Ponca City Monthly December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

2020 Local

Holiday Gift Guide

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Stone Barn Story Enters A New Chapter Getting Real: Real ID Info NERA: Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCAMONTHLY.COM

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December 2020

December 2020

3

DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES

•

VOL. 1 NO. 9

ARTS

6 . . . Local Holiday Gift Guide 16 . . . Stone Barn Story Enters

18 . . . Sounding Off

.Music in and Around Ponca City 38 . . . ARTSPACE .Brenda Baugh

.a New Chapter 20 . . Ponca City We Love You .Ann Bandy 41 . . Getting REAL .Ponca City’s REAL ID Enters Fourth Month as Process Improves 44 . . . NERA: New Emergency .Resource Agency .Fighting Hunger . . . Feeding Hope 62 . . . COVID-19 Information: .Helpful Info & Safety Tips .for the Busy Holiday Season

EDUCATION

14 . . . Education Corner

New Year, New Goals 50 . . . Keeping Athletes Safe Summer McClure Leads NOC

Tonkawa Athletic Training

BUSINESS

25 . . . Kevin’s Corner

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Stock Market News 54 . . . Business Spotlight Rikki’s Market

BOOK REVIEWS

31 . . . Mentality for a Happy New Year 32 . . . Life Hack 11 Ways to Start a Healthy Lifestyle

28. . . Children’s Book Review

FOOD

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight 29. . . Adult Book Review .Hench

48 . . . Recipe

.Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin Roast .With Whole Mustard Pan Sauce

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT 26 . . . Stew on That

.by Rachel Stewart 26 . . Crossword Puzzle 33 . . Crossword Puzzle Answers 53 . . . Geocashing 61 . . . Kids Activity

CALENDARS

23 . . . Chamber Link

.December Chamber Events 34 . . . December Calendar of Events

GARDENING

36. . . Backyard Gardener

Coming to the End of 2020: Merry Christmas!

t o g e ’v u o Y e h t n i e b to azine! mag

Call or email Robyn Ryan at (580) 761-1295, or email robyn@poncacitymonthly.com 4

December 2020

Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Advertising Director Robyn Ryan

Staff Writers Carey Head

Jennifer Vaughan Brenda Baugh Jay Wagner

Ad Designers Robyn Ryan Kelsey Wagner Magazine Designers Christina Wright Kelsey Wagner Robyn Ryan

Copy Editor Sherry Cable

Staff Photographer Jay Wagner

Office Manager Brenda Baugh Circulation Patrick Blackwell

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

Adam Leaming Ann Bandy Tara Smith Lorrie Layton Kat Long Kera Kester Lynne Collenback Scott Cloud Steve Scott

© 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.

Shop Small

Keep Christ in Christmas!

Delilah & Caroline

2020 has been hard. It’s been hard on kids, teachers, parents, grandparents, nurses, police, politicians — need I go on? But one group has been hit hard emotionally and financially, a group that didn’t have much to lose in the first place, and that group is locally owned small businesses and restaurants.

Luckily, we all have the ability to make a positive impact on our small businesses this holiday shopping season. This month, we’ve compiled a local holiday gift guide that will give you a glimpse of some of the local treasures that could make amazing gifts this year. I am making a commitment to buy 100% of my gifts from locally owned small businesses this year, and I hope you will join me.

“Shop Local” is something that we hear a lot this time of year, and I think at times it can get repetitive. So this year, when you hear “Shop Local,” remember that who you are really shopping from is your neighbor’s mother, your sister’s husband or the new family in town who uprooted their lives to start a business here in Ponca City. The dollars you spend at Christmas could mean the difference between a local store staying open or closing in 2021, so make those dollars count for more by keeping them local.

I also want to take a moment to thank all the advertisers, readers, staff writers and contributors who have supported this magazine. It is because of you, that Ponca City Monthly is what it is today. Without your help and support, this magazine wouldn’t exist, and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and cheers to a successful first magazine year, and hopefully, many more years to come!

3415 N. 14th Street • Ponca City • 580-762-6636

DECEMBER 2020

2020 Local

Holiday Gift Guide

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Stone Barn Story Enters A New Chapter Getting Real: Real ID Info NERA: Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCAMONTHLY.COM

Kelsey Wagner Editor-in-Chief Ponca City Monthly

Editor@poncacitymonthly.com

ABOUT THE COVER

On the Cover: Adalynn Vaughan, daughter of Jennifer Vaughan & Steven Vaughan

Photography: Lauren Renee’ Payne Design: Kelsey Wagner December 2020

5

Look For

Magic the

Find the Magic in Ponca City, Shop Local!

This holiday season, help support small businesses in our community by pledging to shop local. Not only will your support help them thrive during a difficult year, it will help keep your tax dollars local and in our community. We’ve compiled a list of great gift ideas from Ponca City Monthly advertisers. Remember, when you are buying from a locally owned store, you are helping your friends, neighbors and families that live and support our community. Happy holidays and may the rest of your days in 2020 be merry and bright!

Consider a gift card from a locally-owned restaurant!

TS Fork Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters Lakeside Grill Provisions Coffeehouse & Eatery Deli-icious Diner Rusty Barrel Supper Club Napoli’s Italian Restaurant 6

December 2020

When Pigs Fly

Ceramic Figurines, $10.95 each Quality Water Services 115 E. Highland Avenue 580-762-7555 MyQualityWater.com

Lodge Cast Iron

Variety of Sizes, Price Varies Brandts Ace Hardware 3201 N. 14th Street 580-762-2921 BrandtsPC.com

Necklace/Earring Set

Starting at $30 Toni’s Westside Drug & RX 301 W. Grand Avenue 580-765-4465 TonisWestsideHealthMart.com

Cozy Christmas Selfie Musical Plush Snowman, $34.99 The Gift Shoppe 301 E. Grand Ave. 580-762-5345

continued on page 8 December 2020

7

Local Holiday Gift Guide continued from page 7

Palace on the Prairie Book History of the E.W. Marland Family, $34.95 Marland Mansion Estate 901 Monument Road 580-767-0420 MarlandMansion.com

Himalayan Salt Lamp Assorted Designs, Price Varies HealthWorld 2906 N. 14th Street 580-762-1854

8

December 2020

Revitabrow & Revitalash

$

Grow Thicker, Fuller Brows & Lashes 150 6-month supply, comes with free mascara ($35 value) Aesthetic State of Mind 104 S. 4th Street 580-382-4034 AestheticStateofMind.com

Rustic Cuff

Assorted Styles & Prices Sugar Lips Salon and Clothing Boutique 314 E. Grand Avenue 580-749-5511 SugarLips.Shop

Sugar Cookie Candle

Viva Consuela

Homemade by the Clients of the Opportunity Center, Inc., $35 Whimsy Fancy goods & Beautiful things 318 E. Grand Avenue 580-762-3895

Handbags & Clutches Prices Vary Honey Bee Boutique 324 E. Grand 580-749-0880 Honey-beeboutique.com continued on page 11 December 2020

9

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Local Holiday Gift Guide continued from page 9

Tyler Gift Set

Wash, Candle, Hand Lotion & Glamour Spray, $35 Brace Books & More 2205 N. 14th Street 580-765-5173 BraceBooks.com

The Gold Standard Lash & Lip Enhancer, $60 Savoir-Faire Salon 104 N. 4th Street Royalty Building 580-716-6942

Fashion Jewelry Set

Cubic zirconia set, $89 Frocks & Fashions 213 E. Grand Avenue 580-762-2444 Frocksfashions.wixsite.com/mysite continued on page 12 December 2020

11

Local Holiday Gift Guide continued from page 11

Kendra Scott Jewelry

Assorted Styles and Prices Liles and Company Boutique & Salon 205 E. Grand Avenue 580-762-8828 LilesandCo.com

Original Ceramic Art

Diamond Stud Earrings Assorted Styles and Prices McGee Jewelers 219 E. Grand Avenue 580-765-2636

12 December 2020

by Clyde Otipoby, $40 Standing Bear Museum Gift Shop Hwy 60 & Standing Bear Parkway 580-762-4456 StandingBearPark.com

Annual Appeal

Expiration Date: Security Code (3 digit code on card back):

Tree of Life Ornaments

Zip Code: Signature:

F OO

PR

If you would like to honor your loved one with a beautiful ceramic ornament inscribed with their name, please call 580-762-9102 for details. You may pick up your keepsake ornament Jan. 15-31 at our office.

Location of Trees Ponca City

Hospice of North Central OK

Blackwell

TO ALL OUR VALUED CLIENTS AND FRIENDS Ponca City Outdoor Hospice of North Central OK

From our family to yours,

Return Service Requested

Hospice

Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC

of North Central Oklahoma, Inc.

TO ALL Blackwell VALUED CLIENTS AND FRIENDS TO ALL VALUED City Hall Sonic weOUR wish youOUR peace and joy CLIENTS AND FRIENDS Tonkawa Tonkawa From our family to yours, we wish you peace Public Library Venture Foods throughout the holiday season. and joy From throughout the holiday season.

Newkirk Newkirk our family to yours, Public Library Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, Golden Acres Motel we wish youLLC peace and joy 1926 Lake Rd., Ste. 3, Poncathe City,holiday OK 74604season.

• 580-762-6890 throughout 1926 Lake Rd.,Ferguson Ste. 3, Ponca City, OK 74604 • 580-762-6890 George Patrick

Managing Please mail donation slip to: Principal George Ferguson Managing Principal Hospice of North Central Oklahoma 445 Fairview George Ferguson:Ave. Pat Mulligan: Ponca City, OK 74601 Senior Financial Managing

Mulligan Senior Financial Advisor

Patrick Mulligan Senior Financial Advisor

Craig Poet: Bryant Ferguson: Senior Financial Financial Craig Craig PoetPoet Principalwith Advisor Advisor Advisor BryantBryant FergusonFerguson or call (580) 762-9102 any questions.

SeniorSenior Financial FinancialAdvisor Advisor Financial Advisor Advisor Financial

1926 Lake Road, Suite #3, Ponca City, OK 74604 • (580) 762-6890 Investment and Insurance Products:

Investment and Insurance NOT FDIC-Insured NO Bank Products: Guarantee MAY Lose Value Investment products and are Guarantee offered through WellsMAY Fargo Advisors NOT FDIC-Insured NOservices Bank Lose Value Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC.

Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN. Investment products and services are[86267-v5] offered through Advisors FinancialWells Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. 1119-03268 A1929Wells (3372903_505066) Investment products and services areFargo offered through Fargo Advisors Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC isLLC a separate entity from WFAFN. 1119-03268 Financial Network, (WFAFN), Member SIPC. [86267-v5] A1929 (3372903_505066)

Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN. 1119-03268 [86267-v5] A1929 (3372903_505066)

445 FAIRVIEW AVENUE • PONCA CITY • (580) 762-9102 OF O R P Each Keller Williams office is independently owned & operated.

Indoor

Hospice

of North Central Oklahoma, Inc.

445 Fairview Avenue Ponca City, OK 74601 (580) 762-9102

411 N. 14th • Ponca City 580-765-0825

I would love to help you with your real estate needs!

LIZ GREENE 580-763-4887

View available properties at https://lizgreene.kw.com

Email: LizGreene@kw.com

A Smile Means More Than Ever…

Thanks for trusting us with yours!

– Merry Christmas & Happy New Year –

“Ponca City’s Siding & Window Store Since 1976”

1723 North 3rd • Ponca City • (580) 762-8122

Dr. Phillip & Nancy Tyndall and staff 415 E. Hartford • Ponca City • 580-762-7857 December 2020

13

Education Corner New Year, New Goals

Story by Adam Leaming, CEO, University Center/Contributing Writer 2020 is nearly in the record books and can I say, I love December!? It’s like living a metaphor of riding a cresting wave that crescendos with family, holidays and reflection.

There’s the hope of a new year, new opportunities, a slate being wiped clean. It’s that New Year that resonates with my soul.

