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Archery Q&A

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Happy almost hunting season folks! It’s about time to get out the ole stick and string and get tuned up for archery season. I’ve asked our local archery expert (who shoots WAY better than me) a few archery questions. I’d suggest if you have questions, are looking to purchase a bow/crossbow, need a tune-up or the like Grant is the “go-to” guy. Not only an expert in the area, he’s one of the nicest fellas you’ll meet.

What is the first piece of advice you are giving someone looking into archery?

The first piece of advice I would give would be to take the time to really examine what you want to accomplish by starting the sport of archery. What is your primary objective for starting archery? Is the reason hunting, competitive shooting, recreation, exercise, social interaction, family activity, or something else?

The second piece of advice I would give, and probably the most important, is to consult an experienced archer before buying any equipment. The biggest mistake I see, which is also the most common mistake I see is people buying used equipment without any consideration for how it might fit them or their children. As an archery store manager, I would love to sell you new equipment that will for sure fit you, but as a fellow archer and human being I understand sometimes a good deal might be needed to get you started in this sport. I will gladly help you with any issues if you do not have other help. It is important to me that you get off to a good start for your development in the sport and your safety. You cannot be successful in archery if your equipment doesn’t fit.

Bow or Crossbow? Advantages and disadvantages of both?

I wish this question could be answered entirely on the merit of the equipment, but it is an issue that really divides people in the archery/hunting community. Like politics, religion and the choice of college football teams compound bow versus crossbow is a hot-button issue that people will strongly voice their opinion on. Compound archers, in general, tend to strongly dislike the fact that crossbows are legal, and they often do not acknowledge them as archery equipment. I used to share this opinion until I spent some time working in an archery shop. I have witnessed people I knew were not ready or properly equipped to go on a hunt headed to the stand with a compound bow. My personal view is that as hunters and archers we have a very serious obligation to the animals we hunt. We should feel obligated to make the most accurate and lethal shot possible for the respect and recovery of the animal. If you are not willing to put a substantial amount of work into practicing and tuning a compound bow, please consider a crossbow. You still need to practice with and tune a crossbow, but it takes a lot less time, commitment, and knowledge.

Now that we have examined the hunting community-based issues let’s examine a few of the pros and cons of compound bows versus crossbows:

Pros of crossbow-

Higher draw weight, Faster, eliminates the step of having to draw the bow back when an animal comes in, can be used by multiple people without adjustment, easier to use in ground or box blinds

Cons of Crossbow-

Some models are loud when shot, you must shoot the crossbow to unload it in most cases, hard to shoot without a steady rest, harder to get maintenance done, risk of severe hand injury if fingers go above the guard

Pros of Compound Bow-

Highly adjustable and customizable in most cases, lots of accessories available at several price points, more opportunities for competitive shooting, more legal hunting opportunities in other states, easier and safer to handle when hunting

Cons of compound bow-

Need to be specifically adjusted to one shooter, more practice and skill needed, archers’ physical size and strength dramatically impact the performance of the bow, constant equipment adjustments and changes for youth archers, equipment value can depreciate quickly

Hunting/Competitive shooting what are the main factors to consider?

The great thing about bowhunting and competitive archery is that there truly is something for everyone! In competitive archery, the type of equipment you use, your gender, and age put you in a certain class. Then those classes are used among several different disciplines of competition. These disciplines all require a slightly different skill set. There are indoor, field, target, 3-D, and even broadhead events available to participate in at different times throughout the year. In Oklahoma 3-D and indoor are currently the most popular types of archery in my opinion. This is mostly due to lots of youth organizations and clubs specializing in these types of events. The opportunities to travel for tournaments are a lot more prevalent with these types of contests. The skills learned through competition can improve your ability as a bowhunter. Several equipment classes use the same equipment you will hunt with while others give you the ability to use highly specialized accessories. Traditional archery with longbows, recurves and selfbows are also an option to hunt and compete with and are rapidly growing in popularity. Several more types of equipment classes exist that you might have never considered, and I encourage you to research these and find something that interests you.

What do you stock in your store? What services do you offer?

Enid Archery, owned by Brian Lamoreaux, is the bow shop I currently manage. We are located at 704 South Hoover and are open Monday evenings from 5:30-8 P.M. and by appointment. We offer equipment sales, bow and crossbow repair, tuning help and lessons. We can help anybody from someone who wants to shoot their first arrow to the experienced archer planning for a big game hunt of a lifetime. It is my goal to make your equipment fit you correctly and get it in the best possible working order.

