OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine_December 2022

Oklahoma

CORRIDOR DECEMBER 2022 / VOLUME I / Issue VIII

Magazine

Nationally recognized bone and joint care in Cowboy Country

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OUR COVER Deer Creek native Larry Blair and his

lovely wife Daneta look forward to this time of year where they put their Santa & Mrs Claus suits on. On the cover they are celebrating the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Baby Jesus is portrayed by sweet Lila.

Photo was taken at Turkey Track Ranch on Hwy 33. Check out the story on page 6.

PHOTO by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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Merry Christmas S

AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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The Salon 918.306.1240

Each office is independently owned & operated.

KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE 2661 E. 21st / TULSA OK 74114

CLIFFORD TUCKER C: 918.638.0379 / O: 918.712.2252

Cynthia Thompson

PUBLISHED BY OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR MAGAZINE, LLC PUBLISHER:

Trudy Evans (918) 223-1044 okcorridor@gmail.com

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

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okcorridor@gmail.com

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Jeree Milligan

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY:

Jeree Milligan, Rick Reiley, Diane Brown, Pastor Paul Ragle, Alana Owen, Allison Eldredge, Regina Brown and Emma Bryan

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©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Corridor Magazine, at the above address. Advertising claims and the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers or its affiliates.

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 3

IN THIS ISSUE...

OUR DECEMBER 2022 FEATURE STORY: The First and Best CHRISTMAS GIFT

by Regina Brown / Page 6

405.547.8663 419 E Hwy 33 Perkins, OK 74059

5

Editorial

by Trudy Evans

6

The First and Best Christmas Gift

by Regina Brown

11

Delilah’s Dilemmas

by Diane Brown

20

A Tale of the Christmas Tree Three Tree Farms Along the Oklahoma Corridor

by Alana Owen

23

Pastor Paul’s Passages

by Paul Ragel

24

Notes on the OKLAHOMA Corridor

by Rick Reiley

26

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

by Allison Eldredge

28

Section of SH-18 Named for WWII Veteran Roy “Junior” Herring

by Farrel Kleckner and Patti Harris

30

Kids on the OKLAHOMA Corridor

by Jeree Milligan

32

Merry Christmas

by Emma Bryan

34

Recipes

by Jeree Milligan

Kim’s

BOOKKEEPING & TAXES LLC PAYROLL & INCOME TAX kimkanady@yahoo.com Kim Kanady 403 N. Cleveland Cushing 74023

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 4

The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and another major holiday is quickly approaching.

Bright colorful lights are beginning to light up the night. Sparkly decorations will shimmer off of tree branches. A different genre of music is playing everywhere. The littles are preparing to show off their talent for everyone to applaud at their schools.

Gifts are being wrapped in pretty paper with pretty bows and name tags. Menus are being planned and reservations are being made, while searching into flight schedules. Photos are taken with littles on Santa’s lap while they tell their wishes. And littles are practicing their parts of telling the story of the reason for the season.

All these thoughts bring smiles to our faces. Might bring a tear or two also. Memories of loved ones will for sure come to your thoughts. A lot! Visits to loved ones in special living places will bring huge smiles to them. FaceTime calls will happen across the country. Some will even go to places where there only granite stones.

December is a busy month. As we get older, it gets here a lot more quickly then when we were children and it also passes faster. Some of the traditions are the same but new memories are undoubtedly made. Some families will have the same number of members, others will have gained a few either by birth or marriage and some will have lost members who have become guardian angels.

Christmas is bittersweet for me. My parents and my husband are my guardian angels. But I continue to smile and enjoy the season because I remember the reason for the season is the birth of our Lord and Savior. If it were not for him, who knows where we would be!

Christmas blessings to each and everyone of our readers. We appreciate you picking up our magazines and visiting our advertisers. Without you, they would not be in business. Happy New Year as well. May 2023 be your most memorable one yet!

Matthew 2:10

Merry Christmas!

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 5

A fitting depiction of the first and best Christmas gift – Santa Larry and Mrs. Claus kneel before the King

PHOTOS by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The First and Best

by REGINA BROWN

Christmas Gift

It’s nothing new for Larry Blair and Daneta Combs-Blair of Deer Creek to honor the birth of the Savior this time of year. They delight in spreading joy and the spirit of Christmas, as is illustrated in this month’s cover photo.

O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 6

T

he couple happily agreed and genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to shoot the unique cover for photographer Crystl Percell, whose idea aligned with their mission. Crystl’s idea came to life as she created the touching and memorable scene of Santa Larry, his wife, Daneta as Mrs. Claus, and baby Lily portraying the Christ child lying in a manger. Notably absent are the other figures customarily seen alongside the nativity. A typical depiction of Santa Claus seen at the North Pole with reindeer and elves was replaced with the ever jolly character in a red suit, his wife by his side, humbly kneeling before the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. The photo is a beautiful illustration and reminder that “...at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 Santa Larry and Daneta embody the same attributes as the St. Nick and Mrs. Claus depicted in this photo.

They recognize who they represent and honor their role as the only face of Christmas that some may see.

That opportunity allows them to be able to spread the light of Christmas and the joy this season brings. They enjoy bringing smiles to faces and happiness to hearts.

The grandmotherly love and kindness of Mrs. Claus draws in little ones who are fearful of St. Nick, and Santa Larry has the privilege and unique opportunity to hear and listen. They represent giving and sharing. Together, they are ambassadors of goodness and goodwill.

