ENID, OK – A new version of Christ Tree will debut on Opening Night on Sunday, Dec. 3, kicking off a 34-day Christmas event experience called for The One: Bright Lights. The steel 102-foot-tall tree with its 20-foot Bethlehem star and 35,000 RBG lights will provide spectacular light shows choreographed to 3 Christmas songs performed at the top of every hour from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. daily. With light shows lasting an average of 15 minutes, Christ Tree’s lights continue to shine 24 hours a day through January 6 with a weekly rotation of music and light shows.
Opening Night festivities will begin with The One: Bright Lights mission project called “Feed the 5,000”. In partnership with Forgotten Ministries and made possible by sponsors Tyson Foods, Jumbo Foods and Jiffy Trip, 5,000 free meals will be provided to attendees, consisting of burgers, chips and a drink. The lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with the tree scheduled to be lit around 6:15. Immediately following the lighting, attendees are encouraged to join in caroling as the finishing touch to a memorable evening.
The One has recently revealed that Clayton Nolen is this year’s the Grand Lighting Marshal. Nolen is active in all areas of the community including church, city government, juvenile justice system, and civic organizations. He has been recognized in Enid with his award for the Key to the City of Enid, Sistah-2-Sistah African American Leaders of Enid Award, Citizen of the Year Awarded for Booker T Washington, and was inducted in 2022 to the Oklahoma African American Educator Hall of Fame.
“The One is such a beautiful and unique project,” said David Mason, mayor of Enid. “It provides a multitude of benefits for our community. It gives a feeling of unity and hope which is needed now more than ever, both in our community and throughout the world. It also encourages families to travel to Enid to see The One, eat at our restaurants and enjoy our city.”
The One: Bright Lights is a 34-day event filled with concerts, events and activities that will provide an enchanting experience for attendees. For more information and schedule of events, visit The One Enid Facebook page or go to www.theoneenid.com.
Happy fall y’all! It’s my favorite time of year. Football, chilly weather, and deer hunting. While I’m sure you were itchin’ to read about some hunting tips or guns, this column will be a bit different.
Life got you stressed? Working 80 hour weeks? Me too.
I love the thrill of a deer hunt, but know what? The hunt itself is literally my serenity. My job is crazy stressful and chasing three kids with whatever they are doing leaves little time for “me.” I wouldn’t change the kid thing for the world, (Go Longhorns!) but sometimes I need time to just think. A deer stand does that for me. There is almost nothing I cherish more than sitting in a tree watching wildlife and simply pondering life. In my head, I’ve solved many of the world problems we face, but more than anything else I’m just able to relax. I relax until I hear the dumb armadillo behind me just knowing that it is going to be a Pope and Young buck getting ready to walk right out. After remembering deer have the ability to creep through the woods without making a sound, reality sets back in, and I get back to thinking. Life can be rough. Real rough. While I love taking my kids on a hunt, sometimes the alone time is just what is needed. Watching wildlife, listening to the wind, and even freezing my butt off is what the doctor ordered. The stresses in your life seem to somewhat fade away for the hours you simply sit in a tree, even if you don’t harvest a deer. Until next time friends. . .
Jon Ford was born to a Helena farming family in 1943. He graduated from Helena High School in 1960, but before attending college, he traveled the United States as the elected national president of Future Farmers of America (FFA). After his year serving FFA, he attended Oklahoma State University where he intended to become a veterinarian, until he ran into organic chemistry. After reevaluating his future, he changed his major to prelaw and eventually received his law degree from Oklahoma University. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in the JAG Corp during Vietnam, where he was deployed for a time.
After his time in the military, Jon returned to NW Oklahoma and set up shop in Enid specializing in Family Law, to which he has dedicated his life and career. Jon has been very active in the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Family Law Division, holding several offices and ultimately President for a term. Jon was instrumental in developing a family law trial training program for the Family Law section called the Frail Advocacy Institute to teach lawyers how to try family law cases. This weeklong, intensive program has trained many lawyers statewide to be better advocates for their clients. Jon also took a year off to help develop the Oklahoma Family Law Practice Manual, which is a comprehensive guide for lawyers that has hundreds of forms and procedures for lawyers to use in practice. Many family law lawyers find it irreplaceable and use it in their practice daily.
