Ponca City Monthly April 2020

PREMIERE ISSUE

APRIL 2020

ANOTHER GREAT DAY IN PONCA CITY

The longest serving mayor of Ponca City reflects on successes, failures, his signature catch phrase and his thoughts on the future of this great city.

IN THIS ISSUE

Myth Busting: Census Humane Society: No Place Like Home Scouting is Strong in Ponca City

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Ponca City Chamber Full Page

April 2020

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Vol. 1 No. 1 EDITOR'S NOTE

FEATURES

ARTSPACE

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Another Great Day in Ponca City

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Ponca City: We Love You: Kelly Johnson, SPORTS Quality Water Services 24 Pickleball Proliferates in Ponca City

PoncaCity:CensusChallengeisUptoUs Common Census Myths Busted

Kortny Dylewski

BOOK REVIEWS

23 Children's Book Review: Countdown: There's No Place Like Home: North Central 2979 Days to the Moon

OK Humane Society Settles into Forever 23 Adult Book Review: Where the Crawdads Home Sing 12 Scouting is Strong in Ponca City

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Are You Springing into Your Health?

Let's Talk Scalp

BUSINESS

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Business Spotlight: Aesthetic State of Mind

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT

THE BACKYARD GARDENER

17 17 27

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Stew on That by Rachel Stewart Crossword Puzzle

About the Puzzle Author & Crossword Answer

Spring in Ponca City

RECIPES

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Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

CALENDARS

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Chamber Link

I am so excited about the premiere of our new hyperlocal publication, the Ponca City Monthly.

This magazine is published by MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency and has been in the works since the fall of 2019. We felt that the community was in need of a publication to highlight all the wonderful stories happening in Ponca City. With a dedication to the highest quality writing standards, we set out to produce a publication like no other, and we feel we have done just that. I want to thank our staff and contributing writers for their dedication to bringing this magazine to life, and for the many hours they poured into it during our launch phase. I’d also like to thank all the advertisers who have jumped on board to help produce this magazine. This magazine would genuinely not be possible without your support, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

As Editor of the Ponca City Monthly, and CEO of MyMediaMatters, I want to say that this magazine was born out of a love for the community and a commitment to its growth. I invite you to join us each month as we dig deep to find and share the stories you care about, the stories that matter, the stories that shape who we are as a city. I also encourage you to find the goods and services you need on the pages of this magazine and to shop and support the businesses that invest in our community. Every word in this magazine was written by local writers, produced specifically for our magazine and crafted to fit the needs of the community. We know that community means more than just living in the same place, community means supporting each other, and that is what this magazine is all about.

Sincerely,

Kelsey Wagner Editor-in-Chief Ponca City Monthly

Front row: Jennifer Vaughan, Robyn Ryan, Beverly Bryant.

Back row: Carey Head, Kelsey Wagner, Brenda Baugh.

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Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner

Contributing Editor Carey Head

Copy Editor Beverly Bryant

Advertising Director Robyn Ryan

Ad Designers Jennifer Vaughan, Robyn Ryan, Kelsey Wagner

Office Manager Brenda Baugh

A special thank you to all our first-issue advertisers!

If you or your business would like to advertise in upcoming Ponca City Monthly issues, please call Robyn Ryan, Advertising Director at (580) 761-1295, or email her at robyn@poncacitymonthly.com

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INTERVIEW BY: KELSEY WAGNER

Another Great Day in Ponca City

Ponca City is a unique and beautiful town.

In the last 20 years, Ponca City has grown and changed in so many ways. Downtown is thriving, our business and industry sectors are more diverse than ever, and a host of new retail stores have opened in the last few years. This growth and change, or the last 14 years of it, has all been under the watchful eye of Mayor Homer Nicholson.

Mayor Nicholson now holds the title of the longest-serving Mayor in Ponca City's history and is currently in his fifth term.

Mayor Nicholson's office is located in City Hall on the second floor in the City Administration Wing. Walking into his office, you immediately see a solid wall of plaques representing his long history of mayoral boards, prestigious awards and his place in the Municipal Hall of Fame. With his plethora of awards and impressive list of Ponca City project successes, it's hard to believe that this E9 Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major and retired Conoco employee turned auctioneer, never planned to serve in politics. In fact, he's never held any political office other than his office as Mayor.

I sat down with Mayor Homer Nicholson to ask his perspective on where Ponca City is at as a city, what has changed in the past 20 years and where he sees Ponca City going in the future.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up west of Braman, north of Deer Creek on a farm and went to a one-room grade school, 1 through 8, and went to high school at Deer Creek. I didn't have the money to go to college,

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so I went to the Army. After the Army, I attended college, and then I began working for Conoco

Real Estate and Auction. I've been doing auctions now for over 28 years and completed over 1100 auctions.

Tell us a fun fact that people don't know about you.

Well, people don't believe me when I tell them this - but I drove a 1928 Model A Ford to grade school every day in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade to our one-room schoolhouse. Our road wasn't rock or gravel, it was field dirt, so when it rained, that car was the only thing that could get up and down the road. Some days the 12 kids in our one mile would walk, or ride bikes, but sometimes we would ride a horse or drive the model A. What was your experience in politics before becoming Mayor?

In his spare time, the Mayor is also a licensed pilot and enjoys flying whenever he gets a chance.

in Ponca City in November of 1964. I worked at Conoco for 38 years - Geophysics for 27 years and Facility Management for 11 years. I had a great, textbook career there, it was just awesome. In 1992-93 during a "corporate realignment," I changed from Geophysics to Facility Management.

While still at Conoco I attended auction school and real estate school, and we were soon doing upwards of 60 auctions per year with Nicholson

Well, running for Mayor was my first experience, and that was only after I was asked repeatedly on several different occasions by some local businessmen to run. In fact, Gary Martin, Carl Renfro, Dick Stone and several others had asked me to run for Mayor about 10 years before I retired from Conoco, but my job at that time was just too demanding. When I retired from Conoco, the mayor position just happened to be open again. I left Conoco and actually started working for Jack Bowker as Property Manager, which at that time, Bowker had a very strict rule that none of his employees were allowed to be in politics. So, again, I chose the job over politics. After a few years at Bowker, I was finally ready to officially retire. But again, I had many people asking me to run for Mayor. I don't know why they picked me. I have no idea.

But I thought, "well, I'm retired," so I ran for Mayor and was elected with 85% of the vote, and my first term began in 2007.

Since then, no mayor in Ponca City has ever served beyond two terms, and I'm in my fifth term. I've been opposed two of those five terms in elections. If you look back over the last 14 years at Ponca City, all the things that we have accomplished together are amazing.

How has Ponca City changed in the past 20 years?

How do you think being Mayor has changed you?

I'm probably more sensitive to my actions now than I've ever been. I just know that with everything I say and do, I am accountable, so I try to be a good example and a good citizen. I'm very conscious of that. I also know I'm always going to have critics, there are always going to be those people who don't approve of everything I do… what I say, even how I drive [laughing]. But I've just become more acutely aware of everything I say and do.

Starting in 1985, Conoco began to see a gradual decline in Ponca City operations with people retiring and leaving, but then, of course, we had the big merger with Phillips 66 in 2002. During those years, we also had other businesses shutting down as well, but our whole business culture has really shifted. At the time, I became Mayor, the city was very divided. There was a very divisive election with two big issues, including placing a median down grand and a vote that had to do with the Poncan Theatre. So, I became Mayor at a very pivotal time. When I came into office, my first priority was to bring those people together and encourage them we needed to work together.