This will be the twelfth year Santa Larry has been donning his Santa suit and spreading Christmas cheer across our state. When he and Daneta married in 2017, she was the perfect addition to join him as Mrs. Claus.

While neither set out to assume these roles initially, timing, opportunity, and little help from Santa Larry’s sister, the Christmas stars aligned and the magic of Christmas took over.

Together, they have been able to serve in this capacity to children of all ages in a multitude of places including churches, schools, hospitals, malls, in homes, in parades, and on zoom to as far away as Costa Rica.

Santa Larry and Daneta count themselves blessed to be able to spread love and joy and encourage others to become involved with the loving, caring, and compassion that this season encompasses. Their enthusiasm was apparent as they spoke of how they consider this to be their ministry as they share the beauty of the season and share the true meaning of Christmas.

They participate in activities year round and with the talents of Santa Larry’s sister, even have warm weather attire fitting for the most recognizable characters from the North Pole. They book events nearly a year in advance as most invite them to return the following year to brighten and enliven their next event. They are beloved for their joy and embodiment of Mr. and Mrs. Claus and plan to reprise their roles as one of the most loved couples of the Christmas season for years to come. n

OKLA HOMA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 7

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O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 9

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Cushing’s Premier Real Estate Team Would Like to Wish You a

Beautiful Holiday Season!

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 0

DELILAH’SDILEMMAS

Delilah’s ears began to ring and there was no air in the room. The only thing she saw was Dooby standing in

the doorway between the living room and entry hall, his phone to his ear, and his eyes on her.

with

DIANE BROWN

“B

ook the 5:00 PM flight, for two,” he told the person on the other end of his connection.

“Delilah?” Hannah said into the phone. She had just told Delilah that her father, Buford, had had a heart attack. This news had eclipsed the quarrel she had with Eli; it had subjugated any clash she had with Lizzy. Right now, it was everything. It was the only thing.

Suddenly, Delilah couldn’t feel her legs. She took a step heading for the wing back chair to secure her balance, as her phone dropped to the floor. The last thing she saw was Dooby lunging toward her with open arms.

Somehow Dooby had managed to get Delilah on the sofa. He was sitting on the edge of the coffee table when she came to, and Eli had just come back into the room after storming out moments earlier.

“What’s going on?” Eli asked with a mixture of confusion and leftover anger.

“Buford’s had a heart attack,” Dooby said.

“Oh, no,” Eli said with sincere concern.

Delilah sat up and tried to get up off the sofa.

“Delilah?” Dooby said, gently taking her arms. “He’s alive. And they say he’s going to be okay.”

“How did you?” Delilah began.

“Mom called me,” Dooby said. “That’s who I was on the phone with when you fainted. She wanted to make sure someone was with you when Hannah called. Buford was with Dad when it happened. They were going fishing. They weren’t on the water yet, and Mom . . . well, Mom had one of her spells and called for an ambulance ten minutes before it happened.”

In addition to being a brilliant accountant, trusted with the books of several prominent businessmen in Macon, Dooby’s mother, Vonda, was also a well-respected psychic.

“I’ve got to go,” Delilah said fighting back tears.

“I’ve got to go to him.”

“We fly out of Tulsa at 5:00,” Dooby said calmly.

“So, you have,” he looked up at the clock on the fireplace mantel, “fifteen minutes to get packed.”

“We?” Delilah asked.

“You and me,” Dooby said.

Delilah jumped up and moved to the entry hall without looking at or speaking to Eli. “Have you forgotten I have a plane?” Eli said, with a trace of ire resurfacing. “And . . . and a license to fly it.”

“Someone needs to stay on the ranch. Look after things here,” Dooby said, determinedly. He waited a bit to make sure Delilah was upstairs. “Of the two of us, you’re the most likely candidate for that responsibility.

And I don’t think you want to leave Lizzy right now.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eli snapped.

“Man, it doesn’t ‘mean’ anything,” Dooby said, as he stood with his arms crossing his chest. “And why are you gettin’ so defensive?”

“Delilah said something that hurt Lizzy’s feelings.

Made her feel like she wasn’t welcome here,” Eli said, with semi deflation. “Now Lizzy’s upset, and Delilah refuses to apologize. She can be so stubborn.”

“I know she can be onery, mischievous,” Dooby began. “But do you honestly believe Delilah is capable of intentionally saying or doing anything to hurt Lizzy? Or anyone for that matter?”

There was a beat of silence.

“She rescued Marietta from a domestic violence situation, and offered her a home here for as long as she wanted to stay,” Dooby continued. “And then wished her nothing but well, when Marietta decided to go to her sister in Dallas, taking your ranch foreman with her.

There’s been a kid here, on this ranch, for nearly a year, that just showed up out of the blue, from Arkansas. A kid she’d only met once before.”

“Joel,” Eli said on a sigh.

“That’s the one,” Dooby agreed. “She’s played host to one of your ex-girlfriends.”

“Blaize,” Eli said under his breath.

“Yeah, Blaize,” Dooby continued. “And let’s face it, Blaize could be difficult at the best of times. She even let her broom riding cousin, Abigail, stay here, more than once. Does that sound like someone who would make your daughter unwelcome?”

