Now is the time to start spring and summer gardening. Planning gardens, perusing garden catalogs and websites, purchasing seeds, starting indoor seeds to have seedlings ready when it is time to plant gardens all happens now. For many of us who already have gardens, we know how our land drains and what soil amendments we need to use, what perennials are already planted and where and may even have some ideas about what annuals we want to plant. The vegetable gardeners among us may have tilled under last year’s garden bed and already supplemented the soil last fall to ready it for planting at the end of February. But what to add to the mele? That is the question.
Every winter when seed catalogs come out there are new and wonderful additions for our gardens. If you are a rose gardener, new species of roses are bred every year. New colors of blooms, richer, headier scented blooms, larger blooms and even bushes with more blooms are available every season. Check out some of the catalogs online for just roses – Spring Hill Nurseries, Jackson and Perkins, Chamblee Rose Nursery from Tyler, Texas, and High Country Roses from Broomfield, Colorado all have an amazing variety for your garden and cater to our hardiness zone 6b/7a. In fact, February and March are the prime months for planting rose bushes in our area.
While November is the best month for planting perennial bulbs that flower in the spring such as daffodils, irises, hyacinth, tulips and crocuses, February and March are a great time to plant summer blooming dahlias, calla lilies, canna lilies, lilies, and gladiolus. Some lesser known summer-blooming perennial bulbs are the delicate purple and white Starflower, Montbretia with its heat-loving strappy green leaves and arching stems with small, vibrant red-orange blooms, and the vertical fuzzy, orange Foxtail Lily. Bulbs are a great base to colorful gardens that you can later supplement with annual seeds or starter plants for additional color and texture.
If you are a vegetable gardener, early February is the time to start seedlings inside. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are very susceptible to cold temperatures and do better started inside, hardened off and then transplanted to the garden when chances of cold weather are past. Additionally, plants that struggle in the extreme heat of Oklahoma can be started early inside and planted as soon as danger of frost is past to extend the period of harvest. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower all benefit from starting indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside.
Whatever you like to grow, now is the time to start planning, and start planting for a colorful, edible spring and summer. Happy gardening.
This recipe is easy and quick to put together. It is an “all in one pot” kind of dish that I can really appreciate. I will say that I wasn’t expecting the ground chicken with the ground turkey for the meatballs, so I did not have the chicken available. I made my meatballs with just ground turkey. But the meatballs themselves had good flavor and I felt that they would be easily frozen for future meals, so this recipe is good for the meatballs on their own.
Now, I will be honest…this was not one of my favorite dishes. I felt like the sauce was missing something. It was supposed to have that “Tuscan Italian” flair, but I just didn’t find it. It was missing some kind of spice, or vegetable…some flavor was missing for my palette, and I am still trying to figure that out. The Hubs thought it was delicious and ate the leftovers for lunch the next day!! Maybe it was the sun-dried tomatoes I purchased. Sometimes they seem to lack flavor for me… At any rate, it will be a recipe that I will try again. Especially the turkey meatballs! If you try it, let me know! Happy cooking!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 lb (220g) ground turkey meat • 1/2 lb (220g) ground chicken meat • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone…) • 4 cloves garlic, grated + 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes, optional • 1 crumbled bouillon cube, optional • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste • 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley), divided • 2 teaspoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 small yellow onion, diced • 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable broth • 5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomato in oil, drained of oil • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 cups baby spinach leaves • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
DIRECTIONS
To make the creamy spinach turkey meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey and ground chicken, cheese, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, red chili pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or fork and form medium balls. Arrange the turkey meatballs on a plate and set them aside.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the turkey meatballs for 8 – 10 minutes on all sides until browned and cooked through. Remove to a clean plate and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter in the remaining cooking juices. Add in the garlic and fry until fragrant (about one minute). Add onion and stir fry until translucent. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1-2 minutes, so they release their flavors. Finally, pour in the vegetable broth, and allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
Reduce heat to low, add in the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Season the cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Add in the baby spinach and allow to wilt in the sauce. Finally, add in the parmesan cheese. Allow cream sauce to simmer for a further minute until the cheese melts through.
