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Monday, April 28, 2025
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Flowers!

By
Sophia Faulk
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Hey, y’all, and welcome back to Teen Scene in ENID MONTHLY. I am sure most of you have heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” If you know me even a little bit, then you will most likely figure out pretty quickly that flowers are one of my favorite things in the whole world. Let’s talk about it!! 

I have been asked, on multiple occasions, what my favorite kind of flower is, and to be honest with you, I can NEVER pick just one. We have been allowed to live amongst some of the most beautiful plants in the world, so how can you just pick? One of my favorite things to do with flowers is drive up to the main Jumbo Foods and pick a variety of stems to make my own bouquet. They have such a wide variety of colors, sizes, styles, and aesthetics of flowers, so it is so hard not to make just a giant arrangement. The best part about it is that they are priced very affordably!! I have spent anywhere from $15-$30, which to me seems very reasonable. Branden, my boyfriend, does a beautiful job picking the perfect bouquet with the help of the nice ladies at the counter in the floral section. In addition to this, Blooms Avenue, located in Enid OK, has some of the prettiest arrangements I have ever seen! If you are looking to spend some extra money on someone special, I 100% recommend Vanessa!! Branden has also got me a few bouquets from there, and my all-time favorite bouquet was from her!! She is very easy to communicate with, fast, creative, and has a huge variety of styles for that special someone. Also, keep in mind to THINK about the personality and aesthetic of the person you are buying these flowers for. Do not just go a pick a random bouquet with no thought behind it because I promise it will mean so much more if you take the extra time to think about it. 

Another hobby I enjoy doing is building Lego flowers!! I have almost all of the sets, and they are perfect because they do not die!! Branden and my dad bought me my collection, and it kept me busy when I was bored. Now they sit very pretty on my nightstand. If you are looking for an easy gift to get a friend, girlfriend, family member, or wife who loves flowers, head to Walmart and check out their selection. I am super excited for this spring because our local tulip farm is about to open, and I am so excited to pick a few and enjoy them till they die. Since I was a little girl, I have always loved flowers. I just remember going out to my grandma’s house and helping plant her zinnia seeds and picking out my favorite colors just in awe of their beauty. 

I hope you all have had the opportunity to receive, or give, that special bouquet just like I have. Thank you for reading this month’s article. I hope you enjoyed it!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I hope you have an amazing April!! See you next month <333333

Main Street Enid Unveils New Sponsorship Levels for “Keep Enid Beautiful” Program

By
Local Contributors
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Enid, OK — Main Street Enid is proud to announce updated sponsorship opportunities for the Keep Enid Beautiful program, offering individuals, families, and businesses the chance to directly support the beautification of downtown Enid.

Adopted by Main Street Enid in 2020, the Keep Enid Beautiful initiative has been a cornerstone of our mission to enhance the charm and vibrancy of our historic downtown. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to introduce more flexible sponsorship levels, designed to give the community a clear and meaningful way to make a visible impact—literally.

Through these new tiers, sponsors can now fund seasonal plantings and adopt corner nodes throughout downtown, with signage available so they—and everyone else—can see exactly where their contributions are blooming.

“We wanted to create a program where people can see the difference they’re making,” said Natalie Rapp, Executive Director of Main Street Enid. “These corner nodes are focal points of our downtown. Without community support, we face the real possibility of replacing these vibrant spaces with concrete. That’s something none of us want to see.”

Each sponsorship directly funds the flowers, greenery, materials, and maintenance that go into keeping downtown Enid colorful and welcoming year-round. Whether it’s the planting of colorful pansies in the fall, or bright golden marigolds in the spring, your sponsorship helps preserve the character and beauty of our shared spaces.

Sponsorship Levels Include:

● Pollinator Advocate – Includes a Keep Enid Beautiful sticker and digital and print recognition of your contribution to Keep Enid Beautiful.

