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May 2020
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3
May 2020 FEATURES
6 9 12
20
Look for the Helpers Jordan Is a Giant in Crossword Construction
Thoughts from the Class of 2020
HEALTH & BEAUTY
14 14 15 15
Keep That Youthful Glow: Sun Protection 101 It's Time to Think About Being Fit Again
EDITOR'S NOTE
ARTSPACE
18
Skating, Music & Art Round Out Bradley Hayes' Life
BOOK REVIEWS
27
Children's Book Review: The Survivor Tree
27
Adult Book Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz
THE BACKYARD GARDENER
Stay Motivated While Sheltering
28
Fitness at Home
RECIPES
HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT
17 17 23
Vol. 1 No. 2
Ponca City: We Love You: Evans & Associates BUSINESS Spends Six Decades Growing Its 24 Small Business Thoughts & Tips: Hometown Enterprises Ponca City Development Authority Ponca City Man's 'Pan Cave' Captures Over 25 Business Spotlight: A+ Printing a Century of Cast Iron History
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT
11
•
Stew on That by Rachel Stewart
22 30
In Defense of Mint
Taco Casserole Bake Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Crossword Puzzle Crossword Answers
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” As Charles Dickens so eloquently said, that too seems to be the shared sentiment during this unique time in American history. Families all over our country are either “trapped” or “safe” at home, depending on their perspective on this pandemic. While essential employees continue to brave this dangerous environment to provide necessary goods and services, the rest of the world sits and waits for a time when it will again be safe. Those hunkering at home are cooking, cleaning, reading, working on long-forgotten projects, and spending time reflecting on what this “Great Pause” means for them. We all find ourselves grateful for the sudden slow down, but sad for the circumstances surrounding it. How or when the world will begin turning again is yet to be determined, but history and experience tell us that “this too shall pass.” This year reminds me of 2009, when my world was turned upside down during my husband’s unexpected deployment. I call 2009 “the year that wasn’t.” Five months pregnant and chasing a two-year-old, I remember the out-out-body feeling every day when I woke up knowing this couldn’t be real life, that things just weren’t quite right. I felt powerless like my life was not my own. But after a few months of feeling sorry for myself, I decided I was tired of feeling hopeless. During that year, I learned to find joy when life felt joyless, I learned to laugh even when I wanted to cry. My husband tells me this is what the military calls “embracing the suck,” and it’s a common phrase for those on deployment. I hope this issue of Ponca City Monthly provides you with a good laugh, a good puzzle, a good story, a good recipe, and a general reprieve from the news of the world. I hope it serves as a reminder that even in the worst of times, even if this is, for many, “the year that wasn’t” there is still joy to be found, laughter to be had, and much to be grateful for.
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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May 2020
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
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
© MyMediaMatters, LLC, dba Ponca City Monthly 2020. For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact admin@ my-mediamatters.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
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May 2020
5
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KELSEY WAGNER
Alliance Health hired local artists Kortny Dylewski (Red Dirt Rosie), Elizabeth Wood (Grace Full Designs) and Alena Jennings (The Doodle Academy) to paint colorful, uplifting art on the hospital windows. The images have come to embody the hope and strength of the entire community.
Look for the Helpers The month of April was a trying time for those in healthcare. Long hours, the dangerous COVID-19 virus and shortages of gowns, masks, and other personal protective equipment proved to make an already precarious situation even more dire. But despite the shortages, community members in Ponca City stepped up to fill gaps when PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) could not be acquired through regular means.
Wanda Shelton is pictured here wearing a PPE gown, one of dozens she made and donated to Alliance Health. Shelton helped design and distribute the gown pattern that was made available to the community. By mid-April, over 150 PPE gowns had been made and donated. (Photo provided by Alliance Health .)
Nancy Taylor, owner of Completely Quilted, a certified Bernina Sewing Center and downtown store full of fabrics and sewing notions, sat at her machine, explaining how she became involved with a project to provide PPE for local hospital workers. “It kind of started on Facebook, and someone tagged me in a plea for these gowns, that they needed 300 of them sewn,� Taylor explained. There had been several Facebook posts asking for community members to sew hospital gowns. One video post was written by staff member Tina Gibson of AllianceHealth Ponca City, who created a pattern to sew simple, protective gowns out of dollar store plastic tablecloths. Another staff member, Traci Wedd, had assisted with the pattern, figuring out a way to seal the plastic sleeve seams with a hair flat iron. The post on Facebook went viral, and a movement was born.
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May 2020
“I mean, how do you say yes to something like this?” she exclaimed. “I had no idea how they were sewn, what material was supposed to be used, or what environment they had to be sewn in. I had so many questions! Do I have to be suited up while sewing these?” Taylor says, despite her questions, she thought, “Yes! I will help however I can because we have the machines. The machines we have are built for this kind of stuff.” Taylor’s quilt shop was initially closed as part of Governor Stitt’s executive order to close non-essential businesses. However, just one day after closure, she received a message that her store was, in fact, exempt and deemed essential. Once Nancy agreed to make the gowns, she contacted Kimberlyn Bivins, Marketing Director at AllianceHealth, who, inspired by the staff members' simple gown pattern, was providing materials, patterns, and inNancy Taylor, owner of Completely structions to the community memQuilted in downtown Ponca City sits bers who were capable of sewing gowns. AllianceHealth asked comat her machine at her store where the munity member Wanda Shelton to donated gowns were put together. create patterns on newsprint to Taylor explained the process of sewing the hand out. Bivins said, “We immediately began laying the groundwork within the community, informing them of the supplies we would need for (continued on Page 8)
gowns in a YouTube video that was shared widely on Facebook. Each gown had to be cut first from the newsprint to make a pattern, then from the plastic tablecloths before sewing on the gown arms and back. May 2020
7
(HELPERS from Page 7) continued long-term care of COVID patients. We’ve had an unprecedented response from local businesses donating supplies from their own inventory, Ponca City Public Schools donating a large supply of hand sanitizer as well as individuals in Ponca City and the surrounding communities working diligently to sew cloth masks and plastic gowns.” Taylor says she was provided with two rolls of plastic sheeting and the pattern, and immediately set to work. The pattern was simple, but Taylor worried about other seamstresses possibly needing further instructions. So, Taylor created a YouTube video to aid others as they created more gowns.
"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” -Mr. Rogers The local Area Quilters Guild and Shelton, who supplied the pattern, also cut, sewed, and donated gowns. In addition to gowns, many businesses and community members have also donated face masks, hand sanitizer, food, ice cream and drinks to support front line healthcare workers. To date, just over half of the initial 300 gowns have been delivered to the hospital. The first 150 gowns are now being used in vital areas caring for COVID patients.
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May 2020
"Thank you to everyone who has supplied our hospital with PPE, meals, drinks, snacks and inspirational notes," Bivins said. "We are overjoyed at the outpouring of donations and support for our local healthcare heroes. This is an extraordinary time, and we are so thankful to live and work in this community.” The COVID pandemic has been a trying experience for many and has brought our healthcare and economic system to the brink. But as Mr. Rogers, the late star of the children’s PBS series once said to children dealing with calamity, “Look for the Helpers.” “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news,” Rogers said, “my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” In this case, the helpers are your neighbors, your friends, the ladies at church. As people continue to navigate these uncertain times, and as the world begins to slowly return to some semblance of normalcy, it is reassuring to know that we live in a community where, in the face of chaos and calamity, helpers are never very far away.
