Ponca City Monthly January 2021

JANUARY 2021

THE

Cutest

Pets

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Job Gaps in Ponca City New Shopping Center Coming to Lake Road Home Trends in the New Year

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

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January 2021

January 2021

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JANUARY 2021

•

VOL. 2 NO. 1

FEATURES

ARTS

Job Gaps in Ponca City 20 . . . Pioneer Woman Statue: . . Her Name Is “Confident” .The Women She Inspires Today 30 . . . Cutest Pets in Ponca City .Top 20 Cutest Pets 52 . . . Home Trends in the New Year: Interior Tips From Local Guru Madison GoodnoDesign

.Mindy Littlecook 19.. . . Sounding Off .Music in & Around Ponca City

10.. . . Mind the Gap

HEALTH & BEAUTY 37.. . . Come Fly Om With Us! .Aerial Yoga in Ponca City 38.. . . Manpo-kei .10,000 Steps a Day

FOOD

9.. . . . Taste of the Town Rusty Barrell Bites 42.. . . Recipe Spicy Chickpea Soup

14.. . . ARTSPACE

.by Rachel Stewart 24. . . Crossword Puzzle 36. . . Crossword Puzzle Answers 47.. . . Geocashing

CALENDARS

46.. . . Chamber Link

January Chamber Events

Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Associate Editor & Robyn Ryan Advertisting Director

12.. . . Education Corner

Staff Writers Carey Head

Jennifer Vaughan Brenda Baugh Jay Wagner

BUSINESS

Ad Designers Robyn Ryan Kelsey Wagner

EDUCATION

A Look Back on 2020 and COVID-19’s Implications on Education in 2021

6.. . . . Business Spotlight

Old Meets New in the ..... . . Rusty Barrell Lounge 27.. . . Kevin’s Corner Stock Market News 49.. . . New Shopping Center Coming to Lake Road Pecan Plaza to Open on the Heavily Trafficked Corner of Lake Road & Pecan Road

Magazine Designers Christina Wright Kelsey Wagner Robyn Ryan

BOOK REVIEWS

Contributing Writers Paul Muehlberg Rachel Stewart Patrick Jordan Johnny O’Hare Liz Leaming

Adam Leaming Lorrie Layton Kat Long Lynne Collenback Sarah Scholey Steve Scott Nancy Laffey

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT .28. . . Children’s Book Review 24.. . . Stew on That

Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency

The Boxcar Children .29. . . Adult Book Review .Beneath a Scarlet Sky

GARDENING .

44. . . Backyard Gardener

Gardening Lessons Learned .From 2020: A Strange Year in Review

Copy Editor Sherry Cable

Staff Photographer Jay Wagner

Office Manager Brenda Baugh Circulation Patrick Blackwell

CORRECTION: The maker of honey in the Rikki’s Market story featured in the November issue of Ponca City Monthly was incorrectly listed as Tara Boring. The maker’s correct name is Terry Boring, local retired orthopedic surgeon. We apoligize for the error.

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January 2021

© MyMediaMatters, LLC, dba Ponca City Monthly 2020. For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact admin@my-mediamatters. com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Forever Changed

580-767-1040 • www.jfkcpa.net

222 E. Grand Avenue, Equity Bank Building, Suite 200, Ponca City

When I was ten years old, my Dad fell off the two-story roof of a 100-year-old farmhouse and shattered both of his heels.

He had been working solo on a house remodel. Our family lived in town, but he was remodeling a vacant farmhouse and moving us out to the country. He always wanted a country life, which is where he grew up as a child. I was too young to remember much, but I remember they told my Dad it was possible he would never walk again. He was 30 years old with three small children, a wife and an unfinished farmhouse.

To say our family was devastated was an understatement.

After reconstructive surgery that included 2 plates and 14 screws, my Dad spent months recovering. He is not one to be bedridden, so he crawled on his hands and knees with knee pads and because he couldn’t drive, he got around the neighborhood on our riding lawn mower. Six weeks after being told he may never walk again, he walked into the doctor’s office for his last post-op visit. His feet will never be the same, and the experience fundamentally changed him forever, but he survived, and he can walk and he is grateful for that.

We found out later that there was a pile of bricks underneath him, and he actually had to jump away from the house, as he was falling in order to not land on the bricks, which is why he landed on his feet. Scary. The entire situation could have been so much worse. My father finished remodeling the house that almost killed him, and our family moved in. If you met him today, you would never know he fell off a house and almost died.

As we move into 2021, I think of my Dad. We’ve all been through some rough stuff. We have collectively fallen off a house. We are crawling on our knees still, making the best of it, and soon we will be riding on a lawn mower. Before we know it, despite all the odds, we will be walking again, essentially back to normal, but fundamentally and forever changed.

When you advertise in Ponca City Monthly magazine, your message is being seen daily for an entire month!

Contact Robyn Ryan, Advertising Director for ad pricing and more information.

580-761-1295 or robyn@poncacitymonthly.com

JANUARY 2021

THE

Cutest

Pets

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Job Gaps in Ponca City New Shopping Center Coming to Lake Road Home Trends in the New Year

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

Kelsey Wagner Editor-in-Chief Ponca City Monthly

Editor@poncacitymonthly.com

ABOUT THE COVER

On the Cover: Oreo, the Miniature Panlander & her owners, Aydan Mayse, 8, and Elouise Mayse, 4.

Photography by: Jes McIntosh Design by: Kelsey Wagner January 2021

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Business Spotlight Old Meets New in the Rusty Barrell Lounge Story and Photos by Kelsey Wagner, Editor-in-Chief Rick and Kim Hancock have traveled the world and lived all over the country, but today they are back in their hometown of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Sitting in the newly built expansion of their familyowned steak house, Rick and Kim point out all the fine details they have obsessed over the last year during the remodel. A 5-ft., color-changing fireplace is inset on the south wall and casts a calm ambiance over the leather-clad chairs and small square tables. Two large black iron chandeliers hang overhead under the vaulted 17-foot ceilings.

Every detail of the new lounge has been carefully and meticulously planned.

Rick and Kim are high school sweethearts. Their story is something out of a classic rom-com movie.

Boy meets girl, sweeps her off her feet and off they go traveling the world as they enjoy life together.

Married in 1980, Rick and Kim have lived all over.

Rick spent 30 years in the insurance business and lived in Enid, Tulsa, Houston, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Wichita.

But Rick’s heart has always been in Ponca City.

Kim, a beautiful and fashion-forward female, enjoyed the city life and was more hesitant to return to her small hometown. But just like the movies, they decided to compromise. The plan was to move home and purchase the family restaurant.

However, when a vacant space next door came open unexpectedly, they decided to expand their small steak house to include a lounge that feels like something off a ritzy New York side street.

Rusty Barrell has been in Rick’s family for 44 years. Rick’s mother and stepfather, Judy and Bill Coddington, bought the Rusty Barrell Supper Club in 1976, two short years after the restaurant was founded by Tonkawa Tank owners Charles and Janice Perry in 1974. The name “Rusty Barrell” was an ode to the business, which manufactured metal tanks for the oil industry.

The word “Barrell” was misspelled by the original owners, but the accidental misspelling has become just another special quirk of the restaurant. Other quirks include steaks that are grilled out in the open, in the middle of the downstairs seating area, food served on metal plates and a seasonal upsidedown Christmas tree hung from the ceiling during the holidays.

The Rusty Barrell Supper Club was originally opened and operated as a private supper club at a time when the sale of liquor by the drink was illegal. The private supper club had “members” which allowed them to store and mix their own beverages while they dined, although whether or not the drinks were actually mixed by the patrons is up for debate. Some say during those days, supper clubs operated on a “Let’s Be Honest,” or “Liquorby-the-Wink” basis, skirting the law just enough to not break it. Oklahoma laws changed on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 1984, when a 51% vote of the people made Oklahoma the 49th state to allow liquor to be sold by the drink.

Owners Rick and Kim Hancock The Rusty Barrell Supper Club has a cult-like following all over the world. A map with pins at the staircase entrance showcases a staggering 80 countries where people have come to dine at the back-alley steak house. Known of course for their steaks, but as well as for their cocktails, particularly their Long Island Iced Tea, and their eclectic salad bar, both locals and tourists alike leave the Rusty Barrell satisfied and already planning their return trip.

continued on page 9

The New Rusty Barrell Lounge

“Who would have thought that a little room, off an alley, in the back of a shopping center could be here for 46 years?”

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January 2021

AUTO/TRUCKING AUTO/TRUCKING AUTO/TRUCKING PERSONAL AUTO/TRUCKING ACCIDENTS ACCIDENTSAUTO/TRUCKING ACCIDENTS INJURY ACCIDENTS

AUTO/TRUCKING ACCIDENTS ACCIDENTS

PERSONAL PERSONAL WRONGFUL PERSONAL PERSONAL INJURY INJURY DEATH INJURY PERSONAL INJURY

INJURY

WRONGFUL AUTO WRONGFUL AUTO INSURANCE AUTO WRONGFUL AUTO WRONGFUL AUTO DEATH NEGLIGENCE NEGLIGENCE DEATH NEGLIGENCE DISPUTES DEATH NEGLIGENCE WRONGFUL AUTO DEATH NEGLIGENCE

DEATH

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January 2021

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We’re New, We’re Different

Whether you are buying or selling, we can help.

Does your property need a face-lift before going on the market? We can help with that too! We even have a certified home stager on hand to help get you the best offer for your home.

109 W. Prospect Ave. Ponca City

580-749-5856

LISA M. BREEDLOVE Business and Accounting Manager

HALEY GODDARD Marketing Director & Certified Home Stager

Take the stress out of selling your home by letting us streamline the process. Come by our office and see what we do and how we do it.

VIE BOTTGER Managing Broker

CHRISTY THOMPSON Owner/ Agent

If you can imagine it, we can bring it to life.

Call us at 580-749-5856 or message us on facebook @ poncacityhandyman January 2021

CITY

Make 2021 the best year ever.

The Chamber is here to help make that happen.

Rich Cantillon, Tiffany Hermann & Zach Trantham

We have some exciting events planned for 2021 • Tile work Located at the Ponca City • Interior/exterior painting Home Sweet Home Office • Sheetrock, wall and

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PONCA

floor repair • Barn doors • Custom woodworking • Custom remodeling • Custom cabinets • Custom finishes for walls, doors, trim and flooring!

• More!

Customer Service Trainings Chamber Member Appreciation Event Receipt Campaign Retail Bingo Party at the Palace

PONCA

CHAMBER OF

Business After Hours Cash Mob Ribbon Cutting Events Chamber Lunch and Learns Santa Buck Giveaway

CITY

COMMERCE

Business Spotlight continued from page 6 The Rusty Barrell Supper Club has always had a speak-easy appeal. The original restaurant requires patrons to be “buzzed in.” Located in an alley, through double red doors, a button in a small foyer rings the bell, and someone on staff must let you in.

“The bell is kind of unique,” says Rick, “I’ve tried to let people in early. I would stick the key in and open the door for them [from the outside] and they would say ‘no, no, you have to shut the door, we’ve been arguing the whole way here who gets to the ring the bell!’ and I just apologize and let them ring the bell,” laughs Rick.

The same is true for the new lounge, but rather than entering through the alley, you enter through a wooden door located on the west side of the building, near Plaza Wine & Spirits.

To enter the speak-easy-style lounge, you have to also press a button located by the door. Once “buzzed in,” patrons walk down a long hall, lined with spirit-filled shadow boxes. Just the entrance itself is quite an experience.

The expansion was designed by Winterrowd Talley Architects and the remodel work done by Kyler Construction Group, both local companies.

No square inch of space was wasted. A wall of wine bottles housed behind glass sits on the east wall.

New, ADA-accessible bathrooms were also a perk of the expansion. The old bathrooms were removed to allow more seating in the main downstairs dining room. More possible unusable space above the bathrooms was converted to even more additional seating and doubles as a party room that overlooks the new lounge.

The bar area is also a work of art and can comfortably seat ten people. Back lit with glass shelving, surrounded by beautifully crafted dark wood pillars, all set against a sand-colored textured brick wall.

The bar is stocked with a world-class collection of liquors and beers; bourbon, scotch, whiskey, vodka – you name it, they have it. There is also craft brews and wine on tap including Amberdextrous Amber

Story by: Nancy Laffey/Contributing Writer

Editor’s Note: Taste of the Town is a NEW monthly column written by Nancy Laffy! Follow Nancy each month as she explores the local tastes of Ponca City.

Bourbon Selection passionate about. In the new bar, Rick hopes to eventually have one of the largest selections of bourbon in the state of Oklahoma and hopes to soon offer bourbon “flights,” similar to a flight of craft brews. Rick refuses to have anything at the bar that he has not personally tasted or sampled, an ode to his attention to detail and high threshold for quality.