During his professional career, Jon was appointed the first President of the State Ethics Commission, served as the Secretary of Agriculture under David Boren, and served on the OSU Board of Regents.
Although he recently turned 80 years old, he still goes to the office every day and is a tireless advocate for his clients and mentor to other lawyers. He has been married to his lovely wife, Diane for 15 years, and he enjoys reading, helping Diane garden, and humoring her on myriad adventures and travels. Jon has one son, Justin, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If you have ever met Jon, he would consider you a friend, and for a life well lived (and living), Jon is a true “Local Legend.”
Colonel Nekitha M. Little, Commander, 71st Mission Support Group, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base in Enid will speak at a Veterans Day presentation Thursday, Nov. 9 at NOC Enid.
The Veteran’s Day event will be held in the Gantz Center Room 100 at 11:45 a.m. The National Theme for 2023 is Service.
The event celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act with special recognition and presentations to local female veterans. The event is sponsored by the Northern Oklahoma College Diversity Committee.
As the Installation Manager, Col. Little is responsible for the $550M flying operations and base operations contracts and all support for the Vance mission and community; including procurement, civil engineering, firefighting, security and law enforcement, communications, personnel, supply, transportation, housing, recreation and services activities.
Prior to this assignment, she was the Director of Force Support Professional Development School where she was responsible for 19 military/civilian personnel and 12 contractors to deliver 23 courses over 91 classes for more than 69K personnel annually within the Force Support functional community and DoD installations worldwide.
Little earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Transylvania University (1988), Associate in Applied Science, Community College of the Air Force (1997), Master of Science in Administration, Central Michigan University (1999), Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2002), Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2008), Air Command and Staff College, by seminar (2012), and Air War College, by seminar (2021).
She earned the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal w/ four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, w/ four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, w/ two oak leaf clusters, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ silver oak leaf cluster, and Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.
There will be a special pinning ceremony for all Viet Nam Veterans in attendance, as well.
All veterans and the public are invited to the event.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOCserves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing. For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
[Enid, OK] – Park Avenue Thrift is awarding a total of $195,841.53 across 23 different nonprofit organizations in Enid, OK this fall.
The 2023 fall grant recipients are 4RKids Foundation, Bennie’s Barn Horse Therapy Ranch, Blue Star Mothers of America, Chautauqua Council of Enid, Chisholm Elementary, Chisholm High School, Cimarron Council, Inc. Boy Scouts, Enid Street Outreach Services, Enid Symphony Orchestra, Gaslight Theatre, Hedges Regional Speech and Hearing, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Lincoln Academy, Loaves and Fishes, Main Street Enid, McKinley Elementary, Old Paws Rescue Ranch, PFLAG Enid OK, Public Library of Enid and Garfield County, RSVP Enid, Waller Middle School, Woodring Wall of Honor, and Youth and Family Services.
“We are so grateful and happy to be able to fund great Enid organizations and projects this fall, including pottery wheels for Chisholm High School, trees for the Downtown Tree Project for Main Street Enid, and funds for the new Immersive Physics Exhibit at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum” said Stela Jantzen, Park Avenue Thrift Executive Director. “This is all thanks to our amazing shoppers, donors, employees, board members, and everyone who talks about Park Avenue Thrift and what we do. We are all working together for Enid.”
This April, Park Avenue Thrift awarded $277,348.26 in grants to 24 different Enid nonprofits and schools and has currently given $19,093.84 to 62 different Enid classroom projects. Park Avenue has also sponsored several events so far this year such as, Enid Symphony Sagebrush fundraiser, Outreach to Teach at Coolidge, Youth and Family Gala, Hedges Speech and Hearing Silent Nite on the Town, Leonardo’s Spring Break, Michael Hedges Documentary, Gaslight Theatre’s Once, CDSA Wine Tour, Gaslight Theatre’s Kids Camp, Atelier Spring concert, and Gaslight Theatre’s A Christmas Story.
Between community grants, school funding, and sponsorships this brings their total giving so far in 2023 to $520,895.88 and their total since 2007 to $4,287,862.47. Park Avenue reached a milestone of $4 million dollars given back to the Enid community this spring.
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.
