Ponca City Monthly December 2024

MERRY CHRISTMAS

One Magical Night: In Memory of Bill Kem Page 42

Fading Fast Rocks To Top Spot Page 45

Kaw Lake Page

Letter from the Editor

I remember watching the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, and watching Kathy Bates character struggle through middle age. “I”m too young to be old, and I’m too old to be young!” She sobbed. At the age of 15 when I first watched the movie, that phrase made zero sense to me. But I can finally say, I get it now. I have, myself, finally arrived to that “middle” part of life where I have lived through all the firsts. I’ve done all the exciting things. I got married, had children, bought our first house, watched all my friends get married and have kids. And even the friends I knew who waited to years and years to have children…have already had their children. I am no longer young.

Everyone I graduated from high school with is solidly settling into middle age. For the most part, I like it. The middle is not a bad place to be. Life is predictable in the middle years. Things are much easier to deal with when you’ve lived a LOT of life. I’ve been through so many situations and learned important lessons, and so, life events and interactions with other people are fairly on par with expectations. I know how to react in situations. I know how to diffuse an angry person. I know how to handle the stress of everyday life.

Being middle-aged, it’s odd to see new movies being made that are “set” way back in time during the early 90s and early 2000s (my high school years). I watch these new movies and it’s hilarious how they try to dress the characters in vintage 90s clothing complete with CD players, see through house phones and choker necklaces. It’s almost comical to me. Many times they get it completely wrong. A lot of it is an extreme exaggeration, and not remotely close to how we actually dressed in the 90’s-00s.I’m sure my parents feel the same when they see the crazy caricatures of the 60s, 70s and 80’s portrayed in movies.

It just doesn’t seem possible that next year will be 2025. Somehow we are half way through the “20’s” and soon we’ll be entering the “30s” of the new millennium. Then it will be the 40s, then 50s and then we’ll be completing another century circle. It seems like just yesterday I was writing my Editor’s notes about what life was like in the midst of COVID back in the 2020.

Time marches on. Slowly, it ticks and ticks away. I think we humans get caught up in our routines of life, doing the same thing every day, and it genuinely feels like time stands still. But time doesn’t stand still. It ticks on, ever so slowly and steadily, one second at a time. I hope that wherever you are in life right now, the beginning, the middle

or closer to the end, that you are finding happiness in your stage. Every day is a gift, and like Kathy Bates’s character shows us, it’s never too late to chart a new course or dream a new dream.

Tawanda!

editor@poncacitymonthly.com

This is a PreMembership Drive SPECIAL for this onetime performance only. Ticket price may be applied to next year’s membership and you may attend the last performance of this season in addition to this one with paid membership. Additional amount for season ticket is $25.

Go to our website for further information about this special offer.

Gamemasters Guild: Finding Passion in Gaming

“We

set up a situation and let you interact with it and see the consequences of your choice. That’s what gaming does.”

~

Warren Spector, American Video Game Designer

Story by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer

Wow!

What happens when something you do for fun turns into your business? That is exactly what transpired when Matt Duplissey, Billy Elliott and Matt Prater decided to open a Gamemasters Guild in 2019. What began as a small Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) shop quickly expanded to other games and hobby items, and their mission grew.

Of their business, Elliott says, “Our mission is to introduce the joy and excitement of gaming to new players and offer different gaming options for groups.” They started with a weekly tabletop role playing game (TTRPG) session of D&D to a discussion of how great it would be to have a “dedicated place where both new and veteran players could have a one-stop gaming experience that could provide everything they needed.”

The Guild’s most popular game is Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop war game with different factions and abilities that a player picks to build and paint their army. They generally hold one tournament

a month averaging 20 players per tournament. However, most days they are open, Elliott says, you can find at least one game of Warhammer being played more casually in the shop. There are also Stars Wars Shatterpoint or Star Wars Legion, skirmish and war games set in the Star Wars universe, that are popular as well.

They’ve grown from that onegame shop to offer other role-playing games, tabletop skirmish games, trading card games and paints for figures for games. Along with gaming times, they also have

painting times. In addition, Gamemasters expanded to offer 3D printing for customers’ needs, including figures and terrain for role-playing and war games, cosplay props and accessories. Think about how personalized this can make the games and the cosplay costumes. In addition, the 3D printer allows the Gamemasters crew to create custom dice sets in your color choice with numbers and paint to your specifications.

Gamemasters Guild has always served customers from the entire area and recently moved from their Ponca City location to a larger site in Tonkawa. The new location gives them much more room, and they are excited about what they will be able to offer. With the space, they have more room for their own tournaments and activities, but they also have a perfect place to rent for birthdays or other events. American actor and gamer Rich Sommer says, “Gaming has been a great way to get to know people. That’s part of what I love about games, that they are social.” This new space provides even more room for the socializing aspect of gaming.

It was purchased with a small business grant through a program backed by American Express and Main Street America. This mobile unit has allowed them to take their gaming passion to other areas where there may not be access to this type of gaming. The passion of these three is real, and so is their desire to spread their love of gaming.

Billy Elliott says,

“Our mission is to introduce the joy and excitement of gaming to new players and offer different gaming options for groups.”

They want to continue to bring the best gaming experience to their clients. Elliott says they hope to make sure “veteran and new players have a safe and affordable place to play their favorite games and find new ones, while making new and lasting friendships.” One of their hopes for the future is to purchase a shuttle or van to run from NOC to the shop on weekends to further help customers have access. It is a wonderful goal for a college town.

Besides just serving customers at their main location, Gamemasters Guild has a mobile game shop that travels to festivals, community events and mor.e

For now, you can continue to find them at their new location at 99 S. 7th Street in Tonkawa. More information can be found on their FB site Gamemasters Guild or their website pcgameguild.carrd.co, and if you have questions, you can email them at pcgameguild@gmail.com . Shop with these businessmen-gamers for your Christmas needs. If you aren’t sure what to buy your gamer, they offer gift certificates! See you at the Games!

Ride for the Kids Sharing the Merry at Christmas Time

Story by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer

Tony Coleman, along with his wife Valerie, friend Kathy Roy and a small band of volunteers work hard each year to bring Christmas to families in our community. Their efforts provide Christmas dinner and presents benefitting almost 100 children in our area. Simply put, they don’t want any child to not receive a present on Christmas.

Ride for the Kids started in 2021. Tony loves to trail ride and wanted to get a group together to do just that. He had the additional idea that if he was already bringing people together, why not try to do something for the community at the same time. Each fall, Ride for

the Kids hosts an event that’s all about community and fellowship. For the first few years they did trail rides on property owned by Larry and Kim Burtner. This year they hosted a fun showdeo-style event at the Tonkawa Sale Barn.

TITLE LOANS

KAREN HOWARD Interior Designer - 25 years

interior design studio

The showdeo had entry age ranges of 8 and under, 9-16, 17 and over, and seniors 60 and older. Coleman entered the event on his four-wheeler this year proving that anything goes in the showdeo! The event featured pole bending, barrel racing, stake racing, flag racing, rescue racing and sand surfing. Entrance into the event was a game or toy valued at $15 or more. This year’s event took place Oct. 5. Ride for the Kids hosted the showdeo in the afternoon and had a silent auction later in the evening. The community was invited to bring a horse and ride or bring a lawn chair and enjoy the event.

Coleman begins each June reaching out to area merchants seeking sponsorships and donations. He says, “All the merchants – everybody jumps in. We have some very generous sponsors. I want them

to know that we couldn’t do it without them.” Over the years, local businesses have given the program price breaks on needed items, donated items for the silent auction and donated funds. Coleman says the group is grateful for every single donation.

With the funds raised through the silent auction plus donations from sponsors, Ride for the Kids is able to purchase Christmas dinner and presents for around 50 families. Through contacts at the local schools, Coleman gets a list of families who need help each year. He then works with the families to determine what their children need. This task alone means hours of time on the phone contacting families, taking notes and making lists specific to each family.

This year Coleman is also reaching

One of Oklahoma’s Truest Gems

Serving Northern Oklahoma for Over 117 Years!

After opening a store in Cherokee, Iowa in 1896 and operating it for 10 years, the McGee family set out in search of a warmer climate. Following a year of traveling by train, they settled in Blackwell, Oklahoma and opened their store before statehood in March 1907. J.M. (John Marion) McGee and his wife, Minnie, operated the store with their two sons, Robert and Fred, until the sons assumed operation in the early 1920’s. Robert died shortly after in 1924.