The turning of the calendar that represents so much more than we give it credit for. For me, in an education profession, it symbolizes my chance to evaluate the goals I had set personally and professionally from the previous year, and to aim for improvement and growth in 2021. I like to reflect on how my life has changed due to the internal and external pressures we each face.

Do you share in these same feelings about the New Year and setting your own goals and resolutions? I was questioning how many of us stick to our New Year’s resolutions.

According to several studies, the most agreed upon statistic finds that 8% of us will set and stick with a New Year’s resolution consistently throughout the year. Personally, I landed in the 92% of people who didn’t consistently achieve their New Year’s resolution.

For the sake of being open and vulnerable, I wanted to share a few of my personal and professional resolutions from 2020.

R

ead at least one nonfiction book a month –– there’s no sugarcoating this one, I fell short here. I did start strong out of the gate with this resolution. I knocked out three books from Brené Brown on leadership, vulnerability and took a deep dive into her research on shame, being vulnerable and her views on daring leadership. In addition, I read an interesting book from Pema Chodron, “The Places That Scare You,” to challenge myself to confront my people-pleasing tendencies. Currently, I’m reading Malcolm Gladwell’s newest book, “Talking to Strangers.” It’s been a fascinating case study on the underlying assumptions we make with strangers and those we may interact with on a daily basis From there I must say when I was not reading COVID-19 information, or new policy recommendations, CDC guidance, my free reading went to nonfiction books. Even then I don’t think I got myself over 12 books this year.

W

ork out and lose weight – started and continued, kind of? 2020 did a number on my fitness goals. I’m not one for wanting to diet, but I think being able to move without making a large number of “dad noises,” is important to my quality of life.

If you don’t know what a dad noise is, listen to your father get up or sit down in a chair of his choosing, or bend over to pick something up. If your father isn’t around, listen for your husband, or most men over the age of 36. There’s creaks, groans, sighs, popping noises, you get it. 2020 started with running again with my wife, which transitioned into getting back into the Wolfpak crossfit gym. But there are definite ebbs and flows of physical activity this year from myself, but I’m giving points for finishing the year strong.

R

educe my social media consumption – FAILED. I ended up taking 2-3 prolonged breaks throughout the year to completely step away from social media and what I feel is a growing misuse to spread false news, make hurtful posts and share political views! The negative feelings it brought to me when I consumed it would have an impact on my mood. I found myself not enjoying it. Even today, I have to consciously remind myself to put my phone up at home as I will seek to pull it out in any down moment. It’s hard to watch a movie or show without thinking or feeling I missed something on social media. I want to remind myself that it’s not as important as the people around me. I definitely want to try again in 2021 to do better on this one.

There’s several other resolutions I set, but I think you get the picture. I believe professionally and personally, goals are important. In the education profession, the New Year feels like the halfway point. Our New Year starts in August and ends in May. But it’s this year, more than any others that I find myself even more thankful to consider how these last 12 months have had an impact on me, my profession, my students and our school. Who could’ve predicted 2020’s events, both local and global, and how they would impact our lives and our personal goals which we set? In education, we encourage our learners to not dwell on the failures and mistakes, but we want to encourage learning from them. I’ve learned what worked better for me and what didn’t go so well. I aim to improve on those resolutions and make 2021 the best year yet. I hope our paths cross soon and we can each share in our goals for ourselves in 2021.

14 December 2020

Wishing you a holiday season rich in joy, friendship, peace and prosperity.

Thanks for banking on us! We appreciate your trust and support, and we will continue to put our customers first in 2021 and beyond.

Member FDIC

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901 E. Prospect, Suite C • Ponca City • (580) 762-3886

Smart, aggressive advocacy when you need it most.

Holmes, Yates & Johnson Law Firm is a full-service firm which represents clients and corporations throughout the state. We specialize in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning.

Grace Yates and Richard Johnson are pleased to announce the addition of attorney Miranda B. Combs to the firm. Ms. Combs received her Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in December of 2008. For the past 12 years, Ms. Combs has focused her practice in the area of Real Estate and Oil & Gas Law. Holmes, Yates & Johnson is a results-oriented law practice, and we pride ourselves with using an aggressive approach to solving our clients’ current problems and anticipating future contingencies that can be met with preventative legal solutions.

We are excited to have relocated to our new offices on Lake Road over the summer!

For more information, visit our website… holmesandyates.com

Grace Yates and Richard Johnson

1909 Lake Road • Ponca City (580) 765-6727 December 2020

15

Stone Barn Stone Barn Story Enters a New Chapter Story by Carey Head/Staff Writer

Original Stone Barn With Roof Intact The next chapter of the four-arches stone barn’s story is being written as curious onlookers try to guess what this story will tell.

Located in the 2100 block of Lake Road, the stone barn dates from 1916 and has direct ties to the creation of the Marland Mansion.

According to property owner and local businessman, Russ Didlake, the 40 acres being reshaped by excavators, bulldozers, scrapers and road graders will include both an homage to history and a new use to last beyond the next 100 years.

Russ purchased the property, 120 acres in all, from a descendant of J.D. and Emma Evans. The couple acquired the land in the Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893. E.W. Marland bought the land from the Evans as plans for Marland’s “Palace on the Prairie” were taking shape. According to local lore, Marland brought a German stonemason to Ponca City to lead the cutting and shaping of limestone quarried from the north end of the Evans’ property.

Details of the unique stone barn remain sketchy, but it was purported to have been built with Marland’s instructions to incorporate arches so the masons could practice their technique before moving on to the Mansion’s construction.

After Marland lost his fortune, he sold the land back to the Evans family and it became a dairy. Over time, the land became idle and the barn fell into disrepair.

Russ bought the property in large part to save what was left of the

This undated photo shows the stone barn as it once appeared before the huge roof and hayloft collapsed. Russ Didlake purchased the property in 2016 from descendants of the Cherokee Outlet Land Run participants J.D. and Emma Evans. Russ' goal was to save the remaining stone work, and thus, a part of Ponca City's history, although he didn't have a clear vision of what he wanted to do with the structure once it was stabilized. (Photo provided by Russ Didlake) Artist renderings of an office complex incorporating the Four Arches Stone Barn facade are shown. Preliminary plans include space for three offices and conference room with parking and access from both the stone arch south elevation, as well as the much higher north elevation's second floor level. Eddie Whitfield, Dig-It ROCKS Excavating, is conducting the dirt work phase of the project. This includes the construction of a number of stone retaining walls, with the boulders coming from a north central Oklahoma quarry. (Images provided by Russ Didlake)

2,100-square-foot structure. “I knew we needed to save those walls, but I had no idea what it was (eventually) going to be.”

John Weaver, Po-Hi Class of 1975, was brought in to lead the restoration work. With the help of Chris Musselman, Eric Roehl, Steve Hoffman and Jake Didlake, the existing stonework and arches were carefully dismantled with each stone identified, numbered and protectively placed away from construction. Weaver studied available photographs of the barn and used a number of sources to recreate the dimensions of any missing stones. The year-long effort, privately funded, has resulted in “the stone façade being brought back to its original state,” Russ explains.

What were the possibilities for a going concern which capitalized on the “Four Arches Stone Barn’s” beauty and history?

Although the restoration project was completed in 2017, Russ continued to dream and draw ideas for the barn’s revival. He gave his notes to Sally Talley, AIA, and her partner Richard Winterrowd, to continue the visioning process. The result is a 3,400-square-foot space which will house three offices, including two loft-style offices, and conference room. The lower level office space already is leased.

He credits City of Ponca City’s Chris Henderson, Development Services Director; and Jim Fairbanks, City Engineer, for their support of the history-preserving project.

Russ is general contractor and reports Musselman, Roehl and Didlake will return to the barn they worked to save as new construction is attached to the 100-year-old face. Occupancy is scheduled to take place within the next 12 months.

Before Restoration

Rendering of the new Stone Barn 16 December 2020

After Restoration

A public appeal asks for help in providing pieces to the jigsaw puzzle history of the now named Four Arches Stone Barn.

For more information, and to share your thoughts, visit the Facebook page: Four Arches Preservation Project

Renderings of the new Stone Barn

!

G N I R I H W O N

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A-1 Heating and Air Kenneth and Marsha Stewart

600 North 1st • Ponca City • 580-767-1008 December 2020

17

Sounding Off

Music In & Around Ponca City Story Contributed by Steve Scott

Welcome to my new column in the Ponca City Monthly magazine. The “COVID-19 Crisis” may have shut down some businesses and live music in Ponca City, but not our local musicians!

So, from a corner in the Provisions Coffee Shop on Grand Avenue, I compiled this quick column for the December issue. Unfortunately, the crisis is still affecting businesses, and as of my deadline, only one place has a December booking.

Ridin’ High, located at 2200 E. Coleman Rd. is celebrating its third anniversary as Ponca City’s fullservice, country-style dance club. They resumed hosting live music acts on weekends a couple of months ago, and on the books is the Bo Phillips Band on Saturday, December 5 at 9 p.m. If you are ready to dance the night away, don’t miss this event!

Local band Morrison 33 used the “COVID-19 downtime” to write new music and currently has five new songs recorded and are working on additional music for an upcoming CD release. Stay tuned for details as they become available.

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas from our Gift Shop

GIFT SHOP HOURS: Monday - Friday 10-4 Saturday 10-2

Standing Bear Museum & Education Center

Highway 60 and Standing Bear Parkway 580-762-1514

18 December 2020

Dirty Erin, also a local rock ‘n’ roll band, played its last gig in March before everything shut down. They used the COVID-19 time off to build a new studio and have five songs “in the can” (studio speak for “recorded”) and will finish another four songs for a new, soon to be released CD. Backroads Music, the acoustic duo of Wayne and Dawn Janda, played gigs in Lamont and Enid in November and are taking bookings now. Call or text them at 580.761.0269.

If anyone has information on live music events, please write me at smscott54@hotmail.com. Like you, I am ready to “feel the vibe” of live music, so stay tuned each month as I bring you the latest, local live music news in Ponca City and the surrounding area!

Enjoy the Season!

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

The Trial of Standing Bear Movie Standing Bear Documentary Pottery, Paintings Mugs, Cedar Boxes Nuwati Herbals Jewelry, Books & More!

Artists represented incude…

Coeweene Murie Clyde Otipoby Karen Rickman Bear & Lesley Riddle Linda Rous

Mother Kelly, a well-known Ponca City rock ‘n’ roll band, is working on its first self-titled album of all original music. This will be a follow-up to their last CD release, “Come on Down” in September 2019. Details will be provided as I get them!

Booking holiday parties on any day of the week, call for availability.

Menu for Dec. 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 Serving at 6:30 pm Course 1: Course 2: Course 3: Course 4:

TS FORK Deviled Eggs French Onion Soup TS FORK House Salad ROASTED Prime Rib and Scalloped Potatoes Course 5: Ms. Pat’s Holiday Cheesecake $ 40 per person, cash bar available

Reservations by phone or online…

800-928-1840 www.TSFork.com 100 W. Grand • Tonkawa *Closed Christmas weekend

December 2020

19

Ponca City We Love You Story & Photos Contributed by Ann Bandy One of the many things I love about Ponca City is its history and unique origin as the result of one man’s vision. That man was Burton Seymour Barnes (18441906), the founder of our city. Ponca City is thought to be the only city in the USA that was founded by a lottery.

In the winter of 1993, my husband Phil and I were asked to portray fictitious characters Mr. and Mrs. Bluffdale to promote the 100-year celebration of the Cherokee Strip Run. We were honored to be asked and agreed. It was left up to us as to how we would do this. Being the exEnglish teacher, I suggested to Phil that we write a story about how the Bluffdales came to be in Ponca City. In doing my research on the settlement of Ponca City, I came across the name of Burton Seymour (B.S.) Barnes numerous times. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. I wanted to make Barnes an integral character in our story.

