Oklahoma March 2010

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF OKLAHOMA MARCH 2010 www.ok-living.coop

Things to do: - buy mulch - new shovel s d e b d e s i a r d l - bui - star t seeds

Garden Planning

• Restoring power after ice storms • Rural pharmacists

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ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF OKLAHOMA March 2010 VOL. 59 NO. 3 www.ok-living.coop

Powering up What does it take to restore electric service after an ice storm? . . . . . . . . 6

Parallel lives A sculptor splits her time between art and air travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Garden planning Start the season out right with a tools guide and water tips . . . . . . . 18

Medicine for Main St.

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6

Pharmacists fill a growing gap in rural health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Departments Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Co-op Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News Briefs Ask Willie Oklahoma Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 This ‘n’ That . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Oklahoma Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Trading Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Oklahoma Eats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ON THE COVER Plan to save water and have all the right tools for this garden season.

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C O M M E N TA R Y

Glad to be part of the family

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n last month’s issue of Oklahoma Living we highlighted the impressive career of Larry Watkins and the years of dedicated service he generously gave the state’s electric cooperatives. Larry is Chris Meyers a close friend of mine, General Manager, as he is a friend to so Oklahoma Association many across this state of Electric Cooperatives and nation. For that I am both thankful and blessed. We all wish him and his wife Natalea the best as they enter the next, and well deserved, phase of their lives.

Larry leaves big shoes to fill, but with his kind offer of assistance over the upcoming months, I am confident that the transition will be smooth. In the short time I have been here, I can see that Larry has left OAEC in very good shape.

As for me, I am both proud and honored to be a part of the cooperative family. Having been raised in a rural area, I know firsthand the important role that electric cooperatives play in our small communities and farms. The member-owners we serve, and the men and women who work for the cooperatives, are of strong character and have a great work ethic.

We know what it means to help a neighbor and to have been helped by a neighbor. I don’t think there can be anyone more proud of their rural roots than I am. It feels good to be in a role of service to your local cooperative and, ultimately, to you.

While your local co-op is committed to providing affordable and reliable electricity day in and day out, here at the statewide office we are committed to a role of support in the areas of safety and training, self-funded insurance and outreach. We are also monitoring state and national legislation that has the potential to impact our member-owners, either positively or negatively. There are many challenges ahead, but with our grassroots network in place across the state and nation, and with the resources available to us from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), we are well positioned to manage and influence that change in a common sense manner.

Over the months ahead, stay tuned to the articles in Oklahoma Living. In every edition we provide important information about current events in the industry, ways you can be more energy efficient, and utility-related technologies. The electric utility industry has never been faced with so much change in so many areas of the business.

Thanks to the many of you who have welcomed me on board. I am looking forward to working with each of you. OL

Let’s avoid a “glorious mess”

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he federal Clean Air Act was passed to control specific pollutants on a local scale. But in 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the term “pollutant” in the Clean Air Act could include carbon dioxide, Glen English and required the U.S. CEO, National Rural Electric Environmental ProCooperative Association tection Agency (EPA) to “make the call” on whether or not to clarify carbon as a threat.

One of the main authors of the most recent version of the Clean Air Act, U.S. Rep. John Dingell (DMich.), warned that using the Act to regulate carbon dioxide, which was never considered by Congress, will result in a “glorious mess.”

Ignoring that concern, late last year EPA announced it would include carbon dioxide in a list of pollutants contributing to climate change to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. It seems that “glorious mess” could indeed become a reality.

The Clean Air Act in its modern form was originally passed in 1970 to control harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide on a local and regional level. And in every case where these 4 OKLAHOMA LIVING

emissions fell under federal regulation, technology existed to address the goals of the legislation.

But when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions from coal—and natural gas-fired power plants—no such solution currently exists. Experts estimate at least a decade of research on promising technologies like carbon capture and storage must be conducted before a viable approach to limiting carbon dioxide gas from smokestack emissions can be found.

In many ways, regulating carbon dioxide emissions under the law is akin to using a hammer to tighten a screw. You may eventually get the screw hammered in, but better tools are ones that don’t put your electric bills at risk.

The Oklahoma electric cooperatives are asking you to make your voice heard. Reach out to your elected officials in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate and ask them to support fellow members of Congress who are doing important bipartisan work to prevent the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the federal Clean Air Act. Urge them to sign on to the Murkowski-Lincoln resolution (S.J.RES. 26) in the Senate, and the SkeltonEmerson-Peterson bill (H.R. 4572) or Pomeroy bill (H.R. 4396) in the House. Together, we can make a stand that will help ensure an affordable energy future―and prevent an economic train wreck. Visit www.ourenergy.coop today to send that message to Congress. OL

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Chris Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Manager Max Ott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President John Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice-President J. Chris Cariker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary-Treasurer

Staff Sidney Sperry . . . . . . . . . . Director of Public Relations

& Communications Chelsey Simpson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor Larry Skoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Manager Christy Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Manager Emilia Buchanan . . . . . . Communications Assistant Tricia Dameron . . . . . . . . . . Communications Intern, Recipe Editor

Editorial, Advertising and General Offices P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309 Phone (405) 478-1455 Oklahoma Living online: www.ok-living.coop

Subscriptions $2.88 per year for rural electric cooperative members. $5.75 per year for non-members.

Cooperative Members: Report change of address to your local rural electric cooperative.

Non-Cooperative Members: Send address changes to Oklahoma Living, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309.

Oklahoma Living (ISSN 1064-8968), USPS 407-040, is published monthly for consumer-members of Oklahoma’s rural electric cooperatives by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, 2325 E. I-44 Service Road, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309.

Circulation this issue: 317,898.

Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and ­additional mailing offices.

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives is a statewide service organization for the following electric cooperatives: Alfalfa, Arkansas Valley, Caddo, Canadian Valley, Central Rural, Choctaw, Cimarron, Cookson Hills, Cotton, East Central Oklahoma, Harmon, Indian, KAMO Power, Kay, Kiamichi, Kiwash, Lake Region, Northeast Oklahoma, Northfork, Northwestern, ­Oklahoma, Ozarks, People’s, Red River Valley, Rural, Southeastern, Southwest Rural, Tri-County, Verdigris Valley, and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative.

CO-OP LIVING

Thank you!

The January ice storm that swept across Oklahoma left over 65,400 homes and businesses without power and damaged at least 13,000 utility poles. In crisis situations, co-ops call on each other for help. The following co-ops would like to thank their fellow lineman and the contractors who came to their aid: Southwest Rural would like to thank: Cooke County Electric, TX Quentin Barrett Adam Bayer Ryan Bayer Darren Beaudin Shawn Dangelmayr Bill Grewing Troy Lutkenhaus Jeff Maas Tony Moster Chris Pagel Brandon Huckably Eric Johnson Charlie Schilling Warren Sicking John Speath Larry Stewart Nick Walterscheid Andrew Yosten Fort Belknap Electric, TX Chad Bellah Raul Barrientes Alvin Cardenas John Carter Denis Jeske Ralph Jeter Jeromy Johnson Brian Hampton Josh Hagle

Wayne Hamilton Jason Hankins Jeff Harvey Grayson-Collin Electric, TX Dale Baggett Trevis Croft Devin Cross Dennis Ferguson Jason Holcomb Michael Johnson Dustin Jones Marty Jones Russell McAdoo Jimmy Moreland Paul Tagert Randy Tolleson Charles Vera Pete Waldrip Leland Winter Doug Yates Taylor Electric, TX Scott Adair Wes Bicknell Buddy Bredemeyer Randy Davis Jason Devaney Josh Foss James Grimes Lynn Hays Rusty Holloway John Honey

Josh Kofoed J.D. Lindsey Cary Munden Billy New Larry Pack Jimmy Don Rogers Devery Rosenquist Steven Ross Pete Rutledge Spencer Scott Scott Shipman Chad Sipe Kyle Sloan Robbie Stephens C.J. Thomas David Thomas Ken Wells Cody Wilson Tri-County Electric, TX Chester Barnes Danny Blanchard Stanley Decker Shannon Donnell Justin Johns Richard Latham John Loftin Bill Longan Nathan McBride Jimmy Swindell United Electric, TX Travis Ashworth Kevin Bean Cody Chapman Stephen Ferguson Brody McPherson Chase Nolan Robby Parham Thomas Smith Tim Timmons Jerry Robinson Brody Weems Roger Wolfe Contractors Bird Electric Electric Line Services (ELS)

Gill Electric Service Gordon Construction Scott Pole Line Sooner Powerline Wise Pole Line Northfork Electric would like to thank:

Lake Region Electric Dean Buford Danny Darrell Tony Davis Brent Estes Dean Kirkpatrick Layne Marshall Richie York Jason Youngblood Contractors: Marks Electric J & L Utility Service Wright’s Tree Service G & M Tree Service Asphlund Tree Service

Rural Electric would like to thank: Alfalfa Electric Jason Berry Tom Chace Scott Cudmore Matt Gibson Wade Hicks Brian Kimminau Kevin Lingemann William Rhodes William Weve Choctaw Electric, Hugo: Kyle Beck Dewayne Courtwright Tony Hallows Clint Leathers Mike Mahaffey Kaleb Payne Continued on Page 7

Mother Memories Contest Maybe she was your template for womanhood or the person who taught you what it really means to be a good man. Is your mother a mover and a shaker or a legendary cookie baker ... or both? We want to hear your mother memories!

Rules:

Tell us about your mother and be entered to win a $50 credit on your electric bill. Pictures are welcome but not required. Write down your favorite memories in 400 words or less, and send them to: editor@ok-living.com or Oklahoma Living Mother’s Day, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 5. Winners will be announced in the May issue.

