Ponca City Monthly January 2023

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Letter from the Editor

When I was young, we lived way out in the country. We had to, as we said, “fight the mud”, anytime we had to make the perilous journey to town, after any form of precipitation had hit the ground. We had two roads that led into town, but only one “good” road, with a shale rock surface, that would get us there, no matter the weather condition. The other option was a plain, unsurfaced dirt road. Naturally, it was the shorter and faster route, and it was adequately safe to drive on in dry conditions- however, when it rained, even if just a little, it would quickly become impassible.

Despite knowing the risk that the dirt road posed, there were several times we got stuck in the mud, simply because the lure of taking a “shorter route” was enough to tempt fate. “Oh, it’s been three days since it rained; the east road should be fine by now.” Famous last words.

Our family car got stuck, our neighbors got stuck, and when I was a teenager and old enough to drive myself, I got stuck. We even had a combine get stuck once! As recently as a couple of years ago, I was on autopilot one day driving to the farm, and took the east road when it had rained recently, and I got stuck….again.

You have never really lived until you have walked a mile and a half on a squishy, muddy road back to your house in shame knowing this situation was fully avoidable. With every slow, methodical step, the layers of mud begin to coat the bottom of your shoes. Every step is heavier as the layers pile up. There’s a tell-tale sound that is made as your shoe squelches deep down into the soft mud, and a “schlak” sound as your shoe breaks from the suction of the mud. There’s a good reason that walking through mud is often described as “trudging.” Once you have trudged, I promise you will never forget it.

The last time I got stuck, I made a deal with myself that I would never go down that road again. Rain or shine, it didn’t matter. Since making that decision, and standing firm in it, I have not gotten stuck in the mud. Funny how that works, right?

There are so many things in life that we cannot control. Life is full of situations that we have no way of fixing. But what we can control is which roads we choose to travel down. Take it from someone who has spent her life learning lessons the hard way; if you are tired of trudging through the mud, it may be time to change course and take a new path.

editor@poncacitymonthly.com

On the cover: Kids in the RecPlex trampoline court. Read more on page 22.

Cover Design by Andy Hicks

Photos by Kelsey Wagner & Andy Hicks

Inspiring Mobility & Independence

AMBUCS began life as American Business Clubs, a membership organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities. As their model changed to a more standard 501c3 charitable organization, that name no longer described us. So, in 1961, it was shortened to AMBUCS (pronounced AM-BUCKS).

In the mid-1990s AMBUCS started making and giving away therapeutic tricycles as a national project. They called both the trykes and the company that makes them, Amtryke. Amtryke, LLC is fully owned by National AMBUCS, Inc.

AMBUCS now has more than 5,000 members in more than 150 chapters in over 30 states. AMBUCS members work on a grassroots level to fulfill their mission, “Inspiring Mobility & Independence.” The Amtryke Therapeutic Tricycle Program is one of the main ways they do that. AMBUCS members fundraise for, and give away, about 3,500 Amtrykes each year.

The Ponca City AMBUCS

Story by Kayley Speilbusch/Staff Writer

The Ponca City AMBUCS contribute so much to our community, including transportation and mobility aids for those with disabilities. The Ponca City chapter is one of the 157 chapters in the United States.

AMBUCS is a national nonprofit that began as American Business Clubs. In 1922 the first chapter was formed. The name was officially shortened to AMBUCS in 1961. The Ponca City chapter was chartered around 1928 and was one of the first five chapters in the nation, along with Enid. Herman Smith, former AMBUCS National President, was inspired by the success of these Oklahoma chapters and began promoting AMBUCS nationally.

In the 1990s, AMBUCS began its Amtryke program, offering modified tricycles to mobilitychallenged people in America.

said Bill Stuever. Stuever was president of the Ponca City AMBUCS in 1998 and 1999. He is currently the Chair of the Ponca City Motocross.

Each Amtryke is suited to the rider’s personal needs. The trykes aid in physical and

occupational therapies, along with mobility for outdoor activities. There are no age limits on who can receive a tryke.

Wheelchair ramps are another mobility aid the Ponca City AMBUCS offer our community,

“Helping people with disabilities is our main goal,”

whether for short-term or long-term use. Ramps that are used temporarily, such as in the case of broken bones, are given to somebody else when that person no longer has a need.

“AMBUCS also offers scholarships to college students studying in a therapy program,” explained Stuever. “Thousands of dollars are raised nationally each year.”

The Ponca City chapter has fundraisers through local events, with the Motocross Races being their largest. The races have been held

for over 40 years. Stuever was inspired to join the AMBUCS after seeing their involvement in the races. “I was hired to work maintenance at the Motocross track when I was in high school,” Stuever recalls. “I saw firsthand everything that the AMBUCS do for our community and decided I wanted to be involved.” He joined in 1994.

Another large project the Ponca City AMBUCS funded is the Ambuc Pool. After the Bogan Pool shut down, they saw that Ponca City needed another pool and decided to fund-raise for one. They raised $600,000, with the help of the

community. Today, Ambuc Pool is still one of Ponca City’s most popular summer attractions.

Other projects the Ponca City AMBUCS have funded include the playground and pavilion at Lake Ponca, where they’ve hosted their annual Easter egg hunt for over 50 years. Their Thanksgiving and Christmas aid programs help families during the holiday season, and they have one of the largest Veteran’s Day celebrations in Oklahoma. Ponca City wouldn’t be what it is today without the AMBUCS.

Those in need of mobility aids can reach out on the Ponca City Noon Ambucs Facebook Page.

Breathing New Life Into Old Buildings

At 99 years old, the historic Masonic Lodge Building in downtown Ponca City is being carefully and lovingly restored

Story and Photos by Everett Brazil, III/Staff Writer

The Masonic Lodge Building in downtown Ponca City is the pinnacle of Grand Avenue. Rising some eight stories into the skyline, it is easily visible to drivers throughout the downtown district, with signs on the rooftop announcing its presence. The building had its glory days in the early 20th century but fell into hard times in the latter part of the last century and also the early 21st century. Decades after those downturns, current owners Richard and Debbie Winterrowd are bringing the building back to life and into its own renaissance as they are rehabilitating the structure that was otherwise an ailing structure.

The eye-catching structure climbs six floors above Grand Avenue, and includes a mezzanine and lower level and a basement underneath. The Winterrowds purchased the building in November 2013.

“I bought it at a sheriff’s sale,” Richard said, relating that the building had fallen into disrepair under the previous owner.

The Winterrowds have sunk a minor fortune into the facility in an effort to return it to its heyday, and that seems to be paying off, bringing a new facelift into, and onto, a structure that has so longed for tender loving care.

Architects Smith & Senter, of Kansas City, designed the facility, with construction beginning in 1923. The Grand Opening was in 1924. A fireplace on the fourth floor, associated with the Ponca City Masonic Lodge, recognized the construction date as MCMXXIII, Roman numerals for 1923.

The facility was built as an office building, with each floor having individual spaces

for a wide variety of businesses. The street floor was Security State Bank, founded by E.W. Marland.

“Marland’s Security State Bank moved from a smaller location to the anchor of the building,” Richard said.

Other banks would operate the facility, including Security National Bank, Eastman National Bank and most recently, Equity Bank.

Lew Wentz Oil Company would also take up the space on the second story of the building.

