88 F
Enid
Monday, June 2, 2025
Home Blog Page 2

Chopped Italian Pasta

By
Emily LeBaron
-
0

Hello friends, and welcome Spring! This month we’ll be continuing the trend of fresh ingredient recipes! This recipe is all about the fantastic Italian flavors and can be used as a chopped sandwich, or, as I experimented with it, a chopped pasta salad! Either way, you can’t go wrong! As always, feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to bring it to your idea of perfection! Now Serving, Chopped Italian Pasta!

Serves 4
50 pepperoni, quartered
2 cups cubed ham
16 slices of salami, chopped
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded lettuce
4 tbsp diced banana peppers
1 cup Italian dressing
16 oz box rotini pasta
Shredded Provolone to top

Cook pasta as directed on box to desired softness. Meanwhile, mix all remaining ingredients besides the cheese in a large bowl. Drain pasta and add it to the bowl. If going with the sandwich version, preparing and adding the pasta is unnecessary – instead, use hoagie sandwich rolls.

Serve warm or chilled and sprinkle it with Provolone cheese! Enjoy!

Starting Your Herb Garden

By
Kristen Day
-
0

Now that spring and summer are upon us, there is no better time to consider planting a garden than the present. While gardening in Oklahoma can be overwhelming, an herb garden is a manageable and rewarding place to start for novices and experts alike.

Why an Herb Garden

Herb gardens are a fabulous way of growing ingredients that you can use in everyday food and drinks. Depending on what your personal preferences are, you can easily tailor the herbs you pick to your preferences, all while saving money on buying fresh herbs from the grocery store. Additionally, herb gardens are versatile in that you can grow them both indoors and outdoors. Lastly, herbs tend to be beginner-friendly and, generally speaking, don’t require much care.

Where to Purchase Seeds or Seedlings

In Enid, there are luckily a lot of places where you can purchase seeds or seedlings. Personally, I love the affordable selection at Plants-A-Plenty where they sell a variety of seeds year-round and herb seedlings in the spring. In March, I purchased some rosemary, thyme, mint and oregano seedlings and then grew starters at home with seeds leftover from the previous year.

I’ve had success with them, and I recommend following the instructions on the back of the seed packets or plant label. Note that since mint is an aggressive and invasive species, plant it separately from your other herbs.

Where to Plant Your Herb Garden

One of the biggest perks of an herb garden is that you can plant it indoors or outdoors depending on time of year, sunlight and the size of the garden. If you decide to plant your herbs outdoors, using a large pot or raised garden bed with proper drainage is a great option. If you are planting indoors, utilizing smaller sized pots with drainage that can be easily moved from kitchen counters to windowsills is ideal.

Finding the right container to plant your herbs does not need to be expensive. Saving glass sauce jars or vegetable cans to use as containers is a great eco-friendly way of extending the use-life of those items. Park Avenue sells items that make creative planters and happens to be where I purchased two small stainless-steel bowls that I will use to grow herbs on my kitchen counter.

Ideas to Use Freshly Grown Herbs

Once your herbs are ready to start harvesting, there is no better feeling than incorporating them in classic favorites and new dishes. This season, I am most excited to use the rosemary we grow to create infused olive oil that can be gifted and used to cook steaks or as dipping oil. I also hope to make our own dried Italian seasoning blend with oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil.

Regardless of what you select to grow, there will be no better feeling than the act of slowing down to savor the simple pleasure of adding fresh herbs into a recipe and sharing it with a loved one.

Junior Year

By
Sophia Faulk
-
0

Hey, y’all, and welcome back to Teen Scene. This month, I am going to share everything I learned from my junior year in school and what I am looking forward to during my senior year in school. Let’s talk about it!!

