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NOVEMBER 2023
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NOVEMBER 2023 • VOL. 4 NO.11 Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Creative Agency Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Associate Editors Robyn Ryan Hayley Harrison Advertising Director Robyn Ryan 580-761-1295 robyn@poncacitymonthly.com
SPOTLIGHT: 10 BUSINESS FREIGHT SHARKS
Staff Writers Everett Brazil, III Carey Head Andy Hicks Chelsea McConnell Jill Rowe Hayley Harrison Patrick Jordan Marlys Cervantes Ad Designer Robyn Ryan
43 PAWSITIVELY PURRFECT
32 ARTSPACE: JILL ROWE FEATURE STORIES 6
Honoring Veterans, Celebrating Community
14
Cover Story
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Picture Perfect: Jes McIntosh Lew Wentz Golf Course Mr. Ponca City
22 25 36 49 54
Proud Member of the Chambers of Commerce of: Ponca City, Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Arkansas City
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NOVEMBER 2023
Story Editor Sherry Cable Copy Editor Patrick Jordan
MONTHLY FAVORITES
Ponca City Trailblazers
Hope Ranch
Magazine Designer Andy Hicks
Sudoku Challenge
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Thoughts On Higher Ed
53
Crossword Puzzle
53/59
Book Reviews
Chamber Buzz
Learning with Leaming
Stew On That by Rachel Stewart
58/59 60 62 63
Cocktail Of The Month Lion’s Tail
64
Get Fit with Kera Kester
66
Kids Say The Darnedest Things
68
Food Crush
69
Contributing Writers Kat Long Rachel Stewart Shelley Arrott Lorrie Layton Adam Leaming Bradley Hayes Theresa Sacket Circulation Carol Murphy
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Letter from the Editor
At approximately 7:25pm on Friday, October 20th a 12 inch water pipe burst near Cann Garden at 14th & Central Avenue. Cann Gardens quickly turned from a lush green garden into a small lake as the water gushed out. City staff were quick to respond, but it was evident that the water would have to be shut off to the entire city in order to allow crews to fix the problem. Panic began to set in as residents became aware of the issue and the lingering question on all our minds was, “how long would we be without water?” You don’t have to look much further than the Community Watch pages to find out what residents are saying. Though there were some negative comments and complaints about the water being off, I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming outpouring of support from area citizens praising the city workers, and asking for patience on their behalf. Dozens of posts urged residents to pray for the city workers, and as night fell the crews continued the dirty work. More posts popped up praising the workers, and at 3am, a fix was done and the water was turned back on. Days passed, and still more posts thanking the city workers popped up on my feed. “Thank you to the city workers for all your help in getting the town’s water back on in record time!!! You all are extremely awesome!” Said Linda Doyle.
turmoil, I think the humanity in all of us knows that together, we are stronger. Virtues like patience, compassion, humility and kindness can take a bad situation and make it better. I’m very far from being a perfect person and I am perhaps too idealistic for my own good. I’m not naive to the nature of the world, but I do think it takes a proactive approach to fight against it. I, myself, have to work daily to be more self-aware and mindful of my words. It’s very easy to slip into a negative mindset. It was in the moments during and after the water main break, that I was pleasantly reminded that people - for all our faults and shortcomings - are capable, including on social media - of being loving and compassionate in the face of adversity. As we gather around our family tables to celebrate Thanksgiving this November, let us all remember to practice patience, compassion, humility and kindness. Let us all practice these virtues not only in person, but also on social media where they are needed the most. Let us all give thanks for our many blessings - but most importantly after this water main break - let us be thankful and never take for granted that we have clean, fresh, treated water on demand at any given time, because I assure you that is a luxury that many other people in the world do not have access to.
While social media can predominately be a negative, toxic place - there are moments of hardship where I see glimmers of unity and hope. In times of great
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Killers of the Flower Moon Cover Design by Andy Hicks using photographs from a series of stories we did in 2021 on the Filming of KOTFM in Fairfax with production photos by Carol Conner & Kelly Bland of The Fairfax Chief.
NOVEMBER 2023
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Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer
Rotary International, a communitydriven organization, has left an indelible mark on communities nationwide. Locally, its impact has reverberated across Kay County and the surrounding north central Oklahoma region. For over a century, the Ponca City Rotary Club has been a stalwart advocate for community welfare. In an effort to embrace new avenues of service and extend Rotary’s reach, a fresh chapter has recently emerged, beckoning a new generation of change makers to rally behind the greater Ponca City community. The brainchild of Angela Rickman, Brittany Atauvich, and Brooke Jones, all deeply ingrained in the community and Rotary International, the Ponca City Trailblazers are
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as their name suggests, blazing a new trail. Atauvich, a former Ponca City Rotary president, takes the reins as the chapter’s president. Rickman boasts strong ties to Rotary, both locally and as a former district Governor in northern Oklahoma. Jones, a former director of the organization, assumes the role of presidentelect for the Trailblazers Rotary. With their combined wealth of leadership experience, the trio brings a fresh perspective to the table. As Atauvich enthusiastically states, “We currently have 30 members, and we still have a number of pending applications that are coming through.” The chapter’s name was meticulously chosen to resonate with
younger members eager to make a meaningful difference in their community. The Trailblazers drew inspiration from the pioneering Midtown Rotary Club in Oklahoma City, known for its focus on supporting arts in the area. “That is what we modeled our club after, to have fun and do a lot of good at the same time,” Rickman explains. Months of tireless groundwork culminated in the establishment of the Trailblazers in July. They extended a welcoming hand to neighboring communities in Newkirk, Tonkawa, and Blackwell, with potential collaborations in the McCord area in the pipeline.
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Members contribute through membership fees, which are then reinvested in the local community. Atauvich clarifies, “You pay dues, but your dues get invested, and they come back to the community in the form of grants. The more money we see invested, the more we can give back to the community.”
The chapter’s core principle, “service above self,” is deeply embedded in Rotary’s rich history. Atauvich elucidates, “Our motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ and we are about advancing our community any way we know how, through service action projects, developing our personal leadership skills, and learning new skills.” The Trailblazers Rotary encompasses a wide array of projects and programs, aligned with Rotary International’s seven areas of focus. They remain open to exploring avenues that resonate with their members’ needs and ideas. “There are seven areas of focus of Rotary International, so we’ll serve in all areas, but there may be certain projects amongst us members we’ll try to focus on,” Rickman reveals. For many, the excitement lies in the act of service itself. Jones recalls her initiation into Rotary, “I was drawn to Rotary when Brittany invited me to help with a service project. I helped clean and vacuum up the Poncan Theatre, which was my first time being inside
the Theatre.” The joy of making a difference in the lives of those in need is a profound reward. Jones adds, “Being able to help others out that normally wouldn’t be able to do projects without us is very rewarding. An hour of our day can be eight hours or more for them without our help.” The Trailblazers Rotary exudes a palpable enthusiasm, harnessing the dedication of its members who are already actively engaged in Ponca City and its surrounding communities. “As a new club, we’re trying to see how our leaders can connect with each other as a new organization,” Atauvich explains, highlighting the potential for forging new connections. The chapter aims to be inclusive, offering opportunities for members of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that income doesn’t stand in the way. Rickman emphasizes, “We’re trying to give an opportunity to be more accessible for anyone to join. We wanted to make sure there was a club for people of all ages coming together, where income wouldn’t be a burden.”
The Trailblazers Rotary Club is gearing up for a special celebration, marking the arrival of something new to the community. “This is a celebration of something that is new to the community, a new club,” Atauvich says, underscoring the community’s shared aspiration for positive change. Beyond its immediate impact, Trailblazers Rotary, in tandem with Rotary International, offers ample opportunities for personal development, a means to self-improvement while enhancing the quality of life in Kay County. As Rickman reflects, “It allows you to connect with people to do something greater than yourself. I’ve been in Rotary for about 12 years, and I think Rotary has given back to me in terms of being a new me. It has been lifechanging.” The Trailblazers Rotary meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Central, with an additional meeting on the third Tuesday, location to be announced. For more information, visit the Ponca City Trailblazers Rotary Club Facebook page.
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NOVEMBER 2023
Spay & Neuter
As we enter the holiday season, please remember your friends, neighbors and strangers who may be struggling at this time. Show kindness.
I’m thankful to the real estate clients who have helped make 2023 a great year for me! Happy Thanksgiving
If I can help you, give me a call.
Carl Renfro
Directors Brenda Renfro
President
Rich Cantillon
Randy Renfro Treasurer, CPA
RUSS DIDLAKE
Ponca City Chamber, Retired
Rick Renfro
580.763.2760
Jeff Cowan
Secretary, Restaurateur
russdidlake@kw.com
RCB Bank, Retired
Cindy Gorrell
Jerod Helling
Vice President, Investments
RCB Bank, Market President
T.L Walker
777 Legacy Trail • Ponca City • 580-765-0825
We are proud to support Ponca City 501c3 organizations through charitable grants.
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
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TONI’S
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Open Monday - Friday 8-6 and Saturday 8-2 NOVEMBER 2023
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t h g i e Fr s
OTLIGHT P S S S E N I S BU
k r a h S
d a o R e h T n O e f i L A g n aki
M
Story by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer
Freight Sharks is a woman-owned business that began as a family effort back in 2008 by Ginger Scott and her husband, Brad. They specialize in Flatbed, LTL, Teams, Time Critical, and/ or Time Definite Freight and operate in the 48 contiguous states. Freight Sharks provides a wide array of services to many types of customers. They pride themselves on being available 24/7 to provide tracking, quotes and customer service. They give every customer the highest level of personal attention and support. When asked how it all got started, Ginger remembers back to an earlier time when her two boys, now grown, were just 5 and 9 years old, her husband had a job in sales and Ginger worked for Lewis Associates Architects. One day her husband met a man who needed trucking services. The gentleman made Brad a proposition. He said if he could find a truck
10 NOVEMBER 2023
and a trailer he could keep Brad so busy he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. Brad, having previously been in the trucking industry, was intrigued by the idea. After sharing this information with Ginger, the couple went out on a limb and bought a truck and a trailer and decided to start a business.
When asked about the name, Ginger shares, “Our oldest son was 9 years old when we started and he was really interested in sharks and the ocean, so he came up with the Sharks and we added Freight.” Ginger adds that so many companies use the family’s last name.
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They wanted something easy to remember and felt Freight Sharks fit the bill. For the first few years of the operation, Ginger held her full-time job with Lewis Associates Architects, while also running Freight Sharks. Brad and his dad did all the driving. Although not easy, their hard work has paid off. “It’s been the sacrifices and the teamwork that make it work. We didn’t have a lot of help starting out. It was us. So, if we didn’t make it, we didn’t have anything to fall back on.” Luckily, they got through those first few tough years and have continued to grow. By 2010, the company became so successful Ginger had to step away from her full-time job with Lewis Associates Architects to work full time running Freight Sharks. She comments on her gratitude for her time employed by Troy Lewis and Richard Winterrowd. “They were an amazing example to me of how to treat employees and customers. I learned so much about running a business in the 10 years I worked there. They truly were a huge part of Freight Sharks in the very beginning.” Slowly the business grew and they added more and more to their operation. “We bought another truck and another trailer and added drivers. At first it was a lot of family. Brad’s dad worked for us until he passed two years ago. He was really a big part of the business. My son has worked for us. My father worked for us for years. We had several families that were three generations working for us. We’re very family oriented.” Today, Freight Sharks has a trucking side and a logistics side to allow the company to be able to diversify their offerings. They can run their own trucks and also operate a type of brokerage out of the logistic arm of the company where they
12 NOVEMBER 2023
can fill hauling jobs with subcontractors. Currently, they have 10 employees ranging from shop attendants, office staff and drivers. Ginger and Brad both primarily work in the office with Ginger running the administration side of things, including payroll, taxes and insurance. Brad manages the driver Brad and Ginger with sons Trevor (in Air Force uniform) and Tanner. logistics and truck maintenance. Brad can envision which trucks are where at any we’re all like firemen. You better have your stuff given time with what equipment and put together ready to go. You better have clean clothes, your what needs to happen next for upcoming jobs. logbook and all your credentials because you With multiple drivers going multiple directions, don’t know when they’re going to call.” When Brad all carrying different loads and equipment, this is isn’t busy managing drivers’ schedules or driving a critical part of making Freight Sharks successful. himself, he’s working on trucks. Vehicles need Ginger explains that running this type of business repairs, especially when they’re used as frequently is truly an all-hands-on-deck sort of job. If they as these trucks are. Due to the nature of calls need a driver and all theirs are on jobs, Brad will that come in around the clock, Brad wants their drive a truck. If Brad’s driving a truck, Ginger is equipment to be ready to go. Ginger says, “He’s running logistics. Everyone fills in where needed. always working on trucks on the weekends. I help The business is around the clock, as well. There are no off days, though Ginger and Brad do manage to have some fun of their own thanks to their incredible team. Customers call day and night depending on what type of job they need done. A call may come in at 2 a.m. that’s time critical. Time critical means a customer needs something picked up and delivered as soon as possible. Ginger adds that time critical is one area where the company excels. “My husband always makes a joke that
him.”
