70 F
Enid
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Home Blog Page 5

Crepes and Apple Crisp

By
Emily LeBaron
-
0

February is the month known for love, self-love or love for others, and we all deserve to be spoiled! This month’s ‘Now Serving’ helps with just that! With a recipe for crepes that can be customized in endless ways – from fresh fruit to your choice of jam, peanut butter, or even Nutella – served for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to win over even the toughest food critics or pickiest eaters! The second can also be served interchangeably as breakfast or dessert, or even as the filling for the crepes! With fresh sliced apples and a crumbly brown sugar oatmeal topping baked to perfection, this warm dish starts or finishes the day off right! Now Serving Crepes and Apple Crisp! Enjoy!

Crepes – makes 9 6″ crepes
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp melted butter
2 eggs
Butter
Powdered sugar, if desired
Jam/fruit/cream cheese/whipped cream if desired

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix in wet ingredients – milk, vanilla, melted butter, and eggs. Stir well to combine until smooth.

2. Lightly butter a 6″ or 8″ frying pan and heat until butter is bubbly.

3. For each crepe, pour a scant 1/4 cup batter into the skillet, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook until the edges begin to curl away from the pan and gently run a spatula around the edge to loosen; flip the crepe and cook another couple of minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pan and continue with remaining batter.

4. With each crepe, place desired fillings in a small line and roll into tube or spread thinly and stack like pancakes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, or top with whipped cream or drizzled chocolate.

Apple Crisp – Serves 6
4 cups of sliced apples (or canned pie filling equivalent)
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup butter, softened
Ice cream, if desired

1. Heat oven to 375. Grease bottom and sides of 8X8 pan with cooking spray.

2. Spread apples evenly in pan. Mix the remaining ingredients except for the ice cream and sprinkle over apples.

3. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Serve with ice cream.

Forging Hammers

By
Robert Faulk
-
0

According to 10th year Head Coach Trent Holland, the Enid High Wrestling Team is team-oriented and hard-working. So hard working, in fact, they have had several injuries, including to some of their top guys. “I don’t think we have wrestled at full strength but for maybe one dual this year. One of our two or three best guys, Andrew Starzman, is out for the season, and we have other guys who have missed for injury and just being sick, so that’s been tough” said Holland, “but we have been able to field a full team except for one spot for most of the duals this year.”

And while the dual record this year isn’t where they want it to be, Coach Holland says they have been fun to coach and have shown improvement as the year has gone on. “I really like that the team has a great attitude this year. They come out, work hard, get better, and act as a cohesive team. We haven’t really had much bickering with each other, and I’ve seen several instances of guys picking each other up, like a couple of our heavyweights going and giving kids fives and telling them good job. Seeing them encourage each other like that, without prompting, is fun to watch.”

For the first time in a while, EHS does not have a returning state qualifier, so it’s up to someone new on the team to step up and show they have what it takes. “Vinny Vandiver (Senior, 126 pounds) has been wrestling well and just took 3rd at Mid America Nationals, and that’s a tough tournament,” said Holland. “If he puts in the work and decides he wants it, has the right mindset, he can make it. There are a couple of others that could make it too, but they have to have that mentality to put in the extra work and get it done. I’ve been really impressed with Levi Tribble, (Junior, Heavyweight) who hasn’t been wrestling for very long but currently has a winning record, which is hard for a relatively new kid to do in 6A. Brenden Stucky (Junior, 106) is right there as well and has won some matches.”

Girl’s wrestling is a fast-growing sport, and the high school has seven girls competing right now with another seven at the junior high level. While not quite the numbers of some other 6A schools, it is encouraging that there are a few who want to put in the effort. Shae Salinas has turned her time at Enid High into a scholarship at Ottawa University in Kansas where she is a freshman starter for their women’s wrestling team.

Lastly, as any high school wrestling fan knows, your program is only as good as your feeder programs, and Enid has some real hammers at the youth and junior high level who will be moving up in the next few years. Our youth and Jr. High coaches, like Corey Clayton, have some kids who should be really tough if they stick it out and make it to high school. Holland says, “5th grader Beckett Newman just won a tough national tournament in Tulsa called USJOC, and a few others have been medaling across the state. They will be fun to coach.”