Phil and I joined forces creating John and Sarah Bluffdale, photographers from Missouri who wanted to make the Run and open a studio. I read history and made notes, came up with the story line, and Phil (ever the actor) wrote the script. As the Bluffdales, we told our story to school children, civic clubs, church groups, class reunions, neighborhood groups, garden clubs and anyone who asked us to speak that spring and summer of 1993, sometimes more than once a day.

“One of the many things I love about Ponca City is its history and unique origin as the result of one man’s vision.”

Much like the character Ray Kinsella (played by the actor Kevin Costner) in the film “Field of Dreams,” Barnes had a dream; he believed if he built a city, people would come. Ray sacrificed all the income he could make from his corn crop, and everyone thought he had lost his mind. However, he built that baseball field. Just like Ray, Barnes could not be deterred from his dream; he built our city and was elected its first mayor five days after the Run. The story of how that happened actually reads like a movie script.

B.S. Barnes had been in the furniture business in Michigan. The store burned, and Barnes collected the insurance money. In 1870, Barnes took this money and, with a group of businessmen, decided to start a town. They sold memberships in this new town. That money paid for 60,000 acres of land for a townsite and farms. The name of this town was Longmont, Colorado. However, Barnes still felt like he could build a better city. He had read about the opening of the Cherokee Strip and the Land Run of 1893.

continued on page 22 20 December 2020

Ann and husband Phil dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Bluffdale for the 100 year celebration of the Cherokee Strip Run in 1993.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Horse has holiday wishes for you, of course!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Paladin Apartments Bobby, Cyd, Mike, Billy & Vicky

PALADIN APARTMENTS 301 West Hartford • Ponca City paladinapartments.com • 580-762-7164 December 2020

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Ponca City We Love You continued from page 20

In the summer of 1893, Barnes came to Ark City, Kansas, and rented a horse and buggy. He rode down into the Oklahoma Territory looking for the perfect spot to start his city. He found it just west of the Arkansas River. There was a natural spring (12th and South Avenue), the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad nearby and a natural ford on the river. He went back to Ark City, organized the Ponca Townsite Company, and sold certificates to the settlers gathered there to make the land run. He sold 2,300 townsite certificates at $2 each. It was understood that each certificate would be good for one business lot or two residential lots. The location of those lots would be determined by a drawing. Think about this: Barnes was selling chances on land that he didn’t own; needless to say, he was quite the salesman.

At noon on Sept. 16, 1893, the signal gun was fired, and the race for free land began. Barnes raced into the Strip only to find the four sections he wanted for his town were already taken. He immediately started negotiations to purchase those four sections. This actually took years to complete. Barnes had an indomitable will; he would succeed.

“Barnes had a dream; he believed if he built a city, people would come.”

Barnes chose an area where he wanted his city and hired surveyors to lay it out, staking the corners of each city lot. The northern border was Highland Avenue; the south, South Avenue; western, 1st Street parallel to the railroad tracks and the eastern, 14th Street. Ponca City is still laid out this way.

On Sept. 21, 1893, a platform was erected in the middle of Grand Avenue. Lot descriptions were placed in one box; names of certificate holders in another.

Children were chosen to draw the winners. A lot description was drawn and matched to a certificate holder. The city of New Ponca was born; the name was later changed to Ponca City in 1913.

A couple of years after the centennial, Phil started a historical reenactment group, and he played Barnes. He was challenged with making history day for Leadership Ponca City more interesting. He took on that challenge and would spend the day with the class in character as B.S. Barnes. He would join the class at the spring on South Avenue and end the day at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, where Barnes is buried.

The character became second nature to Phil; he played Barnes the last time in October 2013 before he died the following January. Phil was on a mission to see Barnes receive the recognition that he deserved. Barnes eventually became a part of Phil’s history and story.

Take time to stop by Barnes’ memorial, erected by the Ponca City Rotary Club in front of City Hall. Build it, and they will come. The rest, as they say, is history.

Shop Small for the Holidays!

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PEACE ON EARTH

Less waiting for emergency care (and a lot more care, if you need it).

In a medical emergency, every minute matters.

May your heart be filled with peace, joy and contentment So, at AllianceHealth Ponca City*, you’ll find faster care in the at this special time of the year.

emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by Thank you for the generosity and– kindness a medical professional** in 30 minutes or less. And, with a team of you have shown us in 2020. Your support and friendship dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it. make us grateful to be a part of this warm community.

We wish you all a healthy holiday!

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Kevin’s Corner Stock Market News

❄

Santa’s coming pretty soon. I can tell because Momma is hanging bundles of string with sparkly things all over. She keeps saying “stay away, stay away now.” But who is she kidding? I’m the boss, and I do what I want. Lucky for her, I get bored quick and move onto the next mess of trouble.

WISH

JOY BEAUTY LUCK

FAMILY

HAPPINESS

PEACE ON EARTH

TRUST

MEMORY

L INSPIRATION FREEDOM

PURPOSE

DISCOVERY

COMPASSION

WISDOM

PATIENCE

CREATIVITY FRIENDS

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FAITH

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HOPE

PROSPERITY COURAGE MUSE

OVE GRATITUDE LAUGHTER CURIOSITY THOUGHTFULLNESS

MOTIVATION

FORGIVENESS CONFIDENCE

Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year CENTURY 21 GROUP ONE

Frances Coonrod

580-761-1712

Frances.Coonrod@ gmail.com

I like Santa. He’s a pretty good guy, because he brings me things every now and then to tear apart. Still, Santa is no mail lady, because she drops things off in a little box all the time. When Santa does stop by, I always know because he’s the one who wraps and stacks goodies right where I can get to them before anyone else. Momma must know too, because as soon as she sees that pile, she makes sure it goes away by the very next day.

So, Momma and Dad were talking about money again. Last month, they went for free to www.mybalancebudget.org and created a realistic budget that helped them find a little extra cash to transfer every payday into a separate emergency savings account at their favorite credit union or bank. Once that savings account grows big enough to cover several months of must-pay bills, they’re going to shift those small cash deposits into a new investment account that includes things like bonds, stocks and real estate. Each of these perform a bit differently from the other, but together create what is known as a diversified portfolio that minimizes overall risk of losing our hard-earned investment dollars.

As the first investment type, Momma said bonds are just another word for debt, or someone giving us an IOU for lending them a specific amount of money for a set period of time. That someone is usually a company or government who has a need to spend money now, but promises to pay us back later along with a bit more money as interest. Paying interest gives us a good reason to buy the bond and represents a more-certain return on investment than what most stocks or real estate can offer. Dad didn’t really understand about interest, so Momma explained that if we buy $100 of a 1-year bond from Company A offering a 3% interest rate, then Company A would pay back our original $100 investment at the end of the year, along with an additional $3 in interest.

Toni’s

When we buy bonds from a company, that’s called corporate debt. If we buy bonds from a national government, that’s known as sovereign debt, including bonds issued by the United States Treasury. If we buy bonds from a smaller government like the City of Tulsa, that’s called municipal debt. Finally, we can buy bonds from an organization that supports specific public policy programs like the Federal Farm Credit Bureau, and that’s known as agency debt. Since sovereign debt is usually backed by the full taxation power of a big government, it’s considered the safest bet to get paid back, and therefore offers us some of the lowest interest rates. Government agencies and municipalities don’t have quite that power, so their bonds usually pay a slightly higher interest rate – although it’s usually assumed (correctly or not) that the big government will step in and save them if something bad happens. That leaves corporate debt as having to offer some of the highest interest rates, because their ways to pay us back are usually limited to issuing more debt, selling things they own or generating profits on the sale of their products.

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When it comes to most any type of investment, Dad says it’s generally true that the higher the potential reward, the higher the potential risk. Compared to stocks and real estate, bonds generally offer lower returns with lower risk, so it’s good to own at least some bonds when building an investment portfolio.

Boy that’s a lot, and I’m beat. The sun is bright today and windows are open. A warm breeze is blowing the fine fur on my ears back and forth, hypnotizing me into a deep slumber – at least until I smell a sneaky lizard or rabbit who dares enter my kingdom. It’s always up to me to chase them away, because my sister Bridgey just lays around and Momma can’t tell they’re there. With all my responsibilities, sometimes it feels like I’m just never going to get a full day’s sleep. That’s OK. I’m strong, I’m smart and Santa’s on his way.

While Kevin’s Momma keeps him well-fed and squeaky clean, Dad works at Cherokee Strip Credit Union and helps Kevin with his spelling.

Copyright 2020 – One Trick Productions

December 2020

25

Humor & Entertainment

Stew on that

By Rachel Stewart

HAVE A “TOASTY” DECEMBER! ACROSS

by Patrick Jordan

1. Fitness resorts 5. Handled problems well 10. Quick boxing punch 13. Make up for wrongdoing 14. Chicago airport 15. Muhammad who threw 10-Acrosses 16. Light brown dog breed, for short (2 wds.)

18. Neither here ___ there 19. Attempt 20. "Star Wars" hero Han ___ 21. Revise 23. Settle into a chair 24. Leaves a building unoccupied 26. Fancy kind of canine (2 wds.)

31. ___'s Cube (color-matching toy) 32. "All joking ___ ..."

33. Beer keg dispenser 36. Initials that mean "quickly" 37. Scottish boy 38. Manicure tool 39. Your, in the Bible 40. No longer napping 42. Baseball legend Hank 43. Classic color for appliances (2 wds.)

45. Zesta or Krispy cracker 48. ___ and vigor 49. Former president Barack 50. Song for two 52. On's opposite 55. Decay 56. TV's Walker, for example (2 wds.)

60. Adam's partner 61. Select society group 62. Late to school

63. Tyrannosaurus ___ 64. Plunges into a pool 65. Sight organs DOWN

1. Swirl a spoon in 2. Mare's baby 3. "Raggedy" doll 4. Feeling ill on a boat 5. Like a typical autumn evening 6. "What a disaster!" (2 wds.)

7. Buddy 8. Historical period 9. Complete failure 10. Jackson who sang "Nasty" 11. Without a companion 12. Swallows, sparrows, etc.

13. Perform a role 17. Porch light circler 22. Sultry screen star ___ West 23. Scissors sound 24. Made invalid, as a check 25. Find the sum of 26. All-male college club, for short 27. Go rapidly 28. Online auction site 29. Royal residence 30. Japanese metropolis 33. Grow weary 34. ___ vera (soothing balm) 35. Magician Teller's sidekick 38. What Old MacDonald had 40. Flew a jet 41. Claimed a victory 42. Cause to become riled 43. 24-hr. banking device (Abbr.)

44. In excess of 45. More achy

Well, if you’re reading this, it means we’re almost done with this dumpster fire of a year. It’s jingle bell time. It’s Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes time. It’s the season to belt out Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” at the top of your lungs in the school dropoff line. It’s time to put on cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies about the city girl that moves to a small town who meets the grouchy, but lovable coffee shop owner and they eventually fall in love. It’s time to say you’re going Christmas shopping, but you really end up treating yourself. Speaking of shopping, if you’re blessed enough to be able to purchase gifts this year, please consider shopping locally for a good portion of those gifts. We’ve ALL been through a tough year, and small businesses were hit extremely hard too, so while it’s always important to shop locally, this year is especially important if we want our favorite businesses to keep their doors open. They’ve had to find unique and innovative ways to sell their items or services while either being shut down to the public, facing decreased sales and traffic

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Situated higher than Rubbery balloon material Attend the prom together Employs Shrek, for one

Crossword Answers on Page 33

26 December 2020

4

due to limit recommendations and consumers’ confidence in public places. They’ve been criticized for doing too much (requiring masks) or doing too little, and even lost business if they fell on one end of that spectrum or the other. And despite all of this, I’ve seen local businesses step up in a big way to help the community through this pandemic offering meals, donating merchandise or gift cards to school fund-raisers and nonprofit auctions and sponsoring local sports teams.