Ask Willie!

If you have a question for Willie, send it to: editor@ok-living.com, ATTN: Willie Dear Willie, I recently noticed freshly planted trees around a power line pole. I’ve also noticed trees planted under distribution lines. People commonly complain about the co-op’s tree trimming activities and they also complain when the power goes out, but they don’t seem to realize that they could help prevent both situations by being smarter when they plant their trees!

Tessa Thanks for the letter, Tessa!

I wish more members paid as much attention to power lines and trees as you do. Even in good weather, tree branches that come in contact with power lines can cause problems, and when storms come though (like our January ice storm), broken limbs can tear a whole line down.

Because of these problems co-ops and other utilities have the right to trim trees that are interfering with power lines. In most cases, your local electric cooperative has established right-of-way, or easement, requirements for utility lines and poles. For example, if the easement has been designated as 30 feet, trees and bushes must not be planted within 30 feet on both sides of the line or pole.

This 60-foot corridor is important for several reasons: It provides enough space for falling tree branches to hit the ground rather than the distribution line; it ensures that linemen can safely access the lines and poles; it prevents animals and children from getting injured.

Your local co-op has the responsibility and authority to keep the corridor clear, which is essential for maintaining safe and reliable electric service. Sometimes this responsibility includes trimming or cutting down trees that are in the easement. Call your local co-op office for the exact easement requirements in your area or to let them know if trees on your property might be too close to power lines. Never try to trim trees near power lines yourself!

Smart planting can keep your trees safe and save your co-op money. Research trees before planting them so you know how big they will get, then give them plenty of room to grow away from your house, power lines and other structures. OL

MARCH 2010 5

Powering up

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What does it take to turn the lights back on after a catastrophic event like the January 28-29 ice storm?

By Chelsey Simpson

Matthew Swint

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At least 13,000 utility poles were damaged during the January storm.

Co-ops always keep extra poles in their warehouses in case of disaster, but it would be impractical to have thousands of poles on hand at all times. Acquiring replacement poles and other equipment is one of the first steps to restoring power.

The Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation (SPIA) index is a weather prediction tool conceived by Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives employee Sid Sperry. The index can help utilities estimate what supplies they will need and how many extra line crews will be necessary to do the work. In some areas, the January storm was correctly predicted to be a five on the SPIA index, which is the highest rating on the scale.

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Mark Daugherty

Matthew Swint

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Ice is surprisingly heavy. Just one inch of ice on a single span of electric wire can weigh as much as 1,250 pounds! In southwest Oklahoma, 2½ to 3 inches of ice accumulated on power lines during the January storm, as seen in this photo from Northfork Electric.

There are several factors that determine just how damaging an ice storm will be to electric utilities. If rain falls while air temperatures are below freezing, as much as 65 percent of the rain will stick and freeze to power lines. Wind is another problem. If wind and freezing rain occur at the same time, the wind changes the shape of the freezing water and can result in a shaft of ice shaped like an airplane wing. If the wind continues, the wings of ice lift and shake between the poles—a phenomenon known as “walking lines.” Extra weight plus movement is too much for most utility poles, and when one snaps others are pulled down with it.

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Chelsey Simpson

All co-ops have something like a “war room”—a main operations hub where dispatchers monitor outages and direct work crews. In this photo, the map above Cotton Electric employee Mike Ottinger shows the co-op’s entire system on a grid. Many co-ops now have “smart meters” that can be read remotely to determine if power has been restored.

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Chelsey Simpson

Electricity distribution is like a river in reverse. It originates at a single ocean of power (a generation plant) and diverges from there into a series of transmission lines, substations and smaller feeder lines until it reaches homes and businesses at a trickle of its original strength. When co-ops start assessing storm damage, they know they will need to fix the biggest problems first. They prioritize repairs according to how they can get the most homes back online the fastest.

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The most back-breaking work during a power outage always falls to the line workers, who keep long hours in freezing conditions. Thanks to their training and vigilance, there were no serious injuries of any kind during the repair work for the January storm.

Over 65,400 outages occurred and it took three weeks to restore power to some members. Sid Sperry offers this perspective: “It took 70 years to build our rural electricity network and three days of ice to bring it down, but it was back up in just three weeks.” OL

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Mark Daugherty

During a crisis, all co-op employees chip in to help out. Co-ops also help each other. During this storm, 20 co-ops sent line crews to help in the most damaged areas. In this photo, Cimarron Electric manager Mark Snowden helps pack lunches for crews at Cotton Electric.

Guy Smith Adrian West Cookson Hills Electric Jeremy Baker Kevin Barnes Norvan Bilyeu Jason Blaylock Mark Blaylock Calvin Boren David Bumpers Matt Davis Theodore Eppler Allen Hare Kevin Harvell Kevin Hendrix Dion Holcomb Brian Jackson Chad Martin Lyle Mathis Jack McLaughlin Tandy Sloan Atlee Stewart Jim Watson Nick Worsham Lake Region Electric

(See above under Northfork Electric)

Northeast Oklahoma Electric: Ryan Brown Scott Bullard Jason Gage Jerry Moss J. P. Northcutt Bryan Quick Oklahoma Electric Travis Beverly Casey Cochnauer Jim Ferree Brad Hunter Gary Jones Waylon McClellan Phillip Miller Bradley Scott Joe Tarp Joe Torres Ozarks Electric: David Bond Justin Boyd Wendell Craig Greg Estep John Gragg Jon Gregory Jeff Holiman Chris Hollowway

Chad Johnson Scottie Joseph Donald Kirk William Love Reed Matthew Michael McAdoo B. J. Parrish Donald Pinkley Michael Swopes Daniel Terry Eddie Walker Tony Watson People’s Electric Zac Brady Ryan Feazle Dan Gunter Keith Kerr Todd Martin Jeffery Payne Stan Pitts Wes Wainscott

Lake Region Electric (See above under Northfork Electric) Cotton Electric would like to thank: Central Rural Electric David Johns Bryan Payne Clint Robinson Jeff Denton Cimarron Electric Robert Cannon Jerry Stroope Reed Emerson Indian Electric Bob Peterson Jason King Damon Lester Adama Cheek Tony Gordon Kyle Welch Terry Dooley Steve Wilson Kiamichi Electric Tony Nixon Jonathan Ford Blake Lomon Brian Sawyer Rick Stubblefield Justin Ward Roy Culley Clayton Boren Northeast Oklahoma

Electric: Brian Hanes Clint Cupp Adam Riley Shawn Martin Ozarks Electric: Mike Prater Joe Bardsley Aaron Harris John Odom Garland Spinks Cody Slaughter Steven Fanning Joe Cooksey Richard Parker Adam Hayden Craig McConnell Verdigris Valley Electric Troy Lamb Clifton White Adam Prickett Danny Lamke Danny Bement Ed Drake Red River Valley REA Jerry Welch Chris Flanagan Keith Anderson Chase McKinney Jeremy Westfall Ky Frayser

Kiwash Electric would like to thank: East Central Oklahoma Electric Rex Young Rodney Nixon Jody Gilroy Bear Johnson

Harmon Electric would like to thank: Northfork Electric Glen Tignor David Tignor Tony Carter B. J. Carter Dustin Lowrance Johnathan Hartman Tyler Heisohn Travis Reeves Heath Martin Ron Waldrop Northwestern Electric Carl Breyer Brian Snider Tim Alfson Lee Overton Kurt Halling Rick Lyons Riley Latta Shayne Hamilton Heath Maley Larry Stebens Clint LeForce Cory McAtee Jaret Dowler Brent McDowell Mike Boston David Leach Jarrod Randall Ty Stahlman Heath Person Donnie Johnson Steve Lawrence Robert Bohling Chris McGraw Donnie Irvin Jerry Maedgen Tri-County Electric Mike Burge Eric Leisher Cody Meyers Ruben Sanchez Dewaine Osborn Brett Nagely L. J. Ogden Robby Paden Josh Hussey Paul Kearns

Western Farmers Electric would like to thank: KAMO Power David (Red) Pride Ken Arney Trapper McDaniel Gerald Mock Josh Allen Richard Smith Jayson Fisher Kevin Orduno David Rogers Cody Johnson Mark Rush Ronny Mallory Lea County Electric, NM Brandon Fuqua Daniel Kennedy Tanner Dunlap Daniel Utajara Joe Garcia Contractors: Chapman Construction, McKinney C & H Powerline TESSCO

Lake Region Electric (See above under Northfork Electric)

Contractors: C & H Construction Co. Calvary Construction Co. Metts Brothers, Inc. Davis Powerline Power Delivery Associates, Inc. Hamlin Electrical Construction Merkey’s Dozer Service Gray’s Dozer Service Pridex Construction, LLC Many Kiwash EC members with personal tractors!

Lake Region Electric would like to thank: Bird Electric Wolf Tree Service

Canadian Valley Electric would like to thank: Kay Electric John Hoogendoorn Kemper Hill Jim Rigdon Jason Morrill Tri-County Electric Troy Daves Billy Paden Trey Long Adam Garrison Contractors: Online Electric Electric Line Services (ELS) Stiles Tree Service McCoy Tree Surgery Asplundh Tree Experts Northeast Rural Services Riggs Tree Service Oklahoma Electric would like to thank: Asplundh Tree Service Northeast Texas Power

MARCH 2010 7

CO-OP LIVING

Electric cooperatives name new CEO

Chris Meyers is new on the job, but not new to the utility industry

By Chelsey Simpson

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fter a broad search, the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ board of directors chose Chris Meyers to serve as the organization’s new chief executive officer. The post was recently vacated by Larry Watkins, who retired last month after 30 years at OAEC. Meyers is no stranger to the needs of electric consumers in Oklahoma. He spent 24 years at Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) in various capacities, most recently as the manager of state governmental affairs. He and his wife, Lori, have three children: Megan, 20, Jake, 18, and Claire, 15.