Amazing spring poppy field landscape against colorful sky and light clouds
We honor and remember our country’s veterans “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
By John McCrae, MD 1872 –1918
The poppy became the official flower of the American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during WWI. While National Poppy Day is recognized as the Friday before Memorial Day in May, poppies symbolize our respect of our nation’s military heroes. Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day) came about to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War I and continues as a holiday to honor not only soldiers who have died in service to America, but to commemorate the service of all U.S. veterans.
Why the poppy? After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils becoming rich from the lime of the rubble left from the war. The beautiful red poppy that grew came to symbolize the blood shed during the battles visualized in the poem “In Flanders Fields.”
While the poppies of the poem are traditionally red, poppies come in many varieties and colors. The iconic wildflower of California is a bright yellow orange. Breadseed varieties (edible poppy seeds) range from pastels to purples, with the most common being a Peony Poppy which derives its name from the multi-petaled bloom similar to a peony.
Poppies are considered an annual flower grown from seed. Frequently, poppies will reseed from the previous year’s plants. The seeds are extremely small (100,000 seeds per ounce.). To plant, mix seeds with find sand and broadcast mixture directly onto soil. Do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Seeds are best sown in late fall through early December. Germination occurs when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions. Poppy seeds go through a dormancy and require nearly four weeks to emerge. Fall sowing is essential because it takes plants nearly five months from sprout to mature plant. This dormancy can be artificially broken by placing seeds in a moist growing medium in a refrigerator for four to eight weeks prior to planting, depending upon variety. Seeds can then be planted in early spring. Once seeds are planted, it is mostly a waiting game until spring, but continue to remove cool-season weeds.
Because poppy seeds are so small, when they sprout, there are many seedlings. Thin seedlings to six to nine inches apart, to allow for air flow and lower susceptibility to pests and diseases. Be vigilant about weeding because seedlings do not do well in competition with weeds. While poppies will grow in poor soils, they do better in fertile soil, rich in lime with adequate water, especially during dry spells. Flowering begins in late spring to early summer. Poppies need at least six hours of sun to germinate and blossom. Seed pod maturation occurs mid-to late summer, about eighty to ninety days after planting.
There are many varieties of poppies. Some are to grow edible poppy seeds and others are prized for the blooms for cut flowers. A few of the edible varieties which can be grown in Oklahoma are the Peony Poppy, the Elka Poppy which originated in Slovakia, the Heirloom Pepperbox, and the Hungarian Blue Breadseed Poppy. The blooms on these poppies range from pale blue to purple and they produce a very large seed head after the bloom has dried.
For use as cut flowers, Red Poppies (papaver rhoeas), also called Flanders or field poppies are popular in Oklahoma. They have also been hybridized to create the Shirley Poppy. Shirley poppies have about a 3-foot stalk and grow well in flower beds. Shirley poppies range in colors from soft pastels to vibrant reds. Oriental poppies (papaver orientale) are perennial poppies. They can take a wide range for temperatures from -10 up to 90 degrees. These plants spread up to two feet wide, with blooms on 12-to-30-inch stalks up to four inches in diameter. Another local favorite for floral arranging are the Iceland poppies (papaver nudicaule)
Harvesting flowers frequently will encourage more blooms. Cut the stems near to the ground, just as the bloom begins to crack open. Remove all leaves from the stem. Sear the cut end with a match or place the end of the stem in hot water (110 to 180 degrees) for a half a minute to treat for the milky latex that is messy and prevents the flower from lasting without heat treatment.
Harvest seed pods as soon as the petals fall off the bloom during dry weather conditions, when the seeds begin to rattle inside the pod. Seed pods make a beautiful addition to dried flower arrangements. While harvested seeds maintain their flavor and quality for culinary purposes for quite some time, seed viability is quickly lost. Seeds intended for planting should not be stored for more than a year.
All parts of the poppy plant, except the seeds, are toxic and contain alkaloids used to manufacture opium. While it is legal to grow Papaver somniferum poppies in the United States for garden and seed production purposes, it is illegal to manufacture opium from the poppies. Pet owners should monitor their pets, although poppy plants are so distasteful that most pets avoid them after a sniff or brief taste. So, while the seeds may be edible, the beautiful color of the red poppy reminds us of our military veterans. As you remember our heroes this November, plant some seeds in anticipation of next spring.