The Crown Jewel of the building resided on the fourth and fifth floors, where the Ponca City Masonic Lodge held their meetings. He added that Marland and Wentz were faithful Masons, making it suitable that the Lodge would hold meetings inside the facility.

“There were several Masonic Lodges that used the facility,” he said. “They used it until they built their current one on West Grand, across from West Middle School.”

As the oil boom continued, a variety of businesses would house offices in the building, ranging from lumber businesses, law offices to oil magnates, not least of which was Wentz.

“Lew Wentz had the whole second floor,” he said. “At one time he was the richest independent oilman in America.”

Medical facilities also took up residence in the building.

“It used to be that all the doctors and dentists were in that building,” he said.

The basement itself was once busy with customers in its own right.

“At one time there were extensive stairs going down to barber shops and other tenants in the

basement, but those were covered up,” he said when they resurfaced the sidewalks.

That class and quality would deteriorate, and the facility would fall into disrepair, a far cry from the happy days of the building when it was teeming with life, both businesses and customers.

“It slowly went into decline, had a lot of deferred maintenance on the building, so it wasn’t taken care of,” he said. “The roof was bad and leaked, and tenants got tired of getting wet and moved out.”

The Winterrowds bought the building in the shadow of its former self.

“It was the first Class A building in Ponca City,” he said, clarifying that “Class A is the highest level of office space, the best quality.”

6 week challenge.

Participants gain points by completing outlined fitness/wellness activities.

Participants who are not members of the RecPlex gain membership access during the challenge.

Prizes awarded to 1st-3rd-place finishers. $45 for non-members, $15 for members.

Challenge starts Jan. 16th and runs thru Feb. 24.th

For more information, call 580-767-0430.

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“When we bought the building, we inherited (Eastman National Bank), Becker Oil Co., Pioneer Oil Co. and Shafer Law,” he said, adding that they were the last remaining tenants of the structure, at least at the time.

With a background in architecture, Richard knew well what had to be addressed, starting with that leaky roof. In fact, it was his first project, as he has seen other Ponca buildings lose bad roofs due to water.

Work began on the third floor, and today, all floors have been restored, save for the fourth and fifth floors, which encompass the former

Masonic Lodge meeting area. Not only have the renovations been completed but they are once again alive with tenants, offering a wide

variety of services, ranging from hair and nail salons, CPAs (certified public accountants) and even an agricultural group located on the top floor.

Opening floor three helped bring in the funding needed for the continuing renovations.

“We started on the third floor, and as we finished that floor, there was a cash flow,” he said. “We moved to the second floor and remodeled it to the style of the original building, and they are 100 percent occupied.”

One of those tenants is Beauty 214 Studio, located at 214 on the second floor of the

OILFIELD

“Slowly over the years we’ve been reversing the dilapidation of the building,” he said. “We put a roof on it and put in high-efficiency lights and heating and cooling systems.”

building. Taylor Welborn and Kelsey Atkins are the proprietors of the business, which provides services like haircuts, extensions and colors. This is the second year they have been in the building.

The fourth floor opens into where the meetings were held, with dust lining everything, floor to ceiling. Looking up inside the entry is a balcony where meetings may have been facilitated, a level above the main floor which itself fields an impressive view.

The Masons would eventually move to a new location, 1200 W. Grand Ave. and the onceproud Masonic Lodge meeting room would later be occupied by a communications company, greatly altering the facility to meet its extensive computer needs, Richard said.

The ultimate goal is to completely renovate the former Masonic Lodge space for yet more tenants.

the rooftop, where not only the Downtown District is clearly visible, but all wind farms in the area are seen, and grain elevators in Kildare and Tonkawa are distantly viewable. In the far distance, beyond the Phillips66 refinery, the OG & E power plant on Sooner Lake is faintly seen.

Recent sidewalk construction projects have been seen along the side of the building, making them safer for all members of the community.

“The city just renovated half of our sidewalk, and they’re going to do the other half next summer, and we really appreciate the investment in the sidewalk,” he said.

A final renovation, aside from the Masonic Lodge will be the installment of a new flagpole atop the roof, which will proudly fly the American Flag above downtown Ponca City.

“We’re coming in on our 100th anniversary in 2024, and we’d like to put a flagpole on the roof,” he said.

As for the Winterrowds, the renovation of the building is a humble, personal project. It is an effort to bring new life into an aging building. The goal is keeping the building alive while also bringing other new businesses to life.

“We’ve had a great interest in the building,” Richard said. “People love historic buildings.”

The view from tenant’s windows has changed as downtown has become more modern over the decades. The salon’s interior is modern and sleek, but the view from inside, including the interior hallways, has been restored as close to original as possible, maintaining the traditional look as it was so many years ago. “It’s been great. We got to choose the floor, the paint color,” Welborn said. “We were one of the first salons here.”

All that is left to restore is the Masonic Lodge, floors four and five. Gone is the excitement of the Masons meeting together on those floors, as the scene now depicts one of emptiness and unuse, a scene ready for rehabilitation.

“We have the fourth and fifth floors undeveloped, and each floor is approximately 5,000 square ft.,” he said.

“The whole building is 62,000 square ft.”

Each view level above the lower reveals an increasingly beautiful city scape, as the Downtown District slowly comes alive with much more visible sights in all directions. The best view of all is from

“I love it because I feel like it is a little getaway,” Welborn said, elaborating that it’s a change of pace, and even scenery, from the small town in Ponca City. “It’s like I’m in Ponca, but I’m not in Ponca.”

and Wellness of Po-Hi Students

Story and Photos by Kendra Stolhand/ Staff Intern

As the second semester starts for the Po-Hi Wildcats, so does senioritis. The school days seem to go by slower, and everyone anticipates the upcoming school break. Mental health has become a huge topic of discussion with the Po-Hi students. Students are under tons of pressure from their teachers, coaches, peers and parents.

As a student, a teacher, a parent, a mentor – anyone who knows a student in any way – being aware of a student’s overall mental health is vital. As a teenager, it can often be difficult to ask for help. Here are some warning signs to be aware of when interacting with students.

Homework. The first step to a student’s declining mental health is falling behind on homework. Once the work starts to fall behind, it can snowball into days of

uncompleted assignments. When enough work is unfinished, it

seems too taxing to know where to start, so students give up trying. They skip class or don’t pay attention during lectures. Being on top of homework is so important when in high school. Sometimes that simply means staying organized or finding a little time before bed to study for that test; staying on task and finishing schoolwork can make for a better day.

Friends. It’s just like every cliché high school movie; being in the wrong friend group can make school 10x more stressful than it needs to be. Friends should never be discouraging, rude or jealous. They are there to raise spirits and be supportive; if they fail to do so, they are not real friends.

Activities. Students are constantly busy. They push themselves to be a part of every school activity, and it quickly becomes too much to handle. Seven classes, sports, clubs and outside-of-school activities such as a job or church can be straining to keep up with as a student. Students – it is perfectly OK to say “no” at times. Don’t feel like everyone has to

be pleased all the time.

Po-Hi’s most popular activity is You Matter Week during the spring semester. You Matter Week, hosted by Student Council, is an weeklong event in which students are encouraged to be kind to fellow peers, whether that’s holding the door, sending a sweet note, giving a hug or spending time with a friend in need. The pink sweatshirts sold last year are still often seen being worn by students, teachers, parents and graduates.