To introduce himself to our readers, Meyers sat down with Oklahoma Living editor Chelsey Simpson for a Q&A session.

I know you live in Edmond now, but where are you from originally? Do you have rural roots? I grew up in the small town of Cunningham, Kansas, which is where my family has lived for several generations. My great-grandfather Jacob first settled there on a small farm just outside of town. My mother and several generations of her family grew up on a farm near Willowdale, Kansas, which is now

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Chris Meyers, center, holds his first meeting with OAEC staff. OAEC provides a variety of services to local electric co-ops.

nothing more than a Catholic Church and a handful of homes. I believe it was 1948 when the rural electric cooperative first provided electricity there.

So did you grow up farming? I spent my summers through high school and college working on farms, but my dad is in the banking business so I lived in town. Our family and a group of local investors own a small private bank there in Cunningham. Other than the time he left for the army, my dad has been at the bank continuously since he was 15 years old.

He started as a janitor and worked his way up. Sixty years later he still goes to the bank nearly every day.

Last month he turned 75. I have a younger brother who has taken primary responsibility for the bank’s operations now. We certainly hope that he has the same tenure.

How did your dad’s life influence you and what you bring to your career? He is a good role model.

He and my mother have always worked hard and are still very active in the community. In a town of

CO-OP LIVING 500 people you get the opportunity to wear many hats. He is just happy to pitch in and gets involved in many community improvement projects. In rural areas, if you see something that needs to be done, you just have to take the initiative to do it—you grab a few people who also see the need and you do what it takes. You don’t worry about whose job it is. Life is more of a cooperative effort; people have to be willing to pitch in and mostly they do.

What brought you to Oklahoma? I graduated from Kansas State University in 1984 with a degree in engineering and I thought I wanted to work in the oil industry, so I took a job in Oklahoma working for Getty. But that was a very tough time for the industry and there didn’t seem to be much opportunity, so I went to work for OG&E and stayed there for 24 years. In hindsight, I am glad that I ended up in the electric business.

What did you do at OG&E? A little bit of everything! I started out in engineering but only spent two years there before moving to sales and marketing where I spent the bulk of my career. I also spent time in operations and corporate services. I finished my career there in government relations working with the state’s legislators on energy issues. I have been very lucky in the sense that I have been able to do a lot of different things. I think it gives me a broad perspective.

Out of all the things you have done, what will be

the most important experience you bring to your new job? The legislative knowledge will probably be the most helpful to me in this role. The local co-ops do a great job taking care of the operational side of the business. Here at OAEC, we have to look out for co-op interests at the state and national level while they stay focused on the operation.

What are your goals and top priorities so far?

There are a lot of legislative issues that need attention. There are so many things going on at the federal level that can have an impact on the prices our members pay. That’s what I’m worried most about: affordability. There are a lot of ideas that sound great on the surface; we all want a clean environment. But we need to make sure we don’t run over people in the process. There’s a right way to do it, a smart way to do it.

This is a complex business that is not easily understood. A lot of well-intentioned people trying to do what they believe is right can have some unintended consequences that we won’t feel in our pocketbooks until it is too late. That’s why we at OAEC have to watch out for our member’s interests and make sure we do all we can to keep electricity affordable.

Was there anything about the job that particularly interested you? I’ve always been a fan of the cooperatives. I’ve always had good working relationships with co-op managers and the staff at OAEC, so it’s not like I am a complete stranger. I also think

that my interest comes partly because of where I am from. When you are from a rural area you understand the needs of rural people, and I am not sure that you can get a real sense of that unless you have been there.

As far as transitioning from OG&E to the cooperatives, the operational business itself is really the same regardless of the business model; the only difference, really, is who you work for. With investorowned utilities you work for the investor, and with the cooperatives you work for the member. Both business models are valid, but they are different.

So you are excited to get back to your roots a bit? I love the opportunity to get out of the city and go to towns like Tipton and Hollis, which I recently visited during the ice storm—those are the kinds of communities I am familiar with. Tipton is nearly twice the size of my hometown!

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy the outdoors – bird hunting and canoeing. And of course I love spending time with my family. My kids are very active athletically, so that keeps us busy. My wife Lori and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this month. Time really does fly. Maybe she will keep me around a few more years?

Chris Meyers’ first day on the job was February 1. Read his page 4 editorial this month and in upcoming issues to learn more about him. OL

MARCH 2010 9

OKLAHOMA OUTSIDE

Arbor Day’s roots run deep in Oklahoma

By Allan Storjohann ave you ever gone out and just looked at a large, stately tree? Remarkable how they make you feel, isn’t it? Even though they have to live their whole lives in one place, they still make a difference for everything and everyone that lives nearby. Some hold the soil, others block the wind, and they all beautify our neighborhoods. Trees are investments in our future.

J. Sterling Morton once said, “Other holidays repose upon the past. Arbor Day proposes for the future.” As it turns out, nothing could have been truer for this pioneer journalist as he surveyed the treeless plains of Nebraska more than 150 years ago.

J. Sterling Morton and his wife moved from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory in 1854. A skilled writer and the editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, Morton promoted agriculture and the necessity of planting trees in his articles and editorials. When he became the secretary of the Nebraska territory, he proposed an annual tree-planting holiday. After convincing the new governor that trees were crucial to the state, Morton set a date for the celebration and suggested it be called Arbor Day. The Nebraska State Board of Agriculture arranged to give out prizes to the farmers who planted the most trees, and it is estimated that on that first Arbor Day, April 10,

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1872, over 1 million trees were planted statewide.

In the following years, many other states passed legislation to observe their own tree-planting holiday. Arbor Day is most commonly observed on the last Friday in April, but some states, like Oklahoma, have designated Arbor Day earlier in the year, to take advantage of better planting conditions.

The first observance of Arbor Day in Oklahoma occurred in 1901, six years before statehood. Since that time, millions of trees have been planted throughout our state.

As Oklahoma struggled with wind erosion ­during the 1930s, the Oklahoma Forestry Service established nurseries to grow and supply thousands of

tree seedlings for farmers to plant as windbreaks.

Since 1925, the Oklahoma Forestry Commission has worked to improve our forests by providing ­assistance and information.

In 1982, Oklahoma legislators expanded our state­wide observance of Arbor Day to a full week— and established Arbor Week in Oklahoma as the last full week in March.

This month, why not consider where you might plant one or more trees on your property? Look at how much good the trees have done for Oklahoma’s environment over the past 109 years, creating and renewing forest habitats all across our state! Some of those trees are still with us today, their great beauty and grandeur a living testament to the wisdom and vision of our forefathers.

Check with your local nursery or garden center as the newly harvested trees are delivered this month.

For larger areas, or for windrows or habitat restoration projects, you can order tree seedlings from the Oklahoma Forest Regeneration Center located in Goldsby. Ordering information is available online at www.forestry.ok.gov.

The ultimate resource for more information about tree planting and care is the National Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org. OL

OKLAHOMA OUTSIDE

Assessing, deciding and managing storm-damaged trees

By Sean Hubbard

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ertain trees can be a beautiful part of a home­ owner’s landscape; but after snow, ice and heavy winds strike, these very same trees can become an eyesore and a safety hazard. Following a storm, landowners should assess the damage and make the decision to remove damaged trees or to attempt to rehabilitate them.

“It is often difficult to part with a large shade tree. Be realistic when making your decision,” suggests Kim Rebek, Oklahoma State University ­Cooperative Extension horticulture and landscape architecture assistant specialist. “As a general rule of thumb, if more than 50 percent of the tree crown has been damaged, the likelihood of survival is small.”

Besides limb loss, peeled bark is another common type of damage that greatly impacts a tree’s longevity, because it opens the tree to infection from plant diseases.

The first and most important step in pruning damaged trees is removing hazards such as hanging limbs, cracked branches and unstable trunks.

However, improper care can create hazards in the future.

“Do not top trees. Topping, or dehorning, per­ manently ruins the structural integrity of the tree,”

says David Hillock, extension consumer horticulture assistant specialist. “Topping will lead to adventitious growth, which is likely to break away from the tree during a future ice or wind storm.”

Instead, broken limbs should be cut back to a branch that is at least a third the diameter of the branch being removed.

Because of its weight, a branch can tear loose during pruning, stripping the bark and creating jagged edges that invite insects and disease. That won’t happen if you follow these steps: A) Make a partial cut from beneath, at a point several inches away from the trunk. B) Make a second cut from above, several inches out from the first cut, to allow the limb to fall safely. C) Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar, the raised area that surrounds the branch where it joins the trunk.

A branch should be cut just outside the branch collar, which is the swollen region where a branch connects to the trunk. Avoid cutting flush against the trunk, as this will create a wound that will not properly seal up.

Larger branches should be cut using the threecut pruning method to avoid peeling bark. This process is demonstrated in the graphic on the left.

Homeowners may also find pine trees that have damaged leaders, which is the central shoot and top vertical branch of the tree.

“Without a leader, the pine will no longer grow upward but rather spread outward,” Rebek says.

“Sometimes we can try to establish a new leader.”

The first step in creating a new leader is to cut the broken shoot tip cleanly, just above a side branch.

After attaching a sturdy stake to the tree trunk and allowing a section to extend beyond the broken tip, the largest lateral or side branch should be secured to the stake. This will direct the branch upward toward the sky, and over time, the lateral branch will become the new leader.