● Redbud Community Sponsor – Add your name to a community sponsor sign that will be located at the SE corner of Randolph and Independence! You will also receive a Keep Enid Beautiful sticker, as well as digital and print recognition of your contribution.

● Mistletoe, Native Wildflower, and Oklahoma Rose Sponsorships – Depending on the level you choose, you will have one to two corners adorned with a plaque with you or your business’ name on it. Native Wildflower and Oklahoma Rose sponsors will also be listed as sponsors of our Community Clean Up Days. All levels will receive a Keep Enid Beautiful sticker and digital and print recognition!

Main Street Enid is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of downtown Enid. The Keep Enid Beautiful program is a vital part of this mission—and we need your help to make it thrive.

To learn more about sponsorship levels or to get involved, visit mainstreetenid.org or contact us at 580.234.1052 ext 2.

Let’s keep Enid blooming—together.

Facing Challenges Together as a Community

By
Local Contributors
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Author: Megan Lavicky
In our community, many families face challenges that can lead to difficult decisions, especially when it comes to caring for their beloved pets. It’s heartbreaking to know that some people must surrender their furry companions due to financial hardships. This is where the ESPCA Pet Pantry steps in, dedicated to ensuring that pets remain with their families during tough times.

The ESPCA Pet Pantry is a remarkable initiative that provides pet food to those in need, helping to prevent hunger and keeping the human-animal bond intact. Primarily run by compassionate volunteers, the Pet Pantry relies heavily on generous donations from the community. These contributions are crucial in supporting families who might otherwise struggle to provide basic sustenance for their pets.

Currently, the Pet Pantry is able to supply pet owners with approximately two weeks’ worth of food. While this program is not designed to cover all the ongoing food needs, it offers a vital supplement that can significantly ease the burden during financial struggles. Ensuring that no one has to face the heart-wrenching decision to give up their pets due to a lack of resources is a key mission of the ESPCA. Every donation, whether it’s dry or canned dog and cat food, goes a long way in keeping pets in loving homes and out of shelters.

In addition to the Pet Pantry, the ESPCA offers many opportunities for community members to get involved, notably through volunteering. Volunteering at the ESPCA not only benefits the animals in need but also provides a fulfilling experience for individuals looking to make a positive impact. Whether you want to socialize with pets, assist in events, or help with administrative tasks, there is a role for everyone aged 13 and older. Younger people, 12 and under, can volunteer on many tasks with an adult family member.

By volunteering, you can meet new friends, boost your mood, and contribute to a cause that improves the lives of animals and their owners. The ESPCA is always seeking enthusiastic volunteers and welcomes anyone who wants to lend their time and skills. 

To support the ESPCA Pet Pantry through donations or volunteering opportunities, please visit enidspca.org. Together, we can strengthen the bonds between pets and their families, ensuring that every pet remains in a loving home where they are cherished. Join us in this fulfilling journey and help make a difference in the lives of pets and people in our community!

Red and Green Salsa

By
Emily LeBaron
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As I mentioned in March’s Now Serving article, Spring and warmer weather brings in fresh produce and lighter meals. This month’s Now Serving is just that, with two made-from-scratch salsas for any occasion, like chips, tacos, or even eggs! As always, you can make this salsa your own by adding or subtracting the amount of ingredients to suit your taste! Now Serving Red Salsa and Green Salsa!

Red Salsa- makes 4 cups

5 Roma tomatoes, stem cut off

1 white onion, quartered

4 jalapenos, stem cut off

2 serrano peppers, stem cut off

3 large tomatillos, shell removed, and stem cut off

Garlic powder to taste (2 tsp)

Caldo De Res to taste (about 2 tbsp)

Cilantro, to taste (about 3 tbsp)

1. In a large stock pot, bring 3/4 full pot of water to a boil. Add the vegetables and boil until all can be easily pierced by a fork. Remove from heat.

2. Remove vegetables from water using a slotted spoon and add to a blender. Drain any excess water.

3. Blend until vegetables are liquid and add seasonings and cilantro. Blend well again and add any additional desired seasonings before blending again. 