In their spare time, Ginger and Brad love live music, riding their Harley and other adventures that come their way. Operating Freight Sharks has allowed them to travel all over the United States, something that Ginger is grateful for and says is one of her favorite parts of the job. You can find more information about Freight Sharks at Freightsharks.com or by calling (580) 767-0000.
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Honoring Veterans, Celebrating Community Story by Marlys Cervantes / Staff Writer
“We are not just a parade but a celebration of freedom and patriotism.” ~Gary Miles, VFW Post 1201 Commander Gary Miles, chairman of the Veterans Day Parade Committee, makes it clear that the parade is actually only the beginning of the celebration. As a matter of fact, the committee barely takes a breath after finishing one year’s event before beginning their meetings for the next year. When Miles took over the event coordination six years ago, he formed a team that started with VFW and Ambuc members, but soon grew to many other organizations and businesses and individuals who have become part of bringing an ever-growing event to the community. The team meets once each week and plans the parade and an afternoon filled with activities for the entire family that you will not want to miss held at War Memorial Park.
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The celebration will be Saturday, November 4th, with the parade beginning in downtown Ponca City on Grand Avenue at 10:45 am. It is the 27th Annual Ponca City Veterans Parade and is recognized as a regional site for the 2023 Veterans Day Commemoration, which is an honor by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who notifies our Governor.
The celebration will be Saturday, November 4th, with the parade beginning in downtown Ponca City on Grand Avenue at 10:45am. This year is the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the 75th anniversary of women in the military.
Need a Holiday Turkey or Ham? PREORDER at Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters!
We want to take this opportunity to thank our community for your support. With your help, we have helped many students achieve their dream of attending college.
Smoked Turkey, 10-14 lbs . . . . . . . $3250 Sliced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4500 Smoked Turkey, 20-24 lbs . . . . . . . $6450 Sliced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7700 Smoked Ham Butt, 6-8 lbs . . . . . . . $2750 Sliced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4000 Smoked Ham Shank, 10-12 lbs . . . $3750 Sliced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5000
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• Friendship Feast transportation • Meals on Wheels • Movie and game night • Seasonal events We take housing applications for the elderly and disabled. You must be at least 50 years of age or receiving disability benefits.
Call for information or apply in person.
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Let Cast Iron Co. help you! From personal to corporate, we will take care of you. We encourage you to bring your own promotional items for a personal touch!
Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 3 pm Closed 12:30 pm - 1 pm
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We are Thankful for the Opportunity to Provide Simplified, Secure Living for Seniors and the Disabled in this Community.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for supporting our family-owned business.
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1983
40 YEARS
2023
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In addition, this year is the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the 75th anniversary of women in the military. To help celebrate women in the military, Captain Jane Morris will be the first woman to carry the National flag in our Color Guard during the parade. Just one more “first” for her, if you know Jane, who serves on the committee helping to organize this event for the community. This year’s parade marshals will be Master Chief Larry Van Schuyver and Col. Felix “Pete” Peterson. Besides over 100 floats and other entries in the parade, another highlight includes flyovers by vintage war planes from the Tulsa War Birds. When the parade moves East on Grand, many floats and others will turn onto 6th Street and head to War Memorial Park, which is precisely where the community should follow.
Miles says, “I think the difference between our parade and most others is that we are not putting on a display for spectators, we are creating an experience for our older vets and young people. We want to expose kids to what it takes to remain free and what some brave individuals did to preserve that freedom. If we can get a smile and maybe a tear or two, we consider that a success.” This success may come at the turn onto 6th Street and heading to the park. When asked what the best part of the day was, both Kate Bozek and Donna Culver, committee members, simply said, “Push the park!” Upon hearing all that is there, it’s easy to understand why.
To help celebrate women in the military, Captain Jane Morris will be the first woman to carry the National flag in our Color Guard during the parade. Just one more “first” for her, if you know Jane, who serves on the committee helping to organize this event for the community.
There will be interesting military exhibits and vehicles. In addition, there will be many games for you to enjoy with your family and friends like bounce houses and corn hole. Entertainment
NOVEMBER 2023 17
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1417 E Hartford Avenue (580) 718-4150 *Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 4.99% available on new lines of credit only, with combined loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (including prior mortgages or liens) of 80% or less. Introductory rate offer not available for refinances of existing Equity Bank Home Equity Lines of Credit. Initial rate not based on index, and margin used for later rate adjustments. After the introductory 6-month period, the rate is a variable subject to change based on index and margin, and will be Prime rate plus 0.25% or 0.50%. As of March 8, 2023, the variable rate for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 8.00% APR to 13.00% APR. Rates may vary due to a change in the Prime Rate, a credit limit adjustment, and credit score and/or credit approval. Repayment options may vary based on credit qualifications. Limited time offer. May be canceled without notice.
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If you are a WWII or Korean War Veteran who would like to be part of the parade, we would love to host you! Contact Gary Miles at 580761-2431 or Donna Culver at 580-763-3167. In addition, since we are highlighting women in the military this year, if you are a woman who has served, please contact us if you would like to participate. will include Oklahoma City’s Bovine Band, the Caledonia Bagpipers and performance painter Mike Debus. Visitors can also enjoy lunch at the park, and veterans eat for free. So, after you’ve experienced the spectacle of the wonderful parade, honored the veterans who were part of it and acknowledged those who have helped bring it to fruition, you need to follow all who head down 6th Street to War Memorial Park to learn a bit more about history, to relax and have fun with your family and friends, and if you’re a veteran you can even check out the additional benefits or resources you may be able to receive yourself! The Committee has worked all year to bring this event to you, and they invite the entire community to enjoy the day and honor those who
it celebrates. If you are a WWII or Korean War Veteran who would like to be part of the parade, we would love to host you! Contact Gary Miles at 580-761-2431 or Donna Culver at 580-763-3167. In addition, since we are highlighting women in
the military this year, if you are a woman who has served, please contact them if you would like to participate.
A Huge Thank You to Everyone Who Attended
The Pioneer Woman Museum's
Prairie to Palate And to our Sponsors, Donors, and Participants:
,
Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker Law, Heather Cannon Honda, Osage Casino Hotel, Phillips 66, Wyatt Construction, Banana Crate, Stagecoach BBQ, Turtle’s, Skydance Brewing, Vortex Alley Brewing, Rector Etching, El Patio, Old West Liquor, PC Chamber of Commerce, Reva Pool Photography, Rusty Barrell, Doodle Academy, Joe Glaser, Ponca City Monthly, Ponca City News, My Media Matters, Newkirk Go-Getters and Pioneer Tech
We are thankful for our loyal customers, our amazing Rusty Barrell team and all of our fantastic vendors. May God Bless you and your family. Rick & Kim Hancock
Ponca City, OK
689 Reservations online @ RustyBarrellSupperClub.com or by calling 580-765-6689NOVEMBER 2023 19
KARI ELLIOT, DNP
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580-382-9465
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NOVEMBER 2023
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Darrell and Debbie with Avery and Emma Grace
h c n a R Hope e id R o t d e r e w o Emp
Story and Photos by Theresa Sacket | Contributing Writer
On the outskirts of Ponca City lies a haven of hope for horses and their riders. Darrell and Debbie Shelton opened Hope Ranch, a faith-based Therapeutic Riding Center in 2005. Darrell and Debbie are OSU alumni who taught for over 30 years in public education. Blending their love for students with their love for horses was the perfect thing upon their retirement from education. Darrell and Debbie work together to offer a quality experience for riders. At Hope Ranch, riders learn about safety, grooming, tack and how to lead and ride. The two horses used by students, Twink and Harley, are well-trained, and riding them helps students gain core muscles, balance, confidence and self-esteem.
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Hope Ranch originally opened as a facility for students with disabilities, but over time has become a riding facility open for all students ages five or older. Riders form a special bond with their horse and learn to trust one another as they develop new skills.
Lexi has formed a special bond with her horse through the years
When the Hope Ranch first opened in 2005, the Sheltons offered services for free. However, over the years with rising costs, students now pay a small fee to ride. If you’ve ever lived on a farm or ranch you know there are maintenance projects every year. Some of the projects coming up for the Hope Ranch are upgrades to the tack room, water lines and hydrants put in for the pastures, fence welding, pasture spraying for weeds and fertilizing. Please consider giving toward these projects.
All donations are greatly appreciated. Hope Ranch is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization. If you are a Conoco-Phillips employee or retiree, Conoco-Phillips will match your donation. All funds go directly to the program. The Sheltons do not receive compensation. They count it all joy to share their passion for riding with those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to ride and care for a horse. Debbie said, “I had many
mentors and friends in my past who took the time and energy to teach me about horses and I love to pass that on to others.”. Please call or email to schedule a visit or to find out about upcoming classes for Hope Ranch located at 29 SW Longview Boulevard, Ponca City, OK 74601. Phone: (580) 716-3250. Email: debshelton4@gmail.com
Students learn about the tack room and how to saddle Even the dogs are happy at Hope Ranch
Avery Grace preparing to saddle her horse TRIM LINE
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NOVEMBER 2023 23
HIGHLAND UNDERPASS MURALS PHASE II
MADE POSSIBLE BY
Carl & Brenda Renfro Bobby Garrett
Renderings of murals to be painted by artists Theresa and Jeremy Sacket. Painting is underway.
24 NOVEMBER 2023
Of The
Story by Marlys Cervantes / Staff Writer he had signed an agreement to make the film that has now come to fruition with major celebrities and much publicity worldwide. The Lectureship that hosted Grann back in 2018 was established by Renfro and his late wife Carolyn back in 2007. Their mission was to provide support to cultivate and enhance the cultural and community enrichment offerings in northern Oklahoma to include lecture and performance series on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and in the Ponca City area. A total of 27 lecture events have been sponsored to date, with over 12,000 participants. Although there are far too many to mention, a few other popular ones have been retired astronaut Commander John Bennett Herrington, Former Chief of CIA Counterintelligence James M. Olson, The Texas Tenors and the Oak Ridge Boys. As you can see, there’s a broad spectrum of education and entertainment, culture and varied popular interest subjects. The evening David Grann spoke, his book “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” was
“Heroes have always served as a reflection of their times, a template of who we are and what we want to be.” ~David Grann, author Do you smell popcorn in the air? Hear the hustle and bustle of people entering the doors and finding their seats? Feel the excitement of a movie premiere in downtown Ponca City? Can you see the crowd of a full house ready to view Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon“ in our lovely, historic Poncan Theatre, which was built in the same 1920s time period? While some of us have only answered Yes! to this very recently, community leader Carl Renfro has had the spark since October 2018 when author of the novel of almost the same title, David Grann, was hosted on the NOC campus as part of the Renfro Endowed Lectureship Series with a soldout crowd that included local and state officials along with dignitaries from the Osage Nation and other tribal affiliations. It was at this event that Grann announced
Brenda and Carl Renfro NOVEMBER 2023 25
Carl’s Remarks before the screening... “Brenda and I would also like to welcome you to this historic event. It will be a day that you will remember for many years. As we look into the past, and see the injustice that happened to our Native Americans, we can only hope that we can truthfully say, ‘NEVER AGAIN’. There are too many people to recognize individually for this event. However, let me say that our KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON Committee has worked tirelessly for several months to make this event a reality. I would like to give a special thank you to Sheri Snyder, NOC Vice President, Development and Community Relations, the person who truly made this event possible. Also, Luke Garrison, President of the Poncan Theater, who is the genius that brought our beautiful, historic, Poncan Theater back to life, and now we are able to show movies of this caliber from now on. Thank you for sharing this special time with us.”
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distributed to all in attendance. Those reading the book couldn’t help but find much from their community and surrounding area. Chapter 6 of Grann’s novel includes, “The accounts rarely, if ever, mentioned that numerous Osage had skillfully invested their money or that some of the spending by the Osage might have reflected ancestral customs that linked grand displays of generosity with tribal stature. Certainly during the Roaring Twenties, a time marked by what F. Scott Fitzgerald called ‘the greatest, gaudiest spree in history,’ the Osage were not alone in their profligacy.” Then Gann’s book goes on to describe how Marland, after hitting oil in the Burbank field, built one 22-room mansion only to abandon it for an even bigger one with 55 rooms, “twelve bathrooms, seven fireplaces, three kitchens, and an elevator lined with buffalo skin…When questioned about this excess, Marland was unapologetic.” Local readers know these places and can imagine the time period being discussed in the novel even if they did not realize all that had been happening in the area so close to the places we now visit as museums and for community events. In the 1920s members of the Osage Nation were
Anita Simpon, Carl Renfro, Brenda Renfro and Sheri Snyder. Both Anita and Sheri are long-time employees of Northern Oklahoma College.
murdered after oil was found on their land, and the newly formed FBI investigates. The release date was set for October 20, but Ponca City was lucky to host a pre-release screening of the drama. The world premiere of the film, which comes in at just under 3 ½ hours, took place last May at the Cannes Film Festival to a resounding standing ovation of 9 minutes. After this premiere, there have been numerous reviews expressing the strong development of the storyline and characters, as well as the appreciation for Scorsese’s inclusion of members of the Osage Nation to hear their concerns and to assist in bringing authenticity to the powerful story. The changes made from the extensive book, which
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580.765.5173 2205 N. 14th St. • Ponca City • www.BraceBooks.com HOURS: Mon-Fri 10 am to 8 pm & Saturday 9 am to 6 pm
CANDLELIGHT TOUR of the
MARLAND MANSION
901 Monument Road Ponca City
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9 6:00-8:00 pm The Marland Estate Foundation invites the public to be our guest.