“We went to every bar and lounge in Oklahoma City, Wichita and Dallas,” says Kim, recalling all their many trips to get inspiration for their lounge.

“Opposition research, if you will!” Rick adds, chuckling.

In addition to upscale drinks, patrons can also order “Barrell Bites,” delectable snacks and appetizers to enjoy while in the lounge. Due to space limitations, patrons still need to sit on the restaurant side in order to enjoy a flame-grilled steak dinner.

However, the lounge is just around the corner from the main Rusty Barrell entrance and can easily be enjoyed before or after dinner.

Birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions are the Rusty Barrell’s specialty. Rick fondly remembers one newly married couple, who Bill and Judy met at a baseball game just after purchasing the restaurant and invited them to dine that evening. They ate their first Rusty Barrell meal in 1976 and have been back to the Barrell every single year for 46 years on their anniversary to celebrate.

“Who would have thought that a little room, off an alley, in the back of a shopping center could be here for 46 years?” says Rick, gratefully and humbly aware of the special role this restaurant plays in the lives of its loyal patrons.

Rick says the restaurant is what it is today because of the hard work of his parents.

“My folks really worked their tails off for several years, and I’m kind of just enjoying the fruits of their labor. Most of our employees have been with us, 10, 15 or 20 years,” says Rick proudly. “We run the restaurant like a family because we are a family, and we couldn’t do it without them. They’re great; they’re amazing. That’s what keeps this thing going, the employees and of course, the customers.”

Expanded Downstairs Seating Area Ale and Bountiful Harvest Honey Wheat, from Vortex Alley Brewing, a local Ponca City favorite. Fancy Dance beer is also on tap, from Oklahoma Citybased SkyDance Brewing Co., which is part-owned

by Ponca City resident Rod Alexander.

Bonus! Taste of the Town

With 46 years under its belt, loyal patrons, a dedicated staff, passionate new owners and a new upscale lounge, it isn’t hard to see that the best is yet to come.

Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant and can be made by calling 580-765-6689 or online at www. rustybarrellsupperclub.com. Reservations Bourbon is something that Rick is particularly are not required for the lounge.

Pressing the button to the left of the beautiful new door to the Rusty Barrell Lounge, I knew a special evening was in store! We were greeted quickly and chose a cozy corner to take in the surroundings. The sleek beauty of the lighting and fully stocked bar are a feast for the eyes and set the mood for a quality night.

The Rusty Barrell Lounge features an appetizer menu of new creations to enjoy with your cocktails either before your reservations for the famous dinner menu or can stand alone as a pairing to your libations. My quest was to try these “Barrell Bites” and size them up.

A great appetizer will accomplish several goals: first, it will be enough to satisfy your tastebuds and leave you wanting more; second, it should be flavorful enough to induce a desire to take sips from your cocktail; third, it should be visually appealing on the plate.

As far as appetizers go, I am a crab cake connoisseur.

I make a point to order them any chance I get. I was delighted to see baked crab cakes on the menu, which is unique in our region as they’re usually only deepfried. The order came with two crab cakes resting on a spicy mayonnaise nicely plated with a wedge of lemon.

They were cooked perfectly and nicely flavorful with just the right amount of heat to beckon me to sip my drink. Along with the crab cakes we ordered the Bacon which came to us presented in a small glass jar, a cute presentation that also kept the extra liquid from the bacon on the bottom of the jar instead of pooling on a plate. The bacon was thick cut and cooked to the point of perfection: a nice bite with no limpness and a hint of sweet. It didn’t have an intense spice or unique flavor, but you can’t go wrong with bacon; it was tasty.

I love that the appetizers are not so large that sampling many was an enjoyable task—the perfect portions to whet the appetite. Next up were the Jalapeno Deviled Eggs. These delivered heat with what seemed to be the same spicy remoulade or mayo on the plate used in the crab cakes. The filling was a tad loose for my taste, but it had the kind of spice I like to warrant a sip from my cocktail. They were garnished with a hefty slice of a cold cut of bacon belly on each egg. I always appreciate when a restaurant uses ingredients across multiple dishes. Delivered to us next was a cone-shaped elevated basket of Soft Pretzels flanked with a mustard sauce and a Shiner Bock Beer Cheese. The pretzels were soft and warm, a really good pretzel pastry all on its own. The real MVP of this appetizer was the beer cheese: I could eat it on anything. It is difficult to master a good beer cheese; the consistency, color, and texture were spot on. The mustard was great too—my husband Wade enjoyed it with his Old Fashioned, another classic cocktail to order at the Barrell.

Last, but not least, I was thrilled to order the tried-and-true grand finale to any Barrell visit. The Tumbleweed is the perfect dessert/cocktail to send off a fantastic evening. You cannot skip this step in your trip to this Ponca City local. It is exciting that the Rusty Barrell owners have taken these steps to take their restaurant to another level in diversifying the menu and space for such an enjoyable meal experience. I look forward to my next visit to the Rusty Barrell Lounge.

January 2021

9

Job Gaps in Ponca City Present Opportunities for Job Seekers Story by Liz Leaming, Ponca Works Director, PCDA Photos provided by PCDA

Liz Leaming works as the Director of the Ponca Works Program for the Ponca City Development Authority (“PCDA”) where she has served since 2016. Liz’s passion is to see people paired with a career that fits their skills, and that is what drives the development of many of her innovative programs like Girl Power STEM Camp, augmented reality industry tours and virtual jobs fairs. For more information on job opportunities or Ponca Works programs, visit GoPonca.com.

2021 – all our bets and hopes are on you. Please be the year that brings us all back together, that brings abundance, travel and healing for our hearts, minds and bodies. Job loss has hit us hard, still being in the tens of millions of jobs not recovered. Economists believe that we won’t see most of these jobs back for at least 18 months or more.

Many of the lost jobs are within the service industry, places that people are not visiting, or eating at or getting done anymore. We live in a highly service-driven economy, and we have all felt the pain of what it would be like to live without our hairdressers! However, unlike our hairdressers, many of those service jobs are not coming back and the question becomes what can we do with this displaced workforce?

10 January 2021

There are many gaps in our workforce; in fact, the feds are calling them “in-demand jobs” and sometimes pay to train people for them. Did you also know that Pioneer Technology Center is funded mostly by our property taxes and trains students for many of these careers at little or no cost? In addition, the University Center in Ponca City offers 2-, 4- and 6-year degrees for needed careers in our area, and the State of Oklahoma covers tuition for high school students that are doing dual enrollment, or you can work full time and take classes on the weekend! There are many ways to revamp your career – no matter your age! You can do it while living in Ponca City, for a career in Ponca City, for a better life for you and your family.

In-demand jobs for Ponca City and ways to get trained locally

MANUFACTURING

REMOTE WORK

TEACHERS

There has been a national gap in manufacturing workforce since 2008, there are too many people retiring and not enough interested in the career field of manufacturing to keep up with the need. Contrary to what you may think about manufacturing, there are a lot of cool things happening in it. Artificial Intelligence is breaking the market in Ponca City, which means that manufacturing just got a lot more technical with robotics programming, maintenance and more. These careers are great ways to fund your lifestyle and feel proud of what you do. Pioneer Technology offers training in several manufacturing areas – Welding; Fleet and Facilities Maintenance; Machine Tool Technology; Industrial Technology, which can lead into the Pre-Engineering program; or the Process Technology programs at NOC in Tonkawa. Pioneer Tech’s programs are free of charge for high school students and are in the range of $2k-$3k for adult students,with financial aid and scholarships available.

While you may be here because your spouse got a great gig, or you like living close to your mom – it doesn’t mean the perfect job is here for you.

That is why Ponca City has worked hard to become a place that supports remote workers. There is fiber to business, and an ever-expanding fiber to home program in place to make certain connectivity is not an issue. There is a co-working space in City Central, and many neat office spaces in the downtown area.

Check out www.FlexJobs.com to apply for those remote jobs.

In Oklahoma there were over 3,000 emergency teaching certifications in 2019 (Oklahoman). Each year this number grows as we struggle to gain enough teachers trained to teach! Did you have a teacher that loved his/her job, that believed in you or that made a subject really jump off the page and interest you like it never had before? That’s the power of a teacher and the impact is lifelong for those students. You can receive your teaching degree in Ponca City’s University Center at ITV interactive classes through NOC and Northwestern University. Plus, you can get your master’s degree there, as well, while you are teaching and become administration, just like our very own superintendent Shelley Arrott did.

Reference article: https://tinyurl.com/yddpkywg

TRUCK DRIVING

CONSTRUCTION Construction is an ever-growing part of our economy, that has not slowed down. A skilled craftsman, or contractor, is someone that everyone values. It is also a way to work for yourself, if that is what turns your crank! Pioneer Technology Center has a great Construction Technology program, with internships at local companies that often leads to permanent jobs if the fit is right.

Truck driving is an industry that desperately needs drivers! Long haul, you could see the countryside, or in town, to go home each night. You can own your rig and contract with companies for the loads you want to haul, or you can work for a company and get the benefits of someone else managing the business! Ladies – while most drivers are men, there is no reason you cannot succeed at this career, and it would be a great living for you and your family. This is one of the in-demand jobs that training could be free for you! Contact the Career Manager at Oklahoma Works office in Ponca City to see if you qualify (580) 382-9187. To get training in town, contact Pioneer Technology Center for its partnership with Central Tech Driving School, (580) 762-8336. After you get trained, there are many companies in the region that need your skills – Ponca City School System, Bower’s Trucking and Logistics, Evans and Associates, Drisco and Glass Trucking, just to name a few.

NURSING For every one nurse that is hired in Ponca City, there are three others needed. Alliance Health Medical group could hire every nursing graduate that attended the UC. Pioneer Technology Center also has Certified Nursing Assistant programs and a Licensed Practical Nurse program. There is a need for male nurses in this field, while this may make you feel strange, as there is a stigma associated with that, don’t let it stop a great guy from a great career!

January 2021

11

Education Corner

A Look Back on 2020 and COVID-19’s Implications on Education in 2021 Story by Adam Leaming, CEO, University Center Contributing Writer

In 2021, as we come out of this pandemic, our K-12, higher education, and career techs will have a large task before. them. How do we correct the loss of 2020?

“Houston, we have a problem.”

Fifty years ago, the crew of Apollo 13 commanded under the leadership Command Module Pilot John L. “Jack” Swigert after a routine maintenance check uttered these famous words. What followed was nothing short of an amazing feat of American engineering, hard work and determination to bring the stranded astronauts home.

When I read and experience what our students, parents, teachers and administrators are facing in education today, these words from Apollo 13 come to mind and I think they reflect what we will face as a community moving forward.

The University Center at Ponca City (UC) saw its enrollment decline in great numbers this past fall. I first looked to see if this was isolated to Ponca City or if our colleagues in other communities across Oklahoma experienced this phenomena? It appeared that several institutions in Oklahoma found themselves in similar positions as Ponca City. It feels as if education has been greatly set back by COVID-19.

At the UC, our largest student demographic is comprised of female students (72% or more each year), and employed (part-time and full-time)

12 January 2021

with children. A perfect storm resulting from the pandemic has wreaked havoc on this demographic.

First, this pandemic in Ponca City has impacted the service industries with closures, limited service, which has changed or hurt our student’s employment opportunities. Secondly, with the closure of our schools and moving to a virtual model, suddenly our students faced the dilemma of whether to go to work, or whether they should stay home with their remotelearning children. If they chose to work, the question then became, ‘who would supervise, educate and care for their children at home?’

We then have to explore the question, what are the growing implications of a virtual model of education?

There is currently little data on what the pandemic’s impact has been on our children in public school.

I feel we each can lament lost opportunities and fear the growing educational disparities that will become apparent as we move out of this pandemic.

School has long been more than solely a place of teaching and learning. School is entwined in the social fabric of our existence. It is a place for food, shelter, social services, relationships and experiences.

There are countless research studies produced on the positive correlation between attendance and academic performance.

The transformative power of an effective teacher is something almost all of us have experienced. An effective teacher is not only a subject area expert; they are also caring, fair, and respectful. They also build relationships, engage us and challenge us.

In 2020, is transformative teaching happening on a zoom call, or while watching a video or while participating in an online forum at any level of education?

In 2021, as we come out of this pandemic, our K-12, higher education, and career techs will have a large task before them. How do we correct the loss of 2020?

We will need to be ready to put in the extra work to meet our students where they are. We will need to illustrate why it’s most important to be in a classroom, with peers, and a high-quality instructor. We will need to think of new ways to tap into our collective will to save our students and to ensure they’re ready for the future.

Much like the engineers of the Apollo 13 mission overcame unspeakable odds in a dire situation, we too must now band together—as a nation, as a state and as a city to overcome the aftermath of this pandemic.

Terron Liles has changed and influenced the culture of Ponca City by energizing young leaders to become involved in this community. Terron will listen to citizens, recognizing that everyone has a different perspective.

