This month’s children’s book might have been better featured last month for Mother’s Day, but regardless, it’s summertime, and I couldn’t bypass a book about a long-distance backpacking trip. Just Keep Walking is a middle-grade novel by author Erin Soderberg Downing that was released last year and is actually a 2026 Sequoyah book.
12-year-old Jo and her mother, Sarah, set out to hike 100 miles over two weeks on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota. Jo had always planned on going with her father, but after her parents separate, her mother steps in instead. The first few days of the hike are terribly difficult for the two, and they definitely have moments where they think about quitting. Jo is determined to prove though – to her dad and, ultimately, to herself – that she can do it. Even when the weather alternates between scorching hot days and scary thunderstorms. Even when bears and moose cross the trail in front of her. Even when she smells like the inside of her brother’s gym bag! She is stronger and braver than she ever knew and capable of more than she could ever imagine.
My one qualm is that the book got to be a little repetitive by the end, but that’s just a minor critique. I thought the story was great, and the message, especially for young girls, was fantastic. Plus, in a fun fact, the author actually hiked the trail with her young son, so you know what Jo and her mother see and hear and experience was influenced by a real-life trek. I think for any youngster who loves the outdoors or is dealing with changing family dynamics or is struggling with self-doubt, this book is a must-read.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Just Keep Walking today!
Hello, friends! The last couple of recipes were all about light and fresh ingredients. This month, we’re keeping the fresh ingredients, but we’re turning them into an easy, rich, savory, and filling dinner for any weeknight with aromas that bring the whole house sniffing into the kitchen and asking, “When’s dinner?” As with any of these recipes, there’s freedom to play around with it and make it your own, if you’d like! Now Serving Creamy Steak and Pasta!
Serves 4-6 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut) Salt and pepper to taste 16 oz fresh mushrooms (quartered) 3 oz fresh spinach 1 tbsp olive oil 16 oz box penne pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine can be used) Garlic powder to taste Onion powder to taste 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (may omit entirely or add more for more spice!) Italian seasoning mix (oregano, basil, thyme) to taste 1/4 cup flour (may omit if you prefer your sauce thinner) 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups beef broth Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles to desired doneness. Drain and set aside. 2. Quarter mushrooms, and slice steak into thin slices. 3. In a large frying pan, heat oil, mushrooms, and spinach, stirring occasionally until spinach is wilted. 4. Add steak, season with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, cooking until steak is brown only on the outsides while stirring occasionally. 5. Add beef broth, whipping cream, and additional seasonings- Italian seasoning, pepper flakes if desired, and another sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. 6. If sauce is not desired thickness, add flour and bring to boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, remove from heat. 7. Once the noodles are drained, add to the frying pan to toss in sauce. Serve with shredded Parmesan as garnish. Enjoy!
This year’s annual Best of Enid 2025 has come to a close, and it was a night to remember! With prizes, raffles, great food, amazing people, and competitive spirits, the night was full of fun and excitement!
The Best of Enid 2025 was a sold-out event, and the house was packed! With more sponsorships than ever before, it’s safe to say everyone was hungry for the win this year, and that hunger reflected in the votes! This year’s BOE event significantly passed last year’s voting count, and the categories were closer than they’ve ever been. Up until the last day and last hour, the winners were flipping back and forth as everyone vied for that top spot, and the results this year may have shocked a few. With some categories flipping from the usual, numerously awarded winners to newly established businesses and individuals – the competition was strong this year.
In addition to the heat of voting, the community support was vast and evident! With a sold-out event and a plethora of sponsorships, the energy in the room was vibrant! A special thanks to Gold Sponsors, Ediger’s Diamonds, Unleashed Pet Grooming, Park Avenue Thrift, American Cannabis, Hayley Hudson with Integris Health, Vargas Roofing, Ramco Undercar Specialist, and Choice Hospice, and to Silver Sponsors, Enid C-Star, Ladusau Evans Funeral Home & Crematory, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Renah Gibson with St. Mary’s. There were also 12 table sponsors and numerous individual ticket sales as well; the best of the best truly showed up and showed out. For events like this, it takes a village, or, in this case, a community! Local MC, Kegan Tuohy, kicked the night off with fun high spirits, and he led the evening as he navigated his way through each of the winners. Photographer Kaci Carpenter was also present again, and DJ Robert Gober gave the evening it’s own soundtrack.
