2021 May We Are Sand Springs Magazine

TEA R OUT YOUR 2021 F OOTBA LL SC HEDULE IN SIDE! PAGE S 1 6 & 17 SEPTEMBER - OC TOBER 2021

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04

Letter From The Editor

06

Gearing up for Fall in Sand Springs

07

Letter from Superintendent Sherry Durkee

09

Hiking Spots in Sand Springs

12

Where Are They Now: Sam Harris

14

Fishing Spots in Sand Springs

16

2021 CPHS Football Schedule

18

The Change of Seasons

20

Downtown Sand Springs Spotlight

23

The Spook of Sand Springs

26

Indian Nation Football Spotlight

30

Calender of Events

CONTENTS

Keystone Ancient Forest

Read all about the Keystone Ancient forest and other great hiking spots in Sand Springs on page 10!

This edition of We Are Sand Springs magazine was so fun to work on for a few different reasons and all of these reasons are in line with something I am working on personally. I hope that you all don’t mind if I share it with you and invite you to join me.

Lately, I have been placed in the middle. I don’t mean that in a negative way.. I’m not stuck in the middle or in a jam but rather placed in a groove. On one side is ten years of developing a family, business, reputation & life and on the other side my dreams and aspirations for the future. In this groove I am finding the sweetest joys and gifts, such as, teaching interns, helping young professionals and moms within our company balance and grow, seeing my kids take steps toward independence with confidence, having conversations with startup companies that heard I could help them and being called on by other established organizations because of our team’s dedication to our company culture… the list goes on..

So here is what I have been working on that I attribute this knew found groove: • For ten years I have specifically prayed for the moments I am living now. I am continuing to dream and pray for those specific moments that I hope to live in ten years from now.

• I am reminding myself daily that all of THIS however much or little is designed just for me in this timing.

Join me! And I would love to hear about your groove info @wearesandsprings.com

- Danielle Myers

Send us a letter or email: 118 N Main St Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810 4 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

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September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 5

Gear i n g up f or F a l l i n Sand Sp rings

Class is in session, literally! Sand Springs public schools have started back in-person classes and September is finally upon us. Once again we get to walk through the change of the seasons and fall in love with the beauty of Sand Springs all over again. The change of color, smell and temperature all bring about a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. As the fall vibes well up inside, don't be afraid to let them boil over and spill into your community. From shopping local to supporting your local Sandites, after the year we have had, we all deserve to let the good ol’ times roll once again.

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Welcome to Sand Springs and to a new

lessons learned. I am grateful for our Sandite

school year! Every new year brings renewed

team and am extremely proud of our grit and

excitement and exhilaration. We have a fantastic

integrity as we move to the new year with a

community who deeply values our city, our

renewed commitment to our precious students.

schools, each other, and our children. Our

Our Virtual Academy will continue operation,

community is a partnership between people who

providing families with an incredible option with a

are interested in improvement and making Sand

variety of learning models. Our Virtual Academy

Springs the best it can be. As a school district,

Lab AND certified teachers who monitor progress

we share these values. We are committed to

and provide tutoring opportunities, allow for a

creating an environment that is safe for students rich and successful virtual experience. Our lab is and highly conducive for learning. Our children are open 5 days a week, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the most important investment for our future

extended hours on Monday through Thursday

and we are determined to guide them to achieve to provide a space for students to access help their greatest potential - EVERY student.

from our certified staff. Students attending our Virtual Academy may participate in extracurricular

The 2020-21 school year taught us many

activities including athletics, fine arts, clubs,

lessons. We learned it was an absolute must

prom, graduation, etc. We are certainly proud

to practice resiliency, patience and flexibility

of our experience with our Virtual Academy and

as we navigated a global pandemic. Our team

are confident in our ability to provide a robust

looked for opportunities for growth in the midst

program for all students.

of the obstacles COVID-19 presented to all of us. As you are well aware we dealt with

The most exciting news is the upcoming

conditions that were unlike any year in the past.

completion of the NEW Angus Valley Gym and

Professional growth was right in front of us,

storm shelter in June, 2021. It is thrilling to see our

allowing our Sandite family to think creatively

Angus Valley students and teachers preparing to

to provide the best possible instruction for all

occupy the new space. We are thankful for this

of our students. Our limits were challenged

community in resoundingly passing a bond issue

beyond our imagination with technology, new

allowing a beautiful facility for our students!

and different teaching strategies, and practicing grace, which we gave to each other abundantly.

