June E-Vents!

May 31, 2023

June 1-31
10 am- 5 pm Tuesday-Saturday
Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St)

June 1-June 3
NJCAA Division II World Series
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)

June 1
6 pm
Best of Enid Awards Show
Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence)

6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 2
6-9 pm
First Friday: Tunes in June
Downtown Enid

7 pm
Live Music: Stacey Sanders
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)

7 pm
Gaslight Season Reveal
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)

8:30 pm
Live Music: Dually Noted
The Alibi (224 W. Broadway)

June 3
10 am-2 pm
Garden Festival
Garfield County OSU Extension Center (316 E. Oxford)

11 am-3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893

5 pm
Homes School Outreach Program Kickoff to Summer Luau
Meadowlake Park (1200 W. Rupe)

7 pm
Live Music: The ReVolt
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Live Music: Buffalo Jones & the Heard
Chicaro’s Happy’s Place (117 W. Oxford)

7:30 pm
Auto Racing: Sooner Late Models
Enid Speedway (312 E. Oxford)

8 pm
Live Music: Fortunate Soul
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)

June 4
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 6
6 pm
Singo!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 7-11
Connie Mack State Baseball Tournament
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
32 teams compete for one berth in the Connie Mack World Series.

June 7
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 8
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 9
7 pm
CDSA Wine Tour
Non-Profit Center (114 S. Independence)
Wine and Food from the USA, France, Greece, the Marshall Islands and Belgium.

7 pm
Live Music: Greg Demyon
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7-9 pm
Live Music: Museum after Dark-Village Sounds
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St)

June 10
9 am-12 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee
Blazes BBQ (1002 W. Willow)

10 am – 2 pm
Sunset Second Saturday
Sunset Plaza (610 S. Cleveland)
Food Trucks, local vendors, sales!

10:30 am (Registration)
C.H.R.O.M.E. Poker Run
Elks Lodge (520 W. Oxford)

7 pm
Live Music: Lane Haas
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Comedy Night
RED (302 E. Maple)

8 pm
Live Music: Dually Noted
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)

June 11
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 13-17
Summer Chautauqua
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach 1. Characters include Pearl Carter, Rose Cousins, Amelia Earhart, Jackie Cochran and Chuck Yeager.

June 13
6 pm
Singo!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 14
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 15
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 16-17
7-11:30 pm
Car Cruise
Van Buren
Join car enthusiasts as they show off their cars to crowds of visitors who bring lawn chairs and blankets and line Van Buren to watch all the vehicles cruise by.

June 16
7 pm
Live Music: Lane Haas
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 17
7:30-10 am
Woodring Regional Airport Breakfast Fly-In
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th)

11 am-3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893

5-8 pm
Van Buren Cruisers Car Show
Central Christian Church (1111 W. Broadway)

7 pm
Live Music: Sean Thane
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm
Juneteenth Party
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 18
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 20
6 pm
Singo!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 21
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 22-24
Phillips University Alumni Reunion
NOC-Enid (2929 E. Randolph)

June 22
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 23-24
7:30 pm
Live Theater: Savage in Limbo
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)

June 23
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 24
8 am
2023 Mud Volleyball & BBQ
CW Scooters (3630 N Van Buren)

1 pm – 5 pm
FURever Friends Community Event
Meadowlake Park (1099 W. Rupe)

4 pm
Patriotic Sign Make & Paint Fundraiser
Settler’s Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

6 pm
Doug Thompson Hypnosis
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
Doug Thompson combines hypnosis and comedy to create a one-of-a-kind show!

7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Live Music: The Revolt
Chicaro’s Happy Place (117 W. Oxford)

9 pm
Pride Rave
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 25
6-8 pm
Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat Races
Champlin Pool (400 W. Cherokee)

9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 27
8:30 am – 11:30 am
Devon Sportslab
Longfellow Middle School (900 E. Broadway)

6 pm
Singo!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 28
9 pm
Karaoke
RED (302 E. Maple)

June 29
6 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

June 30-July 1
7:30 pm
Live Theater: Savage in Limbo
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)

June 30
5 pm – 10 pm
Amond the Wildflowers Immersive Art Show & Sculpture Contest Opening Night
Abby Grey Imagery (2421 N. Van Buren)