The fun of an event like the Best of Enid is the diverse crowd it brings in. People who may not have known each other otherwise shared tables, celebrated one another’s victories, and uplifted everyone involved in the process. And with the premise of the event being a competition, it’s refreshing to see people come together as they did. However, community is one thing Enid never lacks in, so it’s no surprise that the event had that same familiarity and feeling of community.
The doors to BOE25 opened at 6:00pm, and the crowd came in shortly after. For dinner, lasagna and chicken alfredo were served as the main course, along with potatoes, broccoli breadsticks, and a salad. Desert was also served, and a slice of cheesecake, of any kind, always hits the spot. In addition to the amazing food, there was also a cash bar, which was run by Stride Bank Center, and a nice beverage was the cherry on top to the nights courses.
The show began shortly after the doors opened and dinner was served, and Publisher of Enid Monthly, Robert Faulk, introduced the evening. Kegan took the stage again briefly after and kicked off the evening with the first award. As the awards went out and the winners were announced, the spirits within the room never wavered – everyone was truly happy for one another. With phenomenal raffles spread throughout the evening, businesses weren’t the only thing winning, and trophies weren’t the only prizes. With prizes like a pearl bracelet and handbag, courtesy of Ediger’s Diamonds, and a decanter set with a $150 gift card to Rock Island Liquor & Wine, courtesy of Rock Island Liquor & Wine, some of the raffles winners felt like bigger winners than those who actually won. The prizes also included ticket vouchers to a showing at Stride Bank Center from Stride Bank Center, a certificate for a deluxe facial from Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa, and a Blackstone Grill donated by Ace Hardware.
The night moved along swiftly, and the MC never missed with a joke, whether he was referring to the winner of a category with some lighthearted fun or touching on the current events of Enid, his humor lit up the room. If the night were to be given a theme, it would’ve been gratitude. Every winner who approached the stage to receive their award was not only proud and overjoyed but also thankful and appreciative. Being deemed the best of the best by your own community is no small feat, and the winners from the Best of Enid 2025 were very aware of that. Squire & Cindy’s Kitchen took home the award for Best BBQ, and they were up against tough competition as they competed against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q and Blaze’s BBQ, in addition to the other nominees. When their name was announced, you could feel the joy radiating off of them as they approached the stage, and their appreciation was palpable. Cindy of Squire & Cindy’s Kitchen sates, “Thank you Enid for supporting our dream and allowing us to be part of your events and special moments. God has blessed us immeasurably.”
Allie Nails at D Pro Lash was also a pleasantly surprised winner of the evening. In her short year as a nail technician, she not only competed against some of the best, she also competed against entire salons, with DNT Nails & Spa and Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa being the other finalists in the category. In her acceptance speech, she made sure to express her gratitude, especially in highlight of her relatively new found profession.
One of the speeches that continues to echo that theme of gratitude was given by Best of Enid 2025 winner for Best Roofer, Vargas Roofing. As they accepted their award, they highlighted the other finalists in the category and shared the spotlight expressing their thankfulness. Wess & Jolene Gray Portraits took home Best Photographer at the event, and they echoed the sentiments of Vargas Roofing as they shared the spotlight with the other finalists within their category and shared their journey of how they got where they are today.
Boho Teepee took home the win for Best Boutique, and owner, Tani, stated, “What an honor to win in this category and against such steep competition! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us. We are so blessed to be a part of the Enid community.”
The Best of Enid being a competition drives the fun – it motivates the community and businesses alike. But regardless of the outcome, there are no losers. Yes, someone will take home a trophy and be deemed the “Best of the Best.” However, simply being nominated itself is the biggest reward. Being seen and recognized by not just your peers but your customers and friends is a feeling of validation that everyone needs once in a while, especially in trying times where things can get a little hectic. After all, who doesn’t love a pat on the back followed up by “We see you, and you’re doing great,” and that’s the entire premise of the Best of Enid – recognition.