STORY AND PHOTO BY CAREY HEAD
Jordan Is a Giant in Crossword Construction Crossword puzzle constructors work in a world of letters and boxes. The puzzle builder, known as a constructor, determines patterns of words to fit into interconnecting boxes and then devises clues to help the puzzle solver, or cruciverbalist, determine the correct word to fill in the blank. Attention All Cruciverbalists: There is a giant amongst us. He is Ponca City’s own Patrick Jordan. In the world of professional crossword constructors, Jordan ranks with the very best. His competitive experience in solving crossword puzzles include tournament, television and film appearances. He competed numerous times in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. In 2005 he appeared in the theatrically released documentary “Wordplay” and was named champion on the television game show “Merv Griffin’s Crosswords.” Now retired from his career as an advertising manager, Jordan has more time to construct crossword puzzles, which national publications are eager to purchase. USA Today publishes Jordan’s original crossword creations at least twice monthly. His works also have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsday and the Washington Post, as well as on the internet and in the Simon & Schuster puzzles book series. Jordan’s work is featured exclusively in two books of crossword collections, “D is For Dalmatian” and “Crafty Crosswords.” “All the puzzles I make have themes. All the long answers have something in common,” he says. He likes to design the puzzle so these three to four long answers “are placed ‘across’ so it stands out to the puzzle worker.” Jordan keeps a notebook at home and in his car so he can keep a running list of ideas. From something he’s read to landmarks, old game shows, even trivia, it’s all game for his next game. Ponca City Monthly readers can tackle Jordan’s exclusive crossword challenges featuring Ponca City landmarks, events, history, even trivia. He prefers using “fresh language” and shuns the trend to use obscure references. He also tries to include every letter of the alphabet and keep the number of black boxes to a minimum, which forces him to think creatively. Jordan began playing around with crossword puzzles as a kid with the “Weekly Reader” puzzles. By junior high he was dedicating his allowance to purchasing puzzle magazines. As he entered college in the early 1980s, he began to design puzzles by hand on graph paper with the clues typewritten, double-spaced, then submitted for consideration. Penny Press, publisher of puzzle magazines, purchased several of his puzzles, earning him pocket money. Today, computers and desktop publishing have reduced the hours of tedious hand work, leaving more time for the creative process. Jordan estimates he has created more than 2,000 crossword puzzles. He also creates custom crosswords, including three puzzles featuring marriage proposals built into the answers. To learn more about commissioning a custom crossword puzzle for family, friends or business, visit www.pjscustomcrosswords.com.
May 2020
9
– LISTINGS SOLD IN 2020 –
UNDER CONTRACT
2301 Oriole
740 N. 14th
1604 E. Woodland 26 Stoneridge
1208 Memory 1709 Princeton
1505 Cleary
1500 Potomac 3102 Turner 126 Whitworth
2028 N. 4th
152 Seeley
1500 Autumn 344 Sherwin 1624 N. Pecan 3017 Meadow Ln.
1107 S. 2nd, Blackwell 2501 Cardinal 1616 Riggs 2706 Mockingbird
Call now for a free market analysis. Let’s put a SOLD sign in your yard!
LIZ GREENE
Some Thoughts from the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce... Shop Ponca First – Many retailers have websites where you can buy online. If your favorite Ponca retailer does not have online service, they may be willing to take an order over the phone and have it delivered. Order to Go – Many of our local restaurants have drive-up windows. Many are offering people the opportunity to call in with an order and then pick it up. Some will deliver. Just ask. Keep Donating – If you are still working, don’t forget about the many organizations serving Ponca City. They need your continued financial support. Our church doors might be closed, but they still need your contributions.
580-763-4887
Collaboration – Let’s all work together to figure out how we can survive and thrive during this time. Share ideas with the Chamber Office, Main Street, PCDA and the City of Ponca City. Let’s get through this together!
580-765-0825 • 411 N. 14th • Ponca City
Tip A Little Extra – If you are able to, please give a little more than normal. These service workers may not have the privilege of income security, and a little extra can go a long way.
Text me to receive a link to my new KW App for all your property searches. Email: LizGreene@kw.com
Each Keller Williams office is independently owned & operated.
Buy a Gift Card – Unable to shop or dine in right now? Buy a gift card from a local business to give to someone or to use later. For those not wanting to visit the store in person, you can call and pay over the phone, and the gift card could be mailed to you. Social Media – Be positive about shopping locally, and share with your friends the various things you hear that support Ponca City. Follow the Guidelines – Do what the CDC advises all of us to do. Avoid social gatherings, always practice good hygiene and stay home as much as possible. Positive Thinking – Remember, this will have an ending. Focus on what new activities you might be able to do. Have incredible family time. Are there home improvement projects that can be done? How about that TV show or movie you have been wanting to watch? Now is the time to catch up on your sleep.
PONCA
CHAMBER OF 10
May 2020
CITY
COMMERCE
STORY BY JENNIFER VAUGHAN
Youth Spotlight: Thoughts from the Class of 2020 On March 12, Ponca City Public School students left school excited for Spring Break. What no one knew at the time was that it would be their last day of school as they knew it. On March 25 at 10:00 PM, after a unanimous vote by the Oklahoma State Board of Education to close all schools in the state, Ponca City public schools released the following statement: “The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted Wednesday to close public schools statewide for the remainder of the school year and to turn to distance learning in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has now infected 164 Oklahomans. The state board’s vote also means that all extracurricular activities and special events will be canceled or postponed as well. These decisions were not made lightly, and making these difficult decisions is simply the right thing to do for our students, our staff, and our community’s health and safety.” Ponca City Monthly put out an open call on our Facebook page to all seniors to submit their thoughts and opinions. We wanted to allow our local high school seniors to share what they’ve learned; mourn what they’ve lost; and to provide us with a look into how this has affected their lives. Here’s some insight from four of our Ponca City High School seniors. What will you miss the most about your senior year? Graduation. I feel that is one of the biggest milestones in everyone’s life. I am heartbroken I won’t have that memory for myself and even my future family. - Landrie Kinkaid I will miss seeing my friends every day. It is difficult even now when I can’t see anybody. It will be hard next year when I won’t be around my friends all the time. - Macy Swineheart Not getting to really finish.
- Tate Burdick
I miss my routine. Getting up, working out, going to hi-stepping practice, getting to seeing my friends and the faculty. - Ryleah Tyndall
get some stuff done around the house. Organize messy drawers, sort out clothes I don’t wear and deep clean everything. I have spent a lot more time with my family. It’s been a lot of fun watching movies, doing puzzles, and going on lots of walks to the pond down the street. - Macy More time to be lazy and just chill for once. - Tate I get more sleep. Family dynamic is better because my sister is home. - Ryleah Ponca City Public Schools does hope to hold either traditional or alternative graduation ceremonies at a later date if possible. If graduation ceremonies are not held, do you or your parents have any special plans to celebrate graduation while maintaining social distancing? As of now we don’t have any plans. I don’t have my cap or gown. As far as I know it is still at the school. I would love to collect my cap and gown so I could at least have some photos in it. - Landrie We will most likely have a small party with the family that is already in my house. We might FaceTime a couple friends and family during the party. - Macy No clue. Still kind of mourning the fact that we won’t get to walk across the stage. - Tate No. We’re waiting to see what happens. - Ryleah If you could name one positive thing that has happened because of the mandatory quarantine, what would it be? How has it changed your family dynamic? Has it given you more time to do other things? I would say the only positive for me is spending quality time with my family before I move out for college. - Landrie One positive thing is that I have had time to
The last pandemic of this magnitude occurred in 1918. The COVID-19 pandemic was 102 years later in 2020. Given this trend, what message or advice would you want to give future seniors (in another 100 years) to help them cope if the same thing happened to them? To never take simple life for granted. We never knew that Thursday was the last day of high school. We just never know. Things can change in a split second. I miss the little things. I miss waking up at 6:30 every morning for practice and school. My advice is to remember things could be worse and to trust God always. Cast your worries upon Him! - Landrie Some advice I would give is to just stay positive. It is hard to go through all this school without a public graduation ceremony. It makes it easier to reflect on your own accomplishments and that everything happens for a reason. Just keep your head up and know that good will come out of it in the end. - Macy I would say make the best of the situation by staying active, filling in the gap with other activities, new hobbies or just finding a way to stay busy. - Tate Stay at home. Follow the rules. Don’t make it last longer than it needs to. - Ryleah
May 2020
11
STORY AND PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LINDA BROWN
Ponca City: We Love You Evans & Associates Spends Six Decades Growing Its Hometown Enterprises
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.
Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc. is the banner name and parent company for a family of 18 companies involved in diverse operations.