They’ve supported one another by offering guidance and advice and support. But most of all, all virtue signaling aside, you can’t complain about wanting more options for shopping, or things to do, without supporting the options that we DO currently have, or eventually we really have NOWHERE to shop (which just isn’t the case, Karen, sit down). Money spent locally puts tax dollars into your community, and helps your friends and family’s businesses. Remember, Jeff Bezos has never donated to the silent auction for your kids little league team. Lastly, Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!

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Govt. agents, briefly Cook in a skillet Footballer Peyton's brother 14, to Julius Caesar Congressional "no" vote

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December 2020

27

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight

By Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal TARGET AGE: 12-17

You know the riots we saw on the news over the summer? How it began with someone exercising their freedom of speech, but escalated to rage, fear and violence based on the responses of others? Can you imagine being unable to get out of the way as a riot grows exponentially and takes on a life of its own?

In I’m Not Dying With You Tonight, Lena and Campbell attend the same school. They move in different social circles and are simply aware of one another.

Lena has a killer sense of style, a best friend who knows her better than anyone else, a boyfriend her Pops doesn’t approve of but whom she secretly sees anyway and a plan to make a better life for herself.

Campbell is lonely in a new city, at a new school, now living with her dad and missing her mom horribly.

Lena and Campbell both end up at the Friday night high school football game: Lena has come to watch and cheer on her friend at the half-time show, while Campbell got volunteered to work the concession stand.

School rivalries have already built up the tension at the game; aggressively racist slurs cause fists to fly; and the crowd at the concession stand morphs into a seething, outraged mass of humanity. The police show up; shots are fired. So not good.

Lena takes refuge in the concession stand. As the fight moves into the concession stand, she and Campbell realize there’s no one coming to rescue them. They’re going to have to work together and rescue themselves.

The two girls couldn’t be more different, but as they work together to survive the night, a fragile bond of trust grows between them.

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ADULT BOOK REVIEW BY TARA SMITH Hench

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Think this through with me: Let’s say superheroes and villains are a regular part of society, which means each group will need a support structure. If you follow through with that line of thought, that means there could actually be temp agencies looking for people with specific skill sets who are willing (or prefer) to work for villains. If you take that a step further, both superheroes and villains would need to provide a benefits package for those who agree to work for them full time. Interesting line of thought, isn’t it?

Meet Anna Tromedlove. She does numbers.

Numbers just make sense to her. Anna has chosen to work on the dark side; it’s a better fit for her. While employed by the Electric Eel (bad guy), Anna is severely injured by the world’s most powerful superhero, Supercollider. Since Anna’s going to be hospitalized and then in physical therapy for a long while, she’s of no use to the

Electric Eel, so he terminates her contract. (He’s a bad guy; go figure.)

Now unemployed for the foreseeable future, Anna lives on her best friend’s couch and fixates on how Supercollider has singlehandedly ruined her life. She begins a blog discussing the idea that superheroes might actually be a detriment to society. Researching this concept, she discovers that the numbers support her theory.

The blog and her theory take off. As Anna continues her research, the numbers increasingly show that while superheroes do cause property damage, the more crucial impact of their behavior is in lives ruined or cut short. Anna soon realizes that something needs to be done about the cavalier way superheroes just waltz through life with no concern for others. So what happens when someone gives her the opportunity to do just that?

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Mentality for a Happy New Year Top 3 Tips Story by Kera Kester, NASM Certified Personal Trainer/Contributing Writer

FIRST OFF let me congratulate you for making it to the last month of this year! I’m sending virtual high fives and fist pumps! We are living and being our wonderful selves on the cusp of the exciting possibilities of 2021. I’ve started seeing reflection posts of 2020 and though many are pleasant, I have come across some that aren’t rainbows and sunshine at all. So, I’ve put on my comfortable plaid pajamas, snuggled in a blanket, poured my favorite peach tea and decided to open a conversation about giving your own self the gift of merriness. I mean, it is a season to be jolly!

“ Our thought

life and chosen perspectives are everything. ”

You might be thinking, “Um Kera, you are talking about being jolly after all we’ve gone through this year . . . seriously?” But hear me out. Never in my life will I say that life is all peachy keen. However, without succumbing to denial of tough times, we can make a point to think upon the lovely possibilities and moments we’ve had and are presently experiencing. Our thought life and chosen perspectives are everything. From your alarm clock to your bedtime, the training and focusing of your mind is underway. I’m sharing my top three mentality shifting words that lend to more merriness!

1. Contentment The first word – Contentment! For years I thought contentment was laziness and an enemy. My fear was that if I allowed myself to be content with where I am, then I’d become OK with complacency and lose motivation. I believed that I had to despise the parts of me that I perceived as undesirable, in order to motivate myself to change. I didn’t realize this belief was festering increased selfhatred and grumpiness little by little. After much restless striving, it hit me. The well-being of my internal state had been compromised.

If I continued allowing externalities to dictate all of my mentality and joy, then I’d never be happy . . . because life will never be perfect.

I learned that contentment can be gratitude. It is celebrating and accepting accomplishments and progress that you’ve grown into while looking forward to progress and growth you’ll be graced to come into. My disdain for my life and self only lead to surface behavior modifications that lacked consistency and edification, because the truth is – only love transforms and edifies. When I began to love and celebrate myself, I saw the natural byproducts of the beautiful changes I desired.

2. Expansion The second word – Expansion! When we get consumed within our individual worlds, we feel unfulfilled, bored, unmotivated or even robotic – working the same job, seeing the same people and doing the same hobbies. We are creatures of habit, because we find comfort in having a sense of control and knowing what to expect. The truth is, we are made for the joy and excitement of new experiences! Go explore this GINORMOUS beautiful world. See it from Antarctica’s point of view. Touch and run your hands through crystal clear Barbados waters. Hear the authentic Afro-Cuban Latin sounds of Cuba. Walk through Mammoth Caves in Kentucky.

Converse with tourists or learn a new language and skill. Seek out

people of different backgrounds and ethnicities. Listen to a different sense of humor or even learn new life hacks! If that’s too much too fast, then do something unexpected with yourself. Dye your hair! Break your molds with a new instrument, rock climbing or learning to salsa dance. You might even unlock a new passion or make a dream come true in the process!

3. Activity We have come to my last favorite word – Activity!

Increasing your heart rate stimulates the production of hormones called endorphins into your bloodstream.

They work to make you feel like you just found a million bucks lying on the ground! What’s even better is there is a 90% chance you won’t ever look back and say, “Man, I really wish I hadn’t strengthened my body and released my feel-good hormones so that I have more energy and attentiveness throughout the day.” On top of that, it’s a way to feel accomplished and even invincible when you lift higher weights or do more reps than ever before!

The best part is, you can be active every day!

So there it is! Master contentment, expansion and being active and you’ll be well on your way to some real merriness. Always remember that you are a oneof-a-kind masterpiece formed with more than enough potential to smash goals and progress DAILY. That statement is a mouthful, but you better eat it up! As always, I want us all to be and feel our best. Never hesitate to reach out and start a conversation! Keep shining and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

December 2020

31

Life Hack:

11 Ways to Start a Healthy Lifestyle Story & Photo by Lynne Collenback/Contributing Writer

through the workout, and most importantly, we hold each other accountable.

When I felt like my workout routine was embedded into my routine, I started eating a very large spinach salad a day with light dressing to reintroduce leafy greens into my diet. When my diet was under control, then it felt like all the pieces started to fit; I was nurturing my body and doing something for me.

My story may not be like yours. If you are like me – preCOVID-19 me – frustrated at gyms, frustrated in yourself for “letting yourself go” or not sure where to start, a simple way of starting is to merely start.

Here’s how to start if you are just beginning or reintroducing a fitness lifestyle into your life: 1. Get your body moving. Try to get 10,000 steps a day.

Before COVID-19 began, I was a typical “sometimer” at a local gym. I paid a membership and never went through the doors. The times I did go to the gym, the machines I wanted to use were always occupied and gym-rats would stay at those machines for up to 30 minutes. It was always a chore and it wasn’t fun.

2. Start with bodyweight exercises. You won’t need weights at the beginning. Form over higher weight always.

When COVID-19 hit, I lived in Houston and I was put on a lockdown quarantine. I was confined to a small apartment with nothing but my books and TV to keep me company. One day after laying in bed for the third day straight, I decided that I wanted to get 10,000 steps a day.

4. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs.

That was just the start.

When I felt confident in walking 10,000 steps a day, I decided that I would start planning my own quarantine-proof workouts for my tiny apartment. I figured planning my own workouts would hold myself accountable, and it wouldn’t intimidate me.

I would be able to plan using only the equipment that I own, and I could really listen to what my body tells me.

3. If you’re not sure about proper form, the Internet is at your disposal.

5. Know the difference between pain and being sore.

6. Utilize your fitness friends. If you have questions, they’ll more than likely love to help you out.

7. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

8. Try to eat as many green vegetables as possible.

9. Find an accountability system.

10. Stay positive.

11. Set small, attainable goals.

I was right.

Finding and creating workouts was difficult at first, but utilizing Instagram was one of the key turning points in my fitness journey. I made a separate account in which I follow fitness instructors, fitness gurus and CrossFit athletes. They fill my feed with workout ideas, nutritional info, workout clothing and overall positivity to fuel my fitness life.

When I’ve run out of ideas, I follow the #workout or #workoutwithme on Instagram to find various workouts that I can try.

Working out in my apartment became boring, so I searched for a way to workout with my friends without seeing them in person. About once a week, my friends from all over the nation get together via Zoom, I plan the workout, I walk them

32 December 2020

When you start this checklist, start with one or a few first, and then build from there. No one is going to chastise you for taking your time.

No matter where you are in your healthier lifestyle journey, just know that you have many people that are rooting for you. Your family is rooting for you.

Your friends are rooting for you. I’m even rooting for you. All you need to do is to root for yourself.

Just know – a healthier lifestyle is even achievable in your own home. All you need to do is to start.

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V E S

NEW SALE EVERY DAY! Keep up on facebook or online @ lilesandco.com

T A R D Y E Y E S

Crossword Puzzle on Page 24

Merry Christmas from all of us!

L E

A V O C A D O G R E E N

S A L T I

FLASH SALE EVERY DAY THRU SATURDAY, DEC. 19

N O R

F R E N C H P O O D L E

A S A P

A B

A L I

N N A M O N L A B

T R Y

Downtown Ponca City

Sugar Lips

We now have

C I

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Merry Christmas, I look forward to serving you in the New Year.

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33

DECEMBER 1 TUESDAY

Festival Of Angels Lighting Display Continues through December 30 6:00 - 9:00 pm Downtown Ponca City Cann Gardens, Pioneer Woman Statue and Lake Ponca Park

Calendar of Events

5 SATURDAY

Annual Christmas Market Oklahoma Festival 9:00 am - 4:00 pm First Lutheran Church and School 1101 North 4th Street Die Hard 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 East Grand Avenue The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue

2 4

WEDNESDAY

1Million Cups With Nicholson Auction and Real Estate

8:30 am Pioneer Technology Center 2102 North Ash Street

FRIDAY

Christmas Open House Weekend and Christmas Parade 6:00 pm Downtown Ponca City

8 12

TUESDAY

Red Cross Blood Drive 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Blackwell Event Center & Fairgrounds 800 South Main Street, Blackwell

SATURDAY

Saturday With Santa 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm RecPlex 1604 West Grand Avenue The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue GASS Gospel Music 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Ponca City Gospel Jubilee 64445 US-60

13 SUNDAY

Geminid Meteor Shower 9:00 pm View with Ponca City Astronomy Club

East Side of Kaw Lake East Furguson Road

SATURDAY

18 FRIDAY

VAB Ugly Sweater Party 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Vortex Alley Brewing 220 East Central Avenue

19 SATURDAY

The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue Roger Rister Gospel Music 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Ponca City Gospel Jubilee 64445 US-60

Guardian Angel Gift Tree 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Heather Cannon Honda 3415 North 14th Street

Updated calendar @ poncacity.com

34 December 2020 34

WALK-IN CLINIC, NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Ponca Plaza Shopping Center, 2101 N 14th, Suite 114

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As we tie up another year, we’re reminded of just how fortunate we are to do business in this community.