Add the cooked turkey meatballs back into the pan; sprinkle with the parsley and spoon the sauce over each meatball. Serve the creamy garlic spinach Tuscan meatballs over steamed veg or cauliflower rice for Keto dieters, or rice or pasta for non-Keto. Enjoy! ❤️
*this recipe is from eatwell101.com **I served this over rotini pasta
Howdy friends, honk honk (that’s goose speak) what’s flying high today? Oklahoma is home to what seems like a bazillion geese. While goose hunting can be quite costly, it can be some of the most intense fast paced, shotgun shell slinging fun there is. Steel shot, of course.
I’m lucky in the fact I live on some land with an abundance of waterfowl. Crosslin Park ponds hold a lot of birds as does Golden Oaks retirement home. I live in between the two and the birds are buzzing my tower each day. I literally can stand on my back porch or lay by my pond and kill birds daily. Grill a steak, shoot a goose. It’s fantastic.
That said, here are just a few tips for getting that Christmas goose (“Save the neck for me, Clark”).
Decoys. Yes, they are expensive, and you typically need a bunch of them. Find a buddy with an enclosed trailer and split the cost. Get there early and spread them out. Designate a “landing spot” in your spread.
Multiple calls: Loud sharp calls are my preference, but it all depends on the weather conditions.
Decoys: I saw a drone video that showed the tract marks a UTV made while hunters while setting up their spread. While goose decoys vary in regard to numbers, it’s something to consider when deciding how and where to set out your spread. The aerial video was drastically different than the one where no UTV was used marking up tracks all over the field when setting out decoys. The less intrusive; the better even from high in the sky.
Geese are skittish, floaters are key. Movement is key. Floaters have natural movement along with the current.
Cluck and moan, fast and slow. Sound like a goose, be a goose.
On foggy days, flag rather than call.
Practice, practice practice. Make every shot count. Practice shooting out of your pit or layout blind. Practice when the weather is less than ideal.
Be different. If everyone around you has dozens of decoys, downsize and maybe use a couple dozen. Don’t call much. “You can do that by giving your decoy spread a different look. Remember, curiosity kills geese.” – Hunter Grounds
So go out and get you a few decoys, get some steel shot and get after the loud, honkin’ creatures in the sky.
The Enid Plainsmen are coming off one of their most successful stretches in memory, as they start the 2023 season. They hosted a home playoff game for the first time in 2021, and after losing 6 players on defense, including an all-stater, it was uncertain of how well the team would do in 2022. It was evident they would still excel on offense, but how would they defend? 2nd year head coach Jorge Cabada had a plan – he moved standout freshman David Smith to Outside Back and it immediately paid dividends. They started district play 5-0 and were on track to compete for the district championship before tragedy struck and they lost one of the team leaders, Miguel Chavez, an all-state player, to injury. “Losing Miguel near the end of the season was tough,” Cabada said, “we still fought hard and lost in the first round of the playoffs in overtime. I still think we could have really gone deep in the playoffs if we had not lost Miguel”
And deep in the playoffs is the goal for this year’s team. Although Chavez is off playing soccer in college, they only lost two other starters, leaving an experienced and talented team for this year’s squad. “We have a lot of great players back this year,” Cabada said, “Even though we play in the toughest district (6A-4) in the state against some of the best teams, we expect to be able to compete with all of them.”
Some of the players expected to stand out this year include Senior Center Back Raymond Gonzalez, Junior Winger Oswaldo Herrera, Senior Center Mid Armando Vega and Senior Goalkeeper Oliver Castellanos. Cabada described them like this “Gonzalez is the catalyst to the team. He really gets them going. He’s in phenomenal shape, and his work ethic is unmatched and rubs off on the other players. Herrera is one of the most dynamic players in the state. He can score from anywhere, with either foot and no one in the state can keep up with him. Vega is the Allen Iverson of the team. He may not be the biggest, strongest or fastest, but when the lights turn on, he is a highlight reel.
Cabada also gives a lot of credit to the focus Enid high has put on strength and conditioning with the hiring of strength and conditioning coach Jana Robertson who works directly with the soccer team with soccer-specific workouts. The team has really bought in and he believes they are in as good of shape in January as they were at the end of the season last year, which should play dividends on the pitch.
Lastly, Cabada is really excited to move practice and games to the new Advance Soccer Complex. “Being able to play and practice on a bigger (wider) field is going to open up a lot of opportunities for us,” he said. “Not only will it be one of the best fields in the state, we will also be able to practice indoors in bad weather for the first time. We have a lot of appreciation for all the Allen family and others have done to make that a possibility.”