7 pm
Live Music: Rocky Kanaga
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

Mayflowers

Robert Faulk

May 30, 2023

April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? Pilgrims, of course! And healthier gardens. Companion gardening has long been a practice of many gardeners. Companion planting is when two or more plants are grown near each other for the benefit of one of those plants or for both of them. There are many reasons to plant certain crops together. Deterring pests by planting nasturtiums or weed suppression from sprawling crops like potatoes minimize open areas where weeds can take hold, help to lessen a gardener’s work. Attracting beneficial insects like pollinators or pest-eating wasps and ladybugs, helps lower the need for chemical insecticides. Additional benefits such as natural supports like corn or sunflowers support sprawling crops like cucumber, beans and peas, as well as provide shade for smaller plants like lettuces.

Initially, much of companion planting was based on folklore, but lately more and more science has validated some companion planting. While some gardeners believe that marigolds will control nematodes and other insects if planted among vegetables, not all varieties have this capability. Only the French marigold (Tagetes patula) varieties such as Nemagold, Petit Blanc, Vinca and Queen Sophia can reduce nematodes by their insecticidal root secretions and only in their immediate root zones. If you chose to use French marigolds, they should be planted throughout the garden area. The French marigold is an annual bedding plant with fiery bright blooms ranging in color from yellow-orange to brown. Frequent pollinators of this flower include beetles such as ladybugs and tachinid or lacewing flies. The leaves of the plant are known for producing pungent oils which are effective as a source of anti-fungal and pesticidal compounds. The plant is usually avoided by scent-sensitive grazers like rabbits and other pests. Plant a few rows of French marigolds around plant beds to help your garden thrive.

Another favorite companion flower of gardeners is English lavender (lavandula angustifolia). English lavender not only has a lovely calming fragrance, but is especially hardy in our Oklahoma growing zones. It favors mild, dry climates and can withstand brief drought periods. The beautiful blue-to-violet blooms last through the summer. The shoots and leaves are pest-resistant and the scent can repel hungry grazers, such as rabbits and deer. As a companion

plant, it also attracts pollinators which are beneficial to promoting fruit and vegetable growth. Zinnias also are great companion flowers for vegetable gardens as their bright colors attract a variety of pollinators.

Perhaps the best companion flower for vegetable gardens is the Nasturtium. This annual flower has very distinctive, large, dish-shaped deep green leaves and lovely yellow to orange blossoms throughout the summer. It has many wonderful companion attributes and, as an added bonus, the roots, leaves and flowers are edible. The Nasturtium also has antibacterial properties. As a companion flower, Nasturtium entices aphids away from many vegetable plants, especially tomatoes.

Flowers are not the only companion planting to vegetables. Vegetables also support other vegetables. The “three sisters” have been traditionally grown by indigenous peoples for millennia. Corn is the tall sister, holding and protecting her smaller sisters, Bean and Squash. Corn provides the stalk for pole beans to climb. Sister Bean fulfills a need as she regulates the amount of nitrogen in the soil, a necessary element for plants to grow healthy. Squash, particularly winter squash such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti or pumpkin, provide ground cover to keep water from evaporating allowing Sister Corn to grow tall and Sister Bean to grow thick and lush. Plus, this little sister makes it difficult for critters such as raccoons, deer and rabbits to get to the corn and beans.

While there are many companion planting guides available throughout the internet, three of the best can be found at the Farmer’s Almanac, Burpee Seed Company and our own OSU Extension Office. Be sure to check out the OSU Extension gardening fact sheet HLA-6431 “Earth-Kind Gardening Series Cultural Control Practices” published in February 2017 by David Hillock for a list of Oklahoma companion plants for vegetable gardens.

May Is Stroke Awareness Month: Learn the Facts

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center

May 26, 2023

Woman suffering from chest pain heart attack. Healthcare and medical concept.

By the time you are done reading this article several people in the United States are likely to have experienced a stroke. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States has a stroke on average every 40 seconds. Sadly, stroke is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability, with half of all stroke survivors over age 65 experiencing reduced mobility. What’s more, every four minutes, someone in this country dies from a stroke.