All of us at Stuteville Ford-Lincoln thank you for your year-round support and friendship.

We wish you a very merry and beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

– ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE –

No matter what your health care needs may be… we are here to help.

2415 N. 14th Ponca City 765-5533 StutevilleFordPonca.com • StutevilleLincoln.com December 2020

35

Backyard Gardener Coming to the End of 2020: Merry Christmas!

Story & Photos by Kat Long/Contributing Writer That is a direct quote from Amazon, so it has to be true. In this case, it is very true. Culpeper was the go-to guide for anyone growing, saving or processing herbs. This guy knew his stuff. If you want to elevate this gift from good to great, order “The Complete Herbal” from Brace Books, pair it with a Lowe’s gift card and some of your gardener’s favorite seeds. You only have to listen to us (gardeners) go on and on about our basil, or chives or cucumbers or squashes to know what floats our proverbial boat. Find some interesting sounding seeds in that category and boom, you are the “best” friend/cousin/sibling EVER!

PRACTICAL

Who had ice storm for late October? A seven-point earthquake in Greece? I personally had good money on locusts in August. An ice storm in October is just a throwback to my time living in Tulsa. Back in 2002, Oklahoma had a bad ice storm, and I remember trees snapping, ice, snow and braving the walk to the AMC Theater down the block to see “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!” I hope as you are reading this, November has been fairly quiet and uneventful, but hey, it is still 2020 and we still have a month to go.

And in that month, we have Christmas. I have several people in my life who have started decorating and playing Christmas music (you know who you are) and this year, I don’t care. Live and let live. And if they want Christmas for two full months, well more power to them, because it is time for the annual review of the best Christmas gifts for gardeners (or me if we are being honest).

HERBS “First published over 350 years ago, “The Complete Herbal” by physician, herbalist and astrologer Nicholas Culpeper remains one of the most comprehensive listings of herbs and their uses in existence.”

36 December 2020

Next up, gardening gloves. Now, any gardener is happy to get a good pair of gloves. The $20 category is usually a safe place to be looking for gardening gloves, but I do love the five pack of nitrile gloves in my stocking. Though not the most expensive, they are definitely the coolest gloves I have ever received. Claw gardening gloves are aptly named: they have claws on the end of the gloves. And they are marvelous for clearing weeds, planting bigger seeds and just digging in the dirt. I usually wear one of these on my dominant hand and keep the other hand bare or wear a lighter nitrile glove so at least one hand is dexterous enough when gardening. My daughter got me these last year. She is my favorite.

Next up is the interval seed and plant spacing ruler. I stumbled across this one while looking for garden planning ideas. How cool is this? You can use it to poke holes in the ground for seeds or transplants so they will be spaced according to their needs. What’s that? Oh, just reality telling me I will never use it, but it is a really cool gift idea for gardeners who pay attention to things like correct spacing. I just don’t happen to be one of them, but I still want it — a lot.

FOR THE WRITER The Post Office has had some really good stamp collections in the past few years — Star Trek, Halloween and Harry Potter to name a few. Their fruit-vegetable stamps are a perfect stocking stuffer. If you come across plant-themed thank you cards or stationery, boom, you have a nice gift for your writer/

gardener. Again, Brace Books may have just the thing to pair with these great stamps. Bonus points: a good pen to go with the gift.

You may just get a thank you note or letter written on your gift.

FOR EVERYONE: Victory Gardens This may take a little while, so settle in for a read. Victory Gardens are also called “war gardens,” because in WW I and II, food rationing to support soldiers was a real thing. These gardens were planted both on private property as well as public lands to lessen the demand on the food systems. That means schools, parks and empty lots were used as gardening spaces.

Cheap food was not a thing in days gone by. Bacon was all pig and eggs were hard to come by unless you had a few chickens at your house. These gardens were able to help support more than 40% of the vegetable produce consumed by our nation during the war years. It gave men and women who were not fighting on the foreign fronts a way to support their own families, as well as soldier’s families.

Why should you plant a victory garden now? For many of the same reasons, except instead of supporting soldier’s families, we are supporting our own. As many of us found out during the beginning of COVID-19, our food delivery system is not as solid as we like to think it is. Especially when those who can buy large quantities of food, do buy large quantities of food and supplies. I still remember the astonished looks on people faces when gazing upon the empty egg aisle at Walmart. I handed out a couple of my egg suppliers names that day.

And let’s not get started on meat processing. Or maybe we should.

Local meat processors have been booked up for months. I know a guy that knows a guy, so I am good. I hope you know a couple of guys as well.

Gift ideas incorporating the victory garden concept can run to buying a “Victory Garden: An Essential Companion” book for you and one as a gift, ahem, for anyone special in your life. Several seed suppliers have put together Victory Garden Seed Packs, and I may have already bought one — or two. What? They were really cool and had some good seeds.

I hope these have given you some inspiration for your gift giving this year. Good standbys are Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Brandts or Atwoods gift cards because, hey, gardening supplies. We gardeners are just happy you were paying attention to our garden/ yard ramblings, wants and needs. Just pay attention to our grumbles and elations as we clean up the yard after the ice storm and during Thanksgiving and whatever else December throws our way before Christmas. You will know exactly what to get the gardener-type after that.

A Season for Remembering

Thank you for your service, God bless you and God Bless America!

The 24th Annual Veterans Day Parade was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone listed here for your sponsorship, donations and for volunteering to help. Our success was defined by our ability to show our appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed.

At a time when loved ones lost are especially missed, we wish all of you comfort and peace.

Thank you to this community for your trust in us.

Seasons Greetings

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2020 VETERANS DAY PARADE COMMITTEE Gary Miles, Chairman; Joe Glaser, Vice Chair; Kate Bozek, Treasurer; Donna Culver, Secretary; Sue Allen, Terri Sherbon, Shelley Wombacher, DeAnn McDaniel, Dan Hoach, George Nix, Carli Grimm, Alvie Miles, Luke Miles, Brad Fox, Zach Waddell, Dave Ring PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS VFW Post #1201 • Anonymous Donor • Frontier District Daughters of the American Revolution VFW Post #1201 Auxiliary • Equity Bank • IBEW LU 444 • Team Radio • A+ Printing Keeler Matthews Charitable Foundation to honor memory of 1 Lt Robert J. Nespor, MIA WWII GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS Heather Cannon Honda • RCB Bank Grace Memorial Chapel sponsored the Wichita Caledonian Pipes And Drums

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS Ponca City Noon AMBUCS • Two D’s Properties LLC - BBQ • Freight Sharks (Brad Scott) • PC Energy Creekstone Farms • Stolhand H&A/Wells Plumbing • Brad Beaty - Farha Wholesale BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS Ponca City Monthly Magazine • AMC Urgent Care • 7 UP/Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. • Creative Cabinets Stuteville Ford • Stuteville Chevrolet • Schwanke Hereford Ranch • Community National Bank Kaw Southwind Casino • MakeKings Signs • Evans & Associates Enterprises, Inc. Carey’s Septic Service • Veterans Landing • Pauline Miles OTHER SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Anderson Flooring • Don Hoffman Painting • Precision Metal Fabricators, LLC • Sean Anderson Mike Seals • Beverly Cantrell • First National Bank of Oklahoma • TPI Staffing • Masonic Lodge #83 Charity Angel AMBUCS • BPO Elks Lodge #2002 • Contractor Safety Alliance • Legacy Signs American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 • Equity Bank Staff • Kinder’s Campers • Sober Brothers Brandt’s Ace Hardware • Po-Hi Steppers • Ponca City Jr High Cheerleaders • Po-Hi Big Blue Band Scouts/Cub Scouts • Central OK Vintage Triumph Car Club • John Wiles - BNSF Railroad Tom & Pat Sipe • Brad Fox • Sam Miller • Saloma Miller • Dan Hoach • Julius Wright • Drisco, LLC Buster Brown - Kaw Southwind Casino • Joe Day • Randy Daily • Tavia Shea - Via Christi Village Roger Hudgins (Re-enactors) • I-Deal Pawn • Alvie Miles • Luke Miles • Kelly Miles • Chuck Gregg Drivers for Veterans • Kay Smith • Vance AFB • Tulsa Warbirds • Greg Vogt • Ronnie Theademan Block workers and Stagers - Erin & Carl Storm, Casey Turner, Anthony & Mary Daigre, Heather Lee, Bobby Giles & Bailey, Chris Wacker & Jadeann, Terri Sherbon.

Special thanks to The City of Ponca City and all their employees who contributed to the parade. Thank you also to everyone who entered floats and participated in the parade in any way, and to the public for attending our Celebration of Freedom.

Every effort was made to compile a complete list. If your name was inadvertently omitted, we apologize.

H H H THIS AD IS SPONSORED BY PONCA CITY ENERGY H H H

December 2020

37

Artist Brenda Baugh Story & Photos by Brenda Baugh/ Staff Writer

UTA (University of Texas, Arlington) for a degree in accounting, I decided to take an art class as an elective. The following semester, I changed my degree plan to art. I couldn’t imagine anything else and couldn’t believe that I denied this part of me for so long. I was different.

After a career in film & TV and raising my son, then sending him off to college, I decided to take the chance of being a full-time artist while living in Louisville, Kentucky. I started my business, Beauty and Brainz Art. I was the definition of a starving artist, but I had never been happier! I was very hungry and broke, but even happier than I had ever been my entire life, other than being a mom to my son, Mason.

“Naomi,” Acrylic

Realizing I needed to be back in the workforce, I took a position

Artist Brenda Baugh at Art Crawl 2020

“What’s bad for your heart is good for your art.”

“What’s bad for your heart is good for your art.” This is a quote that I have repeated over and over throughout the years. After this last year, some would say that it is a truthful statement. However, now I believe “what’s good for your art . . . is hard work and focus!”

In 2020 I stopped focusing on matters of the heart, and started focusing on what matters to me — my art! When I made that shift in thinking, is when others began to take notice.

A little over two years ago, I became a resident of Ponca City by chance but made it my home by choice once returning to Oklahoma after 30 plus years living across the United States, but mostly in Dallas/Fort Worth. I was born and raised on the south side of Oklahoma City and was recognized for my artistic ability as early as four years of age. I hated the attention that it brought me and made me feel different. Once I got into high school and feeling even more “different,” I ignored art completely. While attending

38 December 2020

“The Boys,” Acrylic

December 2020

38

“PowPow,” Oil Pastel

“Warrior,” Acrylic

“Mother & Child,” Oil Pastel

at MyMediaMatters. When I took the office manager position a year ago, I had no idea the doors it would open for me and my art. I started writing the Art Space article for Ponca City Monthly magazine. While interviewing local artists, I was introduced to Bradley Hayes who was the artist spotlight for the May 2020 issue. Immediately there was a friendship. Between our love of music, love of art and our backgrounds in the skate and derby worlds, it just seemed meant to be. By June we had a shared studio space at the Royalty building, and it was there that Bradley and I became known as B-Side Fine Art. Earlier this year, I joined the Ponca City Art Association. I was given the Honorable Mention for my self-portrait in the Virtual Membership Show and just finished teaching my first class at the PCAA. I plan on teaching a mixed media class starting in January 2021.

“I can’t imagine living anywhere other than Ponca City.”

I can’t imagine living anywhere other than Ponca City. I miss my immediate family back in Texas, but adore my Ponca City “family.” I am so thankful for the Liles family, my friends, my co-workers and the art community of Ponca City for accepting me and making me feel “different” in a positive way.

“Together,” Acrylic

Follow me on Instragram @beautyandbrazart and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BeautyandBrainzArt to see more of my work.