Throop’s interest in the growing business. Three months later, at the company’s 15-year anniversary celebration, Jerry announced the new corporate name, Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc.
They include highway construction, distribution pipeline construction and repairs, underground utility repair and installation, fly ash sales and disposal, sand and aggregate quarrying, asphalt production, transportation services, ready-mix concrete production and ranching operations.
“This new identity would serve as a reminder to all employees that they were the ‘associates’ that continued to make the company successful,” Brown said. Growth and diversification became a recurring theme at every management meeting and leadership discussion group, she said.
“Our march of progress began on April 15, 1960, when Lloyd I. “Jerry” Evans, with his friend Jim Throop, purchased a small asphalt company consisting of one plant, 12 pieces of road construction equipment, and 11 employees,” said Linda Brown. Located on the northernmost edge of Ponca City, surrounded only by farmland and unpaved roads, Jerry and Jim proudly moved into their new “office,” which had been constructed years prior as a small two-bedroom house with a leanto for the family car. The walls of that small house are forever preserved at 3320 North 14th Street inside the current two-story corporate headquarters at the same location. “Our 60-year journey of growth and diversification has been paved with many challenges, a few failures, outstanding employees, hard-earned success and a growing corporate family. While asphalt is our ‘granddaddy,’ the company’s first tentative steps toward diversification began with the purchase of a concrete plant in Enid, OK, on Dec. 31, 1968. “We quickly learned that our success in the concrete industry would come from purchasing existing concrete operations in small communities throughout Oklahoma. With this business model, we could grow our corporate family with hardworking Oklahomans that would become actively involved in their local chambers, schools, civic organizations and philanthropic endeavors,” Brown said.
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May 2020
Linda Brown and Lee Evans
“Our managers were promoted from within and encouraged to become active in their communities. The parent company went on to purchase 11 more concrete plants, all in rural communities, where we believed that we could make a difference by providing a quality product and excellent service.” On Dec. 31, 1974, Jerry Evans purchased Jim
As a result, the company successfully ventured into other products and services related to its core business. Subsidiary operations were purchased or created in all areas of the state including Alva, Enid, Waukomis, Perry, Skiatook, Bartlesville, Miami, Grove, Fairland, Altus, Lawton, Fort Sill, Snyder, Ponca City and Oklahoma City. On June 23, 2002, the corporate family grieved the unexpected passing of friend, founder and leader, Jerry Evans. “For 42 years, Jerry had taught us how to work hard; take care of each other; give back to our communities; share our good fortunes and be integral parts of a corporate family,” Brown said. In return, Pat and Jerry were surrounded by loyal employees, many who had spent their entire careers at Evans & Associates. “We mourned our loss, and then honoring everything that he had taught us, we began to move forward with the same corporate family philosophy and the same passion for community service that he had taught each of us,” Brown said. A Board of Directors was formed, and together Lee Evans, Bruce Evans, Linda Brown, Glen Nickles, Jimmie Bentley and Larry Currier led the company for the next 16 years as we experienced a period of growth that would eventually employ more than 300 people state-wide.
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HARRY MYERS, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE After the passing of Pat Evans in 2018 and Bruce’s retirement in 2019, Lee purchased the outstanding stock of the company and became its sole owner on Oct. 23, 2019. Wanting to ensure the preservation of the company for years to come, Lee encouraged his son, Lee Evans Jr., to return to his hometown of Ponca City in March 2020 and join the family business. Evans & Associates is proud of their employees and the dedication they have to their local communities.
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
Ponca City provided Jerry Evans, a Wyoming native, with an “opportunity” and a “home” in 1960, and he spent his lifetime giving back his time and talent to make Ponca City and other Oklahoma communities a better place for his employees to live and work. The company continues that legacy. Jerry, Linda, Lee and Mandy Morris have all proudly served as Chairman of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. “Our commitment to community and service has been recognized by our Chamber with the selection of four recipients of the Outstanding Citizen Award within our corporate family - Jerry, Patti, Linda and Lee,” Lee Evans said. “The company continues to encourage employees to be active in every civic organization; takes pride in financially supporting every community project; supports all local sports clubs; establishes and financially supports scholarships at local colleges; encourages employees to serve on local boards; and assumes leadership positions.” Wanting to provide continuing financial support for many local charities, The Evans Family Foundation was created in 2002. Under the guidance of Lee, Bruce and Linda as Trustees, the Foundation distributes approximately $100,000 to Ponca City charities annually. “Ponca City has always been the location for our corporate headquarters; it has provided us with limitless opportunities to serve; it has produced many loyal and lifetime employees; it has encouraged us when times were hard; it has rejoiced in our success; it has honored us with recognition; it has provided us opportunities for growth; it is our home,” Evans said. “As we celebrate our 60th year, we pause to say thank you to a community that has been there through our trials and tribulations -- and will be there for us as we continue the Evans Family Legacy for years to come.”
Rusty Barrell will be closed temporarily so we can begin construction on our new Rusty Barrell Bar & Lounge! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates about the renovation process and reopening dates.
Best Little Steakhouse in Oklahoma RustyBarrellSu pperCl ub. com May 2020
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HEALTH &Beauty
KEEP THAT
Youthful GLOW:
SUN PROTECTION 101
Traci Irragi, Liles and Co. Salon Owner and Stylist
We all want to have an amazing complexion with that sought-after youthful glow and elasticity to our skin. How do we do that? Sunscreen or a product with an SPF is the answer.
Sunscreen is the best line of d e fense for premature aging. We all put sunscreen on our children or even our significant other’s back or shoulders, but we often forget ourselves. The top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is where most damage occurs. It happens over time with UVA and UVB rays and exposure to sun and lights on a daily basis. Overexposure to rays can cause lack of moisture, freckles, sunspots and wrinkles. Severe burns can cause damage to the dermis and is the leading cause of melanoma skin cancer. Whether these creams and lotions can help you avoid wrinkles, age spots, and other symptoms of premature skin aging depends on which type of ultraviolet radiation they block. Make sure you choose one that is a broad spectrum and protects you from both types of rays. Now is the perfect time to make sure your makeup contains sunscreen. The days are getting longer, and the sun is getting warmer
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May 2020
as we head into summertime. If your current makeup doesn’t have it, then you need to put sunscreen on before your foundation. Put on a generous amount and then allow to dry for 2-3 minutes. This will protect your skin and not interfere with your foundation coverage. It won’t cause streaking and will give you the ability to blend your color.
Fit
IT’S TIME TO THINK ABOUT BEING
AGAIN
Cosmetics are an FDA-regulated product so companies must put the SPF value on their packages. A higher SPF number doesn’t always mean better protection. Actually, 30 SPF has been proven to block 97 percent of the sun’s harmful rays for 10 hours. My favorite thing about my foundation it has a 30 SPF already built in, so it is one less step in my busy morning. I have switched from a traditional foundation to a tinted moisturizer that has 30 SPF and I wear it every day. Unfortunately, long gone are the days of me feeling comfortable going places without any makeup on, so it is the perfect solution. It provides me with protection and natural coverage even on errand days or when I am spending time outside. Keep in mind, no sunscreen is actually waterproof. Swimming, sweating or just normal daily activities cause sunscreens and foundations to wear off. You need to reapply throughout the day. One trick is to find a hydrating setting spray that has sunscreen in it or a finishing powder with SPF. You can freshen up your makeup throughout the day. A quick spray or a light dusting can keep your makeup from looking cakey, even out your skin tone and protect your skin.
Sam Lionelli Combat Syndicate Gym Owner
Quarantine is hopefully over by now, and like many of you, I went hard. So hard that my refrigerator is currently wanting to see other people. Seriously, every time I opened the door it screamed at me, “what do you want now?!”