Fred continued to operate the store with his wife Bessie until 1961 when it was turned over to their two sons, Bob and Bill. Bill moved to Norman in 1965, opening a store there, and Bob, together with his wife, Billie, and father Fred, continued to operate the store in Blackwell until March 1977 when the store was moved to Ponca City. Today the business is still operated by their son, Matt McGee and his son, Justin McGee, representing the fourth and fifth generations of McGee family jewelers.

Matt McGee and Justin McGee are proud to continue to serve our community with excellent quality products and services.

219 E. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK - 580.765.2636

out to Pioneer Tech to determine if there are any single parents going through programs there that could use help. It’s all about helping for him. “I do it because if I needed it, I would hope somebody would help me.”

The program also provides Christmas dinner for each family. They provide a turkey or ham depending on the family’s preference and all the sides to make a special meal. Coleman works with a local grocery store to purchase all the food items and get them organized for each family.

Ride for the Kids has access to a shop where pallets of toys, bicycles and other items are gathered and stored until they’re ready to be sorted. Once everything is gathered, volunteers work to get things organized for each family. They set a date for the parents to come get the items – just a few days prior to Christmas. If someone can’t come pick things up, they deliver. Coleman makes sure each family knows that

they don’t want the recognition. It’s just not about that for Coleman and his fellow volunteers.

Coleman says he can’t believe the growth and continued support their effort has seen each year. This will be their fourth year and each year has just gotten better. The group wants to help as many families as they can. He goes on to add, “It’s turned out really well. It means something to me. It’s fun, and I know we’re helping people. I’m proud of what we do.” Volunteer Kathy Roy says, “Tony Coleman asked if I would help so I’ve been with it the whole time and each year we’ve been able to help more families and kids.”

For more information, contact Tony Coleman at (580) 401-5484. Monetary donations, toys and gift cards are greatly appreciated. Ride for the Kids helps families with children 17 and younger.

$13,500 GRAND PRIZE SANTA BUCKS GIVEAWAY

Ponca First

event

by the Ponca

Area

of

Drawings begin at 7 pm Thursday, December 19 & will be announced on several Ponca City radio stations.

Festival OfAngels The Gift of Lights

It’s a beautiful October day out at Lake Ponca Park. Most of us are still sipping Spiced Lattes and thinking about that pumpkin patch trip we want to knock off our fall bucket list. However, a hard-working group of volunteers already have Christmas on the brain. Festival Of Angels (FOA) Board members and volunteers are hard at work, laying out and setting up countless light displays. Hundreds of light panels go into making the displays at Lake Ponca Park and the Cann Gardens each year.

When I arrive at the park, I find long-time volunteer Rhonda Cobb and am immediately invited to hop into the golf cart she is deftly careening around the park. Cobb is the kind of woman you feel like you’ve known for ages even though you’ve just met. When there’s work to be done, it’s clear she doesn’t mess around. She kindly gave me an overview of how the whole Festival comes together.

The FOA Board and volunteers begin meeting in March to plan and prepare for the holiday season. Each year, they spend hours repairing lights on the metal display panels. There are over 450 panels of lights that go into creating the scenes they install at Lake Ponca Park, Cann Gardens and the massive angel that goes in

front of the Pioneer Woman. Panels sustain some wear and tear each season, so the spring and autumn months are spent prepping them for display.

Each year, something new is added to the mix. What is added depends on ideas from Board members and volunteers. The group is conscious about having an interesting variety, while also being good stewards of the donations the nonprofit receives. Light displays are incredibly expensive. Sometimes new displays are purchased and other years the group designs and builds their own displays. Some years, the Board will buy part of a display and then add smaller items to it that they’ve built themselves. Each scene or display is its

Story by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer

Photos by Michelle Wittmer

own animal and treated as such. Last year they added the Grinch scene, part of which they purchased and part of which they made. They are adding an exciting new display this year as well. It will be prominently displayed near the entrance of the park..

When volunteers create displays, they start with a drawing. From the drawing, metal pieces are measured, cut and welded together. Once that is done, rope lights are attached. The ropes come in sections anywhere from 18 to 24 inches long and each section needs special connectors to speak to each other. On top of building and maintaining displays, volunteers are also working on switching displays to LED lights.

Each year the Board convenes to create the master map for the season, and that is used to guide workers as they place panels in the necessary locations. Cobb and Elaine McDonald are on-site directing the chaos. A handful of City crew help for a few days getting the panels loaded

onto trailers, hauled around the park and dropped in their location. They also load all the displays for Cann Gardens and get them delivered, as well as the big angel that goes in front of the Pioneer Woman.

Once panels are stood up, bolted together and secured to the ground, the FOA volunteers take over. They are on location from late October through the day before Thanksgiving when the lights go on. Electricity has to be run for every single display. Once they’re in place, they are double- and triple-checked to make sure all the lights work.

Each evening during the season, a volunteer goes to the Park to open things up. They turn on the lights and make the rounds to ensure that none have gone out and need repaired. If they do need to be repaired, volunteers Gaylord Ross and Mark Fisher are on call. Once everything is prepped and ready, the FOA contact meets the volunteers working the first shift of the evening. Various nonprofits and businesses sign up to volunteer

throughout the season. At the end of the evening, the FOA volunteer goes back up to the Park to close things up.

This year the lights at Lake Ponca Park will go on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Unbelievably, they are turned on by a single light switch. One literal flip of a switch, and the place lights up like actual Christmas. If that isn’t straight out of a Hallmark movie, I don’t know what is!

The Board hosts a kickoff event on Nov.

marshmallows to roast. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on the scene to greet all the children. Attendance is usually between 1,700-1,900. The Festival runs through Monday, Dec. 30. The lights are on every night from 6-10 p.m. This year’s run time is 34 days.

27 from 6-9 p.m. They will have two wagons with teams of horses for carriage rides, hot cocoa and

The FOA Board also hosts a Caramel Apple Fundraiser in December. McDonald shares, “Apples are dipped in caramel, then in chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate and topped with mini-chips, nuts or no topping. They are a $12 donation and will be delivered Dec. 19.”

If you’re interested in supporting the Festival through this fundraiser, contact a Board member.

The Festival of Angels is a 501(c)(3). All money raised via donations given at the gate go directly back into covering expenses for the event. Everyone who drives through is encouraged to donate. Upkeep of this beloved holiday staple would not be possible without donations from our community.

For more information about the Festival, contact Treasurer Elaine McDonald at (580) 763-7857. The lights will be on Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Volunteers will be there every night unless we encounter severe winter weather causing icy roads.

Festival of Angels Board of Directors

Robert Henderson, President; Ron Greer, Vice President; Shirley Green, Secretary; Elaine McDonald, Treasurer; Wendy Terrazas, Frank Lessert, Mark Fisher, Gaylord Ross, Cathy McBee, Don Kleinmann and Michelle Wittmer.

Camp McFadden: A Rich History for Ponca City Area Youth

“This would never have happened if someone had tried to help them when they were young.”

~ Mrs. I.M. Rittenhouse, upon learning the background of the two youths who shot her husband (quote taken from a New York news release on the event of her death in Dec. 1951)

Over numerous years since 1927, there have been many people from this community who have come together in different ways to make Camp McFadden a reality for the youth of the area. Some of us remember the earlier location, but the camp began far before most of us recall. As a matter of fact, it was March 1927 when oil baron E.W. Marland’s sister Mrs. Ignatia Marland Rittenhouse, who was a child welfare worker and an executive member of the Camp Fire Council of New York, came to visit the office in Ponca City. She met Hope Brown, the executive director here, who told her how they enjoy camping and had been in tents on the banks of the Salt Fork River since 1923 but would love to have a campground where they could do more with their youth. And the rest truly is history, as the saying goes.

Rittenhouse, according to archives found at the Ponca City Library, was a longtime friend of SVP of Marland Oil Company William H. McFadden and took Brown’s desire for a camp to McFadden and the Marland family. They found the first location eight miles east of the city and the camp was ready that summer with tennis courts, five cabins for 12 girls each,

a dining hall and kitchen, director’s office, cyclone cellar, temporary swimming pool and basketball court. Several community organizations donated time and supplies, and 150 Camp Fire girls enjoyed it over that summer of 1927. After the season, more work was done on cabins and the swimming pool. In 1928, that number more than doubled to 387

ANNETTE NEWCOMB Broker/Owner (580) 716-2247

MARCIE HOWEY Realtor Associate (580) 761-0416

AMBER MORRIS Realtor Associate (580) 762-7006

CHRISTINA SMITH Realtor Associate (580) 491-3895

KATRINA PRESNAL Realtor Associate (580) 304-9973

TAYLOR HUBER Realtor Associate (281) 881-5609

NELLIE MARLER Realtor Associate (580) 823-2672

JACQUE YSALDE Realtor Associate (805) 441-3734

ROBIN SMITH Broker Associate (580) 761-0391

OFFICE: (580) 749-5274 1918 Lake Road, Ponca City Contact us today for the exceptional service you deserve!

girls who attended camp, learned skills and enjoyed their time in the outdoors.