Oftentimes storm-damaged trees are too large for property owners to rehabilitate themselves.

A list of certified arborists can be found at www.­ forestry.ok.gov. OL

MARCH 2010 11

Parallel Lives An acclaimed Oklahoma artist splits her time between her studio and the sky

By Lindsey Morehead

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itting at a small, dust-covered table in her Oolo­gah studio, sculptor Sandra Van Zandt slowly stirs a steaming cup of Top Ramen.

“I don’t know why anyone would be interested in my time with American [Airlines],” she says nonchalantly, her clay-stained fingers wrapped around the Styrofoam cup.

Van Zandt, a widely acclaimed bronze artist and member of Verdigris Valley Electric, never set out to be a sculptor. She studied art in college but after graduation went straight to work for American Airlines as an international flight attendant. Sculpting was just a hobby she picked up along the way.

Today, the same hands that create $50,000 sculptures also crack open Cokes and pass out pillows.

Although her hobby has grown into a prosperous business, Van Zandt has, surprisingly, stuck with American.

“The best-case scenario is, of course, that you earn a whole living from your artwork,” Van Zandt says.

“You can be a great artist, but until you get that following—you get people who start collecting you or galleries [that] have heard about you—you can starve. The only thing that’s close is being an actor.

They all have to have that job where they’re waiters or whatever while they’re perfecting their craft and getting noticed out there.”

But Van Zandt is getting noticed. She has 40 pub­ lic art installations spread across eight states, includ­

Sandra Van Zandt works in her Oologah studio when she’s not crisscrossing the globe as a flight attendant.

12 OKLAHOMA LIVING

ing the Pistol Pete sculpture in Oklahoma State University’s Gallagher-Iba Arena and a sculpture in the Oklahoma state capitol of the first woman elected to state office.

The walls of her rural art studio are covered with mementos from projects: photos of Van Zandt with state and local politicians, military patches and uniforms given to her by grateful service members.

There are even personal notes from Apollo astronaut Stuart Roosa and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Van Zandt’s sculptures are popular today, espe­ cially as municipalities large and small seek to honor some part of their history.

“It’s those types of things that are so interesting to us now, to save that bit of history,” Van Zandt’s husband and business manager Doug Van Zandt explains. “Five or 10 years ago, it was ‘wow, somebody’s going to commission us to do a big one. We can eat, we can sleep, we can buy a new car.’ But it’s that saving a bit of history in a community that is so much more important. There are so many stories out there, it’s just unbelievable. We’re bringing something that is going to remind people of their heritage and who they were.”

Completing a life-sized bronze sculpture takes about a year, and a fair bit of that time is devoted to research.

“As you get older, you realize that there’s a lot of history in so many things,” the sculptor says. “I like learning the stories.”

When Van Zandt was working on a sculpture of Will Rogers and his horse for the city of Oologah, she called an equine expert from OSU to make sure the horse was accurate.

“Everyone in this country is a horse expert,” Doug laughs. “We could make Will Rogers look like Lyle Lovett and they wouldn’t know the difference, but let me tell you, that horse has to be right.”

When possible, Van Zandt likes to meet her subjects in person, and her airline flying privileges make that much easier.

While working with the city of Tomball, Texas, to create a sculpture of a train conductor for the town’s railroad station, the Van Zandts traveled to Tomball’s sister city in Germany, where they met the mayor.

“Right before we left, I said, ‘let me take a ­picture,’” Van Zandt says, spreading out photos of the mayor, taken from many angles. “When we came back, we knew we were going to do this conductor. We said, ‘Well, what do you think about putting his face on there as something a little bit quirky?’ As it happened, the mayor’s son is an exchange student [in Tomball] this year, so he got to help unveil his father.”

“The Cherokee Kid” monument in Oologah portrays Will Rogers pausing for a drink with his favorite quarter horse, Comanche, at the historic town pump.

A single life-size figure can cost anywhere from $40–50,000, and installations with multiple pieces can go for $90–120,000. But Van Zandt is quick to point out that not everything goes straight into her pocket. Bronze is expensive, she says, and the moldmakers and foundry workers have to be paid too.

“People say, ‘you must be rich—you’re asking $50,000 for something,’” she says. “When you start cutting it up, I’m lucky if I’m making $10,000 on a $50,000 sculpture.”

So Van Zandt is keeping her day job, at least for now. After long days in the studio, a trip is often a welcome respite.

“It’s a little mini-vacation,” she says. “You have a camaraderie, a kind of family, while on a trip.”

But traveling is also tiring, especially when crossing international time zones. Plus, there’s pressurization, constant noise from the engines and “300 people that want something, usually all at the same time,” Van Zandt says. So getting back into her Oologah studio after a long trip isn’t always easy.

“Half the time, I need that next day just to feel like I’m ready to take something on,” she says. “If I’m really working a lot of trips, I won’t get any sculpting done. That’s why I like to push my trips together so I have time to recoup and time to get my mind back to feeling like I’d like to do something with my hands instead of serving Cokes.”

After more than 40 years with American Airlines, Van Zandt is beginning to think about retiring her wings.

“I don’t want to be a 70 year old, hobbling down the aisle,” she says, laughing. “But I’ll keep sculpting until the day I die. It’s fun and each project is different, so you don’t get bored with it.

“And if I can no longer do the large pieces, I can still do the smaller ones. That’s why most artists are artists until the day the die, because they like it.

That’s how they got into it in the first place.” OL

“I’m counting on YOU.” Dogs and cats need our help to prevent overpopulation.

For information on low-income spay/ neuter programs all across Oklahoma please go to: www.okspaynetwork.org or call 580-924-5873 MARCH 2010 13

T H I S ‘ N ’ T H AT

Seeking equestrian drill team members and a John Deere hood The El Reno Arts Festival will be held March 6 at Redlands Community College, 1300 S. Country Club Rd., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Art will be exhibited and sold, and there will be food vendors and entertainment.

The Tulsa Boxer Rescue will be hosting Bark Walk April 17 at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. There will be music, food and lots of family fun.

Entry fees benefit the rescue. Register early at www.barkwalk.net.

I am looking for my daughter, Rachel Megan Crawford. She may be around Broken Bow. If you have any information please call Michelle Ford at 918-427-9664 or write 101792 S. 4740 Road, Muldrow, OK 74948.

The Marietta Spring Arts and Crafts Show will be March 5–6 at the Marietta school cafeteria, located on Highway 77 in Marietta. For more information call 580-276-3204.

The next Puterbaugh conference, featuring Spokane/Coeur d’Alene writer and filmmaker Sherman Alexie, is scheduled for March 24–26.

A preliminary festival schedule can be found at http://www.ou.edu/worldlit/puterbaugh.html or by calling 405-325-4531.

The award-winning Rhinestone Riders Equestrian Drill Team is now recruiting experienced riders. They are looking for females 13 years of age and older, who own their own horse, and are willing to travel throughout Oklahoma and other states to perform for audiences of all ages. Based in Wilburton, this team performs at rodeos, parades, special events and competitions. Anyone interested in joining or donating to this award-winning team can contact Malissa Evans at 918-465-3148 or circlesevans@yahoo.com or visit www. rhinestoneriders.org.

Sylvan Learning Centers in Norman and OKC will host a free ACT practice test on Saturday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. Please call 405-842-7323 (OKC) or 405-321-6460 (Norman) to register by Friday, March 26.

The Ada Rifle and Pistol Club host their annual winter gun show on March 6 and 7 at the Pontotoc County Fairgrounds. For more information call 580-332-3933.

I’m looking for a LT162 John Deere hood, new or used. Please call Chuck Webber at 580-678-1769 or email webbercb@sbcglobal.net.

14 OKLAHOMA LIVING

The Eram School Alumni Committee is searching for all former students who attended the school at any time between 1910 and 1968.

There will be a big 100-year reunion on July 3 near the location of the old school building. The Eram community is located five miles east of Morris, OK, in Okmulgee County. For more information contact Kathryn King Hendrix at 906 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, OK 74434-8551 or call 918478-3878.

Does anyone have a chocolate oatmeal cake recipe they would share with me? Mary Ellen Nelson, 8547 N 2380 Rd., Thomas, OK 73669-8271.

Does anyone have a Saladmaster they would sell for a reasonable price? This is a device you receive for hosting a cookware party in your home. Betty Simmons 10880 S Gobbler’s Knob, Milburn, OK. 73450 bsimmons@milburnps.org.

I am looking for crochet patterns for house slippers or booties.

Thanks, Genevieve Ehrlich, RR 2 Box 37, Gage, OK 73843-9620.

I am looking for used side pipes that are at least 60 inches. I’m also looking for an 8-track player for a car.

It doesn’t have to work, but needs to look good. Please contact Ed at 918342-3615 or 918-630-0491.

The Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord will be having a book fair on March 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are old and new books, as well as rare and collectible items, and books on genealogy, local history and Cherokees. For more information call 918-326-4532 or visit www.talbotlibrary.com.

I’d like to purchase a particular bean pot.

The top three inches are brown and the rest of the pot is tan. On the side of the pot, “Boston Baked Beans” is written in brown. Please contact Sharon McClatchey, 4467 W. 90 th Street North, Porter, OK 74454-2645.

I am looking for information about my aunts and grandmother. My aunts’ names are Sadie De Bolt (1884–1971) and Goldie De Bolt (1905–1957), both women married Ross De Bolt of Pawnee. Their sister, Emma Rose Morrison, visited Pawnee, Ponca City, Newkirk area in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Any photos, stories or newspaper clippings would be greatly appreciated.

Please write Roseann Morrison Lord, RR1 Box 140B, Cyril, OK 73029, freepapermoon@yahoo. com, or call 580-4643047.

