80.2 F
Enid
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 44

Adult Book Review: We Are the Brennans

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Tracey Lange
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore

If you’re looking for a good Irish book to read this month to mark St. Patrick’s Day, We Are the Brennans is a wonderful choice. The debut novel of author Tracey Lange, it was released in late 2021 and is now available in paperback. The Brennans are a large family of first- and second-generation Irish immigrants living north of New York City. They own a very successful pub in town, but all their problems and all their secrets come to a head with the opening of a second location.

Sunday, the only daughter and sister, abruptly fled to Los Angeles five years ago, without any explanation for her family or her fiancé, Kale. Now, she has returned home to heal, physically and mentally, after a bad car crash, and is tasked with making heads and tales of her brother Denny’s accounting books at the pub. Unbeknownst to anyone else, he has made a handful of risky money decisions – like using the first pub as collateral – that have jeopardized everyone’s future. For Kale, in addition to the anxiety of the opening, the return of Sunday has brought up so many unanswered questions – which are even more complicated now that he has a wife and son of his own. What the family comes to realize is that the root of everyone’s problems is a certain family enemy – who now has a prime opportunity for sabotage to take them all down.

We Are the Brennans is a great family drama, with a splash of mystery and a splash of romance added in too. It feels simultaneously like a deep, thoughtful book and a light, fun book. There is also a really unique stylistic choice at the beginning of every chapter that helps the book flow quickly. So, this March, pour yourself a Guinness and get absorbed into the messy, yet wonderfully loyal, Brennan family.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of We Are the Brennans today!

Children’s Book Review: Last of the Name

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Rosanne Parry
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore

Author Rosanne Parry is well-known for her chapter books A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild, but Last of the Name didn’t receive as much attention. It came out originally in 2019 and then was re-released in paperback in late 2022. It is a work of historical fiction, focusing on two young Irish immigrants who come to New York City in the spring of 1863, during the American Civil War.

Kathleen, aged 16, and Danny, aged 12, arrive without any family or any connections, so when they learn of two job vacancies, they immediately jump at the opportunity – even if it means Danny has to dress like a girl to be a laundress. He is a very talented singer and dancer, though, so when he can, he sneaks away in his normal clothes and performs on street corners for tips. His act ultimately catches the eye of a wealthy theater owner, who offers him the wages and stability that he and his sister have been dreaming of. Unfortunately, around them, the hostilities between the races and social classes reach a breaking point. An angry mob forms to protest the draft for the war, and soon businesses and homes are being looted and set on fire. Suddenly it seems like everything Kathleen and Danny have worked toward, their hope for a better future, is put into jeopardy, yet again.

What really works in Last of the Name is the balance. Kathleen’s tenacity is balanced with Danny’s charisma. The difficulties that they face are balanced with humor and levity. The true facts of the story are balanced with entertaining tales. Plus, the bond between the siblings is just beautiful, as is their devotion to their heritage and their faith through all the adversity. Overall, Last of the Name is a good example for kids – and reminder for any reader – that even though there is animosity and hate in the world, there is also love and compassion and generosity to overcome it – a superb book.

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

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

By
Robert Faulk
-
0
March Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, Woman holding dark Blue Ribbon for supporting people living and illness. Healthcare, hope and World cancer day concept

Prevention is key to keeping your colon healthy.

If you’re 50 and see your doctor periodically, you no doubt have been advised to schedule a colonoscopy. But many people put off having this important procedure. Kay Khamvanthong, MD, family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Family Physicians Associates, says colonoscopies can save lives, but many people fear the preparation involved or that it will be painful. “The preparations used now are much easier to take and don’t require you to drink as much liquid,” she says. “There is no pain involved in the procedure because you are under anesthesia. And the procedure itself only takes about 15-20 minutes.”

Colorectal cancer is third-most-common cancer in both men and women, and the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S.  It’s expected to cause about 52,550 deaths during 2023.

However, due to increased screenings, rates have declined for the past 20 years. Dr. Khamvanthong says the purpose of a screening colonoscopy is to find polyps, which are growths in the lining of the colon that can become cancerous. “We remove them before they have a chance to become cancerous,” she adds.

Are you at risk?

If you have a history of colon polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon/rectal cancer, you may be at increased risk. Diets high in red meat, processed meats, low-fiber diets, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can also contribute to the chance of developing colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle combined with routine colon screenings can be helpful in preventing colon cancer.

Know the symptoms

Early colon cancer usually has no symptoms, which is why screening is very important.  However, as the tumor grows, symptoms such as abdominal pain, which can vary in location and intensity, or a change in bowel habits, such as frequency and consistency of stool, can occur. In an advanced stage, some people can experience unexpected weight loss, abdominal distention, anemia, jaundice, passage of bloody stools, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor.

