30 – 90 – 180 day - time horizons may be helpful until things stabilize)? What is possible in this current environment, and have any new, or previously hidden opportunities (or threats) emerged? Are there opportunities to invest (for example, even while conserving cash in uncertain times, perhaps you now have bandwidth to sharpen skills or pursue training for you and your team).

Below are a list of areas/questions which will help you to plan strategically: Positioning: • Describe the product or service solution we provide to the marketplace in a sin-

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gle sentence. How might that one sentence change in this new-normal environment?

• What is our geographic, demographic market scope and what are our distribution channels?

• Who is our ideal customer and what are their top five (5) characteristics?

• What is our Brand Promise? Does it differentiate us, is it measureable, does it fill the ideal customer’s need?

• What customer segments offer us the greatest opportunity over the next three years?

• What are our most promising product/service categories over the next three years and why?

• What do customers most want from our class of product or service?

• What are the four (in each category) most significant changes in technology, distribution, product innovation, markets, consumer, and social trends around the world that might impact our industry and organization?

• Have the structural changes that are emerging created any “daylight” we might be able to fill?

Core Competencies & Strengths (internal—things we can leverage): • What does our firm do better than anyone else in our industry and which of our core competencies allow us to do that?

• Which of these items is most important and why?

• What are the inherent strengths of the organization that have been the source of our success?

• List the five (5) most important measurements of success for our company and indicate how our firm has performed against those measures over the past two years?

Competitive Analysis: • Who are our competitors? Have they changed in response to the crisis (mergers, shift in distribution methods, etc.)?

• What advantages does our firm have over our competition?

• What advantages do our competitors offer that our firm does not?

• Which are the most important to the long-term success of our firm?

• How do we want our customers to differentiate us from our competitors?

Weaknesses (internal—things we can improve): • What are the inherent weaknesses of our organization? What can we do to improve or mitigate those?

• What is the state of learning on our team? What are we reading or not reading that needs to change?

• Which lower priority activities could we stop doing? And, if our firm ceased these activities, to which strategic areas should we redirect the time, energy, and resources?

• If our firm lived up to its full potential, how would it be different three years from today?

• What are the three (3) most important things that our firm needs to accomplish in the next twelve months to assure that our firm reaches its full potential?

Opportunities (external—things we can potentially influence or anticipate):

Threats (external—things we must watch and be ready to respond to): • What worries me most about our firm’s future?

• What strategies can we employ to reduce/minimize those risks?

• What are the four greatest challenges currently facing our firm?

Outcomes to Consider: As you set out to engage in strategic planning even while things are still uncertain, seek to gain clarity in terms of what you can and cannot control. Open lines of communication between the management team & staff, highlight and re-commit to core values. If you still have some working remotely, this may have to be more frequent and intentional than was previously “normal.” Consider what strategic changes need to be made to best leverage your firm’s strengths in this uncertain economy. Finally, be pro-active, be adaptable, and continue to move forward. Uncertain economic times and the structural shifts they bring will illuminate great opportunities for those who are positioned well, pay attention as things continue to shift, and have a plan for leveraging them.

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......................from Page 11 “We’ve talked with Jeremy Lewis at Moore P.D. a lot,” said Jury. “Jeremy and the rest of the Moore city leadership have been great about giving us some clear direction about what is and isn’t acceptable. We’re just trying to make sure everyone who shows up to cruise 12th Street respects the things we’re being asked to do, especially when it comes to following noise and safety restrictions.”

With a few exceptions, most of those who come to participate in the re-

newed cruising experience has been more than willing to keep the noise level down and respect neighborhoods and businesses. In fact, a lot of the shops along 12th Street have expressed an appreciation for the traffic and increased exposure over the last month or so.

“I think folks have done a great job of leaving parking spaces open near the front of restaurants and stores,” said Brian, “And I know for sure that people are heading inside all these places to eat, buy snacks, and get gas. So, it feels great knowing that we’re also helping businesses through a really tough economic time as well.”

Then there are the wide variety of cars and motorcycles you’ll see moseying up and down 12th Street over the course of a Friday or Saturday night. Crowds of folks set up lawn chairs (carefully respecting social distance standards, of course) and enjoy an everchanging parade of vehicles. On a recent Saturday night, they saw a converted hearse called “The Weed Wagon,” a brilliant yellow McClaren, a converted Volkswagen van from the ’60s, and a continued on Page 16

Photo courtesy Perry Tuell 14 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

Photo courtesy Brian Smith

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 15

................from Page 14

Pham. “I used to cruise 12th Street when I was a kid, so it’s really great to be able to get out here and see so many old friends.”

Like so many others, Pham hopes to see the renewed weekend tradition continue for a long time.

“I think it’s great for the community and great for folks who love to see all the great cars that show up,” said Pham.

Smith and Jury say they’ll be doing everything they can to keep the tradition alive.

“It’s absolutely magical,” said Smith. “I just want to give it up to all the hardcore car guys that have been out here cruising the whole time, keeping this alive. My hat’s off to those folks that have pulled those great cars out of mothballs and brought them out for the rest of us to enjoy.”

1965 Shelby Cobra.

The Cobra belongs to Moore resident Tim Pham, a 1990 Moore High School grad who says he’s had the car for about seven years.

Jury adds, “It’s so great seeing some of the legendary cars from back in the day as well as so many of the new cars. We’re just going to do our best to help keep things headed in the right direction and keep encouraging people to come out and respectfully enjoy cruising.”

“I always loved the Cobra, and you don’t see a lot of these around,” said Pham. “I just caught it on sale out in Shawnee a few years back and decided to buy it.”

Pham says the return of cruising to 12th Street takes him back to his younger days.

“It’s great to be outside with the top down, enjoying the fresh air,” said

Photo courtesy Mark Taylor 16 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 17

BY KIM BROWN

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: What is the New Normal?

M aintaining a positive voice, engaging consumers with relevant content, and keeping your customers informed of how your business is adapting to the current situation are the most important things businesses can do to preserve and grow their customer base.

Focus on your brand – your values, mission, and purpose – and the things your business has to offer to consumers right now. Consumers 65+ will likely be more cautious than other younger demographics, so your business may need to adapt to serve your customer base better. Evaluate whether your target demographic has shifted or if there are particular measures you may need to take to reach specific demographics.

The coronavirus has forced us to utilize digital technology at a higher rate than ever before. Before COVID-19, online grocery sales accounted for 3% of sales, and only 10% of consumers utilized these services. According to Namagoo, online grocery sales were up 162% in March 2020 versus March 2019. Video conferencing as well has surged in popularity as isolated friends and families attempt to stay connected through digital. For example, Zoom usage shot up to 200 million daily meeting participants in March 2020.

What does this mean for brick and mortars? It means your physical foot traffic may come back but not at the rates you’ve been used to. This isn’t surprising, as online sales have seen substantial year-over-year growth, while brick and mortar sales rates haven’t been nearly as high. That said, the coronavirus’s effect may act as a pressure cooker, speeding up consumers’ propensity for online shopping.