Upstairs, Delilah hastily and mindlessly packed her

O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 1

suitcase with two pairs of blue jeans, two T-shirts, two silk blouses, and one floral, gauze skirt. She stood at the closet door trying to concentrate on what her possible needs might be once she was home.

Home. This was her home now. The Royal Flush Ranch, not Macon. She removed her off-white, linen pant suit from its hanger, folded it, and placed it in the suitcase, along with a pair of dress sandals. She went to the bathroom and gathered the toiletries that she’d need before she could make purchases once she was there, and added them to her makeup bag in the bedroom. She extracted her travel-sized jewelry case from the bottom drawer of the vanity.

She opened her jewelry box and randomly selected two pairs of 14 karat gold earrings, hoops and chandeliers.

She froze a moment, her eyes fixed on a ring. Her engagement ring. The three carat, oval, mixed-cut, heirloom quality ruby was set in 18 karat, yellow gold, with a one carat, half-moon shaped diamond on each side.

The first ruby Eli had given Delilah was rough cut, about the size of a small egg, and shaped (with a little imagination) like a heart. A pendant had been masterfully crafted from it, and it sat at the end of a gold curb link chain that was worth far more than the rock at the end of it. He had followed that up by giving her ruby earrings for Christmas.

She closed her eyes, remembering the moment he gave her the engagement ring on her birthday.

“Do you know why I give you rubies?” Eli had asked,

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taking the box from Delilah, and removing the ring.

“I give you rubies because they represent uniqueness, trust and truth,” Eli had said. “The gemstone is actually referred to as the Stone of Nobility because it has metaphysical properties that gather and amplify bright light, energy, peace and contentment.”

Delilah had smiled.

“You sound like some mystic,” she’d teased. “Next thing you know, you’ll be reading horoscopes, and consulting Dooby’s mom for psychic readings.”

He laughed. “Yeah, probably not,” he’d retorted.

He’d taken her left hand in his, and slid the ring on her third finger.

“That’s what you are to me,” he’d said softly, with almost a look of desperation in his eyes. “That’s what you are in my life. Uniqueness, bright light, peace and contentment.”

Delilah put the ring on her finger. She closed the travel jewelry case and tossed it into the suitcase. She took inventory of all she’d packed and realized she had not included pajamas or underwear, so those items were added before she zipped the suitcase.

“Got everything?” Eli asked from the doorway.

Delilah jumped. Then with a blank expression, she nodded without looking at him. “Phone?” Eli prodded.

Nod. “Charger?”

Delilah winced. She stepped over to the bedside table just inches from Eli, unplugged the charg-

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 2

er, rolled i t u p, t h en s t uffed it in her p ur se . S h e re ach e d f o r t h e suitcase.

“I’ll get that,” Eli said, taking Delilah’s hand in his, his thumb and forefinger on the ring. “So, we’re still engaged?” Eli asked tentatively.

Delilah sighed deeply.

“Eli,” she finally said. “We quarreled. Albeit a serious quarrel, and one not yet resolved. I mean, it’s hardly as insignificant as an argument about . . . oh, I don’t know, the toilet paper being placed to roll over or under.

“Over,” Eli said with a smile.

“Under,” Delilah countered, her iciness beginning to thaw.

“You know only three percent of the population choose under,” Eli said.

“Yeah,” Delilah sneered. “Which means ninety-seven percent of the population is wrong.”

Eli burst into laughter, then growled with frustration.

He raised her hand up to his lips and kissed her palm.

Then he pulled her into his arms. She didn’t resist. Partly because she was simply too tired to fight and she needed to conserve her energy. It was going to be a long end to this day. And partly because she didn’t want their goodbyes to be negative in any way.

“God, I love you so much,” he said softly into her ear as he embraced her tightly.

And he did. He had loved her every minute of every day from the first moment he saw her more than thirtyfive years prior.

He was the eight-year-old son of the ranch foreman on the Royal Flush Ranch. At six years old, Delilah had come to stay the summer with her Aunt Nettie Mae. Eli had never seen a more beautiful creature in his life. At first glance he thought she was an angel, until his father pointed out she had no wings.

She had returned each summer for nine years, and each summer Eli had fallen more deeply in love with her.

As they got older, and their summers together ceased, and all hope that they would grow old together faded, he convinced himself that it was nothing more than a boyish crush. But as fate would have it, all those who came after her paled in comparison, no one could take her place, no one could drive his memory of her away, and consequently all his relationships had failed, even though he’d made honest attempts.

And then, sixteen-months ago, the world-renowned geologist had returned to the ranch, his home away from home, to find that Nettie Mae Beauregard, the woman who raised him, had passed away, and the woman he’d loved all his life had inherited the property. And she was single. Again.

“I know you do,” Delilah said, as she stepped away from him.

He waited. And he waited just a bit longer. Then he looked at her with raised eyebrows.

A smile very slowly inched across Delilah’s face.

“Ye s , I l o v e y ou, t oo, ” she sa id wit h fe i gn e d i mpatience.

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 3

“I was beginning to wonder,” Eli said under his breath as he lifted the suitcase off the bed.

“Good,” Delilah said, laughing, and she headed out the door. “Nothing wrong with keeping you guessing.

Especially if you’re putting the toilet paper on the roll incorrectly. Seriously, that could be a deal breaker.” n

Merry Christmas from all of us at

Happy Holidays to all!

MAY YOUR TRAVELS BE SAFE AND YOUR JOYS IMMENSE.