Fall/Thanksgiving décor, dishes, accessories and gifts!
Downtown Ponca City at 318 E. Grand 580-762-3985 Whimsy is a business of the Opportunity Center. NOVEMBER 2023 27
Busy Bees
Our local family-owned business has been incredibly blessed by the people in our community. We can’t thank you enough for the trust you’ve placed in us.
New Fall decorations added every week!! Come in and see us or give us a call!
FLOWERS & GIFTS
912 E. Highland Ponca City 580-761-6787
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-5 Saturday 10-2
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Offering Insurance and Risk Management Solutions since 1931.
580-765-5566 410 East Grand Ponca City
www.loftiswetzel.com billwetzel@loftiswetzel.com
call or stop by and Let Us Earn Your Business!
14th & Lake Road • Ponca City • 580-762-3716
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QUALITY POOLS & SPAS 115 E. Highland Ave. • Ponca City myqualitypools.com • 580-762-3444
28 NOVEMBER 2023
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Publishing in the December Ponca City Monthly Magazine!
If you have not been contacted and would like to advertise your business, call or email me for details… the sooner, the better, deadlines are early! Robyn Ryan - 580-761-1295 robyn@poncacitymonthly.com
follows more of the development of the FBI, and the film, which focuses more on the characters residing in Fairfax, were only some of those that came from these meetings. Others were making certain the film was sensitive to the Osage language, culture and all it means to those it represents. While both Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro played their roles scintillatingly, Lily Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart stole her scenes with far fewer words, as should be the case for a smart actress in a beautiful, although heartbreaking role. As we look to the many reasons why we desired to bring the film to Ponca City, our City Manager Craig Stephenson stated, in his letter of support, one of 26 sent in that were from state and U.S. legislators, local and state leaders, and others who would help make the event a premiere affair, “Our goal is to provide a cultural and community enrichment opportunity of the rich history in North Central Oklahoma centered around FBI investigation into a string of murders that plagued the Osage Indian tribe of Oklahoma during the Twenties, after oil was found on their land. We want to educate all people to the important role the members of the Osage Nation contributed in the development of our
KOTFM Screening Planning Committee Front row(l-r): Anita Simpson, Shelley Arrott, Danny Head, Carl & Brenda Renfro, Judge Doug Revard, Craig Stephenson, Theresa Sacket, Erin Liberton, Kelsey Wagner. Back row (l-r): Luke Garrison, David Keathly, Rick Edgington, T.L Walker, Sheri Snyder, Senator Bill Coleman, Representative Ken Luttrell, Marsha Sanders, Representative John Pfeiffer, Mayor Homer Nicholson. country’s diverse culture as well as an appreciation of the numerous contributions from the members of Osage Nation to the area’s rich history.” Renfro gives much of the thanks for the success of the lectureship series and for the work in gathering everything needed to secure this premiere to Sheri Snyder, NOC’s Vice President of Development & Community Relations. “God bless Sheri. She has done a fabulous job!” Renfro exclaimed. This came right after he told me the night before our interview they’d been notified a premiere was approved to be in Ponca City as a pre-release of the film’s major release date, and was he ever delighted. I felt there was a bit of beautiful serendipity in my interview timing since we’d set up the date earlier. Carl has long been interested in Ponca City area’s Native population and culture, so it is no surprise this was a special project he latched onto as soon as he heard author Grann mention it at that October 2018 event. He and the late Genevieve Pollak,
former Chairwoman of the Ponca Tribal Council, were co-founders of the Standing Bear Park, Museum & Education Center. As a matter of fact, the families grew close in their work and Ms. Pollak adopted the late Carolyn Renfro in the “Indian way,” which was a great honor for the Renfro family. So, the film premiere seems to be a culmination of years of work for the local Native community and to educate the rest of the community in ways to bridge our differences through understanding the past. A committee pulled the event together to make the premiere a magnificent afternoon and evening, with those needed serving on it to ensure entertainment, safety, beauty and all the elements this lovely city has to offer. Along with welcoming remarks from Sheri Snyder, Carl Renfro and Poncan Board President Luke Garrison prior to the screening, the full house of invited guests at the Poncan Theatre also heard from Assistant Principal Chief of the Osage Nation R.J. Walker and a recorded message from Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear (who later joined the group at the reception). An Osage-language prayer was given by Talee Redcorn, who appears in the film. The Poncan Theatre was the ideal place to film the production since it was also built in the 1920s, just like the setting of the film and the horrific occurrences in history it depicts. The same can be said about the reception that followed held at the Marland Mansion, which highlights the lifestyle of the wealthy in the 1920s and 1930s and was even mentioned in the novel. The story of E.W. Marland is certainly one of rise and fall, much like that of many of the Osage during this time—although not of their own fault. It’s a time we need to remember.
KILLERS of the FLOWER MOON
As business owner and city commissioner Kelsey Wagner said in her letter of support for the project, “Through ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ we have an unprecedented opportunity to educate the world about the injustices suffered by the Osage people and the need for social change. This movie
NOVEMBER 2023 29
to Mrs. Valentine, and she made him show her the house and then he bought those three chandeliers. Now, I tell you this story because when Carl told me the story it was for the lesson—Mrs. Valentine taught him his first lesson on true preservation, and he’s been interested in it ever since. Bringing “Killers of the Flower Moon” to Ponca City pulls many of Carl Renfro’s interests into one event. Carl’s love of preservation, his sense of community, his feel for the importance of education and his empathy for all peoples is what has made this event truly come to fruition. In his welcoming remarks at the theatre, Carl closed with, “As we look into the past, we see the injustices that have happened to our Native American friends and family, and we hope we can say, Never Again!” You can find Carl Renfro’s hand in many of the museums and cultural events in Ponca City and surrounding areas, he has donated much of the artwork you enjoy, and he has funded more places than I can list that help people including hospices and addiction treatment centers. has the potential to raise awareness on a national scale, bringing attention to the struggles faced by indigenous communities throughout history and in the present day.” It was a long road for the approval of this film premiere. Renfro and Snyder were first told they needed to work with a lobbyist for the movie industry through Paramount and had completed substantial paperwork and spent significant time with the process. Then, less than a couple months before the wide release was to take place, they found out they needed to go through Apple instead. Snyder pulled all the gathered documents together and forwarded them to Apple. Luckily, Apple executives understood the desires and the work that had already been done. She says, “All along both groups have been very responsive with connecting with us. We’ve been cautiously optimistic.” Throwing caution to the wind, it was just excitement in the air as they moved forward. Renfro and his wife Brenda, who is Choctaw (her grandmother was full blood) are thrilled with this development and looked forward to the premiere and reception. They funded the event because they didn’t want there to be any worries about being able to proceed forward in the way it should progress (he didn’t state this as part of the article interview, but we should realize his level of commitment to this because it’s for so much more than just a movie coming to Ponca City). Renfro moved to Ponca City in 1968 when Pioneer Bank & Trust (Now RCB) moved here from Kaw City when the bank was going to be underwater due to dam construction. He heard that Mrs. Valentine of the Hotel Arcade was planning to sell her stock in the bank, so he went to see her about a purchase. During
30 NOVEMBER 2023
the visit, they also talked about things he’d seen boxed up, and he found out the hotel was going to be razed. He noticed three beautiful chandeliers and asked Mrs. Valentine what was going to happen to them. She said she didn’t know, so he asked if he could buy them. When she asked where he was going to put them and he told her where he lived, she told him No. She wouldn’t sell them to him unless he had an appropriate “place” for them. So, Carl left with stock in the bank but not chandeliers. When he bought a larger, nicer home, he went back
And if you attended the “Killers of the Flower Moon” premiere at the historic Poncan Theatre and then went to the reception at the beautiful Marland Mansion, I hope you stepped into the Mansion entryway…walked up that staircase…and looked up at those two sparkling chandeliers—because they are donated by Carl Renfro to the Mansion after hanging in the Hotel Arcade. Yes, Mrs. Valentine, your lesson was well-learned. Let the film educate you, entertain you and remind you of all that others—your ancestors and community leaders—have done for you to be right where you are today. Is this a lovely community, or what? Enjoy the sparkle of these bright lights!
Our annual Sled of Dreams will start Monday, November 27 in our showroom. We work closely with DHS to provide toys and clothing to families who would otherwise not have Christmas. We challenge individuals and businesses to stop by and donate UNWRAPPED toys and clothing for these children. We hope to see you soon!
2415 N. 14th • Ponca City • 580-765-5533 StutevilleFordPonca.com • StutevilleLincoln.com
NOVEMBER 2023 31
Story by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer
JILL ROWE
grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rowe’s grandpa was an artist and engineer who worked for Ford designing and drawing car parts. She remembers his sketches for Ford as being very beautiful. It was Rowe’s grandpa who gifted her with a sketchbook and other drawing tools when she was young. Rowe says she still remembers sketching the trees outside her bedroom window as they changed from season to season. As a teenager, she attended a large high school with a robust art curriculum. This granted her the opportunity to take a wide variety of art classes during her high school career and really begin to hone her skills. After high school, Rowe went to the Art Academy of Cincinnati, getting her bachelor’s degree in fine art with a focus on illustration and graphic design. She talks about her journey post-college saying, “I took a long break after school. It kind of burnt me out for a while. I wasn’t really making artwork, even for myself. I felt like I had lost my identity for a little while and didn’t know where to pick back up.” Even without being able to see a clear path in front of her, Rowe never lost confidence in what she knew to be true about herself. “I am an artist. That’s all I consider myself really.” Rowe never abandoned her creativity or her artistic talent. After college she apprenticed for a tattoo artist for 2 1/2 years. She learned a lot about the business and enjoyed the atmosphere, though ultimately knew it wasn’t an industry she wanted to stay in long-term.
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That bothered me. I was like, ‘I gotta find a fun way to do it myself.’ So that’s how I made bar tending fun and creative. I was trained by a lot of really, really great people that are really talented in that industry.”
Rowe also worked as a bartender and bar manager for many years at different Cincinnati spots. During that time, she learned the art of making a cocktail. She reminisces about those days, “I enjoyed bar tending. I found a lot of creativity in making the cocktails and making the syrups and putting my own spin on things. I can’t just do something somebody’s already done.
Through mutual friends in the art community, she met her husband, Clint, which eventually brought her to Ponca City. He is also an incredibly talented artist specializing in pinstriping. Over the last several years, she has begun to find her way back to making art. She admits to being nudged by art enthusiasts in our community to dip a toe back into the art world. “Terron [Liles] kind of egged me on into getting
more involved with the art community here. I think that really helped me want to create more. Now I’ve gotten to a place where I really like the direction I’m going. My artwork’s always been kind of pop art, a little bit graphic, very colorful. My goal has always been to take an object and try to break it down as simple as I can. Really that’s how I’ve approached everything. My work has gotten simpler and simpler. But really, it’s not simple.” She admits that the clean look of her work is actually quite time consuming
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580-762-2921
Mon. - Fri. 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat. 8 am - 6 pm
“Ponca City’s Siding & Window Store Since 1976” 1723 North 3rd • Ponca City • (580) 762-8122 NOVEMBER 2023 33
“I enjoyed bar tending. I found a lot of creativity in making the cocktails and making the syrups and putting my own spin on things. I can’t just do something somebody’s already done.” could be more interesting. There could be too many layers too, so you’ve got to find good balance. My clients let me be me and they trust what I do.” When someone is as talented and artistic as she, the best bet is always to let them take the wheel on a project, and clearly her clients understand that.
to achieve. She continues, “and you can’t tell that, but it looks simple and I like that. I like simple and clean. So, it’s realistic as in the proportions are realistic, but even if I am painting something realistic, it always looks illustrated, which I think is another reason why I chose that major because it just fit. It just seemed right.” Along with pursuing her art, Rowe also uses her skills as an artist in her full-time job as a Social Media Manager with My Media Matters. She curates completely custom social media content. This means she’s creating every element of a social media post for her clients, like custom graphic images and all the copy to go along with the image. She’s also recently been delving into more website design work and logo creation, which she is enjoying. “That’s been really fun because I’ve been able to do customized things like make logos and graphic images to go into the websites and do little things that just add to it. It’s almost like layers. It can be plain, but there can be layers and it
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A nod back to her Cincinnati days, Rowe also writes a “Cocktail of the Month” article for Ponca City Monthly magazine. She enjoys exploring the history of cocktails and their ingredients and putting together something special for readers to try at home. When asked what might be on the horizon, she has a few ideas, “I have a couple of small goals. I’m really enjoying my work’s progression and I’m challenging myself to do bigger things, like literally larger-scale paintings. And I would like to do other shows. I’d like to maybe do a
show in Oklahoma City or Tulsa or have a painting elsewhere in another gallery or in another show. I want to continue to learn and grow as a designer as well.” Jill Rowe is simultaneously fierce and delicate. She is refreshingly unapologetic about who she is and very comfortable in her own skin. Rowe’s artistic nature is a part of her. It shows up in everything she does, and the world is better for it.
