69.6 F
Enid
Monday, April 28, 2025
Home Blog Page 3

Adult Book Review: Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Nicholas Carr
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa
Rating: 5/5 stars

This month’s adult book was not on my radar at all, but I’m so very happy I stumbled upon it. Superbloom is the January 2025 release from author Nicholas Carr, and I found it just fascinating. It encompasses history, sociology, and psychology, and at less than 300 pages, is a decently quick read. As a bookseller, I’ve been noticing the rise in popularity of books like The Anxious Generation and Dopamine Nation, and I think Superbloom fits right into that conversation too.

Carr begins the book by outlining how communication and information has changed over the course of history. Smoke signals and letter writing gave way to the telegram and radio, and those have now given way to the internet, social media, and smartphones. As the book’s subtitle alludes to, the assumption was that better means of communication would bring about more understanding, more peace and goodwill. Instead, what Carr returns to again and again is that as those methods have become more and more efficient, other values have gotten left behind: a sense of agency, a sense of privacy, a sense of decency. His examples extend from social media’s News Feeds and texting’s predictive text to the emergence of artificial intelligence. Technology is now so fast and so easy – so efficient – but is it just leading to more envy and bitterness?

My one small complaint with this book is the ending. I would have liked more of a summary and a conclusion, but it felt rather abrupt, like the author ran out of time. The rest of the chapters, though, are so interesting and thought-provoking. The book isn’t overly alarmist or preachy either; it’s just a well-written, well-researched analysis of where we are today. I really enjoyed this book, and I know that any of Carr’s future books will definitely be on my radar now.

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

March Doodle

By
Chris Downing
-
0

A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION; “THE GREAT GATSBY” OPENS AT GASLIGHT

By
Press Releases
-
0

On April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitgerald published a tale that would come to be known as “The Great American Novel.” Fitzgerald himself noted that, “Books are like brothers. I am an only child. Gatsby is my imaginary eldest brother.” An only child himself, Director Chad Swanson feels a similar kinship to Jay Gatsby as a larger-than-life sibling, one requiring great care in the telling of his story.

“When we think of Gatsby, what comes to mind are the lavish parties, the fashion, and the ‘Roaring 20s’,” says Swanson.  “All of that is present in our production, of course. However, we’ve taken great care and reverence when it comes to the depiction of the small, intimate character moments that truly make this story an integral piece of Americana. The Great Gatsby, among so many things, is a story of nostalgia, of longing, and the ultimate fate of those who cling too tightly to the past.”

Swanson added that two choreographed dance numbers, a meticulously curated soundtrack, and all the sound and fury of the Roaring 20s will transport audiences back precisely 100 years to a tale that seems so far in the past and yet is just as relevant in 2025 as it was in 1925. Whether audiences have never read the novel or haven’t read it since English class in high school, this Centennial Celebration will prove to be an unmissable “Once in a Lifetime” experience.

Performance dates are April 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19, 2025 at the Gaslight Theatre located at 221 N. Independence, Enid, OK. Contains adult language and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

Showtimes:

●       Friday & Saturday: 7:30 pm

●       Sunday: 2:00 pm

Ticket Pricing:

●       Adult – $18 in advance / $20 at the door

●       Active Military – $15 in advance / $17 at the door

●       Student – $8 in advance / $10 at the door

Tickets are available online at www.gaslighttheatre.org, by calling the Gaslight Box Office at 580-234-2307, or by visiting the Gaslight Box Office at 221 N. Independence. The Gaslight Box Office is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 2:30 pm and one hour prior to performances.

Photos provided by Dawn Muncy, Muncy Photography. Additional photography available upon request.

About Gaslight Theatre:

The Gaslight Theatre of Enid was founded in 1966 and is one of Oklahoma’s oldest, most active community theatres. Its mission is to provide a wide spectrum of high-quality theatrical entertainment to a broad audience in Enid and the surrounding communities, and to provide a setting for nonprofessional actors, directors, designers and technicians to learn and practice their art. Audition and ticket information is available on the Gaslight Theatre website, www.gaslighttheatre.org.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides hundreds of grants to organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural sector, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.

2025 Red Brick Road Food Truck & Art Festival

By
Local Contributors
-
0

ENID, OK – The 11th annual Red Brick Road Food Truck & Art Festival takes place this weekend on Saturday, March 22 from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, March 23 from noon to 6pm at the 200 block of East Maple in downtown Enid. There is a $5 entry fee, while children 10 and under are free.

