Ponca City Monthly December 2023

Serving Northern Oklahoma

PON CAC ITYM ONT HLY .CO M

DECEMBER 2023

FREE PUBLICATION

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DECEMBER 2023

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MERRY CHRISTMAS † HAPPY NEW YEAR ¢

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DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023 • VOL. 4 NO.12 Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Creative Agency Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Associate Editors Robyn Ryan Hayley Harrison

OKLAHOMA’S 30 REBUILDING WETLANDS

Advertising Director Robyn Ryan 580-761-1295 robyn@poncacitymonthly.com Staff Writers Everett Brazil, III Carey Head Andy Hicks Chelsea McConnell Jill Rowe Hayley Harrison Patrick Jordan Marlys Cervantes Ad Designer Robyn Ryan

THE 11 RESTORING COMMUNITY

B.S. BARNES 24 HISTORIC AIRBNB

FEATURE STORIES Business Spotlight

Cast Iron Co. Cover Story

12 Nights In Awesomeville Business Spotlight

Frontier Siding

Shop With A Cop

Christmas Gift Guide Miss NOC

High Touch - High Value

DECEMBER 2023

Story Editor Sherry Cable Copy Editor Patrick Jordan

MONTHLY FAVORITES 6

Sodku Challenge

17

Crossword

20 35 36 46 48

Proud Member of the Chambers of Commerce of: Ponca City, Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Arkansas City

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Magazine Designer Andy Hicks

Thoughts on Higher Ed Stew on That by Rachel Stewart Get Fit With Kera Kester

Cocktail Of The Month Book Reviews Food Crush

Learning with Leaming

31/70 52 55/70 55 57 58 60/61 65 66

Chamber Buzz

69

Stream It

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Contributing Writers Kat Long Rachel Stewart Steve Scott Tara Anson Scott Cloud David Myers Shelley Arrott Lorrie Layton Adam Leaming Circulation Carol Murphy © MyMediaMatters, LLC, dba Ponca City Monthly 2023.

For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact editor@poncacitymonthly.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or by other electronic means without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Ponca City Monthly is a Member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

We believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. We strive to ensure a free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. We pledge to: Seek the Truth, and Report It; Minimize Harm; Act Independently; and to Be Accountable and Transparent. To read our full pledge, visit: spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Letter from the Editor

I have a confession. Though I am a foodie, and I do enjoy trying a wide variety of new and interesting types of cuisine, there’s one type of food I am not a fan of - spicy food. And as is common, I am married to someone who is my complete opposite. My husband is someone who eats and loves all things spicy. I don’t mean the kind of spicy guy that enjoys the occasional Tabasco sauce - I mean the kind that ONLY eats Blazin wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, and then washes them down by eating raw jalapeños. He once ate a dish so spicy that the restaurant made him sign a liability waiver before he ordered it in case he was injured or died (I wish I was kidding). But he enjoys spicy food so much, he is always happy and content even as his face is red and beaded with sweat.

So, we are opposites, complete opposites. His pleasure with spicy food is my pain. Spicy food hurts my mouth. It makes me lose all sense of taste and ruins any chance of enjoying my meal.

So, when my husband cooks, he knows to “go easy on the spice” or I can’t eat it.

But the measurement of how much spice is too much, like many things in life, is relative. My husband made chili last month, a dish I thoroughly enjoy, and I made sure to remind him to cut down on the jalapeño. He makes a delicious chili recipe,

so imagine my disappointment when I sat down to eat his tasty chili, only to realize that my mouth was in fact, on fire.

“I told you to go easy on jalapeños!” I said indignantly. He looked stunned and a bit sad, and said, “I did! The recipe called for 6, and I only used 3!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Three jalapeños to me might as well have been a thousand. But three jalapeños to him is barely an ounce of spice.

Pain and pleasure are like that, experienced different by everyone. As we go into the holidays, remember that what one person perhaps enjoys, might bring pain to someone else. A an enjoyable song to one person, might remind someone else of heartache. A pleasant evening stroll alone at dusk to me may be terrifying for someone who was attacked by a dog.

So give out some extra grace this holiday season. Be patient and be kind, because we are all the doing the very best we can. We are all finding that delicate balance between pain and pleasure, and a little bit of grace and forgiveness (and perhaps less jalapeños) during the holidays can go a very long way.

editor@poncacitymonthly.com

12 Night in Awesomeville cover by Andy Hicks, Photo by Chelsea McConnell of Bill Thomason on his festively decorated golf cart.

DECEMBER 2023

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Cast Iron Co. L

isa Simmons is the owner of Cast Iron Co., located downtown at 121 E. Grand Avenue in Ponca City. Cast Iron Co. is a kitchen and gift boutique locally owned and operated in the heart of our community and housed in the historic Donahoe-Souligney building.

She knew there would be competition and wondered if our market could handle the type of store she wanted to open. She was again encouraged by her friend Miranda who convinced her she could make her kitchen boutique work in downtown Ponca City.

Miranda helped guide her through obstacles like state-mandated paperwork and the more hands-on pieces of the business, like choosing vendors and inventory.

In the fall of 2019, after her two children reached school age, Simmons found herself in a season of transition. She and her husband Andrew had moved back to Ponca City from Stillwater for his job and her little ones were no longer at home all day. She knew she was ready to go back to work but was unsure what she wanted work to look like. Simmons also knew she would need a flexible schedule. She began kicking around the idea of starting her own business. She had a good friend from Stillwater, Miranda, who owned her own business and she often heard her talk about what that entailed.

Miranda was in Simmons’ corner from the beginning and helped guide her along the path to opening Cast Iron Co. She encouraged her to look downtown for an open space, pointing out that downtown is the heart of any community.

Andrew was integral in prepping their space for her shop. Previously, the property they rented had been used as an office space. As part of their remodeling work, they cleaned the floors, built new walls in order to create the

Lisa and Andrew started their planning by driving around downtown looking at properties. They were drawn to her current space because of the historic tin ceiling. After meeting with the property owner, Simmons was still hesitant about opening her business.

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DECEMBER 2023

Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer showroom and storage spaces for the business, cleaned and painted the ceiling tiles, built new duct work and so much more. Andrew also built her custom green counter, which is such a lively focal point of the space.

As things progressed, she still hadn’t come up with the right name for her business. She wanted something with “a little edge to it,” as she puts it. Brainstorming with her husband one day, he threw out “cast iron” and she knew he was on to something. Things continued progressing at a steady pace and then came grinding to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most entrepreneurs going into retail are going to market and picking out products.

• Taxi • Food Delivery • Mobile Mechanic

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• Roadside assistance, jump-start, unlock car, bring gas, $20 inside Ponca City, $20 plus $150/mi. out of Ponca City • Mobile mechanic brings the garage to you. We drive to your house or work to make any repairs/service.

• Service is as low as $30-$50/hour plus parts. Call for more info.

FREESION

ADM

IS

12 NIGHTS IN AWESOMEVILLE

6-8 pm EVERY Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 1-23 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

at the corner of Hartford & Pecan in Ponca City • Stroll under the 9-ft.-tall lighted and decorated Christmas Arbors to the sounds of Christmas music.

• Mrs. Claus will have complimentary decorated tree-shaped waffles on a stick and hot chocolate!

• Every THURSDAY night, kids can participate in a craft project to make an ornament to take home.

• Photo-op area with 9-ft.-tall lighted and decorated Christmas trees.

Park in the church’s West parking lot, off Hartford. Follow the lights up the hill to Awesomeville, in the North parking lot. Cart rides available for those in need.

Serving Ponca City and surrounding areas since 2012

This project is a gift from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to our community.

Ph. (580) 765-4401 www.redlandsos.com We would love to be the solution for all your workplace needs!

PEACHTREE LANDING, INC. PROUDLY PRESENTS

SUPERMARKET SWEEP

Every $10 donation gives you a chance to win!

Tickets can be purchased at Cherokee Strip Credit Union, Community National Bank & Trust, RCB Bank, Brace Books and Bakewell & Associates, by contacting any board member, by messaging Peachtree Landing on Facebook, or by calling My Favorite Things at 767-0728.

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors At Phillips 66, supporting our people,

Jerry Bakewell & Associates

PEACHTREE

Winner Will be Drawn on FB Live December 18th at 5 pm!

PROVIDING HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS

GRAND PRIZE 10 Minute Solo Run with One Cart TWO RUNNER-UP PRIZES $ 100 & $50 Gift Card

LANDING

THURSDAY • DEC. 21 • 8:30 PM at Ponca City Discount Foods

Member FDIC

www.mybankcnb.com

DECEMBER 2023

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J.W. COBB’S Family RESTAURANT

3200 N. 14th • Ponca City • 580-762-8525 Hours: Monday thru Saturday 7 am - 9 pm

Serving “Made-From-Scratch” Meals Since 1987!

601 S. 3rd Street • Ponca City kylerconstructiongroup.com 580.767.1095

Let Us Do Your Holiday Cooking and Baking!

BUILD RENOVATE MAINTAIN

Christmas Dinner Large Selection of Pies & Cobblers

Call 580-762-8525 for details.

DAILY SPECIALS SERVED ALL DAY

in addition to our menu!

MONDAY Ham & Beans Chicken & Noodles

TUESDAY Liver & Onions Salisbury Steak

WEDNESDAY

Burrito Supreme Hot Beef Sandwich Taco Salad Beef Nachos

THURSDAY

Bone-In Fried Chicken Meatloaf Smothered Chicken

FRIDAY

Fried Catfish Salmon Patties Popcorn Shrimp

THURS: All-American Buffet 10:30 am - 2 pm FRI: BBQ Buffet 4-9 pm • Salad Bar 4-9 pm SATURDAY: Breakfast Buffet 7-11 am • Baked Potato Bar 4-9 pm • Salad Bar 4-9 pm

GIVE CHILDREN A HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! HOW CAN YOU HELP? • BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. We have over 100 kids in care in Kay County with only 22 foster homes.

• Make a monetary donation.

• Donate new or used essentials such as car seats, baby monitors, baby gates, etc.

• Purchase something on our Amazon wish list.

To learn more about how you can help our foster children this holiday season, scan this QR code with your phone.

Your donations are tax-deductible.

1300 Summers Place • Ponca City • 580-762-4156 • marlandsplace.com 8

DECEMBER 2023

Cast Iron Co. Faves

TOP 5 ITEMS Geometry Brand Tea Towels These are super absorbent and come in adorable prints. Simmons only gets one print of each style, so if you see one you love, don’t hesitate to grab it!

Hatch Chile Cream Cheese Dip Simmons says her customers love this as an easy appetizer for big family gatherings!

She was pouring over catalogs to try to determine what things she would stock in her store. This creates a special kind of challenge for someone opening a kitchen boutique. Simmons couldn’t taste-test products or see anything in person.

She had to follow her gut and trust that she was making the right decisions for her business and for Ponca City’s market.

After Lisa & Andrew’s months of hard work, Cast Iron Co. was ready to open in April of 2020. The world, however, was largely shut down. She had kept things hush-hush during the planning stages and had hoped for a grand opening complete with a big reveal, but that just wasn’t in the cards. Like so many other business owners during the pandemic, she had to shift her plans.

Simmons ended up opening her doors in May and having her ribbon cutting in June of 2020.