Valentine Love

By
Sophia Faulk
-
0

Hey, Y’all, and welcome back to Teen Scene in ENID MONTHLY. For the month of February, I wanted to write about my very first Valentine’s Day with a special person. Let’s talk about it!!!!

For the past few years, my dad has always told me to write about boys in my article, especially for February. I would always respond with, “Ew, no!! That’s so cringy, Dad!” But this year I am so excited to write about my boyfriend. You may or may not know him as he’s an impressive basketball player at Enid High, but I know him as one of the kindest, smartest, most loving people I have ever met. Not to sound cringy or whatever, but I have never been happier, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Let me give you a little backstory. 

It all started in my sophomore year AP Language & Composition class. I became really good friends with one of the boys in there who was on the basketball team. One day, I saw him walking with this other boy, and I was starstruck!! He was one of the most attractive boys I have ever seen. The next day in class I told my friend that I thought he was so hot. He later texted him in our class (basically ratting me out!). From then on, we both had secret little crushes on each other. We never really talked during school; maybe said 200 words to each other, but that’s it. Fast forward to graduation, I saw him and asked if we could take a picture, and of course he said yes. After that, nothing happened until one day after my Cross-Country practice in September. Me and my besties were helping our team set up for the Great Land Run. I volunteered to drive us all through the dirt roads that the half marathon course consisted of to put out signs for the runners. My car was freshly washed, so I was upset when I saw the dirt all over it. After we were done, I asked the girls if they wanted to come with me to get a car wash, so we packed up and drove over to the one closest to my house. As I’m pulling up, I see a familiar face – it was Branden!! I was so excited. I was going to the pay area and obviously said hi to him (extra flirty of course), and he gave me a free wash!! I texted him later that day saying thank you and everything. We started texting more and more every day, and we eventually went shopping, hung out, etc. Fast forward to February, we have been together for 4 months, and hopefully many more are to come. 

I am so excited to celebrate this special holiday with him and can’t wait for the special memories of our first Valentine’s Day together. I have no clue what he has planned for us to do, but I know it’s going to be perfect!! He has no clue I am writing this (it’s a surprise) for everyone to see, so I am incredibly grateful for you reading this to be a part of a memory that will be forever. I love you lots B, and thank you for making me feel like a princess every day. -XOXO Sophia. 

Thank you for reading this month’s article! I know it was a bit different, and by now you might be cringed out, but I thought this would be a perfect surprise, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. I hope you have a beautiful February and an enjoyable Valentine’s Day. See you next month!

Adult Book Review: The Familiar

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa

Leigh Bardugo is a very well-known author in the fantasy space, and a few years back, I read her book Ninth House. Considering that fantasy is not my favorite genre, I surprised myself at the time at how much I enjoyed it. Bardugo’s latest book, The Familiar, has its paperback release next month, so I decided to pick it up and see if I liked it as much. It’s still fantasy, but it is also historical fiction with a dash of romance too.

The Familiar is set in the late 16th century in Madrid, during the Spanish Golden Age, and focuses on Luzia, a lowly servant for the Ordoño family. She secretly uses magic to get through the days – making the firewood less heavy to carry, for example, or fixing burnt bread – until her mistress discovers. Next thing Luzia knows is that she is being entered into a tournament to gain the King of Spain’s favor. A victory would mean great wealth for the Ordoños, a promotion for Luzia’s patron, freedom for her tutor Santángel, and obviously no more dreadful servant tasks for herself. Things at the tournament, though, are not as they seem, and Luzia is given over right into the hands of the Inquisition, who see her as a heretic going against the Catholic faith. Can Luzia and Santángel find a way to make it out alive, or will they be burned at the stake?

Overall I do feel a little disappointed with The Familiar, even though I can’t exactly put my finger on why that is. The pacing of the book was certainly slow, and I also found it difficult to keep track of the characters. There are some positives that help redeem the book a little: the dialogue has some great wit, the ending is fantastic, and remarkably, the book is inspired in part by the author’s own family history. I don’t think The Familiar quite matches up with Ninth House and Bardugo’s other popular books, so I look forward to seeing if she can get back in her groove with her next book.

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Familiar today!

Beating the Winter Blues

By
Lori Waken
-
0

Winter can be a tough time for many, especially for older adults. The shorter days and colder temperatures can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness, commonly referred to as the “winter blues”. Here are some ideas to help lessen the seasonal doldrums while waiting for signs of spring.