Post-COVID-19 Trends • Remote work and video conferencing Employers are seeing remote work as a viable option for much of their staff. In the past, if you joined a video conference, you were thought of as “mailing it in.” Now it’s become an accepted form

18 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

Remote work and video conferencing are important trends in a post-COVID-19 world. of participation. Business travel will be reduced with a resulting reduction in travel budgets.

• Digital migration picks up speed COVID-19 has accelerated the digital change that was already underway. What some organizations resisted for a decade is now core to survival and innovation. It is highly unlikely companies will try to return to what worked before the pandemic.

• The death of the open office - Research has shown that people in open offices take nearly two-thirds more sick leave and report greater unhappiness, more stress, and less productivity than those with more privacy. The experience with COVID-19 will make people more aware of the danger of working in shoulder-to-shoulder open offices where it is easy for viruses to spread.

• Lasting impacts on manufacturing Moving for ward, factories and supply chains will require, and businesses will mandate, much more resilient manufacturing through nearshoring and even onshoring, full automa-

tion, and software-based management.

• Brick and mortar diversification COVID-19 isn’t the end of brick-and-mortar stores — they’re vital to our communities and our economy — but the way they operate will change. This crisis will force small businesses that have historically relied on foot traffic as their primary source of income to develop alternative revenue streams so they can weather the next major event.

• Lean into digital - Brick and mortar retailers will need to lean in heavily on digital to create an omnichannel customer experience. While no one is suggesting keeping your doors closed, you would be wise to invest more into your online presence, ensuring a robust digital experience that easily translates to the physical, in-store sales experience. Perhaps you can experiment with live streaming video platforms to discuss new products, promotions, and deals or provide extra value through educational talks, training, and tips.

• Evolve in store - The in-store experience may need to adapt and evolve, as well. Grocery stores could host cooking classes, tasting sessions, or party planning seminars. Hardware stores could host DIY classes and gardening activities. Even restaurants can invite consumers to try new menu items and wine selections during private events, or completely rethink how food is consumed (food trucks, anyone?).

Adapt, and change has always been the nature of business, and the tools for success are within reach. Digital technology has always been an unstoppable locomotive pushing consumer behaviors and preferences into new territories. But this unprecedented time has acted as a nuclear reactor providing a surge of speed that’s moving us forward faster than we expected. But it doesn’t have to throw local businesses off the tracks.

Sources: Little Rock Regional Chamber, BusinessInsider.com, AOE.com

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BY ROB MORRIS

BLESSING BOXES BRING HOPE TO MOORE T

he bright red box appeared overnight in front of the Moore Faith Medical Clinic. While it’s relatively inconspicuous aside from its color, its presence represents the best of the character of Moore and those who live here: people caring for others’ needs without regard for who gets the credit.

It’s called a “Blessing Box.” In short, it’s essentially a “micro food pantry.” It exists to provide temporary help for those struggling with a shortage of food, something that has been a growing problem during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They’re popping in communities across the state of Oklahoma. The Blessing Box in front of the Moore Faith Medical Clinic is part of a statewide effort being spearheaded by Dr. Kim Weaver and her husband, State Senator Darrell Weaver.

The idea was sparked when Kim and her daughter spotted a white box with a red heart on it outside the home of Lorrie Webb in Moore. Webb had just created a little micro-food pantry on her own and was restocking it herself.

“She just did this out of the goodness of her heart,” said Kim. “We saw the sign and stopped to visit with her and thought what a wonderful idea.”

That initial conversation with Webb led to further discussions among the Weaver family, and they decided they wanted to do something as well.

“So many people are being hit hard right now,” said Kim. “Our family was talking about ways that we could help, and we went down to Marlow to visit with Rose Massey, who has been doing blessing boxes through the United Methodist Church in that area.”

Massey is a retired nurse who felt God calling her to create the micro-pantries a few years back. Kim says that her initial thought was to add a few blessing boxes in the communities where she runs her clinics. But the idea quickly grew to something bigger, and they approached Dave Edwards, the director of the Moore Faith Medical Clinic, about adding one here.

“Kim came to me with the idea, and I thought, ‘Man, that is such a great idea!’” said Edwards. “Our communities have obviously gone through a rough time, and the idea of a Blessing Box just fits so well with what we do here, providing free medical care to those who need it.”

Kim, who is also the Women’s Director of Health for the Moore Faith Medical Clinic, partnered with Edwards to get the ball rolling, and things moved quickly. Volunteers rallied to build and install the unit, and volunteers showed up to help stock and restock it.

20 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

“It’s amazing how the people of Moore always seem to respond,” said Darrell.

“None of us have unlimited resources to keep this thing stocked, but there’s just been an outpouring of support.”

The Weaver’s say that the way the Blessing Box works is simple: people who have extra food simply come back and fill up the shelves with non-perishable items and toiletries, and those who need things are welcome to come by and get what they need to fill the gap. But the idea quickly grew from something simple and local to a statewide effort.

“It just exploded, to be honest with you,” said Darrell. “I don’t think anybody in Oklahoma wants anyone else to go hungry, and so we just wanted to help make it easy for folks in other communities to participate.”

The Weavers, who joke about always going “all in” on anything they do, created an organization called “Oklahoma Blessing Boxes” and filed for official non-profit status. The initial effort to place a few of the micro pantries has grown to a total of 17 boxes. Those boxes have either been placed or are in the process of being placed.

“There are actually quite a few of these already in place in other areas,” said Kim. “What we wanted to do was make it as easy as possible for folks to start and support one in their community. We can help install them or show them how to do it themselves and then support them in their efforts.”

The Moore Faith Medical Clinic Blessing Box is supported by a wide array of individuals from local churches who help make sure there’s plenty of food and toiletries for those in need.

“We have volunteers from about 40 churches who serve here at the clinic,” said Edwards. “To my knowledge, everything that has been brought here comes from individuals who are just doing it in the name of Jesus, which is so very cool.”

“The outpouring of support from people in Moore has been tremendous,” said Kim. “People are adopting it and spreading it to others, to other churches and youth groups. That’s exciting to see, and we hope we can help it spread to every community that needs it.”

Plans for the future include creating an app that will help people locate blessing boxes across the state.

“We have an IT guy who is volunteering his time to create this,” said Darrell.

“So, you’ll be able to find one nearby quickly right there on your smartphone.

And we’re hoping to include folks who are not directly a part of our efforts but have put up blessing boxes on their own.”

The micro pantry movement arrives at a critical moment for so many families across the state. Dave Edwards, the Weavers, and the hundreds of folks who are building and stocking these Blessing Boxes say it’s just their way of answering the call of Christ to help those in need.

“Rose Massey told me, ‘Hunger has no face.’” Said Kim. “And I think that’s so true, especially at this point in time. We think there’s a certain demographic or person that relies on others for help. But the truth is that all of us are just a step away from needing a blessing box to help us get through.”