     There are so many things you can learn at school. I mean, that is the whole purpose of it, but most people do not realize that you can also learn so much about life. During my junior year of high school, I learned more about myself and life than I ever expected. It was one of the most intense years I’ve had so far, not just because of the academic pressure but because of all the personal growth I went through. I had to really learn how to manage my time and prioritize what matters most to me. With harder classes like physics and composition, I realized that sometimes effort matters more than instant success and that it’s okay to struggle as long as I don’t give up. I also learned how to be more independent and responsible, especially when it came to making decisions about my future, like researching more about Oklahoma State and thinking more about what I might want to do after high school. But the biggest lessons weren’t in the classroom, they were in the relationships I had. I started to see who was genuinely there for me and who wasn’t, and I learned that it’s okay to let go of people who don’t bring positivity into my life. I became more confident in setting boundaries and standing up for myself, even when it was hard. Junior year taught me that life won’t always be easy, but I’m capable of handling more than I thought, and that growth often comes from the toughest moments.

     For my senior year, I am so excited about a number of things, like May Fete, senior season, and senior assassin. I have been waiting for the day I run for May Fete court and get to wear a pretty dress the queen picks out. Being one of the pole winders is really fun but walking in the park with a big bouquet of flowers and a gorgeous, long dress is even better. I know I talk a lot about my sports as well, but your senior season is always the most exciting and the most heartbreaking at the same time. Yes, I will never get to ride on a bus to meets and tournaments with my teammates again, but I will get to cherish those memories for my whole life. We also get so many cool gifts, like custom-made blankets and pretty banners that I cannot wait to show my kids someday. Senior assassin is a fun game some of the seniors play where you each pay around five dollars to enter. The person in charge holds all of the money until the game is over and chooses all of the players’ target at random. Your goal is to get your target out with a water gun, water bottle, etc. The last person standing wins all of the money!! I have been helping a couple of my friends this year, and it is already so fun. 

     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. Have a wonderful May, and I will see you all next month!!!

PARK AVENUE THRIFT ANNOUNCES 2025 SPRING COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS AND CROSSES $5 MILLION MILESTONE

By
Press Releases
-
0

[Enid, OK] – Park Avenue Thrift is proud to announce the recipients of their 2025 Spring community grants as well as surpassing $5 million dollars given to local nonprofits and schools since 2007.

Park Avenue Thrift has awarded a total of $216,167.78 across 21 nonprofit organizations and schools in Enid, OK this spring. The 2024 spring grant recipients are 4RKids Foundation, A Fling at the Springs Foundation, Bennie’s Barn, Chautauqua Council of Enid, Emerson Middle School, Enid Arts Council, Enid Public Schools, Enid Street Outreach Services, Enid Symphony Orchestra, Garfield County Child Advocacy Council, Gaslight Theatre, Lady Liberty A-26 Squadron, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Lincoln Academy, Longfellow Middle School, Main Street Enid, Public Library of Enid, Taft Elementary, Waller Middle School, Youth and Family Services, and YWCA Enid.

In addition to these grants, Park Avenue Thrift has sponsored several community events and projects so far this year, including Care Campus Child Abuse Prevention, Atelier Singer Songwriter Night, Gaslight Theatre Kids Camp, CDSA Be Fit Kids, and Keep Enid Beautiful. The organization has also funded 24 different classroom projects through DonorsChoose, totaling $8,290.56.

“This spring grant cycle marks a significant moment for Park Avenue Thrift, as it brings our total giving to $5 million since 2007,” said Stela Jantzen, Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift. “We’re so grateful to be part of a community that believes in making a difference. Every donation, every purchase, and every effort has helped us reach this milestone, supporting projects and programs that enrich lives and strengthen our community. We have our community to thank for making this possible.”

To celebrate this milestone, Park Avenue Thrift is planning a series of Milestone Celebration events in partnership with five community organizations, thanking the Enid community with special gatherings from June through October. 

Park Avenue Thrift remains committed to its mission of giving back to organizations that are working every day to make Enid a great place to live. Thanks to the continued support of its customers, donors, and partners, Park Avenue Thrift can fund the important work of these nonprofits and schools, empowering them to create lasting change in the community.

