Ponca City Monthly November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

MADE with

PAUL’S THANKSGiViNG STAPLES + MORE LOCAL FAMiLY FAVORiTES

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: How to Actually #saveourchildren Veterans Day Parade Quilts of Valor November 2020 1 VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

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NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES

6. . . Dearing House Child

.Advocacy Center . How to Actually #saveourchildren 45. . . Veterans Day Parade 46. . . Quilts of Valor 50. . . Ponca City We Love You 53. . . E.W. Marland in Politics

HEALTH & BEAUTY

35. . . Wax On, Wax Off 36. . . Healthy Holiday Tips 38. . . Coping in a Season of Thanksgiving

FOOD

18. . . Made with Love: Paul Muehlberg 20. . . Rustic Minestrone 21. . . Wishbone Roasted Turkey 22. . . Muehlberg Mashed Potatoes 25. . . Boettcher Family Sausage Dressing 26. . . Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad 29. . . Pecan Pie Cupcakes

•

VOL. 1 NO. 8

EDUCATION

14. . . Education Corner Thankfulness

BUSINESS

CALENDARS

17. . . Chamber Link

.November Chamber Events 52. . . November Calender of Events

ARTS

40. . . ARTSPACE .Betty Scott

BOOK REVIEWS

Ad Designers Robyn Ryan Kelsey Wagner

The Princess Will Save You 33. . . Adult Book Review .Virgin River

Magazine Designers Christina Wright Kelsey Wagner Robyn Ryan

GARDENING

32. . . Children's Book Review

48. . . Backyard Gardener

Spider and Tomatoes

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

Last month, two captions were left incomplete in the Ponca City We Love You: Rich Cantillon story. One photo identified the city officials and Rich, but failed to mention the photo was taken at the ribbon cutting of Ponca swim beach. The next photo had no caption, but was a hand-drawn gift to Rich from Suzanne Zanardi who said Rich was “Ponca City’s number one cheerleader!”

Copy Editor Sherry Cable

Staff Photographer Jay Wagner

The 5 Under 40 article incorrectly identified Carey Head as a Contributing Writer, when in fact, she is a Staff Writer.

November 2020

Advertising Director Robyn Ryan

The Grand Cigar & Lounge 47. . . Kevin’s Corner Stock Market News

CORRECTIONS:

4

Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner

Staff Writers Carey Head

Jennifer Vaughan Brenda Baugh Jay Wagner

11. . . Business Spotlight

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT 30. . . Stew on That by Rachel Stewart 30. . . Crossword Puzzle 47. . . Crossword Puzzle Answers 42. . . Kids Activities: Coloring 54. . . Geocashing

Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency

Office Manager Brenda Baugh Circulation Patrick Blackwell

Contributing Writers Suzanne Boettcher Paul Muehlberg Andrew Hicks Katherine Neale Rachel Stewart Patrick Jordan Kera Kester Johnny O’Hare

Adam Leaming Janet Martin Jayne Detten Sam Lionelli Tara Smith Lorrie Layton Allison Miller Stacie Hobbs Kat Long

© 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.

Marland Children’s Home is now…

Thankful

When I was young, I liked to play “town” with my three sisters. My older sister ran the bank (she drew out fake checks on construction paper for us to use). My younger sister ran the movie theatre ($1 to watch a movie in our living room) and my baby sister would generously lend us her toys which we assigned unique values and used as currency. My baby sister would also play the wandering crazy lady if she was feeling playful.

I did end up making more money than any of my sisters because, as the store owner, I automatically owned everything in the house. Everyone had to buy things from me. It was a winning business model (with low overhead) and business was good. Perhaps that was my first dabble in running my own business.

I remember feeling so “grown up” playing town. I loved exchanging money, walking around our pretend “town” talking with people, and I loved the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself.

As I look back on previous business ventures, this magazine by far brings me the most joy. As I flip through each page, I see a town full of wonderful stores, mesmerizing entertainment, delicious food options and amazing people.

In this time of thanksgiving, I am grateful that my childhood game has become my reality and that I am able to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am especially grateful for a magazine that reminds me daily how blessed I am to live in Ponca City.

Sincerely, Kelsey Wagner Editor-in-Chief Ponca City Monthly

Editor@poncacitymonthly.com

Two years ago, we transitioned from residential care and became a foster placement agency. With that transition, we felt it was time for a new name, Marland’s Place: Foster Family Services. We service foster families both on and off campus and have certified 16 foster parents, are working on 10 more and have helped over 80 children find nurturing temporary homes.

Marland’s Place is excited to expand our outreach in the community. If you are interested in learning more about what we do or how you can help, visit our website or give us a call.

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

NOVEMBER 2020

MADE with

PAUL’S THANKSGiViNG STAPLES + MORE LOCAL FAMiLY FAVORiTES

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: How to Actually #saveourchildren Veterans Day Parade Quilts of Valor VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

ABOUT THE COVER

Photography by: Jes McIntosh Design by: Kelsey Wagner November 2020

5

Dearing House Child Advocacy Center How to Actually #saveourchildren Story & Photos by Jennifer Vaughan / Staff Writer

To say that tensions in 2020 have been a little high for everyone is an understatement (a massive understatement, to be perfectly honest). Between the Coronavirus, the presidential election and everything in between, there has been plenty going on in the world for all of us to feel completely out of control about. Here at Ponca City Monthly, we’re highlighting one of the issues that has been weighing heavily on the minds and hearts of everyone, and providing tools for people to actually make a difference.

When the #saveourchildren movement recently gained viral attention online, there was a lot of misinformation and confusion about what it meant. Luckily, we knew exactly where to go to get the facts -- Dearing House Child Advocacy Center “DHCAC.”

6

November 2020

Maggi Hutchason is Executive Director of DHCAC, and has spent the better part of her life advocating for children’s safety and wellbeing.

“I think what is most misunderstood, and where we’re missing the mark when it comes to intervening for children, is that the majority of the missing kids leave voluntarily. So, the kids who end up in a sex trafficking situation, or human trafficking, labor trafficking, etc., are most often lured away from their home.

They’re vulnerable because they’ve perhaps experienced trauma as a child. They’re a runaway due to whatever family dynamic varieties you can think of, and they are emotionally vulnerable. The people who are trying to lure children into trafficking, prey on those who are lonely, bullied and neglected;

those who are traumatized; children who have substance abuse; domestic violence and instability in the home. You’ve got these children engaged in social media; TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and then someone connects with them, and they establish a relationship with a child who is lonely. A child who doesn’t have an appropriate adult meeting their emotional needs can and will fall prey to that,” explained Maggi.

Nina Vincent also work at DHCAC and serves as the Program Mangager/Advocate.

Nina adds, “If they [children] are, in fact, in a healthy household (sometimes children in healthy households fall into this too), there is often an isolating factor where the predator creates a wedge between that parent and child relationship or maybe the child and

i their friends, or whoever is looking out for them,” says Nina.

How do we protect our children from being vulnerable?

We know that ACEs can make our children vulnerable, and in some cases, it may be too late to protect our children from some of those experiences. If that is the case, what can be done? Christina Bethell of Johns Hopkins University and coauthors of a 2019 study hypothesize that Positive

Many parents have experienced more ACEs than PCEs in their own childhood, and it is normal for those experiences to affect their own personal parenting methods.

Dearing House offers a Break the Cycle parenting class, led by Nina Vincent, that addresses exactly that. This class isn’t your “typical” parenting class about discipline,

nutrition or parenting 101. In this eightweek class, participants take a close look at how the parent’s own trauma impacts parenting styles. It also touches on what can happen if that trauma isn’t addressed.

Ultimately, if no corrective action is taken, it impedes that parent’s ability to reach their full potential. Nina shared that what she finds most powerful comes at the end of each class series. Each parent self-reflects and completes a personal survey and writes a letter to their child where oftentimes they express their apologies, how they didn’t know any better and now that they know, will never put that child in danger again.

The Break the Cycle parenting class is open to the public, and parents can register online at www.DearingHouse.com or by calling 762-5266.

What more can we do as parents?

“Creating a constant, open dialogue with them from an early age. [Explaining] ‘this is what’s safe, this is what’s unsafe, this is what behaviors are okay and what aren’t okay.’

Recognizing the whole thing isn’t that we’re trying to control behavior. Whenever we try to control a situation, it just freaks the kid out. It just doesn’t work. The goal is to be aware of where they’re going, who they’re

...continued on page 8

How to Actually #saveourchildren

Let’s start by taking a look at Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that can have lasting, negative effects on health, well-being and opportunity. ACEs are categorized into three groups: abuse, neglect and household challenges and then further divided into the following subcategories: emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, mother treated violently, substance abuse in the household, mental illness in the household, parental separation or divorce, incarcerated household member, emotional neglect and physical neglect.

These experiences can increase the risks of injury, involvement in sex trafficking, and a wide range of chronic diseases and leading causes of death, such as suicide.

Childhood Experiences (PCEs) may have a greater influence in promoting positive health, such as getting needed social and emotional support or flourishing as an adult. These positive health attributes may reduce the burden of illness even if the illness is not eliminated. Bethell concludes in this study the hopeful possibility that children and adults can thrive despite an accumulation of negative childhood experiences. Bethell defined a positive childhood experience as “feeling safe in our families to talk about emotions and things that are hard, and feeling supported during hard times.” PCEs include feeling able to talk to their family about feelings, feeling their family stood by them during difficult times, enjoying participating in community traditions, feeling a sense of belonging in high school, feeling supported by friends, having at least two non-parent adults who took genuine interest in them and feeling safe and protected by an adult in their home.

Nina Vincent, Program Manager/Advocate and Maggi Hutchason, Executive Director of Dearing House November 2020

7

How to Actually #saveourchildren

continued from page 7

The single most important way to prevent child trafficking is for a child to have unconditional love

Children are online now more than ever and it’s imperative that we’re looking at best practices for online safety. talking with. Ask those questions - and when you come up on any situation that you’re not okay with, how are you addressing that in a healthy manner with your child? Constantly having that dialog with them from an early childhood. If we become educated on the things that are important, we can then help our children actually talk through the decisions that they made in a healthy way and then discuss, alright, what are some better decisions? What are some dangers that can fall in with this? What are some dangers of inappropriate sexting?” says Nina.

Maggi added, “The idea of a family safety night is from the National Child Protection Training Center. It’s the idea that rather than responding to a crisis, let’s sit down over a pizza and have a conversation. Say

hey, I just read this in the newspaper and there are some risk factors out there. Let’s talk about home safety. If there was a fire in the home, what would our response be?

Then also, personal safety and online safety.

You’re just talking in a calm, collaborative format. We’re not pointing fingers; we’re just saying, this is what’s out there. These things are happening. Another recommendation from the National Child Protection Training Center is for families to have a safe word.

We’ve talked about that, I mean the media has talked about it, when you have someone picking your child up from school that they aren’t expecting, but this goes beyond that.

Let’s just say that your teen is at a location where they feel uncomfortable, where there is something that they feel breaks the boundaries they’ve been taught. It’s very difficult to pick up the phone and say, “mom, I’m scared come and get me.” There’s a stigma to that. So, if the family has come up with a phrase like “I left the towels in the dryer” or “I forgot to feed the dogs,” that’s a key to mom that I need to get to my child.

That ability to say, “this is not a safe place for me,” without having the stigma of actually having to say that. I think that’s a practical application.”

We’ve looked at how to protect our own children, but how do we protect the children

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in our community? It really does come down to one simple word.