I am looking for any descendants of Rena (Strong) Robertson.

She had two children, Carl (March 1889) and Valia B. (September 1890). They were all born in Texas. She was married to O. Perry Robertson and lived in Choctaw Nation. If you have any information on any Strong, please contact me. H.O. Robertson, PO Box 742, Cleveland, OK 74020. OL

MARCH 2010 15

16 OKLAHOMA LIVING

OKLAHOMA EVENTS

March Northwest

March 5–7 Trout Derby, Watonga 580-623-5452 March 13 Northwest Oklahoma Square Dance Festival, Woodward 580-256-2759 Hometown Hootenanny, Hennessey 405-853-6212 March 19 Rafter CW Bull Riding, Perry 580-336-7764 March 19–21 Northwest Oklahoma Outdoor Expo, Woodward 580-256-9990 March 26–28 Farm Expo, Woodward 580-256-4101 March 27 101 Ranch Collectors Western Memorabilia Show, Ponca City 580-765-2727 Southwest

March 5 First Friday Art & Antique Stroll, Mangum 580-782-2444 March 18–20 Dyson Bluegrass Festival, Sayre 580-928-5909 Pre-War Auto Swap Meet, Chickasha 405-224-9090 March 19–20 Chisholm Trail Casino Two Bulls Challenge, Duncan 580-255-2200 March 26–27 Automotive Swap Meet, Duncan 580-467-7752 Springfest, Chickasha 405-224-0787 March 26–28 Home & Garden Show, Lawton 580-355-2490

March 27–28 Home & Garden Expo, Clinton 580-323-2222 March 28 Holy City of the Wichita’s Easter Passion Play, Lawton 580-429-3361 March 31–April 4 Fort Washita Rendezvous 580-924-6502 Northeast

March 5–6 Bob Wills Birthday Celebration, Tulsa 918-584-2306 March 6 Eagle Tour and Loon Watch, Vian 918-489-5641 Peoria Stomp Dance, Miami 918-540-2535 March 12–13 Green Country Ham Fest, Claremore 918-664-9991 March 19–20 Green Country Classic Ranch Rodeo, Claremore 405-834-6565 March 25–26 Indian Territory Days, Tahlequah 918-456-6007 Southeast

March 13 Hochatown Junction Station Music Under the Stars, Broken Bow 580-584-6339 March 19 and 21 Vernal Equinox Walks, Spiro 918-962-2062 March 25–27 Early Bird Bluegrass Festival, Hugo 580-298-7130 March 26–28 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club Swap & Show, Ada 405-527-6431

March 31–April 4 Fur Trade Era Rendezvous, Durant 580-924-6502 Central

March 4–7 NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament, Shawnee 405-275-9780 March 5–6 Arts Festival, El Reno 405-823-0307 March 5–7 Wrangler Timed Event Championship, Guthrie 405-282-7433 March 12 Circuit of Art, Norman 405-360-1162 March 13 Spring into Summer Arts & Crafts Show, Stillwater 580-455-2273 Oklahoma City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 405-297-8912 March 20 Fort Reno Ghost Tours, El Reno 405-262-3987 March 24–26 Puterbaugh Festival, Norman 405-325-4531 March 25 Taste of Yukon 405-350-8937 March 26–28 Medieval Fair, Norman 405-366-8095 March 27 Arbor Day Celebration, Edmond 405-359-4759 Art Walk, Guthrie 405-260-2345 March 27–28 Garland Arts & Crafts Show, Shawnee 405-399-2070 March 27 Paranormal Conference, El Reno 580-402-6732

MARCH 2010 17

18 OKLAHOMA LIVING

Garden tool checklist:

Cultivators: Tools that have heavy curved or bent tines or sometimes multiple spinning blades, which are designed to open up and aerate the soil. Styles with tines are also used to mix materials and effectively loosen weed roots.

Garden hoses, watering cans, nozzles and wands: These essentials are used to provide supplemental water, clean tools and apply fertilizers or pesticides. Soaker hoses are an environmentally friendly choice. Proven Winners’ Water Wise kit is a convenient solution for container gardening.

Garden knives: Useful for cutting twine and plant ties and opening bags and plant-root balls. The safer ones have noncollapsible fixed blades.

Supertunia Vista Petunia

Garden rakes: A heavy rake with short, stiff tines supported by a flat or bowshaped metal frame is useful for raking heavy materials, removing rocks and other debris, and smoothing the soil in preparation for planting.

Leaf rakes: A light rake with long, thin, flexible tines designed to gather leaves or other light materials.

Hand pruners and shears: Used for removing flowers, lightweight foliage and small branches.

Hoes: For weeding and scraping the soil’s surface, hoes include the traditional flat scraping or chopping types, and the loop, scuffle and stirrup styles.

Long-handled pruners and loppers: These long-handled versions of hand pruners provide greater reach and leverage, allowing for larger items to be cut. Some heavyduty versions have ratchet mechanisms for additional power.

Continued on next page MARCH 2010 19

Mattocks: These dual-purpose tools usually feature a heavy, flat-­ bladed end to dig or grub in the soil and a sharp point to break up heavy or rocky soils on the other end.

Spading forks: Used to open up the ground, dig bulbs, incorporate soil amendments and turn compost, they have heavy, flat tines and often a D-shaped handle.

Pitchforks: Used for picking up and moving loose materials like straw and compost, pitchforks have round, long and thin tines, lighter than those on a spading fork.

Square -nosed shovels: The flat blade on a square-nosed shovel can be used to scoop up materials, level high spots in the soil and cut straight lines through sod and soil.

Pruning saws: These handsaws are designed for efficient garden pruning. Some pruning saws also have rope-controlled loppers.

Wheelbarrows or carts: Essential for moving heavy and bulky mate­ ri­als like soil, garden debris and compost, wheelbarrows are also useful as mixing containers for Tillers: These power tools are used soils and amendments. to break up large areas of compacted soil and to incorporate soil High-tech wonders: The Easy Bloom amendments.

Plant Sensor (www.easybloom.com) takes a reading of the conditions Round-nosed shovels: Best for in your garden and gives you feedheavy digging and mixing, add- back on your computer about what ing soil amendments or preparing will grow best and how you can planting holes. help ­ailing plants.

ardening is a hobby that can involve a lot of tools and gadgets. Some of them are essential; others are a waste of money. Sometimes quality matters, but often a cheap fix will work fine. If you are new to gardening, how do you decide what you really need?

First, think about your gardening goals. How big will your garden be? If you plan to do mostly container gardening, for example, small hand tools might be all you’ll need.

Do you plan to do any seed starting or composting?

Also consider your physical limitations. If you find manual pruning tools unwieldy, a small power saw might be worth the extra cost, so long as you can operate it safely. What might seem like an extravagance for one person can be essential for another.

Long-handle tools usually offer better leverage and reach, and can allow you to work from a standing position. The handle may be either straight or have a D-shaped grip.

With some tools, such as long-handle pruners, extensions may be available.

Short-handle tools are lighter, usually less expensive and more compact to store.

They let you work in confined spaces or while kneeling. Common short-handled tools include hand pruners and clippers, hoes, garden trowels and cultivators. Tool handles are usually made of wood, fiberglass or metal.

Using short-handle tools means spending time low to the ground. A good, firm foam pad or strap-on kneepads can help prevent aches and pains. The choices are many and range from simple pads to foldable seats.

Once you start amassing your tool collection, you will want to take care of it. The best way to ensure that your tools will last is to give them a thorough once-over before you put them away. A plastic kitchen spatula works great to scrape off dirt and mud.

Wash the tool with soap and water to loosen dirt and crusted material, then scrape off stubborn chunks and rust with a wire brush. Use a file or sharpening stone to sharpen blades and coat them with light oil.

No matter what size garden you have, choosing your tools will be a fun process.

—John Bruce 20 OKLAHOMA LIVING

MARCH 2010 21

O K L A H O M A T R AV E L S

No Reservations:

From Chickasha to Anadarko

By Austin Tackett and Susen Foster

S

outhwest Oklahoma, known to many as Great Plains Country, is a beautiful land of golden short-grass prairie, rugged landscapes, and some of the most beautiful sunsets found anywhere in the state. Behind the majestic scenery lays a land steeped in the history of the old west and native America.

Chickasha is nestled in the north easterly section of Great Plains County, and is the home of one of Oklahoma’s most popular Christmas light displays. The Chickasha Festival of Light takes place every year from late November through the end of December and draws thousands of visitors each year. It may be the wrong time of the year to experience the festivals 3.5 million twinkling bulbs and the always wonderful Parade of Lights, but don’t worry—there’s more to do in Chickasha when Santa heads back to the North Pole.

Chickasha is home to a thriving downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, and a few more surprises that you won’t find anywhere else. History buffs can enjoy the Grady County Historical Society Museum housed in the former Dixie Department Store building. The museum contains area history from all decades focusing on Grady County with collections that include early historical documents, records of early pioneers, and Geronimo Hotel murals dating from before statehood.

If you head out of Chickasha on Highway 62, you’ll come the Woods & Waters Winery & Vineyard in Anadarko Woods & Waters Winery & Vineyard is Caddo County’s first and largest commercial winery. Established in 1998, this 600 acre ranch has rolling hills, lush trees, numerous ponds and abundant sunshine. It is also the home of 11 varieties of wine grapes. And due to the exhaustive efforts of owners Dale and

22 OKLAHOMA LIVING

Lena Pound, the winery is also a popular agritourism destination.