Most home games will be held at the Advance Soccer Complex at 1526 S. Garland Road. They would love to have you cheering them on this year!
ENID PLAINSMEN/PACER PRIDE OF THE PLAINS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SLATER MECHANICAL!
I love football because discipline over time yields results. Of all activities in today’s world, it is one of the remaining few bastions that remind us that results don’t happen overnight – not right when we want it. And it only happens if you show up every day, even when you don’t want to. It takes patience, persistence, selflessness and sacrifice. I would venture to say that if one was to sit down and write down all of the problems in our society that upset them the most, the character traits listed above would be much of the antidote or prevention to many of them. Other sports teach similar traits, but football stands alone for a few reasons. Maybe my favorite reason is that no other sport has a position where you literally never touch the ball unless something goes very wrong (lineman). I firmly believe, based on a litany of Scripture, that the purpose of a Christian life is to serve, not to be served – as ultimately displayed by our Savior, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:3-8). And I also firmly believe that “center-of-the-universe” parenting styles that teach children from a young age that their comfort and happiness are all that matters, and everything else must bend the knee to those goals, is deeply antithetical to what is taught in Scripture. So, I love football because it teaches that having the ball in your hand is important, but it’s just another job. Blocking for the guy with the ball is just as important, and when the ball carriers are praising the blockers and the blockers are praising the ball-carriers, special things happen.
That said, I have had the opportunity to coach this wonderful game at OBA during most of my 16 years here. Enid’s best citizen, Paul Dunbar, started the program around 20 years ago and some of my first experiences were getting to coach junior high football with him, which is a privilege I will never forget. I could write a few pages on every coach I have gotten to coach football with at OBA, but the uniqueness of the program over the past 20 years has been how many volunteer coaches have sacrificed to expand the vision of equipping young men to be better husbands, fathers, and members of Christ’s body. Too many people to count, and many unknown, have sacrificed countless hours and personal capital to extend this vision. Board members from 20 years ago have shared how the morning after approving a football program they began the work of pulling soccer goals, setting dimensions for the field, and eventually setting goal posts, lights, field posts for the fence, building bleachers and a field house brick-by-brick, etc. No bond issue passed, just a volunteer workforce of a couple-dozen men who shared the same vision, and gave sacrificially in all ways to make it happen.
From the founding of a little country school 111 years ago by a persecuted people seeking to have the freedom to teach all subjects through the lens of God’s Word, to the farmers who sacrificed personal property to help the school in lean times, to current families sacrificing a car payment to have their kids at OBA – I just want to put my brick in the wall. We aren’t perfect, and we mess up, but we will always lean on the solid rock and His mission for discipleship because He doesn’t mess up. I am so thankful for those who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice, for the program. In the 16 years I have been at OBA, every kid who finished the football process through their senior year can communicate that sacrificial mission because they’ve joined in the mission and saw it through. Even though the team finished 13-1 this year and appeared in the state semi-finals, those accomplishments are foolishness if young men do not grasp the mission of loving and serving something bigger than themselves. This is why I coach football at Oklahoma Bible Academy.
young beautiful woman holding red balloon in heart shape and gift happy and cheerful looking at camera smiling celebrating valentines day over orange background
Hi y’all! Welcome back to the Teen Scene column in ENID MONTHLY!! As you most likely know this month is February, the month that has one of my favorite holidays…VALENTINES DAY! This month I am going to be writing about the top 5 best Valentine’s Day gifts to get your teen! Let’s go!
Starting off with a pretty easy gift is candy and/or chocolate! Personally, I am not a big fan of candy but I do love some chocolate, especially dark. Whenever I get chocolate for any gift I always eat it pretty fast and when I gift it to my friends they do as well. It is a very affordable option compared to most and also a delicious treat!
Number 2, A TEDDY BEAR!! I know a lot of teens love receiving teddy bears because who wouldn’t! They’re big, soft, squishy and all around just something comfy to snuggle with. Now I’ve never personally been gifted with my own teddy bear but If I ever received one I think I would love that person a lot more!
One of my personal favorite gifts to receive is a beautiful bouquet of flowers! I know for a fact almost ANY girl/woman would LOVE flowers as a gift! They might die fast but whenever you get to look at them in a vase it’s like no other gift. Every time my mom or dad give me flowers I feel like the happiest girl in the world! They’re so pretty and easy to take care of for the time they are alive.