Empathy. “What is happening with them as opposed to what’s wrong with them?” Maggi explains, “I think the community response is the same for trafficking as child abuse in general. Recognize those vulnerabilities in kids. What is it that we as a community need to help families be more stable? Maybe it’s food, or maybe it’s clothing, or maybe it’s school supplies or housing or a ride to school. What are some ways that as a community, as an individual, as a service organization - how can we help families that are struggling? What you run into is you can have a very competent and loving single mom who is working two or three jobs and that leaves that teen at home alone or in a babysitting capacity feeling neglected. And we aren’t saying that those parents are doing a bad job.

We’re saying that they are in a bad spot.”

“Of the children who go missing and are exploited, the average age is actually 15 years old and there are people who will label these kids as delinquents, prostitutes, troubled or bad kids and they’re treated as an adult would be treated, when it’s actually a child screaming for help.

Especially since most of them have experienced trauma, they may be significantly emotionally delayed and clearly easy to be preyed on. One of my favorite quotes from Oprah is, “I’ve stopped asking what is wrong with you and I’ve started asking what happened to you?” It creates a different framework to recognize abuse and children who are in very vulnerable situations,” says Nina.

We’ll close with an exerpt from Maggi’s latest blog post found at www.

DearingHouse.com: “The staff at Dearing House loves it when you ask us questions or need more resources. We admit that we don’t have all the answers, but thankfully we do have access to a world of information and research from experts in the field. Here’s the bottom-line: How do you balance all the demands on your time and energy as a caregiver, AND be ever on the watch for sexual predators? I offer this word of encouragement: a child who’s emotional needs are being met in a safe and stable environment by appropriate adults is less likely to be targeted by predators and less vulnerable to a predator’s attempt to lure them away. Kids who are valued and loved, are less likely to seek or accept the attention from questionable sources and more likely to speak up for themselves. That bossy, outspoken child who occasionally gets on your nerves for being so opinionated is in many his or her own best defense! You strengthen your child with your love and attention. You keep your eyes on what is going on around them, too.”

The single most important way to prevent child trafficking is for a child to have unconditional love and their emotional needs being met by an appropriate adult in their life. Children who can name five adults they can go to when they feel unsafe, scared, uncomfortable or have a question, are much less vulnerable than children who can name only one, or less. Have an open conversation with your child today and ask them to name those five adults in their lives.

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10 November 2020

On a warm day in October, sitting between yellow and orange potted blooming mums, Julie Landers sits outside enjoying the patio of the Grand Cigar & Lounge (GCL), a cigar and cocktail bar owned by herself and her husband, Justin Landers.

Julie and Justin Landers both have full-time jobs with the Phillips66 refinery. The refinery, just six blocks to the south, can be seen from the bar’s front door on S. Second Street.

Business Spotlight The Grand Cigar & Lounge Story & Photos by Kelsey Wagner / Editor-in-Chief

Bar Manager Jill Rowe

they opted for a “fixer-upper” off-Grand location. In March of 2019, Justin and Julie began the process of remodeling 217 S. Second St. The question Julie was asked frequently was, “You’re going to own a bar, do you have any bar tending experience?”

Julie would respond with, “Well, no we don’t, but we know Jill.”

“Justin and I would go to cigar lounges anytime we went out of town,” Julie says. Justin developed a love for cigars seven years ago, but Julie says his appreciation for good cigars began to grow into something more.

Justin and Julie had enough foresight to know they needed the best bar manager possible.

It just so happened they knew someone who lived out of state that was the perfect person to fill that role, and her name is Jill Rowe

“He would tell me he wanted to own his own cigar lounge one day,” Julie said.

“Jill’s name is literally written into the business plan,” Julie says, “She was part of the business before the building was part of the business.”

Between jobs, children in college, and the sheer reality of opening a niche cocktail bar in a rural Oklahoma town, Julie had her doubts.

“I honestly didn’t think Ponca City could support a cigar lounge, but I knew Ponca City could support great cocktails,” commented Julie.

Despite Julie’s hesitations, she believed in her husband’s vision, and they began the search for the bar’s future home. The Landers originally wanted the lounge to be on Grand Avenue, but due to potential smoke exposure,

Jill, who is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but relocated to Ponca City to help open and run the GCL with Justin and Julie.

Julie says it took five months, and despite a few setbacks, including an HVAC system that cost triple what they had planned, the GCL was ready to open in July 2019.

Julie credits collaboration and partnerships with the founders of Vortex Alley Brewing, whose brewery is located just around the corner from the GCL, with helping them avoid many of the common pitfalls that happen for a new business.

“The Vortex guys saved us a lot of time, effort and headaches,” says Julie.

The Grand Cigar & Lounge Opens Julie knew that in order for the GCL to thrive, they would need to do things differently and offer customers perks that patrons couldn’t get anywhere else. The bar is centered on offering great cigars and great cocktails, alongside the cigars. Because GCL is a cigar wholesaler, they can offer cigars at very discounted prices. But more than just selling great drinks and cigars, GCL is centered on taking great care of their members.

“We have Gold and Platinum memberships, which are $35 and $50 per month, and with those you get cigar and merchandise discounts, first dibs for rare cigars, your own personal humidity-controlled lockers, but we also have exclusive members-only nights.”

Julie says members night has exploded into something bigger and better than she could have imagined.

...continued on page 12 November 2020

11

continued from page 11 “On members-only night, which happens once a month, we provide a meal, we have door prizes, live music and we usually have guest speakers like breweries, cigar makers and distilleries,” says Julie.

Julie says the members-only night is not just for those who love cigars.

“That has been the best thing to me, is the unexpected friendships that have grown,” says Jill Valentine. Jill says the members have developed deep friendships and connections and now that has grown for them beyond members-only night.

They also are open on Sundays and have hours that some would consider "limited." But Julie says their limited hours have helped them to build the type of environment that their customers enjoy.

Experimental Cocktails Jill Rowe has been bar tending and bar managing for six years. When you first see Jill, with an eclectic collection of tattoos, bright eyes and a short spunky bob of red hair - her spark of creativity and uniqueness is evident with a single smile. Jill designed the entire cocktail bar menu and says the entire drink menu is themed around Oklahoma flavors.

“We have Oilfire rye whiskey and Hochatown bourbon, and we have local Oklahoma craft beers on tap, including two taps dedicated to VAB brews,” says Jill.

Jill has become well-known in Ponca City for developing one-of-kind cocktails. Jill has a thrifty style of cocktail experimentation, using what she has left over or fruits that are in season to inspire her weekly drink specials.

Tequila Sunrise and an Old Fashioned

Jill says that cocktails have a huge range of flavor profiles, and she really relies on her regulars to give her feedback on cocktails, asking questions like, “Is it peppery, is it smooth, does it have a bite, is it peaty?”

Owners of the Grand Cigar & Lounge, Justin and Julie Landers.

12 November 2020

The Grand Cigar & Lounge

“I like making people try things they might not try ordinarily, and give it a try,” she says with a sly smile, “it might not always be a win, but they probably aren’t going to spit it out.”

A Successful First Year “It has definitely surpassed all our expectations,” Julie says.

Despite a worldwide pandemic that shut the lounge down for three months, Julie says business is better than ever.

Julie credits all the GCL employees and their hard work for earning the loyalty of their patrons.

Both Justin and Julie are grateful they have had no problem retaining employees, and says all the bartenders, including Jill, provide consistent, exceptional customer service week in and week out.

Jill even shopped and personally delivered groceries for one of the older patrons during the early stages of the pandemic shutdown. It’s that type of above-and-beyond friendly service that has cemented the Grand Cigar & Lounge’s place in the hearts of everyone who has stepped through their doors.

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Education Corner Thankfulness Story by Adam Leaming, CEO, University Center / Contributing Writer Photo by: Jes McIntosh

We have officially made it to November, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. During this time of thankfulness, I echo many of those who are thankful for their continued health, the opportunity to share holidays with loved ones and the celebration of family traditions.

Furthermore, I will find myself thankful for the conclusion of the 2020 election cycle. It will be refreshing to have the noise of national politics turned down to a less deafening and polarizing level.

It feels as if national politics has found its way into everything 2020 has thrown us. Perhaps once the election is over in early November, we can quit looking at the politicians to explain away our problems or for being the solution to our problems, and we can come back to reality.

As we shift from a focus on the national election cycle, my eyes begin to narrow on what 2021 will bring to our great state and specifically, Ponca City. Oklahoma has quietly trucked along with a head full of steam, quite content without much attention on the national level (outside of a congressional race in mostly OKC). But after November, I can’t help but wonder if our state is prepared for 2021 and the noise it will bring?

Adam Leaming this, oil has traded as high as $41.32 and as low as $36.76 a barrel this month. Remember, there was a day that crude oil was actually trading in negative territory as the crude supply completely flooded the demand for oil as a result of the shutdown. Today, a variety of factors have kept the price of oil suppressed, and this will have far-reaching consequences in our state.

What does this mean for Oklahoma and education in 2021?

What does this mean for Oklahoma and education in 2021?

Currently, we’re using up our savings to shore up our state services and to work as planned through June 2021. In January 2021, plans begin to unfurl for a new budget using the adjusted collected numbers for Oklahoma. It is then that lawmakers will set out to outline our state priorities for the New Year (that begins July 1).

It is no secret that the state of Oklahoma functions on the backs of energy-producing businesses. Which means most of the money Oklahoma uses to pay for things such as schools, health care, roads, prisons and college comes from businesses related directly and indirectly to the oil and gas industry.

I believe we will face two options in 2021; we either raise revenue (taxes) or cut services. Currently, 51% of appropriated dollars go toward all levels of education in Oklahoma. At the University Center, we’ve had seven years of continued cuts in operational dollars due to state reductions.

But education as a whole will not, without some intervention, be able to withstand 2021’s realities due to the impact of COVID-19 across our state. Our community embraces academics and rallies behind education. It will be important to vocalize that spirit in the spring. We will face these uncertainties as a community, and we must begin driving that discussion about how we will lessen COVID-19’s impact on our education system in Ponca City.

The current fiscal year budget for Oklahoma was crafted on estimates of crude oil selling around $54 a barrel. If you have followed crude prices through the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll know that our energy producers would be thrilled to see $50 barrel prices return anytime soon. As I write

Today is a moment to celebrate a spirit of thanksgiving and embrace the feeling of thankfulness. I know 2020 will leave us, the national noise will be turned down and come 2021, Oklahoma will find the state noise beginning to turn up.

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November Chamber Events

Proudly serving Kay County and the surrounding areas with all of their real estate closings, abstracting and title insurance needs.

Tuesday, November 3 – Ponca City Business Council will meet at 8 a.m. at City Central Thursday, November 5 – Education and Workforce Development Committee will meet at 4 p.m. at City Central

Albright

Saturday, November 7 – Santa Buck Giveaway Starts with all-time record of 105 participants!

Wednesday, November 11 – Office Closed for Veterans Day Tuesday, November 17 – Ambassador Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at City Central

Abstract & Title Guaranty Company

Wednesday, November 18 – Finance and Executive Committee will meet at 11 a.m. at City Central

(580) 362-2525 • 102 N. Main • Newkirk

Thursday, November 19 – Tourism Bureau will meet at 9 a.m. at City Central

 � ��

Tuesday, November 24 – Chamber Board will meet at 11 a.m. at City Central

People give to people,

and at the UC, we have

students needing

help to reach their

 � ��

Thursday, November 19 – Community Development Committee will meet at 10 a.m. at City Central Friday, November 20 – Ponca Politics Forum with Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell at 11 a.m. at City Central

Est. 1899

$21

$21 $ 21 Â Â Â?

Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 – Office Closed for Thanksgiving.

goals. Can you please consider a one-time or monthly gift

of $21?

For Ponca City attraction information and event schedule for the month of October go to visitponcacity.com

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

Celebrating 21 years

of education.

November 2020

17

Paul Muehlberg: Inspired Home Cook Inspires Others Story by Kelsey Wagner, Editor-in-Chief Photo by Jes McIntosh “I was maybe 9 or 10. I remember my grandma making toasted bread and with cream of mushroom soup gravy (it’s actually called S.O.S.) and I just thought it was the most delicious thing ever.”

That memory is the first time Paul Muehlberg remembers thinking he wanted to learn to cook. Paul remembers wanting to be able to make delicious food just like his grandmother.

Paul comes from a large family. He has four siblings he grew up with, and he is a twin himself.

Despite Paul’s interest in cooking at a young age, he didn’t learn to cook until age thirteen when his mother began teaching him.

Paul lived an unconventional childhood with that involved frequent moves, different schools and houses, but Paul found consistency and stability in his love and appreciation for culinary. Paul says no matter where they lived, he could always count on his grandmother’s Thanksgiving dinner being the same. Paul describes her yearly traditions of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing, but it was her gravy that he really fell in love in. He says he first learned to make gravy with bouillon cubes to add flavor.

“Gravy is hard! But that is where your flavor comes from,” says Paul.

“Gravy comes from a stock you make, some kind of drippings. I think gravy was invented because things didn’t have flavor.”

Paul has come a long way since his days of using bouillon in gravy. At the age of 28 Paul started to experiment with making items from scratch and began increasing the level of difficulty in his cooking endeavors. In his forties now, Paul has become well known for his adventurous and delicious dishes, but also for his equally beautiful and intricate food photos.

18 November 2020

When asked what cooks or cookbooks have inspired him the most, Paul steps into his kitchen and from a long row of cookbooks that line one wall opposite his stove, he pulls one particular book, The French Chef, by Julia Childs, that is worn, but obviously well cared for.

“I loved watching Julia Childs cook. I loved watching her explain and demonstrate how you get flavor, how you season food, how you make something crispy or moist.”The book Paul isn’t a first edition, but it’s one of the early editions, and since publication in 1961, over 1.5 copies have been sold.

Paul reads cookbooks like others might read fantasy novels. Each cookbook has its own magic, and each book holds unique challenges and adventures. He has a dozen or so cookbooks that are his favorites, but Paul says Julia Child’s book is still his go-to. Paul says Julia’s recipes all seemed so difficult, but over many years, Paul has mastered many of the most difficult dishes.

“Julia was one of the first, and really still is, one of the most legit French cooks of our time. Even after her passing, she still has a huge influence on the culinary world.”

Paul is a regular monthly contributor for Ponca City Monthly Magazine, and his recipes and food photos have become a bit hit locally. Inspiring others to cook is a role he isn’t used to playing yet, but it’s one he is coming to embrace.

“I hope I do inspire someone. There are definitely better chefs out there – professional chefs. And I want to be clear, I don’t call myself a chef; I am a home cook, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think a home cook and a chef can share the same knowledge of food and seasoning, and how to create a great dish, but a chef can do all that while feeding the masses. I want to ‘WOW’ people with my food if possible, but I would also like for people, when they eat my food, to be inspired to cook as well.”

Paul says he recognizes the strong tie between food and emotion, but particularly the close emotional tie with Thanksgiving.

“I think Thanksgiving food gives us memories that we associate with happiness, togetherness, family and love.”

In a time when togetherness isn’t a guarantee, those who make food for others, who pour their heart and soul into cooking and baking don’t do it for themselves. For those who loves cooking Thanksgiving dishes and for people like Paul who love to cook recipes to delight, to enjoy and to inspire others - one thing is certain – no matter how different the recipes may be, the dishes are all made with one common ingredient - love.

recipes

THANKSGIVING In addition to Paul, Ponca City Monthly, asked four local folks to submit Thanksgiving recipes that their family has come to know and love. This year, we hope these recipes will motivate and inspire you to find your own “inner chef.” The recipes begin on page 20.

HOLIDAY COVID SAFETY TIPS: Call it COVID exhaustion, but aren’t we all tired of this wretched pandemic?

Time with friends and family seems to be the perfect antidote. However, the traditional holiday gatherings may provide the ideal place for virus transmission.

The Centers for Disease Control warns the virus is now known to spread through tiny droplets lingering in the air. Recommendations for reducing risk include encouraging attendees to self-quarantine for two weeks leading up to the gathering, wearing masks, social distancing and getting proper air circulation.

The CDC also offers considerations for those planning to host a holiday celebration, read them at https://tinyurl.com/y6apke6n.

In addition, health care professionals offer these suggestions for improving air quality and reducing the possibility of airborne COVID particles lingering in the air: • • • •

Run indoor air through the central heat filtration system by turning the fan to “on” instead of “auto.”

Replace dirty air filters as they are less effective in removing airborne particles.

Use an air purifier appropriate for the room’s size.

Open windows to freshen air.

“I think Thanksgiving food gives us memories that we associate with happiness, togetherness, family and love.”

-Paul Muehlberg November 2020

19 19

minestrone

Rustic

Recipe & Photo by Carey Head / Staff Writer Servings: 6 - 8 | Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead Recipe Lends Prep Help for Thanksgiving Dishes Too Minestrone is a centuries-old Italian vegetable soup whose ingredients vary by season and by region. This “Minestrone alla Romagna Style” recipe is the definition of “comfort food” in our household. From the moment the sliced onion and oregano begin softening in olive oil and butter, the kitchen is filled with delicious aromas that keep building in layers of flavors.

Minestrone soup is popular for its mix-match style of vegetables — the more vegetables, the better — which can please any appetite. The soup’s core vegetables are onion, garlic, carrot, celery, zucchini, tomatoes and cannellini beans. This recipe adds green beans and cabbage (Savoy or regular) or kale.

It also calls for potatoes, which acts as a thickener for the broth. If you are watching starches, then omit potatoes. In fact, just about any vegetable can vary in amount added. However, traditionalists recommend keeping the white beans (cannellini or northern white) as they lend important character to the soup.

This is a leisurely recipe: Recipe Steps 1-7 should take over an hour to properly cook the veggies as a base for this soup. But it is a relaxing, no pressure time.

To make the process even easier, keep a cutting board and knife by the stove and just peel and chop as you go.

comfort in a bowl One of the best uses for this recipe is as a family-pleaser as they arrive for the holidays. Sure, serve it as part of the holiday feast; but, how about having this gorgeous soup simmering on the stove for the Thanksgiving Eve dinner? A loaf of crusty, rustic bread warms in the oven to be served with generous bowls of this thick and hearty vegetable soup.

Here’s my plan: Make the soup on Tuesday before Thanksgiving. As I peel and chop potatoes for the soup, it’s easy to prep extra potatoes needed for the Thanksgiving scalloped and/or mashed potatoes. Same goes for onions, carrots, celery, green beans… just prep extra for use in stuffing, green bean casserole and other favorite family dishes.

With the family dinner for Wednesday now resting in the refrigerator awaiting dinnertime, the rest of my Wednesday is free to set the dining table for Thursday’s gathering and see to other final details.

Ingredients • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ pound fresh green beans, washed, trimmed and chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 medium onion, sliced very thin

• 3 medium zucchinis, diced

• Sea Salt

• 1 15-ounce can cannellini or northern white beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 16-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes, with juice

• 1 carrot, chopped

• Fresh-ground pepper

• 1 celery, chopped

• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for sprinkling

Directions Heat oil and butter in a medium-sized, heavy-bottom stock pot. Sauté onion and oregano with a pinch of salt over low heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Add the carrots and cook 2 - 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-low. Add the celery and cook 2 - 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the potatoes, give a brief stir to coat in potato cubes in fat; then, let sit, undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to allow potatoes to brown on bottom. Stir again and let cook, undisturbed, for an additional several minutes. Add chopped fresh green beans to the pot and cook

20 November 2020

2 - 3 minutes. Add zucchini, stir and cook a few minutes more. Then add the cabbage. Continue cooking another 5 - 6 minutes. Add the beef broth, the tomatoes with their juice and a sprinkling of salt and fresh-ground pepper.

Stir everything one more time, cover the pot and simmer gently for 2 ½ hours. Taste for seasonings. Note: Before adding additional salt, try adding an acid to boost flavor. Examples are fresh-squeezed lemon juice, Tabasco or Pickapeppa Sauce or balsamic vinegar. Stir well after addition and taste.

Add the drained cannellini beans and cook for another 30 minutes. Swirl in Parmesan cheese just before serving.

roasted turkey

Wishbone

Recipe & Photo by Paul Muehlberg / Contributing Writer

Every cook loves Thanksgiving; it’s literally our Super Bowl (except with WAY better food). Every cook also has their special “game day” turkey prep like wet or dry brining, frying and even spatchcocking. For this recipe, I take an easy no-hassle approach, so I can spend more time preparing other sides and enjoying time with my family on Thanksgiving Day. (You could also utilize this extra time to drink beer and watch football). Here is my step-by-step playbook for a game-winning bird that is sure to please the whole team.

Servings: 10-12 | Time: 3 - 3½ hours Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

whole turkey, 10 -12 pounds, thawed kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed ¼ cup olive oil 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 medium yellow onion, halved 1 garlic head, halved 6 sprigs of thyme 4 sprigs of rosemary 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves

Directions

Step 1: One hour before cooking - remove turkey from packaging and

rinse thoroughly. Remove neck and reserve for turkey stock or gravy.

Remove and discard the giblets, or reserve for gravy if desired. Pat turkey dry with paper towels and allow turkey to come to room temperature.

Step 2: Preheat oven to 450 F. Step 3: Generously season turkey and cavity with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice and brush over entire turkey. Stuff turkey cavity with half the garlic head, half of the onion, three sprigs of thyme and two sprigs of rosemary.

Step 5: In a large roasting pan (fitted with a roasting rack), add the celery,

carrots, bay leaves and the remaining onions, garlic and herbs. Add enough water to come ½” above the bottom of the pan (this prevents the vegetables and turkey drippings from burning). Place turkey breast side up on the roasting rack and place in the roasting pan.

Step 6: Roast turkey for 30-45 minutes or until browned. Lower

temperature to 350 F and cover turkey breast with aluminum foil. Continue roasting 1 ½-2 hours or until an instant read thermometer registers 165 F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh and the turkey juices run clear.

Step 7: Transfer cooked turkey to a carving board, cover with foil and let rest for 30 minutes. Strain turkey drippings and reserve for turkey gravy.

November 2020

21 21

mashed potatoes

Muehlberg

Recipe & Photo by Paul Muehlberg, / Contributing Writer

Servings: 10-12 | Time: 45 minutes

This isn’t an old family recipe, but it’s definitely a good one. These never-fail mashed potatoes are perfection covered in pan gravy, but they are decadent enough to stand alone.

Do not forget the leftovers make great (and easy) potato pancakes on early Black Friday mornings!