He takes action when essential, having an instinct for doing what is right for all. His investment in Ponca City can be felt by residents throughout the community. From my perspective, Ponca City will only benefit from this man’s dedication to excellence. His experience, serving on many boards in Ponca City will be invaluable and contribute to a diverse commission. I share in his enthusiastic ideas and values for the direction of Ponca City to benefit business, cultural events, recreational facilities and educational venues for all of our citizens.

It is my sincere belief that Terron will be a productive, positive and visible addition to our city government. For that reason, I endorse Terron Liles for the position of City Commissioner.

Sincerely, Suzanne Boettcher

WE ENDORSE TERRON LILES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER Carl and Brenda Renfro Suzanne Boettcher - past Citizen of the Year Erik Peitz - past Chamber Chair and Laura Peitz Nancy Taylor Laffey - former City Commissioner Dr. Phillip and Nancy Tyndall Stephanie Austin Garrett and Melissa Bowers upcoming Chamber Chair Corbin and Brooke Dewitt Barry Bickle - past Chamber Chair and Lois Bickle Mary Beth Moore - former City Commissioner Steve Hermann - former City Commissioner Rachel Stewart Liz Leaming Allison Brown J Berry and Hayley Harrison Ashley Peitz Jordan Burns Linda Brown Becky Poet Lana Jones

Chuck and Suzie Greenwood Valerie Fisher - Trout Teacher of the Year Aletha Kearney Rick and Misty Johnson Matt and Amy Bintz John McNeese Diane Anderson - former City Commissioner and past Citizen of the Year Scott and Ann Jackson Dave Thomas George Schwarz - former City Commissioner Gabe Ratcliff Shannon Puetz Kenny and Janet Ray Stuart Powell Jodi Cline Sarah Buffalo Head Bell Dr. Brett and Abbie Kinkaid John and Mary Anne O’Neill Carla Fry - Trout Principal Dolley Roland And many others

“I would love to have your support too!�

Terron I can’t think of anybody that cares more for our community than Terron.

I have known Terron for many years, and he has always had growth and improvement of Ponca City on the top of his mind. Terron has my vote for Ponca City Commissioner, Ward #4.

Erik Peitz Paid for by Terron Liles for City Commissioner 2021 Erik Peitz, Chairman; Nancy Taylor Laffey, Treasurer

Every election there always seem to be “new� faces. Terron Liles is not a “new� face. He’s been working for our community in leadership roles and behind the scenes for numerous years. Main Street board, Marland Gala, Chamber board, Opportunity Center board, United Way allocations committee, Hospice fund-raiser. Terron has helped raise over $300,000 for Ponca City nonprofits, since 2010. In his eyes and heart, there are no big I’s and little You’s, everybody is somebody and he loves to serve!

Corbin Dewitt

January 2021

13

Artist Mindy Littlecook Story & Photos by Brenda Baugh, Staff Writer

Mindy Littlecook It is the 1970s in Southern California. It is a warm, sunny day on a crowded beach. There is a group of people gathering around someone or something not very far from the water, but still in the sand that has not been touched by the tide. Someone hollers at a couple passing by, “You gotta see what this kid is doing!” The onlookers are surrounding a young girl building a sandcastle. The attention from others is unsettling to the little girl, but she continues with the task at hand.

Everyone is standing in awe of what this young child is building with the ease and the precision of a craftsman stone maker. The crowd is soon disappointed when the tide rushes in and washes away half of the child’s hard work. The little girl watches this repetitive incident with amazement. She is not sad because she sees the beauty in the destruction and chaos of the water rushing around and taking away the newly built structures.

That young girl is Mindy LittleCook—the beloved 3D high school art teacher, mother of four young men, wife to Chris LittleCook, historic preservationist and local artist. No matter the capacity that you know Mindy, the conclusion is the same. She is a kind, caring and loving soul that you feel better just by being around her. Mindy has a laid-back and relaxed sensibility, which probably stems from her childhood. Throughout the interview, LittleCook is quoted as saying, “There’s a time for everything.”

There is a time for everything, Mindy says.

Mindy LittleCook was born and raised in Pasadena, California, and around the Los Angeles area. She was “California dreaming” during her childhood by spending hours on the beach building sandcastles, surfing, skateboarding, roller skating and soaking up all the wonderful weather that Southern California has to offer. In her teens, her family moved to Houston, Texas. This was quite the culture shock for Mindy, but she handled the change with style and grace.

After high school, Mindy attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. When she started college, it was to pursue a degree in commercial art, but she soon discovered her passion was in working with clay—very reminiscent of those childhood days building sandcastles on the beaches of Southern California.

Reminding herself that “There is a time for everything,” she pushed on with her studies while experiencing another feeling of being a stranger in a strange land. Being from Texas and living in the DFW area for nearly 30 years, I did giggle at LittleCook’s admission of feeling lost and not understanding what her teachers were saying

continued on page 17 14 January 2021

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January 2021

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Two things about Terron that make him a “no brainer.� One, there is no one in the community that works harder for the benefit of others. Two, Terron’s work in the community makes clear his character for service, heart for people and ability to lead. His commitment to Ponca City makes Michelle and I excited to support Terron for Ponca City Commissioner for Ward 4. Please join us in voting for Terron Liles on February 9, 2021!

Brad & Michelle Wicker Paid for by Brad & Michelle Wicker.

16 January 2021

ArtSpace

continued from page 14

to her. This was LittleCook’s first introduction to the subject pronoun, y’all. At that time in her life, she never would have imagined that she would settle in Ponca City, Oklahoma, with the rest of y’all.

Mindy finished college at Oklahoma City University (OCU) with a degree in studio art.

While attending school in Oklahoma City, she was pushed by her professor to submit her artwork for a show. Being that her artwork is so personal and finding it difficult to share these works that are pieces of herself, she reluctantly submitted two pieces that were both accepted.

It was in this show that she received the Provost Award for one of her pieces. Creating art for LittleCook is not about recognition, but more about personal experience. The judges “heard her” and understood what she was saying through her art. This was her first experience with being understood and realizing that being recognized was “okay.”

Urchin

Pearl

Then Mindy said, “okay” and agreed to moving to Ponca City after many talks with her husband, Chris LittleCook, about his childhood hometown. He sold her on the many great opportunities that Ponca City had to offer an artistic California girl.

Ponca City has been the home to Mindy LittleCook for over 25 years. Alongside Chris, they raised their four sons here, and she started her career in education. When Mindy started out her teaching career, she started by managing “Art on a Cart” by going from class to class in two of the elementary schools. From there, she then took a teaching opportunity at the middle school where she could ditch the cart and teach art in her own classroom.

Hominum Cattus

Now, she has been teaching 3D art at Ponca City High School for the last few years. Even with the challenges and uncertainty of this new COVID-19 world we live in, Mindy LittleCook is still upbeat, positive and excited to see where her students take what she has taught them. As Mindy stated, “There is a time for everything.”

There is a time for everything and to expound on that, there is a time for everyone. Mindy’s time is now.

Naturae

Box of Wonderland December 2020

17

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Sounding Off

P

onca City lost Mark Swenson, (pictured here), an extremely talented and passionate drummer, father, grandfather, husband and a brother to fellow musicians in Ponca City. Mark was a founding member of the Mother Kelly Band, well-known and loved local purveyors of rock ‘n’ roll.

Music in & Around Ponca City Story & Photos Contributed by Steve Scott

I’m hiding in a corner of The Perk coffee shop on 14th Street, contemplating the state of Ponca City live music entertainment and looking for good vibes. Positive news cannot come soon enough for our sidelined local musicians, but even the COVID-19 can’t stop their creativity.

the masses, Larry continues to write and record new material and is working with the Vice President of the Century Music Group in Nashville for an upcoming Extended Play release. If you want a “sneek peek,” Larry is including some of the new material in his live performances. You can keep up with Larry on his Facebook page.

Canvassing my friends and contacts around town, cancellations seem to be the “new normal.” The Governor’s order requiring bars and entertainment establishments to close by 11 p.m. each night is yet another speed bump affecting the local live music scene. But even in these challenging times, the musical talent in Ponca City is very much alive, with regular rehearsals, new songs being written and recording it all in studios.

Ridin’ High is sponsoring Karaoke every Friday night, and currently have The Steel Scarecrows performing on Jan. 19 and Brent Giddens on Jan. 30 (both subject to COVID-19 cancellation, if required).

THE BAND STAND Dirty Erin remains as popular as ever, and is currently in “booking discussions” with venues. Most likely they will not firm up any dates until the February time frame. In addition, the band was contacted by two outdoor festivals that are in the “organizing stage.” Outdoor shows appear to be the safest place to play right now.

The band is currently selecting a publisher for their new CD, which will be a “must have” by everyone! You can try to keep up with this busy band on its Facebook page, or at dirtyerin.com.

After the successful “Vision 2020 Tour” this fall, The Hayes Brothers Band fell victim to December cancellations because of COVID-19 restrictions, including a New Year’s party. However, the band continues adding new music at its weekly rehearsals and remains optimistic about 2021.

Thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the members of Morrison 33 continued to write and record music for their upcoming CD release. I bought both of their previous CDs, and they were shipped to me in Las Vegas, Nevada, while I was living there for 13 years. My co-workers know Morrison 33’s music as well as I do from hearing it play in my office each day. Everyone should look forward to the pending release! You can keep up with Morrison 33 and check out some of the new songs on their Facebook page.

Favorite local solo artist Larry Newsom is staying busy wowing patrons at bars in Ponca City, Enid, Bartlesville, Pond Creek and Stillwater. He has an upcoming performance at The Spot, located at 417 N. Grand in Enid on Jan. 13, 2021, and has bookings in February ¬ I’ll cover in next month’s column. In addition to entertaining

Fortunately, our local entertainment venues, including The Fox, Astoria, Vortex and Back 2 Sighs continue to reinforce their long-term positions in Ponca City.

Current bar restrictions forced each of them to forgo live music for now, but all said they are more than ready to be your go-to spots when the COVID-19 limitations end and everyone is ready to get out of the house to dance the night away!

IN MEMORIAM On a sad note, Ponca City lost Mark Swenson, an extremely talented and passionate drummer, father, grandfather, husband and a brother to fellow musicians in Ponca City. Mark was a founding member of the Mother Kelly Band, well-known and loved local purveyors of rock ‘n’ roll.

According to the band members, Mark was the “glue” that held everything together and made it work so successfully. But overall, the band’s large fan base proves that it wasn’t just the show. Mark was a major part of the band’s personality, and that is what the listeners connected with. Everyone who enjoyed Mother Kelly remembers the music, as well as the experience and how they felt. Thank you for those good times, Mark. Rock on my friend. Godspeed.

FINALLY As a musician for over 50 years, I can tell you that every band and solo artist needs to get on stage and entertain the public. Performing is good for them, both mentally and creatively. Here’s hoping for live music in your immediate future!

If anyone has information on live music events, please email me at smscott54@ hotmail.com.

January 2021

19

Pioneer Woman Statue: Her Name Is “Confident” The Pioneering Woman Who is Still Inspiring Today Story by Jennifer Vaughan / Staff Writer & Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue Board Member Photos by Angela Guthrie Design & Photography

“The woman was to me the courageous character marching out, carrying all her worldly belongings, her bible, and her son, the man of tomorrow to a new life . . . She is the abstract, beautiful, ideal woman of the spirit of great faith and hope.” explained Bryant Baker, Confident statue artist and sculptor.

Publisher’s Note: Jennifer Vaughan has served on the Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue board since 2018.

explode. They saw the obscenity and missed the point in jokes, which, incidentally, were few and pale when E. W. was present.

Art is subjective, and it’s entirely possible that Hurley’s views were well ahead of his time, and much more than was first envisioned by E.W. Marland.

In the early 1920s, Ernest Whitworth (E.W.) Marland, a millionaire oilman and philanthropist who later became a United States Congressman and the tenth governor of Oklahoma, decided to create a statue commemorating what he considered to be “the pioneering woman.” While the eventual sculptor was thankful for the opportunity to sculpt such a notable piece of art, this particular project would eventually help Marland cement the legacy, or as some would argue, immortality, he so longed for.

E.W., in a pontifical manner which often offended those who didn’t know him well, said, “The Indian is not the vanishing American—it’s the pioneer woman.” *

Widely known as the Pioneer Woman Statue, the bronze statue’s true and official name is “Confident.”

The statue depicts a young, sun-bonneted pioneer mother, protectively leading her son by the hand, striding confidently, head held high—a young woman of sturdy beauty and dignity whose eyes are fixed on the far southwestern horizon. Courage, determination and humility in her face and a bible in her hand.

Marland’s biographer describes in his book Life and Death of an Oilman how the original idea for the Pioneer Woman was conceived in a story recalled by friends of Marland.