There have been tough years and healthy years for the camp, financial depressions and years they’ve seen growth. It’s estimated that at least 5,000 were hosted the first 10 years of the camp. It later saw the decline of the Camp Fire Girls organization and then bloomed into a camp that has hosted many more organizations and people, as it does now. The last groups to camp at its first location were in 1973 due to the need to move for Kaw Dam and Lake, when the group worked with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to find a new location for the camp.

The current location is just one mile north and half a mile east of the old camp. The Ponca City News headline of May 16, 1976, reads, “Camp Fire’s New McFadden Overlooks Lake,” and if you haven’t been out there, you are missing out on their view. With the work of relocation

Camp McFadden is available for rent by other camps and groups such as families, companies, church and youth groups, and hunting groups. It can be used for reunions, meetings, workshops, retreats and other activities. There are six red cabins that can host 10 kids each; two Ambuc cabins that can host six adults each, and even more accommodation can be handled using cots, if needed.

done, the livelihood of the camp expanded almost immediately with the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and a camping education class from OSU joining the Camp Fire girls at this new location. They have access to ponds, as well as the lake for canoeing, sailing, kayaking and fishing.

Wedding Setup at Camp McFadden (used

Now, more importantly to all of us, the camp is a multiuse recreation area under the direction of a volunteer board of directors. It is available for rent by other camps and groups such as families, companies, church and youth groups, and hunting groups. It can be used for reunions, meetings, workshops, retreats and other activities. There are six red cabins that can host 10 kids each; two Ambuc cabins that can host six adults each, and even more accommodation can be handled using cots, if needed.

In visiting with Jeremy Hollingsworth, president of their board, you see that passion that led to the building of the camp initially present still today. Although he is busy with administrative duties and, right now, getting sponsorships and building partnerships that I hope we hear much more about later, Hollingsworth says his favorite part of the activities

at the camp are those “directly working with the youth and seeing their smiling faces.” He remembers being in a store and hearing, “Hey, fishing guy!”

Hollingsworth says that their goal as a board is to rebuild camp activities and attendance to their glory days. As with so many elements of society, the pandemic hit hard and there is still rebuilding to be done. In October, though, the camp had a Fall Fest.

Upcoming Events: Outdoor Festival: April Hooked on Fishing: May 3

They were hoping for at least 300 people and had 700, so they are well on their way to their rebuild.

That said, they could use volunteers for upcoming activities or camps, so if you’re interested, get in touch with them. You can find information on their website at campmcfadden.com. Upcoming activities include an Outdoor Festival in April and the “Hooked on Fishing” event May 3. This summer, there will be two full-week sessions of camp, four

Fall Fest Archery (used by permission of Jeremy Hollingsworth)

Fall Fest Fishing (used with permission by Jeremy Hollingsworth)

minicamp sessions (three days, two nights) and some that will be day camps (usually for four days, but no overnight stays).

Those currently volunteering with Camp McFadden welcome anyone interested in helping to reach out, and they are excited to see the community at their Festival in April. In the meantime, reach out to them if you have questions and watch for job openings, if you’re interested.

As board president Jeremy Hollingsworth emphasizes, and all

those early volunteers believed, “Letting children and youth experience the many outdoor activities camp offers can let them find something new they really love to do.” Let’s get outside and explore this spring and summer! Let Camp McFadden be a place where your children and youth, and maybe even you, find new joys.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Story by Tori Haggard / Contributing Writer

Natural Resource

Specialist, USACE

Tulsa District, Kaw Lake

Christmas at Kaw Lake

Although camping season is winding down, there is still plenty to do at Kaw Lake! One of the things we are looking forward to at Kaw is the second annual Christmas at Kaw lights display in the McFadden Cove campgrounds. This is an opportunity for the public to show off their decorating skills and Christmas spirit. There are 15 sites in McFadden Cove for the public to rent for free to decorate with Christmas lights, Christmas inflatables and so on. McFadden Cove is closed for camping during this period but will be open after sunset on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Dec. 6-29 for guests to drive or walk through to see the displays. Anybody interested in renting a site to decorate should contact the Kaw Lake office at 580-762-7611. McFadden Cove is located across from the Kaw Lake office at 9400 Lake Road in Ponca City.

Duck hunting on Kaw Lake has proven to be popular over the years. Staff at Kaw Lake and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation took advantage of the water level and planted millet along the Coon Creek Cove shoreline and north toward River Road along exposed shoreline and mud flats. With favorable conditions, waterfowl will flock to the millet and give hunters a thrilling opportunity and experience.

Speaking of hunting, Kaw Lake’s special draw youth hunt took place Nov. 1-3. Six

lucky kids between 7-16 years of age received bonus tags that could be utilized on two doe or one doe and one buck. Kaw Lake staff maintains areas designated for youth hunt blinds to provide ample opportunities for the youth hunters to tag out. Camp McFadden offered cabins through the weekend for the youth hunters and a blind location on their property. The Cherokee Strip Quail and Pheasants Forever chapter provided bags of corn, blinds, goody bags and dinner for the youth hunters to utilize. Brandts Ace Hardware provided hunter orange backpacks with goodies inside. Kaw Lake is very grateful for these partnerships. Each one helps to make the annual youth hunt even more special for all involved.

Kaw Lake would not be what it is without its dedicated volunteer team. Volunteers at Kaw serve as jacks-of-all-trades and aid in minor customer service duties, campground cleanup, maintenance and many other fulfilling roles. Volunteering is not paid, but volunteers who are able to dedicate 80 hours a month to the lake are offered a 50amp site with hookups. If you are interested in learning more about Kaw Lake volunteer opportunities, please call the lake office at 580-762-7611 and we would be happy to talk with you!

One Magical Night

Coming to the Ponca Stage just in time for Christmas

In Memory of Bill Kem

Kems Productions is once again partnering with local and professional talent to bring to Ponca City a fund-raising production, “One Magical Night”, to benefit the Poncan Theatre and Young Artist Scholarship Fund, helping provide financial assistance for children in the arts. This Christmas show is in honor of the late Bill Kem, who was a great supporter of the Poncan Theatre and young budding artists.

Join us Saturday evening December 21 at 7:30pm. “One Magical Night” is a Pro-Am production that is sure to be filled with a variety of entertainment, fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Young local artists will join professional

personalities which will include Christy Tate, a leading Lifetime Actress, Cara Kem-Cassens, a former Broadway music theater actress in New York City, Tim Muniz, considered one of the best vocalists in Oklahoma, Touch of Inspiration, a popular duo out of Branson, and the Soggy Bottom River Boys will be back to sing some of their favorite Christmas tunes.

Come celebrate with us December 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets are general admission, $20 for Adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

We are seeking donors as well.

By becoming a special donor you can receive reserved seats, displayed recognition, and help the Historical Poncan Theatre and Young Artist Scholarship Fund even more.

Tiered Donation Levels:

$500: Platinum up to 20 reserved tickets

$300: Gold up to 12 reserved tickets

$100: Silver 4 reserved tickets

$60: Bronze 2 reserved tickets

Story by Suzanne Kem | Contributing Writer

WELL-BEE

with Shannon NP

Achieve a Radiant Holiday Glow: Skincare Tips for a Bright and Beautiful Season

Story by Shannon Somers / Contributing Writer, Owner Aesthetic State of Mind

The holidays are in full swing, Christmas lights are up, downtown windows are painted and your skin should be glowing like the ice skating rink on Grand Ave. Let’s talk about getting that holiday glow and your skincare routine during the holidays. Combining the cold winter weather with holiday food and stress from the holiday season is a perfect recipe for a skin health disaster. Let’s dive into some tips on how we can keep your skin glowing, moisturized, and protected this holiday season.

For your skin to remain healthy, it must be hydrated. Although the humidity of summer naturally keeps your skin hydrated, you should use a whole-body moisturizer during the cooler, drier months. Use hydrating cream in the morning, at night, and as needed during the day. If you are pressed for time, look for a body wash with a moisturizer.

1. Stress Levels Low

Stress levels typically go through the roof during the holiday season. It’s part of the experience, right? Regrettably, wrinkles and acne are skin issues that are exacerbated by stress. Find a technique to unwind and be sure to fit it into your weekly plan if you notice that your stress levels are rising. Your skin will thank you.