Ingredients • 6 pounds yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” pieces

• • • • • • • • •

2 Vidalia onions, sliced ½ cup bacon fat or butter 8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 2 bay leaves 4 sprigs thyme 1¼ tablespoons kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions Step 1: Add potatoes to a large pot and fill with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and pierced easily with a fork. Drain water from pot.

Step 2: While potatoes cook, place onions with the bacon fat or butter and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until onions are soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes. Add heavy cream, milk and herbs and gently simmer on low heat (do not boil) for additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced by about ½. Stir frequently to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat; remove and discard large sprigs of herbs.

Step 3: Add potatoes to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on low speed while slowly drizzling in the warm cream, onion and garlic mixture. Add the salt and increase speed to medium. Continue whisking until no lumps remain and potatoes are creamy, about 60 seconds. Taste potatoes for seasoning and add salt if needed and pepper to taste. Note: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer, potato masher, ricer or fork.

22 November 2020

Happy Thanksgiving & Thank You!

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With gratitude for your support through a challenging year, I wish you and yours a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Emeril’s Cast Iron Vertical Poultry Roaster

Inside Deli-icious Diner at 307 E. Grand, Ponca City (580) 762-5345 www.kitchenkornerpc.com

Please rescue from our local shelter, like we do!

November 2020

23

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HARRY MYERS, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE HAPPY

Through a year filled with unexpected challenges, it’s the encouragement and support of this community that has kept us going. There’s a special warmth and comfort that comes with knowing good folks like all of you, and we wish you the best this Thanksgiving and always.

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

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24 November 2020

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sausage dressing

BOETTCHER FAMILY Recipe by Suzanne Boettcher / Contributing Writer Photo by Paul Muehlberg

Servings: 10 | Time: 30 minutes The lingering smell of the sausage in the kitchen brings an inevitable dash to get the “crispies” on the top of Grandpa’s dressing. Now, you must realize this recipe was never written down, never spoken of from January to November and never made but once a year. It was in Fred’s head forever locked there! For 51 years, I observed the “dressing ritual” with only two hints: You must never “knead” too much and it must be “fluffy.”

How do you knead sausage and make it fluffy?

The stress of this responsibility is overwhelming.

But, here goes:

Ingredients • 1 large bunch of celery, diced • 3 onions, diced • 8 ounces butter • 4 pounds sausage with sage • Chicken broth • Breadcrumbs, crispy (You can use Pepperidge Farms or make your own. I prefer to make my own to avoid preservatives.)

Directions Sauté celery and onions in butter. In a large bowl, mix with your hands the vegetables and sausage.

Mix with breadcrumbs, alternating with a small amount of chicken broth adding a little at a time.

Keep adding both until you have a “fluffy” mixture.

Put in a 9” x13” pan. Bake in a 350 F oven until a thermometer reads 180 F. Over half our family is vegetarian. The recipe may be altered using vegetarian sausage and vegetable broth.

November 2020

25

ROASTED brusselS sproutS Recipe & Photo by Andrew Hicks / Contributing Writer

salad

Servings: 4 | Time: 40 minutes

Salad Ingredients • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts • 2 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ teaspoon of salt • 4 slices of bacon (cooked and chopped) • 1 cup pecans • ½ cup dried cranberries

Salad Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Cast Iron Co. cranberry relish • 3 tablespoons champagne • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/8 cup olive oil

Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice Brussels sprouts in half. In a small bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, and toss. Place Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet cut side down. Roast for 15 minutes then flip them over for even browning. Add dried cranberries to a small bowl. Pour hot water over them and let them stand for 10 minutes then drain. Toast pecans in a skillet for 5 minutes or until the pecan becomes both fragrant and darker in color. In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, toasted pecans, cranberries and chopped and cooked bacon. For the dressing, whisk cranberry relish, champagne, and olive oil in a small bowl. Drizzle over Brussels sprouts salad. You want just a light coating of dressing.

26 November 2020

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November 2020

27

The Renfro Family Foundation would like to thank the Ponca City Police Department, Ponca City Fire Department, Ponca City EMTs, AllianceHealth and all medical personnel for keeping our community and our families safe and well.

Additionally, we thank all those in education, secondary, higher education, and Vocational Technology for all you are doing. A special salute to all our Veterans and those serving in the military, for our freedom.

Carl Renfro

Directors

President

Brenda Renfro

Randy Renfro

Carol Bouldin

Treasurer, CPA

University Center Board

Rick Renfro

Secretary, Restaurateur

Patrick Collogan

Attorney

Cindy Gorrell

Jeff Cowan

Vice President, Investments

RCB Bank

We are proud to support Ponca City 501c3

organizations through charitable grants.

Offering quality care in the convenience of your home.

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2020

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Back: Amanda Pattison, Beth Petrie, Brooke Rhodes; Middle: Heidi Bailey, Cindy Shultz; Front: Laura Revard, “Jeorgia,” Lori Yuran; Not pictured: Jessica Duncan, Cassandra Mead and April David

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28 November 2020

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cupcakes

Pecan Pie

Recipe & Photos by Katherine Neale, The Oklahoma Baker / Contributing Writer

This simple recipe creates a dense cake almost muffin-like dessert that is perfect for any holiday! It is a fun twist on a southern pecan pie.

They are best topped with salted caramel butter cream, but can be left plain too for an even more simple dessert.

Servings: 4 | Time: 40 minutes

Salad

Ingredients • • • • • • •

1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 ½ cup chopped pecans 2/3 cup softened butter 2 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Directions Preheat oven to 350 F. Line your cupcake pan with 10-12 cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, beat the butter, eggs and vanilla together. In a separate bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans and salt together. Stir until mixed. Then stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners about 2/3’s full. Bake cupcakes for 16-18 minutes, until the tops no longer jiggle. Remove carefully from pan immediately and let cool before frosting.

Salted Caramel Butter Cream Ingredients

• 1 cup of softened butter at room temperature.

• 2 ½ -3 cups of powdered sugar • 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce. (the thicker the better)

Homeland carries my favorite one called Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Dessert Sauce • 1 tablespoons of vanilla extract • 2 teaspoons of salt

Directions

Cream the butter and scrape the sides often. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. If you prefer a thicker butter cream, add in additional powdered sugar. Slowly add in the caramel sauce.

Continuously scrape sides. Add in the vanilla and salt. Pipe, or use an ice cream scoop to add to your cupcakes.

November 2020

29

Humor & Entertainment

Well, guys, it’s almost here.

Summer is long gone, spooky season is behind us, the weather is beautiful and the air is crisp,.

The leaves are changing and we’re now entering everyone’s favorite time of year - Election Day.

opinions and views only to be laughed at and belittled and name-called by someone with opposing views. And now it is all getting ready to be over. *Insert the laughing emoji here and also the crying emoji because they’re both equally relevant*

Wait…you didn’t think this was going to be a feel good piece Wouldn’t that be nice? If come about the holidays, did you? November 4 we were able to You know me better than that. go back to the good old days, when social media was used Nope, it’s nearly Election Day. for its intended purpose to We’ve spent the past 6+ months connect with friends and also to watching our friends and relatives spy and creep on ex-lovers and and acquaintances and that one that guy from the gas station random old co-worker from you worked with 12 years ago? when you worked at the gas station 12 years ago over-share But seriously, I know we all their unsolicited political views won’t ever agree or see eye-toand memes that have little to no eye on political topics and who truth to them on social media. to vote for, but I think we can all agree that out of the 328 million We’ve gotten in Facebook (and people in this country, we’ve got real-life) arguments, with people the absolute best two options slinging around statistics, personal for presidential candidates. LOL. agendas and biased news article facts.We’ve unfriended, unfollowed, Okay, seriously, I’m really being and even blocked people that serious this time, get out and vote. we once broke bread with. Let your voice be heard. It’s your right and your duty, and maybe We’ve even attempted to offer throw a little kindness, a little grace our extremely well thought out, and some positivity out in the world. educated and fully-researched We could all use it.

TURKEY OPTIONS ACROSS

by Patrick Jordan

1. Bundle of hay 5. Laughter sound (2 wds.)

9. Bored through overindulgence 14. Neighbor of Iraq 15. Shepherd in the book of Genesis 16. Pimento-stuffed morsel 17. Worm or minnow, in fishing 18. Pepper's partner 19. No longer dirty 20. Common feature of a shirt (2 wds.)

23. Make angry 24. Stimpy's pal in TV cartoons 25. Veggie in a pod 28. Wreck completely 31. Gasp while crying 34. Stan's comedy sidekick, familiarly 36. Use oars 37. Handle problems well 38. Joke with a person, slangily (3 wds.)

42. Much-admired celebrity 43. Small, like Willie Winkie 44. Early video game company 45. York or Jersey preceder 46. More gusty 49. Competed in a sprint 50. Immoral act 51. Damon of "Good Will Hunting" 53. Dressy footwear (3 wds.)

58. Astound 60. Antioxidant berry 61. Fired from a job 63. Tennis great Federer 64. Brazilian soccer legend 65. Practice boxing 66. In need of tidying

67. Night sky twinkler 68. Curtis or Randall of filmdom DOWN

1. Baby's cover-up during meals 2. United ___ Emirates 3. Wild animal's shelter 4. Come in 5. Give a hard time to 6. Subsides 7. What 21-Down provide 8. Low female singing voice 9. Kentucky Derby rider 10. Tim who voices Buzz Lightyear 11. Weight loss plan 12. Gabor of "Green Acres" 13. Relaxation room 21. Assistants 22. Queen's headpiece 25. Visit briefly (2 wds.)

26. Avoid cunningly 27. Permit 29. Trapped on a limb 30. Winnie-the-Pooh's hopping buddy 31. Sun-based kind of power 32. "Carmen" or "Aida" 33. Start 35. Unhealthy 37. Ponca City's winter clock setting (Abbr.)

39. Having debts 40. Grown boys 41. Our planet 46. Business that may have a vineyard 47. African antelope 48. Less difficult 50. Small, medium, large, etc.

52. Browned bread

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Crossword answers on Page 47

30 November 2020

2

Moves like a happy dog's tail Lights-out bugle tune "Rhyme Pays" rapper (Hyph.)

Convention center show, briefly

57.

58.

59.

62.

57 62

Former Bond portrayer Connery Limb inside a sleeve The bossy Stooge Apply a towel to

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 Frances Coonrod CENTURY 21 101 E. Broadway Ave. 580-761-1712 GROUP ONE Bob Hurley This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Frances.Coonrod@ gmail.com Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram during the holidays and 3501 N. 14th St. Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Boomer ]Tire and Alignment ] MARLAND MANSION 1300 N. Waverly St. 310 Fairview Ave. 901 Monument Road • Ponca City • 580-767-0420 Jack Bowker Ford Lincoln Family Vision Care of Ponca City uthor is licensed under CC BY-SA Prizes are d in $ 2415 N. 14th St.awarde 1619 N. 5th St. Santa Brace Books & More First National Bank of Oklahoma Bucks!

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The Princess Will Save You

By Sarah Henning

One of my favorite movies is The Princess Bride. In The Princess Will Save You, I found much of what I love about the movie. This is an amazing novel complete with a lovely princess; a boy who will do anything for his princess; a horde of evil villains, pirates, sword fights, adventure from the first page to the last; and, of course, true love. For all you Princess Bride fans, yes, this is a kissing book!

Princess Amarande’s father, the Warrior King, unexpectedly drops dead while out with his troops. The Council informs her she must wed immediately to save the kingdom from war, because the law states that a woman cannot rule unless she is married.

The Council is considering offers for her hand from all the surrounding kingdoms.