Since that time, it has worked very well. We haven't had a sales tax or bond issue fail during my tenure.

You've become known for your saying, "It's another great day in Ponca City." How did that come about, and what do you think of it?

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Ponca City for the next 20 years?

The Mayor served in the Army Reserve for 35 years and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. He’s seen here in his full Army uniform at the opening of the Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Ponca City.

When you became Mayor, what was one of the first things you wanted to accomplish?

Well, our infrastructure is in good condition.

Our water, wastewater, and electric infrastructures are all in good condition, but we have to keep it upgraded and maintained to have it stay in that condition. I think some of the challenges that we have are that things are changing really fast concerning technology. We have got to stay abreast of technology. Which again, Ponca City is on the world map with our Wi-Fi system. Ponca City has been featured in 20 or 30 different magazines with our award-winning front line WIFI. Now that we're doing fiber-to-the-home, again, that is groundbreaking. Ponca City is very progressive, and we set the bar in most areas when it comes to introducing new technology to our city.

is “a big little town” and “a little big town”. We are geographically located in a perfect situation.

We are close to three large metropolitan areas, but far enough away from those metros that we have full control of ourselves. We're big enough that we can do what we need to do while maintaining the autonomy that we need to operate as a community of 26,000. Our primary goal as a community through the PCDA and the Chamber is to continue to diversify our economy and to encourage business growth. But that goal is a continuous, on-going challenge. After the downsizing of Conoco, we knew that had to be a primary goal.

The first thing that I did after becoming Mayor was to get a price to paint the grain elevator.

However, at that time, I didn't have the $210,000, and I couldn't raise the money to accomplish that. Now that Main Street has picked that project up and brought it to fruition, it's great. It's completing my first goal as Mayor.

Other broad goals as Mayor were to grow our retail sector, which we have done, and to provide more affordable housing. We put a program together to help tackle the affordable housing problem. The program we piloted became so popular that many other towns across the state picked up that program and tried to replicate its success.

Another great project I did, was to get all the mayors in Kay County together, and each city takes turn hosting. When it began, I thought we might get together once a year, but no, the mayors wanted to get together every month. So, for the last 13 years, all the Mayors of Kay County come together each month to collaborate and discuss issues. The Kay County Mayor group is called "KCMRT" Kay County Mayor's Roundtable.

Well, it just came about organically…just unconsciously actually. I was in some meeting somewhere, and I just must have been speaking. It was years ago, and I just said, "It's another great day in Ponca City," and everybody cheered, so I've just kept that tagline, and people know it now and actually expect it. If I'm speaking somewhere and forget to say it. I'm reminded that I forgot to say it [laughing].

The electric market is changing fast. We've had our own electric company since 1912. We're being surrounded by wind turbines, but there is also solar that is rapidly changing. We have customers pushing us to go fossil-free and renewable.

We already purchase power from wind, hydro, natural gas, coal, lignite and other sources. Our power provider OMPA currently has a Request for Proposal out for solar power.

In your words, what makes Ponca City special?

Well, what I always like to say is that Ponca City

What message would you like to relay to the future leaders of Ponca City?

We have to continue working together. We have to keep working with all the cities in the region, but most importantly, we, as citizens, have got to keep working together. You just get more done working together. As a community, all the citizens, the business people, everyone, has got to adopt the philosophy to work together. I don't care what the project is, we have got to have that buy-in and work together if we want Ponca City to continue to grow and thrive.

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CENTURY 21 GROUP ONE

COMMON CENSUS MYTHS BUSTED

BY CAREY HEAD/PONCA CITY MONTHLY

Ponca City: Census Challenge Is Up to Us times 10.”

Kat Long makes a challenge to anyone who will listen: “Give me a topic -- any topic -- and I can relate it back to the Census.”

Katherine Long, better known as Kat, is the Small Business and Information Coordinator for Ponca City Development Authority. It falls within her purview to help Kay County and Ponca City residents understand the importance of standing up to be counted for the United States 2020 Census.

“Our economic development in Ponca City is assisted by accurate population counts for Ponca City and Kay County. For workforce attraction and retention, people want to be in a thriving community.”

“Have kids? Do you drive on roads? Do you want to get older? Have you visited a park?

All aspects of our community tie back to the census. Economic development, community development, education, health and human services, kids, seniors … every aspect of our lives can be tied back to the Census,” she explains.

The U.S. Census is conducted every 10 years. The 2020 Census will be the 24th nationwide population count. This is Long’s third Census to help orchestrate.

Participation in the Census is the law. It is mandated by the U.S. Constitution under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. Responding to the Census is more than the law; it makes dollars and cents for each resident in Ponca City and Kay County. Federal and state funding appropriations are informed by Census results.

“We have over $9 BILLION in government funding for the state of Oklahoma. So that’s where they got the number that every person in Oklahoma is worth $1,671 a year for the next 10 years. That’s a huge number. For Ponca City, that equals out to be $43 million per year,” Long said, “and then multiply that

The 2010 Census determined Ponca City’s population was 25,387 people – a decline in population since the 2000 Census. In economic development-speak, our population was “trending down.”

In the eyes of potential investors, this is not good.

“We’re growing, not shrinking!” Long declares. “We used to be a company town.

Now we are a town with companies in it.

“We have a lot more regional and national (potential investors) looking at us than the public knows. People looking to open a business, invest in a community, can go and look online for information about that community. Census information is available 24/7. And we want it to be a good story. We want it to be trending UP for the next 10 years. So, a great 2020 Census will open so much more! Keep attracting new retail and restaurants, plus help small business grow and succeed.”

Long’s goal is to have a 95% Census questionnaire response rate. The 10-question survey can be answered online (Ponca City Library has free computer access), by telephone or by mail.

Because the Census is tied to addresses, not to names (P.O. Box renters will not receive a Census form in their box), those addresses shown as not having responded to reminder letters and postcards by April 27 will then trigger an in-person follow-up, also known as a Census Taker.

Long’s goal is for Ponca City’s population count to be at least 26,000 according to the 2020 Census.

“In 2010, 4% of Oklahoma’s children failed to be counted in the Census for a variety of reasons. If we just get all the kids counted, then we are golden,” she says.

When the 2020 Census comes up with a new population total for our town, the millions of federal and state tax dollars coming back to Ponca City per year will be adjusted.

Whether it goes up or down is up to us.

By Carey Head/Ponca City Monthly

KatLong,PoncaCityDevelopmentAuthority,isspearheadingthemarketing effort,“ICountforKayCounty”toeducateandencourageeveryKayCountyhouseholdtorespondtothe2020U.S.Census.Shesharesthecommonmythsshe’s encounteredsinceworkstartedlastsummer.Inadditiontoherresponses,information also is gathered from http://www.2020census.gov .

Myth: This is a new thing. I’ve never heard of it before.

Truth:The 2020 Census is the 24th Census to be conducted in the United States.“That’s240yearsoftradition,”saysLong.Thecountismandatedbythe Constitutionandcarriedoutbythenon-partisan,stand-alonegovernmentagency, the U.S. Census Bureau.

Myth: The Census doesn’t affect me.

Truth:The2020Censuswilldeterminecongressionalrepresentationandinformhundredsofbillionsofdollarsinfederalfundingeveryyear.Fromschool lunchandHeadStartprogramstoworkforcetraining,supportingfamiliesinneed anddeterminingservicesforseniorcitizens,the2020Censuswillprovidedata that will impact Kay County and its citizens every day for the next decade.