In true Sandite fashion, we championed the year

Be prepared for a truly great experience at Sand Springs Public Schools! GO SANDITES!

with many lessons learned and a myriad of new skills. As we move into the 2021-22 school year, we will adapt to change and are committed to continual improvement in applying those

Sherry Durkee, Superintendent

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 7

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HIKING SPOTS IN SAND SPRINGS Hit the ground running with some of the best local spots for hiking in and around the Sand Springs area! From forest views to paved, stroller friendly trails, let this list guide you through the ebbs and flows of the Sandite hiking life!

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 9

KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST Enjoy a walk through the crosstimbers of Keystone Ancient Forest, located about 9 miles, or 11 minutes from Sand Springs. The City of Sand Springs owns the forest preserve and holds some of the oldest known living redcedars, aged at 500 years old. The Keystone Ancient Forest Loop is one of the longest in the area, approximately 6.7 miles. The City of Sand Springs encourages dog owners to bring their furry friends the first and the third Saturdays of every month. You can find specifics for trail heads and lengths on their website, sandspringsok.org, or on their Facebook page that is updated daily.

RIVER CITY TRAIL River City Trail is located around Case Community Park and provides a great spot for bikers, walkers, joggers, and those with strollers! The trail is approximately 3.8 miles long and has amenities such as a water faucet, playground and public restrooms.

KEYSTONE FITNESS TRAIL The Keystone Fitness Trail Loop is lightly trafficked and good for all skill levels. With a beautiful view of the river, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or a mile long run to breathe in the fresh air and scenery. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There are also RV and tent camp sites located near the trail perfect for a weekend getaway.

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Where Are They Now? Sam Harris Sam (right) with his husband Danny (left) and son Cooper (middle)

SA ND S PR I N G S T O S T AG E Sam Harris earned his way to the big stage from humble beginnings right here as a student attending Charles Page High School. At a young age he chose to take a deep dive into the world of musical performance and starred in the American television show, Star Search. In the show contestants competed in several genres of entertainment.

After several rounds of competition, Harris was awarded the grand champion and became best known for his winning rendition of the song “Over the Rainbow”. Winning Star Search led to him signing a contract with Motown Records.

You might remember jamming to one of his Top 40 hits, “Sugar Don’t Bite”.

Harris and his family moved to Sand Springs from Cushing, Oklahoma when he was three years old, when his father, Bill Harris, accepted a position as the band director at Charles Page High School. The late Bill Harris was revolutionary in the tri-state area for his work with bands and how he touched the lives of hundreds of students. The Harris family was well acquainted with the arts, be it music or theater. Sam Harris shared that his “father paved the way for [my brother and I] to supersede his gifts”. Harris’ love for the arts not only stemmed from his musically inclined father, but his mother as well. “It was my mother who loved and understood theater,” Harris said, “who read me poetry and introduced me to plays and classic films and art that had the most influence on me.” From the very beginning Harris’ parents were altogether encouraging of his creativity and supported him along every step of the way.

When Harris was a mere 15 years old he knew he was ready to take a big step, little did he know it would be the start of an incredibly successful and fulfilling career. Harris shared that he knew by the age three that he had something 12 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

special. Storytelling was a gift, a talent really. Whatever he was doing, whether it be singing, playing a role, writing a book or a play, sharing his observations - he was a born storyteller. “I am fortunate that I was born with a vocal instrument, Sam (right) pictured with husband Danny (left) (which I have worked hard to develop and maintain) but my true objective is storytelling.” While 15 is a young age to begin a full time career, Harris’ parents encouraged him to do everything.

“They knew I needed to find others like me,” said Harris, “my tribe of singers and actors and creators.”

Star Search was the first of its kind. American Idol, The Voice, American’s Got Talent and all the others followed years after, but Star Search was the first and was a resounding success with over 25 million people watching every week!