God with us...

Isaiah 7:14

803 EAST MAIN / CUSHING / 918-225-6559

Delilah’s Dilemmas will continue in the January edition of the

OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine HOURS: M-F 8AM - 5PM SAT 8AM - NOON

A NAILS d

d

Merry Christmas

PEDICURES / MANICURES / WAXING

R. JOE REMINGTON

CPA PLLC

1202 N. Jim Thorpe Blvd. / Prague, OK 74864 rjoeremington@gmail.com / remingtoncpa.com

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MONDAY - FRIDAY 10am - 7pm / SATURDAY 10am-6pm / CLOSED SUNDAY

O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 4

There’s Gnome Place Like Cushing FOR CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Parade December 10 @ 6:00pm / DOWNTOWN CUSHING on Main Street PARADE EARLY REGISTRATION: www.cushingchamber.org/EventCalendar/CCoCChristmas Parade

Cushing “Jingle Bell Days” DECEMBER 8, 9 & 10, 2022

Special Shopping Events in our Small Businesses throughout Cushing

FOR ALL INFO: www.cushingchamber.org/EventCalendar/JingleBellDays

AND ON:

Visit Us on Facebook Cushing Chamber of Commerce

918-225-2400 / 1301 E MAIN STREET www.cushingchamberofcommerce.org

O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 5

from your friends at

OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR CHRISTMAS AD Trudy Evans, Publisher / Kayla Dees, Assistant to the Publisher Crystl Percell, Crystl’s Photography / Cheryl Payne, Graphic Design EDITORIAL: Jeree Milligan / Rick Reiley / Diane Brown / Pastor Paul Ragle Alana Owen / Allison Eldredge / Emma Bryan / Regina Brown MAGAZINE DELIVERY: Tanya Cole / Bill Erwin / Steve Hamilton / Jennifer McNiel

O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 6

A&T OVERHEAD DOORS 918-399-5944

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 7

SUSAN PITTSER

DANA CRAMER broker / owner

405-882-2957

PEARL JACKSON RANCH LIQUIDATION

AUCTION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 / START TIME 10:07a.m.

LOCATION: 11244 SOUTH 305th W. AVE. / Bristow, OK

DIRECTIONS TO SALE SITE: !GPS will NOT take you to the correct property. Please follow directions or call Pecos or Sarah! !We will have signs out on AUCTION DAY! Eight miles west on Highway 33 from I-44 (Turner Turnpike) Kellyville Exit OR....3 miles east on Highway 33 from the 33/48 junction. Turn north on 305th into the Pearl Jackson Ranch. Follow the road all the way to auction (continue over low water concrete bridge).

TRACTORS • TRAILERS • EQUIPMENT

4-wheelers (2) • 2020 Kubota MS111 Tractor 2007 Kubota M955 Tractor • Bar 6 Cake Feeders Neckover Stock Trailer 24’ • Neckover Stock Trailer 32’ 1970 Ford 2 Ton w/dump • 1968 Chevy 2 Ton Auger Unit Case 1150 Dozer • 2 Mowers • 2 Rakes • 1972 Dew-Eze Hay Wagon 200 Gallon Sprayer • Blade • Pipe • Panels Hobart Welder & Bottles on Trailer • Feeders • Mineral Tubs Dehorner • Nose Tongs • Hot Shots • Saddle • Ear Tagger • Banders Portable Fuel Tank • Mower Dolly • Old Seeder About 1400 Bermuda Square BaleS About 60 Bermuda Round Bales 4x5 (all hay is last year’s hay and barn kept)

The list of items will be growing, and will be updated on our Facebook page, as well as more pictures. Please stay tuned to Facebook for continued updates!

LIKE US!

CONCESSIONS ON SITE / RESTROOMS ON SITE Pecos and Sarah McNiel

P.O. Box 1197 / Bristow, OK 74010 / 918-671-3652 (Pecos) or 405-702-3202 (Sarah)

WATCH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES! List of items will be GROWING!

For a COMPLETE LIST of items and more pictures, VISIT OUR

PAGE / McNiel Auction Services

www.mcnielauctionservices.com

“Specializing in Farm, Real Estate & Personal Property Auctions”

FOR MORE PICTURES & INFO, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE McNIEL AUCTION SERVICE O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 8

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O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 9

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Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm, Bristow, OK

A Tale of the

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Christmas Tree

THREE TREE FARMS ALONG THE OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR

by ALANA OWEN

C

hristmas is a time of gathering, gift giving, celebrating and decorating. The way we celebrate can vary culturally and geographically, but one thing that tends to stay the same is the importance of the decorated Christmas tree.

As a kid I recall being saddened to see the Christmas tree we had so proudly displayed and decorated kicked to the curb like trash. As I got older, I more readily

accepted the tradition, and hesitated to transition to a “fake” tree. In time we all learn to accept the normal traditions of our country. Currently, I am in awe of the effort, time, and money put into the growing of Christmas trees. It is common to see a Christmas tree lot as much more than just a place to get your tree on a corner, as it was in my youth. It is now a magical destination for families to share in the tradition over a movie, hot chocolate,

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fire, or other customs.

For my fiftieth birthday, my husband bought me an Austrian pine tree. At its high point the tree stood four feet at the time of planting. Currently it is over twenty feet and towers marvelously in my front yard, almost as if commanding attention among the oaks. The permanence of green pine makes the tree my favorite. Each year as I watch new branches sprout, I smile thinking about the passage of time it represents.