Now perfumes are very tricky to pick out for teens, ESPECIALLY girls unless you already know what they like. Some of the most popular perfumes right now are Ariana Grande’s new Mood collection, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa perfume mist, and of course Bath & Body Works. They are definitely more on the pricey side but it is definitely worth it!
Lastly, a simple piece of jewelry. I love jewelry and if you pay attention to a lot of teens, they do too!! It can be anything from a little dainty necklace to an anklet. I almost 100% guarantee you that your teen will wear whatever piece of jewelry you buy them. A popular necklace right now is anything Kendra Scott! But no matter what brand I’m sure they’ll love it.
Thank you so much for reading this month’s article!! I hope it was helpful <3 If you have any comments, questions or ideas for upcoming articles email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com I would love to hear your ideas or thoughts!! I hope you all have an Amazing February and a Valentine’s day filled with LOVE!! See you next month!
Often when customers entered Western Sizzlin, Steve Harris could be found greeting you at the door or sitting at a table visiting with other customers. For Steve, life has always been about serving the people of Enid and the surrounding communities. The restaurant was simply a vessel to do this and an opportunity to show the love of Christ.
Steve’s heart for community came from being reared by Howard and Wanda Harris in the small town of Eros, Arkansas. He grew up on the farm as the oldest of five children. His dad was a farmer and dairy milk carrier and his mother worked in a medical products manufacturing facility. Steve developed a strong work ethic through the farm and his parents’ example. Something that was needed to run successful businesses for 42 years, 37 of those in Enid.
Photo by Wess & Jolene Gray Portraits
After graduating from Bruno High School, he studied agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas. He served as the president of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and as president of the local campus organization and the national organization of Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship. The summer before his senior year of college, Steve worked for his uncle, who owned several Western Sizzlins in Arkansas and Missouri. He developed a passion for the restaurant industry and pursued it full-time. He loved the energy of the restaurant industry: the people, the employees, and the day-to-day operations. He spent five years managing Western Sizzlins in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Joplin, Missouri, before moving to Enid in 1981.
With three other partners, Steve opened Western Sizzlin in Enid on December 15, 1981. By 1989 Steve had bought out his partners to become the sole owner-operator of the restaurant. During this time he also married his wife Brenda of 33 years while she was working for him. Together Brenda and Steve created a restaurant environment that taught their three children, Katie, Steffanie, and Isaac, a strong work ethic as they grew up working at “Western” until it closed. He took great pride in working alongside his family as his four siblings, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew all worked with him at different times.
Photo by Wess & Jolene Gray Portraits
Steve served on many boards for the Western Sizzlin franchise throughout his career. He served as the president of the Advertisement Development and Research Fund and, for many years was the president of the purchasing board for Western Sizzlin. Steve thoroughly enjoyed bringing his kids to board meetings to spend extra time with them and teach them about business.
Since arriving in Enid, Steve was an active member at Emmanuel Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and participating on multiple boards through the years. He has been a lifetime supporter of FFA, 4-H, and the NRA organizations. His enjoyment came from serving the community by sponsoring various local events such as the rodeo, concerts, and sporting activities. One of his favorite events to cater was the Northwest Junior Livestock Show annually. Steve often bought animals at the auction and proudly displayed their portraits on his wall at the store. You can still find him there each year, volunteering and visiting with the community.
Steve would tell you that the Lord brought him to Enid. His purpose in the restaurant was not just to serve great food but to share the love of Jesus Christ. Steve has a strong relationship with God, as demonstrated in his daily life. He would donate food monthly to the Salvation Army or Our Daily Bread. He loved supporting many fundraisers or gatherings for local businesses or schools with food or financial donations. He was also known for picking up the meals for multiple customers daily to help them celebrate special occasions or treat them to a nice dinner. Nothing made him happier than to sit and visit with his customers and employees.
At the heart of Western Sizzlin were the relationships developed through the 37 years of business. Perhaps some of the most important relationships were those with his employees. Through the years, thousands of people have worked at the restaurant in some capacity. Many of these employees became like family. Many were employed by Western for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, and some all 37 years. He wouldn’t hesitate to lend a car or money, provide food for holidays, or spend personal time with them to hear about their school or families. These relationships exceeded the typical owner and employee as he truly cared about and loved his employees as family.
