Early Detection Saves Lives
Guillermo Robles, D.O.
Tammy Dexter, APRN-CNM
Ponca City Library: A Reflection of our Community Page 7
PON CON
R Bruce Elliot Interview Page 13
Mission Possible: Bring Tourism to Ponca City Page 16
In Every Issue
Sudoku Puzzle 35/71
Well-Bee with Shannon NP ........... 54
Stew On That 57
Crossword 57/71
Cocktail Of The Month 58 The Sunny Side ............................. 60
The Conversation 63
WHERE ARE THEY NOW “Life Imitates Art” ~ Leslie Hoyt Page 23
“Learn and Earn”: It’s Not Your Dad’s Idea of Apprenticeships Anymore! Page 30
Painter Sherri McGraw is chipping away at a new art form Page 34
Scouts in Ponca City “Learn, Explore and Grow” Page 38
Rotary: Service Above Self Page 46
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Combat Syndicate: Here to Help Page 50
Noah Wagner is a
in
scout
Troop 524, Chartered with First Lutheran Church in Ponca City.
Letter from the Editor
Normally in my Editor’s note I talk about fun stories, or things happening in the community. My stories usually have a relatable lesson or some sort of a memorable experience that may help you in your life (that’s my hope anyway). And I do love telling stories.
Stories connect us as humans. You may not know it, but every day you use stories to connect with those you love. You may tell your husband how your day was at work when you gets home, or your second grader might speak to you about his epic adventure at school on the playground. These are not just basic communications from one human to another - these are emotional moments that tie us to the people in our lives.
And so, instead of telling you a story about myself today, I am going to tell you Udell’s story. Udell is a member of the Ponca City community, and she attends St. John Baptist Church, which is located at 1009 S. 11th Street. St. John Baptist Church has a deep history in this community. It was built by its congregation in the late 1920s, and is located in the formerly all-
Ponca City Monthly is a Member of the Society of Professional Journalists. We believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. We strive to ensure a free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. We pledge to: Seek the Truth, and Report It; Minimize Harm; Act Independently; and to Be Accountable and Transparent. To read our full pledge, visit: spj.org/ethicscode.asp
black Attucks section of Ponca City. A few months ago, Udell’s church was vandalized. And then it was vandalized again. And then it was vandalized AGAIN. By August, within the span of a few weeks, St. John Baptist Church was vandalized four times, with no evidence of who had committed these crimes.
Udell reached out to me for help, and I was moved by her story. She said her church has been unable to even hold services since the vandalism has taken place.
The Ponca City community is tight knit, and we come together to help each other when things get tough. If you feel compelled to help, you can donate to their recovery using the QR code below. In addition to help them clean up and repair the damage, please join me in praying for St. John Baptist Church’s congregation as they recover from this devastating vandelism, and that those who are responsible will be brought to justice.
editor@poncacitymonthly.com
• Complete exams, x-rays and
• Fillings, root canals and extractions
• Cosmetic dentistry, such as whitening, porcelain and composite veneers
• Implants - placement and restoration
• Crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures
• Oral appliances for control of sleep apnea
• Preventive care, periodontal therapy and nutritional counseling
• Relaxation techniques using nitrous oxide sedation
PONCA CITY LIBRARY
A Reflection of Our Community
Story by Chelsea McConnell | Staff Writer
In 1904, Ponca City had a population of 2,000 and Oklahoma had yet to achieve statehood. A pioneering group of women, members of the Twentieth Century Club, spearheaded a book exchange for their group. The women were given use of the back room of an insurance office to house their books. Soon, interest grew in the book exchange with citizens outside of the Club wanting to borrow books. This marked the auspicious beginnings of our local library.
The exchange soon outgrew that back office and the women of the Twentieth Century Club knew that more space was necessary. They raised $700 to buy lots at 5th & Grand for a library to be built. Once the lots were purchased, they were given to the City. The Club then wrote to the Carnegie Library Fund requesting a grant to build a library and were given $6500 for the project. The first library was completed in 1910 and stayed precisely on budget.
The women of the Twentieth Century Club donated the first 500 books to start the library’s collection. Over the years, the library served our community well as it grew and changed. The 1930s saw an oil boom in Ponca City and our population bubbled to over 16,000. The library housed 18,000 volumes and was bursting at the seams.
In 1933, another strong-willed group of women petitioned the City Commission to apply for a PWA
“Public libraries are at their core supposed to reflect and be developed by their community."
loan of $100,000 to build a new library. The loan was granted. The town also voted on a bond issue to help pay for the new build. A Library Committee was organized to help hire architects, review plans and start construction. In 1935, construction was completed, and the new library was dedicated to our community. Again in the 1980s, the library had outgrown its home. The City broke ground on a major expansion in 1987 and rededicated the 28,075 square foot library on Sept. 10, 1989. The expansion stayed true to the initial Spanishstyle architecture to create a cohesive look inside and out.
The Ponca City Library has a history of citizen involvement from its beginning that continues today. As a department of the City, the library has an Advisory Board made up of community members who help guide the library’s policies and plans. These individuals help connect our library to the community it serves. Library Director Holly LaBossiere says “public libraries are at their core supposed to reflect and be developed by their community.” Because of that, LaBossiere and her staff put a lot of thought into what materials are brought into this community hub. She expands, “That’s why we try to have all sorts of different
things for all sorts of different ages and all different interest levels.” LaBossiere explains they aren’t building a collection that would work in another town – they are building a collection of materials specifically tailored to Ponca City.
To expand on this point, LaBossiere shares about the diverse groups, programs and events taking place at the library. Upstairs houses various sections including the Children’s Section, Young Adult Fiction & Nonfiction, Adult Fiction and Nonfiction, Business, Spanish Language Section, Videos and Audiobooks. The Archival Room is also on the upper floor
and houses a great deal of historic memorabilia. The library has board games and book club kits that can be checked out too. Book club kits come with multiple copies of the same book, as well as discussion materials, when possible, to facilitate starting your own book club.
The lower level houses meeting rooms, the magazine collection, the ever-popular Book Sale room and the Makerspace. In the book sale room, customers can peruse thousands of volumes and fill up a bag with books for only $1. The Makerspace is an interactive lab with incredible devices like 3D printers, 3D pens, Cricut Makers, a CNC Router, a Glowforge and a sewing machine. Customers can make appointments to work on specific projects Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. in two-hour increments. Guidance from staff on how to use machines is available; however, preregistration is required.
Library staff also coordinate several classes
and workshops centered around health and financial literacy. During tax season, the library has volunteers on hand to help local families file their taxes for free. LaBossiere estimates 700-800 people are helped by this service each year. Citizens can get help learning to use technology as well, everything from cell phones to computers.
The library also hosts events that skew more creative like a Writer’s Group, an Anime Group and painting classes. As part of the Pon-Con event (Ponca’s very own Comicon), the library helps with a microfiction graphic novel contest each year. Pieces entered are judged by a panel and cash prizes are given to the top three novels. The library also hosts weekly story time events for both families and children.
Another fun event is the monthly “Let’s Talk About It” meetings where book discussions are led. More than a book club, experts are brought in who lead a more nuanced sort of book discussion. LaBossiere says a lot of these experts are teachers. “They can really inform
you about the place in literature or what was going on when it was written or what the underlying meanings are and things like that.”
An important role of the library is that of a meeting space for local clubs and nonprofits. LaBossiere says the usage of their meeting spaces has grown since COVID-19. Some months they host up to 70 community group meetings. Last June the library saw over 10,000 customers. This doesn’t count the number of customers using the digital resources like audio books and Kindle books that can be checked out by card holders.
Recently, the library worked with Pioneer Tech to rebrand themselves. Their new logo features an updated color scheme and an adorable fox launching into a juicy read. LaBossiere says this has been a goal of hers for years and loves the new logo.
The library also houses the Richard Gordon Matzene Art Collection. The collection contains over 150 pieces of art including oil, gouache, watercolor, lithographs, linocuts, clay pottery, sculptures and more. This collection is an absolute gem and worth visiting.
The Ponca City Library is clearly more than just books. It’s a community institution that has been fought for and championed for many years by our local citizens. If you live or work in Kay County and can sign your name, you are eligible for a Library Card and access to the many amazing services our library has to offer.
For more information, you can follow the City’s Facebook page for library updates and news about events. You can visit the library in person to pick up a monthly schedule, renew your library card or begin checking out books. If you have questions, you can give them a call at 767-0345. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday (winter hours) 2-5 p.m.
Survivor Resource Network is a comprehensive victim service provider offering a 24-hour hotline, 24-hour text line, emergency safe shelter, advocacy, counseling, sexual assault advocacy, rapid re-housing, children services, community outreach, legal advocacy assistance, Batterers Intervention Programs, Teen support groups, and community education.
Coordinated Community Response Team
A Coordinated Community Response Team is a multidisciplinary team that provides a coordinated approach to issues around domestic violence, while collaborating with service providers and system members to strengthen communication and networking with a goal of bringing to light gaps in services needed to support survivors.
At its core, the CCRT team operates under the assumption that domestic violence is a community issue and requires the engagement of entire communities to address it.
Kay County operates a CCRT program comprised of members from:
• Kay County District Attorney, Brian Hermanson’s Office
• Survivor Resource Network
• Kaw Nation Family Trauma Healing Center
• Tonkawa Tribe Victim Services
We
• Otoe-Missouria Tribal DV/SA Program
• Otoe-Missouria Tribe Social Service/ Tribal Victim Services Program
• Ponca Tribal Victim Services
• Batterers Intervention Program Providers
• Local probation and parole officers
• Kay County Sherriff’s Office
• Ponca City Police Department
• Tonkawa Police Department
• Newkirk Police Department
• Blackwell Police Department
• Tribal Police
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
Doors Open at 9 am - East & West Door Entry Panels begin at 10 am in Rm 300 - Third Floor
Escape Rooms - West Side of City Central - Noon to 5 pm Signup begins 11 am
For ages 10 and under - “Pirates & Mermaids”
For ages 11 and up - “Temple of Razum” Food Trucks on Street Level – ALL DAY LOWER
R. Bruce Elliot: The Man Behind The Voice
Story by Buckley Rue | Contributing Writer
On October 26th Ponca City will bear witness to its annual PonCon at City Central, a convention for fans and enthusiasts of anime, a Japanese style of animation that has exploded in popularity over the last ten years. Cons such as these feature all different sorts of merchandise and keepsakes, as well as convention goers dressing up as their favorite characters, and appearances and panels done by the actors of wellknown character franchises. This year the Con will host one of the most enduring and well-known stars in the business: R Bruce Elliot. Bruce has been an actor for over fifty years and in addition to his screen work on the film JFK and television show Barney and Friends, has done voices for characters in some of the largest franchises in the history of anime, such as: Dragonball, One Piece, Fairy Tail, and Attack on Titan, one of the largest and most viewed television franchises of the last ten years. Knowing he would be here in October, Bruce was kind enough to sit down and talk with me about his experience in the business before the event.