E. W. was asked [by a friend], “why don’t you have sculptor Jo Davidson make a statue to the vanishing American, a Ponca, Otoe or an Osage—a monument of great size?”

Women were sitting about in short skirts, putting their knees awkwardly together as they backed up to a chair to sit down, continually tugging at their inadequate skirts to cover an exposure of pale thigh. They shook their bobbed hair back like emergent swimmers, and lit cigarettes as if they expected them to

20 January 2021

Understandably, this quote from E.W., someone who left a lasting, positive impact on Ponca City, is not a well-known quote. It is rarely, if ever, spoken of locally. However, the entire story must be shared; “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it,” as George Santayana so wisely said. While the idea of the statue was born out of longing for a woman of the past, it now represents the future of all women.

The Pioneer Woman Statue stands now and inspires all women who have endured, led and thrived against all odds.

Colonel Patrick J. Hurley, a native Oklahoman and Secretary of War at the time, shared his own personal views in his radio address at the unveiling of the statue. “Woman has never been given her just place in history as a pioneer, an educator, a builder or as a leader. This is probably due to the fact that most of the pages of history are written by men about men. … The woman has held the objectives gained by the man.

She has been the bulwark ever standing between civilization and barbarism.”

“The woman was to me the courageous character marching out, carrying all her worldly belongings, her bible, and her son, the man of tomorrow to a new life.

She is the abstract, beautiful, ideal woman of the spirit of great faith and hope,” explained Bryant Baker, Confident statue artist and sculptor.

The statue is 17-feet tall and weighs 12,000 pounds.

Standing atop a quarry-stone pyramid base, the entire presentation rises to 33 feet. It was erected at a cost of $300,000 in 1930, an amount equal to over four and a half million dollars today. In 1926, E.W. launched a design competition for the statue. He invited 12 sculptors to submit small models; and in 1927, these were exhibited in Ponca City and 13 major cities across the nation where they were viewed by 750,000 people who cast votes for their favorite. The 12 submissions included “Protective” by John Gregory, “Determined”

by Maurice Sterne, “Challenging” by Hermon Atkins

continued on page 23

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“I drive by her every day and when I look at her, I think of all the strong women I have met. To me, she is a constant reminder to have strength and courage, carry yourself with dignity and never give up. To be kind. Ponca City is fortunate to have the Pioneer Woman Statue, she is a beautiful gift to the community and the country.”

- Melinda Littlecook, PWM & Statue Board Member

Pioneer Woman Statue: “Confident” continued from page 20 MacNeil, “Affectionate” by James E. Fraser, “Self-Reliant”

by Alexander Stirling Calder, “Fearless” by Wheeler Williams, “Heroic” by Mario Korbel, “Adventurous” by F. Lynn Jenkins, “Sturdy” by Mahonri Young, “Faithful” by Arthur Lee, “Trusting” by Jo Davidson and “Confident”

by Bryant Baker. Artist Bryant Baker’s model was the most popular by a large margin.

The sculpture was unveiled at its permanent location in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1930, on the 41st anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run, the largest land grab in Oklahoma. President Herbert Hoover gave a nationwide radio address from the White House to mark the occasion, along with Colonel Hurley who had planned to attend but was not well. Other speakers included E.W. Marland, artist Bryant Baker, Episcopal Bishop of Oklahoma Thomas Casady, Oklahoma Governor William J. Holloway, and Oklahoma’s favorite son and comedian, Will Rogers.

Rogers was the closing speaker for the ceremony that was attended by roughly 44,000 people.

Standing as a monument to the women who made significant contributions to the Oklahoma that we know today, the statue is inscribed with the words, “In appreciation of the heroic character of the women who braved the dangers and endured the hardships incident to daily life of the pioneer and homesteader in this country.”

The Pioneer Woman Statue “Confident” can be found at The Pioneer Woman Museum, which is dedicated to preserving women’s history and showcasing the historical and continued influence of women on the development of Oklahoma and the United States. In 1957, ground was broken for construction of a 3,000-square-foot museum.

It was dedicated on Sept. 16, 1958, the 65th anniversary of the opening of the Cherokee Strip for settlement. In 1996, a major expansion project to add 7,000 square feet to the museum began. The Pioneer Woman Museum was rededicated in April 1998 with the completion of the project.

The pioneer spirit embodied by the phrase “I See No Boundaries” is prominent throughout the museum. The museum’s exhibits showcase Oklahoma women who were pioneers in various fields up to present day, both on a state and national level. The museum’s education center features craft demonstrations, special exhibits, an interactive timeline and the Pioneer Woman Walk of Fame (which tells the stories of women from all races and nationalities who contributed to Oklahoma’s history).

The Pioneer Woman Museum also hosts many events and educational classes through its education center.

The craft demonstrations and interactive areas of the museum are open to anyone who wants to learn spinning, knitting or quilting. Information and artifacts about the daily life of Oklahoma’s Cherokee Strip homesteaders are prominently displayed with photographs, newspaper articles, flyers, memorabilia, artifacts and antiques.

“It is my goal that visitors come away with not only a better understanding of pioneer life for women and their families, but what Oklahoma women have done in many areas, from farming and running businesses, to breaking boundaries in law and careers. It is my hope that visitors are not just more educated and informed, but inspired,” shared Kelly Houston, Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue Executive Director. *John Joseph Mathews, Life and Death of an Oilman: The Career of E.W. Marland (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1951) 179-80.

Will you help the Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue preserve the legacy of women from all races, creeds and nationalities who have made significant contributions to the history of Oklahoma?

Here’s a look at the organization’s three largest operating expenses.

Make a tax-deductible donation at www.PioneerWomanMuseum. com today!

• Utilities — $9,816/year • Lawn Care for the 14 Acre Grounds — $6,600/year • Natural Gas — $4,500/year

January 2021

23

Humor & Entertainment

Stew on that

By Rachel Stewart

PET SET

ACROSS

by Patrick Jordan

1. Champagne bottle sealer 5. Signals "yes" with one's head 9. Sultry screen star ___ West 12. Disney's little mermaid 14. Wicked 15. Unload on eBay 16. Zellweger seen in "Chicago" 17. Off-color, as some jokes 18. Gave a salary to 19. Simple swimming stroke (2 wds.)

21. Knight's weapon 22. Express in words 23. Comedian for a king or queen 24. Carried in a semi 28. Zebra-stalking feline 30. Ranchland units 31. 1965 Jane Fonda Western (2 wds.)

36. Legendary actress Turner 37. Arranges by category 38. Deserve through hard work 39. Angler's phony tale (2 wds.)

41. Made less wild 42. Easter flower 43. "The way I'm showing you to do it" (2 wds.)

44. Appropriate to the occasion 48. Received 49. Flowed thickly 50. Car polish brand (2 wds.)

56. "Famous" cookie maker 57. Clothes hanger material 58. Banish from the country 59. Penny 60. Outer limit 61. Not as risky

62. Gardening tool 63. Red root vegetable 64. Sloppy situation DOWN 1. Jack or ace, for instance 2. Nabisco treat 3. Jewelry store purchase 4. Retain 5. Socially awkward 6. Capsule-shaped 7. Pair in a Monopoly box 8. Cunning as a fox 9. Was trying to convey 10. Wonderland visitor 11. Senior church official 13. Rental contracts 15. Resorts with steam baths 20. Mom's mate 21. "Stormy Weather" singer Horne 23. Classifed ad offerings 24. 50% 25. Healthful berry in some smoothies 26. Large vases 27. Rachel's sister, in the Bible 28. Moe and Curly's pal 29. ___-bitty (very small) 31. Reduce the temperature of 32. Plumbing problem 33. Weak, as some excuses 34. Raw minerals 35. Reverse the effects of 37. Mix with a spoon 40. Toy on a snowy hill 41. They're printed on book covers 43. Parking area 44. Cook eggs by simmering 45. Juliet's beloved

I can’t believe it’s been one whole year since I haven’t started eating healthier and exercising more. The 46 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes I’ve had over the last month really put the nail in that delicious, sweet, sprinkle-covered, tree-shaped coffin. Is it more depressing that I ate that many or that I kept track?

(Don’t answer that.)

Alright now on to resolutions: Quit being afraid of my Instant Pot. That’s it and honestly even that feels a bit overwhelming. I’m giving myself a break this year and encourage you to do the same, if you need to. My mental health has taken a beating this year, so I’m going to give myself permission to focus on that. The things I will do, though, because they require absolutely no effort, is be more understanding. I’m also going to give grace freely. I’m going to practice kindness, even to the people who don’t deserve it, even if it freakin’ kills me. And

by God, I’m going to make creamy spaghetti and meatballs in my Instant Pot.

This year, I’ve decided that my resolution is to quit lying to myself that I’m going to make drastic lifestyle changes. Let’s try something new, before we start making lists of things we need to improve on, I say we make lists of things we do well or things we’ve accomplished, first.

I think we could all use a morale boost after the last crap-tastic, toilet paperless year. So let’s pat ourselves on our backs for a second. I’ll start. I didn’t murder my husband while being in quarantine together for months on end. I finally cleaned out my spice cabinet and threw away spices that expired over ten years ago. My children are alive and

1

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Crossword Answers on Page 36

24 January 2021

healthy and awesome and only sometimes sass holes. I’m really good at making inappropriate jokes at the most inopportune times. I’m very, very good at making PowerPoint presentations, and if anyone is interested in my top five choices of celebrities to play me in a movie, I’d be happy to email it to you.

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School test, briefly Wilma Flintstone, to Fred Certain microbrewery brews Generation ___ (baby boomers' kids) Spider's trap

Wealth Management for Everyone Cherokee Strip has partnered with Polaris Portfolios, a wealth management firm, to provide you with a dedicated financial advisor to help you achieve your short- or long-term financial goals.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE: cherokeestrip.com/investments

Investment products and services are offered independently through Polaris Portfolios, LLC. Investment accounts are custodied at Interactive Brokers Group, LLC., member of FINRA/SIPC. Polaris Portfolios and Cherokee Strip Credit Union are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Polaris Portfolios are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Polaris Portfolios, LLC (“Polaris” or the “Advisor”) is an internet-based registered investment advisor (“RIA”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to the investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).

January 2021

25

]

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Carl Renfro

Directors

President

Brenda Renfro

Randy Renfro

Carol Bouldin

Treasurer, CPA

WINDOW AND DOOR GLASS & SCREENS Residential & Commercial 4 New, Repairs & Replacements – Serving Ponca City since 1983 –

University Center Board

Rick Renfro

Secretary, Restaurateur

Patrick Collogan

Attorney

Cindy Gorrell

Jeff Cowan

Vice President, Investments

RCB Bank

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

CHUCK

HODDY

580-762-9844 727 N. Union, Ponca City www.HoddyGlass.com

2021 Bucket List

Take a real tour of this beautiful mansion.

We hope to see you in the New Year!

] MARLAND MANSION ]

901 Monument Road • Ponca City • 580-767-0420 26 January 2021

Kevin’s Corner Stock Market News

NEW YEAR NEW RIDE!

I am NOT happy. If someone tells you bath time is fun, don’t believe it – not for one second, or however long that is. Momma said she would invite Mr. Bubbles if I promised to be good, so I just stood there motionless in the torture chamber and endured all that senseless soaping. But that Bubbles guy never showed up.

It all turned out to be one dirty, rotten trick. Come to think of it, I seem to remember that same trick last month. Seems I better step up my game whenever a pile of fluffy stuff appears in Momma’s lap.

Speaking of stepping up, Momma opened a new investment account. She found a lot of online providers to choose from like Schwab, Fidelity, Merrill and TD Ameritrade. She also talked to some smart people at full-service investment brokers like Polaris Portfolios and Edward Jones. I guess no one way is better than the other, as long as you start. To fund their investments, Dad went to their credit union or bank and set up an automated transfer from their regular checking account. He’s bummed about not being able to spend that money now, but excited to be saving for something bigger and watching their investments grow.

To start out, Dad wants to buy something called stocks, which are ownership shares in businesses they hear about every day.

These types of businesses, also called corporations, are willing to sell us a tiny bit (share) of their company—and even send us some of the operating profits as dividends—if we give some of our money now to help them grow. Dad said we can either buy ownership shares from a corporation when they first offer it, or later from someone else who bought a share but no longer wants to own it. Momma was interested in Dad’s idea, but said the price to buy even a single share in some corporations is so high, they might consider mutual funds instead.

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Momma said a mutual fund is a special type of corporation that also issues shares, but instead of buying into a business that makes or offers real things, they would become part-owner in the mutual fund and everything it owns. After many people buy a mutual fund’s shares, all that money is pooled together. The chief, or Investment Manager, then uses the money to purchase a specific set of investments based on the fund’s prospectus, or “rules of the road” written down when the mutual fund was born.