2. Take Time to Rejuvenate Your Skin

There are many treatment options that can repair the damage caused by the drier weather, remove the summer sun damage, and overall improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone, especially if you have visible concerns like dark spots and fine lines. Most of these treatments can be found at your local medical aesthetics clinic.

3. Gasp….dare I say it….limiting alcohol

Reach for a festive mocktail! Alcohol consumption, particularly in excess, can exacerbate pre-existing skin disorders such as rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.

Alcohol use can also dry up the body and skin, making your skin appear flaky, parched, and lifeless. Find other festive drinks instead of champagne.

4. Seek out Healthy Foods

I feel like a traitor at even suggesting this because what am I if not an absolute foodie?

To keep your skin healthy in the midst of all the sweets and delights, it’s hard to look for a balanced diet. To keep your skin looking its best, you must eat a diet high in vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids. To counterbalance the sugar, eat a lot of fruits, veggies, and lean meats. The ever-tempting Christmas treats are packed with refined sugar and white flour, damaging collagen and elastin in the skin. Excess sugar consumption can also trigger acne breakouts and dull-appearing skin. Beware of salty foods. Eating lots of salty foods leads to excess fluid retention in the skin, creating a puffy look. Look for lower-sodium foods and refrain from adding additional salt while at the table.

Fading Fast Quickly Rocks to Top Spot

Story and photos by Andy Hicks | Staff Writer

the two knew their musical journey was far from over. In 2022, Marler suggested reuniting, and Fading Fast was born shortly afterward.

Once reformed, the duo immediately set out to find a vocalist and resume live shows. After a few false starts, they discovered the ideal frontman in an unexpected way.

“We were auditioning all these vocalists, and none of them, like, a couple of them would come to audition for us. And one I mean, after, like, song two, his vocals were just gone. He didn't have it to be a rock singer,” Marler recalled. “So, I mean,

a lot of them would just call and cancel at the last minute and one day, the singer had canceled, so I had a dentist appointment, and I was ticked off and the girl said, “Hey, what's the matter?”

In a twist of fate, Marler shared with the dental tech that he was searching for a lead singer, only to have her recommend the patient she had seen just before him, Grayson Webb.

“I had made some solo projects. Previously, just some independent songs that I did, and, and they're big fans of them at the dentist office, and they're all very supportive of me,” Webb explained. He had confided in the dental tech about his aspirations to pursue music seriously, even sharing some recordings. “I had told her that I was ready to, you know, get on with this music thing and start actually pursuing my dreams of doing something about it and told her I had plans to go to the studio and start recording my songs.”

Initially, the group operated under the name "Shady 580," but a former member disliked the name, creating internal friction.

“We probably had hundreds of names that we sifted through, and we finally settled on Fading Fast as one that everybody liked,” explained Devinney.

“Because when we came up with the song years back and I was writing to it when they're playing me the instrumental and I just, I just started kind of humming a few things,” recounted Webb. “I don't know why, but just those words Fading Fast just kind of came out of my mouth, and I started writing the song around that and it became one of our favorite songs to do. And we were just calling it Fading Fast and then Rod was like, well, how about fading fast as a band name?”

According to Marler, the name carries a deeper message. “I think the message as far as a band name is a really good message, because to me, it's like fading fast is like when you want to take the long way home, it is like your life is Fading Fast, so you better do the most that you can while you're in this life.”

Fading Fast stands out not only for their sound but also for the stage of life they’re in. “We're four guys in a rock band chasing our dream. We all know that it's a finite life. We're fading fast and time is not. Time’s not slowing down,” Devinney said.

For fans, Fading Fast offers a kind of musical escape break from the challenges of daily life. “I think that the impact that we make on people and having people recognize our abilities and also just move them in a way, you know, come to our shows and take it away from whatever, you know, whatever they're going through in life, you know, and they get excited knowing that they're coming to see Fading Fast, you know, knowing that that's going to give them an escape to come and vibe with us and just kind of live,” said Devinney.

Fading Fast’s fan base continues to grow, with performances in Oklahoma City, Wichita, and Tulsa. Their latest EP is available on Spotify, where their listener base has expanded well beyond the live music scene. While Webb leads the way with most of the lyrics, he emphasizes that songwriting is a collaborative effort.

This chance encounter proved to be a perfect match, and Webb quickly joined the band. Not long after, he invited his friend Devinney to round out the lineup, and the foursome were ready to dive into their rock-and-roll journey.

Since then, “Fading Fast” has become more than just a name; it’s their anthem. Devinney describes the energy of their live performances: “It's honestly probably one of our biggest songs that we play at the shows. It's kind of our closing song at most of the shows. We like to send them home happy. We go crazy in our own way, doing our own theatrics, our own styles, running around and standing on top of bars doing this crazy stuff.”

“These guys help me spark new creativity,” Webb explained. “When Dylan was just playing some random riff, he might not even think twice about it, and I'm like, you know, actually keep that, we're going to do something with that.” He added, “that sometimes it's easy for me to just hear what they want to do, and then I could put my own roots and my own style into it, too, and kind of write how I hear it should sound.”

Looking ahead, the band is ready to tackle the New Year with new music and an even busier performance schedule. For updates, fans can follow Fading Fast on Spotify and Facebook.

STREAM IT

Story by Kelsey Wagner | Editor-In-Chief

His Three Daughters

“Death is a part of life.” I’ve heard that phrase hundreds of times from older adults in my life. The experience of death is perhaps one of the only truly universal experiences in life, especially when it comes to the death of those we love. His Three Daughters starts slowly. Watching the movie with my husband, in the first five minutes, he commented, “This is very dialogue heavy, isn’t it?” I thought for a moment, and said, “This must be adapted from a play,” because not only is it dialogue heavy, but it is borderline rambling at parts. However, interestingly enough, this film was not adapted from a play. The immense dialogue and singular setting (a New York apartment) are more of a plot device to force the action to be emotional, not physical.

His Three Daughters features siblings, oldest to youngest, Kaity (Carrie Coon), Christine (Elizabeth Olsen) and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) forced together under the worst circumstances into a small apartment watching and waiting as their father lies dying and on hospice care in his bedroom. I think

this film is truly less of a story of three siblings and more of a character study of dealing with death. Each character displays, in dramatic fashion, how humans cope with death. First, Kaity – a loving, yet domineering older sister. Her insistence to take charge and check things off the death to-do list comes off cold and her crass words to her sisters cause constant tension right from the beginning. Christine, the middle daughter, is soft-spoken, calm, cool and collected. Her gentle nature and peacekeeping vibe seek to soothe the atmosphere to just “get through this ordeal.” But despite her daily yoga sessions and outward calmness, it’s clearly apparent she is masking her inner turmoil. The youngest daughter, Rachel, who has lived with and cared daily for her ailing father, doesn’t outwardly show much emotion. She appears to smoke blunts to dull her senses and when accosted by her nononsense oldest sister about her slacker lifestyle, she shrugs off the words with little to no emotion. Rachel retreats and hides not just from her sisters, but from the situation. Rachel’s apparent lack of maturity isn’t

We can’t thank our community enough for your support. With your help, we have helped many students achieve their dream of attending college.

all it seems once the story unfurls.

This movie is a slow burn. The dialogue is heavy, but rich. Watching each sister interact as their father comes closer to death is difficult, but it’s a more accurate reflection of what death is today –in a modern world – than in any movie I’ve seen to date. The abrupt interruptions of the hospice worker explaining the process of death adds an extra layer of real-world complexity. I love a good movie that can bubble up my emotions, but I really love a good surprise ending, and this one delivered on both. This movie is unexpected, emotional and very much worth a watch. Just keep the tissues close because I promise you will need them.

Future Of Education

by Stephen Scott / Contributing Writer

Just mentioning the word “learning” will usually bring a comment of “that makes my head hurt!” Of course, that is derived from years of “formal” education in K thru 12, and for a small percentage of the population, college. Many people considered their school attendance to be under duress.

Being young at that time of our lives also meant our minds had yet to expand with the ability to understand the greater concepts in play. The lessons we received were much more than just the “three R’s” (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). We also learned discipline (classroom behavior), commitment (showing up each school day) and respect (for our teachers, fellow students and, hopefully, our self!).

Unfortunately, I have friends and acquaintances who literally looked at high school graduation as “the end.” They closed their minds to any possibility of “learning” and assumed they knew all there was to know in life. In reality, what they mentally closed off was one aspect, as we all continue to learn for our entire lives. It may be how to operate the new smartphone. It may be how to use a new power tool, or all of the options in a new car’s entertainment package. Anyone who thinks they do not have to learn anymore is in stark denial, as they probably learn something every day until they die.