Cast Iron Co. features a wide range of kitchen products and gift items. One of their in-house specialties is their completely customizable gift baskets. She creates gift baskets for occasions like birthdays, housewarmings and holiday parties, as well as baskets for corporate gifts during the holiday season. These are great for customers because they take the guess work (and the actual work) out of gift giving. She can theme the baskets as well – your husband loves to grill, she can put together a grill-themed basket. If your spouse loves kitchen gadgets, she can fix you up. If you’d like baskets for your corporate customers and

would like to simply set a price point and let her go to work, that’s an option too.

Cast Iron Co. also carries a handful of signature lines. They stock Lodge Cast Iron Cookware products. Lodge is based out of Tennessee and makes all manner of cast iron products and is most well-known for their cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens. Simmons also carries the popular Brumate line of drinkware. Brumate makes mugs, tumblers, can coolers, wine cups, coolers and more. Their entire line comes in fun colors and patterns making them a great gift item for anyone on your list.

Other customer favorites are the spices, hot sauces and dip mixes Cast Iron Co. carries. The spices and hot sauces make great gift items and can make any meal better. The dip mixes are perfect to keep on hand for the holidays to easily whip up for parties and get-togethers.

Hot Pepper Bacon Jam Lisa says, “This is phenomenal over cream cheese. It’s the perfect grab and go. If I’m going to a get-together and I need something fast and hearty, this is fabulous.”

Poppy Reindeer Crunch All of the Poppy brand popcorn is delicious! The Christmas variety is salted caramel popcorn with walnuts, pecans and cashews and drizzled in chocolate. This makes a great hostess gift and would be fun as a Dirty Santa gift too!

Cast Iron Co. Apple Butter A tried and true classic, Simmons says her Apple Butter is always popular around Christmas.

Despite a slower start than she had hoped for, she’s been successful in our downtown.

Simmons has tripled her inventory since opening her business over three years ago.

She has received guidance from other local entrepreneurs like Lori George, who owned the Prairie Rose. She’s learned some hard lessons along the way, but believes it has been worth it.

She has also become an active member in our community since moving back to Ponca City in 2019. She’s currently serving on the Main Street Board of Directors and is Vice President of the Trout PTA. Simmons is also in this year’s Leadership Ponca City Class and is shadowing the Tourism Board as a part of that program.

DECEMBER 2023

9

ON CLOSING COSTS

Lock in your mortgage rate by December 31

on a home purchase or refinance.

Jennifer Henderson Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #1858852

580.718.2742 jennifer.henderson@rcbbank.bank

10 DECEMBER 2023

RCBbank.bank/Save500

Offer available for most purchases and refinances. With approved credit on RCB Bank Mortgage secondary market loans locked between October 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Must meet minimum loan and program underwriting requirements. Lender credit must be used toward borrower closing costs. Not redeemable for cash or down payment funds. This offer is not valid with any other RCB Bank Mortgage incentives, promotions or discounts. OHFA Bond and 5/5 ARM products are not eligible for promotional credit. This offer is subject to change or terminate without notice. Other loan terms and restrictions apply.

ReStoring The Community Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer

It is a busy day at the A&B Floors & More building, just north of the Ponca City High School campus on Seventh Street, which is now the new home of for the Ponca city Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Inside are racks filled with household items, things homeowners could put to work in their own home, from appliances and lighting to furniture and yes, even flooring.

Customers are busy looking for that perfect item to put into their own homes.

Through a network of hallways and nooks and crannies, the treasure hunt continues, eventually spilling into the back room, where items are coming in, waiting for someone to catalog them and place them on a shelf for new homeowners to pick them up. All proceeds from money raised here will be used to help yet another family find a place to love and call their own.

The business was formerly located off Grand Avenue, at First and Central, dwarfed by the historic Robin Hood Flour grain elevator. Stan Brown is a volunteer at the store, helping customers with whatever questions they might have. He ducks into a small, quiet office at the back of the store to discuss their new location, and how much better it is compared to the original.

“There is air conditioning, the light is better and it is in a better, more convenient location for customers,” he said.

Upon touring the facility, one sees items of all sizes, from tiny nuts, bolts and screws to large furniture fixtures ready to go home with a new owner.

“These are donations from the community – people doing remodeling efforts,” he said.

“Furniture is actually a big seller. We also have bathtubs.”

Those who walk through the doors looking for that special product have a team of volunteers to help them find the place to go.

“We have two paid employees, and the rest of us are volunteers. We keep the store running,” he said. “We have to do a lot of sorting, and we sometimes do pickups to go get donations.”

The store’s merchandise is available to the entire community, and ultimately helps put a family in a new home in Ponca City, a non-profit venture more than 10 years in the making.

Those serving on the board of directors include Dolley Rolland, president; Hunter Vap, vice president; Jill Ulenhop, secretary; Stan Brown, treasurer; and board members Marshall Basham, Frances Coonrod, Don Fore, Tanya Gibson, John

Gonsalves, Joyce Ketcher, Erin Liberton, Brenda Luttrell, Laura Marshall and Kim Reusser.

The store opened at its original location in 2007 after a similar store proved beneficial in Stillwater.

“Stillwater Habitat had a ReStore, and it was very successful. The profits went into building houses for Habitat families, so we thought we needed one,” he said. “We could build houses (and) keep items out of the dump. It also gives people building materials for their own house, so it was kind of a threeway thing.”

a new residence.

They rented their former store near the elevator until only a few months ago, when they were forced to find

“The building was sold, so we started looking for a place because we knew we needed to find a bigger place, and a place of our own,” Rolland said. “For 16 years, we were renting, and we just decided it was time to have our own building.”

The building had seen several previous tenants, including an office supply company and the flooring store. Its first business had actually been a grocery store.

DECEMBER 2023 11

“Originally it was Hatfield’s Grocery back in the 1950s. A lot of older people that come in remember that it was a grocery store,” Brown said.

It had only recently been placed for auction, and board members received the winning bid for their forthcoming home.

“Two of our board members came and bid the price,” Rolland said.

The building was a step up for the organization, as it has more space than their previous building.

This has allowed them to offer so much more to the community, from flooring to electrical and plumbing, furniture and appliances and even smaller items like nuts and bolts. They also have entertainment like books and DVDs, and even kitchen items.

“We used to have glassware, but now we take it to the Caboose and Goodwill,” he said. “They work with us, too. Goodwill brings us things.”

Items are also donated by local businesses, products they need to get off the showroom floor.

“Some of the local businesses donate merchandise when they get new merchandise, and they sometimes swap out the old merchandise, and we get them,” Brown said.

The items donated are returned to the community through customer purchases; they don’t use them in their own projects.

“We don’t use them in our new Habitat Homes because we want the house to live 20 years, so we hate to put used material in there,” Brown said.

The store is operated mostly through a network of volunteers, but there are two paid employees, Store Manager Tricia Fagg, and Roland Marcee, who is paid through the Oklahoma Economic Development Authority.

“He [Roland Marcee] has been a blessing. If I am without a manager, he steps in until we get someone,” Dolly Rolland said.

Funds raised at the store are poured back into their housing projects, as well as mortgages.

“About half the funding for the houses comes from ReStore, and the other half from mortgage payments,” Brown said. “We have 17 mortgages, but we’ve built over 30 houses.”

He relayed that a mortgage takes about 20 years to pay off. They also do not hold fundraisers because they raise their funds themselves.

“Habitat for Humanity has never had to ask the community for funding. We’ve never had a fundraiser, because we are self-financed,” Brown said.

Habitat for Humanity works with the community in constructing houses, including local contractors, as well as the city to find the best location.

“We have four lots on East Grand Avenue, which is good for schools, and six lots on West Grand that were very good,” Brown said. “Two houses, we had to buy their property, but for the most part, they are donated, and we want to be near schools and good neighborhoods.”

As for the Ponca City Area Habitat for Humanity, they are thrilled to be in their own facility, one they can truly call their own and serve the community the best way they can – selling gently used housing fixtures and furniture.

The Habitat for Humanity Restore is located at 1402 N. Seventh St.; hours of operation are 9 a.m-2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. For more information, e-mail habitatforhumanity@poncahabitat.org, visit poncacityhabitat.org or call (580) 765-2974.

12 DECEMBER 2023

“We were blessed by God that we were able to get the building,” Rolland said.

When one thinks of turquoise jewelry, the first thought is a green or blue stone that comes from a mine in the southwest. Although this is partially correct, once you get into it, there is so much more to be told. There are hundreds of turquoises that have been found all over the world, many stones are called turquoise but are not by definition at all. You see, to be considered turquoise you need one thing, copper. As copper oxidizes it will turn green, this reaction gives us the coloration we all know and love.

My personal favorite is Carico Lake Turquoise.

Carico Lake does not come from a mine, instead is harvested from a dried-up lakebed in the South Battle Mountain in Nevada. Carico Lake is a highly collectable stone, known for its remarkable shades of apple green paired with sky blue and a stunning golden brown spiderweb matrix. This fabulous hue occurs because of Faustite, the combination of Faustite and zinc associated with turquoise creates one of the most beautiful coloration effects in turquoise that has ever occurred in nature. Being in a lakebed, the mine also produces a rare and highly collectible ancient clam fossil in which the turquoise filled the natural cavities of the shells. This is the only place on earth where this has occurred.

Recently rising in popularity is what many call white turquoise however, as previously mentioned, without copper content stones

such as White Buffalo or Wild Horse are not scientifically considered turquoise. Wild Horse is a combination of hematite and magnesite. This stone was discovered in the 90’s near a copper mine in southern Arizona. So far, it has not been found anywhere else in the world. Because of its beauty, and the owner limiting mining, Wild Horse has remained rare and desirable since its discovery. White Buffalo originates from the Tonopah Nevada area found in the same general veins as Dry Creek Turquoise but has no copper content either. White Buffalo is mostly clean white calcite quartz mix with black chert inclusions that are more sharply defined, the more desirable stones have clear delineations of black and white, while Wild Horse has shades of deep brown, maroon, black and the occasional tint of purple.

This yellow and black mineral was only recently discovered in the late 1990’s in the Papandayan Volcano in Indonesia. Because of its banding and layering of yellow and black hues, it naturally took upon the name Bumble Bee Jasper. Now for the science aspect, Bumble Bee Jasper is not a true jasper, instead a complex calcium carbonate mineral with inclusions of arsenic, calcium, aragonite, orpiment, realgar, pyrite, and manganese oxides. Just like Wild Horse, scientists believe it will never be found anywhere else on Earth. Like many crystals and stones, its levels of arsenic require

jewelry artists and miners to wear gloves and masks while working with and mining the stone. Once it is polished and coated, it is safe to wear. No cases of poisoning by Bumble Bee Jasper have ever been recorded. However, with the rising trend and practicing of crystals, it is not recommended to soak in water under a full moon and drink it!

The pieces in these photos were created by artists Le Jeune Chavez, Joe Chavez, L. Yazzie, Charles Bird, Jolene Bird, Jay Nelson, Gaby, M. Spencer, Kee Anthony, Roie Jacque, B. Jiminez, and G. James. Find these unique, one-of-akind pieces only at Sharp’s Indian Store on the corner of 2nd and Central in downtown Ponca City, Oklahoma.

