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.
Celia Krampien has illustrated numerous children’s books, but The Bellwoods Game is her author debut – and it is an absolutely perfect read for October. Published in July 2023, this spooky middle grade book follows a group of students as they take part in their town’s annual Halloween tradition. The objective of the game is to reach the bell in the middle of the forest before the ghost of Abigail Snook can stop them – or the town becomes cursed with bad luck for a year.
The three contestants are Fen, the popular kid, Carmen, the nerd, and Bailee, the outcast. They think they understand what they’re getting involved in, but what lurks in the forest is beyond any of the stories they’ve heard before. The paths keep changing, and the three must battle against attacking bats, endless spiders, and vicious ropes of algae – all while not falling into the icy river below. Plus, the spirit they are up against is not at all what they thought it was going to be. Only with teamwork, creativity, and bravery can they save themselves and their town.
Complete with a stunning cover and illustrations throughout, The Bellwoods Game is a fabulous book all around. If it is a child’s first dabble with the horror genre, some parts may be a bit too intense. But if a kiddo loves spooky books, loves to be on the edge of their seat, they can surely handle this one. So, this month, while costumes are being planned and candy is getting stocked up, kiddos can get even more excited for the holiday with The Bellwoods Game!
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Bellwoods Game today!
Second-year Enid High Volleyball Coach Gabe Watts wants his players to leave a legacy at Enid, as players, and as people. And since Enid just started playing volleyball in 1994, there is not a lot of history and legacy to compare it to. “There were some good teams in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, but its been a long time since we have made the State tournament. We almost did it in 2018-2019, but didn’t quite get there, but that’s always our goal, and we are set up to have a pretty good run,” says Watts.
And after coming up just shy of finishing .500 last year (14-16), and graduating six seniors, this year’s Pacer Volleyball squad has a little ways to go. “We are such a young team this year. Out of our 8-9 min rotation players, only three are Seniors, and we have a lot of Sophomores and Juniors we have to rely on to be competitive,” Watts says. “This year we have been right there with some teams, but we are just killing ourselves and have made too many mistakes. But we are just going to keep grinding, getting these young kids some experience (some girls are playing JV and Varsity to get reps) and we could find ourselves chasing .500 again, and maybe even doing a little damage at regionals if we end up playing some of the east schools again.”
And to do that, it’s going to take stellar play from team leaders like Junior Addison Polesky. “Addison is an all around good player, and can do just about anything from the outside hitter position. She leads the team in kills and is second in digs and is who we look to to lead us to wins.” Junior Baylee Ross and Sophomore Lauren Jackson are also players that need to play well for Enid to reach their goals. “Baylee is a really good soccer player that is coming into her own as a volleyball player and playing well this year,” said Watts, and Lauren has come in this year, and shown that she can play good at this level.”
If these girls keep improving and getting experience, it would be a pretty good bet, they will leave a legacy for future teams to remember.
Howdy y’all, it’s me again. By the time you’ll be reading this, it’s DEER SEASON!
I hope by now your feeders are full of corn, the cameras are giving you a glimpse into the deer on your property and your tree stands are secured and shooting lanes cleared. As of the first week of September, (when this article was composed) I hope you’ve left your hunting lands alone. Pressuring the deer early in the season (whether scouting, brush hogging, etc) could force the deer to find a new place to call home.
To me, the biggest “tip” for bow season is having your bow properly tuned and maintained, but also to PRACTICE. When I was a young bowhunter, I made the mistake of not practicing prior to the season. I had good bucks on camera and figured “ah heck, I’m good enough, I’ll be fine.” What happened you ask? Opening morning I had a good shot at an old, wide 8-point mainframe. As he cruised closer to my stand, he went behind a couple cedars which gave me the opportunity to draw my bow. When I did, the peep sight tubing snapped. While I generally replace them every year, my lack of preparation cost me a shot at a really nice deer. Of course, I never saw him again.
Another paramount consideration (especially bow hunting) is controlling your scent. Prior to the season, I like to wash all of my hunting clothing in scent killer laundry detergent. There are several different brands available on the market. After doing so, I cut a few cedar branches and put the branches and clothing into a ScentLok airtight bag. I put the bag into a ROAM airtight dry box and store it outside. While also playing the wind is vitally important (that’s why it’s important to have multiple stands or blinds set up, if possible) eliminating human odors will substantially increase your ability to harvest that trophy buck.
Obviously, these are just a couple important tips for (hopefully) early bow season success, but to me they are two of the most important. Happy hunting! P.S. If you have a child that bow hunts and harvests a good deer (or has a good story) email me a pic and synopsis of the story to dalen@mcvaylawfirm.com and I’ll select someone to be the feature in an upcoming article.