November brings Thanksgiving. With so many Thanksgiving traditions and recipe variations, a lot of people have their own tried-and-true, go-to recipes for the main event. With this in mind, Now Serving will offer recipes this month for the before and after, an appetizer and dessert! Both an easy, classy upgrade of your traditional cracker and cheese tray, and an impressive box-mix brownie dessert! Now serving- Crescent Wrapped Brie, and Brownie Trifle!
Crescent Wrapped Brie – Serves 6-8
8 oz can refrigerated crescent dinner roll dough
8 oz wheel of brie cheese
1 egg, beaten
Your choice of crackers
1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Unroll dough and separate it into 2 sections. Pat the dough and firmly press perforations to seal, forming 2 squares. Place 1 square of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Place cheese on the center of the dough.
3. If desired, with a small cookie or canape cutter, cut 1 shape from each corner of the remaining square, set cut-outs aside.
4. Place the remaining square of dough on top of the cheese round. Press dough evenly around the cheese, folding bottom edges over top edges, pressing to seal completely. Brush with beaten egg. Top with cut-outs, brush with egg.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes before serving with crackers.
Brownie Trifle – Serves 6-8
3 cups cold milk
Two 4 oz pkg instant chocolate pudding
8 oz tub French Vanilla (or regular) Cool Whip
A baked 9×9 pan of chocolate brownies, cubed
1-pint raspberries (or strawberries, destemmed and cut into quarters)
1. Pour milk into a large bowl. Add pudding mixes and beat with a wire whisk until well blended.
2. Gently stir in 1 cup Cool Whip into the pudding.
3. Place half of the brownies in a 2qt serving bowl. Top brownies with layers of half each of the chocolate pudding mixture, Cool Whip, fruit. Repeat all layers. Brownie cubes, pudding mix, Cool Whip, fruit.
4. Refrigerate completely before serving, and store left over dessert in the fridge.
Now that it’s November, the holidays are right around the corner! Whether you’re enjoying some much-needed R&R from work, spending time with family, traveling, or stress preparing for the holidays, it’s important to remember to be thankful for all that we have. So, be sure to let those around you know how much you appreciate them and all that they do. Also, keep in mind that for some, the holidays aren’t the most joyous times. Be mindful of that when you’re in public because a little bit of kindness can go a long way, especially this time of the year. Speaking of being thankful, this month’s cover story talks about some of the local artists here in Enid who bring creativity and beauty to our community. We are very thankful for them and all of their beautiful contributions to our city. Next time you’re out and about, try to drive by some of their phenomenal creations and pieces as they can be found all over town. And, from us here at Enid Monthly, Happy Thanksgiving!
Many murals cover northwest Oklahoma ranging from realism to abstract; in Enid alone, we have over 40 murals to boast.
Three local muralists have had a special impact on the art scene in Enid.
Ty and Kelly Tompkins of Hive Appeal and Tox Murillo have painted more large-scale murals in Enid than anyone else, with over 30 public murals completed between the three of them.
Kelly has been involved in many public art ventures here in Enid, said Rob Houston, Director of Visit Enid. She has been instrumental in documenting local works of art.
The Tompkins and Murillo have done murals around the area and state as well.
Hive Appeal’s style is bold, graphic, bright, colorful, with clean lines, stylized or somewhat abstract. Their vibrant murals off of busy streets around town are filled with organic and geometric shapes.
Tox’s style is versatile. He does caricatures, realism, urban style, and landscapes, but he said he doesn’t have a specific style. You can easily spot one of Tox’s murals around town – detailed, bursting with color, crisp and fresh.
Tox Murillo
Spray Can and iPad in hand, topped with a hat, Tox Murillo can be found creating realistic murals of people, characters, animals, war scenes, and landscapes.
Tox calls Enid home today, but his roots lie in L.A., where he was born, and in Guadalajara, Mex., where he was raised and educated in art.
However, art isn’t what brought Tox to Oklahoma. He didn’t have plans to make a living from painting. For Tox, art is very personal. His roots are in graffiti. When you do graffiti, it’s more personal and expressive of the person doing it, he said.