118 S 2nd Street • Ponca City

www.sharpsindianstore.com (580) 765-8731

DECEMBER 2023 13

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Merry Christmas HAPPY NEW YEAR

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DECEMBER 2023 15

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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Tree of Life

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If you would like to honor your loved one with a beautiful ceramic ornament inscribed with F their name, to be displayed on our Tree of Life during O O the holidays, please call 580-762-9102 for details. f Trees You may pick up your keepsake ornament January 15-31 at our office.

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A Gift for Ponca City From St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer

There’s just something about Christmas.

The twinkly lights, the beautiful decorations, the scent of pine needles wafting through the air, the smiles on the faces of those you see about town, and the all-around good cheer that this time of year brings – it’s a whole vibe. And Linda Sparks is all in on the Christmas vibe. Linda’s love of all things Christmas led her to spearhead the effort to create a magical experience for our community called, “12 Nights in Awesomeville.”

Linda and her husband, Cecil, combined have volunteered for the Festival of Angels for over 30 years. Linda is also a member of St. Paul’s Evangelism & Mission Team whose efforts focus on community outreach. The group participates in events like Goblins on Grand, the Great Day of Service and also hosts an Easter Egg hunt each year at their church.

Linda has a great appreciation for things hosted for the community like Festival of Angels and the drive-through nativity hosted by Northeast Baptist Church. After last season, Linda began thinking about how she and her church community could do something for the Ponca City community during Christmas time.

Always a bargain hunter, Linda took note of the after-Christmas sales and all the lovely decorations that were being marked down week after week with prices getting lower and lower. An idea sparked and she began collecting materials. Any Christmas décor she could find on sale, Linda began to gather with the help of her husband. She said at one point her living room looked like the Christmas section of Dollar General. In January, she took her idea to her Evangelism group. Linda shared that she wanted to build Christmas arbors.

Linda wanted to create an awesome

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Christmas experience to share with Ponca City. Seeing her vision and dedication to the idea, the Evangelism Team voted to go ahead with the project.

Linda enlisted Cecil to build the arbors. The arbors are wood frames with chicken wire attached. Christmas decorations, twinkly lights and colorful cellophane are then attached to the chicken wire. There are four arbors set to be displayed this year. They are brightly colored and covered in all things Christmas and sure to bring joy to anyone who sees them. The arbors will be installed on wooden stands that are 9 feet high, allowing viewers to walk underneath them and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

DECEMBER 2023 17

December 11-16 • Discounts on:

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The project began in January and continued to grow from there. Once the arbors were built and themes chosen, it was time to decorate. Linda and three friends spent the summer working on attaching items to the arbors. Combined, the group spent hundreds of hours fastening lights, decorations and cellophane to each arbor creating Christmas magic to share with our community. Other members of the Evangelism Team worked on other aspects of the event like the children’s craft, event signage, a photo-op area, and

designing and building the structures.

Each arbor has its own theme, and they range in color and style. The first arbor is called “Welcome to Awesomeville” and features traditional red and green Christmas décor.

The second theme is primarily purple and gold and called “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” The third theme is “Snowflake Land” and features snowflakes and other items in a lovely blue and white color scheme.

The final theme for the 2023 season is entitled “Santa’s

Vacation.” It’s brightly colored (hot pink and orange) and features all sorts of fun surprises.

The volunteers already have additional theme ideas for next season and may expand on the project if all goes well this year.

The arbors will be on display each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in December beginning on the first of the month and going through December 23. Nightly hours will be 6-8 p.m. St. Paul’s is located at the corner of Hartford and Pecan. Event parking will be in the parking lot west of the church off Hartford. After parking, attendees will head northeast and walk up the hill to the parking lot on the north side of the property.

For those with mobility issues, golf carts will be manned by church members to give rides up the small hill.

The Awesomeville Arbors will be outside the church’s bus barn for everyone to enjoy.

Inside the bus barn, Mrs. Claus and her helpers will be giving away hot cocoa and Christmas tree shaped waffles on a stick. Each Thursday night of the season, church member Rachel Blakeburn will host a children’s

Standing in front of Santa’s Vacation, l to r, Rebecca Blakeburn, Joanne Sharon, Linda Sparks

Christmas craft. The craft will change each week and can easily be taken home to do later if it’s too cold to assemble on-site. There will be Christmas music playing over the speakers and a photo-op area with a 9-foot Christmas tree.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the Evangelism and Mission Team are thrilled to be able to gift this experience to our community for free this Christmas season.

Make plans now to visit Awesomeville and bask in its Christmas magic.

Merry Christmas and

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Business Spotlight:

Frontier Siding Nearly 50 Years in Ponca City Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer

A

clean, vibrant home exterior can go a long way in keeping a house or commercial building

looking beautiful. In fact, exterior investments can raise the value of the home significantly. Frontier Siding & Windows is still as dedicated today as they were when they began 50 years ago to helping area homeowners keep the exterior of their homes looking beautiful.

Frontier Siding & Windows is located on Third Street just off Hartford Avenue. Inside the front door is a beautiful showroom floor, showcasing the products they offer to Ponca City and surrounding communities, up to south central Kansas and down to Stillwater and across the region. Mark Shepherd is the general manager of the facility, one of many titles he has worn as a part of the family business,

20 DECEMBER 2023

which also includes production manager and sales manager. Shepard is joined by brothers Jason and Ryan, also operating a sister facility in Stillwater, allowing the company to serve more clients in north central Oklahoma.

“We do external remodeling, which includes siding, windows, doors, shutters, screen rooms and sun rooms,” Mark said of their many services.

Three generations of the Shepherd family have dedicated their lives to the siding and window industry. But Frontier Siding & Window’s story actually began southwest of Ponca City in Enid, Oklahoma, when Mark’s father went to work for an uncle.

“My dad’s uncle (Ray Shepherd) had a business called Enid Siding & Installation – the same basic things we do here,” he said.

Ray would later relocate to Ponca City and open his

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“We’re also one of the few companies that “The first store Ray operated was actually has a showroom where where Turtles is now, Seventh and Hartford,” Mark said. “In 1993, he doubled the size of the customers can come in building and built on the south part.” and look at the products,” While most of their clients are residential, they he said. “We have nearly also serve commercial businesses. all of our windows and “The majority of our business is residential, siding, and some of our but we’ve gotten into commercial, as well, doors, on display.” which includes commercial glass, store front siding business on Hartford. They would later move to their current store in 1980.

windows,” Mark said.

Time and weather take a toll on the side of a home. The first step to rehabilitate the façade is a phone call, where representatives will meet with the homeowner to discuss the next step.

“All they need to do is to call and an appointment for us to come out. We will come to see what they need, take measurements and give them an estimate,” he said, adding that all estimates are free to potential clients.

With multiple decades of experience improving the exterior of homes and businesses in north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas, they have many customers who have used them for many years – customers who come back due to their service and dedication.

“We’ve been here long enough that most of our customers are repeat customers,” Mark said.

being available to assist clients with any needs they may have.

“We can provide services after the sale – warranty work or any other service,” he said.

“Most of the out-of-town companies finish the work, then won’t come back to service the product. Many of our products offer a lifetime warranty.”

Frontier Siding & Windows is proud of the work they do, because it makes the home a better place, something special to look at, whether by the owner or someone driving down the street. It is also about the service to those customers, helping them find the right look for the place they call home.

“One of our biggest assets is our showroom.

Everyone likes to come in, see the product, touch the product, see the windows, take a sample home with them,” Mark said. “It beautifies the homes, keeps people from having to repaint their homes every few years.”

The reason for the repeated customer support is largely attributed to the consistent and reliable service provided by Frontier Siding & Windows, which are dedicated to always

DECEMBER 2023 23

Historic B.S. Barnes Airbnb

If These Walls Could Talk Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer

A

irbnbs have been growing in popularity over the last

several years. Ponca City alone has almost fifty locations where travelers can book an overnight stay. This year,

a new Airbnb has opened in Ponca City that offers a very unique

appeal. However, in order to tell the story of this home properly, we must get into a bit of Ponca City’s vibrant history.

Ponca City was founded on Sept.

16, 1893, during the Cherokee Strip Land Run. An entrepreneur named B.S. Barnes believed our area would be a good location for a townsite based on its proximity to a naturally fed spring, the Arkansas River and a railroad.

He planned to call his town New Ponca. The government had already established the location for the townsite of Cross

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near where B.S. planned to start New Ponca, but this did not stop him from moving forward with his plans. B.S. participated in the run and was successful in getting tracts of land to begin to build New Ponca. Being a clever man, prior to the run, B.S. had sold lottery tickets to people for a chance to win a lot in New Ponca where they could build a home. This ensured citizens to live in his new town. Within a week of the run, B.S. held the drawing for

Ponca City Monthly would like to thank the many advertisers who supported us in 2023.

It’s because of you that we can offer our free publication to this community.

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TO ALL OUR VALUED CLIENTS AND FRIENDS From our family to yours, weOUR wish youOUR peace and joy TO ALL VALUED TO ALL VALUED CLIENTS AND FRIENDS CLIENTS AND FRIENDSseason. throughout holiday From our family tothe yours, we wish you peace

yours, season.

Ferguson, & our Poet,family LLC and Mulligan joy From throughout theto holiday you peace and joy 1926 Lake Rd.,we Ste.wish 3, Ponca City, OK 74604 • 580-762-6890 throughout the holiday season.

Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC

George Ferguson Managing Principal

Patrick Mulligan Senior Financial Advisor

1926 Lake Rd., Ste. 3, Ponca City, OK 74604 • 580-762-6890

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the lots, dug a well and created a school. He was also elected Mayor of New Ponca.

Soon B.S. became frustrated with the fact that the railroad stopped in Cross but not in New Ponca. One night as the town slept, B.S. Barnes convinced the train station manager to let him move his home from Cross to Ponca to change the location of the train stop. With that move, the future of Ponca City was solidified, and town leaders could advertise that the “train stops in Ponca City just like it stops in Chicago.”

In 1896, B.S. Barnes’ wife and children came to Ponca City and they built their family home.

Originally located at the corner of 6th and Grand, the house was relocated in 1915 to its current location at 408 N. 5th Street.

The historic B.S. Barnes home first caught Larry Buck’s eye when he was a volunteer preparing for our town’s centennial celebration to be held in 1993. As a lover of our community’s history, Larry knew the home was culturally valuable to Ponca City. He kept an eye on the house for many years.

When it came up for sale just a few years ago, Buck knew it was the right time for him to purchase the property. He mainly purchased the property because he didn’t want to see such a vital piece of our history deteriorate any further. He knew he

26 DECEMBER 2023

wanted to restore the Barnes home to its former glory, and the idea of creating a historic Airbnb seemed like the perfect fit.

The home was built in the Queen Anne Victorian style and has four bedrooms and two full baths.

Buck says it “feels very much like it did in 1896 when it was completed.” While great care was taken to use period-appropriate furniture and

décor where possible, Buck and his daughter Caroline also made the house smart, with all the impressive features modern technology has to offer.

The exterior of the home is painted in a friendly and welcoming color scheme similar to colors that would have been used in the 1890s. The front porch looks like a lovely location for a hot cup of

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coffee or tea on an early morning. When entering the home, you’re met with a beautiful staircase to your left and the living room and dining room on your right. The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom, located downstairs, are luxurious while featuring some period-appropriate furniture pieces. Both bathrooms contain their original claw-foot bathtubs. A deck was built just outside the master suite that provides a private and cozy place for guests to spend time, complete with patio furniture and a fire pit for those colder evenings.