With our new-found freedom, we will all most likely be flooding the gyms and looking for whatever quick fix we can find to lose the added pounds we put on during this national grounding. Starting off, you want to lift weights. The more muscle you put on, the more calories you burn throughout the day. You can add cardio if time allows. If your main goal is fat loss, lifting weights is a better use of your time. I would also recommend incorporating intermittent fasting (at least 16/8) and make sure you keep your protein intake up to at least a gram per pound of lean body mass. Follow me on Instagram for more health bites @hobosam
Fitness STAY
Motivated
WHILE SHELTERING
The key to our successes, both mentally and physically, is to make our efforts outweigh our temptations. Which thing do we want the most? Are we willing to Stacie Hobbs, be disciplined City of Ponca City to create a habit that launches our Employee goals into realiAquatic, Fitness, & ty? Mental posiCommunity Event tivity is not easy. It’s not naturally Coordinator occurring -- it is a choice. Use these tips to form better oversight in your day:
• Wake up at the same time each day. Set your alarm, don’t hit snooze! • Freshen up. Wash your face, shower, and get dressed! Putting yourself together helps you set the tone for your day. • Eat smart. Limit your sugar intake or cut it out if you can! Replace white sugar with a naturally based option like stevia! • Exercise at home! You have a plethora of content to pull from virtually. Here’s the trick -- pick a time to invest in yourself and make it a priority. My friends, I hope you seek joy in today and express a sincere form of positivity to someone else. We all need it a little more these days. You have the power.
AT HOME
With the recent shutdown of gym facilities across the country, we are now more than ever promoting the importance of active, healthier lifestyles.
Hunter & Dylan Wolfe Wolf Pak Performance Gym Owners
Creativity and self-discipline are the key components to sustaining at-home workouts. Paint cans, benches, a bottle of laundry detergent or a broomstick can be substitutions for weights and gym equipment. Bodyweight exercises such as lunges, pushups, sit-ups, burpees, and air squats are also great additions to any at-home exercise routine. As we continue to embrace this change in the coming weeks and months, we are sharing a daily at-home workout for all of our followers on our Facebook page. Like us on Facebook @ wolfpakperformance. We would love to have you join us as we continue to motivate our members and the Ponca City community. Stay healthy and stay safe!
May 2020
15
Please pray for our nation, and pray for Ponca City.
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youis the you know Now own BECKY your local time for a fiscal PALADIN APARTMENTS Now isthe the POET Now is power utility? check-up 301 West Hartford • Ponca City Did580.763.1871 you know you Now is the time for foraafiscal fiscal brating the Benefits own your local time time for a fiscal of Local Power! power utility? check-up check-up Celebrating the Benefi ts COMMUNITY. check-up PROUD TO SERVE OUR Now is the of Local Power! time for a fiscal check-up Markets fluctuate. Markets fluctuate. I will help you get there!Did HERITAGE REALTORS®
3216 N. 14th • 580.765.8888
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Thank you Ponca City for believing in & supporting your very own Municipality! “Owned by the Customers we Serve!”
reater reliability. Thank you Ponca City ocused mission is to serve the customers. for believing in & supporting your very own Municipality! on long-term community goals. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, • Equal or greater reliability. “Owned by the Customers we Serve!” Our Local Power is working carefully ponse from crews located inmission thestill community. • Customer-focused is to serve the customers. in the community to maintain on long-term community goals. power loyment. • Emphasis • Quick response from crews located in the community. to our customers. development – not-for-profit electricity • Local employment. siness. Economic development not-for-profit electricity The•Benefits of Local–Power... attracts business. system aesthetics er the electric distribution • Equal or greater reliability. • Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics n. and design. • Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers. techniques •and technology meet Innovation techniquestoand technology to meet long-term community goals. energy on needs. eds. • Emphasis • Local Power supports other entities such police, fire, • Quick response from crews located inasthe community. er supports other entities suchlibrary, as police, park and recreation, to name fiare, few, by • Local employment. contributions to the a city’s general ecreation, library, to name few, by fund. • Customers have a direct –and powerful voiceelectricity in decision-attracts business. Economic development not-for-profit ns to the• city’s general fund. making through their communities elected officials. • Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics and design. have a direct andPower powerful in every decision• Local makes avoice difference day: you live in a ough their communities electedand offitechnology cials.it and to • Innovation techniques meetit!energy needs. Local Power Community. Appreciate support Learn more about Our Local Power by visiting Power supports otheryou entities er makes• Local a difference every day: livesuch in a as police, fire, park and recreation, library, to name awww.OurLocalPower.org few, by contributions to the er Community. Appreciate it and support it! city’s general fund. • Customers havePower a direct and re about Our Local by powerful visitingvoice in decision-making through their community’s elected officials. ww.OurLocalPower.org • Local Power makes a difference every day: you live in a Local Power Community. Ponca City’s THANK YOU PONCA CITY Appreciate it and support it! Earth Day Celebration is for believing in and supporting Wednesay, April 22, Learn more Our Local Ourabout Local Power Utility!Power by visiting www.OurLocalPower.org 9-1 at Unity Gym.
paladinapartments.com No more excuses for not knowing how your• 580-762-7164 finances and investments line up with your life goalsControl and retirement expectations. Local
Reinvestment Call todayexcuses for a free consultation, and we’ll No for not how your Nomore more excuses for notknowing knowing how your Reliability explore investment strategies designed to life finances and investments line up with your Local Control finances and investments line up with your Accessibility No more excuses for not knowing how and yourlife help you protect yourself today, tomorrow Reinvestment goals expectations. goalsand andretirement retirement expectations. Community and investments line up with your life Reliability intofinances the future. Accessibility goals and retirement expectations. Call and we’ll Community Calltoday todayfor foraafree freeconsultation, consultation, and we’ll
OurLocalPower.org explore strategies for protecting yourself and explore investment strategies designed to Call today for a free consultation, and we’ll OurLocalPower.org helping you prosper today, tomorrow help you protect yourself today, tomorrow and explore investment strategies designed to and into the future.for not knowing how your No excuses intomore the future. help you protect yourself today, tomorrow and finances and investments line up with your life We’re with you every step ofofthe way. into the future. We’re with you every step We’re with you the way.
THANK YOU PONCA CITY for believing in Ponca City’s supporting Local PowercanUtility! K YOU PONCA CITY REBATES: We offerand Heat Pump Rebates!Our Ponca City Energy be reached at: 580-767-0405. Earth Day Celebration is ieving inWeand offersupporting Heat Pump Rebates! Call Ponca City Energy at Wednesay, 580-767-0405. April 22, r Local Power Utility! 9-1 at Unity Gym. 16 May 2020
Relationships Relationshipsshouldn’t. shouldn’t. goals and retirement expectations.
FA Name Call today for aAdvisors free consultation, Wells Fargo ,Title LLC and we’ll Compliance-Approved Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC explore investment strategies designed to Address and Suite Number (580) 762-6890 • 1926 Lake Road • Ponca City, OK 74604 help you protect yourself City Name, State Zip today, tomorrow and XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX into the future.