As we age, the ability to reason develops, which supports our making important decisions. Like “do I stay at the bar until 2 a.m., or go home at 10 p.m. and get some sleep?” The ramifications of this decision are multifold. Being alert on the job affects the quality of workmanship. If you operate heavy machinery, it could also be the ability to be safe. This falls in line with the second theory of Karma, which postulates the premise that “every action has a consequence.”

When applied to classroom learning, what we have is an attitude. It’s obvious our brains continue to learn, but only

what we decide to learn. While a couple of years of sitting in a college classroom is off-putting to some, the ability to reason should support some consideration of the concept of just what a degree can do for a person. Even more important is realizing where your future lies.

Everyone in a labor-based job is concerned about AI (Artificial Intelligence). While this will not affect a few tradecrafts (i.e., plumbers, electricians and HVAC specialists), robots will very likely continue to replace people, especially in manufacturing. The labor-based professions not affected by AI are much fewer than we would like to think.

On a different note, current calculations indicate that by 2034 over 78% of jobs will require a college education. And the jobs safest from the influx of AI are degree-based. So, getting that “sheepskin” is essentially “future proofing” one’s ability to keep a paycheck coming in!

I constantly admit that I was not ready for college when I graduated high school. I was so hardheaded it took 20 years for me to realize the mistake I made. But more importantly, at that milestone I was no longer close-minded to the concept of returning to school. If you are in similar circumstances, please know the University Center of Ponca City is there to help you evaluate the personal benefit of a college degree. Full-time attendance is not necessary. Just take one course a semester. You will be surprised how quickly those credit hours add up!

Winston Churchill said, “I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” We can all identify with that statement! Please don’t let an attitude shut off a better, sustainable life. At the University Center of Ponca City, Your Future Starts Here!

ACROSS

Stew On That

by Rachel Stewart / Contributing Writer

Is anyone else selectively cheap or is that just me? Why am I okay with buying rounds of margaritas for all my friends which literally will total like $70+ but I will absolutely refuse to pay $.99 for a side of sour cream? Why am I okay with spending $600 on a flight for vacation but not okay with spending $600 on tires for the car I drive every day? I would absolutely never in my entire life spend $100 on a shirt, but I will dang sure spend $100 on a delicious meal. Why am I okay with a $15 cocktail but if their Dr. Peppers are $3.99 with free unlimited refills I won’t do it, no thanks, just a water. Why am I good with spending $200 on a website but not okay with the $5.99 shipping charge? I will empty my online shopping carts expeditiously the moment I see a shipping charge. $80 on shoes I’d wear daily, nope. $80 for a movie and treats? Sign me up. I needed to buy allergy medicine the other day and it was $23.99!!! I said to myself “Honestly, how much do you even like breathing out of your nose?” and promptly left the store without the medicine.

JANUARYISNATIONAL HOBBYMONTH

by Patrick Jordan

1. Overact onstage

6. Doe's mate

10. Takes a short snooze

14. Stop by for a quick visit (2 wds.)

15. "The Wizard of Oz" dog

16. Correct before publishing 17. Counting everything (2 wds.)

18. Vain people have big ones

19. Like the feel of a candle

20.Hobbyinvolvingpensandpaper

23. Hair salon goop

24. Soccer mom's vehicle, perhaps 25. Singer of "Skyfall" and "Hello"

27. San Diego baseball team

31. Like week-old bread

34. "Men in Black" creature

35.Hobbyinvolvingseedsandsoil

39. Section

40. Lighter ___ (Zippo fuel)

41. One who frosts cakes

42.Hobbyinvolvingclassic collectibles

44. Depart

45. Cuban ballroom dance

46. Dangerfield who got "no respect"

47. Movie star Marisa

50. Bone behind your chin

51. Machine gun maker

52.Hobbyinvolvinglensesandlight

60. Word before jump or johns

62. Tehran is its capital

63. Film comedian Hardy's nickname 64. Ancient native of Peru 65. Bouquet holder 66. Decorate

67. Marshmallowy Easter treat

68. Fraternal members who meet in lodges

69. Outings for romantic couples

DOWN

1. Sweepingly grand story

2. ___ Lisa (famous da Vinci painting)

3. Birthstone for a Halloween baby

4. Cash register's drawer

5. Make more energetic or cheerful

6. Boat's back end

7. Julius Caesar's outfit

8. Perched upon

9. "Golly!"

10. Recently manufactured

11. Time-honored bit of wisdom

12. Tiny dot on an iPhone screen

13. Fashion sense

21. It's pumped at a service station

22. Historic Connecticut university

26. Wouldn't admit the truth of

27. Largest of the Three Bears

28. With 56-Down, Hawkeye portrayer

29. It becomes mud when wet

30. Choose to end one's working days

31. Steamy room at a health spa

32. Advanced math subject, for short

33. Find the total of

35. Insincerely talkative

36. "Not if ___ help it!" (2 wds.)

37. Campbell of the "Scream" films

38. ___ Poupon (mustard brand)

40. "Fee-fi-fo-___!"

43. Witty statement

44. Figuratively dishonorable

Eventually all the weed pollen will die and I’ll be fine. $150 on my hair is perfectly reasonable and acceptable but you want me to spend $100 on brake pads for my car? No thank you, if Jesus can take the wheel, he can also take my brakes. I will walk out of Aldi’s carrying 23 items, dropping them all over the place, can barely see over the piles of groceries in my arms, before I’ll pay $.10 for a damn bag. I don’t even know the word “no” when I’m on vacation, but when I’m home, at the grocery store, we’re getting the Great Value brand of ketchup because it’s $.32 cheaper than Heinz. I know I’m incredibly blessed to be able to be selectively cheap, but I still don’t understand why I am the way that I am.

Story by Relo Adams, MS, MCP, LPC-C / Contributing Writer

Winter Blues and Self-Care

Winter is a wonderful time of year for many people. However, there are just as many people who struggle with wintertime for various reasons ranging from the weather becoming colder, to routines changing, to having the holiday blues. I had the privilege of speaking with my licensing supervisor, Ashley Diedrich, about this topic and she was a wealth of knowledge, pulling from her personal life, and providing methods from her years of professional experience. Diedrich is a licensed professional counselor who has provided therapy to adults and children since 2015. She is coming into her fourth year as a district therapist at Ponca City Public Schools, after being a clinical supervisor at Day Springs Mental Health Clinic.

Diedrich reflected on her many years of experience and provided her expert insight on proven methods that children and caregivers can utilize to cope with the low mood that winter and the holiday season often bring. Diedrich states, “Holiday breaks can be heavy for many kiddos. For some students when they leave school, they are going into a home that may not have utilities or basic essentials and food. For others, oftentimes breaks from school mean a huge change in routine or living arrangements. This can be extremely triggering for our students, as well as parents. It’s important to focus on what you can control when major routine changes occur and when many things are happening at once and when feelings are all over the place. When possible, it is important to have a routine to follow, even in the midst of change. Focusing on what you can control means prioritizing your energy on areas of your life where you have influence, rather than expending unnecessary stress on things outside your control.” This approach can bring several key benefits, and Diedrich and I came up with five benefits we’d like to share when utilizing this approach:

1. **Reduced anxiety**

When you release the perceived need to have control of external factors like someone else’s reactions, decisions or behaviors, you avoid the stress of trying to influence the uncontrollable. This helps you maintain a calmer, more grounded mindset.

2.**Productivity**

When you focus on yourself and what you are responsible for and what you actually have control of, your energy will be more efficient and the product you’re in control of will be more fine-tuned and cared for. Consider what you’re actually in control of. We are only truly in control of our own behaviors and decisions and when we focus on that, we will produce our best work and behavior! Focusing on yourself and what you can control, one will

make steady progress toward their goals and have clearer decision-making and more focused action.

3. **Improved emotional well-being**

When you accept that you can’t control everything, this assists in fostering a more balanced and healthy emotional state. When you accept that you can’t control everything, you can expect to have more peace and less frustration, as you let go of what you can’t change, and focus on what you can.

4. **Resilience**

Focusing on controllable aspects of your life helps you develop coping strategies and adaptability. It empowers you to take proactive steps in response to challenges, boosting your ability to bounce back from setbacks.