About Grant Gungoll

Grant Gungoll is a longtime competitive archer, bowhunter, archery coach and bow shop manager. He is best known for a large number of kids he has taught to shoot archery in the Enid area and for having a unique and diverse set of archery skills. He has won a total of 13 State Championships, including several aggregate titles, in both compound and traditional archery and has won those by shooting both left and right-handed. Gungoll also holds a Deerman’s T.H.E. (true hunting experience) reserve world championship in primitive archery but thinks his biggest accomplishment as an archer was harvesting a whitetail doe with a longbow.

“I am by no means a dominant archer that is going to win a contest by several points all the time or be the best at every shoot I go to. I have to work extremely hard to stay healthy and be competitive. Archery has just blessed me with several great mentors and friends that have truly pushed me to have a great experience in this sport,” Gungoll said.  

Fall Garden

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By Diane Ford

If you are even a little bit like me, you found gardening this spring and summer to be a challenge. I started planting vegetables later than usual because of fluctuating temperatures and wind. I am guessing that I had no potatoes because of the cold temperatures one week and the unseasonably hot temperatures the next week even in the winter months. Then, of course, this summer was so hot and dry. I found myself wilting sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning when tending my gardens.

But the nature of a gardener is to be a problem solver and an optimist. So, perhaps a fall vegetable garden will make up for a fairly disappointing spring and summer garden. My “go to” place for gardening information is the OSU Extension Office. Their fact sheets are very helpful especially when problems arise. It turns out fall is a great time to try again when warm sunny days are followed by cool and humid nights. I am doing my little rain dance at this point.

The soil where you plant your seeds is one of the most important elements for a successful garden. Plants need organic matter for nutrients, for loosening the soil, and for holding on to moisture. This year especially, you may need to use shade cloths over rows, supplemental watering, and mulch. Seeds will not germinate without moisture or if the soil temperature is too hot. If you do not have a compost pile for gathering organic matter, you can go to a garden center to purchase bagged material. I keep a small worm farm to collect worm castings as an additive as well as a compost pile where all our vegetable, fruit, and yard waste is left to decompose for soil additives.

One problem I have in the fall is finding seed packets at local stores. Once they sell out, usually in spring and early summer, that’s it for the year. I suggest going online to find seeds. I personally like Johnny’s Seed Co., but any seed company is worth a try especially if they produce seeds that will grow in our climate.

I prepared the soil in my beds in early to mid-August. By that time, a person can plant green beans, cucumbers, squash, and carrots. I did not plant lettuce until later than recommended because of the heat. Lettuce tends to taste quite bitter when exposed to heat. In September, I will finish by planting garlic, onions, leaf lettuce, and spinach. Radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips can also be planted. The general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth no more than 3X the diameter of the seed. To prevent the soil from drying out or getting too hot, spread mulch over your rows and move it to the side once the seeds have germinated. Using soaker hoses close to your seed rows will help to keep the moisture and temperature at an optimal level.

I am hopeful of getting fall tomatoes from my struggling summer plants as well as getting a small harvest from my newly planted seeds. Good luck to you, too, as we all explore modifications in our gardens.

Tools for Your Business

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ENID, OK – Main Street Enid’s Economic Vitality committee along with several local and state partners, is providing an opportunity for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs to network and connect with services in our community. 

“Tools for Your Business” will be a FREE and interactive event for all business owners with intentional inclusion of Hispanic entrepreneurs. Covering topics in a speed-dating style format, attendees will meet local professionals to help their businesses and network with other business owners to strengthen the economic vitality of the historic core of Enid.

Several new Hispanic owned businesses have opened in the Downtown District and Main Street Enid’s Economic Vitality committee saw the need to provide networking opportunities to these entrepreneurs to help strengthen their businesses. 

“Enid has a growing and thriving Hispanic population and we are so thrilled to be able to offer this networking session to this community in their native language,” said Charlet Ringwald, Assistant Director of Main Street Enid. 

Join Main Street Enid, Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 for “Tools for Your Business.” Several local and state organizations will be there to provide information including, Oklahoma Main Street Center, Autry Technology Center, Metro Technology Centers, and Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers. Local professionals will be there along with bilingual staff to provide information about their services. Those include Stride Bank, Hann Plummer PLLC, Mitchell DeClerck PLLC, and the City of Enid. This event will be held at Five80 Coffeehouse, 122 E. Randolph, beginning at 5pm. There will be a reception afterwards located at the Gold Door 120 W. Randolph.