Anime has been a niche format for decades. What do you attribute to its rise and popularity and what do you think about its current state of popularity, and do you see any negatives rising from it?
It had started a little bit in the 70s, certainly 80s, with stuff like Cowboy Bebop and things like that but it certainly has gained in popularity over the years, and seems to have been pretty steadily climbing. You know when I started 20 years ago it was pretty darn popular and then the last 20 years it’s just exploded. Just the amount of product out there is just staggering. I can’t even imagine how many different anime shows and series and movies even exist right now.
For a lot of people this is their life, right? This is what keeps them going. I’ve had people almost in tears, saying this
particular show got me through a really tough time. So the content goes from really intelligent, adult, incisive, and smartly thought out and well-written: So you know, just casual fun.
You’ve been in a number of stage productions, films and shows. What is your favorite style of acting and what are some of the differences that stand out most for you between the styles?
I don’t think in terms of styles of acting, I think it is different mediums. Even with the 20 years I’ve been doing anime I still have a lot more stage experience. I was mostly a stage actor from high school until about ten years ago. I’ve always thought of myself as a stage actor.
There’s a big difference between stage and anime voice acting, which is that you have weeks of rehearsal, and with stage shows you have a chance to spend a lot of time getting into the character and finding out who the character is; you know, letting the character kind of grow on you. And I like doing other things. I got to do some very small parts in some pretty decent movies, probably, the best-known one being JFK. I’ve done a half dozen films in some small roles. So I kind of miss being on stage, but I do find that acting in front of a microphone is still satisfying to me. I get a lot of praise and a lot of support for what I do.
Are there some tips that you have for people wanting to get into voice acting?
You have got to live in a town where there is an anime voice studio, and there are precious few towns like that. Have an agent that sends you to auditions and then be really good. Well, you have to be a good actor, really. Seriously, number one is you’ve got to be an actor. You know every other kid these days who watches anime thinks, “I can do that. How do I do that?” The answer is to start with being an actor, get some experience. I had decades as an actor on stage and a little bit of TV and stuff like that. The more experience you have as an actor, by far, the better.
Who is your favorite character to play and what has been your favorite line that you’ve delivered?
Well, my answer is I don’t really have a favorite character. I have a lot of characters that I’m quite fond of and they tend to be characters in shows that I have worked on for a long time. Master Makarov in Fairy Tail is one of them. I love that character. Another is Whitebeard. I suppose Whitebeard is probably my best-known character in the show One Piece. I have also played five other characters, but nobody really knows that because they were all fairly minor, so I don’t have a particular favorite. Whitebeard kind of became the best-known because he has one line that goes like this: I’ve got to clear my throat and we’ve got to pitch our voice down, then Whitebeard says “The one piece, THE ONE PIECE IS REEEEAAALL!!” And then he dies. I love the line “The one piece is real” because it has brought a lot of attention my way and I sign a lot of autographs in large part because of it, but just thinking back over my 20 years in anime, I remember very, very few lines.
PonCon thanks Deb and Carroll Rue for introducing R Bruce to Ponca City and inviting him to participate. R. Bruce Elliot will be signing memorabilia and be available for pictures at PonCon on Saturday, October 26th, and participating in a panel on breaking into voice/character work. Entry to PonCon is free. Find all the activities, vendors and more at PCPonCon.com and follow on Facebook at PONCON. Interested vendors, authors and artists can scan the QR code to sign up. Tables are $25 each with a maximum of five (5) tables to each vendor. Space is limited.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. “
~ Helen Keller
When attracting outsiders to our beautiful community, some of what the Ponca City Tourism site VisitPoncaCity.com says is, “What truly sets Ponca City apart is its vibrant arts and cultural offerings. There are several galleries, museums, historic and cultural points of interest to keep you busy for days! Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the serene landscapes surrounding Ponca City. The nearby Lake Ponca provides a tranquil escape for fishing, boating and picnicking, while Marland Estate Mansion and the Standing Bear Park offer historical insights into the region’s past. Ponca City places a strong emphasis on preserving its natural treasures, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.” There certainly is that, and more.
However, what Tourism Coordinator Zach Trantham knows about the true beauty of our grand city is, “The unique element of Ponca City is the way people work together rather than in separate entities as seen in many cities. The Tourism Bureau, City, Chamber, Main Street and other agencies and organizations across the city work together as a unit to create an inviting city as we create, prepare for and host events.”
Story by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer
Oct. 5-6: Oktoberfest
Oct. 17 : Goblins on Grand
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Ponca City’s Tourism Bureau has come a long way since its beginning in 2004 when the city passed the Hotel/Motel excise tax. A percentage of the 8% tax comes to the Chamber for the Bureau to market and promote Ponca City and its events. Much of the mission is to promote events, which in turn promote staying in local hotels, eating at area restaurants and shopping locally.
Marketing campaigns can be found in state and regional magazines, specialty guides like for state fishing travel, television ads and in many national and international campaigns, especially when combined with other cities from around the state. There are numerous
details from Ponca City to focus on. Oklahoma Today ads will feature the fox statues, for instance. The promotional opportunities are endless.
Trantham and other tourism representatives also attend travel and trade shows. They will attend the American Business Association Marketplace in Philadelphia in February, where they will have a type of “Tourism Speed Dating” with seven minutes time to speak with different tourism operators. Since we are located where we are, we also get to participate in both Green and Red Country tourism regions.
One area of extensive recent growth has been on social media, and the Tourism Bureau won the 2022 Best Social Media Campaign for the Red Bud State Tourism Awards. What Trantham said is most exciting about this is that our local company Speak Now designed the campaign that won.
As a result of growing numbers of visitors and events, the Visitors’ Center at the Chamber office is undergoing a renovation so it will be as inviting as the rest of the city and our events. Trantham mentions that numerous visitors state how the people throughout the community made their visit memorable due to their friendliness. He wants to make sure first
Oct. 3-6: Ponca City Motocross
Cherokee Strip BBQ & Chili Cook Off
Standing Bear Pow Wow
Nov. 2: Veterans Day Parade
impressions at the Center are just as wonderful. Those memories of friendliness keep people talking to others about their experiences and help bring them back to Ponca City for other events. As Trantham emphasizes, the bureau is always striving for new ways to better market, collect data and bring people to Ponca City.
There is much to do locally, but all this fits into a much larger picture. Senator Bill Coleman recognizes the importance of the efforts, stating it’s one of the reasons he ran for State Senate: “I believe tourism is the front door to Oklahoma. If we can get people to our state for a visit, I think it opens the door for them to come
There are many events to enjoy in the next few months in Ponca City:
Oct. 3-6: Ponca City Motocross
Oct. 5-6: Oktoberfest
Oct. 17: Goblins on Grand
Nov. 2: Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 27-Dec. 30: Festival of Angels
Dec. 7: Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 7: Lighted Christmas Parade
here to work or set up their business. I completely support tourism because I realize it is so important to our economic engine. We can get an 80 to 1 return on investment with promotional dollars for tourism.”
Senator Coleman knew that Oklahoma needed to maintain or increase dollars for tourism rather than cut them as many felt we needed to do. Bring people to Oklahoma, and they’ll want to stay.
Ponca City is a friendly place to be, and many in our community are the ones who help make it such. It has been designated a Film Friendly Community with Oklahoma Film & Music, which is no surprise to those of us who live and work here. For all the times we may hear, “There’s nothing to do,” we have more often found that there are more things than we can fit into our weekends and even many weekdays than we have time to enjoy. We know it is those people working together, the many individuals and organizations who care, to bring activities to a community they love. The true uniqueness of a community we love. Get out today and enjoy!
– Maria Edgeworth
Living a Life of Creativity and Time: Act III, It Is
“Life Imitates Art” ~ Leslie Hoyt
Story by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer
Walking up to the Tulsa home of photographer and mixed media artist Leslie Hoyt, creativity abounds when viewing the flowers and gardens surrounding the front of the home, including a lovely front window that opens the home to the outdoors. I would learn that this front yard is minor compared to the garden found in the back.
Where are they now?
Hoyt and her husband Brad, an internal physician who now serves as Chief Medical Information Officer with Ardent Health Services (the company that owns Hillcrest where he previously practiced in Tulsa) allowing them more travel time together, which you’ll learn has been a goal she has worked toward in her own career moves, have established a designing locale right in their abode, both inside and out, for her to create.
Leslie Lake Hoyt graduated from Ponca City Senior High School in
1979 (Husband Brad was a 1980 Po-Hi grad). She fondly remembers it as a great place to grow up. Conoco was heavily involved in the city, and when she went to Washington Elementary, she remembers they donated a working lab for science to the school. She also loved that, although Ponca City wasn’t really small, we were small enough to have
“Cyanotypes are one of the oldest photographic printing processes. I mixed two chemicals that, when combined, are sensitive to UV light. I painted that emulsion on paper, placed plants on top and exposed it in the sunlight. In this case, I also added a little vinegar and pigment. It is always a surprise to see how it turns out!”
only one high school so that we all had the chance to get to know one another. She loved being in journalism at East Junior High and then continuing on to the Yearbook in high school.
Leslie Hoyt has always created. After graduating from high school, she received her business degree from Oklahoma State University and worked for JD Edwards, a software developer for 15 years, with many of those years as a Client Services manager. When they first moved to Tulsa, Hoyt worked from home but finally retired in 1999 because work required her to be away from the busy life of her three children more than she desired.
dreamed. Hoyt explains how she found herself always focusing on the smaller, intimate details in portraits. She learned to look at light and how it added texture to the photographs.
Hoyt earned her industry degree through the Professional Photographers of America. Mastering her skills through classes was one avenue, but Leslie also found she could hone her skills through competition.
At that point, she moved to photography as a hobby, taking class after class, including those in portraiture, and beginning to buy better equipment as her skills developed. In 2005, she began a portrait business that grew in ways she could never have
“Getting involved in PPA, along with my state and local photography organizations, was a game changer for me. I love being an active part of the photography community,” Hoyt says. “I learned so much from entering images into the various competitions and getting feedback from jurors as to what worked.” Competitions for Hoyt were local, state and regional and even included the International Photographic Competition. She loved to expand her horizons of learning, and she now serves as a juror with these organizations to
LET'S TALK ABOUT SPINY OYSTER:
Spiny Oyster is one of my favorite shells found in jewelry because it comes in many different colors, making each piece unique in its own way. Despite its name, these creatures are not true oysters and are more closely related to scallops. They are also called thorny oyster or Spondylus calcifer, if you’re into science.