Markets fluctuate. 1926 Lake Road George Ferguson:FA Name Pat Mulligan: Craig Poet: Bryant Ferguson: Suite #3 Relationships Title shouldn’t. Managing Compliance-Approved Senior Financial Senior Financial Financial Address and Suite Number Ponca City, OK 74604 Web or E-mail Address FA Name Compliance-Approved Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT Title FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value FAand Name Address Suite Number Fargo Advisors, Advisors,LLC, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,isisa aregistered registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells & Company. Wells Fargo broker-dealer andand a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells FargoFargo & Company. Compliance-Approved Title ©2010 LLC. All rights reserved. A1266 ©2010Wells WellsFargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors, LLC.Name, All rightsState reserved. 1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2] A1266 ~Wells FargoWells City Zip1010-2902 Principal Advisor Advisor Advisor Address and Suite Number We’re with you every of way. xxx-xxx-xxxx • 8XX-XXX-XXXX City Name,step State Zipthe (580) 762-6890 Name, State Zip Web orCity E-mail Address XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web orSuite E-mail #3, Address 1926 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK 74604 Web or E-mail Address Investmentand andInsurance InsuranceProducts: Products: u NOT Insuredu NOuBank NO Bank Guarantee MAYValue Lose Value Investment u NOT FDICFDIC Insured Guarantee u MAYuLose
(580) 762-6890
Investment and Insurance Products:u NOT u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Investment and Insurance Products: FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value WellsFargo FargoAdvisors Advisors, LLC, Member isby registered and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Fargo Advisors thetrade trade nameSIPC, used byatwo two separate registered Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and LAdvisors, to R:[Practice Craig Investment Insurance Products: ubroker-dealer NOT FDICbroker-dealers: Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells isisand the name used separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Poet Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered Wells LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo &&Company. Name] ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0509-2351 [74021-v1] Investment and Insurance Products: u NOTbroker-dealers: FDIC Insured uFargo NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates ofA1266 Wells Fargo Company. [Practice Name] separate entity WFAFN. ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, All 0512-3417 A1015 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates ofLLC. Wells Fargo &reserved. Company. [Practice Name] & Patrick Mulligan, Fargo Advisors, LLC,Member Member SIPC, registered broker-dealer and a rights separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Fargo Advisors, LLC, SIPC, isisa aregistered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of[74029-v3] Wells Fargo & Company. isisWells aaseparate entity ofofWFAFN. ©2013 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rightsreserved. 1113-03428 [74029-v4] A1015 Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Advisors, Member SIPC, isisa aregistered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. is a separate entity ofFargo WFAFN. ©2010LLC, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. and All and rights reserved. 0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015 ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All reserved. 1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 ~Wells FargoWells ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Allrights rights reserved. 1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 Name ©2010 Advisors, LLC. ~Wells FargoWells ©2010Wells WellsFargo FargoFA Advisors, LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.1010-2902 1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2]A1266 A1266Financial Advisors;
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Compliance-Approved Title Member SIPC. Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), George Ferguson, Address and Suite Number LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN. CAR 0420-01303 Branch Manager, City Name, State Zip XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web or E-mail Address
L to R: Craig Poet & Patrick Mulligan, Financial Advisors;
Vice President
Humor & Entertainment I’ve gone 32 years not knowing how to cook, and I’ve faired pretty well thus far. Of all the things social distancing has stolen from me, my blissful ignorance in the kitchen
is the thing I’m most upset about. My husband has spent 12 years thinking I’m aggressively mediocre at cooking and God bless him, he really looks forward to “Hamburger Helper night” because it’s a real treat from “burnt-on-one-side grilled cheese night.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m no Paul Muehlberg (see page 30) but in the last few weeks of distancing myself socially I’ve sautéed, I’ve julienned, I’ve roasted, I’ve made a ROUX THAT TURNED INTO A DELICIOUS CREAMY SAUCE. I literally said the words “I think I’m going to whip up a vinaigrette.” WHO AM I?! My lack of culinary skills have proven handy, too. At dinner parties, I was able to say “Oh I’d love to help but I’m a terrible cook” AND ACTUALLY MEAN IT. If I asked, “Can I help with anything?” my family or friends would just laugh and laugh because they knew me helping would just be detrimental to the meal and they’d shoo me away to the living room where I was able to relax, drink, and chat with other guests. What do I do now?
Actually HELP?! My husband KNOWS I’m capable of cooking something that is not only tolerable but quite good. Will he expect me to provide healthy, delicious meals weekly or even clutches pearls DAILY?! I can no longer, in good conscience, NOT offer to help at social gatherings (if and when it’s legal to have friends again). This is literally the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. (I’ve lived an easy life.) Honestly, though, all of you that are using this safer-at-home time to enrich your lives, meditate, exercise, be more present, I applaud you. It’s not fun, and you’re making the best of it, and that’s awesome. Those of you that are eating your weight in snacks, drinking mimosas until noon then switching to margaritas for the rest of the day, bingeing on terrible shows (looking at you, Joe Exotic), and spending 13 hours a day sharing memes on Facebook, I applaud you, too. We’re all just doing the best we can with a crappy situation.
Crossword Answers on Page 22
May 2020
17
STORY BY BRENDA BAUGH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ARTIST
ART SPACE Skating, Music & Art Round Out Bradley Hayes’ Life
around town and are known as the Hayes Brothers Band. Bradley’s grandmother, Lucille King, was the office manager of the Ponca City Art Association for 20 years. In the early to mid‘80s, he spent many of his childhood days with Lucille at the art center. His grandmother would enthusiastically discuss art with him. At the time, a young Bradley didn’t think much of these discussions until reflecting on these days later in life. With these influences and experiences surrounding him in his childhood, no wonder he was drawn to the art and music associated with the skateboarding scene. Do you think being part of the skateboarding culture has had an influence on your art? Yes, very much so! Being a Photo Credit: Joel Ortiz You might have seen him riding around I grew up in the drummer and being part of the town on his bike or somewhere doing a Dallas Punk scene skater community, I was able to 50/50 grind across a curb while riding his and have been design artwork for bands, create trusted skateboard and wondered, “what’s around skateboarda small publication which I did that guy’s story?” Well, let me introduce you ers my whole life. To say I was excited to do on my own for several years and being alto Bradley Hayes: musician, athlete, writer this interview is an understatement. We im- lowed to freely explore my creativity. and creator of colorful and graphic artwork. mediately jumped into talking about music, skaters that we both knew, Albuquerque, What artists do you admire, and feel have Dallas and so on. He described himself as a had an influence on you? “loner” but if you get a chance to talk to him, Children’s art influences me a lot. I love the do not hesitate to approach him. childlike art of Eric Carle and the colorful, repetitive patterns of Chris Johanson. Any Bradley Hayes was born and raised in art from the Mission School Period is what Ponca City. After living in New Mexico for inspires me. 5 years, he decided to move back home to help with the family businesses, Kent Hayes What do you like about being an artist in Concrete/Clark Hayes Concrete. Growing Ponca City? up, he was surrounded by music and art. I like the isolation and that there isn’t a His father Kent and uncle Clark still perform cliquish art scene like larger communities. I 18 May 2020
feel accepted and a part of the art community. Where can our readers purchase your art? They can DM me for pricing on my Instagram page at https://www. instagram.com/sharkbaitbrad/
May 2020
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STORY BY CAREY HEAD PHOTOS BY KELSEY WAGNER
Ponca City Man's 'Pan Cave' Captures Over a Century of Cast Iron History
Neal Lawrence compares his cast iron obsession to a farmer buying the adjoining property.
Neal Lawrence, Ponca City carpenter and cast iron collector, shows one of his prize possessions, a cast iron kettle dating from the 1830s. One of the many attributes of cast iron cookware is its longevity. Properly cared for, cast iron can continue to be used over open fire or indoor ovens to prepare delicious foods for generations.
And things just got bigger and bigger and bigger.
“Before, I had these stored in boxes. The reason for the Pan Cave is so I could get them out, start at one end with one brand and go from oldest to newest. Then go to a different brand and do the same. That way I can appreciate the modifications in design, handles, shapes and how the casting process has improved.”
Now Lawrence is proud owner of what he calls his Pan Cave, a modified shipping container housing his collection of 500 cast iron skillets and specialty pieces.
Lawrence has the support of wife Julie and, together, they seek out antique stores, flea markets and estate sales looking for interesting cast iron to add to his collection.
Like a coin collection stored in a safe or an art collection stashed in a closet, “If you don’t get to see it then you don’t enjoy it,” he says. “I had the ability to put it up and start to display it to see what I had.
When asked which particular shape or use is next on his acquisition list, Neal answers simply, “the next one I see.”
“Farmers always want to buy the land next to them and things just get bigger and bigger and bigger,” he laughs. A perfect parallel for what is now his 500-piece cast iron collection. It all started innocently enough: Lawrence had a blank spot on his garage wall. His (then) handful of cast iron skillets seemed just the ticket to fill the space. “I thought I would go from largest to smallest,” he said.
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What draws his eye? Simply being cast iron.