5. **Enhanced sense of purpose**

When you focus on areas within your control, you gain a sense of agency, which fuels motivation and a clearer sense of direction. You’re more likely to feel purposeful and empowered to make a difference in your own life. Ultimately, focusing on what you can control not only reduces frustration but also maximizes your impact, helping you live more intentionally and with greater peace of mind.

There are various other effective things that have assisted in how students and parents manage over long breaks. Diedrich says, “I always try to tell parents to give lots of downtime for their kids. Holiday times are usually busy, and oftentimes it isn’t realized that children benefit from resting on break. On top of being off their regular routine, children are then taken into overdrive with activity after activity, or visiting loved ones and traveling. While these things aren’t bad, doing them in moderation and spacing them out will be beneficial because when the child becomes extremely exhausted, on top of their change in routine, negative behaviors and reactions can follow. And when the negative behavior occurs, this will cause a chain reaction because the caregiver will become anxious and stressed as a result. It is OK to go slow and to remember to focus on what you can control! You can combat the winter blues by staying active, eating healthy, staying social and connected to your friend group. Also, try and get as much sun as you can and sharing your feelings!”

During the holiday season, and any season, it is essential to have meaningful conversations with the people in your life. Making that connection and verbally touching base and inquiring how

they are doing, how they are feeling, and seeing if there is anything you can help with significantly affects someone’s mood and can improve their feelings because this will allow them to see they are not alone. They will see they are not alone in their feelings, and that people do care! Making this connection matters far more than extensive shopping or doing a million activities or being extremely busy.

Diedrich reflects that many of her fondest memories from the holiday season growing up and having her own family are the traditions and quality time that are shared, rather than any presents she received or had given; although she gladly takes credit for being the best gift giver. This experience transcends her own life and is something that is beneficial to other families and students to focus on as well. With so many experiencing financial hardships, many students will only receive warm clothes for Christmas, if they’re lucky, rather than the latest trendy toy or makeup brush set. This can be hard on the mental health of the student, as well as the caregiver! Diedrich says, “Making a point to make the meaningful connections with your loved ones by simply talking to them will mean far more than any gift. Long term, those memories and conversations will be what is remembered the most, not what was purchased for Christmas.”

Many students live in a split household, and are gone over weekends and holiday breaks. For some, this means they will be around people they don’t like or who they’re uncomfortable around. Diedrich says, “It is OK to feel all of your feelings, and it is OK to not like certain people, including family members. There can be people in your life or in your family that you don’t want to spend a lot of your time with. If this occurs, it is important to utilize safe and appropriate coping skills. It is OK to take a break from uncomfortable environments or people. Someone can do this by intentionally staying close to someone they are more comfortable with, taking a walk, reading, doodling or singing a song in your head or out loud. Keep in mind, not everyone can belt ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ like Mariah Carey, so be considerate of others. Also, practice mindfulness by being in the moment, the here and now! Mindfulness is being intentionally aware of your present environments and paying attention to what is happening that very moment without judgment. When practicing mindfulness, someone would pay attention to what they are thinking about, identifying their emotions and observing their surroundings without reacting. This may be beneficial to helping you narrow down what you can control and assisting in identifying things you can do to help improve your comfort level.”

Regardless of where you or your child may end up this holiday season, what your routine may be, or if you’re going to be around your least favorite person, remember to breathe! Feel free to practice some or all of the self-care strategies Diedrich and I have shared and discussed. By implementing these strategies, you can help manage the stress, low moods and heavy feelings that often accompany the holiday season or any stressful season in life.

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance of any kind, please feel free to reach out to your local community mental health agency or call or text 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline) or call 911 for immediate emergencies.

Take care of yourselves,

– Relo Adams, Mr. Ponca City

HOLMES, MARPLE & POE

by James Patterson & Brian Sitts

Anyone recognize these names?

Holmes. Sherlock Holmes. In my opinion, the most recognizable detective ever, real or fictional. Created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Known for his next-level powers of observation, logical reasoning and deduction. Expert in forensic science. Had a weakness for cocaine. Most famous quote: “When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

Marple. Miss Marple. Another unbelievably famous fictional amateur sleuth. Created by Agatha Christie. Intuitive and intelligent, with an impressive understanding of human foibles. Seems to catch random comments that help solve mysteries. An avid birdwatcher.

Poe. Edgar Allan Poe. American author and poet. Best known for his short stories, mysteries and the macabre. Considered to be the creator of the detective fiction genre. Created detective Auguste Dupin, the detective introduced in the short story, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”

Holmes, Marple & Poe features Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe. All three share similarities with their namesakes. Brendan

is science-minded with a keen sense of smell. Margaret is a charming sleuth who works best behind the scenes and undercover. Auguste is a weapons expert with a weakness for muscle cars and gorgeous women.

What’s impressive is that these three solve unsolvable crimes while astounding the police. What’s odd is that these three private detectives are ghosts. Facial recognition software only returned hits on their driver’s licenses. No DNA matches were found for them in any of the databases. All three also have New York State Private Investigator licenses without fingerprints on file.

Their detective agency takes on multiple cases in this novel: the disappearance of a young Black female attorney; a Shakespeare First Folio and a 1455 Gutenberg Bible stolen from an impenetrable vault; a missing husband and daughter.

Two thumbs up!

Reviewed by Lorrie Layton

The Best Christmas Pageant

by Barbara Robinson

When I heard that they were remaking the film version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I couldn’t wait to reread one of my favorite childhood books! (Also, the original movie came out in 1983, the same year Brace Books became your local bookstore!)

We join Beth Bradley, our narrator, as she introduces us to the Herdmans: Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie and Gladys! Beth is in the same grade as Imogene, and Beth’s younger brother Charlie is in the same grade as Leroy. Now the Herdmans are a bit of a wild crew. They tend to get into trouble, pick on other kids (and each other, honestly) and they surely do not attend Sunday school like most of the others do in this town. That is until Charlie lets it slip one day that Sunday school has the best snacks! The Herdmans never turn down a free snack; so next Sunday, there they were.

It just so happens, that it is time to start

Ever

preparing for the annual Christmas pageant. While they didn’t expect the Herdman children to hang around long once the snacks were gone, these kids wouldn’t possibly miss out on a chance to be the center of attention! When auditions came around and no one else volunteered for the major roles of Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and the Angel, except the Herdmans, what were they to do?! It soon became clear the kids had no idea what the Story of Christmas truly meant. As the parents complained and worried that the Christmas pageant would be ruined, maybe it was them who didn’t understand the true meaning of the season!

Will the pageant be a horrible nightmare or turn into a beautiful learning experience for all involved?

Reviewed by Tara Anson

Book Reviews

CHAMBER BUZZ

Story by Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce CEO | Contributing Writer

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the energy and progress the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has brought to our community. This year, we focused on revitalization, member engagement and growth, with several new initiatives and updates enhancing connections within our community and creating fresh opportunities for local businesses and leaders.

An exciting accomplishment this year has been the reorganization of the Leadership Ponca City Alumni Group. With a renewed focus on building strong connections and encouraging leadership development and knowledge, the LPC Alumni group is now more active than ever. Our first major event was a memorable session at the historic Chilocco Indian Agriculture School. This unique learning experience allowed us to explore Chilocco’s history and significance as a federal boarding school aimed at assimilating Native American youth through military-style discipline and agriculture training. Participants toured the grounds and heard from alumni who have fond memories of Chilocco. Leaders were able to engage in discussions about honoring and learning from the past, while building a future that recognizes diversity and humanity.

This year also saw the launch of our partnership with the Oklahoma State Chamber to bring the ChamberCare Benefits Program to our investors. ChamberCare Benefits Program is an innovative healthcare solution tailored to support Oklahoma small and mid-sized businesses, from 2-50 employees. Recognizing the challenge that rising healthcare costs pose to local businesses, the program was designed to provide affordable health benefits previously accessible only to larger corporations. The qualifications for ChamberCare are being an investor in a local chamber that is also a member of the Oklahoma State Chamber. The Ponca City Area Chamber

of Commerce has been an Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce member for 38 years. By supporting the well-being of our workforce, we’re strengthening local businesses and contributing to the economic health of Ponca City. Our investors’ enthusiasm for this program has been inspiring, and we’re proud to offer a solution that directly benefits our local community.

If you’ve stopped by the Ponca City Visitor Center recently, you’ve likely noticed the stunning changes made! The remodel is more than just aesthetic; it’s about creating a warm and welcoming experience that showcases Ponca City’s attractions. Our new back-lit “Welcome to Ponca City” sign looks incredible in the lobby, especially after dark from our charming corner office with its full windows. The installation of the Edison lighting, part of the City’s streetscape project, adds a beautiful touch, juxtaposing modern illumination with historic charm. This remodel is about creating lasting impressions, inviting visitors to stay, return and explore all Ponca City has to offer.