Man suffers painful abdomen injury and holds painful area with hands, Gastritis, Stomach pain, Reflux acids.

Who should be screened?

  • Patients should get their screening colonoscopy when they turn 45. However, because African Americans have a 20 percent higher incidence rate, initial screening for them is recommended at age 40.
  • If you have a family history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives, the screening guidelines are slightly different. It is recommended to start 10 years younger than the age of diagnosis, or age 35, whichever is earlier. 
  • People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.
  • For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history.
  • People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

Colon health suggestions

  • Stay away from tobacco
  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise
  • Eat healthy
  • Avoid alcohol

CTA: Schedule an appointment with Dr. Khamvanthong by calling 580-233-5553 or online at stmarysphysicianassociates.com.

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

Source:  American Cancer Society

King Ranch Casserole

By
Monica Rorick
-
0

Last night’s dinner was a King Ranch Casserole….something my husband has had his eyes on since he was told he could not eat beef or pork.  When I first looked at the article written by “Berly’s Kitchen”, I thought it had ranch dressing as a main ingredient, but I WAS WRONG!!! King Ranch Casserole actually is a wonderful Tex-Mex entrée that has deep roots in the heart of Texas. Rumor has it, this recipe originated on the famous King Ranch in Kingsville, Tx. However, the family has never taken credit. Regardless, this casserole is full of flavor and the Hubs LOVED it! I looked at several recipes online and most had 2 cans of cream soups in them, but this recipe did not…it had 2 cups of sour cream. And looking through the comments, I learned that THIS recipe is THE ORIGINAL recipe…so that’s what I gravitated to. The other thing that I really liked about this recipe is that it freezes well. Always a plus when I am only feeding 2 people and the recipe calls for 6-8 servings. The next time I make this dish, I think I may add a can of drained black beans to increase the protein and fiber in the dish. You could probably add a can of corn as well, but for us, that would probably increase the carbs too much for the Hubs blood sugar levels.

Anyways, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!!! Happy cooking!

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter

1 Cup White Onion (diced)

3 Large Garlic Cloves (minced)

2 cups Sour Cream

5 cups Chicken (cooked and chopped)

16 Ounces Salsa Verde (jarred)

10 Ounces Tomatoes and Green Chiles

4 Ounces Green Chiles

2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin

4 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

20 Small Corn Tortillas (cut into fourths)

Instructions

1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch or 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, then set aside.

2) In a medium skillet, melt the butter over low-medium heat, then add the onions. Cook the onions until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes, then add the garlic. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.

3) In a large bowl, combine the onions, garlic, chopped chicken, sour cream, salsa verde, tomatoes, green chiles, and cumin. Set aside.

4) Cut the tortillas into quarters. Spread one fourth of the chicken filling into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, then place a layer of tortillas over the cheese. It’s okay if the tortillas overlap some. Repeat this process of chicken filling, cheese, and tortillas 2 more times (total of 3 layers) making sure to use all the tortillas. Spread the last of the chicken filling on the top, then top that with the last cup of cheese.

5) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sides are bubbly. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Pollinator Gardens

By
Cathy Thomas
-
0

Pollinator gardens seem so…last year’s garden. However, pollinator gardens play a large role in today’s horticulture for many reasons. The loss of pollinators, including honeybees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps, beetles, and small mammals, play a critical role in our food production system.  A healthy pollinator population is vital to producing marketable commodities such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes and forage crops. More than 100 U.S. grown crops rely on pollinators. The added revenue to crop production from pollinators is valued at $18 billion. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems needed for clean air, stable soils, and a diverse wildlife. The decline of 45.5% of managed honeybee colonies within the last 15 years is attributed to multiple factors. Many articles have been written on the effect of diseases, pesticides, pollutants/toxins, habitat loss, effects of climate variability, agricultural production intensification, and pollinator or crop management practices. Pollinator gardens by introducing plants and flowers in urban areas can help with the loss of habit and increase local fruit tree and vegetable garden production.

Careful planning is essential to successful pollinator gardens. While flowering plants can grow in both shady and sunny locations, consider your audience. Butterflies and other pollinators like to bask on bare ground spots in the sun and some of their favorite wildflowers grow best in full or partial sun with some protection from the wind. Both plants and pollinators need water, but pollinators need standing water. Providing birdbaths or areas for mud puddling are essential to the pollinator. Also, remember to think about more than just the summer season.  Pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into fall. But during the winter months, they also need places to live, procreate and tend to the lives of their offspring. Selecting the proper plants that do well in your soil and sunlight conditions will help ensure your plants thrive.  Select plants that haven’t been treated with pesticides or neonicotinoids. Native plants are the ideal choice because they require less maintenance and tend to be heartier.