Each mutual fund has its own prospectus, as does most types of investments we can purchase. Usually a big financial company like Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard or BlackRock will create a variety of special corporations as their “family” of mutual funds, which then generate income for the big financial company by charging Mom and Dad a small fee for the Investment Manager spending all that time watching over our money. Mom already knows that well-run mutual funds shouldn’t charge a management fee of more than 1.00% per year. She also knows there are thousands of mutual funds to choose from, but they can be easily classified into just a few investing styles. We’ll save all that for another day, since I’m still tuckered out from my bath.

Yesterday I ran right up to the patio door, and barked back at Momma so I could clock in for patrol. I guess she didn’t hear me at first, or the second time, or the third time, or the fourth, or the fifth—so I kept on yapping away until she gave me a dirty look and opened that glass wall just a smidge. I stuck my head and front paws through the opening, but since the squirrels were still asleep and there wasn’t a lizard in sight, I kept my butt inside where it was toasty warm. I stood like that for quite a while - half inside, half out—when I began to wonder why I was standing at all. So, I just plopped right down and enjoyed a little bit of everything all at once, just the way I like it. Now, if only I could find Bubbles and tell him what for.

While Momma continues searching for dry towels, Dad works at Cherokee Strip Credit Union and helps Kevin with his penmanship.

Copyright 2020—One Trick Productions

January 2021

27

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON

The Boxcar Children

By Gertrude Chandler Warner The Boxcar Children was one of my first, veryfavorite books. It has also been a great success when I’ve shared it with classes. Four orphaned siblings – Henry (age 14), Jessie (12), Violet (10) and Benny (6) Alden – are on the run from their grandfather whom they have never met. They believe he doesn’t even like them and would probably separate them, so they vow to do whatever is necessary to stay together and avoid their grandfather. These children are resourceful, responsible and kind – the type of person I wanted to be when I grew up.

At the beginning of this series opener, the children must avoid being separated by a couple planning to take advantage of them and gain free labor. While searching for a safe, warm and dry place to stay, they discover an old, abandoned boxcar. It’s the perfect answer to their quest. With inventiveness and hard work, they transform the old boxcar into a home, complete with

a fireplace, a refrigerator and a swimming pool!

A visit to a local dump allows the children to repurpose items to meet their needs while living in the boxcar.

Henry meets Dr. Moore, who hires him to help out with odd jobs around the house. When Violet becomes extremely ill, Henry goes to the doctor for help. As it turns out, Dr. Moore knows Mr. Alden, the children’s grandfather, who is kind (and rich, to boot). The doctor helps the children get to know their grandfather before they learn who he is. This novel sets up the rest of the series, in which the children solve mysteries and have adventures.

The author, Gertrude Chandler Warner, was a first-grade teacher. She wrote the first 19 books of the Boxcar Children Mysteries. Originally published in 1942, The Boxcar Children is set in a gentler, simpler, charming era.

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We wish you health and happiness in the new year!

Toni’s

WESTSIDE DRUG & RX

– 3-Generation Family Tradition – 301 W. Grand • Ponca City • (580) 765-4456 Hours: Monday - Friday 8-6 and Saturday 8-2

ADULT BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON Beneath a Scarlet Sky

By Mark Sullivan

Seventeen-year-old Pino Lella is a typical Italian teenager, thinking only of food, friends, music and – of course – girls. His days of being a carefree teen, though, are running out quickly. When Allied bombs ruin much of Milan, Pino’s parents send him to the mountains where he has spent many summers, in an effort to get him out of harm’s way.

While there, he helps a priest by guiding Jews to safety over the Alps and encounters local outlaws posing as members of the anti-Fascist resistance.

When Pino returns home, his parents force him to join the German army; they are attempting to avoid his being drafted and being sent to the Russian front. Shortly after enlisting, Pino is wounded in the line of duty. When he has recovered, he happens to be at the right place, at the right time, and is chosen as the personal driver for General Hans Leyers.

Leyers is one of the Third Reich’s most powerful commanders and Hitler’s foremost representative in Italy.

His new assignment as driver for General Leyers gives Pino an unbelievable opportunity to act as a spy for the Allies with access to the German High Command. Although he feels as though his soul is being shredded, Pino remains stalwart as he observes the horrors of World War II. During his time with General Leyers, Pino meets Benito Mussolini, watches as families are loaded into cattle cars headed for Auschwitz and overhears possible plots by German generals to overthrow Hitler.

This is probably a good time to share with you that Pino Lella is not a fictional character, but a real-life, all-but-forgotten hero of World War II. Pino’s faith and integrity allow him to not just survive, but succeed in his mission.

JANUARY, 2021

NEW IN 2021…

JANUARY, 2021

It’s a new year and time to renew your resolution to buy or sell a home.

Take-Out Main Dish

It’s a new year and time to renew your resolution to buy or sell a home.

CASSEROLES!

Give me a call and together we will make 2021 a memorable year.

CENTURY 21 GROUP ONE

Give me a call and together we will make 2021 a memorable year.

Order entire casserole or individual servings.

Frances Coonrod

580-761-1712

Frances.Coonrod@ gmail.com

Selection will vary daily!

Follow us on facebook or call for details.

580-765-6894

Pick-up daily 10 am - 5:30 pm

307 East Grand Downtown Ponca City Dine in and carryout, curbside pickup available!

January 2021

29

Cutest Pets

in Ponca City Top 20

1st Place Oreo

Back in October, we asked the people of Ponca City to submit photos of their cutest pets. Prizes for top pets included gift cards from Pet Sense, $250 for 1st, $125 for 2nd and $75 for 3rd. Pet Sense also graciously agreed to donate gift baskets to all winners as well!

story and style.

It was incredibly difficult to choose winners. We had over 200 submissions for this contest and we wish we could have featured them all. However, winners had to be chosen, so we based our decisions of the following factors: cuteness, personality, photo quality,

In a contest like this, there really are no losers, because each of our pets is the cutest pet in Ponca City. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful, beautiful pets with us, and thank you for reading Ponca City Monthly magazine!

Congratulations to our top three winners Oreo, Dexter and Victor! Please call our office at 580-789-6640 to arrange a time to pick up your gift cards and gift baskets.

2nd Place

3rd Place

Anyone who meets Oreo knows that she is by far the cutest pet in Ponca City. Oreo is a Miniature Panlander. Her breed is a cross between a Miniature Highland/Highpark/Panda cow.

Santa delivered her to the Mayse Funny Farm in McCord, Oklahoma, on Christmas Day in 2018. She has her own Instagram account, @oreotheminicow, and posts about life on the Mayse Funny Farm with her friends the Longhorn Cattle; two miniature Nigerian Dwarf goats, Blue and Honey; and the lone horse that also thinks he’s a cow, Doc. Oreo spends her days grazing and enjoys being brushed. She is hopeful to have her own baby in 2021.

Victor

DEXTER Dexter enjoys eating snacks, laying on fresh warm laundry, drinking out of the fish tank, demanding more snacks, shedding, sleeping, sleeping, sleeping and being beautiful.

Wesley

30 January 2021

Victor is our 8-year-old foster failure dog. He was found dumped in the country as a pup, and quickly made his place in our family. Victor is the best boat dog ever, loves to go fishing and hiking, go for car rides anywhere, and snuggle on the couch. Victor is such a sweet boy, always happy, and just always wants to be close to his people. Victor is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and has earned trick dog titles too. He is such a good boy, and we love him dearly!

Kelcii This is Kelcii. She is a Pembroke Welsh corgi. She is a little firecracker. The day we took these photos, she got off her leash and went running with a jogger.

He didn’t know what to think, but she just wanted attention. The photographer Divina actually went running after her.

foster kitten

This is one of our very many rescue and foster kittens. We rescue them and they rescue us back. The rescues and fosters are very comforting to my children, at the same time teaching them the many responsibilities of pet ownership, including raising and rehabilitating animals. We have so many amazing pet photos that it was hard to choose just one. In this particular photo my daughter, Kaylynn (who doesn’t particularly enjoy reading) is reading to the kitten, and actually enjoying it! It’s just one of the many photos I have that radiate one of the many ways animals can bring comfort, joy, unconditional love and companionship into our lives.

SARAH

Pauley Ray This is Pauley Ray, but most people know her as The Poo or Pookie Mama! She has had numerous names throughout the almost ten years that we’ve been a dynamic duo. I came up with her name on the hour-long car trip home. Pauley came from the real name of the smart, gothic girl on NCIS and Ray was my grandma’s maiden name. Grandma died a few months before I got The Poo and I wanted to incorporate something about her in my new little pal. Pauley Ray accompanied me to Kansas City to go to mortuary school and eventually to Ponca City. I was a dog person before I got her, and she has successfully turned me into a crazy cat lady and I couldn’t be happier!

Adopted in November of 2019 from Northern Oklahoma Humane Society, Sarah is lovable, playful and protective.

My daughter and I constantly find ourselves saying that something she does is the “cutest thing ever.”

Her story was recently published in the PCDA email.

Sarah

Natalie Fraser and her daughter Harper found Sarah at the Ponca City Humane Society. They fell in love with her after a tour of the newly remodeled Humane Society building and adopted her last November. Sarah became a regular at the Lindsay Mfg. office for many months. The long haired St. Bernard mix is a willing participant for testing out their vacuum products. Lindsay Mfg. manufacturers vacuum systems for many applications, including general cleaning, pet grooming, animal hospitals and veterinary clinics. Sarah’s thick coat is perfect for trying out new specialty pet vacuum tools, and her shedding creates ample opportunity for testing out the hair containment systems.

WESLEY WALKER-ROBERTSON This is Wesley Walker-Robertson. He is 12 years old and spends his days at the Standing Bear Museum. He was rescued in Cushing, Oklahoma, and adopted from the prison training program at Cimarron Correctional Facility. Wesley is a certified therapy and disaster response dog registered with Therapy Dogs International. He has visited hospitals, nursing homes, schools, private homes and he also responded to the 2013 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, where he worked in the shelters and resource centers, as well as the impact areas. Wesley is patient, tolerant and speaks volumes with his eyes.

Bentley and Lacey Bentley is our 3-year-old golden retriever male. He is a total inside dog and loves to be lazy! His favorite thing to do is take naps and chase rabbits. Lacey is our 9-month-old golden retriever female. She is the complete opposite of Bentley. She's very independent, cuddles when it's convenient for her, and loves to steal Bentley's toys from him!

continued on page 32

January 2021

31

continued from page 31

Top 20

betty (ADOPTABLE) Betty Lou came to Northern Oklahoma Humane Society over a year ago from a terrible neglect case. She is incredibly shy and has unfortunately not improved during her time with us. We are looking for an experienced foster to take her and help her realize that people (and the pet life) aren't so scary.

To inquire about adoption, please call 580-767-8877

LOKI This is my grand puppy ”Loki.” He is truly one of the sweetest, loving, and most loyal of dogs. He is loved and owned by my daughter, Shelby Faulkner. They live here in Ponca City.

Loki was featured in a video posted on the Midwest City, Oklahoma animal control page. He was found living on the streets of OKC, skinny, shut down and scared. I’m sure the employees at the animal control facility did not have much confidence in being able to find him a forever home. Black male dogs are the least adopted dogs, and then the fact that he was also a pit bull almost guaranteed he would eventually be overlooked and euthanized.

ASHER She is a 7-year-old full-blood fawn boxer. She is the crown jewel in our household. She is so relaxed when it’s time to sleep and snuggle, but she isn’t afraid to show off when guests are around. She follows simple commands like sitting, stay, lay down. One of our favorite activities is tossing a balloon or large ball to her and she will hit it back with her nose! She is wonderful with our daughter. I’m so glad she is apart of our lives!

32 January 2021

WHISKEY Whiskey is a very sweet girl and has come a long way since I got her. She loves to barrel race and loves cuddles.

She is a one of a kind and my heart horse.

My daughter had seen his video on the faculty Facebook page and her heart just melted. He was so quiet, a real gentleman, while the other dogs around him were barking and carrying on. She made the decision to go get him that day!

A year later, he is a healthy, beautiful, loving and loyal friend to Shelby.

He loves to snuggle under the blankets, never barks or complains, always kind and sweet to everyone he meets. Loki is proof that you SHOULD NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!

PUMPKIN (ADOPTABLE) Pumpkin is a big love bug! He enjoys lounging in his cat tree and belly rubs.

He would make the perfect friend for the New Year! To inquire about adoption, please call 580-767-8877

OINKERS DOT

OLIVer RAE Hello, my pupper’s name is Oliver Rae. He was just two weeks old when I found him on the side of the highway by Fairfax. He only weighed 2 pounds! He has always been such a good dog and was super easy to train. He’s constantly full of energy, but he also knows when it’s time to calm down. He follows commands very well and enjoys doing them because he knows he’s in for a treat. His favorite kind of toys to chew on are empty water bottles, nothing else compares to them. He is so spoiled and pampered, he refuses to drink any other kind of water unless it’s a fresh, cold water

This is Dot, and she is so special to our family. She is smart and playful, but the best thing is she absolutely loves children. She lets them clump, pull, yank, jump and lay all over her and never complains but loves with her full heart. She would like to be entered into this contest because she is the goodest of girls.