4. Pour into a bowl and serve!

Green Salsa- makes 4 cups

4 large tomatillos, shell and stem removed

3 serrano peppers, stem cut off

1 jalapeno, stem cut off

1 small white onion, diced

2 ripe avocados, skin and seed removed

1/3 cup of water

1/4 cup diced cilantro

1. In a large blender, add tomatillos, serranos, jalapeno, water, and cilantro. Blend until slightly chunky.

2. Add the two avocados and then blend again until it’s a guacamole consistency. 

3. Transfer salsa from a blender to a medium bowl and add the desired amount of diced onion and salt.

4. Combine well and serve!

Surgical Services Close to Home

By
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
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St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is your health hub for general surgery in Northwest Oklahoma.

Surgeons at St. Mary’s perform both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. The surgery department is equipped with advanced technology and is committed to using techniques that help lower infection rates and encourage faster healing.

“When appropriate, robotic/laparoscopic and other minimally invasive surgical techniques are performed, and can enable patients to leave the hospital with smaller scars and a faster recovery compared to traditional, open surgery,” says David Shepherd, MD, general surgeon. “Other advantages of minimally invasive surgery can include greater surgical precision, fewer complications, reduced pain and discomfort, less trauma, less blood loss, reduced risk of infection and shorter hospital stays.”

Surgical procedures performed at St. Mary’s include:

  • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
  • Appendectomy – (appendix removal)
  • Hernia Repair  
  • Skin Grafts
  • Breast Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive/Robotic Surgery
  • Colon Surgery
  • Thyroid Surgery
  • Skin Cancer Removal
  • Dialysis Access Surgery

Contact your primary care physician for a referral to a surgeon at St. Mary’s, or for more information, call 580-233-6100 or visit stmarysregional.com

For surgical referrals, call 580-249-3898.

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center

305 South 5th Street, Enid, OK 73701

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic and minimally invasive surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

Children’s Book Review: The World to Come

By
Chloe Fuksa
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Author: Robert Macfarlane & Johnny Flynn
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Rating: 4/5 stars

Robert Macfarlane is a go-to author for nature writing – Under land from 2020, for example, or his upcoming Is A River Alive? in May 2025 – so I was delighted to see that he had a children’s picture book out now too. The World to Come was released in November 2024 and has a target age range of 4-8 years old. Interestingly enough, what I discovered while doing more research is that the two authors, Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn, have collaborated on multiple musical albums and that this book is actually the lyrics of one of their songs. Add in incredible illustrations by Emily Sutton and you’ve got a really unique book for kiddos.

The story begins with a father and his young son trekking through a snowy forest. All around them are animals, from a blackbird and a kingfisher to an owl and an otter. As the two continue on, we see them through different seasons of life, both literal and figurative. Whether it’s dawn or dusk, winter or summer, young age or old age, nature is always right there with them.

Because the words of the book are song lyrics, I can’t exactly imagine that young kids would fully understand what’s being said. But I do think kids would have a blast trying to spot all the animals in the illustrations, and I think the lyrical, rhythmic pacing of the words would make for a nice, calming bedtime read. Most importantly, though, I think this would be a great book for Earth Day this April. It highlights the beauty of nature, the sense of wonder in nature, the hope of nature, and invites readers of all ages to reflect on that in every season.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The World to Come today!

Business Expansion into NWOK

By
momentumHQ
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momentumHQ has been able to offer opportunities for organizations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and even southern Kansas to expand their missions into the northwest Oklahoma region! By offering affordable membership rates with no overhead, it is a no-brainer to be a part of the mHQ Network and target areas that are untouched by their business market. And guess what? These businesses are hiring! So, if you’re looking for a new job in a cool workspace, please visit our website to connect with these members.