Register in advance at tinyurl.com/5n7u6pxr. You can find more information on the Main Street Enid Facebook page or by email charlet@mainstreetenid.org.

Trench Mob

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In his 3rd year as an Assistant Coach of Enid High Football (and 2nd as Offensive Line Coach), Coach James Goble says “this O-Line is one of the most improved units on the team. We have gone from getting pushed around to being competitive in every game since I have been here. Even last year to this year, we have gone from 6 guys we felt were physically and mentally ready to play to 8, maybe 9 guys we are starting with this year that can rotate in.” As almost all the coaches have done, he credits a lot of this improvement to Enid’s strength and conditioning program led by Coach Tracy Baldwin. “All of our payers have gotten bigger, stronger and faster over the summer. We are well conditioned, and I am not worried about being pushed around on the line. This is a credit to Coach Baldwin, but also the effort they have put in. We will need them to continue to develop, but I’m happy where we are at this point in the season,” Goble said.

Even though they are replacing two graduated players, and the main back up, the anticipated starting line still returns lots of experience. “We’ve got 3 seniors that will likely start, Evan Sullivan, Erik Ford and Willian Dodds. They all have good experience and will know where to line up and the plays. Evan, especially, has taken the biggest step both on and off the field. His leadership, especially over the summer in the weight room and with his teammates, has been exceptional. All throughout the summer he has been motivating and encouraging his teammates without me having to say anything to them. I expect good things from him this season at Center. Erik (“Big E”) might be the strongest kid on the team. He is very strong and if he can take that strength and use it to his advantage, he will be really good for us.  We also have a sophomore, Jarrett Russell and a Junior, Dillon Nelson, who will likely be our first unit. Nelson moved over from defense and we thought with him getting a lot stronger, he has the speed to really help us at Guard.”  

Coach Goble also makes a point that as the line goes, so goes the offense. “Five of the eleven guys on offense are on the O-Line. They don’t get all the flashy stats, but those big scores don’t happen unless they are doing their jobs. We want to honor that, so the “Pancake Chain” is back this year, and whenever we score, one of the O-linemen will get to wear it to show the effort they made to help make that happen.”

There is no question the team has improved each year of the past four years. This year might be the year they get over the hump and bring home a winning record. But that doesn’t happen without the big boys in the trenches.

Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Proudly Brought to you by Slater Mechanical!

Enid Wingstop Wins Award

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ENID, Oklahoma – August 30, 2022 – Vibe Restaurants, owner and operator of the
Wingstop restaurant in Enid, recently recognized General Manager Christina Altidor for
reaching “Top Gun” status for four straight quarters. “Top Gun” is a program created by
Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. that nationally recognizes restaurants that excel in
operational excellence and overall guest satisfaction.

“Achieving ‘Top Gun’ status is quite an achievement in and of itself,” said Michael
Trifari, Vibe Restaurants President & Chief Operating Officer, “but making it for four
straight quarters is outstanding and the first Vibe-owned Wingstop to achieve that level.
We wanted to recognize Christina for all her hard work in running a great restaurant and
taking great care of our Enid guests.”

The Wing Experts are dedicated to Serving the World Flavor through an
unparalleled guest experience and offering of classic wings, boneless wings, tenders
and a new Chicken Sandwich, always cooked to order and hand-sauced-and-tossed in
fans’ choice of 11 bold, distinctive flavors. The Wingstop menu also features signature
sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips.
“We are proud to be part of the Enid community,” said Kent Chapin, Director of
Marketing & Communications for Vibe Restaurants. “The reception of Wingstop by Enid
residents has been outstanding ever since we opened in November of 2020. Wingstop
really is where Enid gets its wings!”

The restaurant is open every day from 11am-11pm and offers dine-in, take-out
and delivery service. Since every order is made-to-order, customers are invited to order
ahead on the Wingstop app or at wingstop.com and the order will be ready when you
get here. You can also order for delivery through Door Dash and now through Uber Eats
as well.

The Enid Wingstop location is owned and operated by Vibe Restaurants based in
Dallas, Texas. In addition to Enid, the company owns and operates a Wingstop
restaurant in Stillwater and eight locations in Oklahoma City

Happy Grandparents Day!

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Hello to our dear readers! Welcome back to Teen Scene, this month my BSF Bree and I are going to tell you about our Grandparents and the fun memories we have with them. Let’s go!!