“Basically overnight I became known.” shared Harris, “It was nerve-wracking and thrilling. I went from total obscurity and struggling to being on the covers of magazines, imitated on Saturday Night Live, a question on Jeopardy, selling out Carnegie Hall, having money, getting a recording contract, touring, appearing on a zillion tv shows. It was a LOT to deal with.” From there the rest is history, his career skyrocketed and has led to many great successes such as his work on Broadway and being nominated for a Tony, hitting platinum status as a recording artist, his book “HAM: Slices of Life”

which later became a show that played in New York and LA and then was shot as a television series. Harris shared that his proudest work, truly coming from his heart and soul, is his newest book “The Substance of All Things”. The book is set in 1968 is a rural Oklahoma town… fancy that!

Harris always knew that he would be a success. He always knew that he would be a star. Not because of some boastful or prideful spirit, but because he knew that he had the drive and the dream to succeed. “No one, NO ONE, who goes on this path with the sacrifices and rejection and the tumult of this business,” said Harris, “goes in without that drive and dream.” Harris had amazing influences as he grew up here in Sand Springs.

Most of all was his second grade teacher, Mrs. Maule.

“She saw me,” remembered Harris,” and by that I mean she SAW me, she recogonized my differences, my gifts [...] and she said “Yes you can!”.”

Another great influence was Wayne McDowell, his high school psychology teacher, who helped him come to terms with being gay and was a great source of confidence for him. “He told me that

nothing was wrong with me. He literally saved my life,” said Harris. While Harris is on the road working, he still stays connected with Sand Springs and the community as his mother and brother still live in the area. He enjoys working with the local high school drama teacher, Andrea Campfield, through in person rehearsals and zoom specialty classes working with students who really want to learn! It also never fails to make Harris smile when he drives down Sam Harris Boulevard in downtown Sand Springs.

A young Sam Harris

Harris has had, and continues to have an illustrious career filled with Broadway performances, film appearances, television co-creations, musical supervisions, and two published books all while being supported by his husband and son. Currently Harris has returned to the Hollywood stage with his new show “THE RETURN”, using his incomparable talents to bring singular interpretations of pop and Broadway classics to life. But one thing is for certain, Harris is a Sandite through and through!

As a last thought, Harris shared some advice for students who are interested in the arts:

Sam's novel, "HAM: Slices of Life"

“Think of yourself as an actor first. Music is storytelling. All art is storytelling. Where does the song come from? What are you trying to say? Many people can sing the notes, but it’s about making people FEEL something. That’s what makes a difference. When it comes to my own work – if I haven’t made you laugh and cry, I haven’t done my job!”

Sam's novel, "The Substance of All Things"

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 13

Sand Springs Lake Park has plenty of amenities for families to have a comfortable fishing experience. Pack up lunch and enjoy free parking, picnic area, trails, bank fishing, peace and quiet!

This area is also wheelchair accessible!

The great outdoors in Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Keystone Lake is a short drive from Sand

calls fishermen from around the state to cast their

Springs and is the perfect place for shore or boat

line into our waters where Largemouth Bass,

fishing! You can expect to catch stripers, walleye,

Channel Catfish and many more species can be

bass and catfish, that is… if they are hungry! The

caught. Fishing nowadays is mostly for sport - the

Keystone State Park gift shop sells live worms for

“thrill of the catch” some might say. Well here are a

bait, or you can travel across the dam to Woody’s

few places around the Sand Springs where you can Bait & Tackle where you can find all kinds of bait for take your family for a fun day full of fishing!

your family to fish with!

Sand Springs, OK

Arieal view of Keystone Lake

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Shell Lake is approximately six miles from Sand Springs and provides great recreational opportunities including both bank fishing and boat fishing! Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Spotted bass are generally the hot topic of the 900- acre lake that boasts of trees and foliage that make it the perfect haven for fishing!

Mc Brid e O ut s i d e McBride Outside is run by Oklahoma local Trent McBride, a lifelong fisherman. McBride Outside is an Oklahoma Fishing Guide Service that claims, “A bend in the pole soothes the soul”! McBride offers trips of up to 4-5 hours of fishing on several large lakes including Keystone Lake! When you book a trip, all you need to do is pack your lunch and bring an ice chest for your filets and he’ll take care of the rest! Visit mcbrideoutside.com to find out more and book your guided fishing trip today!