Sand Springs, OK – October 21, 2023 – The Gaslight Theatre, renowned for its commitment to the arts, achieved a remarkable milestone on Saturday, October 21st, when it was honored with the prestigious OCTAVision Award by the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association (OCTA). This significant recognition was bestowed upon the theatre in celebration of its outstanding achievement of 30 Years of Shakespeare in the Park.
The OCTAVision Award, established in 1990, is a highly coveted accolade within the Oklahoma community theatre network. It is presented to an OCTA member theatre that has not only set ambitious, long-term goals but has also effectively and appropriately realized these goals. The award is a testament to the dedication and determination of the theatre community working together to achieve extraordinary results.
For three decades, Gaslight Theatre has been captivating audiences with its enchanting performances of Shakespearean classics under the open sky at Government Springs Park free to the public. This remarkable achievement reflects the theatre’s unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the timeless works of William Shakespeare, making them accessible to the local community.
In addition to Gaslight Theatre’s remarkable recognition, Immediate Past President Charlet Ringwald received the Charles Hair Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade is presented to individuals who have contributed years of dedicated volunteer service to an OCTA member theatre. These individuals may have been the founders or early patrons of their theatre, and their leadership is credited with the significant growth and success of their respective theatres. During her presidency, Ringwald led the theatre throughout the COVID19 pandemic. “Charlet is a prime example of why Community Theatres survive. She has continued to work as an integral volunteer for the theatre as a board member following her tenure as president. Charlet is so deserving of this award for her passion and dedication to the arts in this community,” stated her nominations.
Gaslight Theatre’s commitment to the arts, its dedication to their free Shakespeare in the Park, and the outstanding volunteer contributions of Charlet Ringwald have left a lasting impact on the Oklahoma theatre community. These accomplishments exemplify the remarkable achievements that can be realized when a passionate and united community comes together in the pursuit of a shared artistic vision.
The Gaslight Theatre extends its deepest gratitude to the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association for this extraordinary honor. The theatre looks forward to continuing its tradition of bringing the magic of Shakespeare to the community for many more years to come.
For more information about the Gaslight Theatre and its upcoming productions, please visit www.gaslighttheatre.org or contact the box office.
This reviewer is not at all one for horror stories, but in the spirit of Halloween this month, I reached for Catriona Ward’s latest release, Looking Glass Sound, to get outside of my comfort zone. What starts off as a seemingly coming-of-age tale soon melds into a sickening murder mystery, which melds into a mind-bending book about a book – about another book? I’m still not fully sure what I read. Looking Glass Sound certainly won’t be for everyone, but if you like books to envelop you in an absolute rollercoaster ride of an experience, hop aboard.
The book opens with three teenagers – Wilder, Nat, and Harper – on summer vacation on the Maine coast. They’re boating and swimming and thinking about young love – typical beach time activities. But also present in their town is a serial killer who has been going after women for years. When Wilder goes off to college afterwards, his panic attacks from the deadly cave are unending. He is befriended by a classmate, Sky, who helps him with his demons – but who has dark secrets of his own.
Aside from the gruesome killings, Looking Glass Sound really doesn’t seem like a true horror read. Instead, it’s an intricate, complex web of a psychological thriller. It certainly is impressive what the author has been able to accomplish, with the artistry and mastery of the different characters and plots. And I do imagine it would be quite interesting to re-read this book a second time through, with the knowledge of how the different puzzle pieces fit together. Looking Glass Sound really is a captivating page-turner that will have readers questioning everything they see and hear and believe.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Looking Glass Sound today!
Donald (“Don”) Dennis was born in Atwood, Colorado, but moved to Parsons, KS to live with his grandparents during World War II while his mother worked in a bomb factory and his adopted father fought in the military.
The family moved to Enid in 1945, after the war was over. In 1946, Don’s father, Fred Dennis, opened Dennis Plumbing at the location it still exists. Don attended Enid High School, and volunteered for the Navy during Vietnam. He served for four years on the Navy Destroyer, Floyd B. Parks, which operated in the Pacific Ocean during the war. Upon finishing his service, he returned to work in the family business.
Since returning, Don devoted himself to quietly working and serving in the community. He is a longtime member of the local Masonic Lodge and Shriner’s organization where he has personally sponsored dozens of families to be able to go to a Shrine Hospital for treatment. As a Shriner, he was known for volunteering to help at all their projects, including the old Shrine Rodeo, usually behind the scenes, and helping make them successful.
Don has two children, Riley Dennis, who has also joined him in the family business, and Dawna Capaldi, who is starting a Vodka Distillery in Belize. He is impatiently waiting for grandchildren. He married his wife Cheryl in 2002 and they enjoy going to the lake, working at the farm and traveling to attend Navy reunions of the Floyd B. Parks around the U.S.
Riley said “My dad has great integrity, is a hard worker, dependable and I’ve seen him help people my whole life. Anything he does he goes all out. He’s just a really good dad and good person.” And for that, he’s this month’s Local Legend.