For more information about Park Avenue Thrift, its donation program, and community giving, please visit their website at www.parkavenuethrift.org or follow them on the official Facebook or Instagram page for Park Avenue Thrift at www.facebook.com/ParkAvenueThriftEnid or www.instagram.com/ParkAvenueThriftEnid.

About Park Avenue Thrift

Park Avenue Thrift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to strengthen the Enid community and serve others by collecting donations and giving the proceeds to Enid nonprofits that invest in quality-of-life initiatives.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Possible Stroke

By
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
-
0

When it comes to a stroke, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs and act swiftly. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Immediate medical attention is essential to minimize damage and improve the chances of recovery.

St. Mary’s Chief Medical Officer Rebecca Szewczak, DO, identifies six warning signs of stroke to help you recognize and respond promptly in case of an emergency.

1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: One of the most common signs of stroke is sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body. This can manifest as drooping of the face, weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty in moving one side of the body.

2. Trouble Speaking or Understanding Speech: Stroke can affect speech and language abilities. Individuals may experience slurred speech, difficulty in finding the right words, or confusion when trying to understand others.

3. Vision Problems: Blurred vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can be indicative of a stroke. Some people may also experience double vision or difficulty in seeing clearly.

4. Severe Headache: A sudden and severe headache, often described as the worst headache of one’s life, can be a warning sign of a stroke, especially if it occurs without any apparent cause.

5. Dizziness or Loss of Balance: Stroke can cause sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination difficulties, making it challenging to walk or stand steadily.

6. Trouble Walking: Difficulty walking or sudden loss of coordination, similar to that of intoxication, can be a sign of stroke. Individuals may stumble, feel unsteady, or struggle to maintain their balance.

Time lost is brain lost. Stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute counts. Quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome and quality of life for someone who is experiencing a stroke. Educate yourself and others about the warning signs, and remember, acting fast can save lives.

If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911 immediately.

For a non-emergency referral to a physician at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center who can help assess your risk for stroke, contact our free physician referral service at 580-249-3741.

For more information, visit stmarysregional.com/stroke

Physicians are on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, 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.

Seven Simple Spring-Cleaning Tips for Seniors

By
Lori Waken
-
0

Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the pollen count is up, and … it’s time for spring cleaning! For seniors, spring cleaning offers more than just a tidy home—it provides health benefits, a sense of accomplishment, and an opportunity to enjoy your living space to its fullest.

Try these simple tips to help get your home clean, healthy, and organized.

Work in small chunks of time

After putting off cleaning tasks during those long, cold winter months, the thought of attacking the chores can be overwhelming. Where in the world to start?

This is the time to avoid the big picture and focus on small steps. Start anywhere! It does not need to be finished in one day, or two days, or a week. Break tasks up into small chunks of time and do a little bit each day. You will find this process much more manageable and satisfying.

Make getting rid of clutter a priority

Decluttering helps free up space, decreases stress, and reduces your risk of tripping and falling.

Separate items into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. Organize the items you keep in the space with appropriate-sized containers and shelving. Local thrift stores will pick up larger donated items and have handy drive through drop-off sites. Keep in mind that while certain items are truly “keepsakes” that inspire warm memories, many others have lived out their use and are ready to move on.

Leave the heavy lifting to someone else

To prevent injuries, do not try to move heavy objects or furniture on your own. It’s important to stay safe while cleaning, especially if you have reduced strength or mobility or balance challenges.

Enlist the help of friends and family to assist you with moving heavy objects. Or, hire a professional who will come in, clean, and move furniture so that your house is tidy without risking your wellbeing.

Check your medicine cabinets

One often overlooked area to pay attention to is your medicine cabinet. Check the expiration dates on all your medications, both prescription and over the counter. If you find expired medications or medications you no longer need, properly dispose of them.