You Matter Week is in no way a fundraiser; it is just for awareness and to break the taboo of asking for help when it’s needed most.

Po-Hi also has a brand new club that started during the fall semester. Bring Change 2 Mind, or BC2M, is a club that meets Wednesdays at the high school. Every week’s meeting has a new topic, such as anxiety and toxic relationships. While the club is still very new to the school, it has already proven itself needed by the students.

It’s important to be aware of what is going on in friends’ lives. A lot of the time, things are noticeably wrong before they even ask for help. Even a kind gesture can go a long way. So, as the second semester begins, check on friends throughout the day. They may need it.

RecPlex

Well-rounded family fun!

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Newell introduces staff members Morgan Bonnarens and Ryan Hafen, saying, “they are the ones that make recreation happen.” After speaking with the trio at length, it’s clear that they make it happen in our community in pretty impressive ways. Morgan is the Recreation Coordinator and Ryan is the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. Eric’s vision and goal as far as recreation in Ponca City is to “offer things from seniors to kids. We try to offer whatever we can to provide recreation opportunities for everybody.” Morgan and Ryan help bring this vision to life.

According to the City’s website, The RecPlex, now operated by the Parks and Recreation Department, is a “24 million dollar, 79,000 square foot facility and is a valuable resource for the Ponca City community that is unmatched. Features include numerous indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone.” These include but are not limited to stateof-the-art strength and cardio equipment, family pool with a spiral water slide, six lane 25-yard competition lap pool, racquetball courts, 40-foot rock climbing wall, program studios, fitness classes for all ages, basketball courts and a supervised KidZone.

Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer

Each month Ponca City Main Street features one of its long-time investors. It is through the support of our valued investors that we can continuously improve the heart of Ponca City by attracting and promoting merchants and visitors to our downtown.

We recently had the opportunity to visit with Ryan Austin, president of First National Bank of Oklahoma – Ponca City, about the bank’s history and community engagement throughout the years. First National Bank has had a presence in Ponca City for more than 100 years and currently has locations in Ponca City, Tonkawa and two branches in Oklahoma City. Although the bank’s name has changed over the years, the bank’s values remain the same - provide service with integrity and be community minded.

Ryan, who’s been with First National Bank for 17 years, credits the bank’s long history of success with customer interaction, service and satisfaction. Internally, the bank strives to maintain a culture to ensure employees are happy and successful so they can provide positive and helpful service to customers.

Ryan has a unique and direct experience with community involvement as he served as a city commissioner for six years ending his tenure in March 2021. As a commissioner, he saw first-hand the important work of Main Street. Main Street’s work to grow and revive downtown has a direct correlation with the City’s goal of attracting new people to Ponca City. Ryan enjoys the blend of historic buildings with modern elements that are featured throughout our downtown. He’s also pleased our downtown has maintained its charm with most buildings occupied by small businesses, not chains.

First National Bank’s vision is to give back to the community. Many employees are active through nonprofit boards and other volunteer efforts. The bank provides monetary and volunteerism support to organizations and events such as the Community Health Foundation, school boosters, Cherokee Strip Golf Classic, Friendship Feast and of course Main Street among many other organizations and events. It’s important to the bank to work closely, shoulder-to-shoulder in the community with the people they serve.

PONCA CITY MAIN STREET OFFICE

City Central • 400 E. Central Suite 201G 580-763-8082

OUR MISSION is to serve Ponca City and its citizens by promoting quality of life through the revitalization of downtown.

Our Vision is to make downtown the heart of our community! Our Transformation Strategies are Arts & Entertainment and Community Connection.

Ryan Austin

More impressive than the things listed above is the programming created and planned by Morgan and Ryan on a regular basis. These two are constantly learning, researching and paying attention to national trends to keep our local facility up to speed with popular recreational activities. New last year, Ryan brought E-Sports to the facility. Ryan describes E-Sports as “using gaming consoles to compete in games like Fortnite where you’re in a [virtual] lobby with multiple players and you play either a one-on-one tournament or a team tournament. It’s all conducted online with our systems here.” Last fall this looked like the RecPlex hosting Fortnite Fridays inviting players to come test their Fortnite skills on the RecPlex’s new PlayStation 5 consoles in preparation for tournaments. Price to play is only $10, and also provides kids with a safe and fun place to spend Friday night.

The RecPlex hosts Kids Night Out each month. This is an opportunity for parents to enjoy a date night from 5-10 p.m. while their kids are treated to all the kid friendly fun the facility

has to offer like the trampoline court and the swimming pools. These nights also include craft time and dinner. At a fee of $35, for the whole evening, Kids Night Out is a win for kids and parents alike. Family activities like Movies on the Lawn are held in the fall each year. These are free to the public and feature a family friendly film on the beautiful lawn area on the northwest corner of the facility.

For the new year, the RecPlex is hosting their annual Healthy Fitness Challenge. Morgan explains, “Each physical activity or any type of healthy thing that participants do throughout the day, they can just snap a picture and send it to the number.” Points are tallied for each activity and healthy choice made throughout

Participants with the most points win a prize. “It’s just snapping a picture. It’s healthy meals, protein shakes, things like that.” The Healthy Fitness Challenge is a great way to motivate yourself to make good decisions as we start this new year. You can find more information on the RecPlex website about this year’s challenge and the phone number where you can send pics of your healthy choices.

Some of the other activities offered throughout the year include the Murph Challenge, Pottery for Adults, Dodgeball League, Youth & Adult Clay Classes, Youth Volleyball Camp, Paint Nights, Glass Fusing Classes, Youth Stage Acting, Youth Basketball Camp, Intro to Theatre Camp, Art Camp and Space Camp. Ryan explains they aim to offer all types of

the month.

recreational activities.

Because sports are a big part of what happens at the RecPlex, they’ve made being a spectator more accessible. Ryan shares, “We recently partnered with a group called LiveBarn that will stream all of our youth competitions. We’ve got video cameras in both basketball courts. When we play our youth leagues [this month], if you have a grandparent or a relative that can’t come to a game, they can get on the app and watch the game on their phones or their computers. Our pool is also equipped with that, so any of our high school

swim meets can be streamed.”

The RecPlex also offers classes and trainings. Their Safe Sitter class teaches “safety skills, childcare skills, first aid and rescue skills, and life and business skills.” Lifeguard certification classes are also held throughout the year and are particularly popular in the spring as young adults prepare for summer jobs. Morgan shares that the RecPlex hosts multiple classes per month in the spring since they are the go-to facility for certification in our area. “We try to give everybody the option to get their certifications because we not only certify our lifeguards, we’ve got the local places around here that have guards and also Tonkawa, Blackwell, and Ark City.” Entry level SCUBA certification classes are held at the facility as well.

On top of all the bonus activities in the rotation, the RecPlex offers over 60 fitness classes each week with a schedule that is updated monthly. Classes include high-intensity interval workouts, water aerobics, spin, weight training, boxing, yoga, pickleball and more. According to Eric, “we are always trying to reinvent ourselves” and they love new ideas. Eric and

his team are enthusiastic about suggestions from the public. They truly want to bring our community things we want. As a result of one of these suggestions, they’ve recently added a tae kwon do class.