Steve Harris continues to contribute to the Enid community and enjoys the friendships established through his days at Western Sizzlin. His devotion to his wife and children and growing family provide him supreme joy–knowing he had the good fortune to live a life far exceeding his expectations. Thank you, Steve Harris.
LOCAL LEGENDS IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY HUMPHREY AND GUARANTEE ABSTRACT CO.!
Park Avenue Thrift is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations and schools who serve Enid and offer quality-of-life benefits to our community for its 2023 grant cycle. Applications are due by March 31, 2023.
Park Avenue Thrift is an Oklahoma 501(c)(3) that exists to strengthen the Enid community and serve others by collecting donations, running a top-notch thrift store, and giving the proceeds to Enid nonprofits that invest in quality-of-life initiatives.
“Thanks to community support, 2022 was such a great year of giving and we are looking forward to 2023!” said Stela Jantzen, Park Avenue Thrift Executive Director. “In 2022 we were able to give more to organizations thanks to the record-breaking support from our community through shopping and donations. In 2023, we expect to reach $4 million in dollars given back to the community.”
In 2022, Park Avenue Thrift gave $362,127.31 to 26 different organizations including: 4RKids, Atelier, Bennie’s Barn, Chautauqua Council of Enid, Emerson Middle School, Enid Public Schools STEAM, Enid SPCA, Enid Symphony Association, Fling at the Springs, FLY Film Festival, Furever Friends, Garfield County Master Gardeners, Gaslight Theatre, Hayes Elementary, Hedges Regional Speech and Hearing Center, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Loaves and Fishes, Main Street Enid, Monroe Elementary, Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, RSVP of Enid, Waller Middle School, Youth and Family Services, and YWCA of Enid. Each of these organizations or projects help fulfill Park Avenue’s mission of providing funding to improve Enid’s Quality of Life.
Additionally, Park Avenue sponsored several events at a total of $16,701 in 2022. Park Avenue gave $14,957.54 towards 54 different Enid and Chisholm Public School classroom projects through DonorsChoose and issued $6,059.95 through vouchers with 18 different PAT Voucher Program Partners.
In total Park Avenue Thrift gave back $393,785.85 in 2022 which brings their total giving since 2007 to $3,766,966.59.
If an organization you belong to or know needs funding assistance for programming or projects this year, please consider applying for a PAT grant. Park Avenue focuses on funding visual and/or performing arts, education, environmental sustainability, and projects that keep Enid unique and a place where people want to be. Please visit their website at www.parkavenuethrift.org and click Community Giving to view and print the 2023 grant application.
February 1-28 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday “Imprinting the West: Manifest Destiny” Exhibit Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St)
February 1 6 pm Live Music: Jordan Holmes Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 2 6 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 3 6 pm Girls, 7:30 pm Boys Basketball: Enid High vs. Choctaw EHS Gymnasium (611 W. Wabash)
7 pm Live Music: Matthew Streck Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm Live Music: The Peachtrees Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
February 4-5 1 & 4 pm Saturday, 12 & 3 pm Sunday Baseball: NOC-Enid vs. Northeast C.C. David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
February 4 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
1 & 4 pm Art Quest Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
2 pm Cookie Decorating Class $45 included apps, one drink and everything you need to decorate cookies
2 pm – 4 pm Date Night Share Your Live Story with the Future The Farm on Norman (1401 Norman Rd.) Each couple will decorate their own time capsule, and be given a box of handmade chocolate truffles to take home. ($35)
7 pm Live Music: Stacey Sanders Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm Winter Chautauqua: Clara Barton Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Enid (2929 E. Randolph)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 5 3 pm – 6 pm Live Music: Jeremy Hildebrand The Alibi Bar (224 W. Broadway)
9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 6 5:30 Lady Jets , 7:30 Jets Basketball: NOC-Enid vs. NOC-Tonkawa Mabee Center (2401 E. Maine)
February 7 6 pm Girls, 7:30 pm Boys Basketball: Enid High vs. Putnam City West EHS Gymnasium (611 W. Wabash)
February 8 6 pm Live Music: Brock Niehus Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 9 6 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 10-11 6 pm Friday, 1 & 4 pm Saturday Baseball: NOC-Enid vs. Iowa Central David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
7 pm Dinner, 8 pm Show Live Theater: The Awesome 80s Prom Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence Ave)
February 10 6 pm A Night to Unite Oakwood Christian Church (401 N. Oakwood) IgniteNightEnid.com
7 pm Live Music: Scott Laughlin Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7-9 pm Museum After Dark: Date Night at the Museum Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St)
9 pm -12 pm Live Music: Van Damage The Alibi Bar (224 W. Broadway)
February 11 10 am (Registration) Cornhole Tournament and Fundraiser for Enid Bruins Youth Building (111 W. Purdue)
12 pm – 3 pm Wedding Open House The Farm on Norman (1401 Norman Rd.)