While that makes this all-too-common occurrence a leading cause of death and disability, many people are not familiar with stroke’s signs and symptoms. That’s especially unfortunate because blood flow to the brain is impacted when someone is having a stroke, so the sooner help is provided, the less potential there is for damage to occur.

Kristy Petersen, MD, medical director of the Rehabilitation Institute at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, shares important information on stroke.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when an artery that carries blood to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel ruptures, causing brain tissue to die as it is deprived of vital blood supply.

Not all strokes are the same. The most common types include:

Ischemic strokes occur when an artery in the brain is blocked and forms a blood clot. This is the most common type of stroke and, according to the American Stroke Association®, ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of all strokes. Typical symptoms include facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily blocked. TIAs are sometimes referred to as “mini strokes” as these small blockages may cause symptoms and then go away. However, they can serve as an important warning sign and should be taken seriously.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain and leaks blood into or around brain tissue. People experiencing hemorrhagic strokes may describe them as the worst headache of their lives. In addition to an intensive headache, weakness, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms.

X- Ray illustration of brain stroke – 3d Illustration

Think F.A.S.T.

The American Stroke Association provides guidelines on stroke symptoms.

These include:

F = Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

A = Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty

Is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911

They also advise you to watch for other symptoms of a possible stroke, including sudden:

NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech

TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes

TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

Portrait of a senior African American couple outdoors. The man is sitting in a wheelchair, in the warm embrace of his devoted wife. Their eyes are closed and her cheek is touching his forehead.

Nationally Recognized Stroke Care at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center

The good news for residents of northwest Oklahoma is that when every minute matters, quality stroke care is close to home.

The Oklahoma State Health Department has designated St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center as a Level II Stroke Center. This means that the St. Mary’s stroke team has an organized approach and protocols for managing patients who come to the hospital for stroke treatment.

In addition, St. Mary’s has received the American Heart Association’s® Stroke Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

St. Mary’s is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and earned its Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The hospital has also been rated a high-performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report in stroke care.

For more information, visit stmarysregional.com/services/stroke-center.

305 South 5th Street, Enid, Oklahoma 73701

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.

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms

Monica Rorick

May 25, 2023

Life has been happening in our household lately, so I have been looking for easy to make, but tasty meals. And the restrictions of my husband’s diet has been getting me down, so finding a new recipe for chicken has become a little daunting…but I think this recipe hits all the right marks!

Now, I will admit that I did “juge up” this recipe a bit by adding some additional basil and rosemary on top of the chicken before layering the mushrooms and cheese on top. Also, I can’t just sauté Mushrooms with garlic, so I added a little Italian seasoning, about 1/3 teaspoon and a 1/2 teaspoon Worchester sauce after the butter melted down. And, if you are not a fan of Mozzarella cheese, you could definitely use any cheese you prefer…a Monterey Jack or a Sharp Cheddar would absolutely be good choices for this dish.
I hope you choose to try this dish! Happy Cooking!!!

***this recipe is adapted from “Cheesy Chicken and Mushroom Bake” from Diethood.com

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

FOR THE MUSHROOMS

• 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

FOR THE CHICKEN BREASTS

• 4 (1-pound total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded down to 1/4-inch thickness
• salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 375˚F.
• Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
• Add sliced mushrooms and sliced onions to the skillet; season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant.
• Transfer half of the mushrooms mixture to the prepared baking dish; set the rest aside.
• Return skillet to heat and add the rest of the butter and olive oil.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian Seasoning.
• Add chicken breasts to the hot oil – you may have to do this in batches if skillet isn’t big enough – and cook chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.
• Remove chicken breasts from skillet and arrange over mushrooms in the baking dish.
• Return skillet to the stove; add chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until liquid is reduced.
• Meanwhile, top the chicken breasts with the rest of the mushrooms mixture, add cheese over the chicken breasts, and finally, pour in the prepared chicken broth.
• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
• Remove from oven.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve.