Check to see if you have any local drug take-back sites that will safely take the medications off your hands. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Department and Enid Police Department are listed as approved drop-off sites for many medications and can guide you on correct disposal of others.

Once you’ve cleaned out your medicine cabinet, be sure to replace any items that are missing. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time with the medications and tools you might need.

Don’t forget the detectors

Make sure you have fresh batteries in all your detectors and that they are functioning properly.

If your detectors are too high to reach without climbing on a ladder or chair, ask someone to help you. Call on a friend, family member, neighbor, or landlord to take a look.

Give your kitchen a refresher

Take some time to clean out your refrigerator and pantry. Make sure no old, expired food items have been pushed to the back and forgotten.

Organizing your refrigerator and pantry by categories can help prepare meals easier. For example, put all your cold produce in the produce bin, your condiments on the door of the refrigerator, and canned items together in the pantry.  

Clean your dishwasher and washing machine

Your dishwasher and washing machine work hard to keep dishes and clothes clean. But every now and then they need cleaning, too.

To do this, simply purchase a dishwasher cleanser and follow the directions for your dishwasher. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior.

You can use white vinegar and baking soda to clean your washing machine. Just add hot water to the machine, add the vinegar and baking soda, let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, then restart your machine, and let it drain and dry.

If you’d enjoy living a freer life with fewer cleaning responsibilities, contact Burgundy Independent Apartment Community (580-233-8993) or Greenbrier Assisted Living (580-233-1331) to learn how you relax and let their teams handle the dirty work!

Main Street Enid Launches 2025 History Makers Campaign to Fund Downtown Facade Grants

By
Press Releases
-
0

Enid, OK – May 6, 2025 – Main Street Enid is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 History Makers Campaign, an annual fundraiser that directly supports the revitalization and preservation of Downtown Enid through Facade Renovation Grants.

Since 2018, Main Street Enid has awarded over $50,000 in grant funds to assist with transformative facade improvements across downtown, with another $19,000 already committed to current and upcoming projects. These grants empower local business and property owners to preserve the historic charm of Enid while enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of their spaces.

This year, all donations of $100 or more will be matched up to $7,500 by the Enid Regional Development Alliance and $5,000 by Edward Jones, doubling the impact of every qualifying gift.

Main Street Enid’s fundraising goal for 2025 is to surpass last year’s milestone of $30,000—allowing the organization to expand the reach of its facade grant program, including a competitive $10,000 grant for a significant renovation project in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

“All funds raised through the History Makers Campaign go directly toward our Facade Renovation Grant Program,” said Natalie Rapp, Executive Director of Main Street Enid. “In just a few years, we’ve seen firsthand how these grants can spark incredible transformation—breathing new life into historic buildings, boosting business visibility, and creating a more vibrant, inviting downtown. It’s amazing what can happen when the community invests in itself.”

The campaign will run through June 30, 2025, and includes various donation opportunities, fun community events, and incentives to get involved. Every contribution, big or small, helps shape the future of Downtown Enid and ensures that our shared history remains alive and thriving.

To learn more or become a 2025 History Maker, visit: www.mainstreetenid.org/msehistorymakers

Let’s make history—together.

Adult Book Review: Jane and Dan at the End of the World

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Colleen Oakley
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Rating: 4/5 stars

I recently read a fantastically quirky book that I think would make a perfect beach read this summer: Jane and Dan at the End of the World, by author Colleen Oakley. This book, released in March of this year, is the second book by Oakley that I’ve read, and I’ve really enjoyed both of them. Her stories are hilarious and unique while still being incisive and touching. With Jane and Dan, on the surface it’s a date night gone awry, but underneath that, it’s a wonderful exploration of marriage, motherhood, and middle age.

Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a very upscale restaurant, La Fin du Monde, complete with “captains” instead of waiters and a strict no-phone policy. For Jane, her life has started to feel a little stagnant and boring, so after she finds flirtatious messages on Dan’s phone, she decides that during dinner she’ll ask Dan for a divorce. The two are barely into their first course – goose barnacles – when a masked activist group suddenly charges into the restaurant with guns, taking the diners hostage. They are novices at best, but then Jane realizes something: the group is replicating the exact plotline from the book she wrote.