Kim also notes that they include something extra in the Blessing Boxes to help those looking for spiritual nourishment as well.

“My sweet mom, who is in heaven, used to give out To learn more about Blessing Boxes, including how to these ‘Jesus Calling’ books to so establish one in your community, visit the Oklahoma many people when Blessing Boxes Facebook page. she was checking out at the pharmacy or the Dollar General,” said Kim. “When she passed away, we continued to purchase these. Now we put some of those in there along with Bibles that churches give us. Those go quickly because sometimes people also need to feed their soul and their heart along with their belly.”

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 21

STORY BY DALE & CARRIE SPOONMOORE

The Gardening Perfection of June

Editor’s Note: Due to the fact that Dale and Carrie Spoonmore are busily moving into their new house, we are running their article from the June 2019 edition of Moore Monthly. Congratulations on your new home, Dale and Carrie!

J

une is our wettest month but don’t let that fool you because July and August’s heat is right around the corner. This makes June the perfect month to get drip irrigation set up for the upcoming months. Check out our YouTube channel to see how you can make your own with some PVC pipe, a drill, and a few fittings! The abundant rainfall also makes it a great time to get a rainwater collection set up. We built our 500-gallon setup with IBC totes that we got from Craigslist. Search rainwater on our website to see all the details!

By June, our planting season is winding down. However, there are still a few things you can sneak in before summer. The food that you can plant this month includes sweet potatoes, okra, southern peas, summer squash, cucumbers, and melons. Check out our free app on Android and iOS that gives you all the information you need about how you can grow all of these in your backyard or patio garden!

Although we’re slowing down planting in June, harvesting is ramping up. We’ve been harvesting our cool season crops throughout the spring, and we should start to get peppers, tomatoes, squash, and more of our summer season crops soon.

Whenever we first started growing the food, we dedicated ourselves to only eating food that came out of the garden for a few months. After a couple of weeks, we were getting tired of the same flavors every day. This was when we started using a lot more of our herbs in the kitchen. Hopefully, you had a chance to plant some oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage in the spring. If not, you could still try planting it in a Smart Pot where it will get some shade in the afternoon until established. Basil loves our summers and can even be planted 22 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

by seed out in your garden! Check out our website and app for some of our favorite recipes.

You’ll also start seeing a lot more insect activity in your garden, but not just the bad bugs. We’re especially looking forward to the return of wasps to our garden.

This may sound like a crazy sentence to some, but you’ll really start to appreciate the benefits of wasps in your garden when they start hunting through your cabbage and carrying away cabbage worms. Most of the wasps we have in our garden are mud daubers (the ones that build the nests on the side of your house). These are generally super tame creatures and aren’t looking to sting unless you are looking for a fight. The wasps you have Rosemary in a Smart Pot to watch for are the ones that live in giant hives, but we haven’t had any of those at our place. There are lots of other beneficial critters such as spiders, praying mantises, and ladybugs that will keep the bad bugs out of your garden without the use of pesticide. Check out all of the beneficial critters and how you can attract them to your garden in our free app.

If you’d like to learn how you can grow your own food organically in your own backyard without spending a lot of money, check out our website and free app at seedtospoon.net. We also have events all throughout the year, including tours of our backyard garden. Sign up for our email list at seedtospoon.net for our weekly email with all the details and information for giveaways from Smart Pots, Burpee, and other partners!

Be sure to visit www.seedtospoon.net for gardening blogs, videos, tips, and information on the SeedtoSpoon app for iOS, Android, and web browsers.

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Norman South OKC JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 23

BY ROB MORRIS

BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT: Hair By Lily

L

ily Bray fell in love with styling hair nearly 20 years ago.

“I had a best friend who was a stylist,” said Bray. “My mother was also a stylist, and I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because I absolutely love it.”

That love for styling hair led her to become a stylist, operating as an independent contractor at other salons. For the past five years, Bray has made her home a private suite at Salons by JC. But a growing list of clients has prompted her to open her own salon at 1265 South Eastern Avenue, between 4th Street and 19th Street.

“All of my clients are like my family,” said Bray. “I think that what is most important is when you have a new person who comes in and sits in your chair, first of all, you have to treat them the way you would want to be treated yourself.”

Bray has had a lot of success building trust with clients over time, which she says is essential to becoming a good stylist. She also says it’s critical to be yourself.

That often means balancing humor with being a good listener.

SODA POPS WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPURTUNITY TO THANK OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS FOR THE CONTINUED TRUST AND SUPPORT! 24 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

Hair By Lily

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by Appointment

hairsalonbylily.com “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a jokester, and I love laughter,” said Bray. “but I think you also have to be something of a therapist. It means a lot to me to encourage somebody who is not having a good day.”

Currently, Bray’s client list is so full she works Monday-through-Saturday by appointment only, but she wants everyone to know that she has room for new clients. Hair by Lily offers haircuts for women, men, and children, as well as doing coloring and facial waxing.

Bray also wants everyone to know that she, along with most stylists, take the current COVID-19 situation very seriously and follow all guidelines to protect clients and themselves.

“We go to school and learn about the importance of disinfecting from the beginning,” said Bray. “We use hospital-grade disinfectants on our salons, our chairs, the shampoo bowls, basically anything the client comes in contact with.”

Bray says it helps that she genuinely loves people, which makes her job incredibly fulfilling. She especially enjoys helping people find their own perfect, personal style.

“Many customers come in with a specific idea of what they want, and you really need to listen to that,” said Bray. “But it’s great to work through options and choices with them to help them find something right for them and still fits what they want.”

Hair by Lily was voted as the winner of the 2020 Best of Moore & South Oklahoma City “Best Hair Salon” category. Bray says she’s honored by the selection and looks forward to serving her clients in her new location.

“I’m always working hard to build trust with my clients,” said Bray. “Like I said earlier, they’re more like family or friends to me, and I want to treat them as well as possible.”

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & PERFORMANCES AND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS • JUNE 2020 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.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE YELLOW ROSE THEATER PRESENTS: SHADES OF MOTOWN Opening June 12th and running through July 12th, come take a trip back down memory lane and experience all your favorite Motown hits as performed by our talented cast! Call 405-793-7559 for reservations or information.

FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is closed to the public until May 12 in compliance with the University of Oklahoma’s regulations regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. This is subject to change, so please check the museum’s website for updates: OU.edu/fjjma.

OCCC VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THEATER All spring events at OCCC’S VPAC have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please check the website for updates: tickets.occc.edu.

CHURCH & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION FRESH START COMMUNITY CHURCH FOOD PANTRY open the third Thursday of each month, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 309 N Eastern Avenue, West Campus-Family Life Center. Canned and dry goods available.

Must be a resident of Moore (please bring an ID).

CITY MEETINGS & EVENTS THE FARMERS MARKET AT CENTRAL PARK, Thursday nights from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.