OUR MISSION is to serve Ponca City and its citizens by promoting quality of life through the revitalization of downtown. Our Vision is to make downtown the heart of our community! Our Transformation Strategies are Arts & Entertainment & Community Connection.
PONCA CITY MAIN STREET OFFICE: City Central • 400 E. Central, Suite 201G • 580-763-8082 NOVEMBER 2023 35
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
picture
perfect
Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer
Jes MacIntosh, a true enthusiast for capturing memories, has made a lifelong commitment to preserving life’s most precious moments. Since her youth, Jes has been the person with a camera at significant family and friend gatherings, ensuring those special occasions are forever etched in time. Transforming her love for photography into a thriving profession, Photography by Jes now plays a pivotal role in helping families from Kay County, particularly high school seniors, preserve their treasured memories through her exceptional photo sessions. Nestled discreetly on Central Avenue, right next to the Vortex Alley Brewing, the Photography by Jes studio beckons you with an array of images showcasing Jes’s talent
36 NOVEMBER 2023
accumulated over more than a decade.
Sitting on a cozy couch inside her studio one sunny July morning, Jes MacIntosh reminisces, “I’ve been at this location for six years, but I’ve been in business for 12 years, since 2011. We used to be at 104 N. Third, but that location doesn’t exist anymore.” She’s joined in her bustling studio by Heather Badley, who expertly serves as the studio manager.
Step inside, and you’ll discover a portrait studio that has everything a photographer could dream of. An assortment of chairs, sofas, and couches graces the entrance, ready to be featured in the upcoming portraits. The walls proudly exhibit framed portraits kids that Jes has photographed over the years, especially during their senior year. Venture further into her studio, and you’ll find yourself in a room brimming with cameras and lighting equipment, all poised to perfect the art of portraiture. Behind that room lies another space filled with a treasure trove of props and costumes, carefully curated for themed photo shoots. Jes’s passion for capturing real-life moments
3202 N. 14th • Ponca City
It’s that time of the year, come see us! Flu, Strep and COVID are going around.
580-765-2491 NapolisPoncaCity.com
Tues. - Sat. 11 am - 9:30 pm Sunday 11 am - 9 pm napolis2020@hotmail.com
SENIOR LUNCH SPECIAL
2 for $20
We’ll get you in immediately and no appointment is necessary.
Seniors 65 & older, drink not included, Tues. thru Fri. 11-3 With coupon. One coupon per table. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires 11/30/2023.
Open 7 Days a Week Mon. - Sat. 9-8:30 Sun. 10-5:30
WALK-IN CLINIC, NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
Ponca Plaza Shopping Center 2101 N. 14th, Suite 114
RSV, Flu and Strep testing in-house. We can file these tests with your insurance.
580-762-1552
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KENNY WHEELER
215 S. 14th Street Ponca City, OK 74601 Lic: #3000167216
NOVEMBER 2023 37
and themes dates back several decades. As she fondly recalls, “Back in the 1990s, I took photography in high school. It was with dark rooms and film. My husband took a photography course, and I took it alongside him.”
For Jes, photography wasn’t just a hobby; it was a part of her daily life. “I’ve always been the family picture-taker,” she shares with a smile. However, as a devoted mom of three children, the escalating cost of childcare nudged her to consider a change. She recounts her journey, “I was a stay-at-home mom for seven years, and I had to go back to work. I had one in school and two in daycare, and with the cost of daycare being so expensive, I was stressed out.” Supported by her husband, she made the pivotal decision to return to the workforce. With a simple question, her husband ignited a transformation: “If you could do anything, what would it be?” Her answer was unequivocal - photography. Her best friend was one of her earliest clients, offering unwavering support from the outset. “I took pictures of all my friends,” Jes recalls, harking back to her youth. Portrait studios typically capture a diverse range of moments, from weddings and anniversaries to baby photos, school portraits, and sports. Photography by Jes excelled in these for many years, but a shift towards high school seniors now takes center stage. “We specialize in high school seniors and sports,” Jes says.
38 NOVEMBER 2023
Jes’s decision to shift her focus stemmed from a heartfelt desire to spend more time with her family, prioritizing moments she didn’t want to miss. “I used to do weddings, mainly on weekends, and my kids were in sports and school activities, and I was missing a lot, so I slowly let go of weddings,” she explains. Stylized senior shoots based on themes are now the central feature of her work. Each year, senior apply to be “Senior Reps” and must go through an application process and be “accepted.” Each month, Jes creates a unique set for seniors to be photographed with. Her “Senior Team” has become immensely popular not only for Ponca City students, but for students all over Kay County. “My seniors sign up for a year, and every month we do a big photo shoot,” Jes describes. She continues, “We did ‘Back to the Future’ once and had a DeLorean come in, an iconic reference to the movie franchise.” Holidays, too, are joyously celebrated within the studio’s confines. Jes’s favorite is Halloween, and she has captured some truly outstanding photos during these spirited occasions, often
incorporating inventive backgrounds. Props from the storage room often make their way into these memorable shots. “With our teams, we usually shoot the giant photo shoot over a week, because we have 30+ kids participating,” Jes explains. Each young athlete gets their moment in the spotlight. For basketball and football games, we take the photos, and A+ Printing puts them together. We share our images with the Yearbook Club so they can use them as well,” Jes explains. Jes MacIntosh’s work is not just about taking pretty pictures, her work also plays a role boosting the self-esteem for the students in the photos. With each snap of her camera, and with the love Jes has for each student’s portrait she captures, Jes is changing the world for the better, one student at a time. “I love looking at pictures. I love sharing them with people; I love giving them to people,” she says, her enthusiasm evident. For those interested in experiencing the magic of Photography by Jes, the studio is conveniently located at 214 E. Central Avenue, Ponca City. More information, including booking a photo shoot, can be found on her Facebook page or by visiting Photographybyjes.com.
We are thankful for your support of our familyowned business!
VETERAN APPRECIATION DAY
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 11 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LUNCH•TV GIVEAWAY
OKLAHOMA BLOOD MOBILE WILL BE ON SITE!
AT M
INO 14 R POST
In conjunction with American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, Ponca City Lions Club will be on site with their KidsSight USA trailer!
3415 N. 14th St. 3 VA BENEFIT OFFICERS WILL Ponca City BE ON SITE 10 AM - 4 PM cannonhonda.com
Planned Maintenance Agreements Residential & Commercial Service • Duct Cleaning Installation & Replacement • Free In-Home Estimates Family-Owned & Operated
580-762-9513 • info@wardsac.com
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509 N. 1st St. • Ponca City • 580-762-1736 SHOWROOM HOURS:
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5:30 pm • Sat. 9 am - 2 pm NOVEMBER 2023 39
$
12,400
SANTA BUCKS
GIVEAWAY
DRAWINGS BEGIN AT 7 PM TUESDAY, DEC. 21 AND WILL BE PARTICIPANTS
100.7 KPNC 102 E. Grand Ave. 1047 The Bull 1601 E. Oklahoma 1230 WBBZ 1601 E. Oklahoma 99.3 KLOR 102 E. Grand Ave. A+ Printing 119 N. 3rd St. Aaron’s Sales & Lease 2608 N. 14th St. Aesthetic State of Mind 104 S. 4th St. Anderson Flooring 509 N. 1st St. Blanton Chiropractic Clinic 101 E. Broadway Ave. Boomer Tire and Alignment 1300 N. Waverly St. Brace Books & More 2205 N. 14th St. Brandt’s Ace Hardware 3203 N. 14th St. Buckle 2101 N. 14th St./ Ste. 118 Busy Bee Flower & Gifts 912 E. Highland Ave. Cell Barn 1315 E. Prospect Ave. Cherokee Strip Credit Union 1508 E. Prospect Ave. Chuck Hoddy Glass 727 N. Union St. Community National Bank & Trust 709 E. Prospect Ave Custom Powder and Blasting 2101 Hall Blvd. Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, Inc. 1217 E. Prospect Ave. Equity Bank - Downtown 222 E. Grand Ave.
40 NOVEMBER 2023
PARTICIPANTS
Equity Bank - North Branch 803 E. Prospect Ave. Equity Bank - Plaza Location 1417 E. Hartford Ave. Erin O’Hara Farmers Insurance Agency 1722 N. 4th St., Ste. D Factory Connection 2101 N. 14th St./Ste. 117 Family Discount Pharmacy 310 Fairview Ave. Family Vision Care of Ponca City 1619 N. 5th St. First National Bank of Oklahoma 1501 E. Prospect Ave. Fisher Window Tinting & Accessories 601 N. 1st St. Frocks & Fashions 213 E. Grand Ave. Hartford Home Appliances & More 412 E. Hartford Ave. Heather Cannon Honda 3415 N. 14th St. Homeland - North 2005 N. 14th St., Ste. 110 Homeland - South 904 S. 4th St. HoneyBee Boutique 314 E. Grand Ave Hudson Auto Supply 300 S. 2nd St. Ryan A. Johnson DDS PLLC 400 Fairview Ave., Ste. 6 Juicy’s Vapor Lounge Inc. 2128 N. 14th St., Suite #1 Kelle Repair and Tire Center 1400 N. Ash Kentucky Fried Chicken 1308 Princeton Ave. Klingers Collision CenterLLC 521 Monument Rd. Loftis & Wetzel Corporation 410 E. Grand Ave.
O P P O H $S
509 N. 1st St. Astoria Blvd Bistro & Bar 217 E. Grand Ave. The Attic Boutique 322 E. Grand Ave. $ All prizes + Home 2 - Atwoods 1,000Ranch PRIZES awarded in Santa Bucks. $ 401 E. Prospect Ave. 4 - Bintz 500 PRIZES Pharmacy $ St. 2701 . 14th 68 - INSTANT 50 WINNERS Blackwell Dentistry 3,400 in Santa Bucks Surprise Prizes $ Get 11520 ticket every 10 you spend… S.for Main (Blackwell) up to 500 per purchase! Blanton Chiropractic Clinic Ask tickets to increase 101for E. your Broadway Ave. your chances to win! Bob Hurley A Shop Ponca First retail event sponsored by the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram E ANNOUNCED ON St. SEVERAL PONCA CITY RADIO STATIONS. 3501 N. 14th PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS Boomer Tire and Alignment Luxx Lash Studio 2128 N. 14th St., Ste. #7 Toni’s Westside Healthmart 301 W. Grand Ave. McGee Jewelers 219 E. Grand Ave. Tyndall Family Dentistry 415 E. Hartford Ave. 1300 N. Waverly St. 310 Fairview Ave. D Old West Liquors 3211 N. 14th St. United Way of Ponca City 205 N. 2nd St. Osage CasinoBowker - C Store 64464 US Highway 60 University Center at Ponca City 2800 N. 14th St. Jack Ford Lincoln e Family Vision Care of Ponca City ar es iz Pr Ponca City Discount Foods 2405 N. 14th St. Walmart Supercenter 1101 E. Prospect Ave. in ded arN. Ponca City Dispensary Companyaw 2128 14th St., #3 Waymakers Floral 111 E. Grand Ave. 2415 N. 14th St. 1619 N. 5th St. a nt Sa Ponca Finance Co., Inc. 420 W. Grand Ave. Whimsy & Village Screen Print 318 E. Grand Ave. ucks! Quality Pools & Spas 115 E. HighlandBAve. Willy’s Wash 2605 N. 14th St. Brace Books & More First National Bank of Oklahoma RCB Bank - Main 1223 E. Highland Ave. Brian Zwanziger, OD & Jessica Zwanziger RCB Bank - North Branch 2901 N. 14th St. 521 E. Hartford Ave. 2205 N. 14th St. 1501 E. Prospect Ave. RCB Bank - Downtown 212 N. 2nd St. Rusty Barrell Supper Club 2005 N. 14th St. Get 1 ticket for every 10 you spend at participating Brandt’s AceE. Hartford Hardware SPONSORS Food PyramidNorth Safelite Auto Glass 1801 Ave. businesses, up to 500 perOUTLETS) purchase! (NOT TICKET Skyway CDJR of Ponca City 3501 N. 14th St. 3203 N. 14th St. 2005 N. 14th St., Ste. 110 City of Ponca City Smith Home Furnishings 2500 N. 14th St. Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc. Spray’s Jewelry, Gifts, & Tuxedos 211 E. Grand Ave. ASK FOR YOUR TICKETS TO Buckle Food PyramidSouth Keller Williams Select Stolhand Wells Group 413 S. 3rd St. My Media Matters Stuteville Chevrolet 3330 N. 14th St.INCREASE YOUR CHANCES 90466S. 4th St. TO WIN! Phillips 2101 N. 14th Ste. 118 Stuteville Ford-Lincoln 2415 N.St./ 14th St. Ponca City News $ The Lost Gent Barbershop 1808 N. 5th St. Heather Cannon Honda Titan Title & Closing 1922 Lake Rd. Guild GRANDGamemasters PRIZE 5,000 $ 3415 N. 14th St.2 - $1,000 PRIZES 109•N41st- St. 2023 41 500NOVEMBER PRIZES
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3501 NORTH 14TH • PONCA CITY SKYWAYCDJRPONCACITY.COM 580-765-2511
42 NOVEMBER 2023
PAWSITIVELY PURRFECT Paws On The Pavement Offers Pet Services In Ponca City Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself”. And our beloved pets aren’t just mere animals; they’re integral parts of our families, offering unconditional love and companionship. While many families love to bring their fur babies along on vacation, there are occasions when this isn’t possible. In such moments, the responsibility of caring for these beloved companions often falls on veterinarians or pet boarders, usually outside the familiar surroundings of their home. However, for those who prefer to keep their fur babies comfortably at home, there’s an appealing alternative: Justin Mathews. He’s the go-to person for pet owners seeking to ensure their furry family members are well-taken care of in the confines of their own home. Justin offers a comprehensive range of services, including feeding, walking, and showering these cherished pets with the love and attention they deserve until the families return. Meet Mathews, the dedicated dog sitter and walker who is the heart and soul behind Paws on the Pavement, a thriving business he’s been running since 2021. His passion is helping families take the best care of their beloved pets, which are truly the center of his world. Mathews is also closely involved with the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society, where he serves as the president when he’s not tending to his clients’ furry companions. Paws on the Pavement offers a variety of services tailored to the unique needs of
pet owners. Mathews specializes in house-sitting, feeding, and dogwalking, all performed right in the comfort of your own home, on your terms. He doesn’t have a dedicated facility; instead, he utilizes his car to care for your pets within your own environment. For Mathews, this job is more than just work; it’s a lifelong calling. Even in his youth, he was the goto person for friends and family when they needed someone
NOVEMBER 2023 43
“The majority of my clients are dogs and cats, but I have taken care of birds, fish, horses.” to look after their pets while they were away. As he reflects, “Growing up, I was the person friends and family would come to, to take care of their animals when they would be on vacation or just go out of town. All my life, I’ve kind of been that person.” His journey into this business venture began in September 2021, driven by several converging factors. First, he had prior experience working for a similar business called Wags and Rovers in Dallas, where pet owners used a convenient app to manage their pet care needs. “In big cities, they are very popular because it is convenient. They can just use the app,” Mathews explains. After returning to Ponca City in 2019, he found a job he enjoyed at Osage Casino and Resort. However, when the casino shuttered its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to take a break. At the same time, his own dog, Luna, a Pekingese mix, was experiencing health issues that limited his ability to be active in the community. “She was a rescue dog.