“Yes, I will go look at anything cast iron. No. 1, I want to see how well it’s been treated. If it’s cracked and pitted from being used outside as a flowerpot, then it’s junk iron,” he says. “I’ve had friends give me cast iron that the dog ate out of or was used to change oil. But I can cook with any of my pans (because) there is an electrolysis process I use to clean the pan, take it down to bare metal and clean them up. I also conduct a lead test because you don’t want to cook food in a pan that has been used to melt lead.” He explains, “The corn stick pan is popular for
Ponca Citian Neal Lawrence stands inside his shipping container retrofitted to house his collection of some 500 cast iron pieces of cookware. He’s heard most of the jokes, “He who dies with the most iron wins;” “Doctor prescribe more iron in your diet?” and “the first step is to admit you have a problem.” Despite the teasing, Lawrence enjoys adding to his collection as well as keeping each piece seasoned and ready for cooking action.
Lawrence enjoys finding cast iron waffle makers. “Waffle irons are really neat because they sometimes have a nice picture. Some made overseas, Germany for example, are well-detailed, the uniqueness is intriguing,” he explains.
melting lead and pouring an ingot of lead out. These are used to make fishing sinkers and different things. Obviously, you don’t want to use that pan to cook food.” Learning the history of a piece is particularly rewarding. One large kettle wasn’t originally used for cooking, according to the family presenting it to him. Instead, the generations used it for laundry. After cleaning it up and re-seasoning the metal, Neal deploys it to cook for large gatherings. “My largest pot is a 30-gallon — makes a pretty good bunch of stew for a lot of people.” Among his collection are cast iron toys, sales models of wood stoves and advertising pieces, such as the cast iron ash tray promoting an auto parts store. “Waffle irons are really neat because they sometimes have a nice picture … the uniqueness is intriguing.” His oldest piece was cast circa 1825. Sentimental pieces include gifts from his father that bear the Olympic rings or Boy Scout logo. “It’s become popular in the last 10-15 years to put a logo or hunting scene in the cast design. But I simply won’t use these because I don’t want to risk it being dropped and cracked.” (continued on Page 22)
This ear-of-corn design is popular for creating corn muffins and, for some, shaping lead ingots. Neal Lawrence conducts lead tests on his newlyacquired cast iron pieces to ensure it is safe for cooking. May 2020
21
Taco Casserole Bake Courtesy of Neal Lawrence
This whole thing started because Neal Lawrence had a blank spot on his garage wall. He was inspired to fill the space with a few of the skillets he had on hand for outdoor cooking with area Boy Scout troops. Since adding several hundred more pieces to his collection, Lawrence enjoys grouping his cookware by manufacturer and then by age and size so he can appreciate the changes in design and casting science.
(PAN CAVE from Page 21) Everything else in his Pan Cave can and will be put to use. Cooking with Newkirk’s Heartland of the Prairie Dutch Oven group gives Neal a welcome opportunity to cook for a crowd. The Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, held at the Lazy E Arena east of Guthrie, is an annual event hosted by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Neal and the Heartland of the Prairie folks are joined by Dutch oven aficionados from across the state to prepare food for sampling. Over the three-day event the cooks will share as many as 15,000 samples with eager families attending the expo. “We will cook 80-100 Dutch ovens of cakes, breads and cobblers to give out samples. And we will go through 400-450 pounds of charcoal.” Neal uses his 30-gallon pot to prepare huge batches of pork chili verde, elk stew and turkey and noodles. “A lot of the meat comes from the wildlife guys. And it’s all done over an open fire.” For those new to cast iron, the concept of “seasoning” the pan can be a bit intimidating. For Neal, it’s a simple process. “When I season (a pan) I use a bakedon oil — normally white Crisco shortening. When I clean a skillet, I get it hot, get white Crisco shortening and melt it into it. Wipe
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INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds ground beef 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup 1 (10-ounce) can mild enchilada sauce 1 (4.5-ounce) can green chilies, chopped 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk 1 (9.75-ounce) bag Doritos (Taco flavored, or your favorite flavor), crushed 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or a blend may be substituted)
off excess, then put on the charcoal grill at 350° for an hour so it can bake down into the pores. A skillet is porous. As you heat it up it opens the pores.”
DIRECTIONS: For indoor baking: Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray a 9- x 13-inch casserole dish.
Taking a Dutch oven on an outdoor adventure? Neal says it’s fine to use sand to clean the pan. Just don’t ever add cold water to a hot cast iron pan (it will crack) or leave the pan to soak overnight.
For outdoor baking: Lightly grease a 12-inch Dutch oven, set aside. Build a fire with a pile of at least 24 charcoal briquettes. Coals are ready when glowing and covered with gray ash.
As for how to clean cast iron after, say a particularly messy meat loaf creation, Neal offers this advice: “Something with acid from tomatoes will tend to lift the seasoning. So, you will need to re-season if you cook a stew or meatloaf with a heavy tomato base in it." The nemesis of most pans? Scrambled eggs. “They have a tendency to start sticking on the bottom,” he says. To care for the egg-coated pan, Neal advises, “Fill with HOT water, not cold or it will crack the pan. Bring the water to a boil and use a stiff bristle brush or spatula to scrub. Dump the dirty water and re-fill the pan with fresh hot water."
In large skillet, combine ground beef and chopped onion.* Cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain or spoon off excess fat, if desired. Add soups, enchilada sauce, chopped green chilies and evaporated milk. Stir to combine and simmer over medium heat until heated through and slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Remove from heat. Place a layer of crushed chips in the prepared casserole dish or Dutch oven. Ladle a layer of meat mixture over chips and then top with half of grated cheese. Repeat layers a second time ending with remaining cheese. For indoor baking: Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. For outdoor baking: Prepare 350° fire by setting covered Dutch oven over a bed of 9 coals. Place 15 coals on lid. Bake for 30 minutes or till cooked through and bubbling.
After the pan is clean, Neal says to put the pan back on the fire and re-oil it. “Oil gets carbonized and gets blacker and blacker and creates that smooth patina, a non-stick surface. You don’t want to lose that prized patina on the inside.
Note: To reduce casserole’s spiciness, use ½ can of green chilies and substitute plain Doritos.
“An old skillet is really a nice skillet to have.”
To learn more about Heartland of the Prairie Dutch Oven Cookers, visit www.heartlandoftheprairie.org .
(*) Tip: A wire potato masher is a great tool for breaking up the raw ground beef and combining it with the chopped onion.
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CENTURY 21 GROUP ONE
Puzzle on Page 17
May 2020
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STORY BY KAT LONG
Small Business Thoughts & Tips: Ponca City Development Authority
will help your business. And they may help your business RIGHT NOW. If you were waiting to pull the trigger on a new website, why are you still waiting? Get it loaded and out there. Then tweak it as this new economy emerges. People may be looking for you now.
Business has changed. Heck, it is still changing. Especially for business owners in service and retail. Here are some things to think about as we explore and brace for the Next Economy. TALK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS This is a tough time for you. And your customers. Reach out to them and see what they need. Are they ok? What services are they lacking and can your business fill that gap? Identify what the “gap” is. Ask the hard questions. The answers may surprise you. THE ECONOMY WILL REBOUND. This is a fact. Where will your business be when it does? And this Next Economy will not be the one from February, 2020. No. It will have changed. Shifted. Morphed. Is your business going to survive or thrive with this new economy? WORKFORCE Keep your employees on your payroll as long as you can. Talk to your bank or a bank and ap-
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ply for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) now. You will need those employees to ramp up quickly when the economic engine roars back up. Talk to them about their ideas on the Next Economy. And you don’t want to spend time training new employees; you want to spend time with your customers. TAKE THIS TIME TO RE-TOOL Need a website? Need to take some online classes? Training courses? Set up Quickbooks? Explore the world of SBA Loans? Government Contracting? Now is the time to do the things you have been putting off. Why? Because they
REACH OUT TO YOUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY There is all kind of assistance and guidance for small business. Pioneer Technology Business Services, Oklahoma Small Business Development Corporation, Department of Commerce, Main Street and many others. Ponca City Development Authority has a list of programs, assistance and other information listed on their website at goponca.com/covid-information. You aren’t alone. Your business is not alone. We are all in this together. Take a deep breath. Look slightly to the right or left. Pivot. And scale up. GoPonca.com OKSBDC.org PioneerTech.edu/bid-assistance-center
STORY BY KELSEY WAGNER
Business Spotlight: A+ Printing
Chad Winslow, owner of A+ Printing, unpacks a box of plaques in his downtown print shop located at 119 N. 3rd Street Exhilarating. Exhausting. Scary. Fun. That’s how Chad Winslow describes the daily struggles of owning his own business.