“We have over two dozen food trucks and several other food vendors,” said Tammy Wilson of Enid Event Company, coordinator of the festival. “We have a lot of the regular fan favorites, but we also have quite a few new additions this year,” Wilson said. “There really is something for everyone.”

“In addition to all the fantastic food, there will be other vendors for arts, crafts, and other wares, as well as live music. We’re excited to have The Peachtrees closing out Saturday’s festivities this year. We don’t normally have full bands, so that will be a lot of fun. Leonardo’s will have AdventureQuest open and free for kids whose parents present a wristband from the festival and Settlers Brewing Company will once again be there to provide beer for the festival, and I believe Red will also be open, so it’s really a neighborhood collaboration,” said Wilson.

Attendees are urged to have cash for the entry fee, though most of the vendors are set up to take cards and other forms of electronic payments. “Trying to take cards at the gate tends to jam up the line, so we only take cash at the gate in order to keep it moving as smoothly as possible,” Wilson explained. “If people can have smaller bills, that will help us a lot.”

Pets may accompany their owners, provided they are leashed and cleaned up after. 

There will be some seating and picnic tables available, but lawn chairs are also welcomed.

“This is the eleventh one and it’s really become kind of the Spring kickoff event of the year,” Wilson said. “It’s fun to get outside after being cooped up for the winter and getting to see everyone. It’s probably one of my favorite events of the year. We even have a group that “tailgates” and has shirts made for it. I love how the community has really embraced this event.”

Five free ways you can make a big difference for the animals at the ESPCA

By
Local Contributors
-
0

Author: Megan Lavicky

If you’re looking for ways to support the wonderful animals at the ESPCA without spending a dime, we have some fantastic ideas! Here are five free ways you can make a big difference:

1. Cans4Change: Did you know you can recycle aluminum cans to help fund local spay and neuter surgeries? Look for Cans4Change recycling bins at:

Tractor Supply – 4010 W Owen K Garriott Rd Ste 100

ESPCA – 1116 Overland Trail

Park Avenue Thrift – 507 S Grand Ave

Groom Closet and Pet Center – 2005 W Chestnut Ave

You’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also supporting a great cause that benefits the entire community!

2. Donate Plastic Grocery Bags: The ESPCA has a Pet Pantry that relies on plastic grocery bags to distribute food to families in need. This pantry provides essential pet food to families who may be struggling to feed their furry friends. If you have some bags lying around, consider donating them to help give animals the nourishment they deserve.

3. Towels and Sheets: The ESPCA always needs clean towels and sheets. If you have any old or extra ones at home, consider donating them. They can be used for bedding, cleaning, or drying off our furry friends after baths at the shelter!

4. Snuggles and Socialization: One of the best things you can do for cats and dogs in shelters is to spend time with them. Visit the ESPCA to provide some love, snuggles, and socialization. This helps improve their mood and makes them more adoptable!

5. Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to showcase your furry family members and highlight an adoptable pet from the ESPCA. Your influence on social media can be a powerful tool in helping these animals find their forever homes. Sharing their stories and pictures can truly make a difference!

Every little bit helps, and your kindness can truly change lives in our community. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on the animals at the ESPCA! Start today by choosing one of these free ways to support the ESPCA.

Notes of Gratitude Throughout the Year

By
Kristen Day
-
0

With the recent passing of Valentine’s Day, I was reminded of the power in expressing our appreciation for loved ones in a written message. Maybe it’s a humorous inside joke, favorite shared memory, or simple expression of gratitude that gets scribbled down. Regardless of what the words say exactly, the card helps communicate your love and support for the recipient.

When I worked in a card shop for four years, I was constantly reminded of all the occasions for which we purchased cards – baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, losses, etc. I also was fortunate enough to be taught the value of the “just because” message, too. One year, as a teenager, my mom gifted my siblings and I a pack of blank stationery and encouraged us to write a monthly “just because” card to someone we knew. It is fascinating how despite technology, we still find value in giving someone a handwritten message to mark an occasion.

Amidst the hustle of our daily lives, we rarely sit down to write anything by hand. And while it can feel antiquated, the physical act of writing can help slow our thoughts and focus our minds on the present. With wedding season and Easter coming up, there are many opportunities to put this into practice.