Shell Lake, Sand Springs, OK

When you're headed out to your next fishing adventure, make sure you have the proper gear and permits which can be purchased at your local Walmart or through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. Be safe, and HAPPY FISHING!

Mcbride's catches

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 15

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September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 17

G O SA N DIA TE S !

the 2021 season!

us as we cheer on the Charles Page High School football team during

inspiring parade, pep assembly and highlight for our star athletes. Join

we gather to celebrate our students and cheer them to victory with an

the field. One of the greatest times of the year is Homecoming - where

the state, the 2021 Sandites are more than ready to battle it out on

fears subsided and a schedule filled with high competition from across

uncertainty and cancellations would affect our student athletes. With

before in 2020. We knew little of how the shortened season filled with

The Charles Page Varsity football team faced adversity like never

T EA R O UT P O ST ER!

THE C HA NGE OF SEASON S

WRI TT E N BY D . A . MYE R S L P C

L E T ’S T A K E A M OME NT …

I mean really take a moment. When was the last

our mind solely focuses its power on the present. Survival

time we took a moment to ourselves? Not the 30 minute

mode is not too shabby when you are thinking about actual

uninterrupted bath, and not the family vacation that we

life and death situations, hanging from a ledge will get

*sometimes* need a vacation from. Really took a moment to

you to focus really hard on the strength of your fingertips.

contemplate our life, the history of it, and our expectations

However, when the moment passes, when we are lifted off

from it.

the desert island or pulled up from the ledge, we find our

Looking back, we find ourselves coming from

somewhat of a rocky season. We aren’t just talking about

minds continuing to focus solely on the present.

When we live with our minds solely in the present

COVID, I mean go back to 2018. Between the market crash,

moment, we tend to forget the longer term goals we might

floods, tornadoes, covid, the town shutting down, and the

have, or the relationships from our past that have been most

slow recovery… we’ve had something of a time these past

impactful in our lives. What is good for survival mode, it’s

few years. But that’THs all in the past, what about the

necessarily good for everyday life. So we find ourselves in

future? Have you thought much about the future and what

a similar predicament, being pulled off the ledge of the last

you expect from it? Some might have the answer “yes”, and

several years, brains fully in “survival mode” and thinking,

some “no,” but we can all agree that it’s been a little farther

“oh no, what’s next?”

from our minds these past few years.

Our minds can get into something called “survival

SWITCHING OUR BRAIN FROM “SURVIVAL MODE” TO “LIVING MODE” IS NO SMALL TASK. We have to

mode” when we go through stressful events or even years

convince our brains that we are no longer threatened, we

of slightly stressful situations. We have this “survival

are no longer fighting for our lives, we are living them. It takes

mode” because it’s necessary. I MEAN, if you are stuck on a

effort. Lots of effort, working towards reprogramming our

deserted island, the farthest thing from your mind is going

brains to see more than the next 24 hours, more

to be your 401k plan, it’s going to be “WHERE IS MY NEXT

than the next week or month. We

MEAL COMING FROM???” We block out everything that

CAN start to dream again, but we

is too far out, the future and thinking about the past, and

need to put in the work.

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FIND TIME TO SIT DOWN AND JOURNAL, EVEN IF IT’S 5 MINUTES EVERYDAY. Take three pages and title them on the top, “Past” “Present” and “Future.” When you make the time, jot down a few thoughts regarding your past, present, and future. It’s amazing what comes out of these amazing things called our brains when we make the time to use them. Take those pages, and meditate on them throughout the next week, find your mind start to expand to reconsider the future, your goals, your hopes, and your dreams (and then take a deep breath, get ready for what’s next).

If you haven’t heard of the author Mel Robbins,

5.

Or your brain will kill it - Our brain has three simple

functions,

it narrates and catalogs our memories,

operates

bodily

you need to get acquainted. She came out with a book in

functions, and protects us from

2017 called “The Five Second Rule” and it has a very simple

danger. When we don’t move,

premise. If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must

we signal our brain saying “oh no,

physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.

something is wrong, I don’t want to

That’s it. The whole book summed up in a sentence, but let’s

do this.” Our brain takes that signal, and squashes it.

tear that apart because the impact is HUGE.