KEL (ABOVE) ZUKO (LEFT) This is Kel and Zuko. Kel is the black lab, and she was saved from the kill shelter. She was very shy and didn't even want to go on walks. She was dirty, skinny and covered in ticks. She was always so scared, she never even barked. But once we got Zuko her shy personality changed. He taught her how to be a dog. They are so sweet and best friends, and now she boofs all the time and is living her best life.

This is Oinkers... He’s a 4-year-old mini Julianne pig. He is potty-trained and can do tricks like a dog. He can sit, lay down and he can come to you when he wants snacks.

Rozzo This is Rozzo. She is a Highlander Lynk.

She’s also polydactyl, so she has 24 toes. She’s quite the sock fetcher and loves water-every time she hears the bath water she comes running. She is like a dog when people come over.

She greets them at the door with a firm stance and stare.

continued on page 34

January 2021

33

Ponca City Monthly Staff Pets Ginger

Wynchester

continued from page 33

Ziggy

Caroline & Otto

Ginger

Owners: Kelsey & Jay Wagner

Owner: Jennifer Vaughan

Owner: Brenda Baugh

Ginger is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

She likes to herd children in the backyard, bark at inanimate objects and demand to play fetch during coffee every morning. We love her so much.

A Christmas gift in 2019 for Wesley, William, Warren and Adalynn Vaughan, Wynchester just celebrated his second Christmas with the Vaughan family.

I am Ziggy, the kitty formerly known as Daisy. I’m kind of a big deal and a bit of Caroline is a 5-year-old rescue and a a diva. I rescued Brenda in September, Carolina Dog, while Otto is a 9-year-old and we are already great friends! Miniature poodle & Terrier Mix. Caroline and Otto became best buddies last year and live happily together with their humans.

– Saluting the Cutest Pets – We think they’ll be even cuter on Stanton carpet!

Owners: Christina Wright & Mike Smith

#Goals - Get Healthy in 2021!

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KAL High Potency Soft Multiple Source supports overall health, Naturals strengthens bones, Wellness increases immune formula delivers system health high-potency vitamin C, and boost plus more antioxidants than 30 other vitamins, minerals and time-tested herbs for advanced daily immune support.

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KAL Enhanced Energy Whole Food MultiVitamin provides a balanced whole body approach to daily nutrition with its synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals and real food co-factors.

509 N. 1st St. • Ponca City • 580-762-1736

Showroom Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. 9 am - 2 pm

34 January 2021

762-1854 • Open Mon. thru Sat. 9 am - 7 pm 2906 N. 14th, Ponca City (next to Hobby Lobby)

Boomer & Sooner

Charley, Anniebee & Piper WINTER IS HERE! Call now for a complete furnace inspection…

580-762-9513 Owners: Robyn & Ron Ryan

Owners: Carey & Danny Head

Boomer, left, and Sooner, are both rescues from Northern Oklahoma Humane Society. Our “boys” are mostly goldens, and living a great life with us.

It’s a rare occasion to have Carey and Danny Head’s three fur babies 1) momentarily calm; 2) awake; and 3) in the same frame. From left, Havapoo Charley, 9 months; mini Schnauzer AnnieBee, 18 months, and mini Schnauzer Piper, 5, keep a close eye on the hand that holds a cookie.

Planned Maintenance Agreements Residential & Commercial Service Family Owned and Operated Installation & Replacement Free In-Home Estimates Duct Cleaning

info@wardsac.com

R U SS

DIDLAKE HAPPY NEW YEAR! I would love to assist you with buying or selling your property residential or commercial. I can also help with your property management needs.

580.763.2760 russdidlake@kw.com

411 N. 14th Ponca City 580-765-0825

WILLIAM S. BIVIN CFP®, President & Investment Advisor Representative

JULIE BROWN

FPQP™, CRPC® Investment Advisor Representative

JASON C. BIVIN Investment Advisor Representative

Fiduciary Investment Advice & Personal Financial Planning 412 S. 14th Street • Ponca City • (580) 762-1121

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Advisory services offered through Bivin & Associates, Inc., an Oklahoma State Registered Investment Adviser.

January 2021

35

you DidWhat’s you your know responsibility ownandyour local what’s ours? power utility?

Overhead Service Cable

Celebrating the Benefits of Local Power!

• Equal or greater reliability.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers.

• Emphasis on long-term community goals.

• Quick response from crews located in the community.

• Local employment.

• Economic development – not-for-profit electricity attracts business.

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics and design.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet energy needs.

• Local Power supports other entities such as police, fire, park and recreation, library, to name a few, by contributions to the city’s general fund.

• Customers have a direct and powerful voice in decisionmaking through their communities elected officials.

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House Knob

Thank you Ponca City Trees in service wire are customer’s responsibility Service Riser for believing in & supporting to maintain & trim. & Weatherhead your very own Municipality!

Local Control Padmount “Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

ReinvestmentTransformer & Primary Cable

Meter Can

you know y own your local Customer Owned and Maintained utility?

OurLocalPower.org Ponca City Energy Owned andpower Maintained Celebrating the Benefits of Local Power!

If you have questions, call Ponca City Energy at 580-767-0405.

M A E

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• Equal or greater reliability.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers.

• Emphasis on long-term community goals.

• Quick response from crews located in the community.

• Local employment.

• Economic development – not-for-profit electricity attracts business.

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics and design.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet energy needs.

• Local Power supports other entities such as police, fire, park and recreation, library, to name a few, by contributions to the city’s general fund.

• Customers have a direct and powerful voice in decisionmaking through their communities elected officials.

• Local Power makes a difference every day: you live in a Local Power Community. Appreciate it and support it!

Learn more about Our Local Power by visiting

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Crossword Puzzle on Page 24

36 January 2021

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Thurs. 4 - 10 pm Fri. 4 - 11 pm Sat. noon - 11 pm Sun. noon - 8 pm

www.OurLocalPower.org

217 S. 2ND • DOWNTOWN PONCA CITY THANK YOU PONCA CITY for believing in and supporting Our Local Power Utility!

Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is Wednesay, April 22, 9-1 at Unity Gym.

Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

Wednesay, April 22, 9-1 at Unity Gym.

REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

P R O P E R

Thank you Ponca City for believing in & supporting your very own Municipality!

“Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

Come Fly Om With Us!

Sarah Scholey, owner of Om Yoga & Wellness Studio, in one of her aerial yoga hammocks.

Story contributed by Sarah Scholey Photo by Kelsey Wagner

I began my aerial yoga journey in July 2017, when I attended a beginner’s workshop at Zen Body Yoga in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I immediately fell in love with the feel of the poses and the deep relaxing compression of the silk fabric.

I knew right away that I needed to share this new take on yoga with my hometown. I quickly completed my Aerial Yoga Teacher Certification and introduced aerial yoga to Ponca City. We installed eight aerial hammocks in the yoga studio at Om Yoga & Wellness Center, allowing space for seven students per class. So far, it has been a life-changing adventure for children and adults of all ages and skill levels!

Aerial Yoga is a very young practice that was developed in 2005 from the basic principles of aerial dance, acrobatics and yoga. It was created to close the gap between aerial fitness and traditional yoga by focusing on the fabric as an integral prop in the practice of yoga rather than on just “flips and tricks.�

In aerial yoga, traditional yoga poses are reimagined or refined with the enhanced support of a loop of aerial silk fabric, called a hammock or swing, to provide increased stretching and strengthening opportunities, as well as encouraging body alignment, self-awareness and self-esteem.

This is a unique approach to yoga that appeals to beginners, those new to aerial yoga or new to yoga all together, and for those who want to develop a strong physical practice but keep the mind-body connection associated with traditional yoga.

Aerial yoga is a fantastic way to build upper body and core strength through a variety of fun, but challenging, poses. The fabric provides a

great prop for individuals to use their own body weight and the power of gravity for resistance training that can be modified for any strength level.

The sequences of aerial yoga makes working out fun and includes the stretching element that is so often forgotten by exercise routines that focus on increasing muscle mass.

Utilizing the fabric in a yoga practice can create a more comprehensive session, by making some poses more challenging and advanced, while alternately making some poses softer and more accessible. Working with gravity, one can ease into a deeper stretch and relax into the lovely compression and support of the hammock.

Other great benefits of aerial yoga include spinal decompression, improved circulation, sensory development and ease on the joints. Just as you can achieve more flexibility in a variety of poses, the fabric can facilitate stretches for those with joint issues, particularly in the knees and hips.

At Om Yoga & Wellness Center, we offer two levels of aerial yoga classes. Aerial Yoga Float is a gentle and slow flowing practice focusing on core strength and balance, in which the hammock remains at knee height and most poses utilize the floor. Aerial Yoga Fly is a fun and playful practice, using the hammock at hip height, to explore grounded, flying, floating and inverted poses, mostly suspended in the air.

January 2021

37

Manpo-kei 10,000 Steps a Day Story by Lynne Colbeck In last month’s article, I talked about starting with 10,000 steps a day. Where did this recommendation stem from and what are some of the best trackers to record those steps?

According to a USA Today article published in 2017, the Japanese, in a huge marketing campaign for health, created the first “‘manpo-kei,’ which means ‘10,000 steps meter’” in the 1960s.

Since then, the notion of meeting the 10,000 day requirement has been ingrained in our society.

So, is this 10,000 steps a day recommendation backed by modern day science?

A study conducted by Dr. I-Min Lee, an associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s hospital, and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, found that in a study conducted on 16,741 older women aged 62-101, that “women who averaged 4,4000 daily steps had a 41% reduction in mortality” and that mortality rate improves, but levels off at 7,500 steps.

This is 25% less steps than the culturally agreed upon 10,000. This study is limited by only looking at mortality or the rate of death. It doesn’t look at quality of life or diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease or anxiety and depression.

The Centers for Disease and Control recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity linked with at least two days of resistance training. Studies show that “adults aiming from the 150 minutes a week typically walk around 7,500 steps a day” says Neil Johannsen, an assistant professor in the school of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University.

I could not find a single research article that could

provide research for or against the recommended 10,000 steps a day, but instead the 7,500. One issue that all can agree upon is that the American people need to be more active, and if that just so happens to be meeting the 7,500 steps a day, we could end up living longer.

Now, what trackers might suit you?

It depends on how much technology you want and how much you’re willing to pay.

The cheapest trackers are basic pedometers.

Most pedometers will track your steps per day and your heart rate. These are a great option because they have a very long battery life, don’t require much maintenance, and are often under $50.

If you don’t require a watch, there are some minimalistic trackers on the market, but most will still need to sync to an app to view steps for the day like the OxyStrap fitness tracker.

If you’re like me, and you need something a bit smarter, there are many smart watches on the market. I love my Fitbit Versa because of the watch function, the sleep function and the battery life.

Many of my friends also use the Apple Watch, and they love it because of the accessibility with their iPhone. These watches also have a built-in reminder that tells you if you haven’t met a certain step goal per hour. They will quietly buzz on your wrist to tell you to get moving.

If you are already a movement pro, there are some trackers that also have built-in GPS. Many Garmin watches provide GPS, tracking running dynamics, and personal training right on the watch.

Lynne Colbeck Now, how do you begin? Here are some things to help create a more active lifestyle and get 7,500 + steps: 1. Take a walk or try a round of disc golf at War Memorial Park.

2. Park further away from the entrance of stores than you would normally.

3. Take the stairs.

4. At the same time every hour, give yourself a little walk around your work building.

5. Take your dog out for a longer walk than normal.

6. When you get home from work, walk around your neighborhood.

7. Play some tennis at Wally Smith Tennis Center.

8. Take a walk around the elevated track at the RecPlex.

Whether it’s 7,500 or 13,000 steps, the best time to start living a more active lifestyle is right now.

References: Bowerman, Mary. “Here's What Happens to Your Body When You Walk Those Recommended 10,000 Steps.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 15 Apr. 2017, www.usatoday. com/story/tech/nation-now/2017/04/14/whathappens-to-your-body-when-you-walk-10000steps-health-fitness/99681306/.

Calechman, Steve. “10,000 Steps a Day - or Fewer?” Harvard Health Blog, 10 July 2019, www. health.harvard.edu/blog/10000-steps-a-day-orfewer-2019071117305.

38 January 2021

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41

Recipe Spicy Chickpea Soup

Recipe & Photo by Paul Muehlberg/Contributing Writer Well, it’s definitely soup season. With the holidays over, I just want to make something warm, filling and super easy that re-heats well. Chickpeas help add heartiness, while the sausage and anchovies bring the flavor to this wintertime favorite of mine. At my house, we love to add black-eyed peas for good luck and serve it with Champagne on New Year’s Day! Plaza Wine and Spirits has a great selection of bubbly; my personal favorite is Mumm Napa brut. No matter what you drink with it, I think this soup will be one recipe you’ll keep on rotation all season long!