Vendors selling garden-related products (fruits, vegetables, salsa, plants, wine, baked goods, goat soap, and much more). Come to the Multi-Purpose Pavilion at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway, 26 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

and support local vendors. We accept SNAP and Senior Cards. For vendor information or more details please call 405-793-4332. Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event.

Please visit cityofmoore.com for up-todate information.

COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE has been rescheduled to Monday, June 1 through Sunday, June 7. No registration required. You can use your own signs.

For more information please contact Customer Service at (405)793-5032.

Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event. Please visit cityofmoore.com for up-to-date information.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore PARKS BOARD MEETING Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

MOORE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY MEETING Monday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, June 9, 7:00 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

DIVE-IN MOVIE AT THE STATION AQUATIC CENTER Saturday, June 5, 8:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family to the Aquatic Center for a showing of Godzilla: King of the Monsters (PG-13). Cost is $5 per person. Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event. Please visit cityofmoore.com for up-to-date information.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore MOORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Central Park Multipurpose Pavilion, 700

S. Broadway. Beginning on Friday, May 29th, food trucks in the park serving a variety of selections along with music.

Take a break for lunch and join us. Check the City of Moore and Central Park Facebook pages for a list of the each week’s food trucks. Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event.

Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event. Please visit cityofmoore.com for up-to-date information.

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE & DIVE Friday, June 19, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Daughters to be escorted by their Dad’s, Stepfather, Grandfather or another male figure. We will transform our pool deck into a luau-themed party with the attire being Hawaiian (bring swimwear), and we’ll have dancing, cookies, punch, and door prizes. For Dads and their Daughters ages 4-to-14. Tickets are available at The Station front desk or cityofmoore.com/fun for $10 per person or sold the day of the dance for $15 per person. Please note: the Coronavirus situation may impact this event. Please visit cityofmoore.com for up-to-date information.

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 sizes are available and are free for community members.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM Moore Police Dept. is starting a Neigh-

Calendar Sponsored by

borhood Watch Program. If you’re interested in helping your neighborhood reduce crime, contact Sgt. Jeremy Lewis, (405) 793-4448.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please check the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on events and office hours.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please check the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on events and office hours.

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.

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.

SEE THE FULL CALENDAR AT

MOOREMONTHLY.COM

•

•

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JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 27

Norman Regional Welcomes

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28 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

BY RICHIE SPLITT, PRESIDENT & CEO NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Unique Process Cleans Ambulances in Pandemic

This story sponsored by

A timer is set for 10 minutes to let the virus-killing solution, called Virex, set. After the back portion is disinfected, a crew member will go into the cab of the ambulance, wiping down the steering wheel, armrest, radio, AC/Heat controls, and other touched surfaces.

Spreading Safety Not only is EMSSTAT cleaning its own ambulances using this process, it is also offering it to other ambulances who bring patients to a Norman Regional Emergency Room.

In a 12-hour period, EMSSTAT cleans about 20 ambulances.

“The response has been ver y positive from all the ser vices,” Combs said. “I explained to them we are doing this to protect them and their patients. I don’t want them to be going back to their service area in a truck that has not been cleaned thoroughly.”

A

n unlikely duo is fighting on the frontlines against the spread of the coronavirus. That duo is a paramedic and a paint sprayer.

EMSSTAT, the emergency services provider for the cities of Norman and Moore, is cleaning its ambulances after each use with a new process that involves spraying a virus-killing solution inside the ambulance using paint sprayers and foggers. The team who deep-cleans the ambulances is called the EMSSTAT Pit Crew. Paramedic Michael Combs had the idea for the pit crew and, with help from the team, created this new process.

The process of cleaning ambulances after each patient is essential to help stop the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19.

“There is no call that is just a routine call. A patient who fell could be COVID positive,” Paramedic Kenny Hilburn said.

The Cleaning Process The pit crew team begins by protecting themselves with personal protective equipment or PPE. “When an EMSSTAT ambulance backs into the ER, our crews don on their chemical suit, N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses.

Once the patient has been unloaded, the crew goes to work,” Combs said.

The crew works from back to front. Team members carefully use a paint sprayer or a fogger to spray down the inside of the ambulance. The crew members never have to enter the ambulance since the sprayer reaches throughout the ambulance.

McClain-Grady EMS is one of the local ambulance ser vices which has had their vehicles cleaned by EMSSTAT, said Robin Robinson, assistant director at that agency.

“It was a huge relief to know that our trucks were going to be cleaned for us when we transported a possible COVID patient to Norman Regional when the pandemic first started since many cleaning supplies were on backorder or sold out. Using the fogger with Virex was a great idea,” Robinson said.

In addition to the safety of patients, this process also gives paramedics and EMTs working on the frontlines peace-of-mind.

“I have all the confidence that my truck is clean, and I’m able to work without fear of contracting the virus from an unclean truck,” said Matt Burleigh, a paramedic/ EMT with EMSSTAT. The idea for the pit crew cleaning came to Combs at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It is similar to a deep-cleaning method use to disinfect ambulance trucks, sort and date supplies, and inventory items.

Frontline Features Norman Regional is committed to your safety during this pandemic, and our EMSSTAT pit crew cleaning is just one example. You can learn more about our safety procedures and stories from the frontlines of COVID on our website NormanRegional.com.

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 29

MOORE HEALTHY BY Destiny Howard, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC

ASK A DIETICIAN:

What Are Phytochemicals?

M

any of us have heard of components in foods such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. But did you know that there is much more to some of the foods we eat? Plant-based foods also contain compounds called phytochemicals. The prefix “Phyto“ is derived from the Greek word “plant.” So simply put, phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants. They are natural components of plant foods that also happen to be powerful promoters of heath. Studies show that individuals who eat more plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables, have a lower risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Phytochemicals provide many functions for the plants themselves. Some of these functions include protection from pests and defense against environmental stressors. The phytochemicals also help impart color, flavor, and smell to plant foods. When ingested into the human body, these phytochemicals enhance the immune system, improve heart health, protect against cancer, and promote the clearance of toxins.

As mentioned before, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of phytochemicals. We also find phytochemicals in whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and teas. The type of phytochemical present in the food corresponds to the color of the food. Eating a wide variety of colorful plant foods will help ensure that your diet is rich in health-promoting phytochemicals.

Aim for one to two servings of each of the following color groups per day: red, yellow-orange, green, blue-purple, and white/tan/brown.

Let’s take a look at the health benefits each color group possesses:

30 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

• Red foods may help reduce the risk for certain cancers, along with protecting the heart, brain, liver, and immune system.

• Orange foods contain phytochemicals that help enhance the immune system, eyes, and skin, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

• Yellow foods contain anti-cancer anti-inflammatory compounds and may protect the brain, heart and vasculature, eyes, and skin.

• Green foods are healthy because they contain compounds that are anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and may protect the brain, liver, heart, vascular system, and skin. One of the unique attributes of some green foods, because they aid the liver, they also help balance our hormones.

• Blue-purple foods from nature are beneficial because they promote good memory and cognition. This color group contains phytochemicals that are anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and may protect the brain, heart, and vasculature. Sadly, this is the category that many people eat the least.