2024 was also an investment drive year for the Chamber. Our investment drive goal was to welcome 80 new investors to the Chamber. As of the submission of this article, we’re thrilled to report that we have 73 new investors, putting us on the brink of achieving this ambitious target. Our new investors for the last two years have nearly doubled previous years’ numbers. We are incredibly grateful to every investor who has chosen to support the Chamber and our mission to strengthen Ponca City’s business community. Together, we are creating a strong foundation for our future growth.

Our Diamonds and Ice Party at the Palace brought a fresh twist to this non-sponsorship year, allowing us to celebrate with our community and supporters in style. In January,

we’ll kick off our biennial sponsorship Party at the Palace, at the beautiful Marland Mansion. As our only major fundraiser, the sponsorship Party at the Palace provides crucial support for Chamber initiatives. Unlike many chambers that rely on year-round fundraising, we appreciate our investors’ tremendous support for this single, biannual sponsorship event helping us focus our resources on the programs and services that benefit businesses and the quality of life in Ponca City.

As we turn the page to 2025, we are excited to welcome Ashley Miller as our incoming Chamber Chair, effective Jan. 1. Miller brings fresh ideas and a passion for leadership that promises an inspiring year ahead. Kelsey Wagner has been an incredible 2024 Chamber Chair, and we were blessed to have her passion for the Chamber as she led us in the “Invest in Success” Campaign!

We also extend our gratitude to our outgoing Chamber Board Members Chad Barney, Kaity Beaty, Kevin Florer and Noel Melendez for their dedication and contributions over the last three years! We warmly welcome our 2025 incoming Chamber Board Members Karly MerrifieldFagg, Ryan McIntosh, Jeremy Sacket, Jennifer Swords and Nancy Tyndall. We look forward to the unique perspectives and expertise these amazing people will bring to the Chamber.

Thank you for an incredible year! We invite you to join us as we build on this momentum, nurturing a thriving Ponca City for years to come. For more information on becoming a Chamber investor, supporting our initiatives or getting involved in upcoming events, please visit us at the Visitor Center, 420 E. Grand, or contact the Chamber at 580-765-4400. Let’s keep Ponca City moving forward – together!

When the Holidays Aren’t so Jolly

Story by Kelli Northcutt, Community Health Foundation Executive Director | Contributing Writer

The time from Thanksgiving through the end of the year is supposed to be “the best time of the year,” but to many, it can be the most stressful and hardest. Whether it’s financial concerns, an overpacked schedule or missing a loved one, the holidays can often leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained.

In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 49% of U.S. adults described their holiday season stress as “moderate,” and 43% said the stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the holidays. In a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people with a mental illness said the holidays make their condition worse and three in five Americans say the holidays negatively impact their mental health. What’s worse is that 38% of adults who experience the stress and negative impacts of this season, report that they use negative coping skills like isolating themselves, changing their eating habits by overeating or restricting their diets or relying on substances like alcohol or nicotine to feel better.

To help prevent the stress, depression and anxiety of the season, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if the holidays have been difficult for you in the past. The Mayo Clinic provides suggestions on ways to cope with this season in a healthy way.

1. Acknowledge your feelings – It is normal this time of year to experience sadness and grief, especially if it’s the

first holiday without a loved one or you are unable to spend the holiday with family. It’s OK and healthy to take time to grieve and express your feelings.

2. Reach out – If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community with your church, friend group or family. Volunteering this season may also be a good way to lift your spirits.

3. Be realistic – The holidays don’t have to be perfect! If you aren’t able to hold to your usual traditions, start a new one! Be flexible in your routine and schedule and find new ways to celebrate if needed.

4. Set aside differences – Try to accept friends and family as they are, even if they don’t live up to your expectations. Also, give extra grace to them during the holiday season as they are likely experiencing stress and grief as well.

5. Stick to a budget – Before you shop for gifts or get-togethers, decide how much you can spend and stick to it! Don’t try to buy your happiness or someone else’s with gifts.

6. Plan ahead – Set aside specific days for shopping, baking and spending time with friends and family. Plan any menus ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.

7. Learn to say no – Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling overwhelmed or resentful. Others will understand if you can’t participate in every activity.

8. Don’t abandon healthy habits –Overindulgence at the holidays adds to stress and guilt. Incorporate physical activity several times a week and eat a healthy snack before attending holiday parties.

9. Take a breather – Make some time for yourself. Spending just a few minutes by yourself may refresh you to tackle your to-do list. Find something that reduces your stress like going for a walk, listening to soothing music or reading a book.

10. Seek professional help if you need it – If you feel persistently anxious, unable to sleep, irritable or hopeless, talk to your health care provider or a mental health professional.

Though the holidays can be stressful or difficult, use the time as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and take part in activities or traditions that benefit your well-being. Plan ahead, pay attention to your mental health and, hopefully, find a little peace and joy this holiday season.

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Cheeseburger

Cheeseburger

Thursday:

A Taste Of Love

Dewitt Geurin

Instead of a local restaurant recommendation, I am going to end 2024 on a more personal note.

Food has been a focal point of my adult life. It has been significant to me because it has been a way to connect with others, a way to learn about different cultures and a powerful way to show people you care.

My husband, Rodger, was a fantastic cook. Not a chef, but he had a way of perfecting a dish that made it unforgettable. He was meticulous and creative with his cooking. He would latch on to an idea and wouldn’t stop until it was flawless. I remember one of the first times we had crème brûlée and immediately following the meal, he decided not only was he going to learn how to make it, but he was also going to make it better. And he did. To this day, I have three dozen different ramekins in my cabinets, as he was painstakingly going

through various styles of dishes until he found the perfect one. He wanted whatever dish he was making to be the best because he was cooking for people he loved.

We planned travel based around food. I cannot remember a single trip where food wasn’t a main part of the agenda. In 2019, we traveled to Mexico City specifically to eat at Quintonil, which was ranked #24 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The two of us ate there on Thanksgiving Day and it was exceptional. Currently, Quintonil is ranked #7 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It’s worth the trip.

My dad was a wonderful comfort food cook. He made the best fried chicken I have had. His food was simple, filling and flavorful. Throughout my early childhood, he baked me a cake from scratch every birthday. Being a child of the 1980s, I was obsessed with Smurfs. For my fifth birthday, he made me a cake in the shape of

a Smurf, and it was decorated perfectly. Keep in mind, this man was not artistic nor was he a cake decorator. He was a farmer, yet he mastered this cake as a way to show his love. My brother, Andy, has inherited Dad’s love of cooking for others, and he makes me food often and we frequently cook and drink together.

Rodger and I have naturally surrounded ourselves with people who love food as much as we do. Over the past 15 years, it is impossible to put a number on the times we have cooked with and shared meals with our tight circle of friends. To go into someone’s home and prepare a meal with them is something that has such a positive impact on a person’s overall well-being. It may sound dramatic, but it’s true. We bonded with strangers through a common love of food and these people are now some of the most important people in our lives.

2024 has been a heavy year. Rodger lost a long and hardfought battle with brain cancer in October; my dad passed away in May. Both men had an extraordinary impact on my life and a lot of my time with each of them was spent around food. My dad cooked for his family regularly, well into the phase of life where my siblings and I were adults. I have spent countless hours in the kitchen and around tables with my husband over the past 25 years, and unbeknownst to me at the time, created memories that are some of the happiest a person could ever hope for in this life.

If you’re searching for a recommendation, it is this: Share the food you love with those you love, as often as you can. Food is not only meant to nourish, but also to fulfill us. Happy Eating, friends.

For more tasty food fun, check out @foodcrushok on IG and Facebook.

Story & Photos By Amy

| Contributing Writer

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Coquito

I’m back with another holiday cocktail because let’s be real, you’re going to need something strong to survive the annual family chaos. And if there’s one drink that practically shouts holiday spirit in Puerto Rico, it’s Coquito, a creamy, coconut-infused cocktail. The flavor is sort of a cross between boozy eggnog & Horchata. Passed down through generations, this drink isn’t just delicious, it’s steeped in history, going all the way back to Puerto Rico’s early days.

Coquito’s roots go way back to the Taíno people, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico, who first combined coconut with native spices to craft a frothy, flavorful drink. As time went on, the Spaniards gave it their twist during the colonial era, adding condensed milk and Caribbean rum to the mix. These new ingredients transformed the drink into the creamy, spiced delight we love today, blending European flair with a tropical twist.

Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer

In Puerto Rico, Coquito’s been the drink of choice for Christmas and New Year’s forever. Every family had their own special recipe, often adding little personal touches like vanilla, cloves or extra rum. It’s still a holiday favorite in Puerto Rico, but its popularity has spread all over the world, especially at festive gatherings.

The best cocktails aren’t just drinks, they’re like little sips of history, family traditions, and maybe a few secrets passed down from your great-grandparents. Coquito has outlasted even your grandma’s fruitcake recipe, and with every sip, you’re continuing a tradition that’s survived centuries of family drama, fiestas and the occasional holiday meltdown. The holidays are hard enough, so pour yourself a glass, raise it high and toast to getting through another season with your sanity (mostly) intact. ¡Salud y Feliz Navidad!

Recipe:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can of evaporated milk

• 1 can of cream of coconut

• 1/2 cup of white rum

• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

In a blender, combine evaporated milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, vanilla extract and cinnamon, blending on high for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large glass bottle and chill until cold. To serve, pour Coquito into a small glass and garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

The Sunny Side

by Liz Threlkeld / Contributing Writer

Welcome to “The Sunny Side” where we’ll chat about all things homesteading! My name is Liz Threlkeld and I have been homesteading with my family in small forms or large fashions for most of my life. From growing gardens to DIY projects, to cooking and preserving, to raising and processing our own meat animals, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’m excited to get to share some of this life with you. Ready? Let’s grow!

Multigenerational Homesteading

A

New Old Way to Live

Hey, Friends!

As I’m sure you know, homesteading is a lot of work. There’s no shortage of tasks to be done and how many times have you wished you could clone yourself? There’s never really an “offseason” for us, but things do slow down outside when the cold comes. With the hush of winter overtaking the autumn season, it gives us time to pause and reflect. I’ve been doing some reflecting of my own…

Only a short century ago, it was common to live as a multigenerational unit. I like to ask hard questions of my reality so I wonder, is the general American idea of “kids move out when they’re adults and the elderly go into nursing homes” really my opinion? I’m not so sure it is anymore ...

to the same source, 72% of people living multigenerationally, have no plans to live otherwise. Here are some reasons to consider how this new old trend might be impactful to your homestead journey:

1. Outdoor tasks such as gardening and husbandry become a shared weight –more bodies to chase the loose animals and more minds to help solve those pesky gardening issues.

I know there are always exceptions to everything, and I certainly don’t judge anyone for making those choices. Besides, we raised our own kids with the mentality of moving out once they reached adulthood. I’m also thankful for facilities that can provide assistance to those elderly who have need of them. Still, I mull over

What have we given up as a society by segregating our generations and how can we get the good things back?

According to the American Society on Aging, multigenerational living is on the rise. According

2. Indoor tasks such as cooking, household chores and childcare can be divided up.

3. The Golden Oldies can find companionship, purpose and care. The middle-aged can access timely advice and support. The kiddos can learn how to care for others.

4. Familial bonds tend to become close-knit when members live together. This can provide emotional support, stress-relief and can enhance overall mental health. It can also breed respect and understanding.

5. Skills can be taught up and down the generational line. Traditions, values, languages, cooking, home/auto repair and customs can be passed to the youngsters. Technology, trends, entertainment, scam awareness and an adaptive mindset can be shared with the elders.

6. Having a sense of safety in terms of emergencies and health monitoring.

7. Living collectively conserves resources.

“What have we given up as a society by segregating our generations and how can we get the good things back?”

Appliances, lawn care equipment and vehicles, along with the financial burden of the house, land and utilities can be shared.

RLC Farm, located northeast of Ponca City, is a hyper-local example of a working multigenerational homestead. Because everyone contributes, they thrive in a supportive environment where they all benefit from the strengths and resources of each other. In their case, they live in separate homes on the same property but many meals are shared around the same table. My family and I have had the privilege of joining theirs on multiple butchering days and to see their family dynamic at work is such a treat! If you’d like more inspiration from their journey, scan the QR code to go to their Facebook page, or just search “RLC Farm”.

Action item: I encourage you to examine what you believe, talk with your family about it, gain their perspective. You may find yourself on a whole new path!

My advice: The way that would work for you, may look totally different from RLC Farm, and THAT’S OK! Go into it with realistic expectations and avoid romanticizing it.

Blazing new old trails!

Liz Threlkeld

It’s the night before Christmas in Oklahoma and you’re nestled snug in your bed. Your stocking is hung by the chimney with care – will Santa visit YOUR HOUSE? Follow Santa’s journey to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ardmore, and more in this magical retelling of a classic children’s Christmas book starring landmarks like The Golden Driller and Skydance Bridge. An ideal Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer, this read-aloud story is the perfect way for kids, parents, grandparents, and caregivers to celebrate the holiday season in Oklahoma. Also includes a letter from Santa letting your kiddo know they made the nice list! Hardcover book… $1199

We have Santa Bucks tickets!

Having the Conversation:

Helping Others

Story by Stephanie Krenn | Contributing Writer

The holiday season is in full swing, though it seems retail stores have been preparing since July. This time of year, calendars are filling up as we plan around school breaks, family vacations, time off from work or even working overtime to spend extra on food and gifts. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I want to take time and acknowledge that this season does not feel like a celebration for everyone, and we should be sensitive to what that could look like.

Pondering my first holiday season following a major medical diagnosis, I could not give a voice to how I felt and thought. That caused hurt, confusion and frustration for those around me. They wanted to be supportive, but were unsure how to do so, as I was unsure how to communicate my own needs. Months into treatment, I had been playing the part of keeping things together for the sake of my family and my job. Pushing through the emotions of fear, loss, anger, confusion. Without understanding that I could give myself grace and remove some of the responsibilities from my plate, there would be no slowing down, and no asking for help. Life had to continue with family schedules and routines, commitments to church ministries and an emerging project at work that required my problem-solving skills at their peak. Against the advice of a good friend, I was attempting to be a superhero while also fighting for my survival. Funny that I felt I was the exception to her rule. As I have asked others what they remembered about that time, I discovered the appearance of my having control was managed quite well. In reality, it was an illusion.

sickness and waves of depression not quit. The holiday season was not shaping up as it had in years past and it was hard to grasp how quickly everything had changed. I began to understand that nothing looks the same after a diagnosis, or a major life change in general. There is life before, and then life after. It does not have to be good or bad, but it just looks different. My normal had shifted and it was anyone’s guess where it would settle.

I needed help, as we all do sometimes, and I realized it that first Thanksgiving. My husband and I agreed to still have family over to the house, but my job was only to stay put and enjoy the company. That seemed easy at first, but I quickly realized I did not know how to navigate this new world. I was caught between wanting everyone to enjoy themselves and feeling like I was casting a shadow over the day by being the sick elephant in the room. The emotions I had pushed down and plastered over with a smile and hard work now began to seep out at the most inopportune time. With the conversation and laughter happening in the living room and kitchen, I removed myself to the bedroom to cry and remain isolated for the rest of the day. By midDecember, the chemotherapy side effects had increased substantially, and I found myself at a new low in energy and in spirit. I struggled with

Many people this time of year are in situations where uncertainty for their physical and emotional well-being are far removed from where they expected. Changes with employment, family dynamics or circumstances beyond their control can be overwhelming. Maintaining the life they knew may now seem a distant memory. This is when the rest of us must play our part in sharing the burden with them. Slow down, look up from your phone and take time to see changes in other people. Are they engaging in normal situations the same way this year, or are they isolating? Have life circumstances changed for them recently and they need resources for financial or emotional assistance? Some people are used to being in control and need to know others are supportive when their contributions to life and family diminish for a time. If someone appears to be choosing their hard path alone, please consider it might be that they are unsure how to communicate their needs or fearful of what you might think.

Take into consideration when you needed someone to step into your life and bring you hope, along with tangible items to move you in a more positive direction. If you have the ability to help them directly, please do so with humility. If you are not equipped with the answers or resources, then I urge you to engage with your community and learn what is available so you can take your friends and neighbors to the places that can help. We are surrounded with wonderful faith-based and nonprofit organizations that meet a variety of needs. As those organizations receive more requests for assistance this time of year, I know they would appreciate the donation of your personal time, and financial support, to continue their missions. I pray we can be a community that prioritizes loving and helping others, because it was that kind of community that brought me through the hardest trials of life when I thought I had to handle it all myself, and it will be that kind of support that helps all of us to a better future. Until next time, all my best, and Merry Christmas.

DIAMOND FASHION, STUD AND HOOP EARRINGS

RINGS, EARRINGS, & PENDANTS