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •

1 medium onion, roughly chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped 6 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil Kosher salt and pepper as needed 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or more if desired 2 anchovy filets 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Servings: 4-6 Prep: 10 minutes Cook time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

• 1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, • • • • • • • •

roughly chopped 4 sprigs of basil, chopped 4 sprigs oregano, chopped 2 sprigs thyme, chopped 1 bunch kale, stems and ribs removed, roughly chopped 1 Parmesan rind, optional 8 cups chicken stock Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving, optional Loaf of crusty Italian bread

DIRECTIONS Using a large food processor, add the garlic cloves and pulse until chopped; add the onions, carrots and celery and pulse until finely minced. Be careful not to puree or liquify the vegetables by over pulsing; you want a very fine mince here no liquid.

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a couple teaspoons of the fat from the sausage in the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low and add olive oil, minced vegetables and a couple pinches of kosher salt. Stir and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cover and continue to sweat vegetables on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

When the vegetables have released their liquid and are beginning to brown, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the anchovies, tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the anchovies are dissolved and the tomato paste and pepper flakes are toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer sausage back to the pan; add in the chickpeas, tomatoes, herbs, kale, chicken stock and Parmesan rind, if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, adjusting heat as needed to maintain simmer. Simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes.

Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove Parmesan rind and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with more red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with a toasted, crusty bread.

42 January 2021

Goodbye 2020,

HELLO

2021!

Happy New Year from all of us at

PALADIN APARTMENTS 301 W. Hartford • Ponca City

paladinapartments.com • 580-762-7164 January 2021

43

Backyard Gardener Gardening Lessons Learned From 2020: A Strange Year in Review Story & Photos by Kat Long/Contributing Writer Welcome to a year in review from a gardener’s point of view. Also keep in mind that I actually like my solitude and being left alone. Surprise. I love all the people in my life, but alone time is when things get done.

Gardening lessons learned from 2020: a strange year in review: I wanted to do this for December, but gift reviews seemed so much more Decembery. January is for reflecting on the past year and how to make this new year better.

From a gardener’s viewpoint, here is what I took away from 2020.

You can never plant too much, but you can plant too close. Last January, February and most of March were normal for me: seed catalogs, planning what to plant and wheedling the husband (insert favorite bribery) to help me plan and then get onboard with assisting on larger projects. This is SOP with us because he hates yard work, all of it -- mowing, weeding, branch cutting and even harvesting. I think his Grandma burned him out on the whole gardening thing, but hey, he likes to eat, so he grudgingly assists when bribed and cajoled properly.

I digress -- so, normal until March. Then, wham.

Everything changes. Fast. People are getting

44 January 2021

sick -- dropping like flies, dying even. People I know and love. Scary. Then, quarantine. Essential workers only are working. I am working from home with trips to City Central to water plants and keep the growing towers tended. Hubby is essential so he is going to work every day, but I am mostly at the house. What is a gardener to do when faced with daytime hours at home? You got it. Cook and garden. Garden and cook. Work. Cook some more.

Wow. I have been training for this my whole life.

I plant seeds outside; I started seeds inside and transplanted them -- lots of seeds because I am home and didn’t forget to water them every day. I talked to them and told them what good seedlings they were. AND THEY ALL SPROUTED! You have to plant them when they sprout like that. There’s no weeding out the weak ones because they were ALL good and deserved the outdoors.

Which leads me to the second thing I learned: plan one big project that the husband thinks is cool.

Going into April, May and June, a miracle happened in this pandemic: the husband liked some of my project ideas. In fact, he started bringing home supplies for them which he bought himself!

The old privacy fence sections were replaced, two walkways were constructed in the yard and he had the idea to stain all of it himself. And then he stained the fence too. Hubs helped me put in a gravel porch and set up seating for two. By the end of June, life was starting to get back to normal (or so we thought) with work, so the yard got a great kick start with lots of seeds, seedlings, structure and TLC. Mother Nature kicked in rain every seven to ten days, which made the new baby plants grow

fast, tall and bushy. All was well in my world and though politicians were still debating what to do or not do about the pandemic, my Ponca City family was taking our supplements, eating from the yard and enjoying the quite bountiful Farmer’s Market selection.

Back to the first thing: Give your plants enough space in March and April or you won’t find them in July.

Around our newly graveled seating area, I planted six lemongrass plants from the Herb Festival, let the mint travel to that side of the yard and did not cut back any of the chives. I figured all of these aromatics would assist with keeping the mosquitos at bay, and I was correct. What I completely forgot about was the seeds I had planted in April in the same area which included borage, thyme, hyssop, bee balm, echinacea, bean plants and wild flowers.

All of them sprouted; all of them grew like weeds.

Add all of this to my usual crop of sunflowers, and my front yard was a riot of plants, produce and flowers. That was the good part. The bad part was this was the first year I grew some of these herbs from seeds and they couldn’t get the sun they needed to really thrive, especially the thyme and echinacea. The bee balm and borage went crazy as did the volunteer catnip plant and the blackberry plants. Oddly enough my usual crop of wildflowers, which I seed every fall, did not do well at all. Not sure what happened but there were no cosmos until August and September and only one little spot of bachelor buttons. I collected seeds and will try again next year.

I did rescue four one dollar clearance plants from

Lowe’s and put them in the sunniest part of the yard: Two lantana plants, an upright Mexican Coneflower and an Indian blanket. In fact, the Indian blanket is still blooming as I write this. July, August and September were spent trimming back the huge lemongrass, trying to get the echinacea to survive and hunting for the creeping thyme which sadly did not get enough sun to creep. There were lots of harvesting of herbs, beans, okra, lettuce, and tomatoes -- horrible year for peppers, but great for beets and tomatoes.

And into the winter, maybe -- slap my hand and call me lazy because the yard is still crazy. Hey, I made a rhyme. Going into the last quarter of 2020, I cannot bring myself to clean up the yard.

Procrastination, garlic planting and herb gathering aside, I just don’t want to make it go away.

And then Mother Nature decided to help motivate me and since we were picking up tree limbs and cutting down injured branches, we took down the sunflower stalks and cleaned up the yard a bit. Nothing like a good ice storm in October to make you do some yard work. November and December have led us

back to the pandemic being front and center and I am sorry for all those who have lost family members or are still dealing with the after effects of having the virus. 2020 has been tough on many and being the pessimistic optimist, I am not holding any pleasant thoughts about how 2021 is shaping up, but I am planning my garden. I am continuing to sew and cook and tell people I love them with my particular love language, which this year is bread and herbs. If I give you bread, you are part of my family, and I am giving you a little love to keep you going.

This is my year in review and putting it down on paper, it looks like most other years, just insert pandemic for flu or other sicknesses. But I did learn these things, from a gardener’s perspective: Plant a lot of seeds and plants, but give them the space they need to flourish.

Don’t prune and trim indiscriminately; you can kill things that way. Almost took the grape plant out because I pruned angry. Let Mother Nature be the angry pruner, as my poor nectarine tree can attest.

Pioneer Tech Staff & Students Appreciate our School Board’s Dedication to Excellence!

JD SOULEK GAY NORRIS ORVA ROTHGEB MARY RIGDON LAURENCE BELIEL

www.motherearthnews.com The search function is amazing! www.rareseeds.com Great heritage seeds and stories about them and amazing pictures. Get on their mailing list. www.seedsavers.org.

Heritage seeds to buy and their stories. Subscribe to their catalog. You’ll find amazing heritage seed stories and programs.

Now available in Ponca City exclusively at…

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PIONEER TECHNOLOGY CENTER pioneertech.edu 580.762.8336 2101 N. Ash, Ponca City, OK 74601

Clothing • Shoes • Jewelry Accessories • Gifts • More!

BASIC CARE (Required by Medicare):

Remember, when choosing a Hospice provider, there is a difference.

CHECK OUT SOME OF MY FAVORITE WEBSITES AS THE OLD YEAR BECOMES NEW:

Plan one or two big projects that your yard partner thinks are cool and you just might get help getting them done.

WHO LOVES THEIR SCHOOL BOARD?

445 Fairview Ave. • Ponca City (580) 762-9102

Like plants, people need to be checked on routinely to flourish. Reach out and talk to people you care about; give them a little extra love with voice, with nourishment, so they can continue to grow -- and of course, Happy Gardening.

• Nursing service with 24/7 emergency care • Personal care by Certified Nursing Assistants • Medical social services • Spiritual support and counseling • Light housekeeping services • Volunteer services • Bereavement services • Ancillary services: Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech therapy and Dietician service • Durable Medical Equipment and supplies for palliation of the symptoms for terminal illness • Medications used to treat symptoms of the terminal illness

Extra Care Offered by Hospice of NCO (Not required by Medicare): • Massage therapy • Community bereavement support including Butterfly Wings (formerly “Raindrops”) support for those who experience a miscarriage or infant loss • Pet Therapy • We Honor Veterans Program • Community equipment loan program • Educational in-services to the community

HARRY MYERS, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE Your Friend in Real Estate!

Call or text me on my “Sell Phone” 580-382-1979. he.myers@yahoo.com CENTURY 21 - GROUP ONE 525 Monument • Ponca City • 580-762-0400

January 2021

45

A unique dining experience, TS Fork is a destination for locally sourced and farm-fresh food in plentiful servings with wonderful ambiance and atmosphere.

Dinner served by reservation Friday and Saturday nights.

Set menus may be viewed online or on facebook.

Reservations online or by phone www.TSFork.com 800-928-1840

Catering & weekday parties available.

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46 January 2021

Sugar Lips Salon and Clothing Boutique

Ponca City Monthly’s very own geocache-style game where following the clues can lead you to

$50 in Chamber Bucks.

314 E. Grand • Ponca City • 580-749-5511 www.sugarlips.shop

GeoCashing Story by Jay Wagner/Staff Writer

Estates

This month’s Geocash was found by a group of cute kiddos! Congratulations to these three adventureous junior Geocachers! We’d like to congratulate them on their $50 reward in Chamber Bucks, which was awarded to them for the return of our special code! We’d also like to recognize a few other special geocachers who located our stash and added their name to the list:

Real Estate

580-767-1236

Airplanes Farms

1. Alice, Calder, and Patrick (Winners) 2. Elizabeth P. 3. Charlotte S.

511 S. First Street, Ponca City

Equipment Liquidations

Good luck to next month’s geocachers and happy hunting on your next GeoCashing quest!

Alice, Calder and Patrick Hendrickson Winners of Last Month’s GeoCash

Contest rules:

Nicholson Auction & Real Estate

Antiques

Personal Property

nicholsonauction@cableone.net www.nicholsonauction.com

Be the first to find the cache, and bring in the special code for your prize. Also, inside the container will be a collectible coin to keep! The cache will only be hidden for a limited time for each issue, so hurry to find it fast!

If you are the first to find the cache please retrieve the special code and coin but leave and sign the included note saying that the treasure has been found. Once the deadline has passed, the code will no longer be valid for the prize. A new PC GeoCash will be placed as the next issue of Ponca City Monthly is released.

Winners may not win more than once per calendar year.

January Clue:

750,000 votes cast ‘cross this great nation, I was the victor and attended a great dedication Greeted by 40,000 strong; that were glad to see I had won, Many dignitaries by my side, even Oklahoma’s favorite son.

Hardships were endured and dangers were braved The future is brighter from the path that I paved Join with me now, along with so many others.

Those spirited Oklahoma daughters, sisters and mothers

Difficulty: Terrain: Size: Deadline:

Easy (located in 10-15 minutes) Easy (mostly flat surfaces) Small (size of a golf ball) 20th of each month

Bring the Special code to:

→→→

NEW LOCATION

Treatment programs include, but are not limited to: • Diabetes • CHF/Cardiac Care • COPD • Orthopedic Needs • CVA • Wound Care Needs • Medication Education • Blood Disorders • Pain Management • Post-Surgery or Injury Needs

1924 Lake Road Ponca City

580.765.8155 FAX: 580.763.4549

Accepting COVID patients Tele-Health physicians’ visits

Home is where your story begins. . .

I will help you get there!

Location of Last Month’s GeoCash at The Marland Mansion

My Media Matters / Ponca City Monthly City Central 400 E. Central, Suite 203

HERITAGE REALTORS®

3216 N. 14th • 580.765.8888

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580.763.1871

beckypoet@gmail.com

January 2021

47

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AARON WILCOX, DO $$521 :,/&2; '2 (580) 762-9355 (580) 762-9355 415 Fairview Ave. Suite 201 415 Fairview Ponca City Ave. Suite 201 Ponca City TRACY OGDEN, APRN,

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(580) 762-9355 1908 N. 14th Street Suite 201 Ponca City

1 WK 48 January 2021

New Shopping Center Coming to Lake Road Pecan Plaza to Open on the Heavily Trafficked Corner of Lake Road & Pecan Road

By Carey Head/Ponca City Monthly Staff Writer Images courtesy of Rod Wohl After selling his electrical contracting business, Rod Wohl has declared he is ready to take a break. However, his plan to create the new retail development known as Pecan Plaza, will likely cut into his downtime.