momentumHQ isn’t just for big business. Our team strives to help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow by providing shared professional office space equipped with WiFi, printing and scanning capabilities, a conference room with a large screen TV for presentations, a large flex space for hosting training sessions, and more. All of this is included at affordable rates that can benefit your business through tax deductions while growing your client base in a professional setting. Book a tour at www.momentumHQ.org and check us out!

mHQ Member Highlights

Brighter Day

An organization that offers opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to experience and enjoy life and connect and engage in their community. The focus of operations is to provide services that support a safe, inclusive, and creative environment through the Daily Living Support program, In-Home Support program, and Agency Companion Services program to help people with developmental disabilities of all ages thrive and achieve their goals. Brighter Day is based out of Tulsa and experiences much success for their clients. Expanding to Enid will provide more opportunities for the NWOK region. More information can be found on their website www.brigtherday.net

TFI: The Family Initiative Foster Care and Child Welfare

Helping children and families across the United States, TFI affiliates in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri are ready to offer additional support, ensuring you’re never alone in the foster care and adoption journey. Founded in 1965 as a small rural day camp program, TFI has expanded into a multi-state organization with the mission: Devoted to the Strength of Family. The opportunity to help the NWOK region is exciting. If you’re interested in learning more about the foster and adoption process, please visit www.tfifamily.org

Join Wordy Girl Creative on April 7 & April 14 from 9 AM to 12 PM at momentumHQ!

Looking for an affordable and manageable way to host your website? This could be the perfect fit for you! Your course fee covers our two class sessions and the template-based website you’ll work on in class. If you’d like to keep your site and take it live, you’ll have the option to set up a $50 – $75 per month hosting plan with WGC.

If you’re a business owner who is just starting out, WGC would love to host you and help you get your online presence rolling! The course will also cover very basic SEO and setting up your Google Business Listing. For beginners: this is your chance to get a website made that you can easily manage and make changes to day-to-day! For those who are comfortable making edits and managing a site, you’ll have a chance to make more robust additions to your site. Sign up at www.wordygirl.com today!

Enid Arts Council 2025 Annual Fundraiser Dinner presents… “HeARTstrings” – Dueling Guitars!

By
Local Contributors
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Double the Strum!…Double the Fun!

The Enid Arts Council (EAC) is known for bringing outstanding artistic talent to Enid in celebration of the arts and humanities, and this year is no different. On April 25 at Oakwood Country Club, the EAC, in partnership with NBC Oklahoma, will present their Annual Fundraiser Dinner Event: “HeARTstrings” – Dueling Guitars!

As noted by companies such as General Mills, 3M, Mayo Clinic, and Paradise Theater & Center for the Arts, Dueling Guitars will be a musical evening of celebration, engagement, and solid entertainment by two incredible artists, Pat Balder and Glen Everhart. Both have spent their lives writing, performing, and loving all types of popular music. Pat is a professional musician and has built a recording studio and production company, produced numerous albums for multiple artists, and has used his musical artistry for corporate and commercial music. Glen has sold his own original music, and he and his music have been featured on the Today Show, ESPN, and The Golf Channel. Combined, these two musicians represent a total of fifty years of artistry.

Together, Pat and Glen provide a fun, high-energy evening that will leave you celebrating the arts through a fast-moving and engaging mix of “dueling guitars,” playing classic rock and folk music as well as acoustic guitar hits from a decades-long catalogue of tunes. Together, they combine the fun of a dueling pianos act with powerful, super-tight vocal and guitar arrangements for a ‘dueling guitars’ evening that have left audiences feeling energized:

Spectacular! Dueling Guitars is a ‘must see!’

The best entertainment we’ve had in 25 years!

What talent. What charisma!

Fantastic! We could have listened to them all night!

Three shows in three different locations – and three home runs!

During their stay in Enid, Pat and Glen will also be speaking to the high school music and theater students at Enid High School. Having an audience with two seasoned professionals will give these students the chance to learn from two of the very best musicians in their field.