From their shells, many quills grow and serve as a natural layer of protection and camouflage. The flesh of spiny oysters is edible, but only seasonal harvesting is permitted as the flesh becomes poisonous when it is out of season. In the ancient cultures that inhabited Central and South America, the spiny oyster served many important purposes. Besides a source of nourishment, most of these cultures attributed a religious or ceremonial value to, some also used it as currency and what brings us here today, jewelry.
Archeologists have found evidence of spiny oyster being used in civilizations that date back as far as 4200 BC. The Quechua people presented spiny oysters as offerings to their gods. The Inca used spiny oyster shells as offerings too. They believed that the shells could help bring rain and bountiful harvests. In those times, divers harvested spiny oysters much as they do today. Of course, they did this without any of the technology that makes underwater exploration safe for modern divers!
BY KAYLA MAXWELL
Native American divers were depicted on ancient pottery and in murals uncovered by archaeologists. Spiny Oyster varies in color by how deep in the ocean the shell is. Orange and yellow shades being the lightest, red in the middle and the darkest color, purple as the deepest. As one can imagine, the honor bestowed upon a diver to collect a purple shell in times of precolonial contact without modern diving gear. A prestigious prize for the skilled swimmer to say the least.
The spiny oyster jewelry in these photos are creations from artists, LeJeune Chavez, Joleen Bird, Charles Bird, C. Atfncio, V. Blackooa, Zia, Joe Paul, Gabby, Roie Jacque and L. Yazzie.
You can find these one-of-akind creations only at Sharp’s in downtown Ponca City, at 118 South Second Street.
provide her expertise to others.
People noticed her extraordinary skills as a photographer. Hoyt produced many of the cover images for TulsaKids magazine, a very highprofile venture for her business and one that was personally rewarding for her. In addition, producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” asked
Hoyt to create portraits of a family during a segment of the show filmed in Tulsa that were then used throughout the remodeled house on the episode. “It was such a fun experience,” she says.
The fun has led to many awards, and her most recent is one of her favorites. Professional Photographers of Oklahoma honored her last year with the National Award for “meritorious contributions to professional photography.” Hoyt, a long-time member and past president of the organization, was moved to be honored by the group that has meant so much to her growth professionally and personally.
She also achieved Diamond Photographer of the Year, the top level a photographer can achieve
tries all kinds of things.
in competition, as well as having portraits that were finalists for the Grand Imaging Awards in the Children’s Portraiture division. Her niche in the portraiture world became solid with beautiful, classic and classy black and whites. They were her trademark.
After years of success in the world of portraiture, she decided to make another move to free up her time even more for travel and family. When turning the camera to flora, time frees up because you are only concerned with light and other natural elements rather than appointments. However, Leslie found she still used much of what she’d learned with her portrait work when photographing even an individual flower. She could easily spend 40 minutes on one flower for the perfect photo. She enjoys nature. Going
Forgotten Beauty is an antique mannequin that she found and then used flowers on it for photographs. I fell in love with this photograph and its uniqueness.
Iced Tulips were actually frozen and then lovely as they defrosted somehow. She just
Starburst-Mixed Media photo, paint, collage
for walks after rain, she’d study the details and photograph drops of rain on the flowers and leaves, and she has a series of photos of rocks from different angles after a rain.
As owner/photographer of Leslie Hoyt Fine Art, you can find her work at lesliehoyt.com, and I encourage you to browse through these selections of photography and other items for purchase. Her eye for display of them is remarkable, and you will not be disappointed in what you find on the website.
Now she’s moved further into a more mixed media art world, still using her photography as a component in her work but not only that. Hoyt has taken even more diverse art classes, and she explains, “I’ve been playing with all kinds of traditional art materials and processes like acrylics, watercolor, encaustic wax, and am also experimenting with a variety of ways to print my photos.” She has moved out of traditional photography and into some very experimental mixed media art techniques that have led to fun explorations. She has found herself needing
“In my photography, I was very technical, controlled all aspects of my process and worked hard to make everything perfect. The biggest thing I learned by working with these other art materials is that, as Bob Ross said, there are lots of ‘happy accidents’!”
a variety of different tools than she had used previously, and even her husband’s profession has come in handy, helping her find an old x-ray viewer that she uses as her light box for some of her new artwork.
Hoyt has a drive to continue to learn new ways to create, and where before all her work was digital, now much of it is formed in diverse hands-on ways. Explaining the difference these new processes allow, Leslie says, “In my photography, I was very technical, controlled all aspects of my process and worked hard to make everything perfect. The biggest thing I learned by working with these other art materials is that, as Bob Ross said, there are lots of ‘happy accidents’!” She now finds that by letting go of some control, she discovers unexpected and beautiful results, still using her photography as part of the process while incorporating other materials as well.
Helping her continue her creative drive are a couple of small, select online groups of women she collaborates ideas with that keep one another motivated to grow in their art and creativity. She said one is a Challenge group, which brings strong creative ideas within their art to each other, and the other is a group that meets and even provides presentations to the others in the group. Hoyt provided a presentation to the group when they met in Mexico City recently that was on the idea of how “Life Imitates Art” — an interesting concept since we so often hear the opposite. Mainly, what we can learn from the idea of these groups and the other organizations Leslie surrounds herself with is that there is great value in keeping creative artists and ideas around you to keep your own creativity flowing so that you do not become stagnant. Leslie has proven herself to always rise to new challenges to engage her spirit.
Hoyt says that her life has seemed to be laid out in Acts and may be much like Jane Fonda describes in her TedTalk entitled “The Third Act” where the staircase continues to ascend because the human spirit is the one element in us that can always evolve upward. For Leslie Hoyt, life changes and so shall she. She says, “You learn that how you react to it is the biggest challenge.” When you desire to continue to learn, life’s challenges are opportunities, and those are met with the utmost enthusiasm — because as Bob Ross always explained, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”
“Learn and Earn”:
It’s Not Your Dad’s Idea of Apprenticeships Anymore!
“PTC has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and industry trends.”
~ Ian Freeman, Apprenticeship Training Coordinator, PTC
Story by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer
If you’re like me, when you first think of apprenticeships you think of plumbing or HVAC individuals working alongside skilled business owners and workers to train in their hands-on work as they learn the numerous details necessary to do their jobs. While these programs can be part of the new apprenticeship program at Pioneer Technology Center, the extent to which the program can expand seems boundless.
The apprenticeship initiative is new across technology centers in the state, and therefore this position of Apprenticeship Training Coordinator is a new one that is now held by Ian Freeman. Freeman appreciates the opportunity to move from being PTC’s Welding Instructor to one that contributes to the community on a larger scale. He says, “I will have the capability to support individuals and businesses throughout the county across various industries, which has always been a goal of mine.”
According to Traci Thorpe, Superintendent/CEO of PTC, “The Apprenticeship Training Coordinator will play a pivotal role in workforce development by bridging the gap between education
and industry. Through strong partnerships with local businesses and providing students with hands-on, real-world training, apprenticeship pathways can help cultivate a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our communities.”
The mission of the program is to facilitate the connection between employers and potential employees who may have a hard time finding qualified candidates. Due to its ability to allow training while at the same time providing income to the employee, the “learn and earn” element of an internship fosters longer-term commitment and growth. As a matter of fact, the federal apprenticeship website states that employment retention for apprentices is 90% after the apprenticeship time ends. Typically, an apprenticeship requires a commitment of one to four years, Freeman stresses, although Oklahoma has introduced an innovative program within the Careertech system that can be as brief as 600 hours. In other words, there are many differences in programs, and PTC can work with industry to find the one that fits their needs.
Centerline Inc. is the first business to work with PTC and the new apprenticeship program, and this fall there are others being developed. The thing is, PTC can consider the students in their current classes for work in the field, and that is exciting for students who all express a greater desire to work more diligently in the classroom when they can apply their knowledge immediately in a work setting.
However, another avenue that works for this kind of apprenticeship for employers is if a company wishes to promote within. For instance, you have a reliable and capable employee who works in a shop position or entry level office one, and you have an HR position open. That individual has the perfect personality, but does not have the skills you require for the personnel-related opening. Your business could work with Freeman to establish an apprenticeship program for the skills training, quite possibly with financial incentives that can assist during the apprenticeship period. In this situation, companies can take advantage when the right person is already employed within the business.
Many times, the community simply doesn’t have the number of skilled employees required by some employers, and this program aims to bridge that gap with resources to assist in the meantime. This is a great tool to help draw business and industry to our community. Also, the program encourages individuals to seek training they’ve previously considered but not felt they could move forward with since they’d normally do so without pay while attending to their education,
and it allows businesses to have apprenticeships which allow them to see how individuals grow in their skills while they are working in the environment and getting to know the business.
Apprenticeships are designed to be straightforward, Freeman explains, and benefit all involved. This is a win-win situation that encourages greater participation. Employers monitor the on-the-job training hours, while the school tracks the related instruction. Freeman says, “Upon completion of the apprenticeship, both the apprentice and the employer receive a state and/or federal recognized certification, depending on the type of apprenticeship.” Some additional financial resources available to assist are offsetting training costs, compensating for lost productivity during instruction and covering wages for new apprentices.
Freeman can help businesses discover how to take advantage of these resources while meeting their employee needs. His goal is to invest in the youth in this community and foster collaboration between education and industry while laying a foundation for a future where the workforce is skilled, adaptable and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
According to Kahle Goff, Executive Director of Full-Time Programs, Freeman is the right individual who “not only possessed traderelated skills, an understanding or experience with apprenticeships, as well as connections with business and industry.” Goff explains that Freeman exceeds in all these categories and has shown “dedication to growing young professionals through his involvement with Hooded Heroes, Crew Collaborative and PTC Student Ambassadors.”
Freeman loves being active in these programs mentioned by Goff and says some of his best times are serving the students in them. For instance, he has served for 22 years as a board member with Hooded Heroes, a nonprofit
organization in the welding industry that helps students acquire the equipment they need. This is a cost that often hinders students from gaining employment even after their training and education. Crew Collaborative, on the other hand, serves students in numerous bluecollar industries, and Freeman has been a classroom speaker for at-risk students. The PTC Student Ambassadors are leaders at the school, providing tours to those visiting the school and working at booths when there are special days on campus. These programs were part of his life when he was a Welding instructor at PTC, and they will continue to be part of it now. His work with students to increase their leadership skills and their chances of success as they move into their careers remains essential in his life at PTC as he has moved into the apprenticeship program.
Goff and others at PTC are excited about the direction this program will take the businesses in the community, recognizing that a well-rounded education goes far beyond textbooks. Goff says, “While theoretical knowledge is essential, practical application in a workplace setting is equally crucial. By engaging in apprenticeships, students can apply the knowledge they acquired while in PTC’s classrooms to authentic situations, gaining practical skills that can’t be taught from the curriculum alone.”