Rod is owner and developer of the 40 acres situated at the northwest corner of Pecan and Lake Road. Rod describes the location as virtually unknown to out-of-towners, but is a heavily used byway providing access to a number of residential neighborhoods, Lake Ponca, Kaw Lake and points east.

“My vision for this secret, yet heavily used, intersection is to make it convenient for local residents who bypass 14th Street to have quick and easy access to small retail businesses,” he says. “At this time, I have really started this project with one tenant in mind. I am currently working on

another major tenant and, once that is nailed down, hopefully others will follow so we can be at 100% capacity all the time.”

it but will only need to be raised a few feet. All this was determined from the flood the City received last year.”

The site is zoned C2 for retail commercial uses.

Rod has worked closely with the City of Ponca City’s Development staff, including Chris Henderson and Jim Fairbanks. “I have had nothing but positive responses from Chris,” Rod explains. “With some of the surrounding 40 acres of land in the flood zone, it has brought some challenges, but he has been more than helpful.”

All this attention to flood zone boundary is due to the 2019 flooding of Rikki’s Market, located in the former Red Barn.

He continues, “Jim has provided all kinds of maps of the NW corner of Lake and Pecan showing what is exactly out of the flood plain and letting me know what elevation the building pads need to be.

Currently, land from Pecan west 350 feet and Lake Road north 680 feet is already out of the flood zone.

Of course, some land adjoining the west side is in

Rikki and Robert Denton rented the Red Barn building from Rod and immediately converted the former bait shop into a top-line meat market and purveyor of teas, coffees, barrel-aged olive oils and vinegars, as well as cookware, spices and intriguing mixes. But last Spring brought historic rains and flooding to the area. Chest-high floodwater in the building decimated not just their inventory but also the newly constructed improvements.

continued on page 50

“My vision for this secret, yet heavily used intersection, is to make it convenient for local residents who bypass 14th Street to have quick and easy access to small retail businesses.”

An artist's rendering of the planned Pecan Plaza multi-retail development at Pecan and Lake roads hints at the design style. Rikki's Market is featured because, as land-owner and property developer Rod Wohl says, this is the tenant that inspired the project. Rikki's Market currently is located in the former Red Barn building located just west of the planned Pecan Plaza. For more information on Rikki's Market, see the December issue of Ponca City Monthly or read it online at poncacitymonthly.com.

January 2021

49

PECAN PLAZA continued from page 49

100 YR. FLOODPLAIN BOUNDARY LN. 600' - 0"

163' - 8 1/4"

4,000 SF

RETAIL

155' - 3 3/4"

10,800 SF

EXISTING 'RED BARN'

PECAN RD.

3,400 SF

RETAIL

81' - 0"

RETAIL

RETAIL

2,400 SF

PHASE 01

PHASE 02

6,000 SF

4,000 SF

DRIVE THRU

INTERSECTION TO BE RE-DESIGNED

LAKE

LAKE RD.

TO LAKE PONCA

Now is the time for a fiscal Now is isthe the Now check-up Nowfor is the time for fiscal time aafiscal time for a fiscal check-up check-up check-up Now is the EXISTING CONVENIENCE STORE

PECAN RD.

TO DOWNTOWN PONCA CITY

11/5/2020 5:13:41 PM

PECAN PLAZA

Let us know how that works out for you, Buddy.

RETAIL / SHOP

400' - 0"

RETAIL

Rod is married to private practice counselor Samantha Wohl, MS-LPC. Their two sons are Eli, 18; and Ian, 14. Eli is a Po-Hi graduate attending Cowley College and playing baseball. Ian is a member of the Po-Hi fishing team and football team while awaiting the start of baseball season.

“Whether being on the lake fishing, in the woods hunting or watching both my boys continue to play sports in both high school and college – and, of course, travel and spend time with my wife Samantha – I am wanting to sit back and take a break and enjoy life.”

42' - 8 3/8"

126' - 0"

COPYRIGHT © 2020 HSEarchitects

Z:\HSE PROJECTS\2020 PROJECTS\2029 - Pecan Plaza\REVIT\Ponca City Project_Option_02.rvt

Rod plans to be very hands-on as he guides Pecan Plaza through the maze of demands from civil engineering, traffic engineering, commercial construction firms, architects and structural engineers. He is a 1993 graduate of Union High School and completed a Bachelor of Science degree from OSU in Engineering Technology Construction Management. He continues to own and operate Old West Liquors.

TO COUNTRY CLUB

164' - 8 3/4"

Despite the catastrophic setback, the Dentons buckled down and rebuilt. However, the new flood zone boundary meant Rikki couldn’t add a much-needed commercial freezer to the Red Barn property. “That’s what started all of this,” Rod admits, referring to the creation of Pecan Plaza.

Site Plan Option 01 for Pecan Plaza retail development shows 13,800 square feet of retail another 16,800 feet proposed for Phase 2 development due to its location inside the flood zone.

No more excuses for not knowing how your

SITE - BLDG. OPTION 01 1shop spaces with SCALE: 1" = 40'-0"

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Call and we’ll Calltoday todayfor foraafree freeconsultation, consultation, and we’ll explore strategies for protecting yourself and explore investment strategies designed to Call today for a free consultation, and we’ll helping you prosper today, tomorrow help you protect yourself today, tomorrow and explore investment strategies designed to and into the future.

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50 January 2021

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Managing Compliance-Approved Senior Financial Senior Financial Financial Address and Suite Number Ponca City, OK 74604 Web or E-mail Address FA Name Compliance-Approved Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT Title FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value FAand Name Address Suite Number Fargo Advisors, Advisors,LLC, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,isisa aregistered registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells & Company.

Wells Fargo broker-dealer andand a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells FargoFargo & Company.

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1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2] A1266 ~Wells FargoWells City Zip1010-2902 Principal Advisor Advisor Advisor Address and Suite Number We’re with you every of way. xxx-xxx-xxxx • 8XX-XXX-XXXX City Name,step State Zipthe (580) 762-6890 City Name, State Zip Web or E-mail Address XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web orSuite E-mail #3, Address 1926 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK 74604 Web or E-mail Address Investmentand andInsurance InsuranceProducts: Products: u NOT Insuredu NOuBank NO Bank Guarantee MAYValue Lose Value Investment u NOT FDICFDIC Insured Guarantee u MAYuLose

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1113-03428 [74029-v4] A1015 Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Wells Advisors, Member SIPC, isisa aregistered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. is a separate entity ofFargo WFAFN. ©2010LLC, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. and All and rights reserved.

0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015 ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All reserved.

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1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 Name ©2010 Advisors, LLC. ~Wells FargoWells ©2010Wells WellsFargo FargoFA Advisors, LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.1010-2902 1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2]A1266 A1266Financial Advisors;

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Compliance-Approved Title Member SIPC. Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), George Ferguson, Addressentity and Suite Number LLC is a separate from WFAFN. CAR 0420-01303 Branch Manager, City Name, State Zip XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web or E-mail Address

Vice President

January 2021

51

Home Trends In The New Year:

Interior Tips From Local Guru Madison GoodnoDesign

Story & Photos Contributed by Madison Goodno Madison Goodno Follow Madison on Instagram @ madison.goodno

Entryway Accent Wall

My name is Madison. I love coffee, designing, painting, photography, family, food, music, laughter and beauty … not necessarily in that order.

I have always been a Jack (or Jane?) of all artsy trades … With the immense help from my husband (who patiently goes along with all of my crazy whims and ideas without judgment) I love to build, design, remake, tweak, create, photograph and paint. I love embracing the outdoors inside of my home. I love both modern and vintage pieces. I love the challenge of taking an old, outdated home and bringing it back to life with budget-friendly DIY projects and an overall design aesthetic that makes my heart feel happy while walking from room to room.

So, when my husband and I bought our first home in Ponca City in 2015, I knew that I didn’t want to start our new home journey in a “move-in ready” type of home. I wanted to take something that most people would throw rocks at and say – this has potential … we will make it ours, and it will be beautiful.

My style has evolved immensely over the past few years. Chip and Joanna Gaines made us all believe that we needed our own modern farmhouse, and we had just bought a 1970s ranchstyle “fixer upper,” so that’s where I started. We first started in the kitchen – ripped off all the wallpaper, which was quite the task, painted all the dark wood cabinets and trim white (If only I had a quarter for every person that gasped and said – wait, what … you’re going to PAINT all of this beautiful, dark wood??? Are you crazy?) And the answer is yes, yes

52 January 2021

I am … From there, I worked my way around the house, room by room … painted every wall a light, neutral tone and every piece of wood white to help brighten and enlarge each space.

I’ve since strayed from the original farmhouse style (I do still incorporate some of my original farmhouse pieces) and evolved into a more eclectic style as I’ve been inspired by so many different

Kitchen/Breakfast Nook

statement in a once very “drab” room, and we were only out the cost of wood materials that we used to build the B&B wall and paint. We also added a beautiful, brushed brass, modern light fixture to the small space, which also made a huge impact. Throw in a patterned rug that plays on the terracotta tone of the B&B wall and voila! Oh, and don’t forget to add a fun, textured basket and plant friend to really give the space an inviting, final touch. It just may be one of the happiest rooms in our house now and almost makes me excited to do laundry again! Almost …

Since I’m a self-proclaimed accent-wall addict, we have also added a tone-on-tone modern accent wall in our entryway to add some fun texture, as well as a tone-on-tone full B&B wall on the focal wall in our bedroom. It is an easy way to add unique texture or highlight a furniture piece in any space. You can find images of all of these projects on my Instagram page; and if you need any tips and tricks as to how to do your own, I would be more than happy to help give any advice. We have experienced all kinds of trial and error by taking on projects on our own, but it only helps us learn and become more knowledgeable for the next DIY.

Laundry Room

trends over the past few years. I love to incorporate styles from modern Bohemian, mid-century, traditional, transitional to Scandi design.

Now that the year 2020 is in the books and we start a new year, I would actually like to pay homage to the fact that 2020 was the year that forced us all inward, both physically and mentally. I had spent more time in my home in the past year than I had in the years combined since we first bought our house. This time indoors had really forced me to become more creative and intentional with each space and each home project. Even though we had already accomplished most of the cosmetic upgrades (painted walls, cabinets, wood trim, replaced all fixtures, replaced carpet with laminate flooring, etc.), I felt like there were so many budget-friendly projects that we could do to make our home feel unique, while also playing on different style trends.

One of my favorite DIYs has been to create “accent walls” within a space. We recently took on the update of our small laundry room.

There was nothing special about it, except for the beautiful DIY modern, sliding barn door we built early last year to hide the tower of clothes. The walls were painted a neutral gray and it housed our washer/dryer … that was about it. I had the idea of creating a partial board and batten wall on the main wall next to our washer/dryer … but it needed to be fun and needed to be cohesive with the rest of the house. So, I decided to paint the partial B&B wall a terracotta tone, which is a super trendy color at the moment, and the rest of the room white to help make it appear larger. This little project made such a fun

continued on page 54 January 2021

53

Home Trends In The New Year continued from page 53

While embracing the spirit of trial and error- I have learned some very helpful tips and tricks over the years that can make a big impact on a home of any size/style:

1 2 3 4

Paint Wall Colors Light and Neutral - Stick to colors like white, beige, gray, or griege. Neutral walls give you the most decorating flexibility in a space, allowing you to easily switch up your decor pieces and allows also you to use “pops of color” for interest. Painting walls a neutral color will also help the room feel/appear larger.

Let There Be Light – Natural light is key- it makes a huge difference in a home! Make way for natural light to enter using adjustable window treatments or sheer curtains, and if it is not possible, try layering different types of lighting sources. To help make your home more inviting, you could implement mood lighting using wall sconces, table lamps, etc.

Work With What You Have - You might be tempted to buy all new furniture and home decor when decorating a new home or re-decorating an outdated room. While that can be exciting, not to mention a bit costly, it can be quite overwhelming.

I would suggest evaluating your current furniture and home decor and keep only key pieces. Moving furniture from one room to another also can make a space feel new again. Try adding a new rug or accent pillows in a new color to your existing furniture for a fresh look.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to become a plant parent!

Adding some plant friends to your home will not only bring a fresh, outdoor aesthetic into the space, but it will also help oxygenate your home. Scope out some fun pots or planters to make your new plant friends feel at home and you will see the visual and health benefits in no time!

54 January 2021

Bedroom Accent Wall

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