There is a pilot with motion sickness in this story, a flying frisbee plate, a hairbrained marketing scheme, a terrible attempt at lip reading – it’s just a screwball comedy. The banter is witty, and the alternating perspectives between Jane and Dan just adds to the fun. If you’re going on vacation this summer, Jane and Dan at the End of the World would be a superb pick to add to your luggage.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Jane and Dan at the End of the World today!

Eve Switzer – Local Legend

By
Blake Reese
-
0
Photos by Amina Switzer Photography

Dr. Eve Switzer was born in Indianapolis, IN, but she later moved to Enid in 1997when her husband was stationed at Vance Air Force Base. She is now a general pediatrician who’s been in private practice in Enid for over 25 years. She’s board-certified in pediatrics, and she’s a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Eve received her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and she completed her residency at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Dr. Switzer is a District VII Vice-Chairperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and she is an adjunct professor at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. She also recently served as president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the AAP, and in 2014, she was appointed to the Federal Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. In her time as a pediatrician, she has care for generations of Northwest Oklahomans.

Eve is married to Dr. Seth Switzer, and they’ve been together since 1992. Together they have two adult children, Amina Switzer and Rhys Switzer. Her daughter, Amina, states “She is actively engaged in the community, a supporter of the arts and local businesses, and a prolific figure in the healthcare space. She is also a great mother and wife, raising successful, healthy children who have gone on to reach multiple professional and scholastic achievements.” And her son, Rhys, states “Mom is always looking to help create a happier and healthier community. From her time on the Leonardo’s board of directors to her work with the Enid Running Club, mom enjoys spending her free time helping to make Enid a thriving community.” From the Enid Symphony Orchestra to Leonardo’s Children’s Museum to the Enid Running Club, Eve wears many hats, and her impact is widespread.

Professionally, her ambition and dedication to her career have elevated her to new heights. From federal appointments and to her day-to-day career, she makes a difference, and that kind of impact is everything. And for her professional ambition to match her personal drive is monumental. With numerous hats, positions, and titles, one might think she has her hands full, but she doesn’t stop there. In addition to her federal appointments and many positions, she also dedicates time to the community by giving back and participating in local organizations. She makes time for what matters, and, like most moms, she does it all with a smile and still makes herself available to those around her. That drive, kindness, ambition, and dedication are exactly what makes her a Local Legend.

INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital Earns Another ‘A’ for Hospital Safety Grade

By
Press Releases
-
0

INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital has once again received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for spring 2025, marking its third consecutive “A” rating following top marks in both spring and fall of 2024.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a national distinction recognizing hospitals for their commitment to patient safety and the prevention of medical errors, injuries and infections whether hospitals have systems in place to prevent them. The grade is based on 28 measures, including preventable complication rates and safety systems in place to protect patients.

“Achieving this level of consistency in safety performance is a direct reflection of the dedication and excellence shown by our caregivers, providers and support teams,” said Keaton Francis, chief hospital executive at INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital. “Our team works every day to ensure that patient safety is the top priority, and it’s an honor to have that effort recognized on a national level. This ‘A’ grade belongs to every individual who puts our patients first.”

Leapfrog grades are released twice annually, in the spring and fall, and are calculated using a peer-reviewed methodology developed by the nation’s leading experts in patient safety. The grading system is 100% transparent and available to the public.

This achievement highlights the hospital’s ongoing mission to deliver the highest standards of care and a safe environment for every patient, every day.

123...94Page 2 of 94
6,000FansLike
184FollowersFollow

© Copyright 2021-2023 Enid Monthly

Your FREE locally-owned magazine serving the Enid, Oklahoma area.

Contact us: robert@enidmonthly.com