Pioneer Technology Center was recently awarded the Gold Star Award from the Oklahoma Association of Career & Technology Education (OKACTE) for the 22nd year in a row, an award given to tech centers with exceptional programs that assist the community. It is easy to see how their innovative ideas have continued to increase their value to Ponca City and surrounding communities.
Freeman explains that when you consider that “some of the fastest growing sectors in today’s job market require an education that can be achieved through an apprenticeship program,” it is easy to understand the value. He goes on to
add, “The perception of apprenticeships as solely related to traditional trades is outdated. There are now apprenticeships available in a diverse range of fields, including healthcare, aviation, engineering, human resources, manufacturing and green energy, among others.” You can find nearly 16,000 distinct occupations on the U.S. Department of Labor website, https://www. apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations . Freeman says that if you have a need, there is likely an apprenticeship available that covers that need, and he can develop your program in a matter of weeks (sometimes as little as two weeks).
Oklahoma already has 270 programs on their listing of programs found at: Apprenticeshipsok.com which already includes the PTC collaboration with Centerline Inc. There are additional apprenticeships in the works now, such as one for laser welding. It is exciting to know that employers can consider new employees who are students in programs at PTC, or they can look at their employee base to see if they have internal candidates interested in promotions but in need of training. Employees can stay and learn new jobs. It’s an exciting prospect. Also, many companies may now advertise positions as apprenticeships if they are unlikely to find individuals already trained with their specific needs. This may be exactly what is needed for those businesses to get just the right employees to fit their needs.
Reach out to Ian Freeman to discuss what the Apprenticeship Training Program can do for business and industry and the students in this community. According to the federal apprenticeship website, November 17-23 is National Apprenticeship Week. Let’s celebrate with PTC and Ian Freeman. You may be surprised at the apprenticeships that can be developed to meet your specific needs.
FROM PONCA CITY TO NATIONAL AND WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM
Painter Sherri McGraw is chipping away at a new art form
Story by Steve Dye | Contributing Writer
"When one is inspired to paint or draw a subject, that intense feeling seems, at times, fleeting. However, in order to paint an idea, one must hold onto that elusive vision if one hopes to bring it to fruition."
-- Sherri McGraw
Though formed through studies at the Art Students League of New York, where she later was hired as a drawing and painting instructor, Sherri McGraw's imagination originally emerged right here in Ponca City where she grew up with six siblings, the daughter of former Ponca City Country Club golf pro Gervis McGraw.
At the early age of four, McGraw knew she wanted to be an artist. By 1975, she was at the Goetz School of Art in Oklahoma City for several years under the tutelage of Richard Goetz, the director of the school, who inspired her direction. She also attended summer sessions held by Goetz in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico near Taos, where she and her fellow students ventured out into the desert landscape to paint colorful renditions of adobe ruins.
Leaving Ponca City to further her studies at the age of 23 with two
suitcases, $2000, and a six-month scholarship at the Art Students League, Sherri would also serve as a night guard for the Metropolitan Museum of Art until she left to paint full time in 1980, allowing her to study masterpiece paintings from major painters from around the world.
Now residing with her husband David Leffel -- himself a world renowned artist and teacher -- in New Mexico after many years living in New York, Sherri was brought up surrounded by both cowboy and Native American culture and imagery as a Kay County kid. That early and constant exposure has lent resonance to her work throughout an immensely successful career.
McGraw set off on a traveling show in 2013 with the America China Oil Painting Artists League that began in the Beijing World Art Museum, then journeyed to Dalian, Tianjin, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and wound up in Shanghai. She is a life member of the Salmagundi Club in New York.
She now sits literally in her sister Sandy Meador's living room in Ponca City for an interview, but figuratively as one of America's most recognized
artists and teachers and the recipient of countless awards. Her work has been featured in major museums across the country, including having paintings on display for over three decades at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
The Butler Institute of American Art's Board of Trustees recently presented McGraw with the Medal of Honor for lifetime achievement in American Art.
And so... she intends to put aside her brushes and pick up a hammer and chisel. Sherri is going to learn how to sculpt.
McGraw has been engaged by Carl Renfro and the Renfro Family Foundation to develop a pair of statues or busts for the Standing Bear Museum.
"I am not a sculptor, so I'm learning how to sculpt in order to do these commissions," Sherri says. "I think Carl’s selflessness and generosity is humbling. And I think they're both [Brenda and Carla] incredibly generous to the community."
And learning a new art form after so many years of painting?
"It's an interesting process, yeah, so we'll see. But I mean, if all else fails, I'll do paintings --but I've always been interested in sculpting, so it'll be... it's a very interesting challenge," she says.
McGraw's work was featured most recently, locally at the Standing Bear Museum, in a still life rendering called "The Homesteader."
"It was actually of a local model who did a lot of homesteading," she says, describing her inspiration for the piece. "And in the background were tools that his great grandfather had made from scratch, you know, carved the wood and had forged the metal. He had actually made these things, and his descendants still have them and value them. So that was pretty interesting to me."
Further pressed regarding her inspiration to become an artist initially, and how that has
informed her internationally acclaimed abstract realism stylings, Sherri continues.
"The kind of work I do is light and shadow. So kind of like the Dutch painting, strong light and shadow painting always appealed to me. And you know, the subject matter doesn't matter as much to me as other esthetic considerations in painting," she says.
And her depictions of life in Oklahoma?
"Well, like for the Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, or for Standing Bear, I definitely pick western subject matter. So it should be Native American work, or you know, western still lifes. That's generally what I would do. The ruggedness and toughness of the people of the west and specifically Oklahoma."
"There's an abstract quality to paint that is interesting to me... shapes and paint quality and edges and so on -- all the stuff that artists work with. The subject matter is an excuse to do those things."
"In both drawing and painting, what I wanted to do was to learn how to paint and draw as well as anyone ever had."
As both nationally acclaimed painter and as a lecturer for art institutions like the Portrait Society of America, Brigham Young University, the Art Students League of New York and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2010, it's safe to say -- mission accomplished.
Now, to chip away at a new skill.
Photos for this story were used by permission from Sherrie McGraw’s personal Facebook Page.
Troop 524’s 2024 Eagle Scouts
Scouts in Ponca City
Learn, Explore and Grow: Troop 524
Story by Chelsea McConnell | Staff Writer
According to their website, “The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” The Scout Law has 12 points as goals for each Scout to strive to each day. They are to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. The Scout Oath is, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”
Jay Wagner began volunteering with the BSA when his oldest son got involved
with the program. At the time, parent volunteers were needed, so Wagner stepped up to help. What began as a volunteer position has turned into a passion for Wagner. He began as a Tiger Den Leader and is now Scoutmaster of Troop 524. The Scoutmaster’s role is to work directly with the scouts to provide direction, coaching and support. The overarching goals of the Scoutmaster are to provide youth leaders with tools and skills to run the troop, make sure the rules of the BSA are followed and to be a good mentor and positive role model for the youth. Although Wagner admits to initially being reluctant to raise his hand as a volunteer, he says being a part of BSA “has been a rewarding experience. I’ve loved every moment of it.”
BSA Troop 524 is chartered with First Lutheran Church in Ponca City, and one of four unique Troops in Ponca City. This is the first in a series highlighting each Scout Troop and all the unique activites they do.
Noah Wagner, Scout
Ponca
Troop 524 currently has 24 scouts. The young men in Troop 524 take part in many activities each year as part of their participation in the BSA. They also stay heavily involved in volunteering in our community with nonprofits and other organizations. In 2023, the Troop completed over 180 volunteer hours with events including DXDT, Arts Festival, Veterans Day Parade, Christmas Parade, Scout Sunday church services, Bear Creek Cove trash clean-up, Monthly Friendship Feasts, Post Office Food Drive and welcoming soldiers home from their tour in Africa.
Each year the Troop does several campouts around our state and region. Currently the Troop is making plans for their 2025 campouts when they will use the weekend excursions to tour Oklahoma. They are still in the discussion stages but hope to hit many of our state’s natural highlights during those campouts.
Wagner explains that while the parents are involved in making decisions, Scouts is meant to be “parent-guided but boy-led.”
Each year the Troop also attends an out-ofstate summer camp. Wagner believes travel is important for the young scouts. “Giving these boys the adventure and traveling and understanding that this place is bigger than just Oklahoma is the number one calling I’ve got with Scouting. I want to make sure they get to see something else; to know there’s something else out there. We’ve been to Alabama, Colorado, Minnesota.” Parent leadership is required to attend camp with each Scout group.
Once there though, the youth are largely on their own to create their own schedules and pursue paths of learning that most suit their interests. Wagner shares that scouts can earn merit badges in over 135 areas of study. The badges “give them an idea in a field of interest somewhere, whether that’s hiking, cycling, swimming or fishing. It could be hobbies to jobs. You can learn agricultural stuff, dentistry, film making. You don’t become an expert by any means, but you get an overview of what that field is. They help introduce the scouts to many opportunities as they’re growing to give them ideas for what they may want to become or do later in life.”
While activities like summer camp are fun, they aren’t free. Each scout is responsible for raising funds to pay for campouts, camping supplies, merit badges, dues, etc. Troop 524 has come
Shout out to our friends at Wilkins Truck Chrome in Tonkawa for another great Busted Knuckle Truck Show last month. We enjoyed the Convoy Parade! Brad & Ginger Scott
up with a number of clever ways to help raise funds for their various needs. One program they facilitate is called Flags Over Ponca City. For $50 each year, citizens can subscribe to become a member of Flags Over Ponca City. Troop 524 will come to your house and set up a 10-foot flagpole with an American flag in your yard on five holidays throughout the year. Holidays include Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Scouts who help set up flags can earn money for their account to help pay for summer camp. Subscriptions for Flags Over Ponca City are closed for this year but will reopen in the spring as they solicit more subscriptions for next year. Currently, scouts are setting up flags in over 100 yards throughout our community.
Another way scouts can raise funds is through helping with parking during Wildcat home football games. Scouts are given the opportunity to work shifts during the games managing parking in the First Lutheran School parking lot. The scouts charge five dollars per parking spot, and all the funds go to those scouts who work the event. The scouts also host an aluminum recycling drop-off site. This site is
located in the parking lot of First Lutheran School in the northeast corner. Anyone is welcome and invited to drop off their aluminum cans to help support Troop 524.
An exciting thing on the horizon for the Troop is the Venturing Crew they are starting. While it’s still in the early stages, Wagner is excited about this new effort for the Troop. Venturing is limited to scouts ages 14-20 and designed to be more adventure based. These groups are less about earning badges and advancing in rank. They are geared toward encouraging youth to plan adventures with their fellow scouts. The adventures they choose to go on are entirely up to the scouts.