  1. Let there be light! Try using warm-toned lamps, light-colored curtains, or even string lights to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Light therapy lamps are also an excellent option for individuals dealing with the winter blues. These lamps mimic sunlight and help regulate your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce feelings of sadness or fatigue. Vitamin D from natural light can help improve your mood. Open your drapes or blinds, or when the weather permits, dress warmly and take a quick walk outside or just sit in the sunshine for a few minutes.
  2. Plan social time with family and friends. Even if you can’t get out of the house, you can stay connected to others by phone or video chat. Schedule phone or virtual “dates” once each week to catch up. If you are a reader, suggest a book or article and discuss it when finished. Agree to watch a movie or program and then call to compare thoughts. Find a phone or video “pen pal” through a church, senior living community, or by asking friends and family for suggestions and set a regular chat time.
  3. Take advantage of local and online resources. Many local libraries, senior centers, churches, and other organizations offer opportunities to meet, socialize, and stay connected through a variety of programs and events. Some even provide transportation or at-home deliveries of meals or resources. Call or search the internet for community options. The internet is a powerful tool that can help you stay mentally engaged and connected to others. Online classes, clubs, or discussion groups provide an opportunity for lifelong learning and social interaction, both of which are great for mental well-being. 
  4. Just keep moving! Even in the winter, it’s important to stay active. While outdoor walks may be less inviting in cold weather, you can still find ways to stay physically active inside. Indoor exercises such as chair exercises, stretching, or gentle workouts can help maintain your mobility and boost your mood. Regular exercise is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals that help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This can be particularly beneficial when you’re feeling down during the winter months. Whether it’s a few minutes of stretching or a complete sit-and-be-fit workout, staying active helps you keep your body and mind in top shape.
  5. “Staycation” programs. Some senior living communities offer opportunities to join their independent living or assisted living communities on a temporary basis. This can provide the availability of socialization and engagement regardless of the weather outside. Many older adults appreciate the ability to enjoy their private personal space while having friends and activities available just outside their door. This option can help a senior decide if community living might be a good fit for them either now or in the future. Greenbrier Assisted Living offers a “Staycation” program for qualifying older adults who may not be ready for a permanent move. Call 580-233-1331 for details.

Keeping Score: Cholesterol and Your Heart

By
St. Mary's Physician Associates
-
0

Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is important for your heart and your overall health. If that’s a challenge, don’t give up. Cardiologist Scott Carollo, MD, discusses this important health topic and ways to stay on track.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood and cells that is essential for the body’s normal functioning. High cholesterol means you have too much of it in your bloodstream. This can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, genetic factors or a combination of these. High cholesterol has been associated with increased risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes. Controlling cholesterol levels lowers your risk of these conditions.

How does someone find out about their cholesterol levels?

The American Heart Association® (AHA) recommends all adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol (and other traditional risk factors) checked every four to six years through a blood test. If certain factors put you at high risk, or if you already have heart disease, your doctor may ask you to check it more often. Work with your doctor to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke and create a plan to reduce your risk.

What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?

There are two kinds of cholesterol, HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”), and testing provides a measurement of how much of both is circulating in your blood. According to the AHA, you want your HDL number to be high (ideally above 70), as it protects against heart attack and stroke. LDL is one factor among many to consider when evaluating cardiovascular risk. Your LDL should be below 100 and your total cholesterol should be below 200.

Genetic factors, type 2 diabetes, smoking, being overweight and not exercising can all lower HDL cholesterol. Also, women tend to have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men do, but this can change after menopause

What are the main things I can do to control/lower my cholesterol? 

• Limit saturated and trans fats

• Eat more foods high in soluble fiber, such as beans, barley, oats, fruits and vegetables

• Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, walnuts, ground flaxseeds and almonds

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, starting slowly and working up gradually

• Lose weight

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Quit smoking

What should I know about medications? 

There are multiple medications that can be used to lower your cholesterol. The choice is typically based on your individual risk factors and goal cholesterol levels. There is really no one-size-fits-all approach. Medications may be needed when lifestyle modifications alone are not enough or if your risk is high enough to warrant starting medications immediately. I recommend talking to your physician about your risk factors and goal cholesterol levels.

What other heart health numbers should I know? 

Blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and tobacco use can largely impact heart health. These are all interrelated and can affect each other, so it is important to consider the complete picture. There are other things that can be checked if symptoms prompt further evaluation, such as the structure and function of the heart. 

To find a doctor and schedule an appointment online, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com.

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

Young Adult Book Review: Heartless Hunter

By
Chloe Fuksa
-
0

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa

If you’re the type of reader who a) hates waiting for the next book in a series to come out, and b) hates having to wait for the conclusion of a series, I have the perfect duology for you. The first book in the Crimson Moth series, called Heartless Hunter, came out in February 2024, and the second – and final – book comes out this month, February 2025. The books are part fantasy, part enemies-to-lovers romance, and are written by author Kristen Ciccarelli.

In Heartless Hunter, we meet Gideon and Rune. Gideon is a member of the Blood Guards, a powerful group tasked with capturing witches and witch sympathizers. By day, Rune is an innocent socialite who enjoys hosting parties and having fun. By night, though, she, a witch herself, is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who sets captured witches free. Gideon and Rune form a relationship, unaware that they are both just using each other for information. Gideon has been trying to identify the Crimson Moth for years, so he wants to know if Rune has any witch marks on her body. For Rune, she hopes that Gideon will spill the location of a captured witch. What the two adversaries don’t plan on, though, is developing feelings for each other. What will happen then when their love comes head to head with their own missions?

The story is told in alternating perspectives between Gideon and Rune, and it really adds to the cat-and-mouse feel. I think the romance probably pushes the book to an upper-teens level, but nothing was too explicit. The book did have some repetitive parts, but even so, I found myself pretty quickly hooked, and I was eager to keep reading. The best part, though, is that there was a great twist at the end of this Heartless Hunter that will carry the action and excitement right into the second book. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Heartless Hunter today!

For the Love of Entrepreneurship

By
momentumHQ
-
0

A common misconception is that entrepreneurs must be doing alright and have lots of money because they were able to successfully build their own business. While this is possible and generally an eventual goal for every ambitious entrepreneur, it’s not always the case. Most business owners choose to go out on their own for the many benefits of running their own business, in spite of not earning as much as they could working elsewhere. Things like “making my own schedule” and “the ability to have a flexible home life” and “prioritizing what I want to do for work instead of being told what to do” are all exciting and very strong points that motivate people to start a business. It is important to weigh options if you’re thinking about going out on your own. It is hard to start a business and build a client base to succeed. And with growth comes additional expenses, which leads to steady planning and adequate financial oversight to ensure that success continues. This isn’t to say that it’s too difficult for someone to go out on their own without fail, it’s just a reality that should be kept in mind.

The good news: momentumHQ is a community of entrepreneurs that support like-minded people and offers affordable office space, learning events, and networking opportunities if you’re planning on taking the plunge to be your own boss. Take advantage of our Sweet Deal by signing up for a coworking membership this month and get your first 3 months of membership 50% off. The mHQ Crew is here to help you build your business at affordable rates!

mHQ Member Highlights

Ron Manning: Hometown Insurance Agency

Our newest member feels right at home in our shared office. He enjoys providing home, auto, and commercial insurance services to his clients in a professional atmosphere. The mHQ Network has allowed him to transition into the momentumHQ space comfortably. He especially loves the location. If you’re in the market to compare coverage rates, you can find Ron at 1909 W. Owen K. Garriott or at www.hometowninsurancemanningagency.com

Indian Hills Plaza Business Spotlight Tax time is here, and Bell Finance is geared up to help you complete your return. Swing by their office and see what they can do for you this tax season or call 580-237-6521.

Meet Our Award-Winning Pooches MIAMI & BUDDY!

By
Local Contributors
-
0

Author: Megan Lavicky

Public Selected Kennel Queen and King for February
These two pups have stolen hearts and wagged tails, and now they’re ready to find their forever homes.

**Queen: Miami**  
Our lovely Queen is a sweet soul with a heart full of love. She’s always up for a good cuddle session or a fun, active walk. At five, retriever/pointer mix Miami is ready to meet her human companions, who will spoil her with affection and adventure! She has captured the hearts of several humans at the ESPCA and has them wrapped around her paw. They often spoil her with treats and walks! Miami doesn’t know her own size and frequently mistakes a human lap as a good place to survey her kingdom while getting back scratches.