UPS Store at its original location on north 14th street. After graduating high school in 2007, Chad began working for the UPS shipping center driving delivery trucks and delivering packages.
parents are business owners; small business [ownership] is in my blood.”
Chad quickly moved up in the company earning promotions and gaining new routes in both Tulsa and Stillwater. He poured himself into work, dedicating time and energy into UPS because, as he stated it, “I have the mentality that I want to try to be the best at everything I do.”
“Hey, we’re going to buy A+ Printing,” she remembers telling him. She concedes that Chad was pretty hesitant at first, with him saying he “didn’t know anything about printing.” She replied, “well, this will be a good opportunity to learn.”
Winslow admitted that the effort and dedication to his job meant sacrificing valuable time in his personal life. Still, he felt, at the time, it was a good trade-off. Chad said his wife knew he needed to go experience life outside of Ponca City but says the experience of working so far away for so long was very humbling. Despite the trade-off, Chad says it was a good-paying, stable job, and he was thankful to have it. However, Winslow’s wife, Paige, was not nearly as content with the sacrifices her husband was making at the expense of their family.
Chad and Paige Winslow both grew up in Ponca City. They purchased A+ Printing on February 26, 2018, which had been previously owned by Mike and Donna Culver. Mike and Donna owned and operated the print shop in downtown Ponca City off of 3rd street since they purchased it in 1994. Since purchasing A+ Printing in early 2018, the Winslow’s have continued growing and expanding the business, including purchasing new digital copiers and equipment. In January 2019, they bought existing mailboxes from the UPS store, which was liquidating after closing down. At the time, customers were at risk of losing their mailbox. Thankfully the boxes were relocated to A+ Printing, and customers were able to retain their mailing addresses. In April 2020, Chad and Paige Winslow purchased Ball Trophy from Carolyn Robinson, further expanding and diversifying their print operations to include trophies, engravings, and plaques. But long before buying A+ Printing, Chad wasn’t even sure he wanted to stay in Ponca City. Chad describes his feelings of spending his life growing up in one town and the urge to just “get out.” “I knew every single street in Ponca City, and I just felt like I needed to get out and move on to bigger and better things,” Chad said. Chad spent his high school years working at The
So, she called her husband and told him about the idea.
The decision to purchase the business was excruciating, one that Chad and his wife went back and forth on many times. “It’s a huge, huge decision. It’s hard because there are a lot of ‘what ifs,’ but I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.” Though the purchase of the business was Paige’s idea, she says that Chad is the man behind A+ Printing’s success. “All I really did was to give him the idea and pushed him to buy the business, he is the one who has made that business what it is.” Chad describes his first year as one full of errors and misprints, but instead of allowing it to discourage him, he used that year to learn and grow. Chad says he owes a lot of his success to having great employees. One employee, Tony Fairless, actually worked for Mike and Donna Culver for years as their Pressman. He stayed on after the acquisition to work for Chad. In addition to an experienced Pressman, Winslow has two talented graphic designers on staff, Andrew Hicks and Cody Jackson. “I couldn’t do it without these guys behind me,” Chad says, motioning to his employees working behind him. “Even though I may have a one-track mind on things, they may have a better way of doing things,” he says.
Chad and Paige Winslow and their two daughters. (Photo by Monte Spears Photography) “I was 6 months pregnant, and my husband took a job in Tulsa. He essentially moved to Tulsa, while I stayed here. We really [had] planned to move to Tulsa, but I was scared half to death to leave Ponca City. I didn’t want to move,” Paige said. Sam Lionelli, an entrepreneur in Ponca City, had posted on Facebook that he knew of a business for sale. Paige contacted Lionelli for details. Paige’s parents were both business owners, and she had a gut feeling it was the right move for her family. “My
“I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’m the best businessperson,” Chad said, “however, I think it’s the way we take care of people that really makes the difference.” Chad and his employees take customer service very seriously, hand-delivering orders and going above and beyond every day to exceed customer expectations. “I now have no aspirations to live anywhere else in the world. Taking this business over really opened my eyes to the endless possibilities this community has to offer. You get to interact with different people every day. I love meeting chamber members and fellow business owners, and I’m so grateful.” Chad says. A+ Printing offers a wide range of printing, engraving, and graphic design services. To find out more about their services, you can visit them online at www.poncaaplus.com or call them at 580-765-7752.
May 2020
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honey-beeboutique.com
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DONNA REID REALTOR Sales Associate
580-789-1169 CELL donnareid1962@gmail.com
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May 2020
SLAB RIB SPECIAL
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Planned Maintenance Agreements Residential & Commercial Service Family Owned and Operated Installation & Replacement Free In-Home Estimates Duct Cleaning
580-762-9513 info@wardsac.com It’s time to service your air conditioner! Mention this ad and get a Spring Service on one residential A/C for $100.
CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON
The Survivor Tree By Gaye Sanders
Once upon a time, when Oklahoma was a brandnew territory, a family planted an elm shoot in what became Oklahoma City. The elm grew along with its family, from shoot to sapling to tree. The tree and its family loved each other dearly. The tree offered its family shade, peace, and a place to play and rest. When its family finally outgrew their home and had to move away, the tree missed them terribly. In the next chapter of the tree’s life, the house was demolished to make way for the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The Murrah Building always had people coming and going and the tree gained a new family of sorts. People sat in its shade to enjoy their lunches. A group of children from the Murrah Building daycare played under its shady branches. The tree enjoyed sheltering its new family. Then one morning, a huge BOOM shook the tree to its roots. It was 9:02 a.m., April 19, 1995. Suddenly, instead of running away, people were running into the shattered building to help those trapped inside. Over
the following days, weary rescue workers and rescue dogs came to sit by the charred elm tree to rest, even though it could no longer offer shade. Instead of being cut down, the tree remained because it, like the shattered Oklahomans, was still standing. Like the people of Oklahoma City, the tree began healing. When its first leaf appeared the following spring, news spread across the city, state, and nation. Our elm tree gave hope that we could all survive this; people began calling it “The Survivor Tree.” Written in first person prose, by a Mustang, OK, fourth grade teacher, this elm tree shares the story of the Murrah Building bombing and reminds us that love will always overcome hate. Brace Books & More has a complete selection of non-fiction titles for every age and interest group.
ADULT BOOK REVIEW BY TARA SMITH
Our thanks to Brace Books for providing these book reviews!
The Tattooist of Auschwitz By Heather Morris
Though this book has been out for well over a year, it remains to be a best seller, not only at Brace Books but on the New York Times Best Sellers as well, coming in at No. 3 for the month of April.
When Heather Morris was first introduced to Lale Sokolov, she listened carefully as he explained his life journey and how he ended up where he was that day. Morris knew immediately that this story of love and perseverance had to be told. In 1942 Lale was just getting his feet wet in the experiences of adulthood when the Germans descended upon his country and rounded up the Jews to send them to concentration camps. Soon after being delivered to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the soldiers discovered Lale was able to speak multiple languages and put him to work as the Tätowierer or tattooist, giving him a slight advantage over other prisoners.
In this harrowing tale, Lale learns how to use his position of power to help the other prisoners to cope and survive, whether by feeding them his own personal extra rations, or finding them jewels or tokens from deceased Jews that they are able to trade for necessities. What Lale doesn’t expect is to fall in love. The moment Lale is handed the number 34902, he looks up into the eyes of a trembling young woman. From that moment he vows to himself that he will make sure they both survive and, in the end, end up together. This story will grab you on page one and not turn loose until the very end. It will prove that love can make it through the darkest of hours. Morris followed up The Tattooist with Cilka’s Journey, another story of surviving in times that weren’t meant to be survived. Check out Brace Books & More for all the current Best Sellers!