44 NOVEMBER 2023
I got her when I lived in Dallas. She was having seizures, and they were unexpected, and I was often not able to go places because I thought she would have a seizure while I was gone.” It was Luna’s needs that prompted Mathews to start Paws on the Pavement, ensuring that pet owners can find reliable care for their animals in the comfort of their own homes when they need time away. The business primarily operates through word-of-mouth referrals from friends with animals, but they’re open to new clients who reach out via phone, email, or Facebook. The first step is a free meet-and-greet, where Mathews gets to know both the pet and their owner. This meeting is a crucial starting point to understand the pet’s schedule, needs, and any special requirements, such as medications. As Mathews emphasizes, “We do free meetand-greets for every new client so we can meet the client, make sure we’re the right fit for their pets. They can show us their pet’s schedule for feeding. If they go on a walk or anything, we want to make sure the pet’s needs are met while they are away.” Paws on the Pavement is incredibly flexible, capable of handling a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to birds, fish, horses, and more. The level of attention provided depends on the specific needs of the animal, ensuring their well-being is the top priority. “If they have a specific need, and they
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213 E. Grand, Downtown Ponca City • 580-762-2444 Hours: Tuesday thru Friday Noon-6 & Saturday 10-4
Roxane Denton, Owner
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8 1
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ANSWER ON PAGE 59
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Sending our Wishful Blessings for a Happy Holiday Season!
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416 W. Grand • Ponca City • 580-767-1200
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday 9 am - noon Tamra Newlin, Manager•Natosha Barnett, Assistant Manager
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Pictured is Chief Iron Whip of the Ponca Tribe wrapped in wool trade blanket, 1858.
The last quarter of the nineteenth century found America engaged in war. Our first war was fought to free the slaves. This time war was waged to enslave the free. More so referenced as the Indian Wars rather than the second civil war, its participants became not only American but more importantly local icons just the same from Standing Bear, Pawnee Bill, White Eagle to the Miller Brothers and so on. In the end, the original Americans were defeated by firepower and superior numbers. Once the smoke settled, the birth of the Indian Removal Act, Reservations and
the Industrial Age had arrived. Around 1890 it was no longer difficult for traders to conduct business with the Indigenous peoples of this country. Gone was the need to win over nomadic tribes or befriend the territorial warrior to conduct business, thus another birth of its time, the trading post. Trading posts carried basic necessities as one might imagine, but the star of the show was the trade blanket. Many refer to these colorful blankets as Pendleton’s, but the reality is there were many important companies producing blankets with Native designs at this time. Pendleton just happens to be the company who has continued on into today. In the early days, hides were referred to as robes, but with the world industrializing, woven blankets took the place of robe wearing. Blankets in Native American culture carry a significant importance in all aspects of life, birth, marriage, celebration, ceremony, death or simply a good blanket on your bed. Aside from the somewhat
vague and dark history we are taught in school about Pendleton trade blankets and other similar companies, they are seen as tradition that is carried on today. Vintage blankets you find tucked away in a relative’s closet, your great-grandmother’s coat, a gift for a new baby, keepsake to honor a graduate or a special gift for that hard to shop for person in your life. Pendleton blankets are an heirloom piece ready to keep us warm, hold special memories and will be cherished for generations when they receive proper care. You will find everything from coats, accessories, dining sets and of course blankets from Pendleton and other milling companies at your local authorized retailer, Sharp’s Indian Store in downtown Ponca City.
118 S 2nd Street • Ponca City
www.sharpsindianstore.com (580) 765-8731
46 NOVEMBER 2023
Overnight stays require special attention, and Mathews has enlisted the help of Lisa Norris (pictured left) a parttime assistant who mainly supports with overnight stays. Whether it’s caring for pets that are confined to aquariums, like fish, or allowing cats to roam freely, or ensuring that dogs get their essential exercise, Paws on the Pavement is equipped to meet various pet needs. Mathews adds, “I do 30-minute walks to help them burn off energy, and pet-taxi if somebody needs to take them to the pet groomer. I can do that, using my own vehicle for appointments.” For pet owners who are on vacation, Mathews offers a unique app that provides updates through pictures and videos, ensuring that they can stay connected to their pets even when they’re away. “It allows me to communicate with pictures and videos, giving updates on how pets are doing,” Mathews says.
tell us what the needs are, we can do it,” Mathews affirms. The program offers an array of options, from quick visits to extended stays, to cater to the furry family members.
“If they need more personal attention, I can stay in the person’s home with their animal,” Mathews explains. “If they would rather me go by and visit, I have visitations, which are 10-15 minutes long, or a 30-minute visit, and that is a more personal visit.”
The pricing for services is straightforward, with dog walks priced at $15 for 30 minutes or $23 for an hour. Additional dogs come at an extra $5 per animal. For those looking for in-home visits with their fur babies, the cost is $15 for 30 minutes. Doggie transport services are available for $15 per trip or $30 round trip, with an additional $5 per animal. For Mathews, Paws on the Pavement is not just a business; it’s a testament to his deep love and passion for animals. The service he provides reflects a commitment to ensuring pets, no matter what shape or size, receive the care and attention they deserve. He explains, “I started my business because a lot of animals, especially post-pandemic, are used to being at home with their families, so when they go out of town, then I offer to help keep their animals in their home.” For more information, you can visit their Facebook page or Instagram, their website, Pawsotp.net, or get in touch via email at pawsothp@gmail.com or call (580) 716-7795.
NOVEMBER 2023 47
• Consulting Services • Tax Preparation • Payroll Services • Bookkeeping • Monthly Accounting
Business Equipment, Inc. Serving our community for over 50 years! Copiers/MFP Sales and Service • Office Furniture
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Lew Wentz Golf Course
Growing Golf in Ponca City for Over 80 Years Story by Chelsea McConnell / Staff Writer
Louis Haines (Lew) Wentz is known across Oklahoma as being a great philanthropist. He certainly made his mark on Ponca City in ways both big and small. As early as 1914, Wentz was noted for providing Christmas gifts to the children of families on the city relief rolls. Wentz also provided funding for public playgrounds and helped fund athletics programs. In 1925, construction began on Wentz Camp, followed by construction of the swimming pool in 1928. Another remarkable gift from Wentz to Ponca City was Lake Ponca and the surrounding land that is now home to the beautiful Lew Wentz Golf Course.
Lew Wentz Golf Course is owned by the City of Ponca City. According to the City’s website, the course “is a Four-Star, 18-hole municipal course that is nestled on the east side of Lake Ponca. The golf course covers 125 acres of rolling terrain and offers a challenge to all golfers. From a beginner to a scratch golfer, Lew Wentz is an enjoyable golf course and has hosted numerous professional and amateur golf tournaments, including the Oklahoma Open. Wentz Golf has two PGA professionals on staff. Wentz Golf offers beginner clinics, private lessons, junior camps, corporate outings and ladies’ night.” Golf Director Rod Alexander gives us a little bit of history on the course, “In 1939 Lew Wentz came to the city with land he wanted to donate. It was originally the Lew Wentz Camp. Wentz did not play golf. He was actually kind
of opposed to it, but somebody talked him into building 9 holes. In 1939, they built a 9-hole golf course out here. With it being by the man-made lake, everybody started really liking it. Golf started to grow. It gave an outlet to a lot of the workers in town. After Mr. Wentz died in 1953, they came in and made another nine holes to complete the full 18.” Things have changed some over the years. The original 18 holes have shifted some; the maintenance barn has been moved. In 1979 the Clubhouse on “the hill” opened. One thing that hasn’t changed though is the passion to grow the game of golf in Ponca City. Alexander shares, “There were three things when I started here 20 years ago that I wanted. I wanted a driving range; I wanted a short game area; and I wanted to co-host the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic.”
NOVEMBER 2023 49
It’s pretty poetic that this year, in Alexander’s 20th year, all three of these things will happen. Wentz was invited to co-host the Cherokee Strip a few years ago. 2023 will be the fourth year their course has been a part of that amazing event. Wentz is currently working on a driving range and a short-game area. Both are set to open later this year. Alexander shares info about plans for the range. “The driving range is just north of 18 Tee Box, just west of the clubhouse and the camp. We’ll have a dedicated pathway for you to take a cart there, or you can park up there. We’ll have a range machine up there that takes tokens only. We’ll have a twotiered range tee down there.” The range will be about 275 yards to the furthest point and have 50-foot-tall nets to prevent balls from going astray.
50 NOVEMBER 2023
The addition of the range will allow the course to expand Ladies’ Nights, add Men’s Nights and enhance their Demo Days, when golfers are invited to come in and try out the latest equipment from high-end club manufacturers. These nights will be about trying new products and educating golfers.
Alexander speaks highly about Pro Kevin Brown and working with him at Wentz. “Kevin’s been here since 1984. I’m thankful and blessed that he’s here because the stuff I lack in, he’s really good at. We feed well off each other. We work well with each other. We’re always bouncing ideas off each other.”
The new short-game area is also going to bring new opportunities to players at Wentz. Alexander explains where and what it will be like. “We’ve got our short-game area going in on the east side of Wentz Camp around the Caretaker’s House. It’ll be 6-8 holes, 30 to 60 yards long, each hole. That’s going to help us with both growing the game mantra that we want: we want kids to be involved; we want families to be involved. And it’ll be good for the high school teams to work on their short game whenever we’re really busy on the golf course. We would love to start ladies on our short game because that’s the most important part of golf. It’ll be great also for the guys that don’t have two hours to play nine holes. They can come out and play that in less than an hour if they want to. Kevin Brown, Head Pro, has been wanting that for a long time. It’s going to help with his junior golf.”
Grounds Superintendent Todd Looper keeps the greens looking immaculate, according to Alexander. He goes on to add, “Todd’s another one I’m thankful to have. He makes me look good by keeping the course the way it is.” Keeping the greens in top shape is crucial to the success of the course. Alexander says they hosted over 28,000 rounds of golf last year and are on pace to beat that number this year.
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(580) 382-4018
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Spanning an impressive 24,000 square feet, this remarkable venue offers an unrivaled experience for your special event. The arena features a full bar and a fully-equipped industrial kitchen. The horse stalls add a touch of rustic charm, while the picturesque pond provides an idyllic backdrop for unforgettable photo opportunities. What’s more, our venue boasts an attached fully-furnished house, elegantly designed as the perfect bridal suite, offering a tranquil retreat for your wedding preparations. Discover the magic of MLZ Ranch – a place where dreams become cherished memories. For more information or to book your event, contact us at the number below.