Myth: You don’t have to fill out the Census form.

Truth: By law, you do.

The2020CensusisconductedundertheauthorityofTitle13,U.S.Code,Sections141,193and221.EveryonelivingintheUnitedStatesanditsfiveterritories is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census.

Therearethreewaystoanswerthe10-questionCensusbeforeaCensusTaker comestoyourhome:online,bytelephoneorbymail.It’sashortquestionnaire aboutyourselfandeveryonewhoisorwillbelivingwithyouonApril1,2020.

Myth: Census information is tied to your name.

Truth:Informationistiedtotheresidence,eitherahouseorapartment,accordingtoLong.TheCensusasksforpeople’snameslivinginyourhouseholdtoensurethateachhouseholdmemberiscountedonlyonce.Names,alongwithother informationinthequestionnaire,helpsCensusworkerstocorrecttherecordsifa person appears more than once in the count.

Myth: Other agencies will be able to track you through this information.

Truth:TheUnitedStatesCensusBureauisastand-alonefederalagencythat,by law,cannotshareinformationwithotheragencies.“Nocriminalsaretracked.No deportationshavehappenedduetoCensusinformation,”Longsaid.“Taxreturns?

Maybe. But not Census.”

TheU.S.CensusBureauisboundbyTitle13oftheU.S.Codetoprotectyour answersandkeepthemstrictlyconfidential.Bylaw,theCensusBureaucannot releaseanyidentifiableinformationaboutyou,yourhome,oryourbusiness,even tolawenforcementagencies.Yourprivatedataisprotectedandyouranswerscannotbeusedagainstyoubyanygovernmentagencyorcourt.ViolatingTitle13isa federalcrimepunishablebyimprisonmentand/orafineofupto$250,000.

Everyemployeetakesanoathtoprotectyourpersonalinformationforlife.

Longadds,“Censusinformationthatincludestheresident’snameisreleased after72years.In2022,theinformationfromthe1950Census,includingtheresidentnames(andotheridentifiableinformation),willbereleasedtothepublicfor the first time. It’s very exciting for genealogists.”

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BY JENNIFER VAUGHAN

There’s No Place Like Home

Northern Oklahoma Humane Society settles into forever home The world has certainly had a rough start to 2020 with the Australian bush fires, threats of WW3, and now the Coronavirus, but 2020 is beyond a doubt the best year yet for our humane society. The Ponca City Humane Society was formed in 1958 and operated out of private homes and veterinary clinics during its first few decades. In 1992, the humane society that local Millennials have known their entire lives was built at 900 West Prospect. The $160,000 facility was able to house 40 dogs and 20 cats.

A massive 1.6-million-dollar remodel, and expansion project began in April of 2019. The Ponca City Humane Society officially opened its new doors in March of 2020 as the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society, or NOKHS. During construction planning, board president Chuck Greenwood visited over 21 different humane societies across the country to ensure that this

facility truly is state of the art. With a total capacity now of 105, the NOKHS has broadened its rescue scope tremendously.

Northern Oklahoma Humane Society’s new state-of-the-art facility is officially open to visitors at 900 West Prospect Ave.

Along with the new facility comes new executive director, Ashley Villinesa. “As a Ponca City native, I’m so excited to take the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society to the next level as an organization. We’ve got lots of new programs and exciting opportunities to get the community involved with what we’re doing for the homeless animals of northern Oklahoma.” Ashley’s passion for the cause is apparent as she shares about all of the new programs and opportunities at the shelter, including a reading program where school students grades 1st-8th can come and read to the animals. Studies have shown that reading out loud is beneficial for reading improvement, and many chilNOKHS Executive Director Ashley Villinesa dren are too shy to read out loud in front enjoys some puppy socialization and you of humans. This program is meant to help can too when you volunteer! socialize the animals and improve reading skills among local students. Seniors for Seniors is another newly implemented program designed to encourage senior citizens to relax and spend time with senior animals in the new facility’s Cuddle Club area.

With the current rescue capacity nearly doubled and over 1,000 animals taken in each year, the greatest need for NOKHS currently is volunteers. “We love how much our great community supports us and often get asked about volunteer opportunities. We have a very real need for volunteers and many different opportunities to choose from, such as dog walking, dog and cat socialization, assisting with the adoption process, volunteering to help with our new Birthday “Pawty” program, and more.” said NOKHS

board vice president Ashley Peitz. In addition to volunteers, donations of Science Diet dog and cat food, collars, dog/cat shampoo, toys, bath towels, kitty litter, and liquid laundry detergent are also needed, as well as monetary donations to help with growing costs due to capacity increase.

Photos by Kelsey Wagner

The Northern Oklahoma Humane Society is located at 900 West Prospect and is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. All animals are spayed/neutered and receive all appropriate shots before being adopted out.

Adoption applications, donations, and volunteer inquiries can be made on-location or online at www.pchumane.org.

April 2020

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BY JAY WAGNER

Scouting is Strong in Ponca City Young scouts attend March crossover ceremonies It’s a great time to be a Scout in Ponca City especially for the young 5th grade Cub Scouts who just earned their long sought-after Arrow of Light award and are crossing over into their Scout Troops this Spring. In March, dozens of Cub Scouts in Ponca City attended cross over ceremonies leaving behind their days as young Cubs and embarking on greater adventures as a Scout.

The Boy Scouts of America is alive and thriving in Ponca City. With three Cub Scout Packs, five Scouts BSA Troops and a Venturing Crew available the adventures are endless. Over one hundred and sixty-five of the youth scouts meet weekly across town in schools and churches to learn responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance from dedicated adult volunteers made up of parents and community members. These scouts develop lifelong skills, learn the importance of volunteerism, build strong friendships, and have fun along the way.

Ponca City Scout programs have recently expanded to include more opportunities for youth to get involved. In the Fall of 2018 Ponca City Cub Scouts added a Lion’s Den to their family. Lion cubs are eligible for scouts at the age of five years old or as Kindergarteners. The new younger den is a great introduction to the world of Scouting

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for boys and girls alike. In mid-2018 the Boy Scouts of America shook up their longstanding model of being a boys-only club to in-

citizens wondering what this means for local Packs, Troops and Crews, it’s safe to say that the adventures will continue on without any disruptions to programming or funding. The filing is a necessary legal move

Gray Jackson proudly shows off his Arrow of Light award at his pack’s crossover event. Jackson is one of many young scouts crossing over from Cub Scouts to his new Scouts BSA Troop. (Photo by Justine Wilson) by the national organization to ensure Scouting in America stays for decades to come while those who were victims of past abuse are fairly compensated.

Local Councils, and Pack/ Troop chartered organizations are all independent entities and are therefore shielded from the lawsuit keeping all local donations secure. clude girls into Cub Scouts and then in early 2019 they extended their welcome into all facets of their programming while rebranding Boy Scouts into Scouts BSA, a move that followed the lead of over 200 other countries and territories across the globe. Older girls aged 11-18 are now able to join their very own Troops and begin their separate journey toward earning the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.

While the news of Boy Scouts of America has filing for Chapter XI may have Ponca City

The BSA has made stringent efforts over many years to protect their youth from harm by creating barriers through youth protection training, awareness training, and mandatory periodic background checks for involved adults and volunteers. With these new programs and policies in place, Scouting is now a safer, more fun-filled learning experience than ever before.

If you are interested in joining the adventure, please visit poncacityscouts.org to learn more and sign up today!