1.

There is so much more to her book but it boils down

The moment you have an instinct - Instincts are

to those five points. Take all your future thoughts, and

not rash, they are never destructive, illegal or

put them to the five second rule. If we cannot act on the

harmful, but they are always pulling, always gutsy,

instincts that we have towards the future goals and

and always come from the heart. You know you should do

dreams within 5 seconds, our brain won’t let us get there,

something, even though you “don’t want to.”

and it’s a much tougher road.

2.

To act on a goal - Instincts are almost always

All in all, we have been through the ringer these past

attached to a goal. Something that we have hoped

few years, and our brains can sometimes become part of

to dream of for ourselves, yet have not been

the hurdle we need to get past, but there are systems and

achieved yet. This is the difference between movement for

processes to help us get into a better position, help our

movement’s sake, and movement with a purpose.

brains get on our side. So tell me, what is your instinct?

3.

You must push yourself - There is a small window

What is your next move? What is your next dream?

of opportunity, we know that we have an instinct.

5...4...3...2...1...

We know it’s tied to a goal. We also know, it’s not

D.A. Myers LPC is a Licensed

what we would normally do. It requires a push, something

Professional

from within ourselves to get the ball rolling.

private

4.

To move within 5 seconds - It’s not going to kill us if we don’t move in 5 literal seconds, it will just kill the instinct, which means we won’t end up doing

it. 5 seconds is general, but ultimately it needs to work for you, 5 seconds or less, and we need to move towards something that will fulfill the instinct we have. For some,

Counselor

practice

in

in

Tulsa,

Oklahoma. He owns Good Work Counseling, where he accepts people for the powerful force they are, and through a proven process, helps them get unstuck.

the pushups need to start within 5 seconds, for others, it’s writing down our commitment within 5 seconds.

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 19

dow n t ow n

SAND SPRINGS Explore quaint downtown Sand Springs this Fall by visiting several of our very popular small businesses!

While walking down main street you will find tasty treats, homemade artwork and decor and very talented individuals who style hair, customize wardrobes, make speciality hand crafted drinks - oh my! With each of our business owners comes the opportunity of engaging conversation, new friendships and community just as our towns founder - Charles Page - created it to be. Whether you're visiting the downtown area for the first time, or you’ve driven the bricked pathways many times, stop for a moment, take in a fresh breath of air, and dive into the heart of Sand Springs - a.k.a. - the people!

Listed below are a few of our hardworking downtown residents. We hope you will take the time to visit each of them in person to find new products and services that you can fall in love with.

St u de b a ke r L aw Wills, Trusts, and Probates. Tim Studebaker is a Tulsa native and has handled all types of probate cases from small ones to multi-million dollar estates. They know that your estate is your heritage and the security of your family, so they work hard to minimize the effects of ever-changing taxation standards on your investment. Studebaker Law Firm provides solid estate planning in the form of a living revocable trust, and ensures you are aware of your needs and rights so that when it’s needed, your financial future is Contact them today! provided for. (918) 772-9217

BO U L DE R C OFFE E Boulder Coffee has been on main street for the better part of (3) years now, and keeps getting better! Boulder is serving up an amazing quality of locally roasted coffee beans for all to enjoy. Boulder believes in community and caffeination! Enjoy FREE wifi, and cozy space to gather while you sip your delicious, handcrafted drink. While you're sipping, check out Boulder's NEW gallery wall displaying local art to be admired by all -- and if you can't stop admiring Check out their your favorite piece, you can shop the wall and take it home! Facebook page!

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ye l l ow h ou s e m a rke t & b ou tiqu e A Sand Springs and Green Country favorite, YellowHouse offers in-store and online shopping with an unforgettable, authentic experience. Whether you are getting your fall closet in order or shopping for Christmas YHMB is a MUST! Located in downtown Sand Springs, YHMB is on the cusp of opening its second boutique that will focus on kids' clothing and accessories. yellowhouse market.com

Check out their new Instagram!