The kitchen is spacious and features a gas stove that’s been remade to look like an old potbellied stove. Both the kitchen and dining area have tables and seating for meals. The remaining three bedrooms are upstairs and are all queen beds, while the master is a king-sized bed. The upstairs can be reached by the staircase at the front of the house or using a staircase near the kitchen. There is a washer and dryer upstairs, as well.

Buck says the home had to be totally replumbed and rewired during the restoration process. A tankless water heater system, brand new heat and air units and Wi-Fi are all part of the home’s smart features. The home is contactless, so once guests have made reservations through Airbnb

they receive an access code, which changes at checkout time, to allow them to come and go as they please during their stay. The home can comfortably sleep 10, thanks to the sofa bed in the living room.

He says the feedback from guests has been excellent so far. Reviews on their Airbnb listing speak for themselves. One guest, Michael, had this to say, “We are so glad we found, and stayed in, The Historic Barnes House in Ponca City!

What a delightful house: the meticulous efforts at historic preservation of a classic home, combined with equally careful attention to modern amenities and comfort, made it a place my family wants to return to in future visits to Ponca City. Caroline and her husband were friendly and helpful throughout – super people. Plus, I enjoyed the easy walking distance to take in the downtown’s historic buildings. Thank you for making it available for us!”

Buck says his favorite part of the house is simply imagining the conversations that have taken place there over the years. As home to Ponca City’s first Mayor, the walls in the Barnes House have most certainly stood guard during plans, negotiations and decisions being made that greatly impacted Ponca City and its vibrant history.

To find out more about the historic B.S. Barnes home, follow their Facebook page by searching “Historic Barnes House” or checkout their listing on Airbnb here: DECEMBER 2023 29

When Scott Rennick was nine years old, his dad took him on an adventure that inadvertently steered the course of his life. Rennick’s dad took him duck hunting in the wetlands of Bakersfield, California, just a few hours from their home in Los Angeles. It was at this young age that he became fascinated by wetlands. He already knew city life wasn’t for him, but being introduced to the wetlands gave him a glimmer of what his future could look like. This one trip built a passion in Rennick he would follow for the rest of his life.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines wetlands as “areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.” The EPA goes on to add that “Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils.”

Wetlands are beneficial to the environment, humans, fish and wildlife. The EPA says “Wetland functions include water quality improvement, floodwater storage, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetics and biological productivity.” One of the species wetlands support are ducks. Wetlands provide food and cover that ducks need as they migrate on their various paths.

Rennick’s fascination with migratory birds and wetlands continued to grow as he did. He says biology always made sense to him, so diving into biological sciences was a natural fit for him. In high school, he did a three-year waterfowl population study in Coachella Valley that involved monitoring bird species at golf courses in the area. Rennick would monitor the variety of species he encountered and the times of year they were present in each location. He built his first wetland in Hemet, California, at the age of 18.

term retired is used very loosely, since Rennick is still busy building and monitoring various wetland projects, monitoring migratory bird species and writing books.

Over the last 50 years, the number of wetlands has been decreasing for a number of reasons – climate change, urbanization, population increases and agricultural purposes. This is where Rennick comes into the picture. He restores and rebuilds wetlands.

While he is experienced enough to be able to tell if a particular area used to be a wetland, Rennick

After California, he spent many years in both Kansas and Colorado, before he and his wife “retired” to our area. The

Scott Rennick’s Sistine Chapel

Rebuilding Oklahoma’s Wetlands Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer

30 DECEMBER 2023

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“Wetland functions include water quality improvement, floodwater storage, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetics and biological productivity.” explains that soil core samples can also be taken to scientifically prove an area used to be a wetland.

Some landowners want to build wetlands back in to help improve the quality of their water. Some landowners want to build wetlands purely for the beauty it brings to the property. Wetlands are not a static environment. They are changing all the time.

Different bird species spend time on, and pass through wetlands on their migratory paths. The variety of plants also changes as water levels and seasons fluctuate. Rennick sees the ever changing character of wetlands as part of nature’s magic.

He calls the wetlands project he’s working on now his Sistine Chapel. The wetlands he’s building are on a 90-acre property. Rennick will develop wetlands on approximately 60 of the 90 acres. He explains, “There’s actually going to be two separate structures. One down at the bottom will be about 28 acres.

Then there will be an upper wetland, which will be about 32 acres. The reason we’re doing that is so we can dry one and keep the other one full of water.” Rennick says his method with these wetlands will act like a biological water pump. They will pump water

32 DECEMBER 2023

out of a nearby creek to fill the first wetland, then the water will go back into the creek when it flows out of the lower wetland. He goes on to add, “There’s really no net loss of water except some evaporation.”

says the physical work is the easy part. “The hard part is the development and managing it while it develops and matures and making sure that the right things are growing and the wrong things aren’t growing.”

A fascinating aspect of wetlands are the seed banks which exist in the soil, even if the wetland has been drained. The seed bank for a wetland holds dormant seeds from plants that grew when the wetlands were in existence. Dry soil conditions are not the right conditions for these plants to grow.

But once a wetland has been reintroduced, many of the plants will begin to grow again after only a few seasons. The soil literally holds on to a bank of seeds for plants it knows are beneficial to its natural and preferred state of being.

When asked why he’s chosen this particular path, he sums it up pretty succinctly, “It’s a fascination; it’s a passion; and it’s a necessity. Wetlands are necessary. It’s about water quality, aesthetics, which includes hunting, migratory bird populations and carbon sequestration.” He adds that the more he learns, the more he knows that there is nothing accidental about wetlands.

Historically, the processes that have created them are complex. They were meant to exist, and Scott Rennick is meant to care for them.

Rennick also goes on to shed some light on what it takes to make the dream of building a wetland come to life. “It takes a while to develop a wetland. The physical work of building the terraces and things like that is short. For this particular project, which is going to be about 60 acres of wetland, it’ll take me a month of heavy equipment work to build it.” He explains that terraces are similar to dams but much smaller. Rennick

Wishing You a Season of Smiles!

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DECEMBER 2023 33

Happy New Year

3501 North 14th • Ponca City • skywaycdjrponcacity.com • 580-765-2511 34 DECEMBER 2023

Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer

The holiday season is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, from spending Thanksgiving with family to buying special gifts for family at Christmas. For many families though, it may not be as joyous, and many kids may not receive the gifts they want.

For those who are in need, the Ponca City Police Department (PCPD) steps in every year with the “Shop with a Cop” program to help deserving children find that special gift this Christmas.

The program has been a staple in the PCPD for many years, especially the past 10 years. Joshua Henderson and Ben Garrison are both Lieutenant Detectives and participate in the program each year.

“This is honestly one of the most enjoyable experiences of our year. You just get to go out and do something nice for people who appreciate it,” Henderson said.

The goal of the program is to provide Christmas gifts for kids in need.

“We know there are a lot of options for younger kids for donated Christmas gifts, so we focus on junior high and high school kids to see what they need at Christmastime,” Henderson said.

The PCPD works closely with Ponca City’s junior high and high school faculties to find the kids in current need.

“What we do is we’ll reach out to counselors in the junior highs and high school to see if there is anyone in their age group that might benefit from the program. Usually, we’ll serve younger siblings out of the group, as well,” Henderson said. “We’ll take other referrals, as well.”

Officers meet with the families that are identified as “in need” before the actual shopping experience. “We do reach out to the families and ask if they are interested,” Henderson said.

Money is donated to the PCPD Foundation by area businesses and other organizations, which will be used for the gifts. Those groups include ConocoPhillips, Soroptimists and the North Central Board of Realtors, as well as other businesses and private donations.

“The Foundation will go to Walmart and buy the gift cards, which in turn is what we use to purchase gifts,” Henderson said. “It is not uncommon for our own officers and employees to supplement the amount that we give them to buy extra gifts if a kid really needs

DECEMBER 2023 35

“The kids usually show up and they don’t know how to act with us at first, because we’re a stranger, but then they figure out they get to go on a shopping spree with a police officer,” Henderson said. “Some kids go crazy; they just start grabbing things; and other kids are very methodical.”

Regardless of the style of searching for Christmas presents, they ultimately find what they want.

it.”

Once the gift cards are purchased, the kids do indeed “shop with a cop” at Walmart.

“Last year, we had right at 100 kids we shopped and bought gifts with,” Henderson said.

There are a variety of reactions from the kids when they meet their elves, or police officers, when they go shopping.

36 DECEMBER 2023

“We will walk with the child, and the child will be allowed to pick what they want for Christmas,” Henderson said.

While the kids shop for the gifts they want, there are also items purchased by the officers themselves to go above what the kids are looking for.

The children, and their families, have the most to gain with the program, and seeing the smiles and happiness resonating from their faces makes it worthwhile for everyone involved, those who are entirely grateful for the program.

“I run into parents years later and obviously don’t want to be in the situation,” Garrison said. “But they can at least look back remember it as a happy moment during a difficult time.”

For the officers, it is a simple, humble activity to give back to the community, to help a child have a special Christmas they may otherwise not have had.

“This is not something we are required to do; this is something we want to do,” Henderson said. “We all genuinely love this. We look forward to doing it every year.”

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DECEMBER 2023 37

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DECEMBER 2023 45

Jaidyn Burrell Named Miss NOC Story by Scott Cloud

Director of Public Information, Northern Oklahoma College

Jaidyn Burrell of Roland, Oklahoma, was crowned Miss NOC Tuesday night at the Kinzer Performing Arts Center.

Ponca City; Makayla McCullough, Alva; Faith Oshiro, Enid; Alyssa Walker, Ponca City; and Cheyenne Ethridge, Longview, Texas. Each received a $250 tuition waiver participation award.

She was crowned by Miss NOC Tonkawa 2023 Kira Pendleton and Miss NOC Enid 2023 Kaycee Babek.

Burrell, a Pre-Nursing student at NOC Enid, received a $1000 scholarship expense award, Miss America crown and pin, sash and a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses. She will advance to the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in Tulsa next June.

Candidates were judged in the talent competition, as well as artistic expression, presence and poise in evening and exercise

wear and an on-stage question. Earlier in the day they were individually interviewed by five judges.

Dr. Edward Dixon, NOC Fine Arts Division chair, served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Miss Oklahoma 2023 Sunny Day performed for the audience.

Her talent was performing the Pink Panther theme on the piano. Her Community Service Initiative is “Doodling Kindness One Crayon at a Time.” She also plays on the Jets Softball team.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multicampus, land-grant institution that provides high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever-changing world.

Second runner-up was Abby Davis of Tonkawa, who received a $400 scholarship expense award. Other finalists were Kennedy Brown, Ponca City, and Alee Hunt, Seiling.

46 DECEMBER 2023

NOC President Dr. Clark Harris and Miss NOC Program Director Shannon Varner presented official portraits to Miss Pendleton and Miss Babek.

This is the first time the Miss NOC Tonkawa and Miss NOC Enid pageants were combined.

First runner-up for Miss NOC was Jocelyn Kuhlmann from Tonkawa. She received a $600 scholarship expense award.

Other delegates in the Miss NOC Scholarship Competition were Kila Venable, Enid; Autumn Leist,

Special entertainment was provided

by Day, Dixon, Pendleton and Babek.