• White/tan/brown foods have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity.

In addition, like green foods, white/tan/ brown foods contain compounds that assist with hormone and liver health.

Be careful not to confuse processed foods with healthy white/tan/brown foods from legumes, vegetables, fruits, spices, seeds, and whole grains. Foods that are highly processed and do not contain ample sources of phytochemicals include cereals, pasta, cakes, chips, cookies, crackers, and most bread and bagels. Those foods are not the kind to focus on in the white/tan/brown category of plant foods.

This story sponsored by

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JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 31

PHOTOS AND STORY BY ROB MORRIS

Van’s Pig Stand Celebrates 90 Years of Great BBQ O

1991 Tower Dr. A • 405-703-1000 • pigstands.com • Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Daily

ver 90 years ago, Leroy “Van” Vandegrift was working as a tool dresser in the oil fields of North Texas. Vandegrift began cooking for his co-workers on the rig sites and, as family history tells it, realized he loved cooking more than he did oil work. Nina Vandegrift Shuman, Leroy’s granddaughter, says he opened the first Van’s Pig Stand shortly after.

“It was in Wewoka in 1928,” said Nina. “We always celebrate the official beginning of Van’s as 1930, which is the year he opened the store on Highland in Shawnee.”’

That store on Highland is still open to this day and is filled with the rich history and legacy of Oklahoma’s oldest family-owned barbeque restaurant. Nina says her grandparents established the recipes that Van’s Pig Stands still use to this very day.

“The classic saying ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ is how the saying goes, right?” said Nina. “The rub and the barbeque sauce haven’t been changed since the beginning. Our carrot cake, that’s grandma’s original recipe. And then there are things like the ‘Van-ized’ potato, which came into being after the Great Depression. My grandmother hated wasting anything, so she figured out a way to make these wonderful twice-baked potatoes that we still make at the Highland store to this very day.”

Nina says her father, Jerry Vandegrift (also known as the “Head Hog”), bought the business from his brothers and later passed it down to Nina and her brother Jev, the third generation to own and operate the Van’s Pig Stands. Nina’s husband, Mark, also helps manage the Moore and Norman locations. Mark says he has always loved the Vandegrift’s commitment to great food and excellent service.

“Van and Thelma are the ones who developed the recipes, along with Ralph Williams,” said Mark. “They were masters of spices and whatnot and had an amazing attention to detail. We work really hard to maintain that level of integrity in everything we make at Van’s.”

In 2005, Van’s moved into the old Mr. Burger location near the intersection of Telephone Road and 4th Street. They were happy in that location until 2013, when the devastating May 20th tornado wiped out their store. Nina and Mark both said it was challenging to lose that location, but it led to the building of their new store and shopping center east of the railroad on Tower Drive.

32 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

“The old spot was such a great location,” said Nina. “We had established ourselves there, but it worked out that we had the land on Tower Drive, and we really wanted to stay in the community.”

The experience of surviving an EF-5 tornado was just one of a long list of obstacles Nina says helped prepare her family for the recent COVID-19 challenges.

“I called my dad early on when COVID-19 hit and told him, ‘Dad, I just don’t know what we’re going to do,’” said Nina. “He told me, ‘We’ll be fine. We made it through wars and multiple fires, and we’ll make it through this, too.’ And sure enough, after a rough couple of weeks, it just seemed like God brought us enough customers through our drive-thru and take-out that we’ve survived.”

Mark and Nina both point to those long-time Van’s customers that are the foundation of their success.

“We love barbeque, and we love the people we serve,” said Mark. “That’s a great combination because when you have great food and treat people with love and respect, they’ll keep coming back.”

“That’s just our family tradition,” said Nina. “I remember as a little girl watching my dad mingle with the customers, walking around and talking to them as friends, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. To be able to still do that and to pass that on to our kids and our employees is a great gift.”

That connection with people is part of the secret sauce, but Oklahoman’s are serious about their barbeque. That means if you can’t deliver something to match those expectations, you’re going to be in trouble. The fact that Van’s has been around for 90 years is evidence that the food lives up to the legend.

“We have people that have been coming in for 70 years,” said Mark. “They brought their kids in for some Van’s. Those kids grew up and brought their kids in for barbeque, and then it just keeps going. Everybody has their favorite thing that brings them back.”

“It’s humbling,” said Nina. “For me, it’s all about that legacy and tradition of hospitality and openness that goes back to my grandparents. I just feel like this is what God put us here to do, you just love one another and keep making great barbeque.”

BOOK REVIEWS

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series Author: Jeff Kinney Publisher: Amulet Books Reviewer: Becky Feldman, Children’s Library Associate, Moore Public Library

Did you know that you can check out 17 different “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books right now through Hoopla eBooks with your Pioneer library card?

Times bestseller among other awards and praise. In “Cabin Fever,” Greg Heffley is in trouble, but the crazy thing is, he’s innocent! Or at least sort of… Read it to find out the funny twists and turns!

Download free apps for Hoopla, Libby and Kanopy to access eBooks, audiobooks, and movies from your electronic devices at home. You will have a blast checking out all your favorite authors! From picture books, fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, to even parenting books, you can access a world of education and entertainment, right now!

The Pioneer Library System has compiled a plethora of virtual activities for families to explore while they are at home. Visit our website at pioneerlibrarysystem. org There are outstanding educational opportunities, databases, and resources for everyone in the family.

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram and have fun exploring the world from home!

The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney has been delighting kids in print since 2007. The book has been named New York

If you have any questions, you can chat online with us on “Ask Us” on our website, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org. We’ll be glad to help you!

See answers on page 34.

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 33

LIBRARY SCHEDULES

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM REOPENING SCHEDULE As of May 18, the Pioneer Library System has reopened its 12 branch libraries, including the local libraries in Moore and Southwest Oklahoma City.

Out of an abundance of caution, PLS has discontinued in-person library programs through August 31, even after libraries have reopened.

However, program options will continue this summer via the library’s social media outlets and through links on the library website, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

THE SCHEDULE FOR JUNE FEATURES: Story Time, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays Join children’s librarians from around the Pioneer Library System as they present special story times and activities via video! The library will host morning activities twice a week and a bedtime story time on Tuesday evenings.

Book Recommendations, 1 p.m. Wednesdays Librarians are checking in with ideas for readers’ needs with book suggestions based on topic, genre or just another book that readers liked in this question-and-answer session. Get a personalized recommendation based on your reading interests.

Minecraft Online, 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Using a private server donated by Nitrado, Minecraft fans can join in games hosted by the library three times a week.

Register with an email address or sign up by emailing htritz@pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

More on the way This schedule will be updated, perhaps daily, as more events are able to be scheduled. Get the most current listing by going online to www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org and clicking on the Events Calendar.

Answers to Puzzle from Page 33

34 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

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

Learn The Skill for a Lifetime: Self Soothing T

hese times call for us to put some thought into the concept of self-soothing.