Beyond the gratitude, recognition, validation, and competition, the Best of Enid is also a night to have fun, and that was a big part of the Best of Enid 2025. As the line to the bar rarely ceased to exist, members of the community had dinner, networked, got a couple of drinks, and celebrated. Stela Jantzen from Gold Sponsor Park Avenue Thrift stated, “This is always such a fun event to attend! The community coming together to celebrate each other and cheer each other on. Thank you Enid Monthly for having this wonderful event.” Best Hair Salon winner Bloom Hair Studio shared Stela’s sentiments. Shianne Royal with Bloom continued with, “We look forward to the Enid Monthly’s Best of Enid event every year. Great food, good vibes, and a night out is always a good time.”
To echo those same sentiments, the Best of Enid would not be a thing nor exist if it weren’t for the businesses and individuals that compose Enid. Without the community and the places that make Enid a fun place to work, play, and eat, there wouldn’t be anything to recognize or anyone to compete for you or with you. Therefore, the Best of Enid is you, and it’s your neighbor, and it’s your competitor, and it’s the stranger you pass at the grocery store. Enid is a collection of businesses, people, and organizations who all share a similar mission and love – maintaining and bettering Enid while loving it in the process.
A special thanks to everyone who made the night possible. Readers for keeping up with all things Enid Monthly, voters who fought hard for their favorites to win, businesses who gave the voters something to fight for, and to everyone and thing who made the event itself possible, including sponsors, ticket purchases, Stride Bank Center, and the businesses who donated prizes. Until next year!
Meet Ariane Baitinger, the new Advertising Director behind Enid Monthly. With years of experience in local media—from digital, newspaper, and TV advertising—Ariane is passionate about helping local businesses grow through smart, effective marketing. She loves connecting with business owners, learning their stories, and finding the best ways to get them seen. While her main focus is ad strategy and sales, Ariane also enjoys designing ads and brings a creative eye to every project. She’s a big foodie, a fan of food and product photography, and has a background in interior design—so whether it’s styling an ad, a space, or a plate, she’s all about the details. She’s excited to bring her creativity and community spirit to Enid Monthly and to reconnect with local business owners and the wonderful Enid community.
When she’s not working, Ariane loves nothing more than slow mornings, great food, and quality time with her son, Carter, and fiancé, Bobby. She also cherishes sharing laughs, karaoke nights, and spontaneous moments with her close friends.
To reach Ariane for any of your Enid Monthly Advertising needs, call (580) 278-0381 or send an email to advertising@enidmonthly.com
One of Enid’s little secrets is that we have a Model Railroading Club. I found this out a few months when I was trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go when I started looking into the world of Model railroads. My son and grandsons got me interested at a show in Oklahoma City.
The club goes by the name Cherokee Strip Model Railroad Association, a non-profit organization looking to introduce kids and young adults to model railroading. The CSMRA partners Operation Lifesaver, promoting railroad crossing Safety. Conveniently they are just to the west of the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, 702 North Washington Street, Enid, OK. 73701. They call their building The Round Top. Not because it has a three-ring circus in it but rather the top is kind of round. While operating the trains inside you can actually hear and even watch as the real trains go by just outside their door.
Inside the round top they have an HO scale track layout of over 7400 square feet and over 800 lineal feet of railroad. They are not smalltime by any stretch of the imagination. Their model train mainline collection has over 100s of locomotives’ including both steam power and diesel generated. These locomotives pull an impressive amount of various freight cars, tanker cars, and auto car carriers just to name a few.
The old days of toy trains only going forward or reverse in an oval circle are long gone. They are now digitalized, computerized and even miniaturized. Some can still be controlled by a single arm controller like the one I grew up with in the sixties. More elaborate ones can be controlled by a cell phone running multiple trains on the same tracks at the same time, and without massive, (but miniaturized) collisions.
All members are allowed to bring their personal trains and run them on the layout. They always help each other setup trains on the layout, improving the looks of the layout and working on the trains themselves.