A Hidden Treasure

Dalen McVay

May 23, 2023

Did you know Enid had its own family-owned bait & tackle store? Located at 2011 N. Independence is Big Al’s Sinker and Lure Shop. Owned by Alvin Frye, the business has been in existence for 63 years. Once owned by his father, Al’s purpose in having the shop now is to honor his father, who was a disabled veteran Ranger from World War II. Big Al’s carries fishing tackle, fishing accessories, custom lures and live bait. His father sold to almost every bait shop in Northwest Oklahoma and currently only one other live bait shop exists in this area and it’s 60 miles away. Proudly carrying American-made products,

In addition to several varieties of live bait (Shad, Perch, Salty’s, Goldfish, Cajun Crawdads, Shiners and night crawlers), you can find frozen bait, custom-made stink bait, custom-made lures and custom weights. The live bait is cleaned and flushed daily with fresh well water. The bait shop is air conditioned and well and custom live wells with aerators can also be purchased.

Need equipment? Big Al’s carries custom rods and reels like Meat Hunter Rods and Abu Garcia Reels. There are over 400 jars and bags in which the customer can select and make their own fishing lures including jigs and spinner baits. Hooks, weights, swivels, fishing line, nets, it can all be bought here supporting a local business. He carries custom-made Bucktails that are fire-glued and hand-tied, making them much more durable than those bought at big box stores.

A practice unique to Big Al’s is a “grab bag” box. For only a few dollars, you can reach into a box and retrieve a brown paper bag containing a variety of fishing tackle. In select bags are coupons for large-value items such as rods and reels. My daughter (pictured here with a nice slab crappie caught last weekend with minnows from Al) loves the thrill of the grab bags. For the novice (or even experienced fisherman) Al is more than happy to share his expertise or give recommendations particular to the species you are seeking.

For more information, see http://www.bigalsfishingtackleshop.com/home or check out the Facebook page. The shop was closed a good portion of last year due to health reasons, but it’s up and fully stocked again. Remember, support small local businesses and keep those lines tight. Until next time friends. . .

Best of Enid 2023 FINALISTS

Robert Faulk

May 20, 2023

CONGRATULATIONS to the following FINALISTS (Top 3) in each category! We cordially invite all finalists (and supporters) to the “Best of Enid Awards Show” where the winner of each category will be announced and presented with a custom trophy. All finalists will be recognized both at the Award Show and in the July issue of the Enid Monthly Magazine. The Awards Show will be held on June 1, 2023 at the Stride Bank Center. Doors Open at 6:00. Program begins 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each (open seating) or $350 for a table of 8 (guaranteed table together closer to the front). Tickets must be reserved by emailing advertising@enidmonthly.com, messaging Enid Monthly on facebook, or texting/calling Blake at (316) 719-0849 BY MONDAY MAY 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM. The event SOLD OUT last year so get your tickets ordered in order to be at the show! Without further ado, here are your finalists (in alphabetical order).

Best Accountant
William Hann- Hann Plummer
Kelly Mendel – CSCO
Dee Plummer – Hann Plummer

Best Apartments
Esplanade at Stonebridge Village
Hunters Hills Apartments
Tuscana Apartments

Best Attorney
Ben Ezzell
Dalen McVay
Russell Singleton

Best Auto Repair/Service
Four J’s Tire Service
Grand Garage Automotive & Towing
Speed Tech Automotive

Best Bank/Credit Union
Bank of Kremlin
Stride Bank
Tinker Federal Credit Union

Best Bakery
Donna Jean’s Bakery
Jumbo Bakery
Katy’s Pantry

Best Bar
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Liquor in the Axe
Settler’s Brewing Co.

Best BBQ
Blaze’s BBQ
Swadley’s Bar-B-Q
Turkey Creek Smokin’ BBQ & Cajun

Best Boutique
Bee Jeweled Boutique
The Boho Teepee
Okie Babe Boutique

Best Breakfast
Boomerang Diner
Café Volare
Wee Too

Best Burger
Flamingo Lounge
Lenox Drive-In
Lotta Burger

Best Cannabis Dispensary
Mother’s Joy Dispensary
Natural Remedies
Heatseekers Dispensary

Best Coffee Shop
Coffee Inclination
Davinci’s Coffeehouse and Gelateria
Five 80 Coffeehouse

Best Car Dealership
Northcutt Chevrolet-Buick
Northcutt Toyota
Stuart Nissan of Enid