Sa l on 36 With over 36 years experience in the hair industry, owner Jeanna finally opened her own salon in downtown Sand Springs in the spring of 2020. Make time for yourself and see Jeanna at Salon 36 for your dream hair style, cut, or color -- and they now offer lash extensions!

Blush

Check out their Facebook page!

blu s h h a ir & ma ke u p l ou n ge This beauty bar has been a staple in downtown Sand Springs for 10 years. Located inside of one of Main Street's newly remodeled historic buildings, Blush is stacked with experienced stylists that offer hair and beauty services for men, women, and children. Call today to schedule an appointment (918) 514-4629. In 2019 Blush establish Rose Annadoring Boutique, a boutique on Main Street.

Offering a variety of trendy clothing and accessories.

Check out their Facebook page!

li ttl e ve n ic e Don't walk, RUN! Little Venice opened its door a few years ago on Main Street in Sand Springs. The owners, Candi and Walter Munaretto, brought with them a love for Italian cuisine and years of culinary experience. This must be why the dishes at Little Venice are so scrumptious. If you are looking for a first-class experience in the Tulsa area Little Venice will not disappoint. Offering tables and space perfect for your next date night, celebration, or foodie feast you might as well put Little Venice on your calendar now. To make your reservation call 918-514-0134.

Check out their menu here!

okie s p ic e & tra de c o.

Specializing in flavor, but providing everything you could dream of wanting in your kitchen, Okie Spice & Trade Co is a downtown Sand Springs favorite! Make your kitchen dreams come true with plenty of options -- from a wide range of spices, rubs, and blends to fun sayings on kitchen accessories to beautiful charcuterie boards just waiting to be filled.

Check out their Facebook page!

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 21

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W

hen the sun goes down and the moon shines bright, many say that the legends of the

Sand Springs haunted come out to play. Ghosts, uneasy feelings, spirits of the undead visiting long lost family members - a hoax you might think?

Some of it may rest on the line of imagination, but the true feeling of someone’s presence, when they aren’t there, is a testament many residents believe is undeniable truth. Walk with us on the journey through 4 truly spooky Sand Springs Tales.

HI SSOM MEMORIA L C E NTER Hissom Mem or ia l C enter w a s b u i lt i n the 1 96 0’ s to hou se m enta l l y d is ab le d chil d r en of a l l a g es. T hey l iv ed , wo r k e d a nd w ent to school on the a cr ea g e a n d r ec eiv ed the nec essa r y ca r e they n e e d e d at the tim e. I n 1 993, du e to neg li g e n c e a n d cu l tu r e cha ng e, the c enter w a s s hu t d own .

I t ha s sinc e b een sa id that g hos t s r o a m t h e ol d ha l l s of the m enta l institu ti o n . Wh i le nothing ha s b een cau g ht on ta pe - ex c e p t tr esp a sser s w ho r ec eiv e a hef t y fi n e som e S a nd ites say they ca n simp l y f e e l their ha ir sticking u p on their a r m s wh e n they g o nea r the p l a c e!

Photos of the Hissom Memorial Center, seen on News on 6

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 23

BULLD OG MA N

w a s g etting a j ob w her e he knew p e o p le .

An o l d t ow n l e g end began way ba c k, ab o u t 90 ye ars ago wh en a famil y left

Unfor tu natel y w hen he w a s ol d en o ug h t o w or k the b r ick f a ctor y cl osed .

t ow n aft e r v is it in g th e old amusement p a r k l o cat e d o n Ol d Nor th Road and “ forgot” t he i r 4 ye ar ol d s on. At nig ht wh en th e gue s ts of t he park would go home, he wou l d c o me o ut an d l iv e off of fair food suc h a s p o p c o r n, c orn do g s and oth er sna cks. A f ew ye ars later when th e park w a s shut down he wa s taken in by a loc a l brick manufa c tu r ing c ompany where the workers fed and told him h e c ould stay in the shelt er of the area. One evening, a fresh sta ck of bric ks fell on th e b oy as he was sleeping, and they dis formed his fa c e - making it lo o k lik e a Bul l dog. T he workers didn’ t wa nt t o pay for a proper doctor, so th e b oy ' s n os e grew in pla c e to look like a p ig , an d h i s che eks s agging like the jowls of a b u lldo g, giv in g him the name Bulldog M a n.