“Once I was here, I started doing personalized paintings on motorcycles and cars for car shows,” Tox said. “It was there that the idea of trying graffiti again came to me, but in a more public way, so that I could make a living from it and give myself to the community.”
Tox’s second mural in Enid, the 80s Pop Culture mural, in the alley of Harmon’s Electric is what opened the doors for him to keep painting in Enid, he said.
Looking at one of Tox’s murals, it is shocking to find out that Tox’s primary medium is spray paint. The paintings are extremely detailed, with beautiful gradients and shading that boast a grandeur of talent.
On a mural surface, in preparation, Tox creates a cryptic grid pattern, then usually free handing the rest, while glancing at his rendering.
“The materials I use are varied, depending on the size of the mural or any details it may have,” said Tox. “If there are large details, I use a paint gun to quickly cover the base and create a broader blend. I also use spray cans for details. If the details in the drawing are very small, I use an airbrush. It has been one of my main tools since I started doing graffiti when I was young. So, throughout the years, I have used a combination of spray cans, airbrushes, and pencils.
Tox sketches out his preliminary designs on paper with a pencil or in the ProCreate app.
Like many artists, Tox doesn’t have a favorite piece of his. They are all his favorites, he said.
“Art is subjective, and it depends a lot on your mood,” Tox said. “I can say that today I like one, and tomorrow I can say I like another one more because a mural may remind me of something that happened or something another project taught me. I love them as if they were part of me, my history, and my thoughts.”
Behind each of Tox’s projects is a true passion for painting, with each air stroke taking him to new places and creating things for people to enjoy.
Tox believes that public art creates a friendlier atmosphere, attracting family, friends, and customers. When you add color to a blank wall, it breathes life into a place, he said.
“Art brings a significant contribution to any place or community, for both tourism and for enjoyment,” he said.
Many of Tox’s works have been done recently and haven’t all been documented yet. Tox’s most current works can be found on Instagram and on Facebook under “Tox M”
80s Pop Culture at the Harmon’s Electric (in the alley), 612 Independence
Cheech and Chong + Friday Characters at Haze Dispensary, 1520 N. Grand
Jim Morrison at Harmon Electric, 612 Independence
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima at Kemph Heating and Air, 518 N. Grand
Recent paintings at Delta Nine Dispensary 602 N. Grand Ave and the new Natural Remedies location (near Stride Bank)
Woodring memorial murals
Heydy’s Place at 616 W. Owen K. Garriott
Murals in OKC, Ponca City, Yukon, Alva, and Ringwood
Work in art galleries and immersive art exhibits
“I feel good here, and I represent Enid, even on the mural I just did on the Plaza Walls in OKC. I said I was from Enid. I feel like I want to leave my signature where people can see it. I don’t have the feeling of wanting to see my work in Mexico or Europe. I just want to put my signature where people can appreciate and admire my work. That’s what’s important to me.”
Kelly and Ty Tompkins – Hive Appeal
In their 30 years together, the Tompkins have always been working together in the creative sphere and beyond. The spouse team has produced over 20 murals together, but that is only the beginning.
Hive Appeal’s beautiful and bright murals have a distinct, uplifting spirit about them. Kelly said they have several favorite colors to use when they paint, which make happy color combinations.
“We paint murals in this style so we can both paint and let others paint pieces and be part of it,” said Kelly Tompkins, co-owner of Hive Appeal. “It creates a connection and a sense of ownership. It’s fun to be part of a large project, and we love to have paint time with the public, board members, and/or employees of a business or organization.”
Their murals are designed in Adobe Photoshop to create renderings, then they later use a projector to help them follow the design on the mural’s surface.
“Some are drawn with a grid, and some are freehanded or drawn with string, wire, and measurements,” said Tompkins. “I love math, and I get to use math with our murals! We have found our favorite paint colors, brushes, and ways to keep track of it all.”
Kelly was formerly the Director of Main Street Enid, a multi-faceted organization that allowed her to do and learn more than she could have imagined.
She learned to infuse arts into community building by trying things and watching the reactions, said Kelly. Kelly first began with murals she did alone, before moving on.
Nearly every town wonders how to keep young people and how to attract a workforce. In order to attract young or creative people, your community has to look like it welcomes them, said Kelly.
And Enid has learned, over the years, that public art is important. With nearly 70 pieces of public art of varying forms in Enid boasting color and talent around town and beyond.