Best Childcare Provider
Kiddie Cove Home Daycare
Kinder Connection
Summerhill Children’s House

Best Children’s Party
Enid Axe
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and Adventure Quest
Nicole’s Gymnastic Academy

Best Chiropractor
Dr. John Conaway
Dr. Erin Jenkins
Dr. Arnold Kenyon

Best Dental Care
Dr. Jarrod Lack – TLC Dental
Dr. Daulton Roberts – TLC Dental
Dr. John Thomas – Enid Family Dental

Best Electrician
Byrum Electric Co.
Brody Ronistal Electic
Dense Mechanical/Comfort Solutions

Best Entertainment
Enid Axe
Oakwood Bowl
Stride Bank Center

Best Eye Doctor
Dr. Justin Funk – Premier Eyecare of Enid
Dr. Brian Shewey – Enid Eye, Inc.
Dr. Heath Stotts – Vision Source

Best Family Medicine
Dr. Emily Cooper
Dr. Renah Gibson
Andrew Ward

Best Financial Planner
Will Gungoll – Edward Jones
Keith Holsten – K/H Financial
Jenna Rosine – Edward Jones

Best Fitness/Gym
Denny Price Family YMCA
Planet Fitness
Rosebud’s Aerial Yoga Studio

Best Florist
Enid Floral & Gifts
Huffman Floral
Uptown Florist

Best Funeral Home
Anderson-Burris Funeral Home
Brown Cummings Funeral Home
Ladusau Evans Funeral Home & Crematory

Best Hair Salon
Bloom Hair Studio
Bluejay’s Barbershop & Beauty
Twisted Scissors Hair Studio

Best Heating & Air
Dennis Plumbing, Heat & Air
Dense Mechanical/Comfort Solutions
Slater Mechanical

Best Home Maintenance/Remodeling
Matthew Compton Remodeling
Le Roux Contracting
Stephens Construction

Best Insurance Agency
Jeff Eaton State Farm
Enid Insurance Agency
Mike Stuber – Farmers

Best Jewelry Store
Ediger’s Diamonds
Jackson Diamond Jewelers
Zales

Best Lawn Care
Blake’s Lawn Care
Enid Lawn Co.
Galopa Services

Best Liquor Store
Proof Wine & Spirits
Rock Island Liquor and Wine
The Wine Press

Best Local Restaurant
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Napoli’s Italian Restaurant
Tokyo Japanese Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar

Best Massage
Dia Metcalf
Amanda Peters
Tonya’s Massage & Wellness Spa

Best Beauty Care/Spa
Blossom Beauty Bar
The Med Spa at Enid Live Well
Salon De’fy

Best Mexican Restaurant
El Patio
Mama Tita’s
Sandy’s Tacos

Best Orthodontist
Orthodontic Solutions
Rose Rock Orthodontics
Schuessler Orthodontics

Best Pet Grooming
Groom Closet Pet Center
Lollie’s Grooming
Unleashed – Pet Grooming Salon

Best Pharmacy
Family Pharmacy
Rick’s Pharmacy
Scheffe Prescription Shop

Best Photographer
Jesse Heddleson Photography
Jennifer Johnson – Mug Shots Photpgraphy
Wess & Jolene Grey Portraits

Best Pizza
A Fuego Pizza
Godfather’s Pizza
Hideaway Pizza

Best Plumbing
Dennis Plumbing
Dense Mechanical/Comfort Solutions
J.A. Benge Co.

Best Realtor
Lori Dick – Nicholas Residential Real Estate
Casi Nichols – E-Towne Realty
Torrie Vann – Coldwell Banker Realty III

Best Roofing
Eagle Heritage Roofing
Fine Roofing & Remodeling
Vargas Roofing

Best Senior Living
Burgandy Place
Golden Oaks Village
Greenbrier Village

Best Tattoo Parlor
Apothika Tattoo
Blood Brothers Tattoo
Omocke Ink

Best Thrift Store
Hope Outreach Thrift Store
Park Avenue Thrift
Return Engagement

Best Veterinarian
Dr. Kristy Krueger-Krisle
Dr. Taylor Shrum – Wheatland Animal Clinic
Dr. Joyce Yauk – The Cat Clinic

Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Wingstop

OBA Art

Oklahoma Bible Academy

May 20, 2023

Passion, patience, and perseverance are the three words that came up when discussing what art at OBA has taught three of our seniors. Over the past several years, art at OBA has become the passion of many students. While some students have had that passion throughout their life, some did not develop it until they really dove in.