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NOVEMBER 2023 51
“In 1939 Lew Wentz came to the city with land he wanted to donate. It was originally the Lew Wentz Camp. Wentz did not play golf. He was actually kind of opposed to it, but somebody talked him into building 9 holes.” They also host tournaments nearly every weekend during the season, weather permitting. Tournament days mean staff members are going to work between 2-4 a.m., depending on their position, to get the course ready for golfers. It is the dedication of the entire team that makes Wentz such a great course. Other things on the horizon for the Course include getting the grill up and running again. Alexander plans to reopen the grill with a new sports bar feel and a handful of signature menu items. It will be a great place to snag a burger and a beer pre- or post-game. Ladies’ Nights are another fun event that takes place every Tuesday at Wentz. They’ve been hosting Ladies’ Nights for
13 years now. Alexander and Brown drive around and give lessons in a criticism-free space. Alexander adds, “We used to have two ladies a month play golf and now ladies are starting to make a little bit of a noise out here and we love it.” Wentz has branded merchandise for men and women, as well as all the top golf club and ball brands. Ladies’ merchandise is switched out every two weeks in the peak season from April through November. Wentz Golf Course offers annual memberships at various levels starting around $550 for adults and $175 for a junior membership. Wentz is located at 2928 L.A. Cann Drive and their phone number is (580) 767-0433. Course hours are 8 am to dusk, daily.
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411 E. HARTFORD • PONCA CITY Restaurant J.W. COBB'S FAMILY RESTAURANT - Set #1
52 NOVEMBER 2023
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FUTURE ED
Thoughts on Higher Education
expectations, and they encouraged him to stay another two years and get his master’s degree (also paid for).
Story By Stephen Scott/Contributing Writer
Local examples are always best because we can all identify with the person. One Ponca City resident graduated from Po-Hi and like many, went straight to college. He made it 3 1/2 years, and then a “lightbulb” moment made him realize his
NOV. 15 IS AMERICA RECYCLES DAY by Patrick Jordan
ACROSS 1. Fragment of food or fabric 6. Makes less bright, as a lamp 10. Tidbit in a bird feeder 14. Wonderland visitor 15. "The Andy Griffith Show" boy 16. Shaft between car wheels 17. White-collar crime evidence (2 wds.) 19. Profoundly intelligent 20. Place to be pampered 21. Get married 22. Hang around idly 24. Edge of a coffee cup 26. Ghostly sound 27. Nose job or tummy tuck (2 wds.) 33. Ocean wave's top 34. Sculpture, painting, etc. 35. Flying geese formation 36. Some smokehouse meats 37. Voyages 39. Sax-playing Simpson child 40. Vow heard when people 21-Across (2 wds.) 41. Brown songbird 42. "Peter, Peter, pumpkin ___" 43. Question said in amazement (4 wds.) 47. Killer whale 48. Smokey or Yogi 49. "Honey, I ___ the Kids" (1989 family comedy) 52. Small battery size 53. Unhappy 56. "Be patient for a minute!" 57. Infant fed with a Playtex nurser, say (2 wds.) 61. Tall landmark in St. Louis 62. Great Lake near Buffalo 63. Flood-preventing barrier
selected major was not really a “first love” that would happily carry him into the future. Luckily, he followed his father’s advice and enlisted in the Navy where he learned personal discipline and a STEM skill that was the first step into a lucrative future. One tour of duty was sufficient to set the path; and upon release from the Navy, he immediately enrolled at OSU to work on a degree in computer engineering.
Upon graduation, he not only had a VERY good job, but one that to this day, if you have a STEM degree, your paycheck has a “bonus” every two weeks. Without that STEM degree, you do not get that bonus. He travels the world representing our nation, and because he is so good at his job, we can all sleep better at night. I would love to tell you his name and who he works for, but that is classified – for real!
Now, at this point, you would think the story was the “old boring diatribe” – graduated, got a job, etc. And you would be completely wrong. During his first year at OSU, a government agency noticed his high grades and work ethic and offered to pay his tuition, books, a new laptop every year and a paid internship at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., every summer until he graduated with his bachelor’s degree. And it didn’t end there. His academic skills exceeded
64. Casual shirts 65. Proof of home ownership 66. Tests the texture by touching DOWN 1. Maple fluids 2. Applaud 3. Morning TV host Kelly ___ 4. It's worth 1 or 11 in blackjack 5. Miles ___ hour 6. First three musical scale notes (3 wds.) 7. Apple tablet since 2010 8. 1002, to an ancient Roman 9. Concerts with no seats available 10. Cutting wood 11. Door leading outside 12. "What ___ was I supposed to do?" 13. Forager in a forest 18. Fool, in England 23. Boat paddles 24. Low male singing voice 25. Letters between Q and U 26. Stat on a showroom sticker (abbr.) 27. "The Devil Wears ___" (Meryl Streep film) 28. Sour yellow fruit 29. British actor Michael 30. "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" musical 31. Put back to zero, as a stopwatch 32. 2023, for example 33. Fashionable 37. Surface for cargo in a pickup (2 wds.) 38. Country star McEntire 39. Lion portrayer Bert in "The Wizard of Oz" 41. Used as clothing 42. Third Greek vowel 44. Juveniles 45. Let up, as a storm 46. Greenish-blue color
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This is another example of the many Ponca City residents who benefited from making a life-changing decision: to go to college, get the degree and get a job they love. That option is open to pretty much everyone in Kay County, and Ponca City is fortunate to have the ONLY University Center in the state where you can earn your bachelor’s degree without having to drive to a campus. The staff is there to help; so, call them today!
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While sharing our favorite Casey’s Pizza with friends the other night, we all starting talking about how great it would be to win the lottery. I can safely say everyone had specific plans if it happened to them. And this started my thinking about significant life-changing events. What is interesting is how many of them we have no control over. I’m old enough to remember the military draft (just missed it by a few months). Other items include inheritances, losing a family member and sometimes it can concern your job. In many cases, we have little control to affect the outcome. But there is something where we do have control that can be very beneficial to our future.
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NOVEMBER 2023 53
Mr. Ponca City Story by Everett Brazil, III / Staff Writer
Dean Hulbert is on a mission. He is on a mission to explore Ponca City, to share everything he loves about his adopted community. He is also on a mission to spread that love of his new hometown, a place he never wants to leave, and he hopes to instill a new-found love in those who already live in the community. His mission is multi-faceted, from Facebook and community promotions to food and school drives, all found in a love of a town he has fallen in love with, a town he has adopted, and one that has adopted him back. Hulbert can be seen on the Ponca City Community Page on Facebook, writing energetic posts about his exploration of all things Ponca, and the larger Kay County. It is a
54 NOVEMBER 2023
positive, larger-than-life, selfless promotion of what Kay County has to offer. “Let’s put something positive out there and see what happens,” he said of his Facebook posts. Hulbert is new to Ponca City, at least as compared to his native community, but not the region, as he previously lived in Bartlesville. He relocated to his new home to find a new start for him and his daughter, Karma, who is part and parcel of his excursions.
“I made a lot of bad choices, and I wanted a fresh start,” he said of his move to Ponca City, a new home he has lived in for the past 12 years.
Hulbert works several driving jobs in the community. He delivers meals through Door Dash, as well as delivering Amazon packages. It is a job he loves for what it offers him: the ability to work on his own terms. “It gives me freedom,” he said. “I love that it gives me freedom on my own schedule.”
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NOVEMBER 2023 55
“I’m tired of all the negative stuff, so let’s put something positive out there.” Grace Episcopal Church, Rikki’s Market and the Ponca City Police Department, to name only a few. It isn’t just Ponca City he is bringing light to, but other communities in Kay County. That includes Treasures on Grand in Tonkawa and The Sweet Spot in Blackwell. He is also eyeing places in Newkirk. “I travel to other surrounding towns. I do a post every single day about different things,” he said. “United Way was the first one who reached out and talked to me.”
He never actually set out on a mission; rather, it came by accident, a simple Facebook post promoting his own experience at a local restaurant, Jalapeño Grill, at Fifth and Hartford. “It started with a picture from Jalapeño Grill. I put up the post, and one of my buddies said, ‘50 people reacted,’ so we did a couple more,” he said. “If that many people saw it, what could we do with it?” he pondered out loud. The answer? Run with it. “I’m tired of all the negative stuff, so let’s put something positive out there,” he said. To find the positivity, he went on a journey to see what made the Ponca community great, and to a certain degree, the rest of Kay County. “I love this small community,” he said. “I’m discovering new things all the time.” Though it started at Jalapeño Grill, it has continued at so many other places. Those include Taco Stop, United Way, Veterans Landing, Brace Books & More, Shaved Ice Kings, The Doodle Academy, The Mission,
56 NOVEMBER 2023
United Way reached out to Hulbert, but there are also plenty of other ways he sees as an opportunity to support the community. Some are kind of cryptic, something unexpected such as in his dreams, he said. There are other ways he gets his ideas as well. “Sometimes, people will come to me with ideas, and I go there,” he said. He also sees a spot he thinks is wonderful and stops on a whim. “That is how I found the Shaved Ice Kings,” he said. While it is his mission to promote the Ponca and Kay County community, that mission goes much further, with food and back to school drives. To raise food for those in need, he has received help to construct wooden boxes he places across the community that people can leave items in. Those items will be donated personally by Dean and Karma, leaving them on the porch and walking away, as it’s not about the attention of donations, but the love of making
someone’s life better. “People are struggling, and they need things,” he said. “I’ve taken it to people’s porches and walked away. If I have something, I’ll take it to them.” He takes it seriously, as each food item feeds someone, a person who is a person. He elaborated that he and Karma painstakingly sanitize each item and separate each one into groups, such as canned goods or boxed items. They will then be taken to a home, hand delivered to those who need it most, those who
J.W. COBB’S Family RESTAURANT
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supporters identify as those in need. “Every can is a mouth, sometimes two mouths,” he said. As for the school supplies, it’s for the kids and the teachers. “I’ll give it to a child that needs it,” he said. He loves what he does as a way to promote the Ponca Community. For his efforts, one may name him “Mr. Ponca City.” He is humbler than that, though, and simply does it for the love of a newfound hometown. Though he’s been here more than a decade, he’s still exploring, still finding new things and something to love, and maybe it’s actually still new to him and Karma, which only adds to their ability to promote the
community in ways they haven’t yet found, places they can still explore together. Promote your home, wherever home is.
THOMAS BLONDE IS HERE!
“Do something good. Spread good things about your town, (just) spread good things,” he said. “I want positivity.” Where does he get his positivity? From his daughter, Karma, who is his sidekick along the entire journey of love and hope. “Can you imagine what’d it be like to view the world through the eyes of a child, to see everything different?” he wondered about his daughter’s infectious thoughts and spirit, which is all a part of his mission in Ponca City: finding, and spreading a childlike joy at home, his home in Ponca City.
SPRAY’S
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NOVEMBER 2023 57
ADULT
BOOK REVIEW
Review By: Lorrie Layton PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
You’ve spent the last 40 years as a member of one of the most elite assassin squads in the world. You and the other three ladies on the squad have retired and your employer, the Museum, has gifted the four of you with an all-expenses-paid luxury cruise. The Museum (not the organization’s real name, of course) was founded by an international assortment of Dutch, French and Polish resistance fighters, OSS agents and a couple of the Monument Men – folks who wanted to hunt Nazis, but weren’t granted permission by their governments. When they had hunted down and brought to justice every former member of the Third Reich that they could find, they opted to target other evil people throughout the world – human traffickers, arms dealers, drug lords, dictators, etc. The assassins employed by the Museum are not sociopaths; they only murder people who have been specifically targeted by the Museum for extermination.
They don’t kill for fun. It’s a job – a good-paying job with excellent benefits, incidentally. So you and your friends are enjoying a gourmet picnic when you catch sight of another Museum operator, undercover as a crew member. Of course, you’re curious who the target might be. You snoop a bit and discover that the four of you are his targets. What should you and the three other 60-something lady assassins do? In my humble opinion, your first objective should be to survive. Then, perhaps you should try to determine why the Museum has put a hit out on the four of you. That’s exactly what our four retired assassins opt to do, all while operating without any passports, IDs, credit cards or the kind of support they’re used to having from the Museum. This was the best book I’ve read in quite a while!
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CHILDREN’S
22Page 45 Puzzle on
BOOK REVIEW
Review by Lorrie Layton
8 5 7 2 9 1 6 3 4
PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE
Mr. Whiskers
and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen
Mr. Whiskers is a street-savvy stray who can sniff out trouble wherever he may be. He adores (and is adored by) Misty and Zelda Nanigan – or as he calls them, the Shenanigan Sisters. The girls’ father is a professor of archeology; Mr. Whiskers calls him the Henanigan! The girls and their father live in a boarding house called the Merriweather Manor. It was built by the current owners’ great-greatgreat-great-grandfather, the pirate Mad-Eye Mick. The owners, Auntie Jada and Auntie Tiana, claim the manor is haunted. The book opens with the professor being abducted by a fake FBI agent. As he’s being shoved into a Prius – don’t all FBI agents drive black SUVs? – he shouts some really weird instructions to the girls: “Girls! Go upstairs! Do things by the book and remember to earn your way! It’s how doors will open for you!” Mr. Whiskers races to follow the Prius as it takes off with the Henanigan. As the Prius passes the park, a phone is tossed out of the window. It belongs to the Henanigan! Mr. Whiskers can’t keep up with the Prius, but he can bring that phone back to the girls and the Aunties. Back at the manor, the Shenanigans are upstairs in their apartment trying to figure out what on earth their father meant. Meanwhile a couple
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more “FBI agents” have shown up at the manor with a search warrant for the Nanigan’s apartment. They claim the professor has been trading in stolen artifacts. The girls and Mr. Whiskers manage to hide just before the “FBI agents” force their way into the apartment and begin looking for those stolen artifacts – specifically some gold coins.