Successful pollinator gardens have a mixture of perennials and annuals, flowers and bushes. For selection of  plants, Milkweed is a staple among pollinator gardens.  It provides an abundance of pollen and a surplus of nectar to attract and keep pollinators returning. Plains Sage (salvia coccinea) is another great source of pollen and nectar. It has the added advantage of being a lovely bushy plant blooming near the end of May. Blackberry bramble vines also produce a lovely summer fruit, as well as spring flowering. Butterfly bushes are a beautiful summer bloom that attracts many types of pollinators in addition to butterflies. Winter jasmine bush blooms in the winter and spring and has a heady scent to attract late pollinators. This bush provides winter home protection to pollinators in the pupal and larval stages. Year round, the Witch Hazel bush creates a holistic environment for all types of pollinators in various life stages and should be a staple in all pollinator gardens. Some wonderful native flowers to include in a pollinator garden are Asters, Beebalm (wild bergamot), Black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia), Blanket flower (Gaillardia), Primroses, daffodils, coreopsis, and many of the different sages (salvias)  and sunflowers, just to name a few. Many of these bulbs or flower seeds will remain dormant for the first year, or can be planted in the late fall to bloom the following spring or summer.

Fortunately in Enid, we have several of the best sources of native pollinator garden suppliers around. Check out Johnston Seed Company at 319 West Chestnut and Plants a Plenty at 622 E. Cambridge, off of N. 4th Street. Additionally, the OSU Botanical Gardens in Stillwater frequently have seeds and bulbs harvested to give away.  As always you may want to check out some of the most recent news about pollinators, pollinator gardens and native plants through the OSU Extension Office Fact Sheets either at the Garfield County Extension Office at 316 E. Oxford Ave. or on the website extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets

Jerry Koehn

By
Oklahoma Bible Academy
-
0

OBA has impacted Jerry Koehn and his family for generations. Jerry Koehn, a long-time board member, alumnus, and OBA champion, embodies the OBA commitment. Jerry’s father, Vernard Koehn, was a 1937 graduate of OBA. He attended OBA along with his four younger brothers, eventually graduating in 1959.

Koehn went on to Enid Business College and studied accounting. He eventually became the Vice President of Operations at PT after working as an accountant. He had two children and two stepchildren, two of which went to OBA and have continued his legacy through sending their children to OBA. That’s four generations of the Koehn clan!

When I asked Mr. Koehn how OBA prepared him for his life and his career, he said that it taught him the importance of leadership, responsibility and community involvement. These values also came to show through Koehn’s service on the OBA board. He served more than 20 years on the board, even when times were tough. Starting his service in the 80s and seeing the school through its floundering and interceding on behalf of OBA, showed Koehn’s commitment to the school. He recalled the tough times and said: “There were some that suggested we throw in the towel. But, I didn’t believe that was supposed to happen. I remember walking in my yard before board meetings and sitting with Jake Rempel and Bryan Kroeker… I prayed, Lord, you are going to have to do something special if you want this to work out. Honestly, I saw no way at all. But, God showed a way. He had His hand in it all.”

Jerry Koehn’s commitment was officially recognized in 2015 when he was added to the OBA Wall of Christian Commitment. The continuance of the school has been a joy to watch for Mr. Koehn as he still stops by because of his love for the school and his grandchildren that are still here. He sees the similarities between his grandchildren’s experience and his own so many years ago. While there are major differences, the joy is the same.

Thank you, Mr. Koehn, for your commitment, evangelism, and having a hand in allowing this school, and its students, to flourish.

Business Spotlight: The Vaccuum Center

By
Blake Reese
-
0

The Vacuum Center is located at 907 W Maine St, and it’s open 6 days a week. It was opened in 1983, and it’s been family owned and operated for more than 30 years. Michael Mirich is the owner, but he runs the Vacuum Center with the help of his brother, Chris.

The Vacuum Center specializes in vacuums and sewing machines, and they’re the only sewing machine shop in Enid. Michael started his career with vacuums at a vacuum shop in Tulsa, and that’s where the idea for a shop in Enid was born. Michael’s boss mentioned opening a vacuum shop in Enid because he thought it’d be a good place for a vacuum shop. At that time, there were about 5 vacuum shops here in town, but now the Vacuum Center is one of the only shops still standing. We asked Michael what set the Vacuum Center apart and made them special, and he said it’s because they try to take care of their customers.

The Vacuum Center sells and services a little bit of everything. Within the last year, they’ve become an authorized dealer for servicing the new Kirby vacuums, but they also sell and service many other brands. In addition to their services and products, they’re also the warranty center for almost everything they sell, which eliminates that third-party warranty center and saves time. The Vacuum Center sells vacuums, shampooers, sewing machines, cleaning supplies, air purifiers, and heaters. They also work on many small appliances.