This year, seniors Becca Benjamin and Creighton Hofen, won the Art Excellence Award for Visual Art along with, junior Lawson Morgan. Last year, senior Reagan Redelsperger won this same award as a junior. These are the highest level awards given to the top Oklahoma students. Twenty-two Oklahoma students received the award and three of them were OBA students!

However, while talking with the three seniors, Benjamin, Hofen, and Redelsperger, they kept touching on the fact that they were not “overnight sensations.” Their commitment to bettering their art was a theme throughout our conversation. A key aspect of their growth was art teacher Mrs. Russell. The seniors said of Mrs. Russell that she has a good balance of teaching and pushing students outside their comfort zone to achieve outstanding results. Not only is she her student’s biggest fan, but she is also just as invested in her student’s well-being. She constantly comes alongside them to give them a new perspective that allows their art to flourish.

For all three seniors, pursuing art did not come without its sacrifices. Redelsperger’s love of art started at a young age. She knew it was something she wanted to pursue throughout her high school career. She spoke of having to give up class time with her peers so that she could take seven years of art classes at OBA. Not to mention, the countless weekend and summer commitments that have allowed her to better her art and pursue her passion. Redelsperger attended a pre-college program in Rhode Island last summer for six weeks and plans to attend the Quartz Mountain summer program this summer along with Benjamin.

Unlike Redelsperger, Benjamin’s love for art is something that has developed over time. As a middle school student, Benjamin just took art as part of the curriculum. Then, in high school, something switched. Benjamin attributed that to Mrs. Russell’s keen eye for art and artists. Benjamin has had to give up weekends and weeknights to finish her art projects on time. Patience was the key thing Benjamin touched on when they were asked about their art. You cannot spend an hour and be done with a project, it takes hours or even days.

Hofen is somewhat of a balance of Redelsperger and Benjamin when it comes to his art journey. He’s always drawn and doodled for as long as he can remember, but through Mrs. Russell’s teaching, he has developed his skill tremendously. He feels like he’s been working toward being great at art and with winning the Art Excellence Award, it solidified that. Hofen discussed persevering through projects that were not his favorite, to finish something that looked great. He was committed to pushing through, even if it was the last thing he wanted to do.

Overall, art at OBA has had an impact on our students. Now, these students are taking principles they have learned in art and applying them to other aspects of their lives. Music and science were just two of the areas they mentioned, although we know it will carry over into more areas in the future. Congratulations, students, on your achievements and commitment!

May Doodle

Chris Downing

May 20, 2023

Leonardo’s Da Vinci Day Camp

Robert Faulk

May 12, 2023

Summer break is almost here! Kids get a break from school and can just be kids! But as wonderful as summer is, it also leaves many parents scrambling to find the best options for their children. Fortunately, there are more options than ever, but parents have to decide which one is the best for their child and offers the best value.

One great option to consider is Leonardo’s Da Vinci Day Camp! Leonardo’s has been inspiring children in the Enid area with fun, hands-on art and science for more than thirty years. Mostly known for their children’s museum and giant community-built playground Adventure Quest, they have also become a summer camp staple!

At Da Vinci Day Camp, kids get to spend eight weeks, either full day or half day, exploring, creating, and playing at Leonardo’s! This makes for an enriching, screen-free experience that many kids and families come back to year after year. In terms of value, the cost of camp is comparable to more traditional options like daycare or babysitters and is frequently more affordable!

Da Vinci Day Camp 2023 runs from June 5 to July 28, and the theme for this year is “Adventure Land at Leo’s!” where kids will journey through eight amazing lands using S.T.E.A.M. concepts (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to find their way. All without ever leaving the 200 block of East Maple in Downtown Enid!

“We always have a blast at camp, and this year is shaping up to be more fun than ever!” says Tracy Bittle, Executive Director at Leonardo’s. “The kids are going to love the ‘destinations’ we have lined up. Throughout the summer, we will go from the beach to the Arctic and beyond.”