Jaidyn Burrell (center) was crowned Miss NOC Tuesday night at the Kinzer Performing Arts Center. Abby Davis (left) was the 2nd runner-up, while Jocelyn Kuhlmann (right) was the 1st runner-up. (photo by Shiloh Martin/Northern Oklahoma College)

Happy Holidays

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AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON IT IS OUR PRIORITY TO RECOGNIZE OUR CLIENTS, COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES FOR MAKING IT AN OUTSTANDING YEAR. IT HAS BEEN A JOY DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU IN 2023!

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HIGH TOUCH Story by David Myers

HIGH VALUE

Ponca City Development Authority, Executive Director

A mild glance at business media right now will almost always include a story or two about whether or not remote work is a good thing or a bad thing. Not surprisingly, employees love the option, while employers, well, not so much.

It is also not surprising that the general mood of most of these stories tends to be pro remote work. This is due to a simple recognition that writers, reporters and advocacy types who write these articles or post stories all have jobs that lend themselves really well to remote work. That is their business. Employers rarely write stories. That is not their business.

In Ponca City, most jobs are “high touch.”

These jobs involve a very high degree of using your hands as you work or being directly customer facing. High touch is not limited to Ponca City’s robust manufacturing sector.

48 DECEMBER 2023

It also includes health care, public services, trucking, the trades, hospitality, education, retail and more. During the pandemic, most of these jobs were classified as “essential” for a very good reason.

Make no mistake, however, remote work is not only relevant to Ponca City, it is widespread.

The community is home to a significant number of remote workers. Many of these are highly skilled jobs that pay well. The potential to grow the remote work economy of Ponca City is significant. With the new Fiber to the Home project now complete, the connectivity

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in the community is literally second to none.

Moreover, with the cost of housing along the coasts, people who can work anywhere will.

The relative affordability of Ponca City living is attractive to those who can work remotely and are seeking a less stressful environment.

childcare slots is less. It doesn’t go away since juggling the needs of a small child with trying to work remotely is rarely compatible.

Nevertheless, in a place such as Ponca City where data suggests the shortage of childcare is keeping people out of the workforce, even the ability to work part time from The march of technology will further accelerate the home can make a ability to work remotely. Something like telemedicine huge difference.

is a clear example, and provides both an opportunity and a challenge for a community like ours. We like these advances when we can dial directly into a health care provider without leaving our homes. But there is no guarantee that said health care provider is local or even domestic. Overall, the vast majority of Ponca City’s remote workers are employed by businesses that are not located here, so this emerging sector is positive since it brings in salaries that would otherwise be paid somewhere else.

Working from home also has the ability to somewhat (a little) ease the childcare problem that exists not just in Ponca City but throughout North America. If a parent can work from home, the pressure for more

As nice as remote work may be for some, it is still no substitute for high-touch work. It is also not the evolution in humanity that some of its promoters suggest.

The bottom line is that remote work supports economic growth, but making things or helping people through direct personal interaction is the end product.

Digital work supports high-touch work, it doesn’t replace it and we should never forget that. Nevertheless, talking about “returning to

the office” is a satisfactory way of referencing the whole remote work discussion. It is when the term “the office” is used judgmentally that there could be an issue.

The manufacturing industry pays well, typically better than office work, and you know about health care. Manufacturing is no longer going offshore … quite the contrary. It is growing again because people need stuff, and advances in technology makes the U.S. a competitive place, once again, to make things. Even remote workers need food, furniture and energy. In addition, we found out the hard way during the pandemic how difficult it was to try and educate children remotely. Need a plumber? The trades are needed more today than ever, and those jobs pay very well. While it is true that you might be able to open up a valve remotely to control sewer flow, to actually build or repair a sewer, you quite literally need boots on the ground.

It is important not just to young people, but to the overall economy that we recognize the value that high-touch jobs provide. Not everyone wants to sit in front of a computer, and society would suffer greatly if they did.

Most high-touch jobs require a significant amount of skill or education. They offer a very

DECEMBER 2023 51

healthy paycheck, and these jobs are critical to the local, state and national economy.

High-touch jobs are sustainable.

Employment in these sectors will evolve as technology and the economy shifts. It’s closer to the ground because it is so essential.

Phillips 66 did not just complete a $125 million turnaround because oil and gas are going away. They know that this heritage industry is still very much in demand. Furthermore, oil and gas are integral to battery production and the overall energy ecosystem worldwide. Try charging

or operating your phone, laptop, electric car or e-bike without energy.

Energy is a product. Products must be produced somewhere by somebody, and the need for energy is growing, not declining.

So will the products we make, the materials we use and the way we make them, including energy, evolve?

Of course. But the need for energy, tangible products, health care, logistics, trades, personal services and other high-touch work will never go away.

Thoughts on Higher Education Story By Stephen Scott/Contributing Writer

I’m writing this column while working on a charity project in San Luis, Colorado. It’s at 8,000 feet above sea level, the surrounding mountains have snow caps and morning lows hit 16 degrees. I’m working in the auditorium of the 78-year-old former K thru 12 school that is now a public building where not only meetings and performances can be held, but the classrooms will be used to teach the kids from nine surrounding villages (and this city) how to play music on various instruments, and performers will be brought in from around the nation to perform. This is a well-taken-care-of older adobe building with a character all its own, and I included a picture of the auditorium where I’m working on a new sound system installation (notice the fireplace!). The entire community is behind the effort, and it is exhilarating to work with them.

This is the same feeling I get when talking to current and former students of the University Center (UC) in Ponca City. A recent visit with Whitney Edens was inspiring, as she was the first person in her family to earn a college degree. It was a promise she made to her grandmother, who at one time taught in a one-room schoolhouse and knew the value of an education. Whitney headed to OSU upon graduation from Po-Hi and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. But then life intervened, and with two small children at home, she found it easier to obtain her master’s in education leadership through using the

52 DECEMBER 2023

capabilities and support of the UC. She currently has two master’s degrees and is embedded in an elementary school in Stillwater, counseling students to help them get the best education possible. On the side, she is a mother of six, ages from 11 to 21.

One of her three boys graduated from Po-Hi with 24 college credits thanks to concurrent enrollment at the UC and will be heading to college upon his release from duty in the Air Force next fall.

Obviously, education is important in the Edens household. The difference it can make in one’s life is immeasurable. What Edens and others have found is the UC offers a local way of saving time and money on travel, which is important for adult students working to complete a degree while working. The UC also offers academic and student support services, access to state-of-the-art technology labs, a testing center, courier services, study spaces, scholarship opportunities, a computer lab and assistance with financial aid paperwork.

The state of Oklahoma regents of higher education announced

a greater push to help former college students financially finish their degrees, and new programs of mentorship are in the works.

If the prospect of starting or finishing a college degree is something that interests you, please don’t overlook our local facilities and assistance. The UC in Ponca City is here and ready to help you reach your goal!

Monday-Wednesday 10-7 Thursday & Friday 10-8 Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 1-5

OPEN SUNDAYS 1-5 NOW THRU DEC. 24

73

HOLIDAY HOURS

13,500

$ Tyler Gift Sets & More!

580.765.5173

We have a large selection SANTA BUCKS GIVEAWAY in a variety of sizes $ GRAND and PRIZE scents, 5,000

2205 N. 14th, Ponca City

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The Renfro Family Foundation would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Prizes are awarded in Santa Bucks

Ponca City Dispensary Inc. 7 Clans Casino Drawings begin at 2128 N. 14th St. #3 12875 US 77 (Newkirk) 7 PM, THURSDAY, DEC. 19 The Ponca City News 100.7 FM KPNC 300 N. 3rd St. and will be announced on these radio 102 E. Grand Ave. The Prairie Rose 104.7 The Bull stations: KLOR 99.3 FM, KPNC 100.7 407 E. Grand Ave. 1601 E. Oklahoma Ave. FM, 104.7 The Bull FM, and Quality Water Services 89.7 The House FM/ 115 E. Highland Ave. 88.7 My Praise FM 1230 WBBZ AM RCB Bank (Main, Downtown, North) 6600 W. Highway 60 1223 E. Highland Ave. 99.3 FM KLOR Ridin’ High 102 E. Grand Ave. 2200 E. Coleman Rd. Sunny 1230 Rusty Barrell Supper Club 1601 E. Oklahoma Ave. 2005 N. 14th St. Aaron’s Sales & Lease $ PONCA CITY Safelite Auto Glass 2608 N. 14th St. 13,400 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1801 E. Hartford Ave. Anderson Flooring Sears 509 N. 1st St. 412 E. Hartford Ave. Astoria Blvd Bistro & Bar Smith Home Furnishings 217 E. Grand Ave. 2500 N. 14th St. The Attic Boutique Snyder’s Chicken & Catering 322 E. Grand Ave. 2125 N. 14th St Atwoods Ranch + Home Spray’s Jewelry & Gifts 401 E. Prospect Ave. 203 E. Grand Ave. Bintz Pharmacy Stolhand-Wells Plumbing, 2701 . 14th St. Heating & Air Blackwell Dentistry 413 S. 3rd St. 1520 S. Main (Blackwell) Stuteville Chevrolet Blanton Chiropractic Clinic 3330 N 14th St. 101 E. Broadway Ave. Sun Loan Company & Tax Bob Hurley Service Kentucky Fried Chicken Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1806 N. 5th St. 1308 Princeton Ave. 3501 N. 14th St. Toni’s Westside Healthmart Klingers Collision Center Boomer Tire and Alignment 301 W. Grand Ave. 521 Monument Rd. 1300 N. Waverly St. 310 Fairview Ave. Tractor Supply Jack Bowker Ford Lincoln Family Vision Care of Ponca City Lowe’s Home Improvement are 3008 N. 14th St. Prizes d in 3500 N. 14th St. 2415 N. 14th St.awarde 1619 N. 5th St. Tyndall Family Dentistry Santa Bucks!

Brace Books & More 415 E. Hartford Ave. First National Bank of Oklahoma McGee Jewelers 219 E. Grand Ave. 2205 N. 14th St. 1501 E. Prospect Ave. University Center Nicholson Auction Get 1 ticket for every 10 you spend at participating Brandt’s Ace Hardware Food PyramidNorth 2800 N 14th St. businesses, up to 500 per purchase! & Real Estate 3203 N. 14th St. 2005 N. 14th St., Ste. 110 United Way of Ponca City 511 S. 1st St. ASK FOR YOUR TICKETS TO 205 N. 2nd St. Buckle Food PyramidSouth Northern Therapy YOUR904 CHANCES Vance Chevrolet Buick GMC S. 4th St. TO WIN! 2101 N. 14th St./INCREASE Ste. 118 & Rehabilitation 2125 N. 14th St Heather Cannon Honda GRANDGamemasters Guild PRIZE $5,000 2211 N. 14th St. $ Walgreens 3415 N. 14th St.2 - $1,000 PRIZES 109•N41st- St. 500 PRIZES Erin O’Hara Agency Surprise Prizes awarded 2300 N. 14th St. Chuck Hoddy Glass Grand Café prior to Dec. 22 88 INSTANT $50 WINNERS 1722 N. 4th St. Suite D Walmart Supercenter 727 N. Union St. 423 E. Grand Ave. Old West Liquors Drawing Tuesday, Dec. 22, starting at 7 p.m.