Ponca City: We Love You This column features stories from local businesses and individuals who have lived and worked in Ponca City for many years and tells the story of why they chose Ponca City as their home.

By: Kelly Johnson, Quality Water Services Quality Water Services was started in December of 1945 by Mr. Jack Johnson.

He opened his doors in the 200 block of South 1st St. as Softwater Service in Ponca City. It was a new industry for him, as he had left a life career in both the oil and automotive industries.

He brought a new service to Ponca City and the Kay county area, providing water softening to both residential and commercial customers. Representing both ServiSoft and Elgin Manufacturing Companies, Jack was able to offer door-to-door services and introduce the community to better water quality for the home and business.

In 1946 his son Downing Johnson joined his father in the business after graduating from the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, OK. That year, they started representing the Lindsay Corporation out of St. Paul, MN, with residential water treatment equipment. This new line of equipment brought automation to the residential customer, making it more convenient to have soft water in their home.

As the years went by, the company moved to its new location at 204. South 3rd, the company was purchased in the mid-’50s by Downing Johnson, and he became the President of the Ponca City Home Builder’s Association, working with local builders, educating them on how to correctly plumb a new home to accept a water softener. He grew the business by leasing equipment to the customer with a reoccurring service plan, vs. selling equipment. Downing struggled over this decision to lease equipment with his father, as Jack was a salesman in his previous career, and he sold products to his customers. But, that decision and his work with local home builders are truly what established the business for constant growth in the years to come.

In the early ’70s, bottled water was introduced to the market with the brand Mountain Valley Water out of Hot Springs, AR. In 1973 Downing purchased Wright’s Water Conditioning in Arkansas City, KS. Pool Chemicals were added to the product offerings in 1975 and a new company, Pool Services was opened in the Spring of 1979. His son, Kelly Johnson was their first employee that Spring.

Downing also opened two other businesses in the ’80s, Greenlawn Sprinkler Services, and Seamless Siding and Guttering. The decision to open these businesses was a reaction to a potential ban on water softeners that started in California. Though that never materialized, he operated these new businesses for about ten years and then sold them, wanting to refocus his efforts on his

water treatment business.

Bottled water was a growth business, and a water bottling plant was installed in the early ’80s, introducing the house brand, Just Squeezed Water. In 1993 Downing bought the old Consumers IGA Building East Highland and, within 6 months, started a complete renovation. It would become the new home of Quality Water Services and Quality Pools & Spas. In May of 1994, Quality Water Services opened its first location in Stillwater. In November of that year, his son Kelly Johnson moved back to Ponca City with his wife Cheryl as the Business Manager, seeing through the completion of their new facility.

1995 was the start of steady growth for the business. “We were so fortunate to be the supplier of a Quality Water Services designed a high purity water treatment system for 3,700 Wal*Mart and Sam’s One-Hour Photo Labs across the United States. We learned so much over the ten plus years as a vendor to that group. Our growth also exploded in the pool business in our new location, as we were able to expand our services and product offerings.”

In May of 1995, Kelly & Cheryl Johnson bought the business from his father.

“It was a great opportunity for us and a perfect time for Downing to exit the business. We then purchased the Ark City location in January of 2006 from my brother, and after several moves, purchased and relocated our Stillwater location in November of 2011. Our future plans for growth include all three communities and all product lines that we provide, including Water Treatment, Bottled Water, and the Pool & Spa Segments.”

“It’s important to give back to both the industries that we serve and the communities we have the opportunity to do business in.”

Kelly is currently serving on the Board of Governors for the International Water Quality Association based in Chicago, IL, and is serving locally on the Community Action Committee at Phillips66 and is currently serving on the Ponca City Market Board with RCB Bank.

“Both Cheryl and I love Ponca City, as it is a great place to call home. Our community has so much to offer, and many of our customers have become a part of the Quality Water Services Family!”

April 2020

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HEALTH &Beauty ARE YOU Springing INTO HEALTH?

Our days have officially gotten longer and while we are still recovering from that pesky hour of missed rest, we have a little extra light at the end of the day Stacie Hobbes, to look forward to!

That’s something to PC RecPlex take advantage of!

Health Instructor The busyness of our lives doesn’t seem to leave much room for self-care – but let me tell you; make your physical and mental health a priority! We need to form systems of balance which include several of the following:

QUALITY SLEEP I’m not talking about 5 hours of passing out from exhaustion - just to wake up feeling miserable the next morning. We’ve all stumbled into the kitchen desperate for that cup of coffee while attempting to pour cereal in a bowl for our kids. It all ends up on the floor anyway, right? Take this in - adults need an average of 7 to 9 hours of restful, peaceful sleep to function well. Children require much more with different age brackets needing 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night for optimum growth and health. If you’re anything like me, the “ideal” recommendation isn’t top priority next to that pile of laundry that needs folded at 11pm; however, we need to change our mindset. The quality of rest we get is how we “power on” and function!

INTENTIONAL MOVEMENT How much do you move per day? Take a serious assessment of the tasks you carry out and evaluate your physical efforts. As hilarious as it

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April 2020

sounds, you can make exercise an integrated part of your day in a large number of capacities! The old rule that adults require “30 minutes of exercise per day” is OUT! You actually need much more these days... but why? Our diets and our additional lack of movement from sitting in meetings or behind screens are causing these statistic to change. Adults: you need to get 2.5 hours of moderate movement in per day! If you work out vigorously, cut that down to 1.25 hours.

MENTAL BREAKS Our mental health is just as important is our physical health. We are a society that’s constantly going; expected to be available to literally everyone, all of the time; and that’s exhausting. The expectation of us to put our best self forward while being pulled in multiple directions all at once needs a reality check. You are worth taking a mental health day. You are worth stepping back, even if for a few minutes to positively reinforce your worth and center your mind. Everyone wants to be the best version of themselves and while the stigma seems to screamingly enforce “Push harder, go more, stay at work longer, do more with your family, and just be better” – it’s actually found in finding peace, being content in your own being, and investing time and energy into yourself.

These three areas of health and wellness are all easily spoken and much more difficult to put into play. I’m suggesting you take your own personal “Call to Action” and make yourself, your mind, and your physical health a priority.

The work we produce, the lifestyle we life, and the family dynamic we have will all improve when we choose to intentionally create time and space for ourselves to thrive.

LET'S TALK Scalp

Gabrielle Anderson, Anderson & Co. Owner & Stylist

I think everyone is suffering from dry scalp with the current conditions in which we live.

You know, Oklahoma: Hot, cold, humid, dry, windy all in the same day!

SOME TIPS TO BE KIND TO YOUR SCALP Make sure you are not over washing. There is nothing your scalp loves more than it’s own oils. Washing too frequently can actually cause you to have oily hair and a dry scalp. (No one wants that) The reason for this is your body will produce extra oil when you wash too often. Try washing every 3rd day ( or longer).

I know this may be hard if you exercise every day.

TRY SOMETHING OTHER THAN CONVENTIONAL SHAMPOO Options for in-between wash days could be a dry wash. There are so many out there these days.

There is something for all hair types. There are aerosols that spray in the hair; or foams that you can apply. And they will absorb excess oil from your hair without drying out your scalp. Amazing for curly headed lovelies.

RINSE WELL Make sure that you are rinsing your shampoo very thoroughly when you do wash. Product buildup can also cause itchy scalp or dandruff. Using a moisturizing conditioner will also help with the excessive dryness.

MIGHT WANT TO AVOID ALCOHOL Avoiding hair products that contain alcohol can be a huge help in dodging the dandruff monster as well.