It almost seems to Amarande as though she will be auctioned off to the highest bidder!

32 November 2020

Amarande’s best friend, Luca, is kidnapped in an attempt to force her to accept Prince Renard’s marriage offer, but like so many others, Renard underestimates her. Amarande’s father didn’t raise her to be a sacrifice, but a warrior. Rather than do as she has been ordered, Amarande takes off on her own to rescue Luca, her true love, and save her kingdom.

Luca is honorable and kind; Amarande is resourceful, intelligent, and courageous. They are surrounded by powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to gain Amarande’s kingdom.

Amarande and Luca must rely on each other as they strive to outwit and outmaneuver their adversaries. The end of the novel is a surprise – I didn’t see it coming – and leaves enough questions unanswered that a sequel seems to be a definite possibility.

Even if you aren’t a Princess Bride fan, this is a great book.

ADULT BOOK REVIEW BY TARA SMITH

Virgin River

By Robyn Carr

The Virgin River series has been one of my favorites for several years now, but I never had the chance to read the book that kicked off the whole phenomenon until now and I’m so glad I finally got the chance. Virgin River is more than just gorgeous countryside; it’s a place where neighbors just automatically help each other.

about it. When he meets Mel, he is absolutely certain that Virgin River needs her, and he will do everything he can to get her to stay.

Melinda Monroe – Mel to her friends – needs to get away from the 3,000-bed Los Angeles county hospital and trauma center, where she has seen way too much violence. Not only that, she desperately needs to escape LA because everything there reminds her of her late husband. In an attempt to make a fresh start, Mel accepts the position of nurse practitioner and midwife in Virgin River. It turns out the conditions of the offer have been somewhat misrepresented so much so that Mel refuses to stay and honor her contract.

The next morning, a newborn baby is left on the clinic’s doorstep. Being the midwife and nurse practitioner she is, there’s no way Mel can just leave Virgin River. She has to stay at least long enough to be certain the newborn is going to be all right.

County resources are stretched much further up in the mountains and DHS takes much longer to respond than Mel would have expected in Los Angeles.

Jack Sheridan owns the bar and grill in Virgin River.

He’s an absolutely gorgeous ex-Marine who takes care of everyone in Virgin River, without ever making a fuss

I can’t share any more or I will ruin this novel that the new Netflix series is based.

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Wax On, Wax Off Understanding The Lasting Benefits Of Martial Arts

Story Contributed by Sam Lionelli Combat Syndicate Gym, Owner Photo by Kelsey Wagner

People often ask me, “Sam how did you get so good looking?!”. Well I’m going to let you in on a secret of mine.

Well, two actually. The first is that no one ever asks me that. I think they are meaning to ask that, and instead it comes out like, “Hey, Sam, how did you lose so much weight?”

The second secret is, Martial Arts for the past year. I’m going to be real with you here. This is going to read like an ad for my gym, which isn’t the idea, but what I’m going to tell you is what lead me to opening Combat Syndicate in the first place.

I never set out to learn Jujitsu and Muay Thai for any reason other than I just wanted to learn how to fight. I heard some dude with a neck tattoo was privately teaching people upstairs of The Rack Gym. After bugging the crap out of him for weeks, James Morgan agreed to start training me, as well.

Immediately, I fell in love with the classes. Who doesn’t enjoy punching things and folding laundry while people are still wearing it?

Shortly after, my stepdaughter joined and fell in love with it as well. Then one of her friends joined and one his friend and so on. Before we knew it, we had a decent-sized group of people throwing hands (I hear that’s what the cool people call it) and constructing human tacos.

There we were, and a few months in, I had already lost 15 lbs. I felt better than I ever had. The health benefits were awesome, but it was nothing compared to the transformations that I saw happening in these kids (and adults) that were training along beside me.

Watching them transform from shy, timid people to kids that were laughing,

joking, and full of confidence almost brought some moisture to these death valley eyes. I’ve always had a passion for helping people, and here I was face-to-face with one of the best opportunities I’ll ever have to do so. With the space we were using, it was too small to bring on any new people. A decision was made and thus, Combat Syndicate was born.

We’ve been open since December, minus the temporary Covid shutdown.

The changes in our students are more than we had ever hoped for. From a formerly bullied kid that now has the confidence to stand up for himself (which oddly enough he hasn’t had to since he started training) to an Adult posting that she hasn’t weighed what she does now since high school. So many aspects of people’s lives are changing. Our students are gaining confidence, learning to control their anger, building mental toughness and resilience, relieving stress, building strength, coordination, conditioning, losing weight and most importantly, gaining friendships with a solid support system.

Our students come from all walks of life. Whether you’re wanting to fight, learn to defend yourself or just get a workout in, whatever your goal is, you will fit in. Our ages range from 5-55, with all different shapes and sizes. You’re too intimidated to try it? I get that, but I can promise you that you won’t regret it.

One of our newer students day one said that she figured the place was just full of meatheads (while starring at me… yea Kiley, I still remember) and today she hasn’t missed single day, signed up for all of our classes and absolutely loves it.

If you are looking for massive changes in your life you have to be willing to step outside of that comfort zone.

James Morgan and John Cameron (our instructors) have almost 40 years of combined training experience.

Something we are very blessed to have in our small town. They will change you and/or your children’s life for the better.

I guarantee it. I put my money where my mouth is, literally. We are rolling towards the end of the worst year from a physical and mental health standpoint than most of us will ever see again. While you can’t stop anyone from eating air rodents, you can take control of your health.

November 2020

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Healthy Holiday Tips Story & Photo by Kera Kester, NASM Certified Personal Trainer

“Food is nothing to be afraid of. Weight gain is a simple matter of calories in versus calories out.”

Hearty Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are approaching. Whew! If you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about vacation time or anticipating the warmth of hugs from family and friends. Oh yes, and also the food. The eye-pleasing, mouth- watering, lip-smacking…snap out of it! We are all aware that various amounts of high-sugar high-fat goodies will be promoted before our eyes in an attempt to wet our appetites, while pulling on our cravings and ultimately our wallets. There is no need to deny that we are going to partake to some degree. But what if I told you there are tips that allow you to eat what you want while still taking care of your body? You’re probably thinking, “Kera, your brain must be hallucinating due to exhaustion from all of those workouts you do.” My friends, believe me when I say that you can trust me on utilizing these five tips for those celebratory days!

Picture this, your eyes open to the morning sun rising almost as high as your anticipation for the long awaited holiday. My first tip – eat breakfast and do something active. I know many who anticipate the heavy eating by skipping breakfast for fear of kicking off the calorie count too early, but this meal has two important jobs. First, it activates the replenishment of glucose levels, which heightens your alertness and energy. Second, it jump starts your metabolism, actually triggering your body to start burning more calories. Food is nothing to be afraid of. Weight gain is a simple matter of calories in versus calories out.

The goal is to expend more calories than you take in. As for being active,I’m aware the last thing some of you want to do on a holiday is exercise. Although

36 November 2020

Kera Kester it is extremely beneficial, I am not necessarily talking about doing a hardcore HIIT workout. Pause and enter a praise break here! A form of being active can be enjoying nature with a walk, hike or bike ride.

You can even have a dance party with a roommate or children. Trust me, those “happy mood” endorphins, dopamine and adrenaline will kick in and make you feel MUCH better and stronger.

Before food gets to the table, you most likely bought it from a store – unless you have access to a farm and harvest it yourself, in which case I give you huge props. Regardless, we all take a grocery trip at some point. Cue tip number two – walk into the store with a list. More specifically, walk in with at least half of the list being whole foods. Two-thirds of the list is ideal; but, for those newer to healthy eating, any level of progress is a win. In these advertised crazed holiday months, discipline is key.

Guys! We have officially reached the cooking and dinner section for my next tips. Here’s another place where discipline is key and, trust me, I know how difficult this third tip is - be mindful of chosen ingredients and measuring cups. Recipe selection changes everything. Look for books or Web sites specifically labeled “clean,” “healthy,” or “lowingredient.” This goes for desserts as well. I’ve found that vegan recipes cut down on a lot of calories and sugar. You’re probably ready to give me a piece of your mind for trying to mess up your taste-bud party.

However, I promise there are some amazing healthy recipes that are just as yummy. When it comes to taste, seasoning is king.

Let’s take a trip down imagination lane. You’re sitting there with your first plate. You’re already ahead of the curve if at least half of it is filled with whole foods. Now you’re chowing down as if your parents told you there’s no leaving the table until that plate is clean. Wait! Before you get seconds, try my fourth tip: wait at least 10 minutes and drink an 8 oz. glass of water before your next plate. You can even do my favorite go-to : hot water with lemon, which…hint hint…also aids in digestion. Many times, it’s our eyes that are eating after our stomach is already satisfied. Doing this after each plate will help ensure that you do not overeat.

Now for my final tip...drum roll please! If you do not follow every tip to a tee, the most important concern of mine is that you enjoy the holiday, so a celebration party doesn’t become a pity party! Our mental and emotional states are of utmost importance, and I don’t want you in a guilty or paranoid frenzy. Willpower is something to be sharpened daily. Human capacity is very capable of restraint and initiative. I believe in you accomplishing the good habits you set your mind to and seeing yourself overcome challenges!

Let’s power through these holidays strong and prepared!

Let’s get KKFit! Find me on Facebook/Instagram @ kera_kester

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SAMHSA’S National Helpline: 1-800-622-HELP (4357)

Coping in a Season of Thanksgiving

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Story & Photos by Stacy Hobbs, Contributing Writer and Allison Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor

Stacy Hobbs

Allison Miller

As the holiday season draws near, we can’t help but look forward to many traditions and celebrations! Family dinners, cozy evenings by the fireplace, quality time with our loved ones, as well as the anticipation of creating memories alongside those we love the most. While this is surely worth speaking of, I want to bring another perspective to my readers this month. The viewpoint is more prevalent than we likely want to admit- but I have this gut instinct to get it out in the open. Maybe it’ll help someone who feels alone during what is considered to be ”the most wonderful time of the year”.

at Oklahoma State and returned to Ponca thereafter to complete her Masters work through NWOSU at the University Center. She has been in the mental health field for the past 8 years and has worked for Dayspring Community Services for the past 6.5 years. She’s been married to her husband, Zach for 3.5 years and they have a beautiful daughter, Harper who is 1 ½. Allison has been an incredible light to her friends, family, and those in her field for years. I trust her expert on this topic immensely.

– take a walk, listen to your favorite music, take a bath or shower, paint your nails, meditate, or set aside 30 minutes to do whatever makes you happy each week.”

“Mental health awareness is becoming more relevant in our society but how do we continue to break barriers and further open up the discussion on depression, anxiety, and seasonal hardships? Also, in your experience, what are some strategies to overcome seasonal depression or anxiety that people may endure over the next few months?”

“In Ponca City, Hospice of North Central Oklahoma puts on a “Camp Monarch” for children ages 6-13 whom have experienced loss. Hospice and the Ponca City Library have an array of books to help facilitate the conversation of grief with children and adolescents.

Grace Memorial Chapel has a grief support newsletter that often has articles to help adults work through their grief and how it affects all aspects of their lives. Nationally, there are support groups available online with the oldest support group being www.grieving.com. Individuals can connect with others 24/7 through chat online at www.griefincommon.com or you can participate in grief support groups for adults and children through email at www.griefnet.org .”

“As we begin to celebrate alongside our families and friends during the upcoming holiday season- there is also a heightened sensitivity for those who have experienced loss. Do you know of any outreach programs that can help individuals cope?”