The RecPlex also subscribes to Studio SWEAT OnDemand. This streaming service helps them fill the needs their members have that sometimes can’t be accommodated in a community our size. While they would love to offer every type of class every member wants to take, it’s just not possible without instructors.

Studio SWEAT has amazing Spin, TRX, Yoga, Bootcamp, Pilates, Barre and tons of other classes. The instructors for these classes are demanding and motivating and promise to give any willing and hardworking participant an excellent workout. There are thousands of classes offered through the service. This gives members the opportunity to make their workout their own. Eric explains that with Studio SWEAT, “We can make it into whatever you need it to be. If you need a Pilates class at 1:30, we’ll offer a Pilates class at 1:30 in the afternoon. We can actually

program it to where every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we can have a Pilates session starting at 1:30 in the big studio. If you can’t come at five o’clock in the morning for a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class, but you drop your kids off and you want to come to work out at 8:15, I can set up a HIIT class for you at 8:15.” Eric goes on to explain this could be a great feature for stay-at-home-moms, particularly with the KidZone available. “You can get three or four or five of your friends together. You guys all drop your kids off and we’ll set up a class for you all. You can go have a great time.”

Memberships gaining our citizens access to this massive facility and all its benefits range from $35-50 per month for adults and households and grant members access to all the facility has to offer.

Memberships include discounts

on many specialty classes as well. Staff also works with various insurance providers that help pay for memberships for senior citizens. If you’re curious if your insurance offers assistance, ask someone at the front desk today. While some of these extra activities do include a fee, thanks to the generosity of Phillips 66, the RecPlex offers a Youth Scholarship Program. If students can show “Proof of Need” they pay only $15 for any youth sport or program.

If you haven’t visited the RecPlex since Eric and his team have taken over, it’s definitely time to make the trip. This facility has so much to offer our community!

For More Information: parkandrec@poncacityok.gov or call 580-767-0430 

Three Changes for Your Business in 2023

Story by Stephanie Austin, Philo Solutions, LLC/Contributing Writer

Is anyone else tired after the past two years, or is it just me? Have you found yourself and your business “stuck” – unsure of what the future might hold and how to move forward? If you get nothing more from this article, know that you are not the only one. Are you racking your brain about big changes to implement or new programs to start to move your

company forward? Sometimes taking that BIG first step is the hardest thing to do, so let me help. Moving your business forward and getting out of the rut doesn’t have to be a monumental task, nor do you need to reinvent the wheel. The wheel is fine, and you will be also. Below are a few ways your business can kickstart 2023 and break away from the yoke of previous years. Check them out and see what might work for you!

Set Goals and Expectations: If you have ever gone through this exercise with another company or in a seminar, it tends to be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. First, spend some time reflecting on your business and choose one to three things that will make the

largest impact on your company, and choose a direction to move. How can you know how to plan if you are unsure of what direction you want your business to move?

Once you decide on what goal(s) to work on, now create your road map. Simple right? Make sure you work through processes to identify roadblocks and develop plans to remove them. One of the biggest roadblocks to achieving goals is simply setting aside the time to intentionally work on their progress. Another challenge businesses face is not forecasting the resources and capital needed to work the plan.

You may need to consult your financial advisor if your goals include expansion or growth. To be sure you stay on track and consistent, you should have an accountability team in place to keep the process moving. Any goal worth pursuing should be specific, measurable, have a timeline, and be realistic.

Establish an Intentional Process: Businesses that have a clear purpose practice intentional processes. Intentional businesses reduce overwhelmed mentalities and make actions purposeful. Purposeful processes are a clear direction to stop mediocrity in employees and give direction and expectation for them to take the initiative. They can do this because the road has been paved with intention to propel them forward.

Consistency is key in any operation and aids in work processes between team members and throughout the organization. Intentional and consistent processes build confidence and trust among employees and leadership. Clients can also see the benefits. They will see confidence and consistency, which will bolster their confidence in your work, product, or service. From there, the snowball effect takes place and leads to repeat business referrals and, ultimately, growth.

Motivate and Engage Employees:

Two types of employees exist, engaged and disengaged. The survival of your business depends on which type of employee you have. How does one create or provide a culture of engagement?

This topic is vast and could take an entire day to cover, so I have provided a few highlights to help you get moving.

Set clear expectations for each position within your business. These can be defined as goals or processes; in either case, they are necessary. Having clear expectations allows employees to know their roles and responsibilities within the organization and gives them the freedom to work accordingly. Trust within the organization will also increase as the rules of engagement are public knowledge.

Provide constructive feedback: Whether the feedback is positive or less than, it should be constructive. An employee cannot be expected to make improvements if they are not aware there is a need. Employees who are performing to their expectations may step up their game if they are provided feedback and know that they are valued.

Train and develop the workforce: Everything changes all the time and will continue, so make sure you allow your workforce to keep up. A company that is not training and developing is a company that is dying. To stay relevant in your industry, it is equally important for company leadership to stay current on training and development. Are you attending industry conferences, webinars, or reading journals? Your competition sure is. Continuation of learning and development is key to a thriving business.

Now, with all this information, take a deep breath and count to ten. Someone once told me that a cruise ship could not be turned on a dime; the same is true for a business. Improvement and change take time and effort. Start today and plan for an unbelievable 2023.

Accepting New Primary Care

Left to right: Eva Case, PRN-FNP-C Taylor Lewis, APRN-CNP Gigi Campbell, APRN FNP-C

Not pictured: Mark Oatman, MD and Jodi Wiley, DO

Public Servant Series:

Building A Foundation For A Growing City

Liz & Lori from Ponca City Development Authority

Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer

Ponca City

Development Authority (PCDA)

is an award-winning, accredited economic development organization that was developed to help facilitate growth in industry in Ponca City. The work they do is often behind the scenes, acting as a catalyst for progress in Ponca City. For more info, scan the QR code! In this article, we will explore the jobs of two of PCDA’s key employees, Lori Henderson and Liz Leaming.

Henderson graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2002 and moved back to our area in 2003. She has been with PCDA since 2012 and received her Certified Economic Developer distinction in 2017. She is married to Josh, a Lieutenant at the

Ponca City Police Department and is mom to two children, Layton and Ava.

Henderson is the Director of Operations at PCDA and describes her job as mainly administrative. She’s in charge of the financial aspects of PCDA and manages the City Central building. City Central was donated to PCDA along with $200,000 in 2016. As Lori puts it,

“It was either us taking it over or they were going to close the building and mothball it. Then it would’ve been a ginormous, empty, rundown building in the middle of our downtown. So, we were the better alternative.” Since taking the property over in 2016, PCDA has worked with the City to procure grants to help rehabilitate the building into the thriving hub of activity it is today.

The first major grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for $1.275 million helped PCDA renovate the building, which included adding ADA bathrooms, the conference center on the lower floor, shared

workspaces and Link offices on the first floor and various other updates to the building and property. Recently, they’ve been awarded a grant through the Department of Commerce for $1 million to upgrade the HVAC systems throughout the building. This upgrade will give tenants more control over their environment, as well as help save in electricity costs.