6:30 pm Book Signing & Reading: Benjamin Burleigh Putnam Six Bookstore (610 S. Cleveland)
7 pm Live Music: Shandee Lane Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
8 pm Live Music: Dually Noted Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
8 pm Valentine’s Day Stoplight Party RED (302 E. Maple) Wear Green (Single), Yellow (Maybe Interested) or Red (Taken)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 12 11 am Super Bowl Party RED (302 E. Maple) Drink specials during the game, Karaoke after!
February 13 5:30 pm Basketball: NOC-Enid Lady Jets vs. NEO Mabee Center (2401 E. Maine)
Time: TBA Kaylee’s Paint & Sip Kickback RED (302 E. Maple) Comes with all supplies, and a free candy martini!
February 14 10 am-? Valentine’s Day Elopement Special Enid’s newest weeding venue is having a Valentine’s Day Elopement special! $650. Call 580-470-0625 to reserve your ceremony time slot Must book by 2/10/23
5-7 pm Sensory Sensitive Playgroup Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
6-8 pm Parents’ Night Out Champion Park Gym (700 N. 10th St)
February 15 5 30 pm Galentine’s Chicks Night Out Networking Event ($10) PJ’s Champagne Bar (212 W. Randolph)
6 pm Live Music: Rocky Kenaga Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 16 6 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 17-18 7 pm Dinner, 8 pm Show Live Theater: The Awesome 80s Prom Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence Ave)
February 17 6 pm Girls, 7:30 pm Boys Basketball: Enid High vs. Putnam City Original EHS Gymnasium (611 W. Wabash)
6 pm Live Music: Greg Demyon Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm Live Music: The Oak Ridge Boys Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
8 pm Valentine’s Glow Rave RED (302 E. Maple)
February 18 10 am – 11 am Cheers and Namaste YMCA Fundraiser (Yoga) $20 includes a free drink
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
1 & 4 pm Art Quest Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
2-3 pm Goat Yoga hosted by Rosebud’s Aerial Yoga Studio The Farm on Norman (1401 Norman Rd.)
6:30 pm Martial Combat League Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)
7 pm Live Music: Carter Combs Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 19 9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 22 6 pm Live Music: Jordan Holmes Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 23 5:30 pm Lady Jets, 7:30 Jets Basketball: NOC-Enid vs. Eastern Oklahoma State Mabee Center (2401 E. Maine)
6 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 24 12 pm Baseball: NOC-Enid vs. Barton C.C. David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
6 pm Baseball: NOC-Enid Jets vs. Des Moines Area C.C. David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
6:30 pm Champagne & Diamonds Gala Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence) The annual 4RKids Foundation Gala will feature dinner, dancing, silent auction and a great time.
7 pm Live Music: Kaylee Junghanns & Matthew Streck Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
February 25 6 pm Ducks Unlimited Garfield County Banquet Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence)
6 pm Baseball: NOC-Enid vs. Seminole State College (OK) David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
7 pm Live Music: Brett Pemberton Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
8 pm Live Music: Backstage Pass Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
8 pm Ex Themed Cocktail Party RED (302 E. Maple)
9 pm Live Music: Robert Allen Shooters Saloon (1416 N. Grand)
9 pm Live Music: The Bottom of the Barrel The Alibi Bar (224 W. Broadway)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
February 26 9 pm Karaoke RED (302 E. Maple)
February 28 2 pm Baseball: NOC-Enid vs. Hutchinson C.C. David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
When most people think of February, several things come to mind – candy, flowers and especially hearts. As a nod to Valentine’s Day (and because it is American Heart Month) we thought we would highlight a few of the amazing medical professionals and programs who have devoted their lives to keeping our hearts healthy. Enid is home to two hospitals, and numerous doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals whose specialty is the true heart of Enid.