In most people’s minds, self-soothing is not a “thing.” Yet it is one of the most important skills you can learn, and one that will be a tremendous help throughout your life.

There is nothing complicated or difficult about self-soothing. It’s only a skill, and skills can be learned. The place to start to acquire this skill is to spend a bit of time and energy thinking about yourself.

Just as no two people are exactly the same, no two people are soothed in the exact same way. Everyone’s needs are different, and Step 1 is figuring out what works for you. The possibilities are endless.

It is smart to make a list of possible soothers before you are experiencing a painful emotion. It will work very much to your advantage to identify good possible strategies and be ready to try when you do need them.

Likely, a self-soothing strategy that works in one situation may not work in another, so it’s good to have not just one strategy but a list of them.

That way, in your moment of need, you can try one and if it doesn’t work, try another.

To identify effective soothers, it may help to think back to your childhood.

Were there things that you found comforting as a child? Also, think back to the most emotionally challenging times of your adulthood.

Have there been helpful self-soothing strategies that you’ve used in the past without realizing it?

Be careful about what types of strategies you use. Make sure they are healthy for you. For example, alcohol, shopping, and eating can seem easy and useful, but they should never be used for self-soothing. They can quickly end up giving you another problem to deal with.

Below are some examples of healthy self-soothing strategies that have been identified and used effectively by others. Go through this list and remove the ones that clearly will not work for you.

Then think about your own personal ideas to add. Keep your list handy, and use it when you need it.

Self-Soothing Ideas To Start With • Take a bubble bath • Make a cup of soothing tea • Take a long, hot shower • Listen to your favorite music • Wash or polish your car • Exercise, walk, lift weights, or take a bike ride • Play a musical instrument • Cook or bake (we are talking about the process here; be careful not to over-use food itself for self-soothing!)

• Spend time with your pet • Play with a child • Go outside at night and look at the starts • Clean • Garden • Sit quietly and look out the window • Self-talk: Self-talk is probably the most useful and versatile of all self-soothing strategies. It involves literally talking yourself through your uncomfortable feeling state. The thing you can say to yourself: “you know you are a good person,” “this will pass,” “you are trying your best,” “just wait it out.”

Be sure to keep your list flexible. Remove strategies that stop working for you and add new ones as needed.

Make self-soothing a meaningful, purposeful endeavor that grows and changes with you. All of your life, you will need to have the ability to soothe yourself, but now more than ever. As you get better at it, you will find yourself a calmer person who feels more in control and more comfortable overall.

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 35

THE STATION SCHEDULE • JUNE 2020 ACTIVITIES & CLASSES

Because closures and restrictions due to the coronavirus are changing constantly, this schedule is subject to change at any point in time. Please check with www.cityofmoore.com or call (405) 793-5090 for more 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.

RUNNING CLUB

Week of May 25th–August 28th | twice a week The Station is excited to offer a social running club during the summer! Spend three months perfecting your running form and getting geared up to run in the Moore War Run in August.

FEE: $50 for passholders for the entirety of the club,

$60 for non-passholders.

MOMMY & ME

THE STATION AQUATIC CENTER

SEASON OPENING: June 1st – 7 Days a Week – Noon – 8:00pm Soak up the sun while cooling off in The Station’s 45,000 square foot outdoor aquatic center. Unlike any other city recreation or community center you’ve ever visited, the aquatic center has a lazy river, three slides, a diving well, a lap pool, a splash area, and spray features that are guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained for hours.

May–August | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | TIME: TBD FEE: Free for Passholders with registration, $40 per month

registered for non-passholders.

A small group exercise focuses on exercising safely with baby and is a class designed to help moms bond with their babies in a healthbased setting. Located in the city’s parks.

CLASSES

SWIMMING LESSONS

Registration is now open!

Classes Being Offered: Parent & Child, Preschool & Youth Levels 1 – 4.

Classes are based on the child’s age. Descriptions will be available at a later date.

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS

Any age or ability can sign up for these lessons. These lessons are scheduled around your availability and are catered to your specific goals. Private lessons are structured with one instructor and one participant.

FEE: $70 per student/per session PARTICIPATION: Two participants must be registered together for semi-private lessons.

GROUP LESSONS

Group swim lessons meet for two-week sessions unless noted.

FEE: $40 per student per session PARTICIPATION: Minimum of 3 participants is required. We reserve the right to cancel or combine levels to adjust for class size.

2020 AQUATICS CENTER PASSES DAILY RESIDENT

DAILY NON-RESIDENT

Individual

$6

$7.50

$50

$62.50

Youth (3-17)

$6

$7.50

$40

$50

Senior (60+)

$5

$6.50

$40

$50

Military

$5

$6.50

$40

$50

Military Family

N/A

N/A

$100

$125

Family

N/A

N/A

$160

$200

Twilight Fee

$4

$4

FEES

beginning January 7th.

INSTRUCTOR: Stacia Becher, CPT Register at The Station Front Desk or www.cityofmoore.com/fun

SEASON RESIDENT

SEASON NONRESIDENT

Rates and fees are subject to change.

FITNESS IN THE PARK SERIES FUNDAMENTALS BOOT CAMP

FEE: $50/month (12 Classes) Non-Passholders /

$40/month (12 Classes) Current Passholders

*Sign up for 3 months for $125 for non-passholders

and $100 for current passholders.

WHERE: Buck Thomas Park (1901 N.E. 12th St.) AGE: 16 and over TIME: 5:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

36 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

YOUTH SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Team and Individual Sessions Available AGES: 10-12 Years Old – Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

(minimum 3 athletes per class)

13-15 Years Old – Mondays at 4:30 p.m.

(minimum 3 athletes per class)

Individual Performance Training – One Hour

Scheduled Sessions FEE: 10-12 Years Old – $40 per month Moore students/ passholders

$50 per month for non-residential/non-passholders

13-15 Years Old – $40 per month Moore students/ passholders

$50 per month for non-residential/non-passholders

Individual Performance Training – $15/hour session,

$125/10 one-hour sessions

Class passes expire 3 months after purchase.

Athletes must attend a class with their age group.

WHERE: The Station REGISTRATION or INFO: call 405-793-5090 Sports performance classes are designed to help athletes gain an edge over the competition. These classes will help athletes enhance their balance, coordination, speed, agility, flexibility, and overall performance on and off the field of play. Sports performance classes will help those who want to be a better allaround athlete for any sport by making movements more efficient and by working on joint stability along with all other facets of athleticism. Athletes will not only perform better while playing but sports conditioning has been proven to prevent or decrease injuries and create a more well-rounded athlete.

ADULT LINE DANCING

WHEN: June 3rd – June 24th - Wednesday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

AGES: 18+ FEE: $30 per session or $8 per Class WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: Now – July 7th Learn how to do a variation of multiple line dances. Fun class.

Class varies each time.