H A M S
The Shenanigans begin to wonder … What if the stories about Mad-Eye Mick’s hidden treasure are true???
C A N Y O U B E A T T H A T
This was such a fun read! I hope you enjoy it too.
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NOVEMBER 2023 59
300 N. 3rd St. and will be announced on these radio Grand Ave. The Prairie Rose e Bull stations: KLOR 99.3 FM, KPNC 100.7 407 E. Grand Ave. . Oklahoma Ave. FM, 104.7 The Bull FM, and Quality Water Service House FM/ 115 E. Highland Ave. Praise FM 1230 WBBZ AM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RCB Bank (Main, Downtown W. Highway 60 1223 E. Highland Av KLOR Ridin’ High Grand Ave. 2200 E. Coleman Rd 30 Rusty Barrell Supper . Oklahoma Ave. Story by Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Chamber CEO/Contributing Writer 2005 N. 14th St. ales & Lease $ PONCA CITY November, Ponca City! await the influx of shoppers seeking perfect Stay connected with detailsSafelite by liking theAuto Ponca Glass . 14thHappy St. 13,400 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE gifts for their loved ones. Black Friday and Small City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page, 1801 E. Hartford Ave As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, Business Saturday provide opportunities for listening to KLOR 99.3 FM, KPNC 100.7 FM, The n Flooring our local business community is gearing up for local entrepreneurs to thrive and create lasting Bull 104.7 FM, Sunny 1230 Sears AM, and reading the 1st St.one of the year’s most cherished and significant connections with our community neighbors. Our Ponca City News and Ponca City Monthly to stay 412 E. Hartford Ave. holiday seasons – Thanksgiving! This season is friends at Main Street will host their annual Holiday informed. lvd Bistro & Bar more than just a time for turkey and pumpkin pie; Open House the weekend of Nov. 17, which is the Smith Home Furnishi a time for gratitude and a time for growth. Our Finally, this season let’s all reflect on the values of Grand it’s Ave. same weekend ‘Ice on the Plaza’ opens. Join our St. local business community is coming together gratitude for the community we2500 adore. N. As I14th connect community for these events where festive cheer, Boutique to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving in a way with many throughout the state, it is quite clear exclusive discounts and delightful surprises await, Snyder’s Chicken & Cat fosters camaraderie and drives economic that Ponca City is known for its rich history and making it the perfect opportunity to kick off the Grandthat Ave. prosperity. Just to name a few of our local unique culture that reflects our 2125 heritageN. and the St 14th season with joy and shopping! All prizes businesses – Aesthetic State of Mind diverse influences of our residents. Many people in Ranch + Home 0 PRIZES Spray’s & Gif and Farmhouse Kids awarded have fallin Thanksgiving also showcases our state only dream of living in such anJewelry amazing Prospect Ave. Santa Bucks. designs painted on their window the generosity of Ponca City community; it’s up to all of us to203 keepE. theGrand dream Ave. PRIZES and The Cast Iron Co., businesses and individuals alive in Ponca City. Let us not take our community rmacyfronts; Stolhand-Wells Plum Homeland, The Grand Café, alike. Countless organizations, that embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture $ 2701 . 14th St. BooksWINNERS and More, The churches and companies and close-knit relationships for granted. What other TANTBrace 50 Heating & Air Cherokee Strip Company and engage in philanthropic community has one of the largest collections of Dentistry nlSanta Bucks Surprise Prizes Marland Mall have adorable efforts, such as donating to original hand painted lobby art413 from S. the 3rd 1930sSt. $ fall storefronts andspend… outdoor NERA, local blessing boxes, hanging in the lobby of our historic theatre listed every 10 you .for Main (Blackwell) décor. As autumn approaches, The Mission and Friendship on the National Register of Stuteville Historic Places, Chevrolet or a o 500 per purchase! Chiropractic Clinic local restaurants and coffee Feast, or organizing charity library that houses an extensive3330 collection of art St. N 14th shops,Ave. such as PC Provisions, drives, that assist those in need. donated by a world-renowned art dealer? What your tickets to increase Broadway Sun Loan Company & Freddy’s Frozen Custard and The spirit of giving back not only other community boasts a 22-foot statue of the ur chances to win! ey Steakburgers, The Jumpy Monkey, benefits the less fortunate but also first Native American civil rights leader, is home Service onca FirstThe retailPerk event sponsored by the Truck, Ponca City and Nova Coffee are Area Chamber of Commerce. fosters goodwill within our beloved to our beloved foxes and murals, and how many Kentucky Friedother Chicken Dodgeembracing Jeep Ram N.enough 5th St. the cozy flavors of the season Ponca City. high school students are 1806 fortunate D. 14th ONbySt. SEVERAL PONCA STATIONS. incorporating pumpkin spice CITY into theirRADIO menus, to have their prom in a 55-room oil baron’s castle? 1308 Princeton Ave. Westside Health As we enter into the holiday season, please offering customers a taste of fall in every bite or I am just touching the tip ofToni’s the iceberg of the Klingers Collision Center PARTICIPANTS remember that small businesses are the backbone Tire and sip. Alignment HoneyBee Boutique, The Buckle, Factory great treasures within Ponca City, andW. we Grand should Ave. 301 28 N. 14th St., Ste. #7 Toni’s Westside Healthmart of 301our W. Grand localAve. economy. They provide jobs and Connection, Merrick’s and Goodwill Industries all be proud of Ponca City’s strong sense of local 521 Monumentidentity Rd. and unity. Together,Tractor 9. E. Grand Ave. St. Tyndall Family Dentistry 415 E. Hartford Ave. Waverly 310byFairview Ave. contribute to the unique character for which Ponca Supply stocking we can strengthen the 11 N. 14thare St. gearing up for “sweater weather,” United Way of Ponca City 205 N. 2nd St. City2800 is known. Please consider the value ourHome small Improvement Lowe’s ore 64464 US Highway 60 with cozy knits andUniversity Center at Ponca City N. 14th St. their shelves warm layers to bonds that hold our businesses and community wker Ford Lincoln Family Vision Care of Ponca City 3008 N. 14th St. PrizesSt.are Foods 2405 N. Walmart Supercenter 1101 E. Prospect Ave.hold for our community and Shop businesses keep14th customers this chilly together by cherishing and promoting the vibrant in stylishly snug during ard 3500 N. 14th St. ry Companyaw 2128 N.ed 14th St., #3 Waymakers Floral 111 E. Grand Ave. .nc.14th St. 1619 N.season 5th St.Ponca First this season! Our small businesses have environment that the peopleTyndall Family Dentis I think all of us are readyWhimsy for the&fall of Ponca City call nta 420 W.season. GrandSa Ave. Village Screen Print 318 E. Grand Ave. services to offer, s! ckit offers a unique combination Bu because of natural home. As we gather around our tables with family McGee Jewelers s 115 E. Highland Ave. Willy’s Wash 2605 N. 14th St.amazing selections of goods and oks &beauty, More 415 E. Hartford Ave. National Bank of Oklahoma and these same small businesses support our 23 E. Highland Ave. comfortable weather, First Brian Zwanziger, OD & Jessica Zwanziger cozy traditions and and friends, let us be thankful for the resilience anch 2901 N. 14th St. 521 E. Hartford Ave. 219 Grand Ave. schools, nonprofits and organizations thatE. make the JustE. look of our local business community, the supportCenter of . 14th St.St.anticipation of upcoming holidays! 1501 Prospect Ave. thrive. University wn 212 N. 2nd our community around; our local business community is certainly our neighbors and the sense of unity that defines r Club 2005 N. 14th St. Nicholson Auction Get 1 ticket for every 10 you spend at participating AceE. Hartford Hardware SPONSORS Food PyramidNorth 2800 N 14th St. 1801 Ave. preparing with enthusiasm to make this season Ponca City. As you are shopping local, keep&inReal mind, that the businesses, up to 500 per purchase! (NOT TICKET OUTLETS) nca City 3501 N. 14th St. Estate extra for Ponca City! . 14th St.14thspecial 2005 Ste. 110 United Way of Ponca Chamber’s Santa Bucks Giveaway, the largest retail The Ponca City Area Chamber City of PoncaN. City14th St., ings 2500 N. St. of Commerce Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc. ts, & Tuxedos 211 E. Grand Ave. 511 S. 1st St. promotion in the state, begins on Saturday, Nov. ASK one FOR TICKETS TO For any community, of theYOUR most significant extends our heartfelt wishes for205 a joyous N. and 2nd St. Food PyramidSouth Keller Williams Select up 413 S. 3rd St. 4, and will run through Thursday, Dec. 21. Drawing aspects of the Thanksgiving season is its effect prosperous Thanksgiving season to all! My Media Matters 3330 N. 14th St.INCREASE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN! Northern Therapy Vance Chevrolet Buick 90466It marks S. 4th St. night is Thursday, Dec. 21, and over $13,000 Phillips . 14th St./ Ste. 118 and the economy. oln 2415 N.on 14th St. local businesses Ponca City News $ in Santa Bucks will be given away. Shop with a rshop 1808 N. 5th St. & Rehabilitation the beginning of the holiday shopping season, Cannon 1922 Lake Rd.Honda Shelley Arrott 2125 N. 14th St Gamemasters Guild GRAND PRIZE participating merchant for your chance to win BIG! where small businesses and retailers eagerly 5,000 2211 N. 14th St. $ Walgreens . 14th St.2 - $1,000 PRIZES 109•N41st- St. 500 PRIZES Erin O’Hara Agency Surprise Prizes |awarded Reach Shelley shelley@poncacitychamber.com | poncacitychamber.com 2300 N. 14th St. ddy Glass Grand Café at 580-765-4400 prior to Dec. 22 88 INSTANT $50 WINNERS 1722 N. 4th St. Suite D Walmart Supercente Union60 St. NOVEMBER 2023 423 E. Grand Ave. Old West Liquors Drawing Dec. Flowers 22, starting at 7 p.m. 1101 E. 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HAPPY
Thanksgiving
Wishing you a joyful and memorable Thanksgiving to kick off a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!
NOVEMBER 2023 61
Story by Adam Leaming, Ponca City Public Schools, Superintendent / Contributing Writer As we enter the month of November, I am pleased to take a moment to reflect on the many ways Ponca City Public Schools enrich the lives of our students and the broader Ponca City community. I talk frequently about the Ponca City ecosystem that exists in our community. When our business community, city, public schools, nonprofits and other industries are healthy, our community becomes increasingly more vibrant. It’s fantastic watching the murals, foxes and new businesses opening in Ponca City. As the Superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools, we have been looking for ways in which we, as a school can better serve this ecosystem. I think this month gives us another great chance to do just that! November is a time for thankfulness, and in the realm of public education, this gratitude extends to each one of you who plays a vital role in our district’s journey. 1. Celebrating Veterans Day (the week before Nov. 11): In November, we commemorate Veterans Day, a day of profound significance that reminds us of the sacrifices made by our brave veterans. Our schools will host special programs to instill in our students a deep appreciation for their service and the importance of honoring those who have protected our freedoms. I hope you can attend one of our excellent elementary assemblies
62 NOVEMBER 2023
when they honor our veterans and families with service members. 2. Athletic Achievements: As our fall sports teams compete for district titles, I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of our student-athletes, coaches and supporters. These events showcase the importance of teamwork, determination and sportsmanship that extend beyond the playing field. The “Wildcat Way” is our framework in which we compete and excel, and I hope you can see the Wildcat Way exemplified in our staff and students. We want to roll up our sleeves, work hard, display outstanding sportsmanship, handle adversity with class, and at the end of the day be proud of the effort we expend in the classroom and on the field of play. 3. Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 20-24): Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, express gratitude and celebrate the blessings in our lives. As a reminder, we will observe a welldeserved Thanksgiving break, allowing our students and staff to rejuvenate with loved ones. I hope each of our employees and students has a warm home and a bountiful table to celebrate this season of thankfulness.