Anadarko itself is a treasure trove of Native American history and culture. It is here that you’ll find the magnificent Indian City USA, an authentic restoration of seven different tribal villages and their way of life. The Indian City Museum is also on site and was established to preserve items of Indian origin and houses an extensive display of Indian artifacts.

Just down the street is the Southern Plains Indian Museum. This museum features authentic American Indian arts and crafts in three separate galleries. Historic artifacts include clothing, shields, weapons, cradleboards and dolls. Four Allan Houser dioramas highlight native ways of life.

Great Plains Country’s diverse attractions make for a great road trip in any season.

For more information on how to plan your next road trip adventure, make sure to check out the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department’s website, www.travelok.com or by calling the Oklahoma Travel Experts at 800-652-6552. OL

Sequoyah’s contribution to the Cherokee language is memorialized in Anadarko’s Indian Village.

MARCH 2010 23

TTRRAADDI INNGG PPOOSSTT The Oklahoma Living Trading Post reaches over 650,000 readers every month. Rates are $1.00 per word.

Initials, abbreviations and numbers such as street addresses, zip codes and other figures count as one word.

• The minimum is $15.00.

• Ad deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the issue.

• ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITH AD. • Mail payment and ad to: Oklahoma Living Trading Post P.O. Box 54309 Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309.

If using a P.O. Box number in your ad, you must enclose a street address and telephone number for our records.

Business Opportunity NEW! GROW EXPENSIVE plants, 2,000% profit, earn to $50,000, Free information, GROWBIZ, Box 3738-K-3, Cookeville, TN 38502, www.growbiz-abco.com.

WATKINS SINCE 1868. Top ten home business. 350 products everyone uses. Start under $50. FREE catalog packet. 1-800352-5213.

AVON: business-minded people needed for the leadership program and sales call: Sheila@ 1-866-434-3425 or email: bgten10@hughes.net.

START your own HOME BUSINESS. Quilting machines - all types. Embroidery machines home and industrial. New and used. We also repair all makes. Guaranteed. The Stitching Post. 5928 NW 16th Oklahoma City. 495-4699. Toll-free - 1-866-679-8947.

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS- The herb specialists. The highest quality herbal, vitamins, nutritional supplements, worldwide.

580-212-3079. Independent distributor.

Free catalog packet.

PIANO TUNING PAYS: Learn with American Tuning School home-study course. 1-800497-9793.

ROOFS KILLING YOU? Instant renew roof quotings (sm). Save replacement, all metal, flat, roofs. Hotels, factories, schools, offices, farms. Mfg direct 573-489-9346.

RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS. Our top appraisers earn over $100,000/year appraising livestock and equipment. Agricultural background required. Classroom or Home Study courses available. 800-488-7570 www.amagappraisers.com.

Instruction, Books YOGA- Be good to yourself! Reduce stress, increase strength and flexibility. Ongoing classes - all ages - all fitness levels welcome. Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:15. Church of the Servant, Oklahoma City. 14343 N. MacArthur. 2 blocks North of Memorial. $6 per class or $50 for 10 visits. Jo Fendrych 405-808-3082.

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear! Add chords. 10 easy lessons $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.”

Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. Davidson’s, 6727RON Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204.

FREE BOOKS/DVDs. In light of our economic situation, events both great and decisive are ahead! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says.

PO Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 1-888-211-1715.

LEARN CHORD PLAYING. Amazing new book - Piano, Organ $12.95. Davidson’s, 6727RRN, Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204.

Special Notices BLUEBERRIES. Big plants with big berries in June. $20 each, includes shipping.

Northern and Southern Highbush varieties. More sizes and good deals in our free brochure. Highlander Nursery 888-2823705. PO Box 177, Pettigrew, AR 72752.

MEDICARE SUPPLIMENTS (PLAN F) Age 65 rates starting at $86 per month. Call for details and qualifications. Oklahoma City.

1-800-375-6677.

Real Estate VACATION LOTS. Fort Cobb Lake. Owner financing. Secure Setting. Keypad entry.

405-643-2046.

32x80, 2x6 WALLS, TAPE AND TEXTURED DOUBLE ON 10 AC. 4 miles from Eufaula Dam with 30x50 cement floor shop and pond lot Wild Life & Secluded. $97,500.

918-484-2434 LOG HOME WITH WRAPAROUND PORCH 2 bedroom, 2 bath with 4.77 acres. Located in LeFlore County near national forest. $105,000. 918-677-2676.

SPIRAL STAIRS, Custom built, all steel, top quality workmanship, good prices, call for brochure. 479-273-9439. Bentonville, AR. Www.bioironinc.com.

2249 County Road 1247, Blanchard. 3 BED 2 BATH 5 ACRES. Call Michelle at 405834-7792.

96 CLAYTON 28x56, 3+2, fireplace, open floor plan, 3 walk in closets, only $22,900.

918-683-8400.

2005 CLAYTON 3+2, shingle roof, tan plush carpet, appliances, air, never lived in, $23,900. 918-683-3707.

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS, HAFLINGER HORSES and ANGUS BRANGUS BULLS. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Www. fifteenacrefarms.com. 918-706-1931.

98 CLAYTON DREAM 28 x 56 3+2, rock fireplace, OSB floors, thermopane windows, wood cabinets, only $29,900. 918683-7791.

WOLF HYBRID PUPS. Wolf father x Siberian Husky mother = beautiful pups. $400.

580-924-0803.

SPECIAL AUCTION PURCHASE, Over 40 mobile homes 2004-2006 most with shingle roofs, 3 and 2 bedrooms, never lived in, starting at $19,900. 918-683-4973 MOBILE HOME OWNERS Insurance premiums going up? A phone call could save you hundreds on your home insurance. 1-800725-5736. Associate Insurance Services.

1985 14x72 MOBILE HOME. 2+2, Furnished, Electric, to be moved, Porches/carport included. $10,000. 580-653-2556.

Farm Equipment HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or permanent. 32 x 45 working pen with 16’ crowding tub $2,940.00. Contact Kenneth 580-876-3699. www.cccattleequipment. com.

LAKE EUFAULA HOME, 1152 sq ft, 3 BDR, 2 BA, covered boat dock, new paint and carpet, gated community, easy I-40 access, $149,500. 580-225-3441.

213190 Judy Circle, Oklahoma City/McCloud. 3 BED 2 BATH 5 ACRES. 30x40 Workshop. Call Michelle at 405-834-7792.

KUSEL BULLS have won more independent gain tests than any Limousin herd in the U.S. Large selections of big, stout, gentle, easy calving herd sires. 405-643-2884.

5 ACRES AND BRICK HOME FOR SALE. South Central OK. 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 2 car garage. 60x60 red metal barn with stalls and pens. 20x24 insulated red metal shop building. Well, storm cellar, landscaped, pipe fencing. Additional 5 acres available. Call 580-276-3925.

D3B LGP MID 80s MODEL. Pwr/shift. 8’ blade, sweeps 6-way. New starter. All cylinders rebuilt. Serviced recently. $15,000.

918-655-6777.

2005 FLEETWOOD 2 bedroom 1 bath, front living room, wood lino, tan plush carpet, all appliances, never lived in, only $20,900.

918-683-7791.

GREAT PYRENEES FRENCH PYRENEES CROSS PUPPIES. Will be large dogs. Make good guard dogs. Bred especially for Oklahoma climate. Farm raised. 474-2222

99 FLEETWOOD 28x76, 3+2, island kitchen, fireplace, open floor plan, OSB floors, GC only $35,900. 918-683-3707.

30 ACRES, DEER AND WILDLIFE, 1/2 cleared, 1/2 wooded, 2 creeks, electricity, well and phone at property line, beautiful place to build home, close to amenities and world-class bass lake, additional details http://www.ok30acres.com or call 623-326-7653 or 580-925-2140.

Mobile Homes

Pets

16-FOOT GOOSENECK HYDRAULIC DUMP TRAILER Single axle dual wheels, diamond plated bed. $3,600 OBO. 918-786-9071.

CATERPILLAR EXCAVATOR 307 SSR Rubber Tracks, all good condition. Offset boom, very tight and runs great. $16,500.

918-655-6777.

Home & Kitchen FOR SALE: COMMERCIAL SEWING MACHINE. Wilcox and Gibbs. Type 515-4-38.

Spec 3x3. 5 spools of thread. Runs on household 120 electric. $800. Also for sale: BOX HEATER. Plansman - Never been used. $150. Eufaula. Sales phone number 918-520-6372.

CUSTOM WOODWORKING: Carving, Turning, Antique Furniture Restoration, Fine Handmade Furniture. 35+ years experience. Www.AmericanFurnitureMaker. com. 405- 420-2226.

GUARANTEED HOME FED BEEF FOR SALE. Buy 1/4, 1/2 or whole beef. We drop off for processing at Sterling. You pick up.

580-549-6506.

OUTSIDE WOOD HEATER $1595. Houses, mobiles, shops. Low cost shipping. Www. heatbywood.com. 417-581-7755 Missouri.

Above ground STEEL SAFE ROOMS. 918629-2707.

Livestock *REGISTERED YEARLING CHAROLAIS BULLS,* Low birthweight, bred for calving ease, $1,275. 405-761-5468.

REG LIMOUSIN BULLS AND HEIFERS, Open and bred, black, polled, calving ease, gentle, and some homozygous top genetics that work. Wildhorse Valley 405-517-3824 or 279-3398.

BLACK ANGUS BULLS 8 to 17 months.

Angus business 51 years, same location.

Hatch Ranch, Roff, OK 580-456-7241.