Post Card of attractions around Sand Springs

The b oy n ev e r re c eived proper educ ati on an d w a sn ’ t a cc e pted into soc iet y becau se o f h i s new foun d appearanc e so h is onl y l u ck

He took of f into the w ood s, b ec a m e a her m it, a nd l ea r ned to l iv e of f of t h e la n d - incl u d ing eating l ef tov er s fr om c o u p le s v isiting l ov er s l a ne. He sel d om m a d e a n a p p ea r a nc e, b u t no m atter w hat wa s i n h i s sig ht, he a im ed to shoot - a nd he d i d n ’ t m i s s .

Whil e he ha sn’ t b een seen in m a ny ye a r s , h e is b el iev ed to b e a r ou nd 90 y ea r s o ld a n d stil l r oa m ing the w ood s a r ou nd O ld N o r t h

Aerial view of Sand Springs Lake Park in 1957

24 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

Roa d .

THE HOAX OF THE HEA D

sou nd m onitor so they c ou l d m oni t o r t h e r e s t

In about 1 9 5 2 there was a big ord ea l in

of the b u il d ing s. S o nex t tim e y our i n t h e o ld

S a nd S prin gs . An Osage Indian princ es s ha d

C P HS au d itor iu m , m a ke su r e y ou s ay h e llo t o

di e d i n a t ragic l ove stor y , after h er d eath

Mr . G r een.

ma ny r e por t e d s e eing h er head floating in t he tr e e s . Af t e r it was repor ted many tim es, a Tu lsa New S t at i on set up th eir camer a s t o tr y an d cat ch t his “ floating h ead”. Ever y we ek lo cal s w o ul d travel the area at nig ht, h o p i ng t o s e e s o m ething of a c ti on in th e t re e s . It w as n ’ t until four to five weeks l ater t hat t h e po l ic e fo u nd out it was a group of h i g h s c ho ol boys . One would climb the t r ee, t he oth e r pl a c e t he rope in th eir hands a nd

Charles Page High School Auditorium

l ow e r t he “fl o at in g h ead” down for all t o see.

Wh e n t h ey w e re caug ht they were brou g ht t o th e supe rint e n d ent's offic e who told

t hem t hey w e re n ’ t in trouble because t hey h ad gi v en S an d S prings the best news in 2 0 years.

Tall tales and old spooky stories are plentiful in Sand Springs. If you, or someone

MR. GREE N M o st k n ow t he loc al tale of Mr.

you know, have a spooky story to tell - we want to

G r e e n, but it s t ar ted ba ck in 1 977 wh en

know! Please email info@

a c o ns tr uct i o n w orker fell from th e

wearesandsprings.com

b a lc o ny an d die d. After h is d eath strang e

to submit your spooky

o c c u r r e n c e s be gan to h appen. Most notab le w as a gre en lig h t that panned the b a lc o ny o n occas i on in th e C harles Page Hig h

story and have a chance to be featured on our social media pages!

S c h o o l Audit orium. Lig hts flic kered, sta g e l i g h t s r a n dom l y t urned off and on, and a si ngu lar l ig ht in t he balc ony stayed on for a num b e r of ye ars - even when th e rest o f the l i g h t s w e re t urn e d off. M any stud ent a nd f a c u lt y m em be rs have had r un-ins with Mr .

G r e e n' s t a ct ics , in fa c t the sec urit y c omp a ny t hat m on it ore d t he building noted th at ther e we r e s u ch l oud v oic es and gr umblings at ni g h t t h at t hey w ould h ave to turn off t he September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 25

N O I T A N N INDIA

L L A B T O FO

!

T H G I L T O SP Sand Springs Youth Football Association (SSYFA) and Sand Springs Youth Basketball Association organizations

are

non-profit that

youth

represent

sports football,

cheerleading and basketball for children in the Sand Springs area. We operate teams in grades 1st through 7th and are a member of the Indian Nations Football Conference and Basketball Conference. We compete against teams in the Tulsa and OKC areas, with over 40 other clubs.