The arts of all kinds add to quality of life, a sense of place, and community pride, said Kelly.
“Through Main Street, I also learned how art can also improve public health (by making places more interesting to walk or bike around) and public safety (with more eyes on the street). The arts add to community involvement and connection, and photos on social media are natural promotion for our city. Public art is good for business and plays a part in economic development.”
Ty’s favorite piece is Beauty of Community at Park Avenue Thrift.
“It was quite a challenge due to its rounded shape, but it was also fun, said Ty. “It’s my favorite because it’s so colorful and right at an entrance to Downtown. It has so much meaning because of how much Park Avenue does for the community!”
Kelly said she loves how their most recent piece is more abstract, leading people to see amazing things in it she didn’t think of.
“My favorite is usually the most recent one, so it always changes,” said Kelly. “But overall, my 3 favorites are Beauty of Community at Park Avenue Thrift, the Indian Blanket Flower on Route 66 in Sapulpa (both of our largest and most challenging murals) and Bee the Sunshine at Hayes Elementary School.
(Bee the sunshine is a multi-level metal sculpture that we designed and painted as a tribute to Titus Kennedy, a 5.5-year-old student who passed away from an accident. Wesley Spencer with SpenCo Metal Works did an amazing job building and installing it, and everyone involved in that project was wonderful to work with.)
“We have a few murals lined up, and we’re so excited to design creative seating, bike racks, and various items for businesses, communities, parks, downtowns, and trails!”
While Kelly has done a few murals on her own, the Tompkins’ business, Hive Appeal, has provided another opportunity for them to work on a creative venture together.
“Ty and I love working together! We have worked together for most of our 30 years together in many different ways,” said Kelly.
“In the mid-1990’s, we worked at the same print shop during the day, then worked at the same jewelry shop on evenings and weekends. We’ve had various small businesses together, we were a real estate team, he was my volunteer non-employee at Main Street, and I help him behind the scenes in whatever he does. We work better together, and he’s my favorite person to be around! He makes almost every situation hilarious. And he puts up with me.”
List of murals:
David’s Doodles at the Ezzell Workshop (building and mural now demolished) 324 E Randolph, Enid, OK 73701 August, 2018
Oklahoma Phoenix at Atelier 339 E Maple, Enid, OK 73701, August 2019
New Day on the Old Trail at Big Country Meat Market 606 W Willow, Enid, OK 73701 October, 2019
You Can at AE Howard Flooring 4810 W Garriott, Enid, OK 73703 November, 2019
Play Takes Flight at Universal Management & Maintenance 201 N Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703 March, 2020
Dragonfly in Paradise at Edward Jones – Jenna Rosine’s office 225 W Maple, Enid, OK 73701 April, 2020
Feeding Our Neighbors at Loaves & Fishes 701 E Maine, Enid, OK 73701 June, 2020
Jeans N’ Roses at Kustom Kreations & Eagle Heritage Roofing 2219 N Grand, Enid, OK 73701 July, 2020
Waves of Change INSIDE City of Enid Communications 203 W Garriott, Enid, OK 73701 August, 2020
Flanders Flowers at Unique Designs 1814 N Grand, Enid, OK 73701 September, 2020
Going Places INSIDE K/H Financial 222 E Maple, Enid, OK 73701 February, 2021
Love for All Seasons at Enid Floral & Gifts 1123 S Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703 March, 2021
Sapulpa Indian Blanket at Reynolds Park on Route 66 1069 U.S. Rte 66, Sapulpa, OK 74066 May, 2021
Grillin’ Together at Big Country Meat Market 606 W Willow, Enid, OK 73701 July, 2021
There’s Fun to be Done at Pleasant-Vale Elementary 6020 E Willow Rd, Enid, OK 73701 September, 2021
Canola & Friends at Alva Farmers Coop Farm Supply Store 401 Barnes Ave, Alva, OK 73717 September, 2021
Sombria INSIDE Sombria Chocolate Company 104 N Independence, Enid, OK 73701 July, 2022
Community Hive in Adventure Quest at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum 200 E Maple, Enid, OK 73701 September, 2022
Healing Garden at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center 600 S Monroe, Enid, OK 73701 December, 2022
Beauty of Community at Park Avenue Thrift 507 S Grand, Enid, OK 73701 June, 2023
Bee the Sunshine at Hayes Elementary School (Multi-level metal sculpture built by SpenCo Metal Works, designed and painted by us) 2102 Beverly Dr, Enid, OK 73703 August, 2023
(Plus a few indoor designs that add to the atmosphere inside Park Avenue Thrift, Pleasant-Vale Elementary, and the YWCA.)