“An important part of breaking the stigma of mental health is to recognize that mental health affects everyone – whether you’re struggling yourself, you have a family or a friend who is struggling, or you “What is one piece of direction you’d give to people on see the effects of mental health on society the topic of Mental Health? Are there things we should through social media, television shows, or be aware of?”

We have to remember that relationship dynamics differ from one person to another and that this traditionally news outlets.

“Knowing the warning signs of suicide is really important joyous time of year can quickly create feelings of isolation, depression, and hardship on literally anyone. I don’t care who you are, you’ve felt overwhelmed before, you’ve felt hurt or sad, and you’ve at some point - probably felt very alone. Life throws us all sorts of situations and while we may see the glow of happiness on social media or at that holiday party, someone you know may be fighting an internal battle with anxiety or depression.

I reached out to Allison Miller, a Licensed Professional Counselor and friend from way back when, to get advice on how people can cope during this time of year. This year, especially, with all it’s challenges - awareness, education, and action on how to deal might just help someone you know.

Firstly, I’ll introduce Allison to you. She’s a Ponca City local who received her undergraduate education

38 November 2020

There is a common sentiment that has started to circulate that is “it’s okay to not be okay” and I think that it’s really important for everyone to recognize that you should reach out to a professional or someone you trust if you are having a difficult time. The holidays can be difficult in a “normal” year, but with the current struggles of COVID-19 the holidays will have a completely different look this year. Many people will be unable to spend time with their families or travel out of town because of the risk of getting themselves or their extended family members sick. I encourage everyone to utilize the resources they have available to them and reach out to family through video chat because there are so many different options with Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, FaceTime, and many other video messaging apps. It is also important to find a time for self-care, especially during this challenging time. Self care can be simple

for everyone and the resource of www.take5tosavelives. org is a really good tool to learn the signs of suicide and how to help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800662-HELP(4357) provides information and resources for individuals who need help with mental health or substance abuse and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK(8255). I encourage you to reach out and check on one another. You are important and you are loved!”

Simply put- while we celebrate, let’s also check on each other. Take time to understand a perspective different than your own. Choose empathy and kindness.

All too often we don’t know when people are battling the unseen forces of anxiety and depression. If you are feeling overwhelmed- seek help to cope. I wish you all true joy and peace over your lives. You serve a purpose.

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Bead & Fused Glass Necklace

Featuring Artist Betty Scott Story & Photos by Brenda Baugh / Staff Writer

Betty Scott Betty Scott is a multifaceted and multitalented artist. Not only throughout her career as an artist, but also throughout her life experiences. She is well versed in multiple medias, from oil painting to polymer clay.

Betty Scott has a passion for art and animals.

It doesn’t just end there; she has a thirst for knowledge, giving back to her community and traveling. Betty has a strong foundation and continues to build on that foundation. Betty has a solid and strong foundation in Ponca City which is what brought her back after traveling the world and living the life that some can only dream about living.

40 November 2020

In 1948 Betty Scott was born in Ponca City and is the oldest of eight children. During her childhood she discovered art and the joy of creating by assisting her mother with the arts and craft projects for the Cub Scout troop that her mother performed as the den leader. She is one of the few students that attended St. Mary’s through 12th grade for her primary and secondary education. After graduating high school in 1966, she later attended North Oklahoma College. Betty never hesitated on choosing a major in college. She had to pursue art.

While attending NOC, she had the pleasure of studying under and being mentored by Gene Dougherty, the beloved Tonkawa artist.

When she returned to college, she worked nights at Conoco, was the president of the Ponca City Art Association, volunteered for the adult literacy program and was the Chairman of the Fine Arts Festival. If she was busy enough, she volunteered at a United Way function that her employer sponsored.

At the time, Betty did not know that a chance meeting with another volunteer would change

her life completely.

Betty married Steve Scott in August 1993 and by the year 2000 was living in Washington, DC. The couples time in the Nation’s capital was very short lived and after a year, Betty accompanied her husband to Moscow, Russia due to a work emergency. The Scott’s lived there for a few years and most of their residency was very chaotic. Having to leave so quickly, they did not have any language training. Like the recipients of her help with the adult literacy program, she now knew the challenges of being illiterate. Betty Scott felt as if she was a stranger in a strange land. Not all was lost in Moscow. Here she was exposed to different types of art and gave her a better understanding which was another level to her art foundation.

After a few years of living abroad, Steve and Betty returned to the states and landed in Las Vegas, NV. Betty continued her pursuit of knowledge and education by attending College of Southern Nevada. Betty attended

a metal smithing class taught by Colleen McGraw and became a mentor and the inspiration for Scott to begin making jewelry.

During her attendance at CSN, Betty continued to build on to the foundation she created in Ponca City. Earlier when she lived in Ponca City, she learned ceramics at a local shop in downtown.

This base knowledge of ceramics inspired her to take a clay class. Betty learned several techniques including pinch pottery. Mrs. Scott said, “art should be an always growing knowledge, continually building on a foundation.” For Betty Scott a natural progression has been ceramics, then pottery and now polymer clay.

Before deciding to return and retire in Ponca City, Betty Scott joined the Las Vegas Art Guild to make friends that have the same interests as she does. One of the friendships she developed was with Lisa Pavelka who became another influence and mentor to Betty. When discussing polymer clay, Pavelka is always part of the conversation for her contribution to this medium, so much so she has multiple products available at large chain retailers.

While most think of their retirement years as a time to relax and take life a little slower, Betty Scott decides to keep busy by sharing her knowledge of polymer clay with Ponca City. She can be found at The Doodle Academy teaching classes and workshops. “We are so blessed with all the people who contribute to the arts in Ponca City,” Scott states. In the near future, she would like to start a Polymer Clay Guild and would like to welcome any and every one that would be interested to contact her at bjsbling@yahoo.com.

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41

KIDS ACTIVITIES | COLORING

N O V EM BER Hospice & Palliative Care Month

Our BEST Triple Pane WINDOWS

ON SALE NOW

Buy 1, Get 1 @ 40% OFF SALE ENDS NOV. 20, 2020

E V E RY DAY I S A G I F T 42 November 2020

Thank you for supporting our family-owned business.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!

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

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

It Pays To Learn About Finances, Literally.

Zogo is free and is the #1 app that helps you learn and improve your financial literacy. Get fun, bite-sized financial concepts brought to you every day. Get paid to learn‌ all made possible by the partnership between Zogo and Cherokee Strip Credit Union. Download Zogo today to your mobile device.

Visit www.cherokeestrip.com for more information.

November 2020

43

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Veterans Day Parade Parade Set for Saturday, November 7th, 10:45 am Story by Carey Head / Staff Writer Photos Contributed by Joe Glaser

Parade Entry Form Available at Facebook/PCVeteransDayParade Ponca City’s 24th annual Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, along Grand Avenue through the downtown corridor. Start time is set for 10:45 a.m. The parade will originate at Pine Street and Grand Avenue and proceed east to Sixth Street. This year’s parade will honor military veterans and first responders. Those attending along the parade route are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Grand Marshal will be U.S. Army MSgt. (retired) Tommy Joe Day. Joe grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1967. He was drafted into the Army in January 1969.

Joe served in Vietnam as an Army sniper and concluded his last four months of service as a door gunner on a Night Hawk Gunship. After his honorable discharge, he joined the Oklahoma National Guard, from which he retired as a master sergeant after 22 years of service.

Some of Joe’s awards and decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Aviation Wings, The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal for heroism, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal for heroism with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal for heroism with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal

Joe Day

George Nix, Jr.

with three Major Campaign Stars and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Fellow Ponca Citian George Nix, Jr., will be honored as Parade Marshal. George served in the South Pacific during World War II as a member of the United States Naval Construction Battalion, also known as the Sea Bees. He was attached to the Marine Fighter Squadron 214, the brigade commanded by Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, also known as the Black Sheep Squadron.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Mjr. (retired) and Ponca City Mayor Homer Nicholson will emcee the parade with Gary Miles, Commander, VFW Post 1201 and Executive Director of Oklahoma VFW Foundation, providing color commentary. The parade review stand will be set up adjacent to Veterans Plaza at Fourth and Grand.

Scheduled to appear are Ponca City High School’s Big Blue Marching Band and the national champion dance and drill team, the Po Hi-Steppers. RCB Bank is providing free American flags to parade attendees. Joe Glazer, parade organizer, says volunteers will walk the parade route passing out the flags.

A number of military vehicles, including WWII-era vehicles, will be on parade. Weather permitting, Tulsa War Birds stunt planes, P-51 Mustang “Miss America,” a Yugoslavian jet and WWII B-25 bomber, among others, will participate with parade route flyovers.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual gathering at War Memorial Park has been canceled. “We apologize for not holding ceremonies at the Park, but we don’t want to put any of our veterans at risk,” explains Gary. “But we will have plenty of airplanes and bagpipes!”

Veterans Day Parade on Grand Ave.

Following the parade, veterans and first responders, along with immediate family members, are invited to reconvene at VFW Post 1201, 2821 E. Prospect, for a provided lunch.

November 2020

45

Quilts of Valor Story by Carey Head / Staff Writer Photo by Diane Beekman Since 2003, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has been awarding quilts to military service members and veterans. Founder Emeritus Catherine Roberts established this effort after her son Nat was deployed to Iraq.

She knew a special quilt could help bring healing.

Ponca Citian Kay Sober Zang is carrying on the Quilts of Valor movement. The 1965 Po-Hi graduate was moved to make a quilt after seeing a PBS documentary on Quilts of Valor. “Many of my classmates were drafted right after graduation and sent to Vietnam,” Kay explains.

After enlisting the help of her sister Nancy, the pair decided to honor Dennis Summers, a helicopter pilot who survived the war, and Tommy Stansbury, a helicopter pilot killed in action Sept. 30, 1971. Kay describes Stansbury as her 8th grade boyfriend.

Kay shares, “I thought the quilt would honor both of them, (and) Nancy agreed. She made half and I made half and the top was completed in two weeks.”

Dennis was wrapped in his Quilt of Valor on April 27, 2018 in a meeting hosted by the Ponca City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

It is Kay’s mission to live long enough to make a quilt for every one of Po-Hi’s Class of 1965 classmates who served in the military. PoHi graduate Diane Zemp Beekman assists Kay by researching and reaching out to former classmates regarding the Quilt of Valor honor.

“It is Kay’s mission Each quilt is made with a specific classmate veteran in mind.

to live long enough to make a quilt for every one of Po-Hi’s Class of 1965 classmates who served in the military.”

“Kay has an uncanny way of seeing a particular quilt pattern and knowing exactly which recipient the pattern should belong to,” says Diane. “There is much thought given to each veteran and their quilt pattern.”

She adds, “Those receiving the Quilts have named themselves ‘The Class of 65 Po-Hi Quilt of Valor Brigade,’ a brotherhood of those that served our Country. We have a little over 100 classmates that have served that are still living so she has quite a mission of sharing her talent and designs to those that served from our Class.”

In addition to the custom, no-two-are-alike pattern, the standard of

46 November 2020

Kay Sober Zang crafts a Quilt of Valor for a veteran classmate. Her goal is to create a Quilt of Valor for each member of Ponca City High School's Class of 1965 who served in the military. As a registered Quilts of Honor Foundation volunteer long-arm quilter, Kay is a member of the LongArmy Volunteers with each quilt she creates adhering to strict QOHF quality and label requirements.

excellence for a Quilt of Valor is high. According to founder Catherine Roberts, “it has to be a quality made quilt … quilted, not tied, which means hand or machine quilting.”