Home games are played at Memorial Stadium at CPHS. More information can be found at Facebook.com/ssyouthfootball or by calling 918.248.1042.

- Dustin Little

26 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

FREE PAGE

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 27

DANNY’S AUTO REPAIR INC.

We’ll Be Here When You Need Us!

• General Auto Repair • American • Foreign • Pickups • BG Maintenance Services • Updated Diagnostic Scan Tools • Major and Minor Tune-Ups • Air Conditioning Service/Repair Celebrating Over 25 Years in Sand Springs

918-241-9878

R R

R

®

2 W. Morrow Rd. • Sand Springs

10% OFF $20 OFF LABOR OVER $500.00

BRAKE REPAIRS

DANNY’S AUTO REPAIR INC.

918-241-9878

Offers Expire 10-31-2021

2 W. Morrow Rd. • Sand Springs

One coupon per customer | Not valid with other offers or specials

28 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

Capture our beautiful town of Sand Springs and share it with the world by entering the We are Sand Springs: Sand Springs Landscape Photos Contest. Pull out your camera whether that’s your phone or your DSL, and take a shot at getting your photograph in the We are Sand Springs Magazine, and posted online to our social media pages! We are beyond excited to see the keen eye of the citizens of Sand Springs and bring to life the brilliant landscapes of Sand Springs Oklahoma.

SUBMIT YOUR BEST SAND SPRINGS LANDSCAPE PHOTO INTO THIS YEAR’S LANDSCAPE PHOTO CONTEST PRESENTED BY WE ARE SAND SPRINGS MAGAZINE! • Get your photo featured in the November issue of We are Sand Springs Magazine • Post your photo on social media and tag us @wearesandsprings • Submit your photos to info@wearesandsprings.com Winners will be announced via social media on November 1, 2021, and will have their photo printed in the We are Sand Springs Magazine that is distributed to every home in Sand Springs!

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 29

LOCAL EVENTS IN SAND SPRINGS

SEP. 7

OCT. 17

ACRYLIC PAINTING

CINDERELLA PUMPKIN

CLASSES

CARRIAGE AND GLASS

6:30PM - 8:30PM

SLIPPER PARTY

ZegART Studios, 700 E

3PM - 5PM

Charles Page BLVD

ZEGART STUDIOS; 700 E CHARLES PAGE BLVD,

SEP. 17

SAND SPRINGS, OK

SAND SPRINGS HOMECOMING PARADE VISIT WEARESANDSPRINGS. COM FOR DETAILS

SEP. 26 PRINCESS BELLE TEA PARTY AND PAINT

OCT. 16

11TH ANNUAL WINTER SQUASH AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL OCT. 16, 2021, 2PM OCT. 17, 11PM 22350 W 71st St S, Sand Springs, OK

3PM - 5PM ZegART Studios, 700 E Charles Page BLVD

OCT. 1 SAND SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 8:00AM The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, 1801 N McKinley Ave Rd, Sand Springs, OK Register today by emailing: heathermarie.salazar@ gmail.com

OCT. 16

2021 VETS THAT MATTER JUST FOR FUN CAR SHOW 8:00AM - 1:00PM Vets That Matter Register your car at www.vetsthatmatter.org

OCT. 16

LC CLASSIC MEN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT 7:30 AM THE CANYONS AT BLACKJACK RIDGE; 1801 N MCKINLEY AVE RD, SAND SPRINGS, OK

OCT. 23 BO PHILLIPS BAND 12:00PM Case Community Center; 1050 W Wekiwa Rd, Sand Springs, OK

oct. 24 ANNUAL BBQ COOK OFF FUNDRAISER OCT 24 – MON, OCT 25 Sand Springs Elks Lodge #2553 ; 546 W Imperial Blvd, Sand Springs, OK

NEW Exhbit!

"WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE" AUG 30TH - NOV 1ST Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum

the patch OPEN DAILY IN OCTOBER MON - SAT: 10AM - 7PM; SUN 12PM - 7PM Sand Springs: 17516 W 8th St, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063

Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic and weather events, event listings (including date, time, and location) are subject to change. Please contact the event organizer directly with questions.

30 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021

September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 31

32 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021