“Hey Girl, Hey,” Acrylic

December 2020

39

40 December 2020

Getting REAL Ponca City’s REAL ID Enters Fourth Month as Process Improves Story & Photos by Carey Head/Staff Writer Pack Your Patience. Appropriate advice for navigating our daily lives. It also is worth keeping in mind should one decide to apply for an Oklahoma REAL ID. The federal REAL ID Act was formulated in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001 and passed by Congress in 2005. It is part of a national plan to thwart airline terrorism by “increasing requirements to obtain documents granting access to federally regulated commercial aircraft,” according to Department of Homeland Security’s website.

It has taken 15 years to fully implement the Act, largely due to worst-case scenario fears of “Big Brother” privacy intrusion.

Oklahoma is among the last of the U.S. states and territories to embrace the Act. Tulsa and Oklahoma City tag agents were trained and authorized to begin issuing REAL IDs this summer. Ponca City’s Tag Agency staff completed the training and oversaw the installation of the REAL ID computer terminal in August.

According to Tag Agent Wes Nimmo, after the initial roll-out, the rough edges are being smoothed and the time required to apply has been steadily shrinking. The average REAL ID application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Applicants with a U.S. Passport are encouraged to bring their passport in order to simplify the document-approval process.

The REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Each REAL ID card packs technology designed to speed identification authentication and stop ID card forgery. To date, over 110 million citizens have obtained a federally approved REAL ID. To apply for a noncommercial Oklahoma REAL ID, applicants must bring proof of identity; proof of Social Security number and two proofs of residency. A complete list of documents allowed is available at www.realid. ok.gov and at local tag agencies. The state website, produced by Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, also offers a brief quiz to help individuals determine if he/she needs a REAL ID. The site also offers guidance on Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, REAL ID requirements.

Ponca City Tag Agency is located in Ponca Plaza. The Osage Tag Agency is located at 64820 U.S. 60 at Big Snake Road. Tag agents in Blackwell, Newkirk and Tonkawa also offer Oklahoma REAL ID technology. Oklahoma tag agencies are independently owned and operated.

FAQ What is a REAL ID? A REAL ID card is a form of identification which meets increased security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Each card is built with new technology which makes the card much more difficult to forge.

A REAL ID-compliant identification card will have a star in the top right corner. Oklahoma-issued REAL IDs have a gold star.

After October 1, 2021, every state and territory resident will be required to provide either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification (such as a passport) in order to access federal facilities, including boarding commercial aircraft.

Who needs a REAL ID? •

Anyone wanting to fly with only his/her state-issued ID

•

Anyone not having a passport or another TSAapproved ID

•

Anyone needing to enter a secure facility, such as a military base, nuclear power facility or a federally regulated, commercial aircraft. Note: Airports are considered federal facilities. After Oct. 1, 2021, this act will affect your ability to board your commercial flight.

Who doesn’t need a REAL ID? •

Anyone under age 18

•

Anyone needing an ID just for purposes of identification

•

Anyone who doesn’t mind bringing a TSA-approved ID (like a passport) when flying after Oct. 1, 2021

What documents do I need to provide in order to get a REAL ID? There are four documents required: •

Proof of identity/lawful presence in the U.S. (such as an original or certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate or U.S. passport)

•

Proof of Social Security number (Social Security Card, current W-2, 1099 or pay stub showing full SSN – not just the last four digits)

•

•

TWO proofs of your current Oklahoma address. Both YOUR name (not a spouse, parent, etc.) and current residential address (not a P.O. Box) must appear on the documents. utility bill, current homeowner or renter insurance policy and Oklahoma motor vehicle title or registration are among the many eligible documents. Junk mail and personal letters are not accepted.

Applicants under age 18 will use parent proof of address

Note: If your name has changed, such as due to marriage or divorce, then additional paperwork will be required.

TIP: If you have a U.S. passport, bring it with you when applying for a REAL ID. The qualification process goes more quickly.

Where can I get my REAL ID? Department of Public Safety offices and a number of Oklahoma Tag Agencies offer REAL IDs. All of the tag agencies in Kay County, including Blackwell, Newkirk and Tonkawa; as well as the two Ponca City-area tag agencies (Ponca Plaza location and the Osage Tag Agency, 64820 . U.S. Highway 60) have REAL ID computer systems and a staff member trained in issuing REAL IDs. When can I get my REAL ID? If you already have a noncommercial driver’s license, you may apply for a REAL ID as early as 11 months before your existing license expires. Best of all, your driver’s license expiration date will not change to reflect this early renewal.

Your new REAL ID will retain the original expiration month and day with an additional four years added.

For example, if your existing license is due to expire as far into the future as Nov. 30, 2021, you may apply for a REAL ID to replace your existing noncommercial driver’s license in December 2020. Once issued, this REAL ID will be valid until Nov. 30, 2025.

Otherwise, REAL IDs are being issued during business hours by tag agents across Oklahoma, including the five in the Kay County and Ponca City areas. Appointments are not required.

Will I need a REAL ID to drive?

According to Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, “You do not need a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits, enter a federal facility that does not require an ID like a post office, access a hospital or participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.”

Is there a fee?

The fee for a first-time, noncommercial, REAL ID is $42.50.

The renewal fee is $38.50 and replacement fee is $25.

Residents over age 65 may get a REAL ID for free.

How long does it take?

The process, which includes the scanning of your qualifying documents into the state database, usually takes about 20 minutes.

When will I receive my REAL ID? You will receive your new Oklahoma-issued REAL ID via mail in 7-14 days.

For more information, including a detailed list of accepted documents, visit www.realid.ok.gov. Oklahoma tag agencies offer free information, as well.

December 2020

41

Merry Christmas

We are very thankful to this community for the support you have shown us since we launched our magazine in April of 2020.

Your kind words about our editorial content and support through advertising means so much to all of us.

The Staff of

Let It Glow Let It Glow Let It Glow

the Benefits We hope the Celebrating spirit of the season of Local Power! fills your days• Equal or greater reliability.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers. with love, • Emphasis on long-term community goals. light and • Quick response from crews located in the community. laughter!

• Local employment.

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

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics and design.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet energy needs.

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

December 2020 42 • Customers have a direct and powerful voice in decisionmaking through their communities elected officials.

Did you know you own your local power utility?

All of us at Ponca City Energy would like to say THANK YOU to all the City of Ponca City departments that assisted us during the recent ice storm. In addition, to City personnel, THANK YOU to crews from Monett, Missouri; Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Bentonville, Arkansas; and Pryor, Oklahoma, that came to help. They were aThank shining example you Ponca City of how Public Power Communites for believingwork. in & supporting your very own Municipality!

Local Control It takesby athewhole city, includingReinvestment our valued “Owned Customers we Serve!” customers, to tackle an event such as an ice storm.

Reliability Accessibility Did youCommunity know you

Thank You and Merry Christmas, own your local OurLocalPower.org power utility?

Ponca City!!

Celebrating the Benefits of Local Power!

• Equal or greater reliability.

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers.

• Emphasis on long-term community goals.

• Quick response from crews located in the community.

• Local employment.

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

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics and design.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet energy needs.

• Local Power supports other entities such as police, fire,

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

“Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

Local Control Reinvestment Reliability Accessibility Community OurLocalPower.org

Sunny 1230 1601 E. Oklahoma Ave. Aaron’s Sales & Lease $ PONCA CITY 2608 N. 14th St. 13,400 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Anderson Flooring 509 N. 1st St. Astoria Blvd Bistro & Bar 217 E. Grand Ave. The Attic Boutique 322 E. Grand Ave. Atwoods Ranch + Home 401 E. Prospect Ave. Bintz Pharmacy 2701 . 14th St. Blackwell Dentistry 1520 S. Main (Blackwell) Blanton Chiropractic Clinic 101 E. Broadway Ave. Bob Hurley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram during the holidays and 3501 N. 14th St. Boomer Tire and Alignment 1300 N. Waverly St. 310 Fairview Ave. Jack Bowker Ford Lincoln Family Vision Care of Ponca City s are Prize in d $ 2415 N. 14th St.awarSade 1619 N. 5th St. nta Bucks!

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N E R A New Emergency Resource Agency Fighting Hunger . . . Feeding Hope

Story & Photos by Jennifer Vaughan/Staff Writer Ponca City Welfare Society began assisting Ponca City residents in the year 1919, providing those in need with coal oil and live chickens out of a small home just north of downtown Ponca City. Now known as New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA), more has changed in the last 101 years than just the name and community need. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and a United Way Partner Agency, NERA is now a state-of-the-art Food and Resource Center. As one of only 12 official Food Resource Centers in the state of Oklahoma, NERA has been certified by the Regional Food Bank for adopting and adhering to its high standards of service and produce delivery. While located in Ponca City at 112 South First St., NERA’s reach is much greater. Clients live within a service footprint from the Kansas state line, south to Red Rock, east of I-35 to Shidler. Once a month deliveries to Red Rock and Burbank have just recently been implemented to serve families who are burdened or unable to travel to NERA’s location in Ponca City.

NERA Executive Director Tom Short explained that while Oklahoma’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, aids many of our community families, that assistance is meant to provide just two weeks of food, leaving a deficit. NERA closes that gap and ensures hungry families in our community are able to eat every day. NERA provides a food pantry program that supplies families with two weeks’ worth of groceries for everyone in their household at no cost to the families. While this

44 December 2020

continued on page 46

“Now known as New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA), more has changed in the last 101 years than just the name and community need.”

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New Emergency Resource Agency continued from page 44

program does require proof of residence, they also offer a Homeless Bag program for individuals who are struggling with housing that feeds them for the day. NERA also offers the Senior Box Program, otherwise known as the Commodity Senior Feeding Program (CSFP) that provides a week’s worth of food to low-income seniors.

In addition to the numerous food programs provided by NERA, Rent and Utility Assistance is offered as well. NERA even has a dedicated SNAP Coordinator who is available to assist anyone needing help with enrolling in the program and answering questions. After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, NERA will resume offering classes at least once a month, where instructors teach cooking, automotive maintenance, gardening, budgeting and more. NERA also provides toiletries, paper goods, personal hygiene products, etc. “When you’re struggling, if you can’t afford food, you can’t afford other necessities. The businesses here in Ponca City have been very generous and are very supportive of the mission, but there are things people can do too because that’s not stuff we get from the Regional Food Bank. Food is a major necessity, but they need resources too and it’s nice that we can offer that kind of assistance,” said NERA Board President Erin Liberton.

As most every organization in this time of COVID-19, NERA has made adjustments to procedures and are taking necessary precautions to protect their staff, volunteers and the families that they serve. During this time, NERA has seen an exponential increase in need from the community, and this critically essential organization has stepped up to meet that need. In 2019, NERA provided services to around 12,000 people. This year, due to the “COVID-19 influx,” they anticipate serving around 15,000 members of the community. As demand has increased, cost has as well and NERA needs your help. Feeding America released projections in June of this year that show an additional 216,370 Oklahomans could become food insecure in the wake of the pandemic, with child food insecurity rates rising to 1 in 3 children. While all donations are absolutely appreciated and utilized, monetary donations simply go further. NERA, being affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, is able to purchase food for pennies on the dollar. With every $1 donation, NERA is able to provide five entire meals to someone in need.

Prescription Assistance Prescription assistance does exist through NERA. It isn’t a heavily utilized or promoted program, but it definitely exists. The program isn’t super formalized, but it covers antiseptics and antibiotics for new prescriptions. Clients in need can bring in their new prescriptions and we work with a local pharmacy to cover any outstanding cost that may exist. In many of these cases, RX for Oklahoma is another program that we can provide a referral too but as a Resource Agency, we help make sure we provide resources to ensure their needs are met.

For more information about the services offered by NERA, required documents and hours, or to donate, please visit www.nera-frc.org.