TLC A great item to add to your routine is a scalp treatment. This will help exfoliate your scalp and help general scalp condition, just like you exfoliate your skin. Products you can look into are Paul Mitchell tea tree hair and scalp treatment, LivSo moisturizing lotion for dry scalp or Cantu apple cider vinegar root rinse.

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April 2020

Restaurant J.W. COBB'S FAMILY RESTAURANT - Set #1 Created By BETTY MEYER

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Humor & Entertainment There are few things that light a fire in me quite like the local community watch pages.

Most of the time they’re fine, uneventful, informative even. But, if you can dig past the

lost dogs posts (be responsible pet owners, by the way, spay/neuter, fix your fence, etc.), the open houses, people asking what businesses are hiring…dig past Regina Philange posting “Dear White Tahoe that pulled out in front of me, learn how to USE THE BLINKING YELLOW LIGHTS! Sincerely, One Ticked Off Mama” and the “Best place to get your hair cut that won’t break the bank but also looks like a million bucks?” posts you’ll come across a very simple, deceiving post. “Has anyone tried the new restaurant?” It’s small, unassuming. You’d likely just scroll right past it. But once you click on the 437 comments, you see the fury of a small, yet violent, army unleashed. Dozens of citizens giving scathing reviews as if they were a New York Times food critic (“My onion rings were SLIGHTLY DARKER THAN I PREFER and the waitress had the audacity to NOT read my mind and bring me RANCH!”). People suggesting restaurants they want in town (GOLDEN

CORRAL), as if restaurants just appear out of thin air. Someone (me) saying “OKAY ROBERTA if you want an Olive Garden are you going to fork over the 2 million dollars for it?” then the conversation somehow spirals into how our roads are terrible and we need more parks and then spirals again into how someone wrote curse words on the slide at the pirate park (RIP) and we can never have nice things.

Ah, I love nothing more than sitting in the 6 mile long pick-up line at my child’s school, in my white Tahoe, perusing the community watch pages. And while my personal enjoyment is the most important thing to me, let’s all remember that it takes a lot of time, money, and resources to open a business and to give some freakin’ grace! Also if someone would please invest in an Olive Garden I promise I would NEVER post about you, even if you didn’t allow me to consume 43 breadsticks during the “endless breadsticks” promotion.

Crossword Answers on Page 23

April 2020

17

PHOTOS & STORY BY BRENDA BAUGH

ART SPACE Kortny Dylewski a.k.a. Red Dirt Rosie

Kortny Dylewski is an Oklahoma artist that was born and raised in Ponca City; which she still calls home and is very proud to be a part of this community.

She credits her love of art to her grade school and high school art teachers who saw her raw talent and pushed her to explore her creativity. She not only paints but is a singer, poet, musician, radio D.J. and a true creative soul. Kortny’s paintings come to life through every brush stoke of bright color that she places on each canvas. The vibrant colors in her paintings are not near as striking as Red

(l) Kortney Dylewski (r) Kortney's studio is filled with a beautiful natural light.

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April 2020

Dirt Rosie’s personality.

Kortny describes herself as awkward and an introvert. However, I have to disagree. This being our first meeting I thought there might be some awkwardness, but I did not feel that at all. I felt like I had known her for years and was just catching up with an old friend.

I truly enjoyed talking to Kortny Dylewski in her new studio space. The space is beautiful, and the natural light is something that every artist dreams of having in their own studio.

Who are the artists that influenced you the most?

"Dust to Dust"

by Kortney Dylewski

I would have to say it is VanGogh, Rembrandt and Chihuly. It is because of the movement their artwork has.

What is your favorite subject matter to paint?

Sunsets and sunrises are my favorite. I enjoy several types of subject matter, including horses, which have played a roll throughout my career.

When do you know a piece is finished?

When I sit and stare at the artwork and I get lost in it and transported to another place.

Tell me why you love being an artist in Ponca City?

I love the loyalty of my clients and the fact that I have gotten most work just by word of mouth.

To find out more about Kortny Dylewski and to see her artwork that is available for purchase, please visit www.reddirtrosie.com. She will be hosting a studio open house in the very near future, so keep an eye out for that because you do not want to miss meeting this amazing artist.

"Beauty for Ashes"

by Kortney Dylewski

April 2020

19

Ponca City Chamber of Commerce www.PoncaCityChamber.com info@poncacitychamber.com 580-765-4400

Reasons to Join the Chamber: We are the Information Center for Ponca City.

Our Chamber Directory with the City Resource Guide is published new every year.

Our Member-to-Member Discount Card is supplied to our members at no cost.

We provide networking opportunities, including our monthly Business after Hours.

We offer leadership training through our Leadership Program. We are in our 34th year of Leadership Ponca City.

We promote the Tourism Industry in Ponca City. This industry brings jobs and sales tax dollars to Ponca City for everyone’s benefit.

Chamber staff provides job recruitment services for Ponca City. For example, helping recruit a pastor, doctor, engineer, etc., to relocate to Ponca City.

The Chamber’s members can affect governmental outcomes on a local, regional, state, and even national level by uniting as one voice.

Add Together, a subheading we can accomplish more.

Chamber

Link

Monthly Chamber News & Updates

Left to Right: Adam Leaming, Treasurer, Erik Peitz, Past Chair, Wendy Stobbe, Vice-Chair, Shasta Scott, Chair, Garrett Bowers, Chair-Elect.

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April 2020

wants you to ShopPoncaCityOnline.com Our community has been through a lot this last month. We've been tested in ways we never thought possible. At this time, our small businesses need our support more than ever and we want to do everything we can to help.

Ponca City Monthly and MyMediaMatters has created a special online location for consumers to find information about how to shop and support small businesses online in Ponca City. We are allowing those businesses to submit daily updates regarding special lobby hours, delivery or carry out instructions, gift card availability or online shopping options. We encourage you to browse this website located at ShopPoncaCityOnline.com and support these small businesses!

In addition to shopping online businesses, we also understand that many upcoming events have been cancelled. We encourage you to go online to PoncaCity.com to view an updated calendar of events. If you have information about your event, please email them at info@poncacity.com and they will update the community calendar.

April 2020

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CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon Written by Suzanne Slade • Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon is a stunning tribute to the Apollo program and its contributions, both beneficial and negative to the Space Race.

On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy announced his dream to the world – that by the end of the decade, America would successfully land a man on the moon and return him safely home. President Kennedy’s dream became our nation’s goal throughout the following 2,979 days. Despite devastating setbacks – the assassination of JFK followed by the fiery death of three astronauts on the launch pad – America persevered, refusing to allow these sacrifices to be for naught. Project Apollo involved over four thousand support personnel – engineers, mathematicians, scientists, machinists, and technicians – and eighteen astronauts, all working together to accomplish this monumental task and make America’s dream a reality.

Written in compelling free verse and filled with breathtaking illustrations, Countdown:

ADULT BOOK REVIEW

2979 Days to the Moon tells the story of America’s endeavor to land the first man on the moon. Award-winning author Suzanne Slade and New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez chronicle the Apollo missions (1 through 10) – the successes, the failures, the sacrifices, and the lessons learned – that allowed an American, Neil Armstrong, to be the first man to walk on the moon on July 16, 1969.

Grades 4-8, it would be hard to fine a more stunning portrayal of the events that unfolded throughout our space history. The beautiful illustrations bring the imagination into a very real time.

Brace Books & More has a complete selection of non-fiction titles for every age and interest group.