Everybody has Grandparents but not everyone makes it a point to talk with or visit them. Some people are lucky enough to have all 4 of their grandparents still in their lives. I have my G-Ma (my mom’s mom) and Papa Rod (her partner) which I am very thankful for. They live a little bit out of town so I don’t get to see them as much as I want, but my grandma is always shopping at thrift stores in town so she comes and says hi! I remember her taking to me to 5 thrift stores in one day and I HATED IT!!!! But, I was happy I got to spend all day with her. I can always count on my grandma to be at my sporting and school events in town no matter what. Sometimes when she comes into town she’ll take me to Braum’s to get ice cream. I would always get so excited to go stay at their house and see Papa Rod. They have a beautiful pumpkin patch and garden that I like helping with. One of my most favorite memories with them is our trips back from Red River, NM. We would get a HUGE ripe watermelon at this stand and eat it at these picnic tables off the highway every time I would go with them. They both travel by themselves to Red River on their birthday, June 6th, and Papa Rod sends me pictures of my gorgeous grandma doing their favorite things. Papa Rod would take me fishing and we would just wait there talking waiting for a fish to bite our bait. He would get up early in the morning to bring me donuts and chocolate milk when I would stay over. My Papa Ru (dad’s dad) passed away when I was in 3rd grade. I don’t remember much but the most vivid memory I have with him is one day we went over to visit him and I just got this brand new Anna (from Frozen) hat that had a long braid of red hair attached to the back and he asked if he could try it on. He looked so cool!!  He also had this dog named Gus that would jump all over me when we would come over. My mom’s dad (Tim) and my dad’s mom (Kathy) both passed away before I was born so I never got to meet them. My mom always tells me that I would’ve been her dad’s favorite grandchild. My dad always talks about how short (4-11)his mom was!! I really wish I could’ve met both of them but hearing stories about them makes it so much better. 

Bree loves her grandparents because they are the ones who raised her parents. She loves living next door to her Grandma and Grandpa on her mom’s side. She loves walking next door and getting fresh Root Beer floats. She always goes golfing with them and hangs out by the pool! Her grandma got this new HUGE dog that cuddles with you where ever you are. Bree and her family always go over for s’mores, hang out by the campfire and play cornhole and just chill. About a year ago her other grandpa got remarried and moved to Enid so she likes going to their house and just spending time with them. Before her grandma (dad’s mom) passed they would fly up to Utah and visit all their family and play with their chickens. Those are some of her favorite memories with her grandparents!

Thank you for reading this month’s article!! We hope you enjoyed it! We would love to hear about your favorite memories with your grandparents so email us @ tweensceneenid@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions, or ideas on upcoming articles as well!! See you next month!

Walktober Registration NOW OPEN!

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Registration is open for the 2022 Garfield County Walktober event. This community-wide steps challenge is for businesses, organizations, and community members to compete in friendly competition and encouragement to achieve your healthy living goals.  

The $10 registration fee includes Walktober t-shirt, Challenge Runner app access, motivational FB group access, and a chance to win weekly team prizes. Create a team of up to five people for added accountability & motivation!

Registration closes September 15, 2022. And our kickoff event for participants to pick up their t-shirts and ask any questions will be held on September 29, 2022 from 5:30-6:30pm at the Cleveland trail head.

TO REGISTER visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ab33d40f-7454-42d4-bde7-6217fdd583a1

Local Legends: Jarry Hillman

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With over a quarter century of helping students complete their high school education, Jarry Hillman has many memories and success stories that still bring a smile to his face in retirement. Originally, from Hays, Kansas, Hillman and his wife moved to Enid in 1976 to expand his father’s jewelry business. Once they started a family, he began to look for another career path to allow him to spend more time at home and not on the road all the time. They had two children, Jennifer and Jason, and the next chapter began for Hillman. He went back to his original college career path and used his education to work at Enid State School, teaching students with developmental disabilities. He has said that this time in his career was monumental and crucial for forming his outlook on education.

In 1992, Hillman received a call from Enid Public School to interview for a new adventure. The district was starting a new alternative school program, and Hillman said, “what’s an alternative school?” At that time, that was not heard of around Oklahoma. Hillman said, “when this started, they said, ‘if you can save one kid, keep one kid from dropping out, it’s worth it. We were hoping it would last at least one year.” He never dreamed that the school would go on to graduate hundreds of students and win multiple awards including the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Dropout Prevention Program of the year, along with the National Dropout/Recovery/Intervention/Prevention Program of the year.