YOUTH COMBO DANCE CLASS

WHEN: June 3rd - June 24th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes)

July 8th - July 29th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes)

August 5th - August 26th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 6:30 P.M - 7:15 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room

AGES: 4-8 year olds REGISTRATION PERIOD: Through June 2nd For June Classes Through July 7th For July Classes June 1st - Aug. 4th For August Classes FEE: $40 per session DESCRIPTION: This is a class where we combine Ballet, Tap, and Jazz throughout the class so the student can get an even mix of the 3 styles of dance. High energy and fun. All Classes will have a Recital. Recitals are To be Determined.

BABY BALLET

WHEN: June 4th-June 25th Thursday Nights (4 Classes)

July 9th - July 30th Thursday Nights (4 Classes)

August 6th - August 27th Thursday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 5:30 P.M. - 6:15 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 18 months - 3 year olds REGISTRATION PERIOD: Through June 3rd For June Classes

Through July 8th For July Classes

June 1st - August 5th For August Classes FEE: $40 per session DESCRIPTION: Without mom and dad, the child gets to learn the basics of Ballet through music, movement, and balance. Fun, positive, and appropriate for the little ones. All Classes will have a Recital. Recitals are to be determined.

YOUTH HIP HOP/JAZZ DANCE CLASS

WHEN: June 4th - June 25th Thursday Nights (4 Classes)

July 9th - July 30th Thursday Nights (4 Classes)

August 6th - August 27th Thursday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 6:30 P.M - 7:15 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 4-8 year olds REGISTRATION PERIOD: Through June 3rd For June Classes

Through July 8th For July Classes

June 1st - August 5th For August Classes FEE: $40 per session This uses popular and current music the kids will know and recognize to learn dances and choreography with different elements. Age appropriate music that is clean and not derogatory All Classes will have a Recital. Recitals are to be determined.

TODDLER DANCE CLASS

WHEN: June 3rd -June 24th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes)

July 8th - July 29th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes)

August 5th - August 26th Wednesday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 5:30 P.M - 6:15 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 3-5 year olds REGISTRATION PERIOD: Through June 2nd For June Classes

Through July 7th For July Classes

June 1st - August 4th For August Classes FEE: $40 per session Toddler will learn the basics of Dance all while having fun and making new friends in the process. All Classes will have a Recital.

Recitals are to be determined.

SPANISH 4 ADULTS

WHEN: September 2nd – October 21st

(Every Wednesday Night (8 Classes) TIME: 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

AGES: 16+ FEE: $70 per Session WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: July 1st – September 1st Learn Spanish for beginners. Adult classes will teach the basics of

JUNE 2020 • THE STATION SCHEDULE understanding and being able to use basic Spanish in the real world.

SPANISH 4 KIDS

WHEN: September 2nd – October 21st Every Wednesday Night TIME: 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

AGES: 6-15 FEE: $70 per Session WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: Now – September 1st Spanish for beginners. Children will learn basic Spanish speaking skills.

CONTINUATION SPANISH 4 ADULTS

WHEN: September 3rd – October 22nd (8 Classes) TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

AGES: 16+ FEE: $70 per Session WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: May 1st – September 2nd for Session 2 For anyone who has completed Spanish 4 Adults at the Station or is interested in refreshing their Spanish. This class is not for beginners but is for those who are past the beginner step but are not quite at the intermediate level. This class will continue to teach the basics of understanding and being able to use basic Spanish in the real world. This class will also use more conversation and further enhance your Spanish vocabulary.

ADULT MORNING PAINTING & DRAWING

WHEN: August 11 - September 15 Tuesday Mornings (6 Classes)

No Class on September 7th-Labor Day TIME: 10:00 A.M - 12:00 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 15+ REGISTRATION PERIOD: May 1st-August 10th For August Classes FEE: $70 per session Use several drawing media and various techniques in this class.

All supplies included. Class taught by a certified art instructor.

CARTOON ART 4 ADULTS

WHEN: August 3rd - August 24th Monday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 6:45 P.M. - 8:15 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 15+ REGISTRATION PERIOD: May 1st - August 2nd FEE: $50 per session Ever thought it would be fun to draw your favorite cartoon characters? Now you have the chance to make the coolest batman or your favorite comic book character.

THE ART OF JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY

WHEN: July 7th - July 28th TIME: 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 15+ REGISTRATION PERIOD: March 1st – July 6th FEE: $45 per session Welcome to the world of sumi or ink. In this class, students will practice how to use Japanese calligraphy brushes, ink, and paper to create traditional Kanji letters. Students will master different strokes, practice fun characters, and take home their own calligraphy!

YOUTH BEADS & STRINGS

WHEN: September 1st - 22nd Tuesday Nights (4 Classes) TIME: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room AGES: 4 - 8 yrs. old REGISTRATION PERIOD: September 1st - September 22nd FEE: $30 per session In this class you will create, make, mold and build different art using beads and string.

YOUTH ARTS AND CRAFTS

WHEN: August 3rd – August 24th Monday (4 Classes) TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

AGES: 4-8 FEE: $30 per Session WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room REGISTRATION: May 1st – August 2nd for August Classes A class where kids get to use their imagination in a variety of different ways, making a variety of projects they get to take home.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

WHEN: First Friday of each month TIME: 6:00 P.M -10:00 P.M. WHERE: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room

(7-12 years old)

& Child Watch Room (3-6 year olds) AGES: 3 Years-12 Years Old FEE: $15 per child REGISTRATION: Parents can register online or in-person up until the day of the event. (Online registration ends at 5:00PM, in-person registration ends at 6:00PM) *Children must be potty-trained to attend. Parents should indicate any food allergies or special needs at registration so staff can best accommodate your child. Drop-off begins at 6:00PM, and children must be picked up by 10:00PM. Parents will incur a $30 charge for any late pick-ups.* INSTRUCTOR: The Station Child Watch Staff Parents, do you need a night off? Enjoy a night to yourselves while your kids have a blast at The Station! Children can enjoy activities such as arts & crafts, board games, video games, and free play on an exclusively reserved basketball court before finishing the night off with a movie. Pizza will be served for dinner, along with a surprise treat for dessert.

ADULT CO-ED DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

WHEN: Coaches Meeting – June 16th at 6:00 p.m.

TIME: Tournament on June 20th – Start time to be determined WHERE: The Station Recreation Center COST: $30 per team AGES: Men & Women 15-years & older SIGN-UPS: Through June 15th REGISTRATION: Online – Coach registers team TEAM MINIMUM: 4 players TEAM MAXIMUM: 24 players FORMAT: 5 on 5, Double Elimination Tournaments Co-ed muST have two women on court at all times.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

WHEN: June 18th, July 23rd, November 19th and December 17th TIME: 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center FOR: Anyone- Kids 6 & Under accompanied by an adult REGISTRATION PERIOD: No Registration free to come!

COST: Free!

INSTRUCTOR: The Station Staff Open for families of all ages with a variety of different family games from board games like Monopoly to card games like Go Fish. Bring the whole family for a night of fun.