“We were at 16% occupancy when we got

the building. Now we’re up to almost 80% occupancy. We have around 160 people in the building every day full time. With all the visitors that come and go, we see 300 to 500 people come in and out of City Central every day. This lifts up all of the businesses, merchants and restaurants downtown.” When City Central isn’t a good fit for a potential renter, Lori happily sends them to other property owners downtown. She recognizes that a vibrant and brimming

downtown is a win for our community no matter where a tenant lands.

City Central’s conference center on the lower floor has been a popular location for a variety of events and has hosted hundreds of events annually since the space was renovated.

Lori says, “We honestly thought we would be more suited for business events, but we’ve found that we are popular for social events too.” The space has been rented for conferences, fundraisers, dinners, weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays and bike rallies, among other things. These events bring thousands of people to our community annually, which has a huge positive impact on the economy in Ponca City.

Henderson is also aware that quality of life includes an interesting place to work. She’s brought artwork into City Central, including a large exhibit on the first floor as well as pieces by other artists sprinkled throughout the building. They host Lunch & Learns and are also working on after-hours classes for their tenants. They created Central Faire where tenants can enjoy lunch outside

“We were at 16% occupancy when we got the building. Now we’re up to almost 80% occupancy. We have around 160 people in the building every day full time. With all the visitors that come and go, we see 300 to 500 people come in and out of City Central every day. This lifts up all of the businesses, merchants and restaurants downtown.”

surrounded by colorful murals. They also recently finished their second community paint-by-number mural featuring the work of local artist Bradley Hayes. His beautiful geometric, brightly-colored mural is located on the south side of the building.

Liz Leaming is a Michigander by birth, but is an Oklahoma transplant, and has been here over a decade now. She loves being in a city where the ability to create change is given to those who have the desire and passion to work for it. Being a mom, community lover and workforce guru takes most of her time, but the rest is spent on building friendships with the dear people who make Ponca City so special.

Leaming is the Ponca Works Director and runs programs like the Girl Power STEM Camp and Wildcat Internship Program. Ponca Works is the workforce development arm of PCDA. It helps strengthen the workforce in

information on a job you want to fill and she will post the job for your business and try to help you find the right fit for your position and company. In September 2022, Ponca

298 people in local jobs since 2017

Leaming is open about the challenges facing workforce and what she has learned when it comes to targeting potential employees. “We’ve found that growing your own workforce is the best way forward, which means working with school students to talk about what we have here. We highlight local industries, local opportunities and local training to get people plugged in.” She is working to change the mindset of students in our area by having conversations about the benefits of living in Ponca City where it’s easier to climb the ladder of success than in larger communities.

The Girl Power STEM Camp was created as a solution to a problem in 2015. Leaming explains, “It was during a time when we had very low unemployment. We would post a job for a welding position and get no applicants. But we would post a job for a receptionist and get over a hundred women applicants. We saw the disconnect between women knowing that they can succeed at jobs in a typically male-dominated industry. As a solution to that problem, Girl Power STEM Camp was created for middle school-aged girls. At this age, they’re mature enough to start thinking about what they want to do in the future, but still impressionable enough to think

with digital recruiting alone.

Lori Henderson & Liz Leaming

those things are interesting. We tour them around local industry with as many women industry leaders as possible. Then we do a hands-on project.”

Anywhere from 15-30 girls attend the camp each summer. They get to use tools like welders, saws and nail guns. They do projects that involve chemistry and learning the science behind it. Recent projects have involved tie dye, resin and construction projects. Learning chemistry and science through a fun project is a stepping stone to these young women understanding they could go on to be chemical engineers at Phillips 66. Girl Power fosters an environment where they can envision future careers they may not have otherwise known were available to them. And it’s working! Liz says, “We’ve seen two classes graduate high school that went through Girl Power. I’ve seen many of them in different STEM careers around the community.”

Since it began, Girl Power STEM Camp has hosted 163 young women. Leaming also helps facilitate the Wildcat Internship Program which started in 2016.

This program is a partnership between PCDA and Ponca City Public Schools and involves getting students into intern positions in our local businesses. Each internship is a semester long and awards the students an elective credit. This semester they have over 50 students placed in local businesses. PCDA recently entered into an agreement with the high school to hire a full-time internship coordinator. Liz believes this will create better synergy with our future workforce. High school students also create resumes and

do interviews. These things are tools local students can take with them as they prepare for their future as a successfully working adult.

Henderson and Leaming are both incredibly passionate about quality of life in our community and have a deep understanding of how it affects our economy and our workforce. Both women volunteer in our community. Currently they are both members of the Ponca City Main Street Board of Directors. Leaming also serves as Chair of the Promotion Committee. The two are currently working on Main Street’s Ice on the Plaza project. Henderson is chairing the project and Leaming is the Marketing Chair. Ice on the Plaza brought a synthetic ice rink to downtown Ponca City over the holiday season. Additionally, Henderson serves on the Marland Estate Foundation, and Leaming serves on the Survivor Resource Network Board.

While the work done by Henderson and Leaming doesn’t always place them in the limelight, it is still limelight-worthy work. Both are tireless advocates for progress in Ponca City.

Want to understand more about what PCDA is and isn’t? Check out their “It’s Science!” video here: Youtu.be/1DDa1GtEObw

FOOD CRUSH FOOD CRUSH

The decision to open an authentic, East Coast hoagie shop in Newkirk, Oklahoma, is not a decision to be taken lightly. Opening an East Coast-inspired hoagie shop in a new town, with no prior restaurant experience is exactly what Bob and Faith Capone decided to do. After moving to Newkirk from north central Pennsylvania to be closer to family and centrally located, the Capones quickly realized there was a need and a market for true Italian hoagies. So that’s what they did.

Capone’s Hoagies

is located at 116 W. Seventh St., Newkirk. 580.362.9044.

Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm and 5-8pm Saturday 11:00am-2:30pm Follow Capone’s Hoagies on Facebook and at www.caponeshoagies.square.site

Opened in March 2022, Capone’s Hoagies brings a mouthwatering menu smack to the middle of the country. Capone’s Hoagies delivers expert sandwich composition and flavor to small-town America. Their approach to their menu is simple – common sense. If the food tastes well-flavored and balanced to owners Bob and Faith Capone, it goes on the menu.

The Massacre is perfection in the form of a meatball sub. This sandwich is bursting with tender Italian meatballs submerged in homemade marinara and blanketed with smooth, melty provolone cheese. The megastar of this hot sandwich is the red sauce. A closely guarded recipe, the marinara has well-liked

flavors plucked from trusted, favorite recipes to create a sauce that is solely Capone’s. Even with a fork, it is almost impossible to eat without creating a mess. Embrace that slinging sauce all over is going to happen and just dig in. After attacking that awkward first bite, thoughts of messiness will take a backseat to thoughts of finger-licking goodness.

The Godfather is Capone’s signature sandwich. Not to be confused with a Philly Cheesesteak, the Godfather is a bona fide East Coast cheesesteak. Thinly sliced, sauteed beef with peppers, onions and mushrooms cooked in is cradled alongside melted provolone, fresh spinach and ripe tomato slices in a divine hoagie bun. The entire sandwich is dripping in savory, meaty juice and is unputdownable. Let’s just go ahead and call this the best sandwich in Kay County. Because it is.