One week’s worth of potatoes at the Food Bank

46 December 2020

Holiday Wishes and Dreams Come True

cherokeestrip.com December 2020

47

Recipe

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin Roast With Whole Mustard Pan Sauce Recipe & Photo by Paul Muehlberg/Contributing Writer After a big traditional Thanksgiving meal in November, I like to get a little more creative with my Christmas dinner, and the star on top of this year’s Christmas feast will be my ProsciuttoWrapped Pork Loin With Whole Grain Mustard Pan Sauce. I love this dish, because the hard part is done ahead of time, and once roasted, the prosciutto turns a gorgeous golden brown. You can find Prosciutto at our newly remodeled ALDI grocery store. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Servings: 8-10 Prep Time: 25 minutes Inactive: 1-4 hours Cook Time: approximately 1 hour

INGREDIENTS Garlic Herb Paste:

Pan Sauce:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

8 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped 3-4 large sage leaves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper 4 pounds pork loin roast 1 ½-2 cups chicken stock, more as needed 3 4-ounce packages of thinly sliced prosciutto

1 large shallot, skin on sliced 1 garlic clove, skin on smashed 2 sprigs thyme 1 sprig rosemary ¼ cup Sherry for deglazing 1 cup chicken stock 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon whole mustard

DIRECTIONS Add to a small mixing bowl the garlic, thyme, rosemary and sage. Whisk-in the olive oil until well combined. Season pork loin with salt and pepper. Rub marinade mixture all over the pork loin. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours.

1 hour before cooking, remove the pork loin from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut a 12” square piece of parchment paper. Layer the prosciutto slices in two single overlapping rows on the parchment paper. Place the pork loin in the center of the prosciutto and roll one side of the parchment paper over the top of the pork loin, pressing firmly to adhere the prosciutto to the pork loin; carefully roll back parchment paper leaving the prosciutto adhered to the roast. Repeat process with the remaining side covering the entire pork loin with the prosciutto. Transfer pork loin to a heavy-bottomed roasting pan seam side down. Discard parchment paper.

Add 1 ½ cups of the chicken stock to the roasting pan. Roast pork for 30 minutes. Add more chicken stock to the pan, ensuring the pan juices don’t dry out and burn. Continue

48 December 2020

roasting for an additional 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the middle of the roast reads 145 F for medium rare or cook until desired doneness. Remove roast from the pan and place on a carving board. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let rest 10 minutes. Drain the pan juices scrapping up any browned bits and reserve for the pan sauce.

While the roast is resting, make the pan sauce. Using a medium-sized sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium low heat; add the shallots and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shallots and garlic start to brown. Turn the heat up to high; add the sherry and bring to a boil. Reduce by half. Stir in 1 cup of the pan juices and the herbs (if you don’t have at least 1 cup of pan juices, add chicken stock up to 1 cup). Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Strain out the herbs, shallots and garlic and return sauce to the pan. Whisk remaining butter into the sauce 1 tablespoon at a time. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the mustard. Slice pork and arrange on a platter. Garnish with rosemary and spoon the pan sauce over the sliced roast.

Serve immediately.

Holiday Gifts Merry Christmas!

We hope this holiday season finds you surrounded by love, friendship, goodwill and good times.

Thank you for making our year run so smoothly.

We wouldn’t be here without good friends and customers like all of you.

• Foreign and Domestic Repair • Genesis Laser-Guided Frame Equipment • Exclusive asTech Technology

Guaranteed Repairs Free Estimates

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You won’t find anywhere else, locally!

Incense & Charcoal Burners Gift Certificates

Aromatherapy Jewelry

Eclectic collection of burners and also a great varienty of incense and charcoal.

Place a drop of scented oil on the lava rock and have the scent with you all day!

S in ce 19 7 1

Christmas Teas

Our selection includes Christmas Eve, Holiday Chai, Christmas in Paris and Christmas Morning.

2906 N. 14th Ponca City

Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps & Night Lights

Thought to have many health Next to Hobby Lobby benefits. We have a great 762-1854 Mon. thru Sat. 9 am - 7 pm selection!

Everything Clicks with KORLOK!

Korlok is easy to install and can be laid over most existing hard floor coverings. It also has acoustic qualities. Stop by and let us show you this beautiful new product!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our entire team!

209 N. 1st, PC • 580-762-9513 • info@wardsac.com

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

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

December 2020

49

Keeping Athletes Safe Summer McClure Leads NOC Tonkawa Athletic Training Story Contributed by Scott Cloud, Director of Public Information, Northern Oklahoma College Photos by John Pickard, Northern Oklahoma College No athletic program would ever exist without athletic trainers.

That is especially true at Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa where the program is headed by Summer McClure.

McClure has been the athletic trainer since 2014.

“Athletic training can definitely be challenging, especially being over 200 athletes by myself,” she Summer McClure said. “I work a significant number of hours, and every day is different. You have to be able to adapt to whatever situation you are in. Our scope of medicine is so broad and that is one of the things I enjoy about it. Every day is a new challenge with something completely different to tackle.”

Currently, McClure and her staff of ten student athletic trainers assist athletes in seven sports, including men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, cheer, softball and baseball from their athletic training room in the Foster-Piper Fieldhouse.

positive for COVID-19 and worked to limit the spread of the virus among the athletes. NOC athletes use a phone app that allows them to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If they report any symptoms, a notification is sent to the athletic trainer to follow up. Then they determine what the next best step is.

McClure is a NOC graduate who attended Deer Creek-Lamont High School. She attended Oklahoma State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. She then completed her Masters of Education degree in Sports NOC Athletic Training student Jaiden Holloway from Fairfax assists Administration from East Central NOC athletes as part of the athletic training program.

University. She is certified through the National Athletic Trainers' Association “I am so very grateful for my students,” she said, “they work so and licensed through the Oklahoma Medical Board of Licensure hard and put in endless hours at practices and games. They are and Supervision. always up to learn new things and keep things fun! I absolutely Student trainers include Blake Allen, Pawhuska; Jaiden Holloway, need their help and am so thankful to have an awesome group this Fairfax; Jordan Webster, Muskogee; Nancy Herr, Bleiblerville, year. The spring will be challenging, but I know they will work hard Texas; Carson Garrett, Blackwell; Caleb Baker, Edmond; Josh and make it a little bit easier.”

Ghram, Newkirk; Franky Diaz, Enid; Jaime Rowlands, Fareham, McClure also manages the Wellness Center on the NOC England; and Hannah Marker, Perry.n Tonkawa campus.

“I am so very grateful for my students. They work so hard and put in endless hours at practices and games. They are always up to learn new things and keep things fun!”

A typical workweek starts daily at noon with pre-practice that includes taping, treatment, and injury rehabilitation.

All the athlete’s injury treatment, is documented noting treatment, progress and referrals. Student athletic trainers attend practices and are also in the training room for dayto-day tasks.

Summer and her student athletic trainers work every home event and travel to playoffs. Student athletic trainers assist with away games helping with taping and pre-game activities. They also work over holiday breaks, if athletic teams are practicing.

She resides in Morrison with her husband Dusty and two daughters Sawyer, 4, and Luxx, 6-months.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever-changing world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the fall semester interesting, with no games. All NOC sports are scheduled to play in Spring 2021, making a busy semester for athletic trainers.

“COVID-19 has added on a lot of extra work and stress to my job as an athletic trainer,” she added. “I am in charge of helping enforce our protocol and following up with athletes that report symptoms. The biggest challenge I think we have faced is just making sure our athletes are safe and trying to make this as “normal” of a year as possible. Its very hard on their morale when they don’t have games to look forward to.”

During the summer, McClure and NOC Enid Athletic Trainer Julie Baggett created a set of COVID-19 protocols for practices — a three-phase approach that would provide a safe environment for NOC athletes. Included was an education module for each NOC athlete and coach.

These protocols have created a safe environment for athletes as just nine student athletes (4.5%) have tested

50 December 2020

NOC, a public two-year community college, serves 5,700 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/ OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students, about 60% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. Over 80% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

NOC Athletic Training student Blake Allen from Pawhuska tapes an ankle to prepare an athlete for an NOC practice.

NOC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science. The associate degree fulfills lower-division coursework, which is applicable toward a bachelor’s degree.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu .

Don’t miss this 3-DAY EVENT Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17-18-19. Lenders will be on-site!

Lower your current payment and get into one of our award-winning models!

All of us at Stuteville Chevrolet, Buick, GMC wish you a great holiday season!

HHHHHHHHHHH

BUY LOCAL, be a Stuteville S.T.A.R. HHHHHHHHHHH • Complimentary lube, oil and tire changes • Complimentary car wash • Courtesy loaner vehicle • Express shuttle service • Express services • Accessory discount • Enhanced trade-in value

CHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

3330 N. 14th • Ponca City 580-765-5595 StutevillePonca.com

RACK LOCATIONS PONCA CITY • Chamber of Commerce, 5th & Grand • Ponca City RecPlex, 1604 W. Grand • Homeland, 2005 N. 14th • Homeland, 904 S. 4th • Ponca City Discount Foods, 2405 N. 14th • Diamond Nutrition, 401 N. 14th • Equity Bank, 3rd & Grand • City Central, 400 E. Central • Walmart, 1101 E. Prospect

• • • • •

RCB Bank, 14th & Highland El Patio, 731 N. 14th First National Bank, 1501 E. Prospect Osage Casino C-Store, 64464 US-60 Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, 1217 E. Prospect

TONKAWA • Venture Food Market, 1315 N. Main • NOC Student Union, 1220 E. Grand MORE TO COME!

Always available (for free) online at poncacitymonthly.com December 2020

51

HERITAGE REALTORS®

3216 N. 14th • 580.765.8888

Watch our Facebook page for live shopping events during the Christmas Season!

We are also offering private shopping experiences (before or after store hours) by appointment.

Call to schedule your appointment today

580-762-3985

318 E. Grand • Ponca City Whimsy is a business of the Oportunity Center.

Marland Children’s Home is now…

BECKY POET

580.763.1871

beckypoet@gmail.com

Invest In Your Health

   

• Basketball/pickleball courts • Racquetball courts TAKE A TOUR TODAY!• Walking and BASKETBALL/PICKLEBALL  CARDIO MACHINES & FREE jogging track COURTS WEIGHTS • Kidzone • Aquatic area RACQUETBALL COURTS  GROUP FITNESS CLASSES • Cardio machines WALKING & JOGGING TRACK  AQUATIC AREAand free weights • Group fitness classes KIDZONE  RUBY NUTRITION • Ruby Nutrition 1604 W Grand Ave Ponca City, OK 74601 | 580-767-0430 1604 www.poncacityok.gov

W. Grand Ave., Ponca City 580-767-0430 • www.poncacityok.gov

BROADWAY PLAZA APARTMENTS

201 E. Broadway, Ponca City 580-762-4445

1300 Summers Place, Ponca City • marlandsplace.com • 580-762-4156

To learn more about how you can help our foster children this holiday season, scan this QR code with your phone.

Your donations are tax-deductible.

52 December 2020

We take housing applications for the elderly and disabled. You must be at least 50 years of age or receiving disability benefits.

• • • • • • • • • • •

FREE Wi-Fi throughout building Beautiful grounds and gardens Friendly and caring staff Rent based on income 1 bedroom and efficiencies Carpet and mini-blinds Handicap-accessible units Friendship Feast transportation Meals on Wheels Movie and game night Potluck lunch

Call 580-762-4445 for information or apply in person.

Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (Closed 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm)

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

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

$50 in Chamber Bucks.

GeoCashing Story by Jay Wagner/Staff Writer This month’s Geocash was found on the very first day after publication! We’d like to congratulate Elizabeth Patterson and her dedication and endurance in her quest to find the November cache. $50 in Chamber Bucks was awarded to Elizabeth for the return of our special code! We’d also like to recognize a few other special geocachers who located our stash and added their name to the list:

MARY BETH MOORE • 580-401-3456 mbclarkmoore@yahoo.com

1. Charlotte Shiever 2. Kenna

HERITAGE REALTORS®

3. Spencer

3216 N. 14th • 580.765.8888

4. Reagan Good luck and happy hunting on your next GeoCashing quest!

Elizabeth Patterson, Winner of Last Month’s GeoCash

CONTEST RULES:

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

If you are the first to find the cache please retrieve the special code and coin but leave and sign the included note saying that the treasure has been found. Once the deadline has passed, the code will no longer be valid for the prize. A new PC GeoCash will be placed as the next issue of Ponca City Monthly is released. Winners may not win more than once per calendar year.