However, finding the right card can be difficult. You’ve likely found yourself in the card aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy trying to find one with the perfect message. A card that isn’t too wordy, not too sappy and says all the right things. What would you think if I suggested that the Goldilocks “just right” card is actually a homemade one?

I decided to put this into practice by making my own watercolor Valentine’s Day cards for all the special people in my life who have shown a lot of support to me recently. I even made it a girl’s night activity with two close friends. The simple pleasure of sitting down with my paint and some good music brought out a childlike joy from within.

Personally, I already had watercolors, paper, and a marker on hand, which made this both a fun and cost-effective project. However, there are many other affordable ways to go about creating homemade cards. You could explore Park Avenue’s packs of stationery, fun stamps, and colorful ink pads. Rummaging your house for leftover ribbon, paint and stray stationery is another good way of finding creative uses for what you already own. Perhaps what you find could be used for a craft activity with your children and their friends to make homemade Teacher Appreciation cards in May. The options are endless with a little creativity.

This week, I challenge you to find someone who could use a “just because” homemade card – maybe it’s a coworker, a friend or a new mom. It could be a simple piece of paper or a beautiful watercolor painting you make, but regardless, I am almost certain that whatever you create will spread joy.

Spinach Mushroom Orzo

By
Emily LeBaron
-
0

Beautiful March! With Spring in the air, it’s easier to eat fresh with the new produce coming in. This month’s recipe is just that. Fresh and a little more health conscious, but it’s still delicious! It’s light but savory as-is for lunch, or it can be more filling for dinner if you’d like to add pre-cooked chicken or a slice or two of French bread! For additional flavor, cook the Orzo in a chicken broth, or include any of the other add-ins!

Now Serving, Spinach Mushroom Orzo!

Serves 2

8 oz orzo pasta

1 Tbsp. olive oil

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

4 cups baby spinach

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Chicken broth (optional, if desired)

Precooked chicken (optional, if desired)

Red pepper flakes (optional, if desired)

Fresh parsley (optional, if desired)

  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the mushrooms and spinach.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the orzo mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

By
Lori Waken
-
0

Day to day living should not be unsafe. If it is, it may be time to consider alternatives such as assisted living. Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one to assisted living can be difficult, but the benefits may surprise you.

Although most older adults express the preference to age in place at home, many find themselves happy that they made the move. Increasing difficulty in performing daily tasks such as managing medication, bathing, dressing, mobility, shopping for and preparing meals, home upkeep and maintenance, and transportation can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement. Decreases in activity, stimulation, socialization, and nutrition can leave an individual even more frail and prone to illness or accident. Some older adults hesitate to burden family, friends, or neighbors with requests for assistance and either attempt to provide for their own daily needs or do without. Many seniors remain at home until the idea of making a move, even if they feel that it would be beneficial, is completely overwhelming.

Signs that it may be time to consider assisted living: 1. Difficulty managing medications safely 2. Frequent falls/calls for assistance 3. Chronic or worsening health problems 4. Poor eating habits 5. Hygiene problems 6. Difficulty keeping up with home maintenance 7. Increased confusion, wandering 8. Loneliness and isolation 9. Caregiver stress or burnout 10. They seem unhappy 11. Neighbors express concern

Assisted living communities encourage residents to maintain as much independence as they are safely able, with availability of assistance right at hand when needed. This enables them to move more confidently through their day, knowing that help is nearby. Medication management, bathing and dressing assistance, nutritious meals, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled activities, and opportunities for social engagement are standard services provided in assisted living communities, though the specifics of provided services vary among communities. Licensed nursing staff oversee aides in the provision of care and assistance with activities of daily living (adls). Family members are able to focus on their relationships with their older loved ones, rather than serving as their caregivers. The resident feels more independent and freer from the need to rely upon their friends and family to provide their care.

Older adults who make the move to assisted living before an emergency forces the decision have a higher level of care and a much more positive transition and experience than those who wait. If the person feels that they have input and choice in making the decision, it allows them to feel more in control and accept the changes in a more positive way. Receiving assistance and services earlier also improves the likelihood that the individual will improve their health and wellness to a higher degree, remain stronger and healthier longer, and delay a move to a higher level of care longer if at all.