So just how did the Christmas tree celebration come to be? According to my online research, many years ago pine tree were believed to have special powers due to their ability to remain “alive” all year. Pine trees were brought into homes as a symbol of gods and goddesses.

Over time the traditions changed and evolved, and we landed with the Christmas tree in the 16th Century when Christians in Germany started bringing trees into their homes. The first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected in 1912 in New York City, and the rest, as they say, is history!

I visited with three Christmas tree producers who open their doors to the public to offer trees and good times during the holiday season.

Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm Traveling east to west along the corridor, my first stop was Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm. It is owned and operated by David and Sherri Hurst in Bristow, at 31310 West 191st Street South. The name Molly and Socks came from the first two cows the couple owned. The origins of the farm occurred when Sherri said, after 25 years of marriage, “I always wanted to have and sell Christmas trees.”

This unmentioned dream took David by surprise.

Sherri’s favorite part of opening to the public is when she sees the little faces get all excited and gleaming, and everyone, including the adults, turns all smiles. According to David, Sherry is the inspiration, and he is the perspiration. The Christmas tree lot opened the day after Thanksgiving. All special events will be listed on their Facebook page and website. Make sure you check or call before heading out to make sure their trees have not sold out, although David does not anticipate selling out or closing up until December 23. Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm has as a “linger longer” business model that includes swing sets, fire pits, photo opportunities, a petting zoo, fun decorations,

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Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm

and a concession stand with hot food. The lot offers precut Christmas tr ees, their own trees, fresh wreaths, and a Christmas shop which is “dripping in Christmas stuff” according to Sherry. Santa plans to be on hand on some occasions and will be seated for lap photos. A maildrop directly to the North Pole is included for the kids.

My next stop was in Stillwater at Leafer Lodge Christmas Tree Farm. Located at 5108 East Lakeview Road, the farm is owned and operated by Chris and Marin Leafer.

The Leafer family started growing trees when they bought the property in 2019. The day after Thanksgiving, 2022, was their grand opening to the public.

Marin had wanted a Christmas tree farm for over twenty years. Her desire stemmed from the joy and spirit of the season and how it brings people together in her community and the surrounding areas. The family has plans for a large outdoor movie screen placed around a fire pit to stay warm.

The Leafers plan to stay open through the holiday season, playing their last Saturday night movie on December 17th. They have a gingerbread house Christmas

shop, food vendors, and a large slide, with more to come.

Check their social media pages for current events and times. Marin informed me of their expansion in 2023 with the addition of Airbnb cabins for rent. The public can drop off their trees for recycling the first weekend in January. Chris chops the trees up and reuses the materials. With that in mind, I am feeling much better about my live tree.

Sorgum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm My last visit was in Edmond at John Knight’s Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm, located at 7121 Midwest Lane. John has been in business for 52 years at the same location, and he has been offering trees to the public for 42 years.

The lot opened in November and plans to stay open until the 23rd of December, unless they sell out sooner. They also offer live trees that can be dug up by special order. The lot will offer cider, chocolate, candy canes, and cookies. I asked if Santa will be on hand and was advised “he may be making an appearance, but if I told you exactly when it wouldn’t be much of a surprise.”

John recommends to check the company’s website for up to date information. n

BRISTOW, OK

Glen, Rikki & Genttrie VanOrsdol would like to wish you a very

Merry Christmas!

Every Saturday Cattle Sale Horse Sale 1st Monday of the Month Goat & Sheep Sale the 2nd Monday of the Month

918-367-2300

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by PAUL RAGLE

A Christmas Story

by JENNIFER L. BETTS abbreviated

P

ulling on her tattered coat, Christine sighed; she was thinking about Christmas gifts her younger siblings hoped to open on Christmas morning. But baby Willy had been sick and it had taken all the family’s resources and more to pay the medical bills. Mother hung on to a few dollars just to buy groceries. Full bellies are better than new sneakers little sister Letty wanted for gym class.

A gust of cold wind sent Christine’s grocery list sailing from her hands. It floated into the town nativity scene, landing on baby Jesus’ manger. Grabbing the list, Christine smiled at the sweet baby Jesus and said a brief prayer.

As she turned to leave, a lady got up from a bench just outside the nativity. Christine saw something drop from the woman’s purse as she walked away.

Christine needed to get going, but rushed over to pick up what the woman had dropped. She gasped, realizing that what had fallen from the lady’s purse was money! Two folded hundred-dollar bills! How much could her family use this money right now!

With shaking hands, she picked up the money – almost stuffing it into her pocket. But that wouldn’t be right.

She called out to the woman, “Ma’am,” she shouted, running towards her. “You dropped this!”

The lady turned and Christine handed her the money, swallowing a lump in her throat. “You dropped this,” Christine said.

“Thank you, dear,” the woman answered. Her voice was warm, just like Christine’s Gram, who had passed away a few months before.

Christine turned to leave when the lady asked, “What’s your name, dear?”

Christine smiled, “Christine Darling, Ma’am.”

The woman had warm but sad eyes, and she returned the smile. “This will sound like an odd request, Christine,

but would you mind chatting for a bit? We can sit on the bench.”

They sat down together. The lady, whose name was Martha, was so like Christine’s Gram. Martha told Christine of the devastating loss of her daughter and how much Christine reminded her of her daughter. Minutes melted into a couple of hours as they shared about their families.