Once finished, an award ceremony is held and each recipient is wrapped in their Quilt of Valor by Kay, personally thanked for their service, and welcomed home.

time for a fiscal check-up check-up check-up Now is the time for a fiscal check-up Markets fluctuate.

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Kevin’s Corner

Call todayexcuses for a free consultation, and we’ll No for not how your Nomore more excuses for notknowing knowing how your explore investment strategies designed to life finances and investments line up with your finances and investments line up with your No more excuses for not knowing how and yourlife help you protect yourself today, tomorrow goals expectations. goalsand andretirement retirement expectations. and investments line up with your life intofinances the future. goals and retirement expectations.

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Hey guys, it’s your pal Kevy. I’m just chilling in the back yard after eating lizards. Well, I don’t really eat them, I just pounce and hold them down for a minute. They squirm and squirm, but who are they kidding – you’re not going anywhere buster. Momma doesn’t like this, because she says they get pretty upset, but I think lizards are about the best toy a little guy could wish for. Well, except for Mrs. Beasley the bunny, who goes everywhere with me. I’ve had the Mrs. since I was born, and get pretty mad when Momma takes the Mrs. and what’s left of her ratty limbs away for a spin in the big noisy bucket. I stare right into that box of suds and see a bunch of wet junk just bouncing up, down, and around. You know that can’t be good for anyone.

When Momma finally hands her back, I give the Mrs. a violent shake to knock that stinky new car smell right off.

So, Momma and Dad continue to talk about money, and where to hold any extra they may have. Before investing in fancy stocks or bonds, Dad said it was important to build up something called a nest egg - and I love eggs, so kept on listening. Momma said the egg should hold about 6 months’ worth of normal expenses as cash in their favorite credit union or bank. Dad thought the egg money should go into a separate savings account, because if it was in their regular checking account, they would just spend it. He also said building the egg would be difficult, so Momma suggested they finally get serious about creating a realistic monthly budget at www.mybalancebudget. org. Using that free tool sure helped them learn a lot of cool things - including a focus on paying “I need this” expenses like rent and insurance, while slowing down on “I want this” expenses like daily stops at the coffee shop. Doesn’t sound too hard to me because I don’t even know what coffee is. The only thing they better remember is that I NEED oatmeal and yogurt treats the mail lady brings, or Mrs. and I are gonna unleash some fury on everyone in the room until I say we’re done.

It smells like rain. I love when those little squishy bits fall out of the sky and bounce off my head. I even try to look up and keep my eyes open, but never can. My sister Bridgey starts whining and runs right into Momma’s lap every time the clouds start to grumble. Dad says he doesn’t understand why Bridgey gets so scared by something that has never hurt her. Momma says that people are sometimes silly like that too, spending countless hours of wasted energy worrying about bad things that will never affect them in any way. She said it’s better to just breathe slowly, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the day – like watching a bee bounce from flower to flower. Now that’s an idea that I can get behind, as long as she meant to say lizards.

And with that, Bridgey just sat on me. Boy I hate dogs. And seriously, will someone please someone start browning butter? Them nest eggs ain’t gonna cook themselves.

Story by Johnny O’Hare CEO/Cherokee Strip Credit Union Copyright 2020 – One Trick Productions

S P A R

Crossword Puzzle on Page 30

November 2020

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Backyard Gardener Spider and Tomatoes Story & Photos by Kat Long, / Contributing Writer

Kat Long Someone asked me the other day what is happening in my yard and I responded with “Spiders and tomatoes.”

In that order, it’s OK. I like most spiders, and I have a couple of big ones hanging out eating flies and mosquitoes and generally being helpful in the yard. Now, about those tomatoes . . .

ready for next spring. Or . . . you can be like me (the bane of my husband’s existence) and insist on leaving the tomato plants right where they are until the first frost threatens to descend. And then

November is an interesting time in the garden. Especially in Oklahoma. And it is pretty much all about the weather. Friends and family often wonder why I obsess about the weather this time of year. Well, lazy gardener that I am, I like taking my time, moseying through the yard and grazing on produce. When the weather decides to change in our little slice of heaven, it usually does it pretty quickly -- therefore, tomatoes.

There are a couple of ways to deal with tomato plants going into real fall weather: one can pull all of the plants (green tomatoes be damned) and have a nice clean area all

48 November 2020

Cindy the Spider

off I go, madly picking cherry, grape and pear tomatoes (the varieties this year) red and green, to be used or sit on the counter ripening up for Thanksgiving. Because nothing is better than a

homegrown tomato, no matter what size.

Then, the freeze. And since we live in Oklahoma, two days later, the weather will be amazing! That is the day I clean up all the tomato plants and put them into the compost pile. They have shrunk in size (thank you frost) and are on their way to decomposing as I crush them into the compost. Bonus, all the missed ripe tomatoes under the plant are still edible and easily separated from the now wilting plants.

Best containers for ripening up tomatoes are cardboard eggshell cartons and to-go drink flat holders (also cardboard) from Sonic. Amaze friends and family with a tasty salad topped with all the just ripened green, now red, tomatoes.

And if they don’t notice, tell them. Because, hey, fresh tomatoes in November deserve the recognition!

Back to the spiders. Cindy is my Lady Orb spider and she is still hanging tough (at the time of this writing) in the garden. She has spun two egg sacs and quite possibly might make a third one before her time in the garden is done. The other spiders are not as pretty, but are very good at catching the pterodactyl-sized mosquitoes and flies which bite and annoy. They do catch the random good bug, like bees and one even tried to catch a praying mantis! I helped the little guy out of the web and attempted to clean him up a little, but he scurried off as fast as possible from that nightmare. We still kill spiders inside (remember the bite incident of Sept. 2020) and the occasionally seen fiddleback, but for the most part, they go their way and we try to stay out of the way.

Also happening in the garden are the last pickings of the lemon balm, hyssop and lemon grass for tinctures and oils, a few more batches of basil pesto, planting some lentil cover crops and getting garlic into the ground. Yes, I know I said garlic was good for October planting, but October has been so mild (doing more fun things than putting in garlic), I just waited until November. Procrastination bonus: some of the garlic sprouted so I know they are viable for planting. This is important as I picked up some extra garlic at the store as opposed to buying actual labeled “garlic for planting.” It has worked most years, but sometimes the store garlic just won’t sprout.

Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Take the top off the pumpkin and scoop out the insides. Put the scooped seeds into a large colander and run cold water over it while moving the seeds around to separate the pulp.

Enlist children if you have them, to separate seeds from the stringy pumpkin insides. Spread the seeds out on a couple of paper towels or on some tea towels you don’t mind staining orange. Stringy pumpkin insides can be composted or if you have dogs hanging around, they might want to consume. Pumpkin is good for the canines.

Heat oven to 350°F. Put mostly dry seeds (1 cup at a time) into a bowl with a couple of tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil, some salt and pepper (to your taste). I am a salt fiend, so the more salt the better.

Spread the buttered/oiled seeds on a parchment-covered pan as evenly as possible and put in the oven for 10 minutes; stir them and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Let them cool completely before putting them in a container for storage. I use mason jars or other glass bottles. They are good on the counter for a few days, but storing in the fridge is best.

Walk the yard; enjoy the fall. If you grew pumpkins this year, share pictures with those of us who can’t grow a pumpkin to save our life, on Facebook. You should be proud. Pumpkin seeds are my favorite pumpkin product and here is how we process them. It is pretty quick and easy and makes great soup toppers or additions to holiday breads. Also, it is time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. And of course, Happy Gardening.

November 2020

49

Love You

Ponca City We Love You Story & Photo Contributed by Janet Martin

Oh how I loved growing up in Ponca City! I was born in the St. Joseph’s Ponca City Hospital and delivered by Dr. Tom Glasscock during a snowstorm on a cold day in March. This was my beginning of a beautiful relationship with my beloved city.

“This was my

I grew up on Lucas Street with my three siblings.

We all had the measles, mumps and chicken pox at that one location – all the childhood diseases at once.

Mom was glad when it was all over. We soon moved away from that house and moved to East Grand Avenue.

My family and I were all excited for our new house. We loved our two-story home and all the children now had their own room!

Ponca City We

beginning of a beautiful relationship with my beloved city.“

Little did I know at that time it would also be a reason later in life when that would not be so cool. We had so many children that lived up and down that particular block, and we walked to school each day. Living close to downtown was very fun as children. We loved walking to the Library, Leda’s (a record store), the Poncan Theatre, eating at the Pioneer Grill, Kresses Department Store, Cuzalina’s Drug and many of the other downtown stores and shops.

At Leda’s record store, my sister and I would sell pop bottles to make extra spending money and run after school to pick out our next 45 record by our favorite artist. Some of our favorite artists of the time were The Supremes, Leslie Gore, Elvis, Bobby Darin and The Coasters. We had a blast at the record store.

We would run home to play our records and then watch Dick Clark on American Bandstand and dance in the living room. These were some of the best years ever!

As the years rolled on, it was soon time to

50 November 2020

learn how to drive. My dad’s car was a stick shift. Can I just say, I had to be strong at will because braking and shifting seemed like an unattainable goal. Finally the day came – I passed my test and received my license.

What a wonderful day! What I didn’t know was that day I became very essential to mom and dad, because I was now able to run errands and pick up my brothers at the sitters. Despite my newfound freedom, my parents always knew where I was – how do they always know?

Both Sparkey’s hamburgers and A&W root beer had drive-thrus in Ponca City. I was in high cotton now; I was in the dragging Grand group with hundreds of other teenagers. Here comes the part where it was not a good idea to live on Grand Avenue. You see, dad sat out on the front porch to watch the kids driving by, and I was told to drag Grand cost money and would be too much wear and tear on the car. Really Dad? Nothing was more fun than dragging that street from the very far west side of Grand Avenue to 14th Street, honking, singing, shouting and seeing all your friends on weekends – especially my friends who were on the high school Wildcat football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball teams, cheerleaders and Dynamiters (cheer squad).

All great childhoods come to an end and soon it is time to grow up. Ponca City has a workforce arena, I began as a meat scalier at Monsour’s Grocery, and it was great for working and visiting with people who came shopping. The store was located just down the alley from my house. I loved working there because I was able to talk and visit all day long to anyone who would listen. The values and work ethics we learn as children are invaluable as we grow up. It’s important to be a part of the dialogue about Ponca City, because it was, and still is, a great place to grow up. It really is the people of Ponca City that make all the difference in the world. Getting to know them opened up so many doors and opportunities for me.

Janet and Gary Martin My late husband Gary moved to Ponca City when he was 7 years old. He said driving into Ponca City the first thing that he saw was the refinery. He was excited to see all the lights and the “big city,” because he was born in the small town of Okemah, Oklahoma. Gary’s dad worked in the refinery. Gary fell in love with Ponca City and all the citizens. We have the best city administration, city workers and chamber of commerce. They work hard to keep all businesses and citizens informed. We are also blessed to have the many organizations and volunteers that give of their time and money each month.