DECEMBER CLUE:

To roaring decadence, you harken back...

In a wooded distance they conceal their tracks With oars in hand, they paddled here To drop their hooch and disappear They hear faint echoes through the hall Where a crowd has gathered for a ball Grass now grows where water once stood The tales these arches would tell if they could

Difficulty: Terrain: Size: Deadline:

from David, De and Roger at Hoddy Glass.

Call us for all your glass needs.

Location of Last Month’s GeoCash at The Opportunity Village Sign

CHUCK

HODDY

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

Bring the Special code to:

→→→

727 N. Union, Ponca City

580-762-9844

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

December 2020

53

Business Spotlight Rikki’s Market Is Ponca City’s New Treasure Story & Photos by Carey Head/Staff Writer

It is one of Rikki’s many strengths: the ability to strike a conversation with a stranger who soon feels like family. Born in Iowa, Rikki turned ex-pat for half the year in order to commute to her hunting and fishing lodge located in northern Ontario, Canada.

She also operated a grocery store from a log cabin and enjoyed a loyal client base. The team penner met her roper husband at a rodeo in Paden, Oklahoma. Despite her owning and operating the Canada businesses – and commuting to Ponca City during the offseason, Rikki agreed to simplify things and make her year-round home in Ponca City.

It was the Red Barn’s appearance that attracted the country girl to the Lake Road location. They leased the building from local businessman Rod Wohl and embarked on a Ponca City small business of their own.

Rikki Denton, owner of Rikki’s Market Enjoy a good treasure hunt? Then Rikki’s Market is your cup of tea.

Literally.

Like 36 loose-leaf teas from which to choose as you partake of the market’s “smelling station.”

How about discovering a magnificent new coffee blend?

Rikki’s offers 31 whole bean coffees, which can be ground to your specifications and purchased by the pound. Each coffee is supplied

by Robert Boewe, owner and founder of The Spice Merchant, Wichita, Kansas. According to market manager Candy Green, “He roasts 250,000 pounds of beans each year.”

Candy went on to explain Rikki’s Market is Boewe’s first and only step into supplying another retailer with his handcrafted products.

Rikki reached out to Boewe and convinced him to send his beans her way.

54 December 2020

Rikki’s Storefront Market on Lake Road

Then Spring 2019 brought historic flooding to the area just as Rikki and Robert Denton were ready to open the remodeled and well-stocked store. The Arkansas River and run-off water reached a depth of five feet inside the building. Without flood insurance to help, the Dentons never questioned whether to rebuild.

First business day after the second rebuild was Jan 11, 2020.

Days before a pandemic would change the world.

These challenges have strengthened the Denton’s resolve to make their Ponca City investment venture a success. Rikki’s Market inventory reflects their focus on supporting other small businesses.

Most of Rikki’s product offerings are made by family-owned enterprises, many based in Oklahoma.

continued on page 57

R U SS

DIDLAKE I am blessed with fantastic clients and want to wish everyone a wonderful new year!

Thanks for your valued patronage at the holidays and all year.

Keep us in mind for all of your future pest control needs.

580.763.2760 russdidlake@kw.com

We appreciate your friendship and support!

3616 Lake Road Ponca City 580-762-6614 www.parkerpestcontrol.com

“Whatever it takes”

411 N. 14th Ponca City 580-765-0825 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Need a Doctor?

Phillip J. Knight, MD has been practicing general medicine for 40+ years and is now accepting new patients!

For an appointment, please call

580-765-2498 Office located in Doctor’s Park at 400 Fairview, Suite 15, Ponca City

Winterrowd Talley Architects 112 N. 3rd Ponca City (580) 765-3317

Let us help you add a kitchen remodel to your Christmas wish list.

www.WTAOK.net December 2020

55

Need More Room to store your stuff?

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

FORT KNOX Mini Warehouses 1301 E. Prospect • Ponca City Behind Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters

580-765-0687

5’x8’ to 10’x30’ Storage Units

Pay for 5 months, get 6th month FREE!

2020

d

580.765.8155 FAX: 580.763.4549

Accepting COVID patients Tele-Health physicians visits

ONLINE

holidaymarket pioneertech.edu/holiday-market DECEMBER 3 ONLY Proceeds Will Benefit Pioneer Tech Student Organizations Pioneer Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, age, religion, disability or veteran status.

from all of us at Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker Law firm of

Boettcher | Devinney | Ingle | Wicker Personal Injury ♦ Social Security Disability ♦ Workers’ Comp Medical Malpractice ♦ Truck Wrecks

580-765-9660 or 866-800-9660 • www.boettcherlawoffice.com

115 East Grand, Ponca City • Offices also in Tulsa, Stillwater & Oklahoma City • Se Habla Español 56 December 2020

Business Spotlight continued from page 55

With colorful gourmet foods and kitchenwares filling every available inch, Rikki’s Market is a feast for the senses. Visually, the store is an explosion of color with goods packed floor to ceiling.

Hear Rikki’s laughter ring out as she visits with customers. Taste the gourmet possibilities at the tasting station featuring the Market’s offerings of oak barrel-aged olive oils and flavor-infused balsamic vinegars. Then turn to the center of the store where house-made fudge is available for sampling. Feel sumptuous tea towels and other kitchen crafts as the rich scents of bulk spices, sold by the ounce, lure you to the back of the store.

“Discover one of Ponca City’s newest treasures: Rikki’s Market Meat Counter. Word of the prime beef and premiumquality pork, chicken and seafood has spread.”

Turn to your left and discover one of Ponca City’s newest treasures: Rikki’s Market Meat Counter. Word of the prime beef and premium-quality pork, chicken and seafood has spread. As Candy and her colleagues create a steady stream of social media posts to let customers know the day’s meat selections. Many are unique meat entrees created by her husband Robert Denton and Chef Gary Smith, Cast Iron Cowboy Catering. Among the typical offerings are spatchcock chicken, ground filet meatloaf, stuffed pork loin, pork chops and custom-cut steaks, plus finishing butters.

Gulf seafood also is available.

Rikki’s Market is located at 2309 Lake Road, formerly The Red Barn. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Gift baskets and gift certificates are available.

“Visually, the store is an explosion of color with goods packed floor to ceiling.”

Rikki Helping Customers at the Meat Counter

Rikki’s Market offers curbside pickup. Visit http://rikkismarket.com to see the complete list of store selections. Learn more at the store’s Facebook page as well as via email, rikkismarket@gmail.com, or call (580) 382-4063.

continued on page 58 December 2020

57

Local Favorites Available At Rikki’s Market continued from page 57

Bread made from Rikki’s Market “Sourdough Starter”

Local Honey by Tara Boring

Selection of Artisan Balsamic Vinegars & Olive Oils

58 December 2020

HealthBack Home Health

HOLIDAY

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

15000

$

Commercial•Residential•High-Rise Commercial•Residential•High-Rise

CHEER DRIVE

• Residential Window Cleaning

Serving Cheer to our Skilled Nursing Home Residents and other Seniors in the Ponca City area.

• Post Construction Cleanup

ACCEPTING DONATIONS UNTIL DECEMBER 16

RESIDENTIAL WINDOW CLEANING

• Commercial Window Cleaning • High-Rise Window Cleaning • High-Pressure Washing • Serving Kay Co. since 1990!

for inside and outside of single-story or first floor windows. (Storm windows and/or new construction cleanup not included.)

Call for details.

Great gift for family and friends.

Offer ends Jan. 31, 2021

LandersWC.com • 580-762-8282

Suggested donations…

• Throw Bankets • Non-Skid Socks, Variety of Sizes • Men’s Crew Socks • No-Slip Slippers • Winter Hats • Women’s and Men’s Sweats/Sweatshirts, Large, XL, XXL & 3X • Men’s White T-Shirts • Lotions • Perfume/Cologne

H

• Lip Balm • Body Wash • Shampoo/Conditioner • Sweet Treats • Non-Perishable Snacks • Magnifying Glasses • Books • Activity Books • Jigsaw Puzzles • Adult Coloring Books • Printed or Homemade Holiday Cards

DONATION DROP - OFF LOCATIONS H

HealthBack Home Health-111 Patton Dr., Suite 1 Ponca City Chamber - 5th & Grand

For questions or PICK-UP, call Laura Revard at 580-762-5800

BRETT BROWN

PLEASE VERIFY ALL AD COPY FOR ACCURACY & INDICATE ALL CORRECTIONS CLEAR

This is a proof only and an opportunity to identify any error made during the creation of your advertisement.

PROOF

Due to the variables in printing and table production, there may be image quality loss. Colors here may not match fin printed copy exactly. For best font production, text should be a minimum of 10 point font. Fine line fonts may not be legible on dark backgrounds (ie: script fonts). QR Codes minimum size requirement is 1” Square. Please scan your to ensure functionality.

H TIRES

ABC Advertising Agency Inc. shall not be held responsible for any errors not marked, image quality loss, color fluctuations, and/or font leg

Window Tinting • Accessories

WHEELS

ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES

Stop by our showroom and let us help you find the perfect gift!

• Custom Wheels & Tires • Trailer Hitches: Gooseneck & Fifth Wheel • Running Boards • Grill Guards • Full Line of Accessories

580-762-5283

www.autointintions.com

411 E. HARTFORD • PONCA CITY TOLL FREE 888-274-TINT December 2020

59

Chris Bugg, DDS

Affordable Dentures & Implants – Oklahoma, PLLC - General Dentistry

Chris Bugg, DDS

FREE X-RAY & EXAM *FOR NEW PATIENTS ONLY ($100 VALUE)

503 North 14th Street • Ponca City, OK 74601

503 North 14th Street • Ponca City

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

(580) 200-2261 580-749-9370 www.DDSPoncaCity.com 60 December 2020

Kids Activity Page

December 2020

61

COVID-19 Information: Helpful Info & Safety Tips for the Busy Holiday Season Information Received from the Office of the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt

For a one-stop shop of COVID-19 information: govstatus.egov.com/oklahoma-coronavirus-information For updated resources and immediate access to frequently asked questions relating to COVID-19, visit: coronavirus.health.ok.gov To view the Oklahoma Governor’s executive order report that provides hospital bed count and SNS supplies visit: https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/executive-order-reports Details on drive-thru testing locations are now online and available at: coronavirus.health.ok.gov/drive-thru-testing For unemployment resources, visit: unemployment.ok.gov Homeowners impacted by COVID-19 should visit: www.okcommerce.gov/ assistance-options-for-homeowners-impacted-by-covid-19/ There are hardship programs in place to help homeowners who have been directly or indirectly affected by the coronavirus and are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

To request to be a vendor selling PPE, visit the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website: okcommerce.gov/covid19/ One-stop shop for guidance and resources for businesses can be found at okcommerce.gov. Resources include SBA Loans, essential business information and requests, and more.

Additional COVID-19 guides and resources you can visit: okcommerce.gov/covid19/ Oklahomans who want to find ways to volunteer during this time can visit readyhelpgo.org and fill out a quick form with their contact information, skills and interests.

62 December 2020

December 2020

63

All Gifts Matched up to $ 10,000!

Dear Santa, please find homes for all the homeless animals!

Believe you can make a difference!

Year-End Matching Gift Challenge Your gift will be matched by one of our generous supporters to give area homeless pets TWICE the help this holiday!

Donate Now So Your Tax-Deductible Gift Doubles Its Life-Saving Impact!

By phone or online: 580-767-8877 or nokhs.com By mail or in-person: Northern Oklahoma Humane Society - 900 W. Prospect Avenue, Ponca City