“Your family will be missing you, Christine,” Martha smiled.

“Yes, you’re right!” Christine responded, giving Martha a little hug. “But I have to tell you something. I should apologize to you. I almost decided to keep the money you dropped, but I’m very glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t have met you otherwise,” Martha felt glad as well. Christine invited Martha to join her family the next day for Christmas dinner, “If you’re going to be alone on Christmas, you’re more than welcome to spend Christmas Day with our family. There’ll be plenty of food.”

“If I come, should I bring something?” Martha asked.

Christine shook her head, smiled and they parted ways.

Stopping again at the nativity scene, Christine said a prayer of thanks for meeting Martha and asked again for some way to get Letty her shoes for gym.

The next morning – CHRISTMAS – Letty jumped in the middle of Christine’s bed squealing, “PRESENTS!!!”

Rushing downstairs, Christine couldn’t believe the pile of wrapped gifts! Letty tore open a gift with her name on it and ran to show Christine. A pair of new white sneakers!

Christine’s mother, tears flowing, opened the front door to reveal Martha. Pulling Christine into a hug Martha said, “You were an answer to prayer for me yesterday.

The gift of your shining eyes and smile made me feel as though I was speaking to my daughter. Merry Christmas, my dear.” n

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Do We Have Some

L I V E

M U S I C

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

N OOKLAHOMA T E S CORRIDOR ON THE

MARCO TELLO: One Talented Amigo!

PHOTO PROVIDED

I

don’t recall where I first met Marco Tello (pronounced Tay-o), but it must have been at one of Joe Baxter’s Round Barn music sessions over in Arcadia several years ago. His talents on the guitar are a result of serious study, dedication to purpose, determination, persistence and attention to detail. He’s a master bluegrass picker and equally adept at about any other style of music, be it blues, western swing, or rock and roll. Armed with a great sense of humor and quick wit he’s a delightful performer and storyteller.

Not content to simply play within the confines of the USA, he’s also toured Europe on several occasions, thanks to the connection he made with Robert Gruber, a member of the Reggae band Kinky Slinky.

Whether he’s singing Billy Joel’s Piano Man or one of another 350 songs in his repertoire, playing harmonica, bass, harmonizing or telling a tall tale he’s a delight to hear.

At one time Tello worked at a recording studio. By

with RICK REILEY

virtue of that, he was involved in many different aspects of recording on several different projects, thus becoming a part of about a dozen or so of other people’s recordings.

His most recent recording, his first solo effort, ‘The Edge of the Middle of Nowhere’ is a fun trip! The self penned title song refers to conjuring up daydreams while cruising a flat stretch of Highway 50 in western Oklahoma. It also has a couple of Joe Baxter tunes on it as well.

(Joe Baxter from OKC is one of my favorite Okie songwriters. I think of him as Oklahoma’s answer to country songwriter/storyteller Tom T. Hall, with a mix of John Prine thrown in for good measure. He’s influenced many other Okies enormously too!)

Tello cites Kane Hollins, Edgar Cruz and Joe Baxter as his biggest influences.

Marco Tello has long been associated with Joe and when I questioned how that came about he told me...

Upon moving back to Oklahoma City from Boulder, CO around 1989, he had a new Les Paul electric guitar he

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In addition to performing solo he also plays regularly with The Brave Amigos, a trio consisting of Edgar Cruz, 14 year old prodigy, Blake Bricker, and himself.

Between them they know hundreds of popular songs covering several decades. seldom played. So he went to a music store in the Oklahoma City area thinking about selling or trading it. While there he saw a flier on a billboard in the store from a band looking for a ‘50s rock/surf band guitar player. He was interested, so he called the phone number listed and some guy named Joe Baxter answered.

They set up a meeting and when Tello opened the guitar case to uncover a cherry sunburst Les Paul, as legend has it, Joe knew he knew he had his man.

The two have played off and on together for 30 or so years.

Marco Tello was born in Oklahoma City. His mother was a classical pianist so his young ears were accustomed to classical sounds at home. That, paired with his musical guitar playing cousins, Manuel, Mark and Edgar Cruz, caused all this to find deeper roots which expanded his musical horizons.

“At the age of 10 I knew I wanted to play something”, he said.

He was living with his grandparents at that time and they paid for piano lessons. However they didn’t have a piano at home so those lessons didn’t achieve the desired results.

When he entered the 6th grade he joined the school band program and that re-energized his musical spirits and it was there that he learned the basic fundamentals.

From Marco Tello’s website: While still a child, he was exposed to the music of the Summer of Love and Woodstock, Mariachi, the great classical composers, the Beatles and other British invasion acts, and the early Folk movement. As a young man, Marco explored all manner of Rock and Pop, Folk and Country.

The 80s brought new influences. Upon moving to Boulder, CO, Marco started working with Colorado State Champion Banjo Player, Kane Hollins and, with the guidance of Hollins, set about to learn Bluegrass. The pair traveled all over the Western US playing their brand of Bluegrass known as Fastgrass. At the same time, the Col-

orado New Wave and Punk scene was in full bloom and bringing a huge range of influences.

Tello plays primarily guitar and bass but also performs on the mandolin, dobro, harmonica and occasionally keyboard. He also sings lead and harmonies as well. And to top it off, he’s also an excellent song writer.