New this year to Da Vinci Day Camp are two new programs that are partnerships with other great organizations that serve Enid. The first is a partnership with the Garfield County Master Gardeners, who will teach the kids basic gardening and help the campers grow vegetables to feed the animals in Leonardo’s Critter Clubhouse. The second is a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Health, who are providing materials that will cover important topics like self-esteem building, recognizing advertising, decision-making, and much more.

“We are fortunate to have great partners in our community. We all work hard to meet our missions, so it’s great when we can work with organizations like the Garfield County Master Gardeners, Oklahoma Department of Health, and Park Avenue Thrift, just to name a few. We can achieve so much more when we work together!” said Leonardo’s Business Operations Manager Guin Cahill.

The enrollment deadline for camp is June 2, and you can sign up for the entire eight weeks or for select weeks. To learn more, visit leonardos.org or stop by Leonardo’s Children’s Museum.

“Coming Attractions” Proudly Sponsored by Park Avenue Thrift!

Local Legends: Dustin Musick

Robert Faulk

May 11, 2023

Dustin Shane Musick was born in Enid Oklahoma to Loretta and Tennis Musick. His parents moved to the hills of Kentucky while he was still young and he attended schools there until he was 15. They moved back to Enid in 1985, moving right next door to his grandmother. Family is very important to him coming right behind God. He grew up as an only child but always yearned for siblings and a large family and now has a huge family both by blood and by choice. He loved sports, playing on several teams in school. He was in line for a baseball scholarship until a shoulder injury took him away from that path. He played on the adult Enforcers football team for a couple of years and he still loves all sports.

He is now 52 years old and has been married to his beautiful wife for 20 years, has 11 children, both biological and adopted. He has 6 children in the home, and 5 adult children living out of the house, the youngest being 3, and oldest 35, not to mention the countless children him and his wife have opened their arms and hearts to without hesitation. Their home is full of family and love. He has owned several businesses, including appliance repair, photography, and a security company. After 20 years in law enforcement/security, Dustin retired from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office but has also worked with numerous departments around the Enid area.

Dustin began training in martial arts at the age of 6, when his parents found an instructor who would teach him for free. Now, he runs a MMA, Kickboxing, TaeKwonDo, Jui-jitsu, and Boxing studio. He currently offers a free TaeKwonDo program for ages 5-17, to help the at-risk youth in the community. He is the Founder of Humanitarian School of Martial Arts and has taught for 22 years in the Enid area. He created the program in hopes of making a difference in the lives of the youth of the community like the free lessons he received as a child. He currently has plans to teach children on the base through a program they are developing. He was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in the early 2000s and went to training camps including one with Frank Shamrock, former middleweight UFC fighter.

Dustin holds various ranks in several styles he has studied over the years including Grand Master of TaeKwonDo. He has worked with Chuck Norris and Bill “Superfoot” over the years. He has awarded around 28 black belts over the years and is so proud of each and every student for achieving this rank. Only a small percentage of those students still practice or teach martial arts but most of the others have gone on in life to accomplish great things. Not every story is rosy though, 6 of those black belts were awarded posthumously upon their death. It is the tradition of HSMA to award the highest rank, 10th dan to those who pass on before they reach the ultimate goal.

If this all was not enough, in his free time he is a substitute teacher, plays bass in a local band called “The RevoLt”, plays with the worship band at the church and gives private guitar and vocal lessons. He has recently graduated from Central Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology, achieving a long time goal. Loves going to lake with family and friends, camping out and fishing. Over the years he has worn many different hats …. son, husband, father, poppop, officer, brother, grand master, sir, friend, the list goes on and on but the best one is child of God. He is a true Local Legend!

LOCAL LEGENDS IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY HUMPHREY AND GUARANTEE ABSTRACT CO.!

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Enid MonthlyYour FREE locally-owned magazine

Enid MonthlyYour FREE locally-owned magazine

Enid MonthlyYour FREE locally-owned magazine

Enid MonthlyYour FREE locally-owned magazine

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Local Legends: Dustin Musick

Enid MonthlyYour FREE locally-owned magazine