Some of the biggest challenges Hillman faced while creating this program was helping the community realize this school was not “for bad kids”, or “trouble makers.” When looking at the students over the years at Lincoln, Hillman said those statements could not have been further from the truth. There was not one thing that brought kids to the alternative school, and no two students’ situation was alike. Some students worked full-time jobs to support their families and needed a different schedule from the traditional school setting, some kids slept in their car and needed more support, some kids had anxiety and depression that the smaller class size better fit their needs, some were teen parents, some had trauma that led to attendance issues, and the list could go on and on. The one thing the students all had in common was they wanted to finish their high school diploma.

The motto Hillman was caught saying over all his years was “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” If students came to school and their basic needs were not met, learning becomes impossible. Hillman was known for making his homemade doughnuts, feeding snacks to the kids, and listening to their lives before they started their school day. Some of these students walked in that door with very difficult things from the night before. Hillman’s philosophy was to build a family environment for the students because for some of the students it was the only family or support they had.

Hillman was an out-of-the-box principal, not typically caught in a tie or suit, but rather in dress clothes and tennis shoes. The weekdays and promotion ceremonies often included the theme from his favorite television show “Survivor,” in which the students would participate in survivor challenges to earn prizes and create a fun atmosphere at school and during graduation. My goal was to “teach these students how to have success, but also to enjoy life,” he said. Hillman always went the extra mile, but not always the textbook way. He wrote rap songs, dressed in a gorilla costume, picked up students who could not get there, and visited his students who had given birth at the hospital, just to name a few. He wanted them to know someone cared for them and that they were important.  He is humble about his career and said “the students taught and continue to teach me so much, even in retirement. I hope that what I did contributed back to them. Having the opportunity to inspire and be a part of hundreds of lives is nothing short of priceless.”

There are so many stories of resilience and success Hillman recalls over his 25 years of teaching, however, one stands out to him for many reasons.

One day in his first few years in alternative ed, a girl got up and said, “I am dropping out of school. I’m leaving this school and never coming back” and ran out the door. I took off out the door with her,’ Hillman said.  “I said, ‘I’m with ya, I’m done with this job. I’m quitting and never coming back.” They continued to walk down the street together away from the school. She stopped walking and then said, “Mr. Hillman, you can’t quit you’re the principal.” He replied, “Stef, you can’t quit because you need an education.” She went back that day, ended up finishing her high school education, went on to college, and is now a nurse working in Oklahoma City.    

There are stories after stories of students in this community who just needed a bit of love, to know someone cares, and to have someone in their corner. Hillman enjoys running into students in town, seeing the families they have created, and watching them have successful careers, and they often swap hugs and old stories of the Lincoln days. Hillman passed the torch to a wonderful principal, Mr. Tommy Parker, and fantastic staff, that he remains in contact with today.  He now keeps busy being an avid fan of Kansas University basketball, enjoying time with his wife Jenny, hunting, and working with his two grandsons in Freedom on their ranch. He is also an avid fan of Enid High sports, where he loves watching his other two grandchildren, Brock and Emma Sullivan, play multiple sports for EHS. Even though Jarry would not consider himself one, He is a true “Local Legend.”

 Local Legends is proudly presented by Humphrey and Guarantee Abstract Company!



September Events

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September 1-30
10 am-5 pm
Working Americans: Special Photography Exhibit
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Artist Sam Cohen presents American immigrants and first-generation Americans at work in the small, skilled trades as icons of the American experience. Museum open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm.

September 1-30
10 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday
The Freedom Train: Across the Heart of America
Non-Profit Center (114 S. Independence)
Featuring more than 100 historical documents, period artwork and rare photos from the Freedom Train exhibit 1947-49.

September 1
7 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 2
6 pm-9 pm
First Friday
Downtown Enid
Live music, great shopping, delicious food

7 pm
Live Music: Jake Bowers and The Outsiders
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Football: Enid High vs. Ponca City
Selby Stadium (801 W. Iowa)

7:30 pm
Live Music: Stacey Sanders
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

September 3
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

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

September 7-10
Garfield County Free Fair
Garfield County Fairgrounds (111 W. Purdue)

September 8
7 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 9-11
8 pm
Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth
Government Springs Park North (509 E. Oklahoma)
Gaslight Theatre’s annual free Shakespeare presentation.