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAT LONG
The Backyard Gardener
In Defense of Mint
little mint to anything from appetizers to desserts. The smaller the leaf, the more delicate In my yard, this isn’t a bad thing. We just the mint flavor. mow it down when it pops up in an inconvenient place. I did have to pull many mojito MINT - AS A FRAGRANCE There is nothing better than fresh-mowed mint travelers out of the strawberry pyramid this last week, but that’s OK, too. I smelled mint. Pick some mint and add it to a flower arrangement. Pull some mint and root it in wafabulous afterward. ter in the fall and have mint growing inside all Some of you may know my love of mint -- all winter. It smells fantastic and is a great pickkinds of mint. The mojito mint I planted 10 me-up in baths or hot showers. If you are into years ago that has sent runners all over the making your own beauty products, chopped front yard. Or the lemon balm that comes up mint is a great addition to face and body wherever it wants to. And now, I have added scrubs. some spearmint in a corner of the fenced MINT - A POLLINATOR’S FRIEND yard to wander where it wants. Mint in bloom will attract all kinds of polWhy do I love mint so much? Oh, let me linators. If you are squeamish about wasps and bees, don’t plant it by a doorway. But count the ways. definitely root some mint by your plants that need pollinators to visit. It is great fun to sit in MINT - AS A TEA Mint tea is one of the best digestive teas the mint patch and watch all the insect visitors you can drink. It tastes great and is so easy to in July and August when the blooms appear. make: Walk outside; pick two or three sprigs; Regular pinching and cuttings will keep the throw in boiling water. Ta da! 10 minutes later, mint from blooming too soon, just like with any other herb. you have mint tea. Drink warm or cool. The mint is coming up. Everywhere!
Pick extra mint and dry in the oven at 175 degrees or in a dehydrator on low. Now you have mint tea for the rest of the year. No canning necessary. Just make sure all the moisture is removed and store in jars or plastic bags. MINT - AS A FOOD Strawberries and mint. Lamb and mint. Mint added to salads. Mojitos. Mmmmm. Mojitos. Mint lemonade. Chocolate and mint. Add a
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Kat Long that high proof vodka you have left over from making hand sanitizer) for a couple of days. Really wring out those leaves and strain the whole concoction into a small spray bottle. Presto, homemade mosquito spray. If you have buckets of collected rain water or any standing water in your yard which attracts mosquitos, crush some mint and throw into the water (the bigger the water container, the more mint). Don’t let it stay in there all summer because that is another kind of yucky to clean up, but if you can replace your mint every time it rains, you should keep that mosquito population at bay.
Yes, I know mint is invasive. It will take over a small yard. But you say that like it is a bad thing. You can always bury the container in the yard and leave the lip of it right above ground level to slow the mint down. Mint is tricky and will find a way to send runners out. I promise. So keep an eye on it. And if all else MINT – AS A MOSQUITO REPELLANT And best of all, mint repels mosquitos. Not fails, grab the mower or the weed eater and as well as citronella or lemon grass, but mint’s cut it down. It will come back. wonderful aroma is repulsive to many biting One of my favorite flower arrangements in insects, including our summer adversary, the mosquito. An easy method is to just crush mint May combines irises and mint. leaves in your hand and rub the oil on your Keep your fingers crossed that Herb Fesarms and legs when in the yard. If you want to make a spray, soak crushed mint leaves in ap- tival will still be held June 6 and of course, ple cider vinegar and witch hazel (or some of Happy Gardening.
Toni' s WESTSIDE DRUG & RX
3 Generation Family Tradition. The Premier Choice for Cremation and Burial Planning Full-Service Pharmacy Medical Supplies Free Blood Pressure Testing FREE city-wide delivery Jewelry, Gifts & More!
troutfuneralhome.com • 580-765-4411 505 W. Grand Avenue • Ponca City
WHO?
The people behind this magazine are a power team of local, experienced journalists and graphic designers.
WHAT?
A free monthly community magazine featuring news, sports, entertainment and lifestyle content.
Toni Gibson, Owner
301 W Grand Ave.
WHEN?
Ponca City Monthly magazine will publish the last week of the month prior to the publication month.
(580) 765-4456
Magazine WHERE? Our magazine is distributed throughout the business community in racks and lobbies, as well as online @ poncacity.com
WHY?
We think our community is ready to embrace good news! We find it everywhere we look. May 2020
29
RECIPE & PHOTOS BY PAUL MUEHLBERG
Recipes
Tomato & Cumber Salad Grilling season is finally here! In my southern opinion, nothing compliments a May cookout quite like a fresh salad. Their bright colors and array of unique flavors add just the right touch of cool freshness to any grilled meal. I especially like this tomato and cucumber version because it’s quick, has gorgeous color and it’s usually the first thing to go at backyard cookouts and dinner parties. It also keeps well in the refrigerator to enjoy as leftovers, but I guarantee you won’t often have any leftover of this delicious side. The best thing about this recipe is that most of the ingredients can come from your garden and it can
be made ahead, which leaves you more time to drink a glass of wine and soak up the few days of spring that Oklahoma offers. You can make this recipe your own by substituting your favorite tomato varieties, selecting an herb-infused crumbly cheese, or try sweetening it up with a teaspoon of honey whisked into the balsamic vinaigrette. I also love using the sweetened version of this vinaigrette on grilled veggies and green salads. I try to keep most of these ingredients on hand and make this side dish regularly, or as long as tomatoes stay in season! I hope you enjoy. Cheers to May!
INGREDIENTS:
¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar 3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 teaspoon sugar or more to taste (optional) 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved 1 English cucumber, sliced 2 small shallots, thinly sliced ½ cup roughly chopped basil ¼ cup feta cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Level: Easy Makes 4 Servings
INSTRUCTIONS: Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small measuring cup or mixing bowl, add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Whisk to combine (20-30 seconds). Directions: In a large mixing bowl, add tomatoes, cucumbers, shallots, and basil; drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Toss with salt and pepper (to taste). Serve room temperature or chilled. Top with feta cheese just before serving.
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wants you to ShopPoncaCityOnline.com
Our community has been through a lot during this pandemic. 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.
May 2020
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– THANK YOU –
We are overwhelmed with the support we have received from businesses and individuals in our community and beyond that are pictured and listed below. #bettertogether Northern Oklahoma College
Welborn Electric
Southwest Cupid Ponca City Public Schools
Phillips 66
Phillips 66
Bill & Angela Bunch, KFC
Kaw Nation Child Care Neil Lawrence Karen Hagerdon Stephanie Austin & Family Christian Life Church Carolyn Sisson Lori Slater Dacia Huddleson Carolyn Tedd Judy Nancy Shepard Elizabeth and Gramma Rick Scott Construction Denise Barron Braman Methodist Quilters Wanda Shelton Roxy Froese Bonnie Otto Suzy Meyes Kim Seal and Susan Scales Mary and Larry Lunn Diamond Nutrition Pioneer Nutrition Tracy and Kevin Emmons Ashley Peitz Ashley Pugh Log10 Via Christi Village Shannon & Amanda Butler Walmart Ponca City Fire Departent Alliance Oklahoma Home Health The Perk
Lisa Robinson Buchanan Dentistry Lowe’s Home Improvement Center Melissa Raymond Central Baptist Church Scott and Mary Sober Blackwell Dentistry Angel Care Home Health AirEvac Sandra Lyons Evans & Associates Beets Family, American Roofing Shannon Puetz & Sam Lionelli Rachel Stewart T.L Walker Neiman Fencing Joan Otto Sarah Rogers Diane Pearson Quilter’s Guild S&K Direct Steel Whimsy Russ Whittington Quality Water Services Community Health Foundation Domino’s Pizza Cremers Lawn Care PCPS Athletics & GoalKick Club Frontier Siding & Windows Dave Klanica Enrique’s Christy Yousefi Jennifer Daniel
Nicole Smith Completely Quilted Ponca City RecPlex Judy Eckholt, Edward Jones Cherokee Strip Credit Union Jason and Misty Bliss Lincare Tisha York and family Dolese Bros. Inc. Many more anonymous donors
Pioneer Technology Center Stolhand-Wells
Harbor Freight
1900 N. 14th • 580-765-3321