The Big Guy is the best cold, deli sandwich on the menu. A hoagie bun piled with freshly sliced turkey and salami, mild provolone, spinach, tomato slices and Duke’s mayonnaise earns its name from a former high school employee nicknamed “The Big Guy.” Always adding salami to

The Snitch (turkey and provolone sandwich), Capones decided to make this combo a permanent fixture on the menu after the employee graduated high school.

Arguably the most iconic sandwich ever, the Cheesesteak has a dizzying lineup of varieties, but it will be tough to find one as satisfying as the one right in our backyard, in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Capone’s commitment to serve every customer a high-quality, made-to-order, legit Italian sandwich is pure hoagie heaven, any way you cut it. Happy Eating!!

TOP THREE FOR ME

All sandwiches come in whole or half sizes.

Capone’s has a “Pay It Forward” board to help feed those who may be facing hardship.

Want a salad or wrap? Most sandwiches can be converted to either.

Story and Photos By Amy DeWitt Geurin/Contributing Writer

OF THE

Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer

CocktailMonth

There are few drinks simpler to make than the classic Screwdriver. Unless you’re drinking your spirit neat or on the rocks, it doesn’t get any easier

If at any point you haven’t thought about mixing a cocktail on the job, especially during a particularly stressful work week, what’s your secret? Do you mean to tell me you have never had a delicious margarita during a lunch break at El Patio? I can’t say I blame those hardworking oil workers, but I’m not sure it adheres to safety protocols, and impairment may be frowned upon. Safety third, that’s what I say. I’m only kidding, of course.

the hot sun. Perhaps it will help take the edge off the grueling sight. You remove your handy

One of the best things about a Screwdriver is its simplicity. It’s perfect for a quick drink at home when you’re too exhausted for anything complicated. Do you feel a cold coming on? Pour yourself some vodka and OJ and load up on the Vitamin C. I recommend avoiding pulpy orange juice and going with a premium brand or fresh squeezed. Other than that, this cocktail is as easy as opening two bottle caps. Cheers and enjoy!

Screwdriver

• 2 ozs. Vodka

• Orange Juice

In a rocks glass pour two ounces of your preferred vodka, pack the glass with ice, pour in your orange juice and stir it (hopefully not with a screwdriver)!

Who’s Training Who?

What I learned about dog

Story and Photos by Andy Hicks/ Staff Writer

We all saw on Facebook that you want to start the new year with a four-legged friend! Dogs can be such fantastic and loyal companions, so why wouldn’t you want one? I hope for the sake of the many dogs in our local shelters; you will first start at the Ponca City Animal Welfare or the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society. It may not be the exact make and model you want, but I promise it will be a great pet.

Also, I realize how cute and adorable puppies are. Few things compare to puppy cuddles, but in reality,

training

only puppies for a brief moment of their life. Before you know it, your little fur ball is a lanky-legged teething menace that must also be potty trained. To that end, consider adopting a slightly older dog that’s already housebroken and is past its teething stage. If you want absolute love and adoration, adopt a senior dog!

Before you rush off and get your new friend, here are a few things to consider. Firstly, most healthy, mixed-breed dogs will live 12 to 14 years. That is a long commitment and one you shouldn’t take lightly. Second, it might take a few days for your friend to warm up to their new home. Keep in mind the big 3s. It can take up to three days for your dog to feel secure in their new surroundings; it can take up to three weeks before they feel comfortable with you and three months before it might start to feel at home.

To help your dog ease into its new life as your #1 fan, many experts recommend doing some training. I recently adopted two dogs, and after a few rocky moments in the “settling in” stage, I decided to take them to a dog trainer to see if we could smooth the transition. Several friends recommended Angie at AC Dog Training in Newkirk. After a few Facebook messages, we had our first training date on the calendar.

I asked her how training would help my dogs, and she explained.

“Training benefits your pet; it helps your new dog bond with their new owner and builds lifelong skills.”

Angie has been training dogs for most of her life. She comes by it honestly. Her parents were also dog trainers, and she began helping them at a young age. From large breeds to small breeds, she loves them all.

dogs are

“I knew I wanted to work with animals since I was very young, watching my parents working with dogs. I believe it is in my DNA! Dogs always make me feel better; I knew this was my calling. Making the dog world better is my goal!”

Eight years ago, she followed her heart and opened AC Dog Training. Her facility in Newkirk includes a large indoor training area, outdoor training, and several climate-controlled kennels for boarding. In addition, she also offers at-home training and a group walk at War Memorial Park in Ponca City.

AC Dog Training offers a wide variety of dog classes, so there is something for every experience level.

Puppy Obedience: Getting started with a new puppy

Basic Obedience: Adults getting started with obedience

Advanced Obedience: Next level of adult obedience

Expert Level: Mastering obedience

Additionally, she offers agility classes for fun and exercise (we called it circus training) and group classes where multiple dogs learn and socialize at once.

“ I recommend starting with basic obedience and working up to group classes and then advanced obedience,” Angie said.

Following Angie’s direction, we started with the basic obedience class. We focused on sitting, shaking hands, turning in a circle, and lying down. It was apparent one dog was already trained. The other dog was stubborn and loved getting treats but not so much doing tricks. Eventually, we got both dogs to follow all their commands and graduate basic obedience.

Stubborn dogs are just part of what makes the classes fun. Angie explains, “Once you get your new dog home, it can take up to 3 months for

them to adjust. Build a routine and use positive reinforcement.” She also recommends getting plenty of exercise with your new pet. Most importantly, she adds, “have lots of patience ‘cause they will test it!!”

In addition to obedience classes, she offers several AKC (American Kennel Club) certifications, including; AKC Evaluator

AKC STAR PUPPY Test (STAR = socializing, training, activities, and reponsible ownership)

AKC CGC (canine good citizen test)

AKC CGCA (canine good citizen community test)

AKC CGCU (canine good citizen urban test)

Angie and her team are phenomenal to work with, and you can see her passion in the way she handles all sizes of dogs. You can find out more about AC Dog Training at facebook. com/acdogtrainer or by calling 580-362-0884.

“Have lots of patience ‘cause they will test it!!”

Delicious 100% natural herbal formula. Helps achieve results by aiding digestion and contributing to weight loss. Delicious hot or

Review by Lorrie Layton

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

FAST PITCH

By Nic Stone

Shenice “Lightning”

Lockwood has “batball” –her brother Drake’s word for any base-related ball – in her blood. Her GreatGrampy “Jumpin” JonJon Lockwood was one of the very best players in the Negro Southern League and was almost one of the first Black players recruited to the MLB. But something happened. His son, her PopPop, loved baseball, but Black men couldn’t support a family playing baseball in the 1970s unless they were in the major leagues, so he had to leave the sport he loved when his wife became pregnant. Her daddy blew his knee out while stealing home in college. That ended both his season and any chance he had of playing professionally.

Shenice is captain of the Fulton Firebirds – the first all-Black team in the 12 and Under division of the Dixie Youth Softball Association (DYSA). FYI, the Firebirds being the first all-Black team sounds like a big deal, but they’re also the only team in all eight states of the DYSA with more than three Black players on the roster. Shenice’s goal for the Firebirds this year – The DYSA 12U championship. A team with just one Black player has never made it through the district tournament, so it would absolutely be huge to even make it to the state championship – to let folks know that girls of color

do belong in the sport. (Some fans of opposing teams have strongly suggested otherwise.)