In addition to performing solo he also plays regularly with The Brave Amigos, a trio consisting of himself, Edgar Cruz and 14 year old prodigy, Blake Bricker. Between them they know hundreds of popular songs covering several decades. They often play a ‘stump the band’ contest with people calling out songs to see if they can… stump the band! It’s a fun and sometimes challenging time but these guys are seldom stumped.

They’ve spent their entire lives studying what they perform. And they know their business well.

The Brave Amigos also plan to record in 2023.

Tello has also performed on occasion with Okie born, Texas fiddler, Rachel Stacy and last year recorded on a project of hers at a studio in Dripping Springs, Texas called The Zone. Texas Americana legend Ray Wyile Hubbard is producing the recording. From everything I’ve heard about this woman and her music, this project should be a barn burner.

Tello’s regular recurring gigs consist of performing with the Brave Amigos, every other Wednesday at Broke Brewing in Oklahoma City, on third Thursdays at Frenzy Brewing in Edmond, and on the last Sunday of the month at Othello’s in Norman. They also perform four or fives time a year at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.

In fact their next gig there will be The Brave Amigos celebrating Marco’s 60th birthday and will be featuring perhaps a few unexpected guest artists. That will be on December 20th.

To find out more you can follow Marco Tello Music on his Facebook page or at www.MarcoTelloMusic.com Also check out the Brave Amigos FB page.

You’re most assuredly in for a treat!!! n

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot

LIKE CHRISTMAS

by ALLISON ELDREDGE

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This year, there is a new place to go, Dewey Street in Sapulpa. The Route 66 Christmas Chute has taken the place as the new “hot” spot.

Beginning in October many stores started promoting Christmas deals and were already loading up on Christmas merchandise. Walmart started loading their holiday aisles with decorations and candy before Halloween even happened.

It has started looking like Christmas around all our wonderful towns in the Corridor. Lights are hung around the towns, holiday banners and light displays are put into place. It takes several weeks for a town to get ready for Christmas, and most will want to have it all in place before their Christmas parade.

Even before light are turned on, my daughter will notice that they’ve been hung up on the light poles and trees around town.

Homes have begun putting up Christmas trees and lights in November. We all feel a certain magical sensation in seeing the lights come on. Maybe because, all of a sudden, daylight savings time has ended and darkness arrives before we are ready. Maybe because we just love the lights in the frost and fog and early snows. Maybe just because we all secretly love Christmas time and wish it could last all year long.

There are many places to make holiday memories outside of your home. Rhema in Broken Arrow, Honor Heights Park in Muskogee, and driving by Paragon Industries in Sapulpa have been some of the “go to” places to see wonderful lights in the past.

This year, there is a new place to go, Dewey Street in Sapulpa. The Route 66 Christmas Chute has taken the place as the new “hot” spot.

I started seeing their posts on Facebook early this year and I thought, what a great idea! As the year progressed, and the vision became clearer and things were put into place…I thought what an amazing idea!

Earlier in January of this year, they got the full support of Sapulpa City Council, which was a good thing

since they were shutting down several blocks of a main road through Sapulpa.

They had 10 teams and started working on prototypes. Each team was responsible for a different theme such as: Gingerbread, Candy Land, Let it Snow, and Nativity.

The town came behind them and donated time, money, zip ties, decorations, and gorilla glue. Sapulpa Chieftain Athletics came to help with the lights in July and the sheer number of volunteers made the job possible and it was completed in one hour.

Starting October 1st, Sapulpa closed Dewey Street and the Chute was built. On October 10, the teams began decorating by putting their dreams on the actual Chute.

On November 3rd, Santa and reindeer and people from all over showed up for the “Lights On” ceremony.

It was a huge success.

Sapulpa and her local merchants have a unique experience for all of Oklahoma. Every weekend, there are special events and food trucks. Check out Okie Igloo Village, and book your own private igloo at okiekidzinflatables.com. They are large enough to seat 6-8 adults.

There are three igloos available for rent and can be combined for large groups. Many of the merchants are offering extended hours for visitors to shop while they enjoy the Chute.

The Route 66 Christmas Chute is open 8am to 11pm daily until the end of the year. They have already had a wedding on site, a snow dusting, and many memories made by visitors.

Check out route66christmaschute.com for a map of parking, a list of events, and more information.

This is a must see and I can’t wait to get out there soon.

Merry Christmas! n

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OKL AHOMA CORRIDOR HISTORY SNIPPETS

Section of SH-18 Named for

WWII Veteran Roy “Junior” Herring

by FARREL KLECKNER and PATTI HARRIS

In collaboration with Pam Edmoundson, Junior’s daughter

Bronze Star recipient Roy “Junior” Herring was honored on Veterans Day by naming a section of State Highway 18 North after the WII veteran.

The two-mile stretch of SH-18 in Cushing runs right past Herring’s home on North Little and the site of Rice’s Service Station, where he once worked, then enters the city limits from the north.

At 96, Herring still serves his country and community through his activity with the American Legion Post 108 in Cushing. In the recent past, he was a member of the Honor Guard which performs ceremonies at veterans’ funeral services and other service-related activities.