Guests are always invited to observe and any questions are gladly answered. Kids can go on a scavenger hunt and win a prize.
The club is always looking for new members to join. We are also looking for help from our patrons in the form of donations. This is how we keep the trains running and the lights on. Please feel free to help us stay active and giving Enid something fun to do. If you’d like to help you can send your tax-deductible donation to PO Box: 43 Enid, OK 73702. We also have advertisings options available. We have visitors from all over the state and near by states. We have become a destination for many tourists.
For more information you can contact the Cherokee Strip Model Railroad Association at CSMRATRAINS@GMAIL.COM. Easier yet just stop by and check us out. We would love to see you and answer any questions you might have.
As the warm weather approaches and you are planning your summer vacation, there’s another way to enjoy this season—by fostering adoptable shelter pets. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to help an ESPCA animal experience life outside the walls of the shelter, even if it’s just for a few days or a couple of weeks.
Fostering during the summer isn’t just a noble act; it plays an important role for pets waiting for their forever homes. The ESPCA is overcrowded during the summer months, with an influx of animals arriving after the busy spring season. By opening your home to a shelter pet, you not only create space for more rescues but also help these animals blossom in a loving environment.
When pets get to experience the joys of a home, they learn how to behave in a family setting, making them more adoptable. A summer fostering experience might mean taking your new furry friend on adventures—like trips to the park, walks, or simply enjoying the sunshine in your backyard. These outings help socialize pets and teach them about the world around them, reducing anxiety and increasing their chances of finding a permanent home.
Moreover, fostering is incredibly rewarding. Watching a shelter pet transform into a confident and happy companion is an experience unlike any other. You’ll bond with them and see their personalities shine, which can be just as fulfilling for the foster parent as it is for the pet. Plus, who can resist the joy of coming home to a wagging tail or a soft purr?
If you’re considering fostering this summer, find out more and fill out an application at enidspca.org/foster. Remember, a summer staycation with a lovable shelter pet can create lasting memories for both you and the animals waiting to find their forever homes. Embrace the spirit of giving and help make a difference in the life of a deserving animal this summer!
Enid YMCA Announces Winter Branch: The Y on Willow
Enid, OK — The YMCA of Enid is excited to announce plans for The Y on Willow (Winter Branch), a new health and wellness facility dedicated to serving seniors and adults. This new branch will be a vibrant hub of community, health, and connection—designed to support longevity, vitality, and inclusion for all.
At its heart, The Y on Willow will bring people together. Adults and seniors—who might never cross paths in schools, workplaces, or houses of worship—will find common ground, friendship, and wellness at the Y. The initiative reflects a bold vision to transform lives and neighborhoods through expanded health programs, community services, and collaborative outreach.
In partnership with RSVP of Enid, Enid Public Schools, and various private and public organizations, this project will address the growing and evolving needs of our aging population while continuing to serve adults and families with purpose-driven programs that enrich lives.
“Our community faces some of the most significant health challenges in the state.” said Greg Shamburg, CEO of the Denny Price Family YMCA. “This new facility represents more than bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in hope, health, and a stronger community for generations to come.” The new Health and Wellness Center will feature:
• Modern amenities and fitness equipment • Improved accessibility for all users • Flexible, multi-use program space • Share facilities that support partnerships and community services • Expanded feeding programs and wraparound support through local agency collaboration.
With the generous support of the Winter Family and other private donors, the YMCA has launched a $3 million capital campaign to bring this vision to life. Community support is essential to making this transformative project a reality.
Will you join us?
The YMCA is more than a gym. It’s a place where health, development, community, and adventure converge—where critical needs in Northwest Oklahoma are met through strategic programs, innovative services, and meaningful human connection.
A Bold Vision – Philanthropic Committee:
• Marcy and Brent Price • Mandy Mayberry • Molly and Scott Athey • Diane and Doug Frantz • Gini Zaloudek • Stephanie and Jeff Eaton • Kim Boeckman, YMCA Development • Greg Shamburg, YMCA CEO
For more information on how to support the Winter Branch or get involved, visit www.enidymca.org or contact Kim Boeckman at 580-446-2376
Author: Patrick Hutchison Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa Rating: 3/5 stars
With Father’s Day right around the corner, I’ve been trying to focus on reading books that could make for a good gift. Cabin, by Patrick Hutchison, caught my eye back when it was released in December 2024, and I was very excited to finally pick it up and give it a read.