If you or a young person you know are interested in becoming involved in scouts in Ponca City, visit: PoncaCityScouts.org to learn more. Subscriptions to the Flags Over Ponca City will reopen in spring 2025. You can sign up at FlagsOverPoncaCity.com. You can recycle your aluminum cans with Boy Scout Troop 524 at their dropoff location at 5th & Liberty.
Pack 3517
Pack 3553
Troop 556
Troop 555 Girls Troop
Rotary: Service Above Self
Story
“Success is not measured by wealth, but by the positive impact you have on others. “
~Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International
by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer
Ponca City Rotary may have far fewer members now than in its height of membership, but you would never know that by their passion and impact. Rotary itself began in Chicago in 1905 with only four people and the idea of serving others. By 1922 the organization had grown worldwide, and the name was changed to Rotary International. Ponca City Rotary was chartered April 1, 1922, and has been going strong for over a hundred years. Although its height of membership was a hundred members and now there are closer to 30-some, those in District 5750 make up for the difference with a great passion and intensity for the idea of service to others.
fox. Edison includes the gear logo of Rotary and the colors blue and gold, which are the colors of both Rotary and PTC. Edison is a magnificent representation of this partnership, and it is an example of the way that Rotary and Rotarians pull together with partnerships in this community.
Ponca City Rotary meets on Mondays at noon at Pioneer Technology Center; however, the partnership with PTC goes further than just a meeting space. On Sept. 9, they unveiled “Edison,” the newest Ponca City fox. The artist is Melinda Littlecook, and some of the students at PTC also contributed design ideas for the
When visiting with T.L Walker, immediate past president, she notes that 15-17 of the current members are part of the Quarter Century Club, being members for 25 years or more. She notes this allows the organization to maintain their history and experience as well as the club’s culture. Walker adds, “Newer members bring fresh ideas, new excitement and new energy. They are individuals usually already on a leadership track.”
Walker has a long history with the organization. She played the piano for the Rotary for 10 years when they met at the Marland Mansion before they asked her to officially join the club. Even
Rotary Citation Award for 2023-24 Photo used with permission from Club
T.L Walker leading last meeting for this term as President June 2024 – Photo used with permission from Club
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though she’s been a member for 25 years, Walker remembers what she was told by an older Rotarian when she first joined: “Rotary is not a club you join, it is a lifestyle you choose.” She has always kept that in mind as she and others strive toward the “Service Above Self” motto of the organization. Walker received the “Service Above Self” award in 2022-23 and twice received the Rotarian of the Year award. She speaks with great pride about the projects of the organization.
This past June, Walker passed the gavel to a newer Rotarian, Darrell Mendiola, who joined about three years ago because he wanted to be part of an organization that helps the community. As his reason for joining, Mendiola says, “I guess the most important is the fellowship of likeminded people. One common thing I have seen with Rotarians across the board is a desire to help others and truly put ‘Service Above Self.’”
A few of these projects mentioned by more than one Rotarian as significant to their service are the ongoing dictionary project which donates a dictionary with their name in it to every 3rd grader in both public and private schools in the area. Rotarians provide some mentoring and reading projects in schools as well. The Senator David Meyers Memorial Library at Marland Children’s Home (now Marland’s Place), which involved research for selecting the appropriate books for the library, is another project which Walker remembers with fondness. The organization also refurbished the dorms. Another major project was the Golden Villa project, which was started before COVID-19 and took several years to complete, but when finished it furnished clients of the center with an outside space which they had desired for quite some time. As you can tell, they look out into the community to see needs and build partnerships.
as well. However, his service doesn’t end in Ponca City. He is the District Governor Nominee and will serve as District Governor for the year 202627. Trewitt says this nomination is his most special memory yet: “I was both honored and humbled that the district believed that I would be a good leader for our district and its 34 Rotary and Rotaract clubs and nearly 1800 members.” Rotarians like Trewitt relish the chance to lead.
Another member who has taken on a role that takes him outside of Ponca City is Kelly Johnson, who was honored to be invited to join the organization after his father, who was a lifelong Rotarian, passed. Johnson serves as the treasurer for the Wings of Rotary (WOR) program for District 5750, which is a short-term youth exchange program between the district here in Oklahoma and District 2520 in NE Japan that started in 1977 when two individuals from the districts met at an international conference. Johnson explains that their desire to bridge a relationship of international understanding has now lasted over 45 years and hundreds of youth and Rotarian leaders “have spent two weeks in each other’s Rotary District learning about their culture, language, customs and history. It is a homestay program which is truly the best part of the exchange. To live the life of your Rotarian host families is life changing in so many ways.” Johnson knows the difference it can make because he and his wife Cheryl have hosted students through the years, and Kelly served as a co-team leader on one of the trips to Japan. He has experienced the program firsthand from both sides. It is his passion project.
World Polio Day being Oct. 24, it’s fitting for us to understand just exactly how far they’ve come with this cause and cure. Walker explains, “Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for over 35 years and has helped to reduce cases by more than 99.9%.” This seems incredible. As of October 2023, only two countries are endemic for wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have never stopped transmitting the virus. The problem is that this leaves other countries at risk of importing the virus.
This month Rotarians will take action to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio, and all donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling the impact. You can see why Walker views her work with Rotary as so crucial, and why Trewitt, besides the work he does, is also currently Chair of the District PolioPlus Society Subcommittee. There is much work to be done, but there is so much to be gained from the work they do.
Some of these projects were completed with grants which can be obtained through Rotary District 5750 grants, such as Golden Villa, a computer lab at Pioneer Tech, a computer lab at the Aviation Academy and a special needs playground at Union Elementary School. You’ll find Rotarians like Michael Trewitt active locally and at the district level.
Trewitt has been in the local Rotary organization for 32 years, being named Rotarian of the Year once and serving his time as president for a term
Passion projects within Rotary help heal worldwide as well. When asked about the most important aspect of the organization, many point to the global aspect and how by pulling together they can have an effect that could not be had otherwise. Walker says, “What other way could I have this opportunity to have this effect on the world?” From here, she went on to explain how Rotary International partners with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio worldwide. And, yes, I do mean eradicate.
Since October is Rotary End Polio Month, with
We can all join in the cause if we choose to donate by mailing a check made out to Ponca City Rotary Foundation, with END POLIO in the memo line, to P.O. Box 1061, Ponca City OK 74602.
So, join in on one of their many causes or activities, including eradicating a worldwide disease, swing by and visit the newest fox in town, “Edison,” and thank one of your local Rotarian friends for doing fine work around our city and world!
Walker turning over gavel to incoming president Darrell Mendiola at June meeting – Photo used with permission from Club
Edison, the Rotary Fox.
Combat Syndicate: Here to Help
Story by Chelsea McConnell | Staff Writer
Sam Lionelli has always been passionate about helping people. That passion is evident in the way he runs his business, Combat Syndicate. At its core, Combat Syndicate is a martial arts and weightlifting facility. However, the training taking place on the mat has deeper implications than the physical capabilities being taught.
Jiu-Jitsu is defined as “an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent.” Its literal translation is “gentle art.” Lionelli became interested in Jiu-Jitsu in 2019, when he heard about local black belt James Morgan. Lionelli was adamant that Morgan train him in this art, even though Morgan wasn’t training anyone at the time. Eventually, due to Lionelli’s persistence, Morgan acquiesced and began training him. With Lionelli’s enthusiasm for the art, others began to join in on their training sessions.
The turning point was when a friend reached out to Lionelli. Her son was being bullied in school. She thought Jiu-Jitsu training might help him. Morgan and Lionelli agreed to let the boy join their sessions. The difference they saw in him over the course of a few months was remarkable. Lionelli says they saw “a massive change in this kid’s confidence. People stopped messing with him and not because he went in there trying to fight people. I think they could feel the confidence from him. He wasn’t an easy target anymore.”
After this, Lionelli felt a pull to give more kids in Ponca City access to this kind of training. With Morgan onboard to train students, Lionelli opened Combat Syndicate in January of 2020. Their initial location was in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue. Things were off with a bang and the kids’ classes were a big hit until COVID-19 shut them down for a stint. After opening back up, they slowly began to regrow their classes. When their year lease was up, they knew they needed more space so they moved east down Grand to a bigger location. After a year and a half at that location, it once again became apparent that they
Richard Fieger (Lionelli’s brother/Instructor at CS), James Morgan (Instructor/black belt), Sam Lionelli (Combat Syndicate owner)
had outgrown their space. In August of 2022, Lionelli purchased the building where they are currently located at 305 S. Pine St.
Today Combat Syndicate has classes MondayFriday for kids and adults. They offer training in Jiu-Jitsu, Kick boxing, MMA and Muay Thai from instructors James Morgan and Richard Fieger. Morgan teaches the Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Muay Thai classes. Fieger specializes in the kids’ classes and teaches a cardio kick boxing class for gym members Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. Lionelli and his team believe in teaching martial arts with an emphasis on self-defense. He is passionate in his belief that everyone should be able to defend themselves.
This year Lionelli has put a big emphasis on reaching more kids in our community. Combat Syndicate has been partnering with Grand Mental Health, Oklahoma Juvenile Services and even EPIC Charter Schools to get kids into training. For several years, they’ve also partnered with the high school. Combat Syndicate has gone in and taught self-defense to groups like the cheerleaders and the women’s basketball team.
Lionelli has taken it a step further this year and agreed to be a PIE Partner for the high school during the academic year through the Chamber’s PIE Partner program. This program pairs benevolent business owners with local schools and encourages them to partner on projects throughout the year that will enhance the educational experience of our students. Combat Syndicate has also taken on an intern this year through Po-Hi’s internship program.
When training, Lionelli and his team’s focus goes beyond teaching the specific martial arts
and delves into reinforcing positive character traits in their young students. They teach their students that at Combat Syndicate, they are family and encourage them to look after each other at school. They challenge kids to do good deeds in their community, as well as carry their weight in their own homes. Lionelli is adamant that the gym be a place of support for students. He says it “gives them a place to be celebrated. Here, they get a couple of hours where people are cheering them on and they’re learning cool stuff.” Sam stresses that these kids aren’t being taught how to fight. They are being taught the art of self-defense and gaining confidence with every move learned and belt earned.
A newer part of Combat Syndicate is the gym that Lionelli opened earlier this year. The gym
is in the spacious upstairs of the building and features state-of-the-art equipment from Arsenal Strength. Arsenal prides themselves on creating the highest-quality products that inspire customers to work toward their dreams and goals. The gym is stocked with every type of machine and weight the user could possibly want, though Lionelli says he is still open to suggestions and adding additional items that matter to the members. Members can access the gym 24/7 with a key fob, making it a great workout spot for busy professionals with irregular schedules. Soon, the gym will feature a back entrance making it more readily accessible to members.