6 pm-9:30 pm
Revival: God’s Final Harvest
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
Sermons, Praise & Worship, Raffle Drawings, Food Trucks! www.final-harvest.com for more info.

September 9
7:30 pm
Live Music: The Peachtrees
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)

9 pm
Live Music: Lane Haas Band
The Alibi Bar (224 W. Broadway)

9 pm
Live Music: Chad Todd Band
The Spot (417 N. Grand)

9 pm
Star Gazing at Crosslin Park with Astronomer Joe Malan
Crosslin Park North Entrance (1520 W. Oxford)
Sponsored by Enid Public Library

September 10
9 am-10:30 am
Pop Up Pastry and Iced Coffee Tasting
The Farm on Norman (1401 Norman Rd.)
Risen Baking Company will be offering a 4 course tasting menu of their pastries. Each pastry course will be paired with a flavor complementing iced coffee. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through the link below: https://checkout.square.site/…/UUFT5IMO6AVSMLQEDWPPHUV5

10 am-2 pm
Sunset Plaza Second Saturday
Sunset Plaza (610 S. Cleveland)

10 am-4 pm
Tractor Supply Paw Adoption Event
Tractor Supply (4010 W. Garriott)

10 am-2pm
Cats & Cookies Adoption Event
FURever Friends Animal Rescue (2809 N. Grand)

12 pm-3 pm
Raising & Harvesting Rabbit & Poultry
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy. 81)

6 pm
Family Movie Night: Invincible
Enid Public Library (120 W. Maine)
Free Popcorn and Bottled Water!

6 pm
75th Air Force Ball 2022
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
Civilian tickets $55, available at all Stride Bank Center ticket outlets.

7 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee Cruise Night
Blazes BBQ (1002 W. Willow)

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

7:30 pm
Auto Racing: Sooner Late Models
Enid Speedway (302 E Oxford)

9 pm
Virgo Party! (Free Cover for Virgos!)
Boondocks Tavern (302 E. Maple)

9 pm
Live Comedy
The Spot (417 N. Grand)

September 12
6:30 pm
Garfield County Free Fair Awards & Premium Sale
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)

September 14-16
Oklahoma Museums Association Annual Conference
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)

September 15
5:30 pm
Enid Young Professionals Network @ Nite
Pheasant Run Golf Club (1702 Clubhouse Dr.)

6 pm-9 pm
United Way of NW Oklahoma Superhero Campaign Kickoff
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
Free family fun. Cornhole, axe throwing, inflatables, dunk tank, free hot dog dinner, more.

7 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 16-17
9:30 am Friday, 9 am Saturday
American Cornhole Association Enid Major
Stride Bank Center (301 S. Grand)

Cherokee Strip Celebration
Downtown Enid
Friday 11 am-1 pm Indian Tacos on the Courthouse Lawn
Saturday 10:30 am, Parade
Food trucks, vendors, live music, trick roping

September 17
6:30 am
Triangle Insurance Great Land Run
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
5K, 10K, half-marathon. Pre-register at GreatLandRun.com

7:30 am-10 am
Breakfast Fly-In
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.)
Fly-in aircraft & static displays on the ramp, Barnstormers breakfast buffet $9.99

8 am-12 pm
The Cottage Market
Champlin Park (1198 Sequoyah)
Homemade goods, herbs, plants & produce.

9 am
Enid Walk of Fame Ceremony
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
Inductees are Elaine Johns and Joan Allen.

10 am-4 pm
Pop Ups on Park St.
150 W. Park st.
Vendors, artists, live music, more.

10 am-5 pm
The Market Neighborhood Shops
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)

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

7 pm
Live Music: Whiskey & Wine
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

7 pm
Live Music: Riley Jantzen, Shandee Layne and Stacey Sanders
Atelier (339 E. Maple) ($20 Tickets at www.atelier339.org)

7:30 pm
Enid Symphony Orchestra presents Jana Jae, Brock Johnson & Lindy Wilson in Concert
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)

September 22
7 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 23-24
5 pm-8 am
Camping in the Park
Meadowlake Park (1200 W. Rupe)
Games, scavenger hunt, s’mores. Advance reservations required at 580.616.7210 or Enid.org/ParkReservations

September 23
6:30 pm
A Night on Main Street
Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence)

9 pm
Live Comedy
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 24
10 am-1 pm
Walk 4RKids
4RKids Parking Lot (710 Overland Trail)

10 am–1 pm
Live Music: Beautiful Disaster
The Alibi (224 W. Broadway)

11 am-6 pm
Leonardo’s 30th Birthday Party
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)

2 pm-9:30 pm
Fling at the Springs Music Festival
Government Springs Park North (509 E. Oklahoma)
Featuring local and regional artists under the Gazebo.