We meet Hutchison as a twentysomething in the Pacific Northwest, working a dull desk job, and struggling to find a sense of purpose. One day, on a whim, he decides to buy a cabin off of Craigslist – a completely run-down, 120 square-foot cabin – with no construction experience himself at all. There are so many problems with the cabin: the roof leaks, the rim joists are rotten, the insulation inside is completely exposed, and the spiders and mice have taken over. We follow along as Hutchison, thanks to countless hours of internet research and a great group of friends, is able to fix the cabin into something quite unique. And more importantly, through the process, he discovers that direction and meaning that was missing in his life.
I know I’m perhaps not the exact target audience for this book, but if you’re anything like me, I would advise just a little patience with this book. At the start, I frankly found Hutchison hard to root for. It seemed like this all was just an excuse for buddies to sit around drinking loads of beer and doing sloppy repair jobs. I do think, though, that ultimately it shows the growth and maturity of Hutchison as he starts to learn more and take pride in the work. Other than that, I did find him to be really quite hilarious, and yes, there are lots of pictures of the cabin too. I think a lot of people dream of having a getaway place like this deep in the woods, so the fathers – or whoever – in your life can enjoy living vicariously through Hutchison in the meantime.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Cabin today!
Urological issues can affect both men and women. The urologists at Enid Urology Associates discuss some problems that can affect urologic health.
Q: Urinary leakage is an issue affecting mainly women. What causes this and what are some of the treatments?
Stress incontinence is usually caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. It is most common in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Try doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles. To do them correctly, clench the pelvic muscles as if trying to hold urine. It takes about six weeks to re-strengthen the muscles.
Q: How can someone prevent recurrent urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are extremely common in women. Cranberry extract and D-Mannose are two natural supplements that can help prevent recurrent infections. They work by coating the bacteria so that with urination, it is flushed out of the bladder more effectively. * Medications may also be prescribed by your doctor to treat the infection.
Q: What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and how is it treated?
An enlarged prostate can lead to a weak urine stream, straining and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Sometimes, medication is used to relax the prostate. However, new treatments are available without burning or cutting the prostate. One procedure takes care of the obstructing portion of the prostate, and it can be done in the office under local anesthesia.
If surgery is necessary, we can perform it with the assistance of a robot, which allows for enhanced vision, control and precision.
Q: At what age should men begin prostate cancer screening?
A PSA blood test and prostate exam are the standard screening tests. The American Cancer Society’s® guidelines say that men should get a prostate exam and PSA test beginning at age 50 if they have no family history of prostate cancer; at age 45 if they have a family history of prostate cancer, with a relative diagnosed younger than 65; and at age 40 if they have more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age.
To make an appointment with a urologist, call 580-233-3230 or visit stmarysregional.com and click on the tab, “Find a Doctor”.
*Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or OTC medications.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
DETAILS: The City of Enid Parks and Recreation department will host the 2025 Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat Race from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 at Champlin Pool. Boats must be made before the race and must be built from cardboard and duct tape. No additional building materials are allowed. Paddles must also be made out of cardboard and duct tape. Boats may be a maximum width of 60 inches (5ft) and a maximum length of 84 inches (7ft).
Teams must consist of four people, however, there can only be two people in the boat. All ages are welcomed, but team members 9 and younger must have an adult in the boat with them. Participants 12 and younger must have adult supervision with them. Life vests are encouraged.
There will be four awards given at the event:
• Titanic Award – Goes to the boat who sinks in the most spectacular fashion • Spirit Award – Goes to the team who had the most fun • Best Design Award – Goes to the team with the most creative boat • Champion Award –Goes to the team that completes the race the fastest
For a full list of boat requirements, team racing rules, and registration form, go to Enid.org/BoatRace.
For more information, contact Pool Manager Jessica Nelson at 580-616-7210.