To enhance training and gym experiences, Combat Syndicate also sells 1st Phorm products and supplements. 1st Phorm is a premier brand in the supplement industry and is committed to helping their customers better their bodies and lead healthier lives. Lionelli explains that Combat Syndicate carries these products because he loves and uses them, and also because he appreciates that the company gives back through programs like 30 For the Kids.
For more information, follow Combat Syndicate on Facebook or give them a call at (580) 363-7562. You can also visit their website at CombatSyndicate.org for class schedules and information about gym membership. Combat Syndicate offers free one-week trial memberships to interested parties who want to test out classes or the gym before making a financial commitment. Deals are available to members who take classes and also join the gym. Reach out to Lionelli today for more info!
with Shannon NP WELL-BEE
people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Few like to address mental health, but the stigma around it is lessening, and that is so important. I truly believe with or without depression, all humans can benefit from therapy.
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression, or winter depression. This disorder is identified as a type of depression, a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. SAD is reported to affect more women than men and usually rears its ugly head when the days start getting shorter and the darkness becomes longer than the light. Becoming mindful of your mental health can be so crucial for people. It is important not to ignore these feelings and not to feel shame if you feel like you need help. While some cases of SAD will require medical intervention, some non-pharmacological interventions may help some or even lessen the severity.
Get sunlight exposure when you can. Try to get outside during daylight hours. Even on cloudy days, natural light can be beneficial. If getting outside is difficult, consider light therapy with a special light box designed to mimic natural sunlight.
• Find activities that help you manage your stress. Activities such as meditation, journaling, grounding, and yoga will help improve mental health overall.
• Do what you can to stay social. Engage in enjoyable activities with friends. This will help reduce the feelings of isolation. This last idea is from a friend of mine and it is something that she does to help with her SAD. Create a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere. Use bright colors, indoor plants, well - lit spaces to rest your mind and body in to help improve your mood.
Providing these tips does not take the place of medical advice, and if you are having thoughts of harm or suicide, it is important to call 911 or reach out to your primary medical provider. If you find your symptoms are severe or persistent, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, or medication (even if it is just Vitamin D) may be necessary for your specific needs.
ACROSS
IStew On That
by Rachel Stewart / Contributing Writer
gotta say, I’m so happy I’m not a guy. And I mean that as no offense to men; I genuinely love most of y’all (OK, let’s be real; I moderately like some of you guys). But you fellas really got the short end of the stick. I make my husband sleep closest toward the door so that he can fend off an imaginary intruder. I don’t know why. He would have to take off his CPAP, put on underwear, burp, pop a couple of Tums, trip over his shoes that he leaves strewn about the room and need to loudly blow his nose before he’d be in any condition to get into a physical altercation to save me, and that is only if I can even wake him up. He sleeps like the dead, but still, I want him to be my knight in shining sleep-apnea-mask. Men always have to be the brave ones, but honest question, are you guys not scared of investigating weird noises outside in the dark? I wouldn’t do it; I’d just accept my fate. There’s not a dollar amount in the world you could pay me to leave the safe confines of my home to enter the vast darkness and potentially encounter, probably just a bunny or something, I don’t know. When my kids tell me they heard a weird noise from under their bed, I literally just snatch them and run out of the room. I ain’t
WITCHʼS WARES
by Patrick Jordan
1. Epic stories like "Beowulf"
6. Pennsylvania Dutch religious group
11. "Dumb and Dumber" star Carrey
14. Barack or Michelle
15. Early NBC news show
16. Distinct historical period
17. Witch's transportation (2 wds.)
19. Deafening sound
20. Golf ball supporter
21. University administrator
22. Making a lot of 19-Across
24. Central heating outlet
25. Degree recipient, for short
27. American patriot Paul
30. Witch's brewing vessel
34. Gives off, as radiation
35. Sleeps lightly
36. Have a debt of
37. It floats above an angel
38. New York daily newspaper
39. Bargain event
40. Suffer an illness
41. Rescued
42. Restored to health
43. Witch's furry companion (2 wds.)
45. Pursuits for valuable objects
46. ___ and pieces
47. Act like a colicky baby
48. Muscle twitch
51. "Hold on a minute"
52. Boxing great Muhammad
55. Part of a clown costume
56. Witch's enchanted liquid (2 wds.)
60. Ginger ___ (soft drink)
61. Force out of one's homeland
62. Scholarship basis, often
63. Homer Simpson's neighbor
64. Hailstorms cause them on cars
65. Final authority (Hyph.)
DOWN
1. Pillowy
2. Ready, willing and ___
3. Motown legend Marvin
4. "___ my brother's keeper?" (2 wds.)
5. Colonel who founded KFC
6. Ready to hit a homer (2 wds.)
7. Dawn, to a poet
8. Wedding vow (2 wds.)
9. ___ Paulo, Brazil
10. Books in the backs of pews
11. Luke Skywalker was trained as one
12. Colorful eye part
13. Numerous
18. Wilder of "Young Frankenstein"
23. Bizarre
24. Presidentʼs bill killer
25. Had a long look
26. Feels regret about
27. Addiction-quitting program, briefly
28. It may contain spam
29. Luxurious country home
30. One of Santa's reindeer
31. Imitates a tiger
32. Baby bird that will hoot as an adult
33. Requirements
35. Female opera stars
38.
"Survivor"
Clever quotation
Mount Rushmore has four
What the ugly duckling became
checking under there, are you crazy, let’s get out of here! Men also have to be brave in other ways, like approaching people to ask them on dates. And not just any people, people they find attractive, people they want to kiss and date and marry. I could literally vomit at just the thought of having to approach an attractive stranger and striking up a conversation. Another brave thing men do? Backing up trailers. I tried it once, it’s so hard, I cried, and you guys not only whip those things around like Kristi Yamaguchi on ice, but you look good doing it, so bravo. Anyways, men, we see you being brave out there, and we appreciate all the bugs you’ve killed, mice you’ve caught and imaginary intruders you’ve fought off!
like an old flower
Breezy
Clark Kent's coworker Lane
"What's gotten ___ you?"
Cocktail Cocktail
OF THE MONTH
Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer
Greetings, boils and ghouls! I’m your bartender, your host with the most gruesome and ghastly stories to give you the creeps! This October, I’m serving up a fright from down under that’s even scarier than Australia’s giant spiders or the Bunyip (an eerie creature from Aboriginal mythology said to lurk in swamps and rivers). I’m talking about a cocktail made with…Jägermeister.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, and you can’t judge a drink by its name, even one as menacing as the Death Flip. The Death Flip is a modern classic invented by Australian bartender Chris HystedAdams. It’s an unusual mixture that calls for tequila, Jägermeister, Yellow Chartreuse, and egg. Think gingerbread in a glass. The tequila and Yellow Chartreuse bring the herbal and spicy flavors, while Jägermeister adds a touch of licorice. A sprinkle of nutmeg brings a winter spice aroma, and the egg gives the drink its velvety mouthfeel.
When this cocktail stepped onto the scene at the Black Pearl in Melbourne in 2010, the menu offered no clue about its ingredients. If you inquired about what was in the drink, the bartender would remain tight-lipped. The only hint you got was the intriguing warning: “You don’t wanna meet this cocktail in a dark alley.”
The Death Flip’s unusual mix of ingredients was kept secret for a long time because people might have been put off. But this drink combines bold flavors with
DEATH FLIP
1 oz Blanco Tequila
½ oz Jägermeister
½ oz Yellow Chartreuse
¼ oz Simple Syrup
1 Fresh Egg Nutmeg for Garnish
a fun twist. Flips are a classic cocktail style from the mid-1800s and use egg to create a rich, frothy texture. While older recipes sometimes skipped the egg, it’s now a must for that smooth, creamy feel. Bartenders today prepare modern flips by giving the cocktail a dry shake before adding ice, which helps to emulsify the egg.
If the Jägermeister days in your early 20s still send chills up your spine, I totally get it. Those were the nights of questionable decisions, and even more questionable fashion choices. Remember when we thought layering tube tops as dresses was a good idea? Yikes! Yet, if you’re feeling bold and ready to face the ghosts of past indulgences, the Death Flip might be worth a try.
Add all the ingredients except the nutmeg into a cocktail shaker without ice, shake to emulsify the egg. Next add ice, shake again, then strain it into a coupe glass. Finally, sprinkle a little nutmeg on top.
The Sunny Side
by Liz Threlkeld / Contributing Writer
Take Messy Action
A tale of two trees
Hello again, Friends!
Thanks for being here! Let’s dive right in!
It seems most Americans are as disconnected from their food supply chain as they are the obsolescent homesteading way of life. However, for some, the cute farmhouse decor at Hobby Lobby is not enough to satisfy that deep-rooted, ‘old ways’ longing. Especially since COVID-19, many people are searching for ways to bring pieces of homesteading back into their modern way of living.
Homesteading can mean many things to many people, but somewhere at the heart of it all, you will usually find food. If you’re reading this article, there’s a decent chance that you have some sort of interest in your food, where it comes from and/or how to acquire it.
If you are intrigued by this way of thinking but haven’t ventured out, let me tell you about my two pear trees …
They are the same age, planted at the same time, and get the same exposure to the elements and water. One tree is erect, growing straight into the sky, beautifully shaped and branches
Welcome to “The Sunny Side” where we’ll chat about all things homesteading! My name is Liz Threlkeld and I have been homesteading with my family in small forms or large fashions for most of my life. From growing gardens to DIY projects, to cooking and preserving, to raising and processing our own meat animals, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’m excited to get to share some of this life with you. Ready? Let’s grow!
• Grow an herb or vegetable garden. Plants don’t run from you, kick you, bite you or send you to jail if they die of neglect so it’s a great place to start for beginners!
growing relatively equidistant. The other is growing in the unsightliest manner. Its branches start one way and twist out to another. Some grow straight up, others cross over several more, and many of them are bent way over like a rainbow. Do you know which tree produces the most fruit?
The disorderly tree. Every year it is loaded to the point where I have to purposefully knock off immature fruit to keep the limbs from breaking. The tree didn’t wait until it was perfect and ‘had it all together’ to start producing fruit. It just got busy doing what it was supposed to do.
Meanwhile, the other tree, which has produced a total of maybe 25 pears in three years, is super busy making itself look tall and beautiful but isn’t producing much fruit. Both trees can produce fruit, but one is more focused on it than the other.
So, dear Reader, if you think you must have it all together before taking the leap that you’ve been ruminating over, maybe consider the possibility that you don’t have to ‘have it all together’ before you do. Sometimes taking messy action and building the parachute on the way down is better than overthinking an idea into nonexistence. How do you combat “paralysis by analysis”? You take action!
So, here are some possible action items to help jump-start or boost your food procurement efforts:
• Start foraging for food by learning how to ethically harvest and safely identify edible plants.