Caterpillar, Chrysalis Circles, and Butterfly (the butterfly is in progress)
Enid Walking Trail just east of Parkway
(Metal sculptures built by EH Metal Works, designed and painted by us) September, 2023
Beautiful granddaughter hugs her granddmother at breast cancer charity fun run. The women are wearing pink tank tops.
Roughly 1 in 8 women in the United States develop breast cancer in their lifetime. * As a patient, friend or family member, nearly everyone is affected by this disease in some way.
Rebecca Lewis, MD, primary care physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, talks about the importance of screenings for early detection of breast cancer.
Why is early detection of breast cancer so important?
Regular breast cancer screenings are important because they can detect breast cancer years before symptoms develop. Early detection is key, because success rates are much higher when breast cancer is detected and treated during its early stages. A visit with your primary care physician is a good first step in breast health care because he or she can provide guidance on what screenings may be appropriate for your personal health.
What types of screenings are important?
There is a comprehensive range of imaging and biopsy services available including:
• 2D and 3D digital mammography (breast cancer detection)
• Invenia™ Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) system (breast cancer detection)
• Bone density assessment (for fracture risk due to osteoporosis)
• Breast biopsy (ultrasound, fine needle, stereotactic)
• Resources for breast cancer patients
How effective is digital mammography?
Mammograms are the most widely used imaging method for detecting breast cancer, often spotting issues before anything can be felt. Low-radiation digital mammograms are very effective, identifying upwards of 85% of all abnormalities in the breast. The American Cancer Society strongly advises women who are age 40 and older to have a yearly mammogram. Individuals who are at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or history of high-dose radiation exposure prior to the age of 30, may require screening earlier than 40. If you believe you are at a higher risk, make sure to talk to your primary care physician about when to begin screenings.
St. Mary’s Women’s Imaging Center also offers 3D mammography, which is also called tomosynthesis digital mammography. 3D mammography is different from standard mammography because it takes multiple images of the breast at various levels and provides more detail. This can help make it easier to identify abnormalities and is particularly useful for evaluating dense breast tissue. It can also reduce the number of callbacks for repeat testing.
What does having dense breasts mean and what screening is needed for this?
Dense breasts have a higher proportion of glandular and connective tissues as compared to fatty tissue. Women who have been told they have dense breasts should be aware that it can make it difficult for screening mammography to detect tumors. What’s more, women who have dense breasts are also at increased risk for breast cancer.
Additional imaging tests – ultrasound, MRI or molecular breast imaging – may be needed for complete evaluation.
What is breast ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a noninvasive, non-radiation examination that uses sound waves to detect disease and locate possible abnormalities in breast tissue. It is designed to provide doctors with precise images for efficient diagnosis of breast problems, and can be effective in distinguishing certain abnormalities in the breast such as lumps, solid masses and cysts. The systems enable the physician to perform high-resolution panoramic imaging or 3D scanning in real time.
The Women’s Imaging Center is the first provider in the Northwestern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas regions to use the Invenia Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) for breast cancer screening. This system is used in addition to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue and no prior interventions. ABUS can help improve detection of small cancers in dense breast tissue that cannot be seen on a mammogram alone.
When would a breast biopsy be necessary?
Breast biopsies are used to check suspicious or unusual areas in breast tissue for cancerous cells. The newest procedure, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, uses a minimally invasive system in which the doctor uses mammography (stereotactic-guided biopsy) or ultrasound to locate the suspicious area. He or she then makes a tiny incision in the breast and uses a small probe with a vacuum to gently draw, cut and collect tissue into the probe’s hollow chamber.
To make an appointment with Dr. Lewis, call 580-233-5553. To view the provider directory, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com. To learn more about our imaging services, call 580-249-3930 or visit stmarysregional.com/imaging.
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.