Poultry America’s oldest & LARGEST RARE BREED HATCHERY. FREE COLOR CATALOG. Over 140 varieties of Baby Chicks, Bantams, Turkeys, Guineas, Peafowl, Game Birds, Juvenile Fowl, Waterfowl. Also, eggs, incubators, books, equipment, and medications. Call 1-800-456-3280 (24 Hours a Day). Murray McMurray Hatchery C125 Webster City, Iowa 50595-0458. Website: www.mcmurrayhatchery.com FREE COLOR BROCHURE. Muscovy Ducklings, Pilgrim Goslings, Guineas, Standard Bronze Turkeys and Old-Time Favorite Chickens. Www.countryhatchery.net or write Country Hatchery, Box 747, Wewoka, OK 74884. Telephone 405-257-1236.

FREE-5 exotic chicks or 3 ducks with 100 Frypan Special @ 31.95 plus shipping.

Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkey, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video.

Brochure. Cackle Hatchery - N, PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www.cacklehatchery.com.

Insurance GREAT RATES ON AUTO, HOMES, MOBILE HOMES. SCS Insurance. Checks and credit cards. 1-877-819-0726. scsinsurance@yahoo.com.

MANUFACTURED HOME OWNERS Insurance Premiums going up? A phone call could save you hundreds on your home insurance. 1-800-725-5736. Associates Insurance Services

Guns and Ammo

*GUN SHOW* TAHLEQUAH, OK. Cherokee Co. Fairgrounds 16436 Hwy. 62 March 13-14, 2010. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-4.

918-659-2201. www.gandsgunshows. com. G&S Promotions

Miscellaneous 18 x 21 STEEL CARPORT $695.00. 18 x 31 RV COVER $1,586.50. 20 x 21 GARAGE $3,560.00. 24 x 31 GARAGE $5,165.00.

CALL 405-596-3344.

MANUFACTURED HOME and PIER and beam home insulated cement skirting.

Choose from eleven different colors and three designs. Provides an R-10 insulating value. Tired of your vinyl skirting? Replace it with StoneCote. www.stonecote.com or 1-830-833-2547.

BAT HOUSES. GOT MOSQUITOS? Bats kill disease-carrying mosquitos and other

24 OKLAHOMA LIVING

nuisance flying insects. No assembly $20.00 plus $7.00 shipping. 918-7986688. Accommodates fifty bats.

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach,7549 West Cactus Road #104-207, Peoria, Arizona 85381. http://www.ordination.org.

REMANUFACTURED PROPANE TANKS: 500 gal $500, 1000 gal $1150, 250 gal $300. Other sizes and delivery available.

Salvage tanks available at great prices.

800-753-5467. www.blttanks.com 2.9 CENTS PER MINUTE for prepaid phone cards. Great international rates.

No connection fees. Or LONG DISTANCE PHONE RATES FOR ONLY 4.9 CENTS PER MINUTE. State-to- state and in-state calls. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Small monthly fee, no extra numbers to dial. Call toll-free 866-728-5908.

REMOVE EXISTING LIMESCALE while conditioning water naturally. No salt, electricity or maintenance. Great for septics, pools, gardens. Guaranteed with

lifetime warranty. Business is booming; distributors needed. 888-303-5233 $500! POLICE IMPOUNDS! Hondas/ Chevys/Jeeps etc. Cars from $500! For listings 800-628-5707 ext. C276 PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, photos or slides on DVD or videotape. 888-6099778 or www.transferguy.com BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HANDMADE JEWELRY. Www.mannersue.etsy.com. Email mandysuejack@yahoo.com WELD UP STEEL BUILDINGS. 30x40 =$13,600.00. 30x50=$15,900.00.

40X60 = $23,400.00. CALL 405-5963344.

WOODEN PLAYHOUSES Many styles.

10-15% off! Christmas special. 405596-3344.

FOR HELP GETTING A TITLE to vehicles (mobile homes, RVs, motorcycles), call Regina Johnson 405-275-5712.

MARCH 2010 25

26 OKLAHOMA LIVING

Reach More Than 650,000 Readers Each Month...

Advertise in Oklahoma Living Call 405-478-1455

MARCH 2010 27

Medicine for Main Street

Pharmacies fill a growing gap in rural health care and sustain communities

By Rhonda Shephard and Jamie Shaddon

W

hile the health-care debate rages across the nation, ­rural Oklahomans are facing a challenge beyond high costs.

There simply aren’t enough healthcare professionals to go around.

“There are fewer patients, less financial resources and more costly choices,” says Paul Moore, president of the National Rural Health Asso­ci­ation.

Moore, who owns Roy’s Dis­c ount Pharmacy in Wilburton, frequently addresses committees on rural healthcare problems.

Despite decreased options, one health-care professional provides ­rural patients convenience, accessibility and a top-ten ranking on USA Today’s most trusted professions list: pharmacists.

The shortage of health-care provid­ ers in Oklahoma is nothing new. We rank in the bottom five states for physician-to-patient ratio, with fewer than 200 physicians per 100,000 citizens, according to Dr. David Reece of Practice Support. Nationwide, ­rural areas experience a shortage of approximately 16,000 physicians, according to surveys from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. The Oklahoma Hospital Association predicts hospital shortages of 3,100 nursing positions by 2012, not including nurses for home health care, nursing homes and doctors’ offices.

They also predict shortages in other health-related professions, including lab technicians and physical therapists. The Center for Rural Affairs lists these major problems facing the rural health care consumer: physical limitations, transportation, access to insurance, and poverty. Rural pharmacists are often the only health-care providers left in small towns, and they are offering services most retail chains never considered.

“In many ways pharmacists are the ‘front-line’ of health care in rural communities,” Paul Moore says.

Steve and Sally Drinnon are two of the pharmacists fighting to keep their jobs alive. After working in an urban area for years, they now work in several pharmacies in Thomas, Canton and Watonga, where they say customer loyalty makes all the difference.

28 OKLAHOMA LIVING

“We have increasing problems with dwindling resources, like everybody, but we must relate in a way to keep the patients coming back. They mean our survival,” Steve says.

More than medication The Drinnons have good reason to worry about their job security. The Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, says Oklahoma lost 10 rural pharmacies from 2006 to 2008. The Drinnons respond to competition from larger stores in other towns and mail-order services by offering more than just prescriptions.

“Our patients expect a different kind of service, more assistance, more questions answered and friendly visiting,” Sally says. “We have the opportunity to view a larger picture of what affects our patients, and it increases our ability to provide better health care.”

Jacqueline Stephens, a Kiwash and Northfork Electric member who works for Cheyenne Drug in Roger Mills County, agrees.

“Patients tell me they don’t feel like they get lost in the shuffle here,” Stephens says. “I change batteries on a glucose monitor or take blood pressures. Nobody expects it, but I feel it benefits my patients’ health.”

Most pharmacists feel an obligation to improve services for the health and benefit of their patients, but their efforts are more visible in rural commu­ nities, where they are the lone healthcare provider.

“Many folks seek out a pharmacist’s advice hoping not to go to the doctor,” Moore says. “Pharmacists serve as a source of medication information, health promotion and disease prevention. The rural pharmacist is not just a source of medication and merchandise. The true benefit for the patient is their relationship with the pharmacist.”

Pharmacists must also be skilled at navigating today’s health-care bureauc­racies to ensure their patients receive the maximum benefit from their insurance and government programs. Some pharmacists estimate that their staff spends 10 to 20 percent of their time dealing with insurance-related problems.

All photos by Mark Meacham

TOP: Steve and Sally Drinnon now work at pharmacies in Thomas, Canton and Watonga after working for years in urban areas.

RIGHT: Jacqueline Stephens works at Cheyenne Drug in Roger Mills County. ABOVE: Travis Wolff and Sally at Thomas Drug.

“Since Waynoka’s population is grow­ing older, it’s important that I keep up on Medicare Part D and other health-care plans” says Jerry Dennis, a Cimarron Electric member who owns Jerry’s Pharmacy. “They are confusing and difficult.”

Besides being the main health-care provider in town, many pharmacies are also one of the only retail shops for miles around, which has led many of them to diversify their offerings.

“When you’re located 45 miles from a town of any size, and the populations of Texas and Cimarron counties numbers 2,000, you know your patients well,” says Jim Weaver, owner of Boise City Family Pharmacy. “We have to go a few extra steps for our patients.” Jim’s store offers a full line of pharmacy items, as well as gifts, cards, a bridal registry and more.

“We’re probably the last of the inde-

pendents,” he says.

Thomas Drug in Thomas provides a laundry pickup and key making; Herod Drug in Canton carries Pen­ dle­ton blankets and lead crystal; and Boise City Family Pharmacy affords the most complete selection of gifts and cards west of Guymon.

Cynthia Sawatzky, a schoolteacher from Custer City, summarized what establishes customer loyalty in her opinion: “Shopping locally is convenient, but the most important thing is that they know me when I walk up to the counter. I feel more like an individual, not a pill in the bottle.”

Cornerstone of the community Rural pharmacists may be the last of

the independents, as Bill Weaver described them. Paul Moore stated his concerns that rural pharmacies act as “canaries in the mine.”

“Any policy that may adversely affect the economic sustainability of a pharmacy will show up first in the small towns because of their lower volumes and greater dependence on prescription sales,” Moore says.

“When a rural pharmacy closes its doors, the greatest loss is not to the livelihood of the pharmacist—they can probably find work elsewhere—but to the community. There is a cascading effect of economic impact— not just the loss of a local business, but the ability to attract other business. The community now becomes hard pressed to attract economic development without good health care.”

Health-care policy, as set by insurance agencies and the government, can really affect a pharmacy’s ability to make a profit. Large health insurers negotiate prices with pharmacies, which saves their customers money. While in the short term, this may be a positive development for consumers, it can mean that pharmacists make little to no money filling prescriptions once labor and time is figured in. If these changes force the town’s only pharmacy out of business, consumers also suffer.