• Try a Hydroponics or Aquaponics system. See the QR code.
• Become a beekeeper. Fresh, local honey is widely used for medicinal purposes, never goes bad, has high nutritional value, and a responsible beekeeper can help increase bee population! Selling local honey can also be a lucrative side-business.
• Learn to hunt and/or fish. There are modern tools for these old-fashioned skills which can be a great way to source food.
• Raise a dairy cow or goat and enjoy fresh milk, cream and cheeses.
• Raise an animal for meat and take it to a local butcher for processing and savor your nutrient-dense, homegrown protein!
One IMPORTANT thing to note: Be sure to check local, state and federal regulations before beginning any of these ventures, even if it’s on your own property.
Happy parachute building!
Liz Threlkeld
BONUS ACTION ITEM: Are you experienced in one or more areas of food procurement? Perhaps, if you aren’t doing so already, you can take someone under your wing and impart that wisdom to them, especially the younger generations! They are the future.
Having the Conversation: Thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Story by Stephanie Krenn | Contributing Writer
Admitting I am wrong is not high on my list of favorite activities, but I must confess I thought it would be easy to write my article for October. A breast cancer survivor writing about Breast Cancer Awareness Month seemed like a nobrainer. Schedule your mammogram and donate money to a local nonprofit or research foundation. Done. Perhaps it could be that easy, and where I would have ended my comments prior to my own journey. After all, specialized health months can bring positive change, and increased funds, to the big picture agenda. My experience though has shown that loved ones and friends who receive the life-altering breast cancer news process the month of October with varied emotions. The highest points of hope and celebration meet with the lowest valley of depression and anxiety. I was two months into my own diagnosis, and one month into a chemotherapy regimen, when I “celebrated” my first breast cancer awareness month. I had already lost my hair to a combination of shaving my head and the two-week delay in side effects from the chemo drugs. My taste buds gave up tasting, energy was plunging fast while taking my independence with it, and the precious ignorance of my own mortality ceased to exist, all in quick succession. When I did venture out that first October, I realized I had never taken note of the vast merchandise available in that notorious color. Every shade of pink was woven into store’s specialty sections peddling everything from stickers and sunglasses to ball caps and broomsticks. How did any of that help others like myself? The medical professionals I visited failed to appease my revolt against that color. Pink bags were provided to hold my folders, brochures contained the infamous ribbon, homemade hats to pharmaceutical ink pens – pink for days. I joke with people that I would do some sketchy stuff for office supplies, though I do admit to giving away as many of those pink pens and notebooks as I
could manage. There are still some in my desk drawer if you are interested. Though none of the store-bought merchandise could be outdone by the most fashionable clothing item created –the mammogram gown. Did that seriously have to be pink too? I drew the line at that one and requested another color before I would have my scan. I still laugh at myself for things I tried to control in that chaotic time. The frustration, confusion and sensory overload between my emotions, chemotherapy side effects and my least favorite color raining down from all sides was enough to keep me from public view. I could not comprehend positively engaging a marketing scheme that revolved around my suffering. Since disappearing for 31 days each year was not a sustainable model, I had to find another approach. The negative emotions bubbling up amidst the bubble gum-colored end-caps was not healthy in the long run. My shift in thinking finally arrived with a gift in a bag of a different color. The welcomed black tote contained a cozy blanket with an understated amount of pink on the logo, a book, some practical items and a silver bracelet with the word “beautiful” on it. I am not sure why it made me smile that the word was stamped on the underside of the bracelet cuff. I certainly did not feel beautiful in my sickness and fatigue, but I embraced it as a secret with myself that one day I would find healing and beauty again. My personal growth in accepting Breast Cancer Awareness Month continued as I embraced how my story could impact others and allow them space to feel seen in their struggles. That calling now makes October one of the most fulfilling months each year as I seek out ways to continue the conversation. My advice is this:
• If you adore the color pink and decide to purchase marketed items this month, take a few seconds to check the tag or company website to verify your money is directly
supporting breast cancer patients or research.
• Do schedule your mammogram starting at 40 years old, or earlier if you are higher risk. Start with local, full-service medical staff at Ponca City Integris Women’s Health Center, Triad Women’s Clinic or Stillwater Medical –Blackwell. Also, the Kaw Nation partners with OU Breast Health Network to bring the mobile mammogram bus to Kay County throughout the year. This program serves uninsured or under-insured native and non-native patients.
• Do also find a legit organization or research foundation to contribute your money or time. That black in color tote bag I mentioned was from Project31, an Oklahoma-based breast cancer nonprofit. I have personally benefitted from the in-person and online community meetings throughout the state and counseling scholarships for me and my family. A foundation of understanding and grace was crucial to my recovery to live out the mission of restoring lives and families throughout breast cancer. I would not be able to tell my story, engage other survivors and bring education and awareness during any month of the year without the sisterhood of Project31. Though they are my preferred organization for serving, giving and connecting, there are many wonderful organizations engaging our state and nation in the realm of cancer care. The Stonebrook Project, Tenaciously Teal and Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma are also worth checking out.
I am still not fond of the color pink, but there is a level of respect for what it represents. If you choose to celebrate the month as a platform to educate others and bring awareness, do so with enthusiasm and vigor. If you experience negative reactions, as I did, please reach out to a trusted friend or professional who can help you process. However you decide to spend the month of October, your feelings are valid and valued. If you do endeavor to explore the wide-open world of pink this month, keep an eye out, you may see me in one of two pink shirts I now own. It had to happen eventually. All my best, until next time.
For more tasty food fun, check out @foodcrushok on IG and Facebook.
China Restaurant
It was recently brought to my attention how hollow the word “authentic” is. When describing food, what does authentic even mean? And, who exactly is qualified to determine whether any kind of food is authentic? Think about it. There are very few people around here who have traveled, eaten and are cultured enough to know the history, regions and original flavors of the many foods we eat, regardless of the cuisine. Authentic is easily one of the most popular words used to praise food, but should it be?
Filled with complex flavors and friendly faces, China Restaurant in downtown Tonkawa opened seven years ago and is a bright spot in the community. Deciding to open a Chinese restaurant in a rural Oklahoma town with no Asian options may not seem like the obvious choice, yet that is exactly what drew owner Dehui (Patrick) Lin to the area. Originally from Fujian, China, Lin moved to the States as a teenager and worked his way up as a restaurant manager on the East Coast. After meeting in Boston, Lin and chef Quan Chen decided to team up and open a restaurant in a place that did not offer Chinese cuisine. The historical space with
walls drenched in mustard yellow in a small, Oklahoma college town felt like the perfect spot.
The Orange Chicken is a standout here.
Thinly sliced pieces of chicken are lightly coated and fried, then drenched in a sweet, tangy sauce. The orange is fresh and forefront in this sauce. It has sweetness, acidity and just enough tanginess for balance. While the sauce is the star, notice how well the fried chicken holds up to the sauce without becoming soggy. The chicken keeps the texture of the breading, less pronounced than it would be without the sauce, but it’s there. And it’s fantastic.
We all know fried rice, but the Roasted Pork Fried Rice at China Restaurant is legit. The rice and the veggies are cooked perfectly, and the roasted pork tenderloin sets it apart from the rest. Aromatic with crispy bits of rice mixed throughout, it hits the spot every time.
Food evolves, just as the people who prepare it and eat it evolve. Simply because a traditional dish is given a face lift does not mean it has lost what made it a great dish to begin with. Authenticity is subjective.
Wontons are one of the oldest types of Chinese dumplings, however cheese wontons are a mixture of American and Chinese cuisines. That doesn’t make them less delicious or authentic (note: the cheese wontons at China Restaurant are fabulous). The flavors and techniques that China Restaurant is using to create these dishes may not be completely traditional, but they are completely mouthwatering.
Happy Eating!!
China Restaurant is located at 209 E. Grand, Tonkawa. Phone (580) 628-2300
Hours: Sunday through Friday –11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays.
Check out China Restaurant on Facebook at @ chinarestauranttonkawaok and follow their page.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT …
Top Three
For Me
The homemade Duck Sauce is so good, way better than the packaged stuff.
The dumplings are super tasty! Order steamed or fried.
The Black Pepper Chicken. A perfect dish for those who like a little kick.
Soy sauce … I love soy sauce. I cannot fathom eating Asian food without it, and seriously, neither can you. It is salty and rich and filled with umami and is incredibly versatile. Have you had compound butter with soy sauce and charred scallions, and popped a spoonful of that over steamed veggies? Do it. Add some soy sauce to your ground beef when making hamburgers. It’s a not-so-secret secret ingredient. Order Momofuku soy sauce online. Yes, it’s more expensive than what you get at the grocery store but that’s because some of the big box stuff uses a chemical process that includes hydrochloric acid to speed up the fermenting process, making it cheaper and less good. Momofuku is steeped in kombu for two days and I don’t know if that is what makes it better, but it’s better. It is strong; it is balanced; it is a full-flavor sauce bomb. No one is paying me to say this, I just really like Momofuku and always have it in my kitchen.
Story & Photos By Amy Dewitt Geurin | Contributing Writer
A HAUNTED GHOST TOUR OF OKLAHOMA
Published by Source Books Kids
It’s spooky season at Brace Books & More. We have plenty of spooky, or not so spooky, stories on the shelves for all ages! Come along as we take a trip around our great state of Oklahoma in A Haunted Ghost Tour of Oklahoma.
Let’s get started! We join Little Ghost as he checks out all of his friends’ cute, creepy, funny and furry costumes. Follow along as they find a spooky fair in Norman, Oklahoma, and bob for apples, play candy corn ring toss and taste a yummy witch’s brew. Head on over to Lawton for a game of chase around the pumpkin patch. Look out! There might be a spooky surprise waiting just behind that pumpkin! Next stop is a haunted hayride in Midwest City! Make sure your costume is on point for our stop at the State Capitol building for the costume contest! Of course, we are checking out the fun happening in Ponca City, as well! Keep an eye out for any zombies
along the way. Other stops on our Halloween adventure include Ardmore, Edmond, Broken Arrow, Enid, Tulsa, the Science Museum, the University of Oklahoma campus and Stillwater, with lots of fun to be had in each town. Did you see our little friend, the dog, dressed up on each and every page? As we end our Ghost Tour, we hope you weren’t too scared and had lots of fun seeing the “haunted” sights in Oklahoma!
Source Books Kids has several great titles for Halloween this year that always include a little history of our state. A Halloween Scare in Oklahoma and Trick or Treat in Oklahoma are just a few of our favorites.
Reviewed by Tara Anson
Hillbilly
Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
by J.D. Vance
When I heard that vice presidential hopeful, J.D. Vance, had written a book, I was curious as to what type of book it might be. When I discovered it was a memoir, I had to wonder what he could have experienced in his 31 years, prior to the book, to feel compelled to write it.