Herring was born on a farm in Lincoln County near Chandler on May 11, 1926. He was the second oldest of six children of Edward Leroy and Myrtle (Moore) Herring. He attended Victor School in Lincoln County while helping maintain the family farm. He also worked in a relative’s grocery store and drove a beer truck route until 1944 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Entering the army at the height of the war, Herring was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

While serving in combat on the “Siegfried Line” in Germany in midMarch 1945, his company was ordered to cross an anti-tank ditch while advancing forward. Pfc. Herring was carrying a machine gun and slid into the deep ditch injuring his back and rendering him unconscious. The men in the advance thought he was dead. They retrieved the vital machine gun and continued forward, leaving the injured soldier without a weapon.

When Pvt. Herring regained consciousness, he followed the sound of gunfire back to his company about a quarter mile away. During the battle, Company A which was ahead was nearly wiped out. The strategic radio was left in the field with them. Pvt. Herring and five others were “volunteered” to retrieve it. Though Pvt. Herring’s back was injured, he did not hesitate to follow the order.

The small group waded through bodies searching for the precious radio when they came across a wounded soldier alive and conscious. The soldier told them that the Germans had just taken the dead men’s watches and rings and were still close. He directed the detail to the radio and was then rescued by the group.

When the group returned, Company C was entrenched around a pillbox and pinned down. The Germans continued shelling and it was during this siege that Pvt. Herring was wounded by shrapnel. The siege

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lasted for about 48 hours before Pvt. Herring and the other wounded could be taken to a hospital.

It was after he healed and was returning to his unit that Pvt. Herring heard “THE WAR WAS OVER.” When he returned to Company C, he found out that the soldiers who had been with him during the retrieval of the radio and the wounded soldier had all received the Bronze Star for their bravery. They could not remember Herring’s name so he was overlooked.

Besides the Bronze Star, Herring was awarded two Purple Hearts, the French Fourragere, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and Expert Combat Infantry Badge.

Seventy years later, through the diligent efforts of his family, the American Legion and the Oklahoma Legislature, Herring was presented with his Bronze Star

by Congressman Frank Lucas for “meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on 9 February 1945…in keeping with the finest traditions of

military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army of the United States” according to the citation.

Besides the Bronze Star, Herring was awarded two Purple Hearts, the French Fourragere, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and Expert Combat Infantry Badge.

When he returned from the war, Herring joined the Army National Guard as a corporal in California where his family temporarily lived. Later, he returned to Chandler and worked at Ford Tractor, City of Chandler, an ice plant, in the oilfields, at a wrecker service on the Turner Turnpike and at the Ford Garage. He often worked more than one job at a time.

He married Patty Hesser on March 20, 1948 after the two had met on a blind date. Their only child, Pam, was born 10 years later.

Most people in Cushing will remember Herring from his days at Rice’s 18 Service Station where he provided full service, washing windshields, checking oil and tires and even vacuuming cars with every gasoline purchase.

He worked hard, seven days a week and hired many young men in whom he instilled good values and hard work. He taught them that hard work and good values would get them hired anywhere.

Herring also had a Gibble Gas Station on Cherry Street, worked for Earl Gibble as a truck dispatcher and driver as well as managing the Cimarron Turnpike gas station near Pawnee. In 1981, he retired from Lionel Harris Oil Company.

Perhaps the most memorable of Herring’s habits was that he ALWAYS had candy for the kids. He still carries a pocketful of Lifesavers he joyfully gives to everyone he comes in contact with.

In 2015, he was presented with a handmade quilt by the local “Quilts of Valor” foundation and was chosen to participate in the Oklahoma Honor Flight Program where he was accompanied by his daughter and fellow veterans on a trip to Washington DC. He called it a “trip of a lifetime.”

“There are several veterans in Cushing deserving of the honor of a ‘Memorial Highway’ but none more deserving than Junior Herring,” said Post Commander Steve Ferchau.

Due to increasing costs for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation signs, donations are being solicited. Donations may be sent to American Legion Post 108, P.O. Box 108, Cushing, Oklahoma 74023. n

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IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

Merry Christmas!

by EMMA BRYAN

H

ello once more!! It’s lovely to see you again! I hope your Thanksgiving went well! It’s getting colder now, which means snow, hopefully. Although here in Kansas our weather is weird and sometimes wants to be warm. Hopefully I get an actual cold Christmas this year! I hope you all get snow as well. With the end of Fall and November, that means December and Winter roll around. December means an excess of Christmas music, peppermint flavored things, snowmen, and so many other traditions. Trees go up, candles burn, and lights sparkle. Everyone wins, right?

It sure feels that way.

If you’re in school, winter break is the first thing to look forward to. Hopefully you can go sledding, build snow families and forts, and drink lots of hot chocolate.

Semester finals are coming, too. I wish everyone luck on those. The first half of the school year is already over.

Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday I was starting my Sophomore year of high school. I hope all of you stay warm, fellow students!!

And for many adults this may mean buying presents for kids, which can be stressful. Understandably so, kids can be stressful, especially given how expensive everything is today. Your children will certainly appreciate it though, even if it doesn’t feel like they do. It’s cold out and things cost money. Stay strong though! It’ll be worth it! I wish you luck!!

And everyone, stay warm! Don’t get sick! Happy holidays!!

Here’s a joke: What do you call Santa when he stops moving? Santa Pause n

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Wishing You Nothing But

BlueSky in 2023!

224 E. Broadway St, Cushing, OK / 918-225-2010 2105 E. Main St, Cushing, OK / 918-225-2012 www.bluesky.bank

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