1101 E. Prospect Ave. Community National Bank Grand Flowers & Gifts 3211 N. 14th St. Whimsey & Village Screen Print & Trust and will be broadcast on KLOR 99.3 FM, 111live E. Grand Ave. Ole Hides Leather/Eye Candy 2125 N. 14th St KPNC The Bull FM & Grill 1230&WBBZ 901 E. Prospect, Ste.100.7 C FM, 104.7 Ground Round Bar AM Rods & Customs rules and a list of participating merchants are available at the Chamber Brain Zwanziger, OD and Completely QuiltedOfficial 720 atE.www.poncacitychamber.com Prospect Ave. office, 5th & Grand, Ponca City or online 1200 W. Grand Ave. Jessica Zwanziger, OD Bernina Sewing Center Hobby Lobby Creative Center Osage Casino 521 E. Hartford Ave. 315 E. Grand Ave. 2904 N. 14th St. 64464 US Highway 60 Cowboy Driving Academy Jiffy Trip Perkins Restaurant #1204 SPONSORS (NOT TICKET OUTLETS) 909 Wakefield Dr. (Perry) 3001 N. 14th St. A+ Printing 2125 N. 14th St. Custom Powder and Blasting Juicy’s Vapor Lounge Inc. City of Ponca City Ponca Bowl Continental Carbon Company 2101 Hall Blvd.

2128 N. 14th St. #1 2000 Lake Rd. Cookshack Inc. Danny’s BBQ Ryan A. Johnson DDS PLLC Ponca City Discount Foods Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc. Head Quarters, Inc. 400 Fairview Ave., Ste. 6 2200 E. Coleman Rd. Kyler Construction Group 1217 E. Prospect Ave. Lindsay Manufacturing Official rules are available at the Chamber Office, 5th & Grand, Diamond Nutrition P.C. Loftis & Wetzel Ponca City or online at www.poncacitychamber.com 401 N. 14th St. Phillips 66 Pryse Monument Company Equity Bank A Shop Ponca First retail event sponsored by Rick Scott Construction, Inc. The Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.

222 E. Grand Ave. Sparklight Advertising

SHOP PONCA 1st

Games • Kitchen Jewelry • Men’s Gifts Decor • Much More!

Toys • Coffee Bar We have tickets!

BraceBooks.com

Carl Renfro

Directors Brenda Renfro

President

Rich Cantillon

Randy Renfro Treasurer, CPA

Ponca City Chamber, Retired

Rick Renfro

Jeff Cowan

Secretary, Restaurateur

RCB Bank, Retired

Cindy Gorrell

Jerod Helling

Vice President, Investments

RCB Bank, Market President

T.L Walker

We are proud to support Ponca City 501c3 organizations through charitable grants.

Executive Director Standing Bear Foundation

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54 DECEMBER 2023

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This message is specifically for the non-cookers. The receivers of the food, not the makers of the food.

So, if you’re the cook of your family, you don’t need to continue. Okay, non-cookers, you’re already not helping in the kitchen whether by my choice or yours, but for the love of all that is holy: Get. Out. Of. The. Kitchen. Get out! I’m busy, while you’re just being worthless, and now you’re going to make my job harder by standing in the way of every single cabinet or drawer that I need to be in? Literally it’s like you’re a mind reader, you frolic right over to the spice cabinet and just freaking stand there the moment I need the garlic powder. As soon as I need a measuring cup, THERE YOU ARE, doing dang cartwheels in front of the measuring drawer. One time I got into the pantry and my child was in there literally naked eating chips.

Get your bare butt off the canned green beans and get out of my way! Maybe this is just a poor person thing, but our kitchen is certainly not big enough for the both of us, and

by Patrick Jordan

ACROSS 1. Baylor University's Texas city 5. Woman in Progressive Insurance ads 8. Wigglers on feet 12. Dewrinkling appliance 13. Couple 14. Metal mixture, such as brass 16. Grow weary 17. "What ___ can I bring you?"

18. Exact genetic copy 19. Prep step #1 (3 wds.)

22. Poker pot payment 23. Ginger ___ (Schweppes soda) 24. National chain for dog and cat owners 26. Marbles or Monopoly, e.g.

28. Father's boy 31. Kind of servant or engineer 32. "I double-dog ___ you!"

33. Identical 34. Prep step #2 (3 wds.)

37. Complexion problem 38. Insects in hives 39. Knocking engine's sounds 40. Horror film director ___ Craven 41. Airline's fleet 42. Spaghetti or lasagna 43. Distress signal's letters 44. British aristocratic title 45. Prep step #3 (5 wds.)

53. Citizen of Earth's largest continent 54. Reaches a conclusion 55. Sweat outlet 56. Escorted past the entrance (2 wds.)

57. Falco of "The Sopranos" 58. "The Little Mermaid" prince 59. Declare to be untrue

60. "Science Guy" Bill ___ 61. Hide and ___ (kids' 26-Across) DOWN 1. "Gone ___ the Wind" 2. Soprano's showstopper 3. Word before dog or flakes 4. Universal donor's blood type (2 wds.)

5. True's opposite 6. Santa's "naughty" or "nice" roster 7. Brand option for 34-Across 8. Bring down on a football field 9. Stan's comical partner 10. Musk who bought Twitter 11. Spotify selection 13. ___-Bismol (stomach medicine) 15. Affirmative answer 20. Donald Duck, to Huey 21. Brief appearance in a film 24. Jigsaw puzzle part 25. ___ & Associates (local construction company) 26. Doors in garden fences 27. Rainbow shapes 28. ___ Patrick's Day 29. Final Greek letter 30. Infamous Scottish loch 31. One of a lion's weapons 32. Tune for a twosome 33. Sites for some Winter Olympics events (2 wds.)

35. In dire need of weight loss 36. Eyeball-fooling paintings (2 wds.)

41. Hollywood's Depp 42. No longer in fashion 43. Dry cleaner's challenge 44. Comedy star Murphy 45. Chum

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Answer on page 70

CHRISTMAS EVE PREP

I promise you, if you are in the way of the pots and pans drawer one more time, I will hit you with one when I can finally access it after you get out of my way. Also, I’m busy in here, now isn’t the time to have a conversation with me; I’m fighting for my life trying to not screw up these ingredients that I paid a crap load of money for so our family can have something other than frozen chicken nuggets for dinner; now isn’t the time for you to tell me about a cute puppy you saw today! (That’s a lie, I always have time for a cute puppy story, but nothing else!) I am trying to teleport myself back to 5th grade so I can remember how to convert quarts to cups so I cannot discuss the international political climate right now while my chicken parm is about to burn! (That’s also a lie. I’ve never made chicken parm in my life, but saying “Hamburger Helper” just didn’t have the impact I was going for.) In conclusion, I’m sorry if you’ve ever had the displeasure of being on the receiving end of my kitchen wrath, and also if you have ever had to eat my food, but that doesn’t change the message: get out of the kitchen!

50. Yawn-causing person 51. Great Lake near Buffalo, NY 52. Pack of playing cards

DECEMBER 2023 55

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We Look Forward to Serving You in the New Year!

580-765-6693

www.evans-assoc.com CONSTRUCTION CO.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

PC

TOLL FREE (800) 324-6693 3320 N. 14th • Ponca City • Asphaltic Concrete • Excavating • Stabilization • Streets

CONCRETE CO., INC. READY-MIXED CONCRETE

• Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots • Free Estimates

Locally Owned and Operated

580-762-1302 H 3320 Lake Road H Ponca City • Concrete Products • Computerized Batching • Quality Materials • Material Hauling • Personal Service • Radio Dispatched

www.evans-assoc.com

– HAPPY NEW YEAR –

RUSS DIDLAKE

580.763.2760

russdidlake@kw.com

We have gifts for everyone on your list!

Stop by and let one of our friendly, knowledgeable employees help you with your shopping.

Thank you for supporting our locally-owned ACE hardware store. We appreciate our customers!

777 Legacy Trail • Ponca City • 580-765-0825 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

56 DECEMBER 2023

BRANDTS

3201 N. 14th Ponca City

580-762-2921

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat. 8 am - 6 pm

Get Fit!

WITH

KERA KESTER

It is time to say hello to December! This month holds so many important dates and remembrances. From Hanukkah to the Bill of Rights day and of course, Christmas! Whether you are familiar with the dates of certain celebrations and remembrances or not, one thing we are all aware of is how cold it can get!

Winter fashion, time with loved ones and breaks from school or work can be awesome during this winter season. However, dry skin, feeling sluggish or getting sick can all be factors at play, as well. Here are four tips for overcoming cold weather woes!

1. Decrease the risk of illness

Your immune system is affected by various choices that we make. Let’s talk about just a few of the awesome habits you can create or strengthen to help remain sickness free. One great choice is staying hydrated with at least one half of your bodyweight in ounces.

Water washes toxins out of your body

and helps your immune system fight off viruses. Staying rested will work wonders as well! Get enough sleep throughout the night, as this is prime time for your body’s healing and recovery processes.

Another great idea is to increase your Vitamin D intake. When clouds, snow and ice strike, sometimes the sun isn’t out to play. Eating foods like salmon and egg yolks or taking a vitamin can help get the job done!

2. Protect your skin

When humidity is low and the air is chilly, itchy or dry skin can make an appearance. Have no fear, there are remedies out there! For instance, dry lips can be taken care of with increased water intake or lip balm. Incorporating lotion into your morning or night routine can help immensely, as well. Some other skin hacks include facials or getting a humidifier for your home.

3. Stay active

It’s easy to emotionally connect with the cloudy or rainy weather that can come about. I’m the first one to say that wrapping up in a big, fluffy blanket with hot chocolate and your favorite book sounds like the best time ever. However, make sure to include movement in your day! Even 30 minutes to an hour of exercise will do your body right! If going

to the gym doesn’t seem safe or worth it in cold weather, then try a 30-minute calisthenic workout right in your own home. It doesn’t require equipment at all to knock out a few pushups and planks.

Your body will thank you from the inside and out!

4. Watch alcohol intake

It is common to have an influx of celebration invites and get-togethers during this season. At times, there are numerous beverages to choose from, including alcohol. If you decide to partake, it will serve you well to be mindful of the amount. Alcohol makes it harder on your body to stay warm. As your blood vessels dilate, heat is taken from your vital organs which lowers your body’s temperature. This can be very problematic by causing discomfort or potential for illness when you walk outside and that cold wind or snowflake hits you!

This time of the year is such a beautiful sight and brings so many good times with it!

Keeping these tips in mind can help you enjoy the season even more. My hope is that you all experience good health, as well as feel all of the love and holiday cheer around you as we finish out the year! Blessings to you all and Merry Christmas in advance!

DECEMBER 2023 57

l i a t k c o C

Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer

H T N O M E H T OF

When it comes to enduring those marathon family gatherings during the holidays, my secret weapon is liquid courage, AKA gin. It’s like my trusty sidekick, helping me navigate through awkward conversations. While I cherish spending time with loved ones, there’s no denying that family gatherings can come with their fair share of drama and stress. It’s during these times that a well-crafted cocktail like the Bramble becomes my trusted ally for navigating the holiday season.

2 oz. Gin ½ oz. Lemon Juice ½ oz. Simple Syrup ½ oz. Crème de Mûre or Blackberry Liqueur

BRAMBLE

• • • •

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Add a lemon for a garnish.

58 DECEMBER 2023

The Bramble, a creation of the renowned bartender Dick Bradsell, is a modern classic that quickly earned its status in the cocktail world.