In the midst of all this going on in Shenice’s life, she discovers that her Great-Grampy JonJon didn’t make it to the MLB because he was framed for the theft of a signed Joe DiMaggio glove. She meets her Great-Grampy’s brother, Uncle Jack, who begs her to clear JonJon’s name. What’s a girl to do? Rely on the greatest friends in the whole wide world, of course.

Absolutely loved this book!

BOOK REVIEW MY POLICEMAN

By Bethan Roberts

My Policeman was originally published in 2012, however a movie starring Harry Styles, Emma Corbin and David Dawson was released in November 2022. Trust me when I say the movie was great, but the book was even better!

Harry Styles describes the theme of this story as wasted time. I think wasted time is a more eloquent way of describing it, but if I had to choose, I would call it devastating!

No one wants to look back on their life and think that their time was wasted. That is the core of this story. Marion, Tom and Patrick all fell into a loop that ended in wasted time. Set in 1950s England, this novel highlights the oppression toward the LGBTQ+ community during that time period and illustrates the lengths people had to go to hide their sexuality.

Review By: Cady Smith

In this book, we follow Tom the policeman, Marion the schoolteacher and Patrick the museum curator. It flashes back and forth from the 1950s to present day. Tom has known Marion for quite some time, but he meets Patrick when he reports an accident to Tom. Marion has always had eyes on Tom and their relationship begins with him teaching her to swim. Patrick shows Tom another side of life that includes the arts and traveling. It is safer for Tom to marry Marion and meet Patrick in secret, which creates a devastating ending.

The struggles and heartbreak were a whirlwind to read. I was left confused about who was right. They all went through it together, but seeing each perspective made it difficult to decide who to side with. I think that is why I was so heartbroken over the book, because I could see why every character did what they did.

PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

Backyard Gardener

January Gardening Blues

Indoor Plants To The Rescue

/ Contributing Writer

It’s a New Year.

Much like January, The Backyard Gardener is experiencing a new year. 2022 kind of beat all of us into submission. Not as badly as 2020; but getting back into the swing of trying to get back to normal was hard on everyone. That might need to be a T-shirt. In that spirit, I invite all of you to try to keep a house plant alive as part of starting this new year of 2023. Hear me out. January 10 is official House Plant Appreciation Day; and in that spirit, let’s give our little indoor buddies a fair shake.

I know we are gardeners (or want to be gardeners.) Our passion is to grow things that we can eat. Well, for most of us. But January is hard: it is hard on those that need light to balance their emotions. Let’s face it: we all need a grow light this time of year. For those of us wanting to get out and do something physical with dirt and seeds and the garden, shoveling snow or freezing our toes off just doesn’t check that mark. I see you; I understand. But unlike keeping a

small child or family member alive, most plants are very forgiving. I am not talking orchids here; I am talking aloe vera, spider plants, pothos and ivies. These little green guys want us to talk to them: loudly, softly, sweetly or even venting our daily angst. Plants like our breath and our little swearing sessions. They might even give us a flower or two during these long winter months.

I am keeping this article short like the days, and inviting all of you to get a plant. Or grow one from a baby or cutting. Or even dig into your seed collection and plant some flowers. In a container. Inside the house. Challenge yourself. If planting a seed in January is too much to consider, most plants are rootable, like ivies, pothos or purple heart. Just cut a branch off the momma plant, take off the bottom leaves and stick it into a bottle of water. In a couple of weeks to months you will have a plant ready to go into a pot. And it is very rewarding to see those roots. Kind of makes you feel grounded even during the winter months when walking barefoot in the grass isn’t happening – at least not in Oklahoma.

seed catalogs

And there are always the seed catalogs. I found a new one while researching seed gift cards. Check out Buffalo Seed Company. They are like Seed Savers Exchange and Rare Seeds with many organic and heirloom seed varieties from all over the U.S. Hang in there. February is coming and you know what that means: seed starting for spring – so, deep breaths. Propagate a plant or plant a seed in a cup. January is only 31 days, and with January 10 being House Plant Appreciation Day, you are already a third of the way through. And of course, Happy Gardening.

Story and Photos by Kat Long

Story by Hayley Harrison / Staff Writer

Kids Say the Darndest Things Just Let It Go

I will totally own up to being the nonfun, rule-following parent. That is just my lot in life, and I’ve come to accept it. However, on occasion I get tired of being the wet blanket, naysayer and I want to be the cool mom, who’s just as much fun as dad. This led me to make the spur-of-the-moment decision to pick my daughter up from school via walking (she had been begging me to do this), instead of driving my perfectly capable, airconditioned car.

My moment of regret began shortly after I heave-hoed the cobweb-stricken stroller out of the garage and started down the street on three flat tires (insert hand-to-forehead slap here). My youngest daughter was

enjoying her carefree stroll so much so that she was giggling and jabbering the entire time, and this made it absolutely impossible for me to disappoint her by immediately turning around and ditching the stroller. So onward to get big sister we

The gigantic smile that spread across my oldest daughter’s face when she saw me huffing and puffing down the last stretch of sidewalk to get to her, made every painstaking step, cuss word toward the stroller that I always say I’m going to replace but am undoubtedly too cheap to ever do so, and puff off my inhaler (I wish I was joking here) well worth it! She was absolutely elated, and I enjoyed the warm fuzzy feeling that fun parents must feel all the time!

Flat tires aside, we were having the best time walking home. An absolute Hallmarkworthy picture of wholesome motherdaughter bonding. We talked about how her day had gone, discussed in length what she had for lunch, and I took much interest in her retelling of playground shenanigans. She must’ve been feeling the joy of the moment herself because she inexplicably reached out to hold her baby sister’s hand, which had previously NEVER happened. I was enamored by the warmth of the moment! Then, as we were getting closer to home and making our descent down a fairly steep hill, she casually grabbed an apple slice out of the snack bag, looked me in the eye, and coolly said “Mom, just let go of the stroller. I want to see what happens.”

Carl Renfro

President Randy Renfro Treasurer, CPA

Rick Renfro Secretary, Restaurateur

Cindy Gorrell Vice President, Investments

Directors

Brenda Renfro

Rich Cantillon

President Ponca City Chamber/Tourism

Jeff Cowan RCB Bank, Retired T.L Walker Executive Director Standing Bear Foundation Jerod Helling RCB Bank, Market President

Happy New Year!!!