But not all pharmacists feel the end of the line looms for rural pharmacies. Weaver and Stephens agree that their rural locations provide a geographic insulation and protect their businesses. The big chains have not invaded their shopping ­areas yet. But they also agree that rural pharmacists must vigilantly follow changes in the industry and roll with the punches. The choices are not always easy.

Pharmacists practicing in ­rural areas do so by choice, providing an underserved portion of the public access to highly trained health-care professionals. Patients’ pride in their communities and customer loyalty keep the doors open, giving small-town Oklahomans a shot at staying as healthy as their ­urban cousins. OL

Mother Memories Contest Maybe she was your template for womanhood or the person who taught you what it really means to be a good man. Is your mother a mover and a shaker or a legendary cookie baker ... or both? We want to hear your mother memories!

Rules: Tell us about your mother and be entered to win a $50 credit on your electric bill. Pictures are welcome but not required.

Write your favorite memories in 400 words or less, and send to: editor@ok-living.com or Oklahoma Living Mother’s Day, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 5. Winners will be announced in the May issue.

MARCH 2010 29

Reach Over 600,000 Readers Across Oklahoma with an ad in Oklahoma Living.

Call Larry Skoch at 405-475-1455 30 OKLAHOMA LIVING

For A Classified Ad In The Trading Post Call Emilia Buchanan

MARCH 2010 31

C OK -L OA PH OL M O I VAI NEGA T S

M

ushroom growers Steve and Jackie Morton and Sharon and Richard Hewitt know a thing or two about the magic of fungus. In their climate-controlled growing rooms, caps and stems appear overnight in familiar shades of gray, while others unfold themselves, revealing their exotic shapes and colors.

Cooking with mushrooms can be equally fantastic, but it is important to know how to preserve them. Storing them in a container that allows for air circulation and keep them in your refrigerator. Clean mushrooms just before using by brushing them off with a damp cloth rather than rinsing or soaking them, which damages their texture. While mushrooms complement many meat dishes, they can certainly hold their own, as shown in the recipes below.

Mushroom Pot Stickers Oklahoma Electric members Jackie and Steve Morton of Om Gardens sell their fantastic fungus through the Oklahoma Food Cooperative, where you can also find mushroom broth, gravy and dried mushrooms. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even grow your own by purchasing a mushroom starter log from them. Om Gardens mushrooms are also available at the OSU-OKC Farmers’ Market and through Urban Agrarian.

1 T. ������������������������� oil

32 OKLAHOMA LIVING

4 cloves ����������������� garlic, minced 1 T. ������������������������� fresh ginger, minced 2 ����������������������������� hot green chilies, de-seeded and minced 1 ����������������������������� carrot, finely chopped 1 ����������������������������� celery stalk, finely chopped 1 package ������������� gyoza or wonton wrappers 3 cups ������������������� assorted oyster mushrooms, finely chopped 1 T. ������������������������� soy sauce 1 T. ������������������������� rice vinegar 2 T. ������������������������� water 1 T. ������������������������� cornstarch Heat the oil in a skillet, then add the garlic, ginger and chilies. Stir frequently and fry for a few minutes, or until the garlic begins to turn golden (be careful not to burn it). Add the carrots and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add the mushrooms and continue sautéing until the mushrooms are softened. Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar. Turn off the heat. Mix the cornstarch with 2 T. water.

Once the pan has cooled for about five minutes, add the water/cornstarch mixture and stir well. This will help the filling stick together. Let the filling rest for about 10 minutes. Prepare your workspace by arranging a small bowl of water, the wonton wrappers and the mushroom filling mixture. Put one packed tablespoon of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper. Use your fingertips to wet the edges of the wrapper. Gently fold the wrapper in half and press and seal the edges, forcing out as much air as you can.

Crimp the edges to keep the filling from falling out.

Arrange them in a non-stick pan that has been lightly coated with oil. Place them over medium-high heat and cook until the bottoms are browned and crispy. Once they’re as brown as you like, add 3/4 cup of hot water to the pan and cover immediately.

Increase the heat to high. Set the timer for seven minutes. Once the time is up, take a peak under the lid. Most or all of the water should be evaporated. If there’s still some water in the pan after seven min-

Golden and tan oyster mushrooms grown at Om Gardens in Norman. Photo by Katie Kerr.

O K LC AO H- O PM AL I EV AI N T SG utes, remove the lid and cook until the pan is dry and the wonton bottoms have re-crisped. Serve with dipping sauce made from soy sauce and rice vinegar (chilies and/or sugar optional).

Oyster Mushroom Frittata Urban Agrarian president Matt Burch shares his recipe for Oyster Mushroom Frittata, a breakfast mainstay in his home. He says you could slightly alter the recipe to make an omelet or scramble, rather than a frittata. Urban Agrarian connects local food producers to hungry customers by delivering just-picked produce (including Om Gardens’ mushrooms) and other tasty vittles, such as granola, peanut butter, honey, jams and chicken to households, restaurants and schools in central Oklahoma.

1/2 T. ������������������� Wagon Creek Creamery butter 1/2 cup ����������������� Om Gardens oyster mushrooms, chopped 3 ����������������������������� farm fresh eggs 1/2 cup ����������������� your favorite cheese, shredded 1 t. ������������������������� dried thyme salt and pepper, to taste Butter an 8–10-inch skillet, preferably cast iron so you can finish the frittata in the oven. Begin by sautéing the mushrooms on medium heat with some salt and pepper. They will release water quickly.

Sauté them for about two minutes to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. While sautéing, scramble

your eggs in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs to the skillet and stir to prevent the mushrooms from settling at the bottom. After letting the eggs and mushrooms cook for about one minute, the eggs should be firming up on bottom and around the edges of the pan. At this point sprinkle in the herbs and shred a little cheese over top, then finish cooking the frittata under the broiler. This allows for some bubbling of the cheese and an even finish. If you aren’t using an oven-safe skillet, you can tilt the skillet on the burner and use a spatula to allow the uncooked egg to cook through.

Mushroom Risotto This recipe for Mushroom Risotto comes from Sharon and Richard Hewitt of Mushroom Planet in Tulsa. Their beautiful mushrooms are a treat for the eyes and belly!

The Hewitt’s sell culinary and medicinal mushrooms at the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market.

Risotto (pronounced ri-ZOTT-o) is a traditional Italian rice dish that is usually cooked with meat, vegetables or seafood. In the United States, risotto recipes usually call for Arborio rice, a short-grained rice that has a creamy consistency when cooked. It is named after the city of Arborio in the Po Valley of northern Italy, where rice is grown.

4 cups ������������������� chicken broth or mushroom broth 5 T. ������������������������� extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/2 ������������������������� medium yellow onion, diced 3 cloves ����������������� garlic, crushed and chopped

Om Gardens shiitake mushrooms. Photo by Katie Kerr.

1/2 pound ����������� assorted mushrooms, chopped 2 cups ������������������� Arborio rice 1/2 cup ����������������� grated Parmesan cheese salt, pepper, thyme, to taste Heat broth in a saucepan. In 1.5-quart skillet or saucepan heat 3 T. olive oil, add onions and cook until brown. Add garlic, cook until fragrant , then add the chopped mushrooms to the pot. Sauté mushrooms until wilted. Remove the onion/mushroom mixture from the pot and set aside. Add 2 T. of olive oil and heat; add Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil. Allow the rice to brown slightly. Add hot broth 1 cup at a time, stirring continuously until all of the broth is absorbed. Rice should be tender and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese. Add the mushroom mixture back into the rice. Serve hot. OL

MARCH 2010 33

PHOTO CONTEST

“Sports” C

ongratulations to March photo contest winner Sandy Harrell. Next month we want to see pictures showing “storm clouds.”

Photos are due by March 10 and will run in the April issue. The winner will receive an Oklahoma Living coffee mug. Please send your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative, along with a description of the photo, to Oklahoma Living, P.O. Box 54309, OKC, OK 73154-1309 or email them to editor@ok-living.coop.

Photos will not be returned and become the property of Oklahoma Living for use in print and/or on the internet.

Morgan Little (center) does a double toe touch with her cheer squad, Cheer FX, from Tahlequah. The Littles are members of Ozarks Electric.

ABOVE LEFT: Kase Simon takes a swing for the Kingfisher Jackets. ABOVE RIGHT: Alex Speed practices his wrestling stance. Alex is the grandson of Cotton Electric members Art and Anna Speed.

Oklahoma Electric member Sandy Harrell sent in this 1912 photo, which is thought to show the first high school girls’ basketball team in Mulhall. Her great grandmother, Stella Rose (Diehl) Craven, is holding the basketball.

ABOVE LEFT: Fourteen-year-old William Coshatt prepares to race at the Redbull R ­ ookies Cup Trials in Alabama. The Coshatts are members of East Central Electric. ABOVE RIGHT: Take me out the ball game! Little slugger Rhett Haley is the son of Ryan and Shelley Haley, Central Rural Electric members from Chandler. BELOW: “Those were the days,” says Red River Valley Electric member Russ Lilly of slalom waterskiing on Lake Texoma.

LEFT: Norma Sinclair has gone to the Special Olympics for a total of 26 years. She looks forward to it every year. RIGHT: Tara Burchfield takes a jump shot. Tara was an All-State recipient last year and is the daughter of Rocky and Jennifer Burchfield of Fairview.

Upcoming photo contests: April: “Storm clouds” May: “Bovine beauties” 34 OKLAHOMA LIVING

MARCH 2010 35

36 OKLAHOMA LIVING