If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, stop by the Vacuum Center and check out what they have to offer! They have top of the line brands, and they even have a trial area where you can try the different brands on different surfaces. Michael says, “We’re here to take care of our customers!” Stop by the Vacuum Center (907 W. Maine) between Monday and Saturday to see what makes them so unique! For questions or inquiries about the Vacuum Center, call (580)-234-5184 for more information!

Girl Power!

By
Robert Faulk
-
0

“When I was growing up, they used to say that wrestling isn’t for girls,” Enid Middle School Wrestling Coach Steve Bartley said, “but girls like Madison Owens prove that’s not true. She has talent, ability and strength, and she proves that girls can be just as good as the guys on the mat.”

And Madison Owens showed the State of Oklahoma how true that was, capping off a 24-0 undefeated season by winning the All-State Junior High Wrestling Championship last month in the 96 pound girls division. Madison stormed through the season, pinning every opponent she faced, until the finals of the Championship, where she faced the toughest competition of her young career. While she came out on top, the score was 10-8, and much closer than she would have liked. “I was pretty nervous, being as it was the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP match,” Madison said, “but I just went out there and wrestled my match, and came out on top.”

Madison started her wrestling career in 2020 at a new program in Hennessey, and still wrestles for their club team on occasion. Her dad Jon was a wrestler in High School, but her older brother really got her excited about trying it since he wrestled for a year or two. “I went out there and fell in love,” she said, “I think I won more than I lost that first year, and that made it fun, and I wanted to do even better.” 

According to Coach Bartley, “Madison loves to wrestle. She’s aggressive, and since it is her third year, she has really made great strides in the room. We actually had to pair her up with some of the high school girls, and boys her size, since she was so much better than some of the other beginners in the room. She has fire and determination, and anything is possible, including 5 more state championships if she keeps working hard and doesn’t get injured.”

When asked what she’s really good at, Coach Bartley didn’t hesitate – her headlock, he said, and Madison agrees. “I really love the headlock.” Madison said, “it’s an easy way to get a takedown, if you know what you are doing, and you go from feet to back and get them in the right position for a pin.” As far as her dad, he couldn’t be more happy. “I am so proud of her.” He said, “She was so determined this year. She set a goal, focused and made it. It was really cool to watch.”

As for the future, Madison has some big dreams. “Maybe I can make the Olympics,” she said, “and I’d like to wrestle in college for sure. Maybe Iowa, or OSU or OU if they get a team.”  If she keeps up her pinning ways, she may be able to make those dreams come true.  

ENID PLAINSMEN/PACER PRIDE OF THE PLAINS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SLATER MECHANICAL!

March Doodle

By
Robert Faulk
-
0

International Women’s Day

By
Sophia Faulk
-
0

Hey y’all, and welcome back to the Teen Scene column in ENID MONTHLY. The month of March includes a very important holiday: International Women’s Day. I did an article over this holiday in last year, but I only wrote about ONE woman who’s inspired me. This month I am going to be telling you how the most important women in my life have inspired me. Let’s go!!

The most important woman in my life is my mom. She has inspired me in many ways that she probably has no idea about. One way she’s inspired me is how she’s never cared about what other people think of her. She always does what suits and is best for her no matter what. This has taught me to just be myself. Another example is that she will do anything for her kids. If I ever become a mom I hope to be just like her because she’s the best mom in the whole world.

My grandma is another very important woman to me. She’s taught me to respect everyone. Any time I’m disrespectful to my mom (even if it’s just a little bit) she’s the first to step in and tell me that was wrong. She has also taught me to not be argumentative. She hates arguing so she’s always told me to not argue and it’s helped me so much. 

My little sister, Olivia, might not be a woman yet BUT she has still inspired me to be a better person and deserves credit for it. She is always someone to never judge someone before you get to know them. Anytime I talk badly about someone she always tells me “you never know where they’ve come from or what their life is really like outside of the time you see them” and it always makes me stop and not talk badly about people. She’s the most amazing sister I could ask for and I’m so glad that she’s taught me many things. 

Last but not least, my best friend Mallie. Mallie has been in my life for almost 13 years and has helped me in so many ways. The most important thing is how to be an amazing best friend. We can argue about something and not even 10 minutes later be ok again. She’s never let anything ruin our friendship and it has taught me to never give up on someone that means a lot to me. 

Thank you for reading this month’s article! I really hope you enjoyed it. I would love to hear about a woman who has inspired you so email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com I would also love to hear any question comments or ideas for upcoming articles, so email me for that too! I hope you have an amazing March and a great St. Patrick’s day!! See you next month <3

1...434445...96Page 44 of 96
6,000FansLike
184FollowersFollow

© Copyright 2021-2023 Enid Monthly

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

Contact us: robert@enidmonthly.com