Our thanks to Brace Books for providing these book reviews!

Where the Crawdads Sing

For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. She is a barefoot and wild child, unfit for polite society. So, in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Marsh Girl Kya Clark. But Kya is not what they say. Kya’s family began abandoning her at the age of 6, by 10 she was completely on her own. Attending only one day of school before deciding she would rather be on her own in the bayou, she learned to live on the tale tell signs of nature.

Eventually Kya grows a longing for other human interaction, only to be let down once again by those she grows close to.

Owens paints a beautiful and

By Delia Owens

mesmerizing picture of the North Carolina backwoods that it makes you want to drop everything and find your own peace and quiet. This novel twists and turns through Kya coming of age, attempting to find the contact she craves without giving in to the demands of being a proper socialized citizen, being accused of murder, and ending with a complete shocker that you would never predict. It is definitely a book you will have trouble putting down, once you open it. Suspense meets romance meets some of the most vivid fiction ever written.

Where the Crawdads Sing has remained on our Best Sellers list almost since the time it came out. Picked by multiple National book clubs, as well as most of our local book clubs. Received a 4.49-star rating on GoodReads Hardcover Best Sellers are always twenty percent off at Brace Books & More.

April 2020

23

BY TRENA M JENNINGS

Pickleball Proliferates in Ponca City ers to the RecPlex to join the group throughout the year. Hiatt exclaimed, “We’re on a map. A national map. Ponca City!”

nis, I enjoy that aspect of the sport. I find it a lot of fun. They’re great people. They’re a great community to be around.”

That sense of community leads to social get togethers throughout the year including an annual Christmas party.

Hiatt remarked, “Pickleball is another alternative to exercise with a human element. Exercise can be boring with just you and a machine, but with this, if you miss several times, you are missed. You are part of a community. There’s nothing like it.”

Although tournaments have not been played since Evan Smith sends the ball over the net just outside of the the group’s move “kitchen” while playing doubles with his partner, Sherri to the RecPlex, Hiatt said that plans are Tate. The “kitchens” is the non-volley zone that extends to each side line and then 7 feet on either side of the net. in the works to bring them back.

Smith and Tate played against Barbara Auld and John She pointed out Recently the Parks and Recreation Varee (not pictured). that tournaments Department refurbished one of the are great for tour- basketball courts at the RecPlex and This year marks the 55th anism, because they incorporated the stripes for Pickleniversary of the fastest growwatching it on YouTube, and within bring people to hotels, restaurants ball. Previously the players had to ing sport in the U.S. with the most an hour had ordered a pickleball set and shopping. lay down tape to mark the game’s unusual name, and it’s being played and began playing at home. It wasn’t boundaries. The RecPlex also proright here in Ponca City. Every Mon- long before a group formed to play Currently the Ponca City group vides the nets, balls, and paddles. day, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to regularly at Unity Gym, where the City 11 a.m. and Tuesdays beginning at 6 of Ponca City allowed them to play has approximately 25 members, and Hiatt and all the Pickleball of Ponca p.m. people of all ages can be found for free. During the spring and fall is not large enough to be a league. City players invite everyone to come playing pickleball at the RecPlex. the Parks and Recreation Department However, that does not inhibit this join the fun. For more information call would help host tournaments, invit- group’s enthusiasm. David Nelsen (580) 716-1237.

The Pickleball of Ponca City group ing smaller communities like Stillwa- and his wife, Mel, belong to a league in Wichita, Kansas, but boasts an age range of 17 to 74 years ter and Arkansas City to participate. enjoy playing in Ponca City.

Rather than shaking hands, pickleold. Nathalia Hiatt, an ambassador for Nelsen said, “This is home and the USA Pickleball Association (USAball players touch the butts of their Eric Newell, Director of Parks and PA), describes the game as addictive, Recreation, being very supportive of this is recreational. The league racquets as a gesture of good sportssaying, “You’ll enjoy it so much, you’ll pickleball, felt a move to the RecPlex is much more competitive. This manship. Pictured clockwise are Mel laugh so hard, you’ll get a good ab would be in the group’s best interest. is kind of relaxed, easy. No Nelsen, John Varee, Jesse Aranda and workout.”

Hiat said, “He knew that being here one’s trying to kill it all the time.”

Sherri Tate. would be better for us because we What makes this game so unusual are visible to the community. We have The group’s youngest and so addictive? It’s a cross between acquired a lot of new players because member is 17 year old tennis and ping pong and is played we have moved here.”

Evan Smith. Smith is a sewith a net, ball and paddle on a badminton-size court. The ball is similar There are no dues or fees to join nior at Ponca City High to a wiffle ball, and does not bounce the Pickleball of Ponca City group. School and is on the varsity as much as a tennis ball. The paddle The only cost is a membership or day tennis team. While playing is larger than a ping pong paddle, fee at the RecPlex. Rules of the game, basketball with his brother yet smaller than a tennis racquet. The places to play, and equipment can at the RecPlex one day, he smaller court, design of the paddle, be purchased at the USAPA website, saw the game of pickleball being played and decided and the less bouncy ball allows for www.usapa.org. to give it a try. Now he uses more accuracy, keeping the ball in play more.

Places to Play is an app that shows his free time during 2nd all the locations across the country period on most Mondays, Six years ago a friend of Hiatt’s re- where pickleball is played. Informa- Wednesday and Fridays to turned from a road trip with stories of tion on the app includes town, what go to the RecPlex and play. a game that was being played at RV days, hours, cost, and skill level. The He said, “I enjoy playing it, parks across the country. Hiatt began app draws travelling pickleball play- and since it’s a lot like ten-

24

April 2020

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAREY HEAD/PONCA CITY MONTHLY

Business Spotlight:

New Medical Spa To Provide Beauty In Services and Design

A luxurious new experience is coming to Ponca City designed with you in mind. Owner Shannon Puetz, RN, is creating “Aesthetic State of Mind” medical spa to be housed in an historic downtown building.

Puetz’ vision is to give her client-patient the best non-surgical anti-aging treatments in an interior designed to be high-end, very clean and modern, “while still paying homage to the unique history of the building,” she says.

Puetz holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Oklahoma University and is currently working in critical care. Succeeding in the rigorous OU College of Nursing training program was fueled by her dream of one day opening a med spa in her hometown.

“This is why I became a nurse eight years ago. This was the plan,” says Puetz.

Today, her dream is just weeks away from becoming reality. Generous space in the historic Marland Building, located at Fourth and Grand, is being retrofitted to house the medical spa. Construction is spearheaded by building owners, Jodi Cline and her husband Floyd Jones, owner of B.C. Coatings.

WHAT IS A MEDICAL SPA? Medical spas, also known as medi spas or med spas, seek to combine some medical procedures traditionally performed in a doctor’s office with the relaxing experience of a day spa. Particular focus is on non-surgical anti-aging treatments.

Puetz’ practice will be directed by a physician serving as medical director. In addition to herself, specialists including laser technicians and those conducting injection procedures also will be Registered Nurses.

Laser treatments and products like Botox injections aren’t new to Ponca City. What makes “Aesthetic State of Mind” different?

What makes us different than a traditional (or former) doctor's office or someone offering services out of their home is that this is our only focus,” she explains. “This is not something we are doing on the side.”

She also points to the importance of a surrounding that is both clinically safe but relaxing, as well. “A home is not a controlled environment, there are pets and kids, etc., and at the end of the day, these are medical procedures and services. Most doctors’ offices are controlled, but (the interior design) feel lackluster. They don't provide that glamorous experience in a beautiful and renovated, professionally-designed and decorated space that we aim to offer.”