When we traveled outside of Ponca City for vacation, no matter how short or long we were gone, we were always so glad to get back home. This is the same feeling Gary had as a kid driving into town – that feeling of excitement to be back in Ponca City never went away. Ponca City is a great place to raise your children or retire. Experiencing Ponca City as I have during my 71 years of living here and to this day, I am still so proud to be a Ponca Citian. I still enjoy talking to people all day and visiting our sites. Ponca City and all the amazing places here all have a rich history – there are so many to see. Even though you live in Ponca City, and it may feel like it hasn’t changed much, it is still growing by leaps and bounds every year.

For your unwavering support through a difficult year, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes to you and your loved ones!

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

51

NOVEMBER 1 SUNDAY

VFW Flea Market 6:00 am - 2:00 pm VFW Post 1201 3000 E. Prospect Avenue

8 SUNDAY

VFW Flea Market 6:00 am - 2:00 pm VFW Post 1201 3000 E. Prospect Avenue

Evans Children’s Academy presents Aladdin Jr. 2:00 - 4:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire 6:30 - 9:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

6 FRIDAY

Calendar of Events

9th Annual Veterans Day Dance 2:00 - 10:00 pm Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma 10951 Allen Drive Evans Children’s Academy presents Aladdin Jr. 2:00 - 4:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

14 SATURDAY

The Dirty Dozen 2:00 - 4:30 pm & 7:00 - 9:30 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

Veterans Day Parade 10:45 am - noon Downtown Ponca City

Evans Children’s Academy Aladdin Jr. 2:00 - 4:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

52 November 2020

19 THURSDAY

Noon Lions Dinne and Auction 6:00 pm Silvertop Farms and Vineyard 6151 Fountain Road

Circle Of Parents 5:00 - 7:00 pm Northern Oklahoma Youth Services 2203 N. Ash Street

21 SATURDAY

The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue

The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue

7 SATURDAY

The Makin’ Market 1:00 - 4:00 pm Downtown Ponca City East Grand Avenue

Auditions for Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge 6:00 - 9:00 pm Ponca Playhouse 301 S. First Street

Harry Potter: The Order of The Phoenix 6:30 - 9:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

Evans Children’s Academy presents Aladdin Jr. 7:30 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

Veterans Day Celebration Noon - 3:00 pm War Memorial Park 899 N. 5th Street

18 WEDNESDAY

Guiding Principles of Foster Care 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Marland’s Place 1300 Summers Place

22 15

SUNDAY

VFW Flea Market 6:00 am - 2:00 pm VFW Post 1201 3000 E. Prospect Avenue Harry Potter: The Half-Blooded Prince 6:30 - 9:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

SUNDAY

Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows 1 & 2 3:00 am - 9:00 pm Poncan Theatre 104 E. Grand Avenue

25 WEDNESDAY

Festival Of Angels Lighting Display Opens 6:00 - 10:00 pm Cann Gardens, Pioneer Woman Statue and Lake Ponca Park

17 TUESDAY

Auditions for Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge 6:00 - 9:00 pm Ponca Playhouse 301 S. First Street

Updated calendar @ poncacity.com

E.W. Marland in Politics New Exhibit at the Marland Grand Home Story & Photo Provided by Jayne Detten Ponca City legend, E.W. Marland, is known as one of the most successful oil barons of the 1920s. He established and ran the Marland Oil Company for two decades. However, few remember him as one of the state’s top politicians.

In 1929 the Marland Oil Company had been acquired by J. P. Morgan, Jr., a New York City banker, through a hostile take-over which ended Marland’s career as an oil man. Due to both the loss of his vast oil empire and the onset of the Great Depression, Marland charted another course….. politics.

During the months of October 2020 through January 2021, the Marland Grand Home historic house museum is hosting an exhibit entitled “Marland in Politics, 1932 thru 1938”. The exhibit reflects Marland’s terms of office, first as an Oklahoma state representative to the U.S. congress and secondly, as the state’s 10th governor. Despite his big business background, E.W. Marland was not a Republican. His treatment at the hands of Morgan and other eastern monopoly giants created distrust in the party leading him to register as a Democrat. In 1932, in a decision to better serve the people of the state, E.W. Marland was elected to congress as Oklahoma’s 8th district delegate. He was the first Democrat to hold that seat in 15 years.

Following in 1934, E.W. Marland ran again on the Democratic ticket for the office of Governor.

Campaigning on a slogan of bringing the “New Deal” to the state, Marland was quoted as giving his reason for running, “Because the financial and economic situation of my state is so grave and requires the type of business leadership I feel that I can supply.” On January 15, 1935, E. W. Marland was inaugurated as Oklahoma’s 10th governor.

His second wife, Lydie, became the First Lady.

Governor Marland’s Inauguration on the steps of the OK State Capitol Building January 14, 1935.

In 1935, due to Marland’s insistence in drilling, oil was discovered on the state capitol grounds. E.W. Marland, with his vast experience in the petroleum industry, was the perfect man to be in the governor’s seat to find and develop these reserves. Neighbors objected to drilling on state property, however, Governor Marland won the legal and philosophic battle and used the Oklahoma National Guard to protect drilling operations.

Governor Marland also brought truckloads of magnificent evergreens, shrubs and trees from the Marland Estate, his Ponca City home, for use at the Governor’s Mansion. In 1937, at a time when lawlessness was crossing state lines as state police could not, Governor Marland established the Oklahoma Department of Safety and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

As governor, Marland quickly instituted a program that would become known as the “Little New Deal.”

As governor, Marland quickly instituted a program that would become known as the “Little New Deal.” Marland, an avid supporter of FDR, stressed the need for state government to work with the federal government in creating jobs and support for families. Governor Marland and his newly developed State Planning and Resources Board worked with FDR’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) to create jobs through public works projects. The projects employed approximately 119,000 persons between 1935 and 1937. Through more than 13,000 WPA/CCC projects, Governor Marland created jobs for more than 90,000 Oklahomans. Marland’s hometown of Ponca City contributed several WPA/CCC projects to the list which still include Lake Ponca Park, Blaine Stadium/Fieldhouse, the public library and the U.S. post office.

Following his term as governor and ever devoted to the people of Oklahoma, E.W. Marland decided to run for the U.S. Senate, but was unsuccessful. Years of political strife had taken their toll. In his retirement he chose to return to Ponca City with his wife, Lydie, to build a new Marland Oil Company. By this time, however, he was in failing health that culminated in a stroke. After a charitable and philanthropic life, he died on October 3, 1941 at the age of 67 years old.

The Marland Grand Home is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, but closed for lunch daily from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. For more information go to marlandgrandhome.com or call 580-767-0427. Admission is free for Ponca City residents, $5 for other adults, $4 for seniors and military, $3 for students 6-17.

November 2020

53

Did you know yo own your local Thinking about Solar Panels? power utility?

Celebrating the Benefits of Local Power!

• Equal or greater reliability.

Ponca City Monthly’s very own geocache-style • Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers. game where following the clues can lead you to on long-term community goals.

• Emphasis • Quick response from crews located in the community. $50 in Chamber Bucks.

GeoCashing Story by Jay Wagner / Staff Writer Thank you to everyone who ventured out in search of our hidden treasure! We’d like to congratulate Layton Henderson for being the first super sleuth to figure out our clues and locating the cache. $50 in Chamber Bucks was awarded for the return of our special code! We’d also like to recognize everyone else who located our stash and added their name to the list: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Want to explore the benefits and costs of installing solar Thank you on Ponca Cityhome? Ponca panels your for believing in & supporting City Energy has answers to your very own Municipality!

Local Contro many of your questions and “Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

Reinvestmen would love to help determine if solar is for you. Please,Reliability Accessibility before signing the contract, Community you know yo call the folks atDid Ponca City own your Energy at 580-767-0405 to local OurLocalPower power utility? find out how solar will affect your electric bill.

Celebrating the Benefi ts

• Local employment.

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

Thank you Ponca City • Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics for believing in & supporting of Local Power! and design. your very own Municipality!

• Equal or greater reliability.

“Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

• Customer-focused mission is to serve the customers.

• Innovation techniques and technology to meet • Emphasis on long-term community goals. energy needs.

• Quick response from crews located in the community.

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

• Economic development – not-for-profit electricity park and recreation, library, to name a few, by attracts business.

• Control over the electric distribution system aesthetics contributions to the city’s general fund. and design. techniques and technology to meet • Customers have a direct and powerful voice in decision- • Innovation energy needs.

Thank you for stopping City Hall Public Power making through their communities elected officials.

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

• Local Power makes a differenceWeek. every day: you live in a • Customers have Congratulations toa direct Barbara Dewey, Vicki Lower, and powerful voice in decisionmaking through their communities elected officials.

Local Power Community. Appreciate it and support it!

Pamela Loy and Ashley Jones, our drawing winners.

• Local Power makes a difference every day: you live in a Local Power Community. Appreciate it and support it!

Learn more about Our Local Power by visiting $

We are THANKFUL for our customers and wish you a

HAPPY THANK THANKSGIVING! YOU PONCA CITY

THANK YOU PONCA CITY for believing in and supporting Our Local Power Utility!

CONTEST RULES:

for believing in and supporting Our Local Power Utility!

Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is Wednesay, April 22, 9-1 at Unity Gym.

Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is Wednesay, April 22, 9-1 at Unity Gym.

REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

Need More Room

Ava and Layton Henderson REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

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!

to store your stuff?

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.

Location of Last Month’s GeoCash at Standing Bear

NOVEMBER CLUE: Standing dual betwixt the trees Two twins have long greeted families While searching for me you’ll see You’re ‘tween two lands of opportunity (located in 10-15 minutes) Terrain: Easy (mostly flat surfaces) Size: Small (size of a golf ball) Deadline: 20th of each month

54 November 2020

OurLocalPowe

Chamber Each received Learn more 25 about in Our Local Power by visitingBucks. www.OurLocalPower.org www.OurLocalPower.org

Layton and Ava H. Elizabeth P. Charlotte S. Marlys C. Josh S.

Difficulty: Easy

Local Contr Reinvestme Reliability Accessibili Community

Bring the Special code to: My Media Matters/ Ponca City Monthly City Central 400 E. Central, Suite 201G

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!

We simply couldn’t pick better friends and customers than all of you! Thanks for making work a pleasure for us at the holidays and all year.

CHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON! 3330 N. 14th • Ponca City 580-765-5595 • www.StutevillePonca.com

HHHHHHH

BUY LOCAL, be a Stuteville S.T.A.R.

Vehicle disinfection & long-term antimicrobial protection available EXCLUSIVELY at Stuteville in Ponca City!

What is the most dangerous thing you can do behind the wheel of your car?

TOUCH IT!

KILLS KILLS

99.999% of Bacteria on Hard, Non-Porus 99.9 of Bacteria on Carpet.

Surfaces.

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• Complimentary lube, oil & tire changes • Complimentary car wash • Courtesy loaner vehicle • Express shuttle service • Express services • Accessory discount • Enhanced trade-in value

AVAILABLE ONLY AT Stuteville Chevrolet Ponca City 3330 N 14th St, Ponca City (580) 749-5976 stutevilleponca.com

At Phillips 66, supporting our people, our environment and our communities guides everything we do.

20-0025_013 © 2020 Phillips 66 Company. All rights reserved.

November 2020

55

Can I come to Thanksgiving dinner?

No one should spend Thanksgiving alone, including our shelter animals.

Consider opening your home to a shelter dog for Thanksgiving dinner!

Ever thought about fostering?

Now is the perfect time!

Stop by the shelter before pickup to pick out a dog and complete paperwork!

580-767-8877

Pick up: Monday/Tuesday Drop off: Friday/Saturday You might just fall in love!

56 November 2020