SUMMER CAMPS

Most summer sports camps run Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. unless specified differently upon sign up. Sports camps are open to boys and girls ages 7-14 years old. Each participant in a week long camp will receive a t-shirt. Snacks will be provided in all camps. Parents are asked to make sure campers bring proper attire. Camps are set up to teach basic fundamentals and skills with game like scenarios. Space is limited. Sign up today! www. cityofmoore.com/fun

ART CAMPS

June 1st - June 5th | 9am–Noon July 6th - July 10th | 9am–Noon August 3rd – August 7th | 9am–Noon

GIZMO’S, GADGETS & THANG’S: ROBOTS & ROCKETS CAMP June 15th – June 19th | 1pm-4pm

OUTDOOR CAMP

July 20th - July 24th | 9am - Noon Mon. - Thurs.

Friday evening at Buck Thomas Park

EXTREME ANIMALS CAMP

June 8th - June 12th| 9am–Noon July 13th - July 17th| 9am–Noon

WEATHER & EARTH SCIENCE CAMP June 1st – June 5th | 1pm–4pm

MAGIC CAMPS

June 22nd – June 26th| 9am–Noon July 27th – July 31st| 9am–Noon

TENNIS CAMP

July 7th – July 10th

BACKYARD SPORTS CAMP

July 7th – July 10th | 1pm–4pm

GOLF CAMP

June 8th – June 12th

BASKETBALL CAMP

June 1st – June 5th

FOOTBALL CAMP

June 8th - June 10th | 6pm-8pm

VOLLEYBALL CAMP

June 15th - June 19th

SOCCER CAMP

June 22nd – June 26th

ONE DAY BASKETBALL CAMP: OFFENSIVE SKILLS July 6th | 8am–Noon

ONE DAY BASKETBALL CAMP: SHOOTING July 20th | 8am–Noon

3 DAY BASKETBALL CAMP August 3rd – August 5th

YOUTH SOCCER FALL LEAGUE SIGN-UPS

SIGN-UPS: June 1st–July 27th REGISTRATION: Online www.cityofmoore.com/fun or at The Station TIME: Games are on Saturdays. Game Times are TBD. 6 Game Season AGES: 3/4-Co-Ed, 5/6-Co-Ed, 7/8-Co-Ed Teams AGE DETERMINATION DATE: August 29th, 2020 FEE: $60 Resident, $70 Non-Resident, $20 Late Fee after

July 27th, 2020 WHERE: Buck Thomas Park Front South Fields

FALL MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

SIGN-UPS: June 1st – August 10th COACHES MEETING: August 17th 7:30 p.m.

GAMES: Monday nights starting August 24th League runs 7 weeks + single elimination tournament TIME: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

COST: $450 per team AGE: 18+ WHERE: The Station Recreation Center FALL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE SIGN-UPS: June 1st – August 10th COACHES MEETING: August 17th 6:30 p.m.

GAMES: Tuesday nights starting August 25th League runs 7 weeks + single elimination tournament TIME: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

COST: $275 per team AGE: 16+ WHERE: The Station Recreation Centerals are to be determined.

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 37

SPORTS BY ROB MORRIS

The Voids of Summer T

he grass has never seemed greener at the Moore High School baseball field. There are beautiful new shrubs around the facility, a new concrete concourse, and a fresh coach of classic “baseball stadium” green on the outfield fences. The only thing missing is the crack of the bat and cheers of the fans that accompany the most uniquely American sport.

Lions head coach Sunny Gollaway says this COVID-19 spring has been one of the strangest experiences he’s ever faced.

“It happened so quickly,” said Gollaway. “I remember walking off the field after we beat Mustang, and we had absolutely no idea that this would be the end of the season.”

Golloway rememteam after that how they were ficult situations. team was comspecial.

bers talking to the game and complimenting them on learning to dig themselves out of difLooking back now, he believes this ing together and might do something

“We were 5-and-2, and these guys had set aside their egos and were buying into what we were doing,” said Golloway. “I honestly thought we had a chance to host a regional and get to the state tournament.”

Golloway and the Lions aren’t alone. Andrew McGuire and his Westmoore Jaguar team were playing in a spring break tournament in Frisco, Texas, when COVID-19 wiped the spring sports schedule from existence.

“It was Wednesday, and all the kids were talking about the Thunder game being c a n celed,” said Haines, “We had a couple of morning games the next day, and Mr. Bice, our athletic director told us just to go off of what Texas was doing. Then they just shut the tournament down, and we came home. We had a ton of really great players and high expectations, and suddenly it was just all gone.”

Over at Southmoore, 38 | MOORE MONTHLY | JUNE 2020

Dakota Haines and the Sabercats

were experiencing the same surreal collapse of their season.

“To say that it was weird and confusing is a very mild way to put it,” said Haines. “Our guys had just started playing their best baseball, and there we were at the start of what should have been a fun season. Instead, we end up with something so unexpected and unprecedented.”

Although the coaches and players at all three Moore schools didn’t know it at the moment, history was being made. The entire spring sports season was canceled. Schools were closed. It all happened before anyone had a chance to process the loss.

“It didn’t even hit me until well after spring break,” said Haines. “I think the thing that hurt the most was that we weren’t even able to give those kids a hug and tell them how special they are to us.”

Golloway and McGuire say they were also blindsided by the screeching halt to the season.

“For the longest time, the kids couldn’t even come by the lockerroom and pick up their gear,” said Golloway. “It leaves a void when you’ve spent so much time working together, and it’s just suddenly torn away like that.”

“We told our guys to take their gear with them, and we’d be in touch about what was next,” said McGuire. “And that was it. Two months later and we haven’t seen them. It’s not as drastic as losing a family member, but the sense of loss felt really close to that.”

Now that the state of Oklahoma is moving toward Phase 3 of a reopening plan outlined by Governor Kevin Stitt, the Moore coaching triumvirate is making plans for a possible return to the diamond in June. All three believe that the return of baseball can help restore a little bit of a sense of normalcy to life if it’s done the right way.

“Let’s be honest here,” said Golloway. “Things have changed, and we’re probably never getting back to how it used to be. We have to be smart and protect the kids and protect each other first and foremost.

But if we can figure out a way to do that and play, I’m all for getting back on the field.”

“We’ve got some ideas and some plans in place, but all of that is subject to change at any moment,” said Haines.

“It’s preparing for the unknown.

All we can do is create our plans

and wait to see if they happen. But the primary thing is always making sure our kids, coaches, and fans are safe. Nothing tops that concern.”

McGuire says that as much as he loves his kids and is longing to get back on the field, he agrees with the need to proceed with caution.

“What is normal, even going to be going for ward?” asked McGuire. “We may not ever see that again, to be honest. I do believe that it will be good for us to be able to be around each other and our kids and there’s a lot to be said for that, but in the end, the most important thing is that we are all healthy and safe.”

JUNE 2020 | MOORE MONTHLY | 39

PHOTOS BY ROB MORRIS

MEMORIAL DAY 2020

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