WHAT CAN A CUSTOMER EXPECT WHEN ENTERING “AESTHETIC STATE OF MIND”?

Clients are strongly encouraged to make an appointment, either in person or by calling (580) 7169779. “This is because we must obtain a proper history and physical on every potential client that walks through our door seeking services. This is an import-

ant step in ensuring that we are checking for contraindications and potential adverse reactions that may arise,” Puetz explains.

Together with the physician, an anti-aging plan is created, Puetz says. Her goal is to provide consultation, evaluation and treatment within the same day.

WHAT SERVICES WILL BE OFFERED? When the doors open in the near future, Puetz will offer anti-aging treatments known as neuro-modulators (Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are industry leaders). “Neuromodulators block neurons from muscle movement to help decrease fine lines and wrinkles,” she explains. “I have spent countless hours studying these lines and the effects they have on how to obtain the best desired outcomes.”

She adds, “I have certifications Jodi Cline, center, discusses construction plans with new business from providers ranging from Bevowners Shannon Puetz, left, and Sam Lionelli. Cline owns The Marerly Hills to Dallas to San Antonio.

Education and the knowledge of land Building, located at Fourth and Grand, and is retrofitting officfacial anatomy are so vital; (howes to house Aesthetic State of Mind, a luxury medical spa. Puetz is ever,) so many people feel they a Registered Nurse specializing in critical care. The med spa is the can take an online class or attend realization of a dream she has been working to achieve for eight a one-day course and feel like they are set to provide these services to years. A late spring opening is planned. the public. That is simply not the case at all! Learning is growth and both are critical in serving your client/patients,” Puetz American Medical Spa Association, of which Puetz is a member. adds.

Puetz has tapped into the centuries-old secret for Soon to follow will be treatments including dermal successful business: “People come to people for their fillers to enhance lips, cheeks and jawlines. Intravenous hydration therapy, including vitamin and miner- skills, their personality and the experience you proal replacement and whole-body hydration. vide them,” she says. “People don't buy products; “Most people live their life in dehydration,” Puetz people buy experiences and outcomes.” says. “You should drink half your body weight in ouncPuetz believes Aesthetic State of Mind will deliver on es of water. If you weight 150 pounds then you must its “aesthetic” name by providing happiness through drink 75 ounces of water, minimum, to stay hydrated.” beauty and science.

Soon Puetz is bringing an aesthetician to her team “People come to you because they trust you and of medical procedure specialists. The aesthetician will that you (are) properly trained, educated and have offer services including facials, micro-needling and taken the necessary steps to provide them with the skin resurfacing. best experience,” she adds. “We want client-patients As the Aesthetic State of Mind team’s ability to expertly deliver each new offering is tested to meet to walk into our newly remodeled space and get an Puetz’ specifications, then it will be offered to the aesthetic experience that they would expect from a public. The training and certification of each medical high-class spa in a major metropolitan area.”

To learn more, visit Asom.us or AestheticStateOfprofessional has already met the scrutiny of Oklahoma Department of Health, Oklahoma State Board of Mind.com. You are welcome to reach out to Shannon Cosmetology, Oklahoma Board of Nursing and the Puetz via email, Shannon@asom.us.

Ponca City, get ready to say, “Wow! Look at You!” Oklahoma Medical Board as well as the oversight of

April 2020

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Restrictions Apply. One coupon per table. On coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires7/1/2020

Restrictions Apply. One coupon per table. On coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires7/1/2020

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April 2020

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PHOTO BY CAREY HEAD/PONCA CITY MONTHLY

S E E D S

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Ponca City, is a veteran crossword constructor with puzzles published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsday and USA Today. Puzzlewright Press has published two books of Jordan’s crossword constructions.

Now he will add Ponca City Monthly to his illustrious publication list. Each month Jordan will create a Ponca City-themed crossword puzzle for readers to enjoy and pick up some Ponca City trivia. Look for this month's puzzle on Page

W I

Patrick Jordan,

P A L S

About the Author

Buy local and be a Stuteville S.T.A.R.!

Complimentary Lube, Oil and Tire Changes Complimentary Car Wash Courtesy Loan Vehicle Express Shuttle Service Express Services Accessory Discount Enhanced Trade-In Value

3330 N. 14th St. 800-456-2438 www.StutevillePonca.com

BOUTIQUE & SALON

Full-service boutique and salon offering gorgeous clothing, quality handbags, fun jewelry and fabulous beauty products and services.

205 E. Grand • Ponca City • 580-762-8828

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

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

April 2020

27

BY KAT LONG

The Backyard Gardener

Spring in Ponca City

Whether you are a hater (yes, allergies) or a lover of springtime in Oklahoma, here we are in April. Be on the lookout for Seed Swaps, Plant Sales and all manner of workshops on gardening, yard beautification and pollinator protection. All of these things are important to the Backyard Gardener.

Hello all. Kat Long, the Ponca City Backyard Gardener has landed in the Ponca City Monthly. And I am so happy to still be writing my garden ramblings after seven years. So, let’s chat about gardens, seeds, bees, chickens and anything else that comes down the garden path. Why backyard gardening? Because sometimes growing things isn’t pretty, but it can be functional. Much like a backyard. I hope to give you permission to garden and grow edibles in a way that suits your lifestyles. All the lifestyles. So, let’s begin with seeds and sowing.

SO MANY SEEDS There are so many kinds and varieties of seeds. If you are a newbie to the seed arena, don’t get overwhelmed. It is a slippery slope from wanting to buy seeds for the garden to collecting seeds because they look fabulous.

They are two separate hobbies. Promise.

Excellent seeds to begin with are the usual suspects: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and green beans. Good tomato breeds are cherry tomatoes like Super Sweets or Yellow Pear cherry tomatoes. For the bigger tomatoes try a Beefsteak variety or a Cherokee Purple. And you don’t have to grow from seed. Buy the plants if seed is just too much work for your life.

For the really adventurous seed starter, check with others in the garden community at the annual Seed Swap @The Library here in Ponca City. 2020 Seed Swap is Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 to 1:00 pm. Seeds,

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April 2020

sometimes plants and always other gardeners to chat with about all the growing things.

You are invited. You might find a seed or two that does really well in Ponca. And there arealways basil, parsley and lemon balm seeds.

enough information so you know some history on the seeds you are saving and possibly swapping.

Kat Long

BUYING SEEDS I always try to buy organic seeds.

The seeds just seem to be hardier and sprout easier. Also, I am not a fan of this new trend of inoculating the seed in a case to make them hardier or grow better. A seed will grow or it won’t. The more you know about the seeds, the better the chances of them sprouting and growing.

Malabar Spinach WHEN TO SOW THE SEEDS Next, after you acquire your seeds, whether you saved them, bought them or brought them home from a swap, pay close attention to the information about the seed.

SAVING SEEDS If you saved the seeds, make sure to write on your envelope or storage bag these things: 1. Growing Conditions – Sun? Shade? Fertilizer? Liked lots of water? Sahara conditions? Etc…

Story: A few years back I bought some Malabar Spinach seeds because it looked cool. It was a vining spinach-like plant. I planted them in April with all the other seeds. The other plants came up, but no Malabar. May comes and goes. And then the June heat hit.

I started noticing these little purple leafed vines in the yard and thought “Great. A new weed to deal with.” Then it dawned on me it was the Malabar Spinach finally sprouting.