The EAC invites you to be a part of this inspiring evening that supports the arts and humanities. In addition, it’s an event that also allows the EAC to give back to the community through the presentation of talented artists from all genres. For more than 40 years, the EAC has enriched Enid with support for arts in schools, music programs, literary projects, Chautauqua, Leonardo’s, and Gaslight Theater, to mention a few.

You’ll want a seat at this engaging, fun and lighthearted evening to enjoy good food, drink, conversation, and music to lift your soul! Tickets are $100 and are available from any EAC Member, Visit Enid, or EnidArts.org/Events.

HeARTstrings – Dueling Guitars!

Friday, April 25, 2025

Oakwood Country Club

6:30 PM

Adult Book Review: Broken Country

By
Chloe Fuksa
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Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Rating: 5/5 stars

Author Clare Leslie Hall’s debut novel, Broken Country, came out in early March to great acclaim: picked for Reese’s Book Club, reviewed by notable fellow authors, and drawing comparisons to Where the Crawdads Sing. I’ve seen some much-hyped flops in my day though, so I wanted to see for myself if the praise was justified.

Beth and Frank Johnson live in a small village in England, raising sheep and cattle and growing corn. When Gabriel Wolfe moves back into his childhood home nearby, the Johnsons’ steady life is upended. Beth and Gabriel had a whirlwind summer romance when they were teenagers, and their feelings for one another never quite went away. Now, Beth finds herself spending more and more time with Gabriel and his son, Leo, and allowing herself to wonder what life would have been like if she had chosen differently. Frank, though, is so kind and selfless – how can she leave that? The love triangle between Beth and the two men can only end in pain – fatally so, in this case.

I’ve found that often with debut novels, authors can try to do too much. They want their book to stand out, and they end up throwing the kitchen sink in. I think Broken Country skirts that trap but manages to not quite fall in. It’s a literary novel with two timelines, but it also has a murder trial interspersed throughout. It felt like there were a lot of different elements, but it worked. It is this beautifully complex story with characters and emotions that are written exceptionally well. It tackles so many heavy topics, but with the chapters being surprisingly short, the story doesn’t get bogged down. I was really quite impressed with this book, so my verdict: yes, it certainly lives up to the hype and is well deserving of the praise it’s getting.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Broken Country today!

Park Avenue Thrift Named Overall Winner of the 2025 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Awards

By
Press Releases
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Park Avenue Thrift is thrilled to announce it has been named the Overall Winner of the 2025 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards, presented by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP). Out of nearly 19,000 nonprofits across the state, Park Avenue Thrift was recognized not only as the winner in the General Impact category, but also the 2025 J. Jerry Dickman Award for Excellence, receiving the night’s highest honor and a $10,000 prize.

“This is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our entire team and community,” said Stela Jantzen, Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift. “To be named the overall winner among so many outstanding nonprofits is a testament to what our team, our donors, and our community partners have built together.”

The ONE Awards recognize excellence in nonprofit leadership, management, innovation, and impact. Finalists were honored on April 5, 2025, at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Country Club. Each of the 18 finalists received $5,000, with category winners awarded $7,500, and the overall winner, Park Avenue Thrift, receiving $10,000. Since its inception, the ONE Awards has distributed more than $2 million to over 200 Oklahoma nonprofits.

“There are so many incredible nonprofits in Oklahoma doing good work to improve the quality of life for the people, environment, and animals that call our state home. To be honored as the best of the 19,000 nonprofits is over-the-moon thrilling and such an honor,” said Dr. Steven Mackie, Vice President of Park Avenue Thrift. “Of course, PAT couldn’t have received such recognition without the continued support of the fine citizens of Enid. Thank you!”

Park Avenue Thrift, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funds quality-of-life initiatives in the Enid community by collecting donated goods and investing the proceeds into Enid nonprofits and local schools through grants and sponsorships. To date, Park Avenue Thrift has given more than $4.7 million back to the Enid community and will celebrate its $5 million milestone later this year.

For more about Park Avenue Thrift’s mission, donation program, and giving initiatives, visit www.parkavenuethrift.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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