In 1984, while working at Soho’s Fred’s Club in London, Bradsell introduced the world to this clever concoction, which remains a beloved favorite for many. This delightful drink is a fusion of the Gin Sour and the Cobbler cocktails, with a unique twist, the addition of blackberry liqueur inspired by Bradsell’s childhood on the Isle of Wight.

Sipping a Bramble is like taking a fun trip down memory lane to the days when life was a breeze and your biggest fear was Santa sticking you with a lump of coal! It’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and most importantly, blackberry liqueur, which adds dark, berryhued magic to the drink. The gin’s crispness, the lemon’s zing and the sweetness from the syrup harmonize perfectly with the blackberry liqueur.

What sets the Bramble apart from other cocktails is its uncontested origin. Unlike many mixed drinks, there is no doubt that Bradsell is the genius behind this creation. In addition to

the Bramble, Bradsell also gifted the world with other classic cocktails, including the Espresso Martini, the Wibble and the Russian Spring Punch. His creativity earned him the nickname “The Cocktail King” by The Observer, solidifying his place in mixology history.

Brambles are undoubtedly a classic; but don’t stop at the original, there’s a world of variations waiting for you to explore. Feeling fancy? Try a Bramble Royale with a splash of champagne.

Craving a bit of southern comfort? Swap the gin for bourbon and whip up a Bourbon Bramble.

For those looking to skip the booze, making a tasty nonalcoholic mocktail is easy. Just combine ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup and ½ ounce of black forest syrup (you can use Monin’s or a tablespoon of blackberry jam will work too), top with ice and fill your glass with soda water.

No matter which version you go for, may it be your trusty sidekick during the holidays, helping you not only survive but enjoy the quality time with your beloved (or not-so-beloved) in-laws.

Cheers to family adventures, spiked or not!

Get smart about your discounts!

Call me at 580-762-4461

KENNY WHEELER

215 S. 14th Street Ponca City, OK 74601 Lic: #3000167216

Celebrate the Reason for the Season!

MARY BETH MOORE 580-401-3456

mbclarkmoore@ yahoo.com

“Ponca City’s Siding & Window Store Since 1976” 1723 North 3rd • Ponca City • (580) 762-8122

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HERITAGE REALTORS® 3216 N. 14th • 580.765.8888

DECEMBER 2023 59

Celebrate Peace, Joy and Togetherness All Year Long!

CHILDREN’S

BOOK REVIEW

Review by Lorrie Layton

PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

Stop by soon and shop our new inventory!

QUALITY POOLS & SPAS 115 E. Highland Ave. • Ponca City myqualitypools.com • 580-762-3444

As we reflect on 2023, we thank you for placing your trust in our familyowned business.

Merry Christmas HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service and Cremation Directors 580-233-9500

Cremations starting at $945 00 Funerals starting at $3,295 00 60 DECEMBER 2023

Bill Stittsworth, FDIC & Amy Stittsworth, Owner

Juniper’s Christmas

by Eoin Colfer Eoin Colfer is such a talented storyteller. He’s best known for his children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl.

(That one’s a lot of fun!) Recently, he penned The Dog Who Lost His Bark, which has become one of my favorite children’s books. Now he’s sharing Juniper’s Christmas with us. This book is a joy.

Juniper Lane lives in London with her mother, Jennifer, who was a nurse, but is now the park-keeper at Cedar Park. Juniper’s father, Briar, was Cedar Park’s park-keeper until he passed away a couple of years ago.

When Juniper was born on Christmas morning, Briar and Jennifer decided it was only appropriate they name her after “Juniperus virginiana,” the red cedar Christmas trees for which Cedar Park was named.

Background information necessary for this story is that Santa Claus had stepped down from his position as the world’s premier gift-giver and spreader-of-hope 10 years previously.

Four years later, Briar, worried that children would forget about Santa Claus, began Cedar Park’s Santa Vigil. In the beginning, folks would gather to sing Christmas carols with the hope that Santa would hear and change his mind. Over the next few years, the Santa Vigil participants began bringing donations for the homeless people living in Cedar Park.

As the story begins, Jennifer disappears. Duchess, one of Cedar Park’s homeless residents, looks after

Juniper and helps her look for her mom.

Duchess believes one of her friends, Niko, could help in their search for Jennifer. Niko is quite reticent. He prefers to always avoid attention – and he’s quite accomplished in avoidance techniques. Niko manages to evade Juniper, but she refuses to give up; she follows him to where he lives in the midst of the red cedar forest that backs up to the park, along with his reindeer. (Santa, anyone?)

Add in some bad guys and a reindeer calf, and you have an excellent adventure full of Christmas spirit. Two thumbs up!

ADULT

BOOK REVIEW

Review By: Tara Anson

PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready

By Ree Drummond

Ree Drummond is at it again with another great cookbook! This one includes 112 Fast and Fabulous recipes for the slightly impatient cook! Ree has been whipping up delicious food for all of us for over 17 years now; and while it’s still one of her favorite things to spend all day preparing a gorgeous meal, this time she’s sharing her go-to favorites for those busy nights of running to sports practice or just being able to save a little time to spend with family (or catching up on your favorite TV show) instead of in the kitchen!

And while these recipes are quick and easy, they are not lacking in flavor! From hosting a surprise group, to feeding those picky teenagers, to whipping up something for a late-night date night, there is something for everyone in this cookbook!

“In Dinner’s Ready!”, You’ll find lots of new dishes to fit any schedule. Every schedule and every occasion is covered. From upscale dinner parties with seafood

casserole and pork marsala, to pizza night with a classic cast iron hamburger pizza and a fun and pretty rainbow pizza, don’t forget about those steak nights for your meat and potatoes man, throw in a fuss-free side dish and you’ll be able to holler “Dinner’s Ready!” faster than ever!

As I’ve started through trying out all the recipes, I tried to narrow it down to one or two from each chapter I thought would be my favorites. Honestly, it has been nearly impossible to do so! So far I’ve been able to try almost all of them. When Ree says they are quick and easy, she really means it. During Bedlam Saturday, I was able to whip up five different recipes and still have plenty of time to settle down in front of the TV for the game! I say this every time, but I really think this one might be my favorite book so far!

712 E. 7th Street, Newkirk (580) 362-1016 HOURS Wed. thru Sat. 7 am - 6 pm Sun. 7 am - 4 pm Closed Mon. & Tues.

Local knowledge from local owners and avid outdoorsmen.

At this time of the year, we’re reminded of just how fortunate we are to do business in this warm and welcoming community.

Thank you for your year-round support and friendship.

Great Gifts for the Outdoorsmen on your Christmas Shopping List!

• Fishing supplies… rods, reels, lures, spinners, hooks, live bait & more • Hunting and camping supplies • Wildlife feed and food plot seed • Made in Oklahoma products Gift Certificates • Full archery shop available!

• Hunting and fishing licenses

14th & Lake Road • Ponca City • 580-762-3716 Owned and Operated by Larry & Stephanie Klinger

DECEMBER 2023 61

117 Patton Drive • Ponca City (across from the hospital)

KARI ELLIOT, DNP 62 DECEMBER 2023

– Ages newborn thru 18 years –

CALL 580-382-9465

DECEMBER 2023 63

Merry Christmas – CONSULTING SERVICES – Empowering clients to understand their vision; providing them tools and resources to lead their organization and education to understand healthy growth.

• Business Culture • Operations Management • Employee Management • Financial Management • Strategic Planning • Goal Setting • Leadership Development

580-304-6809 • Philosolutionsllc@gmail.com

OSAGE the LAST Saturday of the month Drive-thru open 9 am - noon

and

Happy New Year from our home to yours!

We Offer Simplified, Secure Living for Seniors and the Disabled

for all services, however…

DRIVER’S LICENSES are done

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on SATURDAYS!

TAG Last Saturday hours available thru Dec. 2023. is enough response, we will continue AGENCY Iftothere open the last Saturday monthly in 2024.

64820 US Highway 60 • Ponca City • 580-749-4081

201 E. Broadway • Ponca City 580-762-4445

• FREE Wi-Fi throughout building • Beautiful grounds and gardens • Friendly and caring staff • Rent based on income • 1 bedroom and efficiencies • Carpet and mini-blinds • Handicap-accessible units • Friendship Feast transportation • Meals on Wheels • Movie and game night • Seasonal events

We take housing applications for the elderly and disabled.

You must be at least 50 years of age or receiving disability benefits.

Call for information or apply in person.

Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 3 pm, Closed 12:30 pm - 1 pm

CANDLELIGHT TOUR of the

MARLAND MANSION

901 Monument Road Ponca City

Offering Insurance & Risk Management Solutions Since 1931.

580-765-5566

410 E. Grand • Ponca City www.loftiswetzel.com billwetzel@loftiswetzel.com

Bill Wetzel President

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9 6:00-8:00 pm The Marland Estate Foundation invites the public to be our guest.

64 DECEMBER 2023

Happy Holidays PIONEER TECH WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 19 - JAN. 1

FOOD CRUSH Story By Amy DeWitt Geurin/Contributing Writer

What makes a great, local café “great”? Is it the look, the food, the feel, the hospitality? In an area that is, honestly, spoiledfor-choice when it comes to delicious coffee shops, trying to determine one thing that keeps guests coming back is tricky. But coming back is exactly what I want to do every time I leave The Perk Beverage Co.

The Perk

is located at 415 N. 14th St., Ponca City.

Hours:

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Check out The Perk’s menu, order online and more at

www.theperkbeverageco.com Facebook at @poncaperk Instagram at @theperkponcacity

The Perk’s comfortable vibe handcrafted by owner Jennifer Green is one to rival those in larger cities. Tucked inside Pioneer Shopping Center, it is impossible to feel anything other than warm within The Perk’s cozy, laid-back, local artwork-filled walls.

One of the tastiest lunch deals is the Half & Half Combo – two half servings of any sandwich, soup or salad. The Spicy Turkey sandwich on ciabatta is a primo mix of flavors, all layered into one sandwich. Turkey can be one of the most boring ingredients and this sandwich is anything but. The turkey is tender, the provolone is mild yet flavorful, the green leaf lettuce is crisp and the tomatoes are fresh. The sriracha mayo gives the sandwich just enough heat to tickle your tastebuds without attacking them. The ciabatta bread pulls everything together for a divine, and filling, sandwich.

The Perk has a plethora of rotating seasonal drinks.

December brings eggnog lattes, peppermint mocha, Christmas cookie breve and more. Breves are the ultimate way to elevate and indulge a coffee experience. Unlike a latte which is made with steamed milk, a breve uses half-and-half for a richer,

creamier espresso drink. Holidays are stressful. Breves are 100% acceptable with zero calorie regret.

Since coffee is a major player on the menu, we gotta talk about the cortado. Originating in Spain, this intense drink is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.

Cortado translates to “cut,” with the idea that the potent, bitter taste of the espresso is cut with steamed milk, but not so much as to suppress the bold flavor coffee lovers love. To really experience the intensity of a cortado, drink it with unflavored, sparkling water on the side. Cortado, water, repeat.

Try it.

It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing that makes The Perk stand out amongst the crowd. Perhaps it is a blend of many little things done right. The comfy couches, the unmistakable support given to local artists and our community, the care with which every menu item is prepared and presented, The Perk feels like a genuine escape that is not commonplace. Order that breve and a pastry, take a break and appreciate the quality put into every piece of The Perk. Happy Eating!!

TOP THREE FOR ME Skip the line and order online.