Malabar needs hot weather (look up Malabar Coast weather) to grow. And then, wow. It is all over the place. I saved seeds from the plants and the Malabar sprouted earlier the following year. The last time I planted it was 2018 and it sprouted in early May and was finished and seeded by August. The seed story matters.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION ARE:

2. Year – and month if you are collecting the same seeds twice a year.

The Kay County OSU Cooperative Extension office in Newkirk: 580-362-3194

3. When did they sprout? Two weeks after planting? Two months? Temp? Weather?

OSU Extension Fact Sheets: extension.okstate.edu/factsheets

You don’t have to write a bible, but do give

Seedtospoon.net (gardening app and blog)

Celebrating the Benefits

mission is to serve the customers. ofgoals.

Local Power! term community • Equal or greater reliability. om crews located in the community.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers. .

• Emphasis on long-term community goals. response from crews located in the community.

•not-for-profi Equal or greater reliability. ment •–Quick t electricity

Celebrating the Benefits of Local Power!

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

“Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

• Local employment.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve • Economic development – not-for-profit electricity the customers. attracts business. ectric distribution system aesthetics • Emphasis on long-term community goals.

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics • Quick response from crews located in and design. ues and technology to and meet • Innovation techniques technology to meet the community. energy needs.

• Local employment.

• Local Power supports other entities such as police, fire, • Economic development – not-for-profit orts other such as police, fire, parkentities and recreation, library, to name a few, by electricity business. contributions toattracts the general on, library, to name a city’s few, by fund.

Customers direct and powerful voice insystem decision• Controlhave overathe electric distribution aesthetics and design. e city’s• general fund. making through their communities elected officials.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet energy needs. direct•and in decisionLocal powerful Power makesvoice a difference every day: you live in a • Local Power supports other such asit! police, fire, park and recreation, library, Local Power Community.

Appreciate it and support eir communities elected offi cials.entities to name a few, by contributions to the city’s general fund.

Learn more about Our Local Power by visiting

Reinvestment Reliability Accessibility Local Control Reinvestment Community Like

what you see in this premier edition OurLocalPower.org of Ponca City Monthly?

Reliability Accessibility Community

OurLocalPower.org

s a difference every day: you and livepowerful in a voice in decisionmaking through their • Customers have a direct www.OurLocalPower.org munity. Appreciate it and support it! communities elected officials. ut Our• Local Power visitingevery day: you live in a Local Power Community.

Local Power makesby a difference

Appreciate it and support it!

OurLocalPower.org

Ponca PoncaCity’s City’s Earth Day Celebration is Earth Day by visiting for believingwww.OurLocalPower.org in and supporting Wednesay, April 22, Celebration Our Local Power Utility!

9-1 at Unity Gym. THANK YOU PONCA CITY is Wednesday, for believing in and supporting April 22, 9-1 Ponca City’s REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

U PONCA CITY at Unity Gym. Our Local Power Utility!

Learn more about Our Local Power THANK YOU PONCA CITY

Earth Day Celebration is in and supporting April 22, offer Heat Pump Rebates! Call Ponca City Energy Wednesay, at 580-767-0405. al PowerWeUtility!

Advertise your business or service with us.

Call Robyn Ryan, Advertising Director for details at 580-761-1295.

9-1 at Unity Gym.

Mary Beth Moor-e3456

eat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

Law firm of

Boettcher | Devinney | Ingle | Wicker

580-401

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mbclarkmoore@yahoo.com

• Social Security Disability

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115 East Grand, Ponca City Offices also in Tulsa, Stillwater & Oklahoma City

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April 2020

29

RECIPE & PHOTOS BY PAUL MEUHLBURG

Recipes

Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits If you know me, then you know I live for brunch. While spending a weekend with a friend in Los Angeles cooking, drinking wine, and eating at fantastic restaurants, we brunched at M.B. Post in Manhattan Beach. Chef David LeFevre, and former Iron Chef contestant, has made this restaurant locally renowned for his Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits. I instantly fell in love and these savory bits of heaven, and they have become a staple

at my brunches. Like Chef LeFevre, I use them as a base for eggs benny, various breakfast sandwiches, and I even serve them alone with whipped maple butter and jalapeño sandplum jam! However you decide to top them, I suspect that you’ll fall in love with these biscuits, just as I did.

I modified his recipe to work with a food processor, rather than cutting the butter into the dry ingredients by hand.

INGREDIENTS:

12 oz (1 1/2 cups)

Chilled All-Purpose Flour

4 1/4 tsp

Baking Powder

1 tsp

Kosher Salt

1 oz (1/8 cup)

Sugar

1 1/4 tsp

Baking Soda

1 stick

Frozen Butter (cut into cubes)

1 cup

Cold Buttermilk

6 oz

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (cut into 1/4” cubes)

6 oz

Bacon (rendered, drained and roughly chopped)

1 oz (1 cup)

Fresh Chives (chopped)

1/2 oz (1 Tbsp)

Clarified Butter

1/4 oz (about 11/2 tsp)

Fleur de Sel finishing salt (optional)

Makes 12 drop biscuits INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Using a food processor, pulse flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and baking soda until combined. Add the frozen butter and pulse until the butter is the size of hazelnuts.

dough a few times with your hands until a rough dough is formed making sure to incorporate any loose or dry pieces of dough (dough will be slightly dry and a little crumbly). Be careful to not overwork the dough, or your biscuits will be dense.

Using a ¼ measuring cup, drop dough in 12 scoops onto parchTransfer contents to a large mixing bowl; add cheese, bacon and chives; using a fork or whisk, mix until evenly combined. Working ment lined baking sheet. Brush tops with clarified butter. Sprinkle with quickly so as to not let the butter warm, gradually drizzle the chilled fleur de sel if using and bake 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden buttermilk into the bowl while stirring and tossing with a fork. Knead brown. Cool for 5 minutes and serve.

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April 2020

CONGRATULATIONS!

TRACY BAILEY 2019 Clinical Manager of the Year

Tracy is the Director of Women and Children’s Services in the Birth and Family Center and her primary responsibilities include Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics and OB/GYN. Tracy has been employed in our hospital for 24 years and has 15 years of experience in the Birth and Family Center. She is an excellent role model for other leaders in her passion for patient and staff safety.

Tracy is committed to serving on numerous quality, safety and patient experience teams and committees within the hospital.

WILLIAM COOMER 2019 Non-Clinical Manager of the Year

MALINDA JACKSON 2019 Employee of the Year

William is the Director of Facilities and manages the Plant Engineering Department, Maintenane and Security.

William develops and implements operating policies and modifies programs to maintain the Physical Plant, grounds and equipment of the hospital through effective utilization of personnel and materials. He is very passionate about his work at our facility and has been employed here almost 8 years.

Malinda works as a Monitor Tech/Unit Clerk in the Medical/Surgical Unit.

She has been employed with AllianceHealth Ponca City since 2013.

William was also 1 of 3 AllianceHealth employees selected as the NonClinical Managers of the Year and will be recognized for this award in Tennessee later this year.

Malinda will be traveling to Tennessee soon to celebrate with other award recipients.

Malinda was nominated for being an exceptional role model for everyone.

She displays professionalism, compassion and commitment daily. She serves as an example for excellence in care.

Tracy, William and Malinda are pictured above receiving their awards from Chris Mendoza, CEO, AllianceHealth Ponca City.

1900 N. 14th • 580-765-3321 April 2020

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