While having the conversation to transition to senior living can be difficult, some have benefitted from considering the following:

  1. Include your primary physician and financial advisor in the discussion
  2. Assure your aging parent that their safety and well-being is more important than leaving a legacy or inheritance
  3. Contact and visit several communities before a critical need arises. Compare their services and amenities. Ask for references to contact about their experience with the community. Review their website and social media pages for insight into their culture and environment.
  4. Consider a temporary stay, if possible. Some communities allow potential residents to “try it out” for a period of time before committing to a permanent move.
  5. Encourage the older adult to be as involved in the decision as possible. Their sense of control and involvement will better ensure a smooth and positive transition.

To learn more about senior living options for yourself or a loved one, contact Greenbrier Assisted Living at 580-233-1331 or visit our website at www.GreenbrierVillage.org.

Children’s Book Review: Simon Sort of Says

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Erin Bow
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Rating: 4/5 stars

This month’s children’s book almost doesn’t have enough room on its cover for all of its award stickers – Newberry Honor winner, National Book Award longlist, and this year, an Oklahoma Sequoyah book. Simon Sort of Says was published back in 2023 by author Erin Bow and is a middle grade book for readers aged 8-12. It deals with a heavy topic, but it has the perfect amount of humor to balance it out – plus there’s a super adorable puppy as well.

Simon is a twelve-year-old who has just moved with his parents to Grin and Bear It, a small town in Nebraska. Because scientists there are trying to find signs of alien life with radio telescopes, residents aren’t allowed to have internet. That might sound awful to a typical tween, but for Simon and his family, it’s perfect. Two years prior, Simon became famous for surviving a school shooting. Now, in GNB, because his classmates can’t google him, he is hoping for a fresh start. But even as he’s trying to keep his secret buried, he can’t outrun his trauma and anxiety. Fortunately, his new best friend, Agate, is there with him every step of the way and even comes up with a kooky plan for them to help the town out.

The comic relief in this book is just hysterical. We’re talking a blasphemous Jesus squirrel, a peacock trapped in a hearse, and police officers trying to wrangle escaped emus before dawn. For Simon though, the love from his family, his friendships with Agate and Kevin, just his journey and his healing are so beautiful and heartwarming. Everything is handled so well by the author, and now having read this book, I’m not surprised one bit that it has earned so many awards.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Simon Sort of Says today!

Beverly Ediger – Local Legend

By
Blake Reese
-
0

Beverly Ediger was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. She graduated from Enid High School, and she later went on to build a family and a business. She’s been married to her husband, Curtis, for 53 years, and together they have two sons; Joe, who is married to Emily, and Jared, who is married to Angie. They also have three grandchildren – Dalton, Jack, and Lainey.

Beverly has been an inventory buyer and co-owner of Ediger’s Diamonds for 43 years. Her husband states, “Her passions are decorating everything she sees and giving gifts to anyone she meets. She prays over total strangers and gives to any cause she deems beneficial.” Beverly chaired the Enid High Project Graduation for many years, she was involved with the Mennonite Relief Sale, and she’s been the finance chairman for a church building program. She has also served on the Enid Chamber of Commerce, and she donates to many of our local philanthropic organizations, including the YWCA, ESPCA, and more. In addition to the various organizations and efforts she participates in and helps out with throughout the year, she’s also involved with different churches and bible study groups.

Beverly is truly one of a kind, and her love and compassion know no limits. Long time friend and Ediger’s Diamonds employee Kendra Tefft states, “I have known Bev as a friend and employer for over 20 years, and trust me when I say she has never met a stranger. She is the epitome of the saying going the extra mile.” Whether she’s giving back to the community or donating her time to make an impact, the constant about Beverly is that she cares. From volunteering to help support another local business to helping a young lady get braces to boost her confidence, the throughline throughout it all is Beverly and her compassion. Whether you’re a friend or a stranger makes no difference to her; she has nothing but love and kindness to give, and the remarkable thing about her is that it never seems to run out. Regardless of the time of year or the endeavor, Beverly is always happy to help in any way she can, and that unwavering compassion and kindness is exactly what makes her a Local Legend.

1234...92Page 3 of 92
6,000FansLike
184FollowersFollow

© Copyright 2021-2023 Enid Monthly

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

Contact us: robert@enidmonthly.com