INTEGRIS Health Heart and Vascular Institute
Did you know Enid has a clinic designated just for heart patients? INTEGRIS Health Heart and Vascular Institute located at 707 S. Monroe St. has been a great addition to our city. This clinic offers a wide range of services, allowing community members to receive heart care close to home. INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital has a long history of bringing cardiovascular health to the people, especially in rural towns. This group of 35 doctors travels to 40 different locations around the state providing comprehensive cardiac care, including right here in Enid. The clinic’s goal is to provide treatment in a timely fashion, so they are able to find the source of the problem early on and treat it quickly. Much of the time, interventional treatment reduces or even stops the need for more extensive procedures.
Ryan Norris, D.O.
Ryan Norris, D.O. attended Kansas State University before graduating with his doctorate at Kansas City University of Medicine. He then completed his cardiovascular disease residency and fellowship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. Norris specializes in invasive non-interventional cardiology, as well as lipidology (one who studies fatty substances called lipids in the blood). He just so happens to be one of the only lipidologists in the state.
Dr Ryan Norris, M.D., Integris Health. April 2021.
His interest in becoming a doctor, and specifically a cardiologist, stemmed from his maternal grandmother being ill with a lot of heart issues when Norris was a child. During his rotations in medical school, he realized his passion for cardiology. “It just clicked,” he said. I liked the ability to do procedures and treat people in emergent situations.” Now, after being a doctor for several years, Norris says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing people take control of their lives. “When I see someone who has completely changed their life, and has decided to do the right thing for their health, it gives me a lot of satisfaction.”
Dr. Norris was asked to come to Enid to be a part of the heart clinic, and he now works in Enid a couple of days each week. Norris enjoys Enid because it reminded him a lot of his hometown in Kansas. He said he really likes downtown and all of the architecture.
When asked if he could give everyone one piece of advice on heart health, he replied with no hesitation that following a Mediterranean diet would improve their health dramatically.
Douglas Brown, M.D.
Douglas Brown, M.D. has been a staple in the Enid community for 44 years and has seen a lot of medical transformations and innovations. Dr. Brown went to school at Indiana University and moved on to Indiana University School of Medicine. After graduation, he furthered his education at the University of Cincinnati and Baylor University Hospital in Dallas. Brown’s father was also a doctor and he knew he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps in this career choice. He was also inspired by his mentor, Charles Fisch, who was the founding director of Krannert Institute of Cardiology and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine’s cardiology division
A general cardiologist, Brown specializes in interventional cardiology. His main goal is to fix the problem before it becomes an emergency situation. Placing stents and pacemakers are two primary ways he is able to intervene. Brown said, “It is so satisfying to reverse someone who is ill, taking them from death’s door to healthy in less than 90 minutes.” He learned interventional cardiology in his first five years in Enid and has been doing it ever since.
Brown was the first cardiologist to practice in Enid. After tiring of big city living, he wanted a good place to raise his two sons, and Enid offered him just that. Now, he practices full-time at the INTEGRIS Health Heart and Vascular Institute in Enid and is proud that the clinic is able to provide community treatment in such a timely fashion.
According to Brown, the best advice for a healthy heart is diet and regular exercise. “The average American consumes 50 percent of their calories in fat, and this number should stay between 20-25 percent,” Brown said. “Exercise tunes the heart, and the best way to do that is to work out three times a week between 20-45 minutes each session. Any more doesn’t do a whole lot, but at least this much would drastically improve outcomes. A good goal for walking is two miles in at least 34 minutes, in order to receive some cardio benefit.”
INTEGRIS Health Heart and Vascular Institute is supported by INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, bringing a variety of cardiology physicians to support the community of Enid, while also providing access to the latest cutting-edge heart interventions and surgical procedures in Oklahoma City. INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital offers the state’s only heart transplant program.
For more information about INTEGRIS Health cardiac services, visit integrisok.com.
Mediterranean Diet
Interest in the diet began in the 1950s when it was noted that heart disease was not as common in Mediterranean countries as it was in the U.S. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed that the Mediterranean diet helps prevent heart disease and stroke.
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, are the foundation of the diet. Olive oil is the main source of added fat.
Fish, seafood, dairy and poultry are included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.
Classic greek salad of fresh vegetables, cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper, lettuce, red onion, feta cheese and olives with olive oil. Healthy food, top view
Healthy fats instead of unhealthy ones
Olive oil is the primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat, which lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (or “bad”) cholesterol levels. Nuts and seeds also contain monounsaturated fat.
Fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fats help fight inflammation in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help decrease triglycerides, reduce blood clotting, and lower the risk of stroke and heart failure.
What about wine?
Wine is often associated with the Mediterranean diet. It can be included but only in moderation. While alcohol may reduce the risk of heart disease, it has other health risks.
The Mediterranean way
Interested in trying the Mediterranean diet? Get started with these tips:
Build meals around vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Eat fish at least twice a week.
Use olive oil instead of butter in preparing food.
Serve fresh fruit for dessert.
(Information about the Mediterranean Diet from mayoclinic.org)
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Tips to Be Heart Smart
Your heart is a critical organ – the rest of your body depends on it. It is at the center of your cardiovascular system and is responsible for pumping blood around the body to send oxygen and nutrients where they are needed and to carry away unwanted waste products.
“Understanding the health of your heart is important because heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association®,” said Lior Shamai, DO, a cardiologist with St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. “The heart is the organ that keeps your body running. Recognizing that can inspire you to keep it healthy.”
The cardiovascular team at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is here to help, from prevention and education, to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. We offer award-winning, comprehensive services to help get, and keep, your heart health on track.
Is Heart Disease Hereditary?
“If you have a family history of heart disease, you may be at higher risk for having heart issues,” said Dr. Shamai. “Many different types of heart disease can be passed down through families. Some are caused by just one or a few genetic changes that have a very strong effect in causing disease.”
Known as monogenic conditions, they include uncommon disorders that mostly affect the heart’s muscle (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or electrical system (such as long QT syndrome). Another example is familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes very high cholesterol levels and may lead to premature coronary artery disease (occurring before age 50).
In addition, you can have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease if you have family members with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which can have genetic predispositions. Still, family history is just one component of your overall risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Heart Attack Awareness: What You May Not Know
When you think about cardiac care, a heart attack may be the first thing to come to mind. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, on average, an American adult has a heart attack every 40 seconds.
“One mistake people make is delaying medical treatment when they experience potential heart attack symptoms,” noted Dr. Shamai. “Most heart attack symptoms start slow and mild. It’s important to understand that men and women may experience different symptoms.”
Men often (but not always) experience what are known as “classic” signs of a heart attack:
Discomfort in the center of the chest that feels like pressure, squeezing or fullness that goes away, then returns
Chest discomfort along with fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea
Pain that spreads to the neck, shoulders or arms
Women may experience milder forms of the “classic” symptoms, as well as:
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Back or jaw pain
• Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
• Palpitations, paleness or cold sweats
• Mild, flu-like symptoms
• Unexplained anxiety, fatigue or weakness
How Do I Know if I Am at Risk for Heart Disease?
Ask your doctor about cardiovascular health screening tests. The most important indicators for cardiovascular health are blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. High blood pressure may indicate that your heart is working too hard to pump blood to your body, potentially damaging your blood vessels. High blood sugar can also contribute to damage to blood vessels. Meanwhile, high cholesterol indicates a risk of fatty deposits in your arteries, which can lead to blockages.
Smoking, family history and body weight are also indicators for cardiovascular disease. Talk to your doctor to help monitor and manage these risk factors.
If you want more information on your specific risk, you can start the calculation using the online 10-year risk calculator from the American Heart Association®, at https://www.cvriskcalculator.com.
Advanced Heart Attack Care
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is consistently a top performer in providing patients who suffered a heart attack outstanding door-to-balloon (D2B) time. D2B time refers to the interval from the time a patient arrives at the hospital’s door to the inflation of a balloon catheter within his or her blocked artery in the catheterization (cath) lab to restore blood flow (percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI). The shorter the D2B time, the greater the chance of survival.
The cardiac care teams offer advanced diagnostic testing, noninvasive and invasive treatments, cardiac rehabilitation and preventive education about congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.
After a Heart Attack, What’s Next?
People can live long, productive lives after a heart attack, but it’s important to lower the likelihood of future heart problems or related death. The Change of Heart Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St. Mary’s offers a patient-centered program that emphasizes a personalized approach to recovery through exercise, education and encouragement.
The team of healthcare professionals includes cardiologists, registered nurses, exercise specialists and dietitians. And as many people who’ve participated in these programs can attest, it can help you feel better physically and emotionally and give you greater control over your health.
If you or a loved one experience signs of a possible heart attack, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
February is American Heart Month. It’s a great time to focus on your cardiovascular health.
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.