If keto is your thing, The Perk has a good selection.

The case of small-batch pastries is always fresh and always flavorful.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN …

Oklahoma City and you’re looking for a great, local coffee café, go to Elemental Coffee on the corner of 8th and Hudson in Midtown. Sit at the coffee bar. Order the Cheesy Egg Toast, local sourdough topped with soft scrambled eggs, grilled ham, gruyere and toasted parm.

Order the best cortado in town. Grab a couple of Ginger Molasses Cookies. DON’T freak out when you realize these are vegan. It’s fine. Get two. Eat one, accept that your preconceived notions about plant-based food are wrong, eat the second one. Maybe get three because you’ll want one tomorrow too.

For more delicious food fun, check out @foodcrushok on IG and Facebook and www.foodcrushok.com DECEMBER 2023 65

Story by Adam Leaming, Ponca City Public Schools, Superintendent / Contributing Writer Merry Christmas, Ponca City Monthly readers!

I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and blessings that education has brought to our community and it is a privilege to serve in this role and witness the transformative power of education every day. I want to share with you ten things to be thankful for in our Ponca City School system, which plays an integral role in shaping the future of our children and community.

1. Dedicated Teachers: We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated and passionate teachers who go above and beyond to provide a quality education for our students.

Their commitment and hard work are invaluable. Our teachers are the first line of support in giving every child a chance to improve, learn, and contribute in our society.

Our teachers are the heart and soul of our school district and I’m extremely thankful for each one of them.

2. Supportive Community: Our community has always rallied behind our schools, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or attending school events.

Your unwavering support is something many communities aspire to have. When our schools face criticism, the positive and public support blows me away. Our community rallies around its children and our school system, that is incredible. Thank you, Ponca City!

3. Educational Resources: Oklahoma’s education system has made significant strides in improving access to educational resources in the past year. Our teachers and support staff all received a well-deserved raise. Our community passed a nearly $50 million bond project in 2021, and through that bond project we’re investing in our schools, teachers, and students. Looking around our community you can see how our resources are being put to work!

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4. Attraction: Our Administrative team has been recruiting far and wide to bring quality teachers, counselors, and administrators to Ponca City. In the past twelve months we hired nearly 70 new staff people with half of those from outside of Kay County.

Attracting workforce to our community can be a challenge for many communities, but when we can show off our amenities and demonstrate our community’s support, it’s a no-brainer to pick Ponca City!

5. High-Quality Extracurricular Programs: Our schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to arts and clubs. Our concert hall is going to expand to include large and spacious new practice rooms, our athletic programs will have 6A amenities, and our growing art scene in our community is plugging kids into a variety of new opportunities. Let’s not forget that E-sports is on its way! These programs help our students develop important life skills and interests.

6. Strong Partnerships: We have forged strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and higher education institutions, ensuring that our students have access to valuable opportunities and experiences, including our internship program at the high school that has placed 109 high school students with local and area businesses to learn and acquire new skills.

7. Dedicated Support Staff: Beyond the classroom, our schools have dedicated support staff who work tirelessly to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students. From our bus drivers, custodians, cross walks, and child nutrition workers, each of our support employees help ensure our students have a great day.

8. Innovative Teaching Practices: Educators in our state are continually

exploring innovative teaching practices that help students learn in engaging and meaningful ways. Our district commits to developing and growing our staff through various professional development opportunities throughout the year. New this year is the incorporation of virtual reality to help students in Science and Math classes.

This commitment to growth is inspiring.

9. Accessible Higher Education and Career Development: Oklahoma offers accessible higher education options and we’re fortunate to have a strong relationship with NOC, Pioneer Tech and the UC, enabling our students to pursue their dreams during and beyond high school. We have those options in Ponca City. Scholarships and financial aid are available to those who aspire to continue their education. Our counselors can help point students in the direction of a number of scholarship opportunities.

10. A Focus on Student Success: Our education system prioritizes student success and seeks continuous improvement. Each week our teachers and administrators meet to pore over data, evaluate teaching strategies, and assist in improving student outcomes.

The commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for the future is unwavering.

As we celebrate the many things to be thankful for in our education system, let us remember that it takes a village to nurture the potential of our youth. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and our community. I hope we can continue to support our schools, teachers, and students, ensuring that the educational opportunities in our state remain strong and vibrant. Thank you for being an essential part of our educational journey.

Together, we will achieve great things.

m

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PONCA

CHAMBER OF

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Chamber Buzz

Story by Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Chamber CEO/Contributing Writer

As the year rapidly comes to a close and the holiday season approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the joy and warmth that Christmas brings. It is a time for family gatherings, festive decorations and the spirit of giving. While traveling to exotic destinations or visiting other communities or states may seem appealing, there is an oftenoverlooked treasure right at our doorstep – the Staycation in Ponca City!

A staycation, the art of vacationing in your local area, offers a delightful opportunity to appreciate the beauty, culture and hidden gems that have gone unnoticed or taken for granted. During the Christmas holidays, when Ponca City lights up with festive cheer, it is the perfect time to explore the wonderful opportunities and create unforgettable memories close to home. Whether you are entertaining holiday guests in Ponca City or experiencing the magic for yourself, our community has so much festivity to offer this month.

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Please consider visiting or participating in one or all of the December events happening in Ponca City to support our local economy and reduce the stress of travel. It is up to all of us to help keep Ponca City thriving, and we ALL could use a little less stress in our lives.

Here are some festive options for you to enjoy!

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Festival of Angels – Nov. 22 - Dec. 30, 6-10 p.m.: Enjoy lighted displays, colorful exhibits and animated shows throughout Ponca City at Festival of Angels, the city’s annual holiday lights celebration. This festival is one of the largest drive-through animated Christmas light displays in northern Oklahoma and features over 300 displays available across three locations. Pick up a map at the city’s host angel, a 30-ft. tall lighted angel situated near the city’s famous Pioneer Woman Statue, and follow the signs or map directions to other citywide locations featuring light displays.

Annual Downtown Lighted Christmas Parade – Dec. 1, 6 p.m.: Everyone is invited to watch this fantastic display of lights as it travels down Grand Avenue!

Christmas Market Oklahoma Festival – Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: The Ponca City First Lutheran Campus is transformed into a winter wonderland this December for Christmas Market Oklahoma. This one-day event will spread traditional yuletide joy to all in attendance. Grab a mug of hot spiced cider or hot chocolate and browse handmade arts and crafts, including ornaments, toys and a large selection of Native American wares. Live Christmas carols by choirs and contemporary artists will lift your spirits as you make a list and check it twice. There will also be pictures with Santa and a scavenger hunt for children.

Make a day of it and have a meal of authentic German food from vendors as well.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 12 Nights in Awesomeville – This FREE event will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday December 1-23, from 6-8 p.m. on the north side of the church at Pecan and Hartford. It will feature specially decorated chutes for people to walk through, those attending will be treated to waffles on a stick and hot chocolate. Every Thursday evening there will be a children’s craft for the kids to make.

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Candlelight Tour of the Marland Mansion – Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m.: The Marland Estate Foundation invites the public to be their guests at our beautiful Palace on the Prairie, the Marland Mansion, located at 901 Monument Road. You can be sure our amazing 55-room castle will be beautifully decorated to ring in the holiday festivities.

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Holiday Ball – Dec. 16, 7-11 p.m.: Join us for a fun evening of celebration and dancing at the Marland Mansion! Tickets are $100 per person and include four complimentary drink tickets, a dessert buffet and late-night snacks. A cash bar will be provided. The dress code is Black

Tie. All proceeds benefit City Arts, a nonprofit promoting the visual arts in Ponca City!

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Santa Buck Giveaway Drawing – Thursday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.: Shop from Nov. 4-Dec. 21, 2023, at participating merchants to receive a ticket and increase your chances to win $5,000 in Santa Bucks, plus a chance at two $1,000 prizes and four $500 prizes! The winning tickets will be drawn starting at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. To win this year, you will listen to your favorite Ponca City radio station: KLOR 99.3 FM, KPNC 100.7 FM, The Bull 104.7 FM, Sunny 1230 AM. Follow the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page for more details.

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Ice on the Plaza: Ice on the Plaza is Ponca City’s state tourism and Oklahoma Main Street award-winning holiday attraction! Located at Veteran’s Plaza, 323 E. Grand, in the heart of downtown Ponca City, Ice on the Plaza will feature a synthetic ice-skating rink and special nightly events and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! The Grand Opening is on Nov. 17, and it will be open through Dec. 31. For up-to-date information on the rink and hours, follow the Ice on the Plaza Facebook page.

As the Christmas holidays approach, ponder the benefits of a staycation or entertaining locally in Ponca City. Whether you explore our holiday offerings, dine at local restaurants or visit attractions, you will find that the magic of the season is all around you. Staying local allows you to embrace the spirit of Christmas with your loved ones while supporting your community and making lasting memories. So, this year, choose to stay close to home and rediscover the beauty and wonder that exists right here in Ponca City without the extra stress of traveling.

The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce wishes you great blessings and joy during the holiday season!

Reach Shelley at 580-765-4400 | shelley@poncacitychamber.com | poncacitychamber.com

DECEMBER 2023 69

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’m going to assume that by the time this magazine hits the stands, each and every one of us will have already streamed the final season of Netflix’s critically acclaimed drama, The Crown. And because of this assumption, this period drama nerd isn’t going to waste your time detailing a show that you already know everything about! Instead, I’m going to implore you to go to your Libby app (A completely free app that your local library can assist you in setting up!) and download what I believe to be a great companion read/listen to The Crown. And that companion read is Prince Harry’s self-narrated memoir titled, Spare.

in general, sometimes shocked this very American reader. He also spoke with great affection in regard to the bond he shared with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the continued love he has for his country and kinsmen. He makes it very clear that the love he feels for the British people is in no-way diminished by his loathing of the British tabloid press, and the blatantly cruel way in which much of the press treated and portrayed his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

And without giving too much away, I felt he did a good job explaining why he felt it necessary to step-back from their royal duties.

Now, if you’re like I was, you may not be totally jazzed about listening to Prince Harry’s memoir after reading headlines slamming him for turning his back on his family and his duties, but I think you’ll have a vastly different opinion after you listen to his side of events. While I was listening to his story unfold, I was shocked by how in-depth he was willing to go, and how unapologetically he let his story be known. He seemed to hold nothing back and mince no words while detailing all his major life events, both joyous and harrowing.

He also spent a great deal of time addressing his mother’s (Diana, Princess of Wales) sudden and heart-wrenching passing, and how it forever shaped and changed his life. He expresses what it was like to endure such a tragic loss at a very young 12 years of age, and how excruciatingly painful it was to weather such a personal storm, in the very public eye. It’s for this reason that I think Spare makes a very fitting companion read to The Crown, which will cover Princess Diana’s death in its final season.

It serves as a great reminder that though Princess Diana was beloved the world-over and meant so much to so many, she was also a mother to two young boys, who needed her far longer than they were able to keep her.

He spoke candidly about the relationships he currently has with his father, King Charles III, and his brother, William, Prince of Wales. And his blunt honesty when speaking about the royal family

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Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

All of us at Stuteville Chevrolet, Buick, GMC wish you a great holiday season.

StutevillePonca.com • 580-765-5595 3330 N. 14th • Ponca City DECEMBER 2023 71

Merry Christmas!

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