Vance wasted no time admitting he had accomplished nothing extraordinary so far in his life. He wrote Hillbilly Elegy, instead, because he had achieved something that seemed so ordinary. Vance grew up extremely poor and statistically would have been unbelievably lucky just to avoid welfare.
In Hillbilly Elegy, Vance explores why he was able to escape the future that ensnared so many of his childhood friends. The odds were truly stacked against him. If not for his grandfather, he wouldn’t have had a consistent father figure in his life; it seemed that the men in his mother’s life never stayed around for very long. Additionally, his mother struggled with addiction.
J.D.’s older sister, Lindsay, and his
grandparents were solid constants throughout his childhood and teenage years, providing the security he so desperately needed. After graduating from high school, J.D. knew he wasn’t ready for college – assuming he would have been able to afford it – so he enlisted in the Marine Corps. The Marines taught him how to balance a checkbook, save money, invest those savings, live as a man of integrity and paid for his college education at Ohio State University. He then attended and graduated from Yale Law School.
As Vance explores how he managed to achieve the American Dream despite his background, he does so with intelligence, grace, humor and poignancy. This was an impressive read that made me stop and think.
Reviewed
by Lorrie
Layton
11 SW RIVERSIDE AVENUE • PONCA CITY
Charming Country Retreat with Modern Updates
Discover the perfect blend of country living and modern convenience in this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled on a spacious 1/2-acre lot. Boasting 2,412 square feet, this open-concept design offers a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and two large living areas. The brand-new kitchen features sleek appliances, making it the heart of the home. Enjoy the expansive backyard with plenty of room for gardening and outdoor activities. In addition to the full remodel, the property has been updated with a new HVAC and septic system. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with all the modern comforts.
Plus, we’re offering a $2,000 buyer credit!
Offered at $190,000.
2409 HUMMINGBIRD LANE • PONCA CITY
Spacious Family Home in Prime Location
Located in the highly sought after Woodlands school district, this fully remodeled home offers 3,595 square feet of versatile living space, perfect for a growing family. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths, and 3 living areas, there’s room for everyone. The lower level includes a cozy living area with a fireplace, a kitchenette, and a large bedroom with an ensuite – ideal as a master suite or for a mother-in-law setup. The upper level offers 3 additional bedrooms, including a guest room with its own bathroom. Situated near retail amenities and the Ponca City Country Club, this home combines comfort and convenience in an excellent neighborhood. Plus, we’re offering a $5,000 buyer credit!
Offered at $349,500.
HOMES FOR SALE IN PONCA CITY ◆
Coming in October and open to the buyer’s final selection of finishes, experience country living in this soon to be remodeled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, perfectly situated on a spacious halfacre lot between Lake Ponca and Kaw Lake. With 2,900 square feet of living space, this home will offer a modern and open design with plenty of room for both relaxation and entertainment.
The home will be fully updated with new electrical, plumbing, a brand-new roof, HVAC system, and septic tank. The heart of the home will be its large kitchen, perfect for hosting and entertaining, complemented by two generous living rooms for added comfort. The master bedroom suite will be an expansive getaway retreat from the hustle and bustle of the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the location between two lakes offers endless recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping. Additionally, the property has ample space for ATVs, a camper, gardening, or even raising small farm animals.
This stunning country estate will be your perfect escape to modern living with a rustic twist. Offered at $275,000.
Contact: Timias Woods
Number: 918-606-0950
Email: timias@trivestrei.com
7359 LAKE ROAD• PONCA CITY Stunning Remodeled 4-Bedroom Country Estate on Half an Acre
October is a month where many important topics are observed, and awareness is raised. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Health Literacy Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, National Depression Month and Mental Health Screening Month. In addition, Cerebral Palsy Day is in October, along with World Mental Health Day, to name a few.
Being a mental health professional, it is not uncommon to see depression as well as other heavy feelings rise as the season changes from warm, long summer days to shorter, cooler days. This change can be extremely touchy for many. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition where people feel more down during the fall and winter months due to reduced sunlight. It can help to try and maintain a routine, get outside during daylight hours and stay connected with friends and family. If you’re feeling particularly low, it might be worth talking to a mental health professional. They can offer support and strategies to help manage the changes in mood.
Identifying the signs of depression is extremely important and should be taken seriously. Everyone has experienced loss of interest in things they’ve once enjoyed at some point or another.
Many people have felt down, or flat out sad or depressed. It is important to know the difference between feeling down and being depressed in order to effectively assess the level of support that may be most beneficial to you! While everyone experiences depression differently, some common signs include a Persistent Sadness or Low Mood. This can simply be feeling down, empty or hopeless most of the time. Loss of Interest. Losing interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including social interactions, hobbies or work. Changes in Appetite or Weight. Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits can be a sign of depression. Sleep Disturbances. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much can also signal there is a problem that should be looked at.
Feeling Tired or Have Little Energy, Difficulty Concentrating, Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt. Isolation and thoughts of being unalive or harming yourself are all signs of depression and should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you
know is experiencing several of these signs for a prolonged period, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and support is available.
With October being Depression Awareness Month, in addition to Mental Health Screening Awareness Month, Kay County GRAND Mental Health Operational director, Samantha Goodno, MS, provided education regarding Kay County’s community mental health screening process, as well as available services. According to Goodno, a potential consumer can go to GRANDmh.com to make a referral and within 24 hours from the time the referral is made, someone from GRAND’s referral team will make contact to the potential consumer. If no one responds, the referral team will continue to attempt contact for 10 consecutive days for a follow up to make sure that you’re still interested in services. If a screening is scheduled and the individual doesn’t show up for the screening, contact will be attempted with that person for 10 more consecutive days to make sure the individual is still interested in services. Once a screening is complete, the individual will
*Master of Science, Master of Counseling Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor-Candidate
Story by Relo Adams, MS, MCP, LPC-C* / Contributing Writer
leave that day with a follow-up appointment for therapy services and an appointment with a GRAND nurse and medical provider to assess overall health potential need for medication to further support mental health. For adults, once a screening is complete, they will be assigned a therapist, a care coordinator (case manager) and a peer recovery support specialist. For children completing a screening, they will leave with an assigned therapist, care coordinator and depending on the severity of need, they will also be assigned a family support provider and a behavioral health wellness coach.
One of the amazing things GRAND mental health provides is behavioral health wellness coaches (BHC). These are highly trained GRAND employees who work solely in the school and classroom setting. Many
of the schools in Kay County have a GRAND BHC in the school, and it is our desire to have one in every school so that the mental health and behavioral needs of each student are well taken care of. Each school is assigned a team consisting of a therapist and a care coordinator and for rural towns, that team can complete screens and intakes for new clients that aren’t able to make it to a clinic to complete the screening process. Most recently, Goodno states that, “GRAND rented out a mini-tour van that stopped in rural towns in the county, such as Perkins, Cushing, Tonkawa, Newkirk and Pawnee where therapists and other mental health professionals completed screens for those who could not make it into a clinic. Many who did not have time to complete a screen that day left with an appointment scheduled to get one done!”
Sometimes there are mental health crises, and those clients are never turned away. GRAND ensures they are taken to an urgent recovery center where they will be wrapped with 24-hour care until they are in a safe mental space to safely be released. GRAND has something to offer everyone no matter the level of need. Walk-ins are always welcome from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Goodno states, “If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance of any kind, please reach out to us at our crisis line – 1-800722-3611. It’s 24/7, so you can call at any point, any day, even on the weekends! If you need to talk to someone or know of someone who could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to make a referral online at GRANDmh.com.”
| 12-Month Healthy Challenge
Walk Your Way to Better Health
Story by Kelli Northcutt, Community Health Foundation Executive Director | Contributing Writer
I’ve never really been into physical fitness. I was not an athlete growing up, and I definitely lean more couch potato than fitness enthusiast. I’ve been a gym member and have taken classes in the past, but as my kids got older, finding dedicated time for all of the rigmarole of getting changed and actually to a gym never seemed to fit in my schedule. I have had to find physical activity that one, worked in my hectic life, and two, wasn’t too difficult so I would actually do it! The physical activity that has worked best for me has been walking! Yes, just good, old walking.
Harvard Medical School published a special report called “Walking for Health” that said walking (and other forms of regular physical activity) may be “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” It can have a bigger impact on a variety of health issues than almost any other remedy available.
Here are a few of the health benefits from walking:
*Walking just 2 1/2 hours per week (about 21 minutes per day) can decrease risk of heart disease by 30%.
*Multiple studies have shown that walking reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
*Walking improves your mood and several studies have shown that regular walking is as effective as drugs in decreasing depression. Walking can relieve stress and improve mood with an increase in endorphins.
*Walking can ease joint pain. Studies have shown that walking protects joints, especially knees and hips, by lubricating the joints and strengthening the muscles around them. Walking can reduce arthritisrelated pain and can even prevent arthritis from happening at all!
equipment or training to start! A pair of tennis shoes and comfortable clothing are the only musts. Walking is low-impact and can be done almost any time of day and even in short bursts throughout the day. It’s great for people that haven’t exercised in a while or for those who might find more rigorous activity difficult. Moderate activity like walking poses very little health risk, but if you have a medical condition, it is advised that you check with your physician prior to starting any new physical activity.
Health experts recommend walking for 30 minutes as briskly as you can several days per week. A brisk walk means that you can still talk, but that you can’t sing and you may be puffing slightly. If you find that you can’t walk for 30 minutes at a time, start with smaller amounts of time, even five or 10 minutes. If possible, walk five to 10 minutes several times per day and work up to a 30-minute walk. As you get used to walking, you can increase the intensity by walking up hills, walking with hand weights, increasing your speed for short bursts, increasing your distance and increasing the amount of time you spend walking.
*The Mayo Clinic reports that walking improves muscle endurance, increases energy levels, improves memory and sleep, strengthens the immune system and can help you maintain a healthy weight and/or lose body fat!
One of the greatest things about walking is that you don’t need special
Some people find walking with family or friends or even taking their dog on a walk increases their enjoyment. Other people are motivated by challenges or competitions. There are many free or inexpensive walking apps available that might encourage you in your walking endeavors.
Some communities and organizations use the month of October as a time to challenge each other to incorporate more walking, and really any physical activity, into their daily lives. This month, if you haven’t exercised in a while, I’m here to encourage you to give walking a try. If you have a smart phone, try one of the walking apps to record your steps and see if you can increase the amount you walk over the next several weeks. You can even just get a simple paper calendar and write down the number of minutes you walk every day and try to increase that number to 20 to 30 minutes per day. Just think about all of the health improvements you might make if you add this simple activity to your life! Here’s to a happier, healthier, walking you!