**King: Buddy**  
This handsome fella knows how to strut his stuff! He has become a shelter favorite with his goofy charm and playful personality. Whether it’s fetching a ball or snuggling up for a cozy nap, Buddy is ready to share all his love with a special family. A quick play and run in the yard, and he’s ready to settle down for some relaxation. Buddy is around three, a boxer mix, and gets along well with other dogs and kids!

**Why Adopt?**  
When you bring Buddy or Miami into your home, you’re not only gaining a best friend but also a loyal companion who’s been waiting for you. They have so much love to give and are ready to fill your life with joy.

**Come Meet Them!**  
Visit our ESPCA shelter at 1116 Overland Trail or check the website at enidspca.org to learn more about Buddy and Miami. Let’s find them the loving homes they deserve! Together, we can make a difference in their lives and yours!

**Adoption Events:**  
Join us at the ESPCA every Tuesday through Saturday, 12-3 PM, for meet-and-greets with our royal pups! We can’t wait to introduce you to Miami, Buddy, and all the adoptables!

**Contact Us:**  
If you’re not quite ready to adopt but still want to make a difference in the lives of adoptable pets like Miami and Buddy, consider becoming an ESPCA Volunteer! You can volunteer your time and love to help care for our shelter animals, provide companionship, and assist in their socialization. Your involvement can make a significant impact, as it helps these pets receive the attention and nurturing they need while they await their forever homes. Whether you’re walking dogs, playing with cats, or participating in community events, your support brings joy to their lives and contributes to their readiness for adoption. Join us in this rewarding journey of compassion and care!

For more information, please call us at 580-233-1325 or email us at info@enidspca.org. You can fill out a volunteer form at enidspca.org/volunteer. Let’s make adoption magic happen!

E-COLLARS

By
Dalen McVay
-
0

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! I genuinely hope each of you has an upcoming year full of fins, feathers and fellowship.

I’m going to start with a story. A short while ago, my father and I took my dog “Rowdy” to a relatively new hunting lease. Being relatively new, I was quite unfamiliar with it. While it holds a ton of birds, there are portions of the half-section that are nearly impassable. Rowdy is a male Brittany Spaniel, but he’s not a large dog. Even in the shorter section of the CRP grass he was hard to see. While he doesn’t typically range too far, it’s concerning when time goes by and you haven’t seen your hunting companion. I suppose the same would be for your human hunting partner too (my dad), but I digress.

We arrived shortly after daybreak and got ourselves ready for the hunt. I made sure Rowdy had eaten and gave him some water after we arrived. While he was drinking, I slipped on his shock collar that he’s worn many times. And off we go.

About 30 minutes into the hunt, about half a dozen deer sprint out of some tall grass. While he typically doesn’t seemingly care, Rowdy takes off in pursuit. No problem, pull out the shock collar to stop him and remind him that’s a no-no. It’s not working. I panic as he takes off hundreds of yards away. “What in the world” I think to myself. Dagnabbit, I forgot to turn it on (first time, I promise). Rowdy is gone in a field he too was unfamiliar with. The biggest problem I had was that since I haven’t mastered my new Garmin Pro 550 (it has GPS with a handheld device that tracks the dog to a “t”), I had on an old one with no such feature. This one doesn’t even have the locator beep button to help ascertain the dog’s location. Regardless, we press on in his direction. After about 45 minutes, my dad stood on the corner of two intersecting roads watching while I hightailed it back to the pickup. How they do this I’ll never understand, but Rowdy was there just hanging out waiting for me. I turned on the collar and back we went without issue the rest of the day.

I’ve now mastered the Garmin and won’t go out with him without it being worn (and turned on!) again. There is no fun in hunting with a pit in your stomach wondering whether you’ll ever see your best friend again. I reckon the lesson for today is to make sure your collar is charged and turned on, and get the best one you can afford. My Garmin comes with a watch that you can look down on and see the exact direction and distance of your dog, and it alerts you if the dog is on point. Money well spent.

Finally, and to me most importantly, don’t use these collars for severe punishment. Your dog knows when he/she has upset you, and that’s enough. I use it for a “gentle reminder”, which means having it set to low power. I rarely ever have to use the shock feature, but the peace of mind is worth it for me.

See y’all next month!

1...456...92Page 5 of 92
6,000FansLike
184FollowersFollow

© Copyright 2021-2023 Enid Monthly

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

Contact us: robert@enidmonthly.com