My resolutions last year were to learn how to use my InstantPot (didn’t do) and to be kinder (also didn’t do), so instead of setting new ones, I’m going to debunk some of the most common resolutions that people make, so we can all feel better when we fail to accomplish them. You know the saying, “It costs zero dollars to be nice”??? Well, guess how much being mean costs? ALSO ZERO. So, be mean to the people who deserve it. Being nice is overrated. Stand up for yourself and don’t take people’s crap, you don’t always have to be the bigger person. “Say ‘yes’ more.” Okay fine, maybe say yes to a fun adventure, or when the waitress asks if you want another margarita, but stop people-pleasing and say no to stuff you don’t want to do. Not being able to say “no” has gotten me in a lot of precarious situations, like marriage (just kidding honey, love you so much), motherhood and also that one time I accidentally and unknowingly helped someone steal a car. Start saying no. It feels great. “Exercise/eat healthier” Alright,

yes, I get it, eating healthier/exercising will hopefully extend your time on this planet, but, have you seen the news lately? This planet kind of sucks. It’s been one disaster after another for years now. I might want to duck out of here a little early, so I’m going to eat the chips and queso and I’m going to drink the margarita, and the only walking I’ll be doing is walking to the buffet line. “Stop spending money/save more” I agree with the sentiment, because I loathe spending money, but I absolutely adore buying things. You can see the conundrum that puts me in. So I say only spend money on the important things, and if clothes, wine and lunch at Mexican restaurants are important to you … then, can we be friends? “Cook at home more” and what, put the hardworking cooks at the restaurants out of a job? What am I, a monster? Going out to eat is me doing my part to keep our economy healthy, keeping people employed, paying sales tax. Really, it’s doing a service to our community as a whole. So, you’re welcome. Resolutions or not, let’s just all hope and pray for an uneventful, boring, mundane, non-lifealtering year, because after the last few years, we really need it. Cheers, friends!

KERA KESTER

We’ve made it to yet another January! You’ve kept going through all the ups and downs of last year and I am SO happy to enter 2023 with you! So, Jan. 2 is National Trainer Awareness Day … I didn’t even know this was a thing! I’m not sure if I’m more ecstatic about showing appreciation throughout the month to some of the best trainers I know, or of the fact that it is in the same month as National Hot Chocolate and J.R.R. Tolkien Day. Let me curl up in a blanket with some hot chocolate and a Lord of the Rings binge-watch and I’m happy! But let me get back on topic.

I could ramble on about how involved and demanding being a personal trainer is. I could go on about how much time, effort, research and commitment it requires. However, I would prefer to focus on the rewards of it all. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to give to our community, connect with AMAZING individuals and not let a single day go by without doing what we have such passion and love for. Most importantly, we get to engage with others in a way that is so personal and otherwise may not have been received had we remained strangers with our

clientele. Here are three of the best rewards we experience as a personal trainer.

1. We are allowed the chance to edify others daily.

Whether it’s having the open, fun or hard conversations; or being living proof that someone will show up, consider and be there for them; or being even more excited than they are when a new strength goal or mental milestone is attained, this first reward is my personal favorite. There is nothing better than

seeing someone surpass a perceived limitation, grow in understanding themselves, gain confidence and courage, and take new knowledge or experiences and run with it for the benefit of themselves and even their loved ones.

2. We are allowed a hand in stopping or reducing disease, illness and injury.

This reward right here is the reason I even began looking into this occupational path. Two people very close to me had some tough experiences, and I wanted so badly to help remove any suffering and pain. Present day, I get the goofiest smile on my face when clients tell me things like their knees are not hurting anymore, or how a doctor told them that their illnesses and symptoms were reversed or no longer progressive. Taking care of our bodies is essential, and I feel beyond privileged to play a role in that stewardship!

3. We get to better ourselves through partnering with you.

Being motivated to learn something new every day.

Sharpening communication skills. Growing in empathy, understanding, patience and problem-solving. Getting better at time-management and being disciplined whether we feel like it or not. Gaining awareness of many different backgrounds, cultures and ways of life. We are not just getting better at our jobs, but we are becoming well-rounded and better people because of the relationships and experiences we gain through being a personal trainer.

So, with all that being said … and with this month’s extremely generous day of recognition, I want to thank YOU all right back! I don’t care how cliché it may sound, but each relationship is a two-way street. We are blessed and benefited just like you are! I hope you have the best ever start to this new year! Never give up, continue loving others as best you know how and keep reaching out to me with your uplifting stories and questions – I LOVE hearing from you all! Happy New Year!

differential pay for night shift. Now taking applications for warehouse workers at our Ponca City Distribution Center. We are seeking individuals who possess a desire for long-term employment in a temperature-controlled environment that is fast-paced, team-oriented with opportunities for advancement.

It’s Elemental! Healing Through Nature and the Senses:

Let’s Talk About Dirt

Story by Marlys Cervantes/Contributing Writer

I can still remember my little brother Todd making mud pies in the backyard. His almost white hair, bleached out in the summer’s sun, making the mud all over his face all the more an obvious mess. Our mother would be ready to get after him, but oftentimes our next door

neighbor Sherry would come to his rescue having seen him from her upstairs window. She’d know he was about to be in trouble, so she’d come over just in time laughing at how funny he looked. How could mom punish him with her best friend doing that?

Who knew that research would show that dirt was full of all sorts of health benefits?

People who work in the soil gain exposure to its health benefits. Dr. Lisa Oskardmay, a chiropractor and acupuncturist at Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, says it’s sometimes referred to as `horticulture therapy.’ The therapy involves planting plants and digging in the ground, which provides health benefits on many levels. Doing this work can help improve the individual’s mood and sleep patterns, as well as hormone production, bone density and vitamin production.

Connecting with the Earth through gardening improves our health. Research has shown that working with the soil and plants reduces anxiety and depression.

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.”

The National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) article “The Dirt on Dirt” addresses the issue as it relates mostly to children today: “Unfortunately, boys and girls today spend the better part of their time, seven hours per day on average (Rideout, 2010), indoors, in the sterile company of technology, rather than following their inborn impulses to explore the natural world with their senses. This indoor childhood is damaging to kids.”

The NWF goes on to explain that the United States is the largest consumer of ADHD medications in the world, that a large number of children here are vitamin D deficient, and the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients has risen sharply. The belief is this is due to the amount of time spent indoors rather than outdoors.

In the same article, Dr. Mary Ruebush, immunologist and author of Why Dirt Is Good: 5 Ways to Make Germs Your Friends, expresses how letting kids play in the dirt is immune-system-building step number one. “Let your child be a child,” she says. “Dirt is good. If your child isn’t coming in dirty every day, they’re not doing their job. They’re not building their immunological army. So it’s terribly important.”

Even Forbes Magazine gets in on the discussion explaining that digging in the dirt lifts a person’s spirits due to stirring up microbes in the soil. The article says, “Inhaling these microbes can stimulate serotonin production, which can make you feel relaxed and happier.”

Besides the idea of digging in the dirt, there are numerous articles about walking barefoot on the grass and dirt. It’s most often called grounding, but occasionally called earthing. The idea was embraced in places like Japanese forests (called forest bathing) long before becoming more popular here. However, it has gained ground in the United States more recently, primarily for stress management. Author and journalist Richard Louv says, “The greener the setting, the more the relief.”

According to the article “Could Walking Barefoot on Grass Improve Your Health?” in The Washington Post, the idea of grounding is for humans to be in direct contact with the Earth’s subtle electric charge. The point is that we’ve become disconnected. Research suggests physical contact with the Earth’s surface can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and keep circadian rhythms – which regulate body temperature, hormone secretion, digestion and blood pressure.

It would seem, no matter our ages, we should all take the advice of the National Wildlife Federation and head out barefoot into the grass or the dirt, with our trowels in hand to help us dig in the dirt as we plant in our gardens. Oh, and since people pay good money for mud masks, it seems my brother Todd may have had the right idea back when he was just a boy. Maybe we should all just go outside, cake the mud on our faces, laugh and have a good time.

“Dirt is good. If your child isn’t coming in dirty every day, they’re not doing their job. They’re not building their immunological army. So it’s terribly important.”