4. Community Outreach: Our commitment to community extends beyond our classrooms. In November, we will be providing an opportunity for every 5th grade student to experience Ice on the Plaza. Last year our district committed to sending every elementary student through the immersive art project in City Central, and it was an overwhelming success. We want our students to be able to experience something local each year. We hope to make the ice rink visit a long-standing tradition for future PC Wildcats. Public education is a cornerstone of our society, and it thrives because of the collective efforts of our community. As we embrace the spirit of thankfulness, let us recognize the role that public education plays in shaping the future of our children and our community. I am thankful for the dedication of our educators, the support of our families and the enthusiasm of our students. Together, we are building a stronger, brighter future. Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to a month of reflection, gratitude and collaboration.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, excites me more than a new restaurant opening in town. Not because of the new options of places to eat, not because a person/ company invested money into our town, not because it will bring new jobs to the city, but because of the posts on the Community Watch page. These people are in absolute shambles over the fact that someone who doesn’t know them didn’t ask their opinion on what business they should open. And they are out for blood. You’ve got John who will say, “ANOTHER chicken place?! We don’t need eight chicken places!” John, 1. We don’t have eight chicken places, and 2. You’re also not the one forking out hundreds of thousands of
dollars to open a restaurant. Then you’ve got Sindy who is like, “We need a good buffet!” … um, OK, Sindy, I don’t want to eat food that your kid has coughed and sneezed all over and touched with their booger fingers. Then you’ve got ol’ Hank with the “There’s nothing for kids to do in this town!” OK, Hank, we were talking about food places, but sure, why don’t you go ahead and open a movie theatre with that spare 750k you have lying around? And then everyone talks about these mysterious “they” people. “They” need to recruit better restaurants. “They” need to put in a good vegetarian restaurant. “They” shouldn’t allow another chicken place. Who is “they”? Do “they” exist? Are “they” in the room with us right now? Who is it; tell me please? No one seems to know. Nothing makes a community come together quite like a new business coming to town. It’s beautiful, really. The Community Watch page: A place for people who have never started a business to give business advice.
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Cocktail of the month
Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer
The only thing better than sweater weather is a cocktail that pairs perfectly with a hint of autumn spice. Many people associate fall flavor with cinnamon and nutmeg, but I have a secret spice obsession that’s a bit more exotic – allspice! As a devoted fan of Tiki drinks, I believe that the allure of tropical flavors knows no season. Allspice, with its warm and complex notes, is a great addition to cocktails, reminiscent of Caribbean traditions. And the secret weapon in my spice arsenal? Allspice dram. This unique liqueur infuses a touch of vacation into every sip.
2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Allspice Dram 1/2 oz Lime Juice (freshly squeezed) 1 tsp Simple Syrup 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Garnish: Orange Twist In a cocktail shaker packed with ice, combine all the ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Serve with an orange twist as a garnish.
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During the 20s, Prohibition tried its best to keep everyone’s spirits down, but folks were having none of it. Amidst all the rule-breaking revelry, one fantastic cocktail emerged, the Lion’s Tail. The drink’s name refers to the saying “twisting the lion’s tail,” which is just a fun way of saying we were poking fun at the British, who have a lion on their royal coat of arms.
In the mid-20th century, allspice dram fell out of favor following the Tiki craze, and it eventually vanished from bar shelves in the 1980s. That is until St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, an Austrianmade liqueur, graced the shores of the United States in 2008. This unearthed a treasure trove of obscure and longforgotten cocktails, including, you guessed it, the Lion’s Tail.
The Lion’s Tail is a delicious blend of bourbon, allspice dram, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and aromatic bitters. Allspice dram is a flavorful and aromatic liqueur made from the allspice berry. It is a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet liqueur, often used to add depth and a bite to cocktails.
This boozy drink is a one-way ticket to Flavor Town on a crisp fall evening. With the impending family gatherings fading into the background, heave that firewood into the pit like you’re casting aside your familial responsibilities, ignite it with the enthusiasm of someone escaping a holiday dinner table, and let the Lion’s Tail be your magical time machine to a destination where it’s all about you and your cocktail.
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Get Fit!
WITH
KERA KESTER
November is here! This month holds my absolute favorite holiday – Thanksgiving! We don’t have to look very hard to find something to be thankful for. For instance, that last breath we just took in is a sign that we are still alive, and many good experiences and possibilities of life are still available for us! One thing I am especially grateful for each day is how amazing of a creation our bodies are. I feel beyond blessed for the natural processes of our bodies, as well as helpful research and techniques that have been revealed to us in order to repair damage or simply help us look and feel revitalized. Today, I’d like to share five tips for healthy skin, nails, hair and internal wellness!
1. Eating habits! The best way to attain health is from the inside out! Foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients like protein molecules will be your best friends! What goes into your body will show on the outside by way of acne or rashes, for example. So, giving our bodies nourishing foods and liquids to digest will clean out our systems and help with discomfort or skin blemishes. Foods rich in Vitamin C will be a great tool too! Vitamin C is a powerful restorative agent that moisturizes and exfoliates the skin while preventing or repairing scars and inflammation. Additionally, water is a golden way to flush toxins out of your system. Take advantage and get in the number of ounces equal to at least half of your body weight in pounds. 2. Exercise! As you exercise, your body removes toxins which are released through sweat. This is especially helpful with getting rid of anything clogging your pores.
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Working out can also trigger your thirst as a double whammy to flush toxins out of your body! Furthermore, exercise creates a continuous blood flow that transfers nutrients to your skin, as well as other cells and organs. 3. Moisturizers! Thankfully, there are many natural aids we have been provided with that fight against damaged cells. There are a few examples that I would like to share, all of which can be used not only for skin, but also hair and nails! Firstly, shea butter. This wonderful product can reduce scar tissue, as well as reduce wrinkling and skin discoloration. Secondly, different types of oils! For instance, jojoba oil, tea tree oil and coconut oil all have amazing effects on skin dryness, irritation and itching, to name a few. Lavender oil is specifically amazing because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties that help with eczema, skin wounds and psoriasis. Lastly, aloe vera! This gem is known to help fight sunburn and
inflammation. There are many other amazing lotions and helpful aids out there. These are some amazing ones to utilize! 4. Embrace the cold! It is not a new concept to wash your face. However, there is a great benefit to washing your face with cold water, specifically. Cold water has many benefits, such as increasing blood flow and tightening the appearance of your skin. Warm water has been shown to open up your pores nicely, so you might find splashing cold water on your face after a warm water face scrub to be best. Also, on the topic of embracing the cold, applying cold spoons underneath your eyes has also been shown to be a great tool in producing a similar effect. 5. Manage sleep and stress!
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A monumental amount of our bodies’ healing and other natural processes takes place as we sleep. In order to get the most out of it, our bodies need ample time to finish through all phases and cycles. Getting a full night’s sleep of 6-9 hours will easily get you on the road to recovery and health! Additionally, high levels of stress can take a huge toll on the body. The consequences of high stress don’t only show through internal damage and impaired mood or energy, but also through physical changes well. Some of these physical changes y creditascard.
include acne or even hair loss. Our bodies’ response to stress varies, and the way we handle it matters. Even if you have to carve out self-care time, pray, vent to a safe confidant, make sure to get those stress levels managed as best you can in order to experience your most optimal health!
Our bodies do so much for us on a second-tosecond basis! Being thankful for the hardworking home we live in is so easy to do when reflecting on all of its phenomenal abilities. My hope for you all is that you enjoy good people and good food this holiday season! I am so excited to enter into another month with you all. I pray for love, health and that the best days of your life are still to come!
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ard back):
If you would like to honor your loved one with a beautiful ceramic ornament inscribed with F their name, to be displayed on our Tree of Life during O O the holidays, please call 580-762-9102 for details. f Trees You may pick up your keepsake ornament January 15-31 at our office.
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NOVEMBER 2023 67
Kids Say the Darnedest Things
The Sturdy Truth Story by Hayley Harrison / Staff Writer
It has been two-and-a-half years since the birth of my youngest daughter. That’s a fact that tends to hit me hard at any given time, on any given day, for any given reason. Sometimes it makes me weep with bittersweet joy; other times it causes a pang of longing for moments past; and if I’m being truthful, there are times when I am just whole-heartedly grateful to have survived another day in the trenches of “toddlerdom,” knowing that each passing day brings us closer to a time when “we” won’t cause all of Wal-Mart to stop and stare at us for screaming at max-volume because “we” were told that the cashier needed to take and scan the can of green beans that “we” didn’t care anything about 10 seconds before, but now cannot be expected to go on without. But nothing hits me harder than when I realize that my baby is now two-and-a-half years old, and I still cannot fit one leg into my pre-pregnancy pants. Oh, the anguish! This revelation snapped me into focus, and I began setting goals toward a healthier lifestyle for myself. A little less snacking, a little more moving and lots more water, and believeit-or-not, I was/am actually beginning to see some
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progress! Am I able to squeeze into my pre-pregnancy jeans? I wish. Oh man, do I wish. But I did/do notice small changes, like my clothes fitting a little looser, and my face no longer taking shape as a perfect circle. I started gaining some confidence back, and that long-lost confidence led me to picking out a brightly colored, strapless maxi dress to wear to a function where my husband was volunteering. This dress was one that I typically shy away from, but I thought, “What the heck?! I’ve been putting the work in, so I’m going to wear the dang dress!”. So that is precisely what I did. I slapped on a fake tan, put on the dress, fixed my hair, slipped on my favorite pair of bejeweled heels and headed out for the party! I was “really feelin’ myself” as the kids say, and I made the last-minute decision to stop by mom’s house to check on my precious angels before I headed out. I took one step into the kitchen, outstretched my arms to hug my oldest daughter, and she took one look at me and said, “Mom, I’m not sure how to tell you this, but I think you need a sturdier bra.” I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard or felt so judged by a seven-year-old in all my life. It was the perfect reminder that we can always count on children for the brutally honest (albeit hilarious) truth. And that dress can now be found at a local resale shop.
FOOD CRUSH Story By Amy DeWitt Geurin/Contributing Writer
I never eat at the same TS Fork twice. Though dinner is always served in the same beautiful space in downtown Tonkawa with the same jazzy, live music, and the meal starts with the same innovative deviled eggs - the difference lies in each version of the prix fixe menu, highlighting Chef Jeff Denton’s expertise and endless creativity while maintaining his locally sourced Oklahoma vision.
TS Fork
is located at 100 West Grand, Tonkawa.
800.928.1840 Hours:
Open Friday & Saturday. Seating at 6:30 p.m. Reservations only. Check out TS Fork’s menu, make reservations and more at
www.tsfork.com
and on Facebook at @tsfork
Inspired after dining at a restaurant on the East Coast, Chef Jeff loved the idea of featuring a deviled egg but wanted something more unconventional. Rather than stuffing the hard-boiled white of the egg with a basic paste made from the yolk, Chef created a savory filling consisting of the entire egg, fresh dill, various seasonings/spices and homemade mustard. The velvety filling is piped into an airy phyllo shell that has been baked to perfection. There is a reason these are served at every seating, every menu, every time. As the multi-course menu rotates approximately every two weeks, finding something to love at TS Fork is easy to do. Small, subtle touches to everyday dishes are found throughout, such as the addition of sweet Peruvian peppers to every salad. These have a sugariness that plays off the natural tang and subtle heat of the pepper, flawlessly complimenting each salad. If you’re unfamiliar with the absolute joy pork shanks bring to the table, please watch for when these fall-offthe-bone bites of goodness hit the menu. Pork shanks fly under the radar, but when cooked correctly, they’re hard to beat. The succulent shanks at TS Fork are smoked then wrapped in bacon and slow baked. Midbake, the shanks are basted with homemade barbeque sauce, placed back in the oven until caramelized, then seasoned. Rich, flavorful, excellent. Prix fixe menus are great for restaurants because they allow chefs to sharpen their focus and showcase their
strengths on a few defined dishes. As a diner, you’re going to get the best of their skills. A set menu can sound intimidating, but as a guest, it’s fantastic. There are zero food decisions to make, which can be quite nice. Meaning “fixed price” in French, the price of the prix fixe meal is transparent. You know what you will spend before stepping foot in the restaurant. Prix fixe restaurants are making a surge, so for TS Fork to flourish in our community for 11 years is noteworthy. Take advantage of a local, chef-driven approach to dining that is within reach. Make the reservation. Happy Eating!!!
TOP THREE FOR ME Holidays are here! TS Fork is the PERFECT place for an office party, Friendsmas, place to impress visitors, ladies’ night out, whatever. Call for reservations. The desserts are always made from scratch and are always outstanding. The space … it’s a beautiful thing to see individuals bring new life into aged spaces.
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN …
New York City and you’re looking for an incredible prix fixe experience, go to Le Bernardin in Midtown Manhattan. While this French restaurant’s primary focus is seafood, there are a limited number of non-seafood options. Everything on the menu is fresh, crisp, clean, inventive and gorgeously plated. Order the Dover Sole and be prepared to taste one of the best bites of food you will ever eat. Get ready for sticker shock. This place is pricey; it is also worth every dollar. Chef Eric Ripert is a genius and a legend. And I maybe reacted like a 12 year old at a Taylor Swift concert when seeing Chef Ripert in the dining room at Le Bernardin. Fangirling = all-time high.
For more delicious food fun, check out @foodcrushok on IG and Facebook and www.foodcrushok.com NOVEMBER 2023 69
Please join us in welcoming LELA GOATLEY, APRN to our Healthcare Family! Lela is accepting new patients at our Fairview location. Call 580-762-3696 today!
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Pictured are mom, Melissa, baby Hannah and Dr. Reid.
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NOVEMBER 2023 71
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