7 pm
Live Music: Buffalo Jones & the Heard
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

9 pm
Golden Girls and Grumpy Old Men Party
Boondocks Tavern (302 E. Maple)

September 25
12 pm
FREE Yoga
Rosebud’s Aerial Yoga (4215 N. 4th)

September 29
6 pm
Speaker: Susan Root
Brookdale Senior Living (4313 W. Willow)
“Downsizing Can Have Upsides” Tips for smooth transitions to smaller living spaces. Open to Public!

7 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)

September 30
7 pm
Football: Enid High vs. Moore
Selby Stadium (801 W. Iowa)

9 pm
Live Music: Skeleton Station
The Alibi Bar (224 W. Broadway)

A Celebration for Every Generation: Grandparent’s Day 2022

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Do Something GRAND!

Perched atop a stool in your grandmother’s kitchen (giving you reach to use the stove), you learn how to perfect a secret family recipe, just as your grandmother did six decades prior. Multicolored marbles clank in the adjoining room, as your sibling sets up a game of Chinese Checkers—since that’s the only game your grandpa really likes to play (even though he’ll play any game you choose). You never understood why she didn’t get upset when you spilled ingredients all over the freshly-vacuumed floor. At the time…you didn’t question why she chuckled at the sign of panic rushing across your face, slowly lifting her fist filled with flour above your head. Glowing with a knowledge you can only gain with time, they always seemed to be operating with a special energy and innate wisdom—one particular to grandparents…gently sprinkling white baking powder in front of your eyes, with the subtle advice attached, “You can’t bake a cake without breaking a few eggs.” The years will fly by after she is gone; but, that recipe will always taste the same—because she was the one who taught you how to make it.

We’re molded by the example of our grandparents, and the spongy nature of our child-size brain absorbs every influence it can, as we grow—formed and strengthened by the bonds of family relationships. An amalgam of the ancestors that came before, and the resulting people we eventually become, family ties are made stronger through the shared experiences that bind us to each other. After many years of lobbying by a group called Generations United, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential proclamation in observance of the new holiday in 1978. Grandparents Day was officially announced as the first Sunday after Labor Day by the US Congress. This advocacy group still, today, “urges grandparents and older adults to share their wisdom, perspectives, and fundamental civic values with young people,” according to grandparentsday.org.

Having already lived the lessons we have yet to encounter, grandparents offer us baggage in the forms of nostalgia. Subconsciously preparing us to successfully catch the scheduled train about to depart for the future—whether we’re fully prepared to hop in a boxcar or not. With Grandparents Day occurring on Sunday, September 11th, 2022 this year, these two sets of local Enid grandparents remind us: for every single reason you find to love your grandparents, they have already multiplied their love for you by two-grand more.

Family Thorpe

Jim and Gayle Thorpe have been sweet on each other, ever since they got kicked out of their High School History class together. Having trouble concentrating on the lesson with her sweetheart stealing away her attention, Gayle remembers, “The teacher said, ‘Jim, if you and Gayle want to talk, you can out into the hall!’ So…we did, and that’s when our love began!” Although their romance started as a one-way ticket to being in trouble with their teacher, their admiration for one another continued to blossom as their relationship progressed to marriage, the creation of a family, and giving back to their community with “honesty, love, and concern for people.”

Those who know Gayle, or have a fortunate opportunity to meet her, quickly melt into the comfort of her soft voice and affirming words. She has an aura of grace in all of her movements, and her calming presence will soothe almost all the turbulence that comes her way. Jim has a quirky way of making the perfect quip in every moment, with Gayle’s “OH, Jim!” echoing behind his latest sweet sentiment or funny gesture. Combined, they have a rare quality in the ways they love people and live to serve others. Their infectiously kind spirit is mirrored by the philosophy they hoped to give their offspring, teaching the importance of “learning the words: I am Sorry, Excuse Me, and May I Help You”.

The Thorpes are lifelong Christians, with parents and grandparents who taught them about the Lord’s special love—a value they dearly wanted to instill in their own children and grandchildren. Having two baby boys, they were also blessed with two daughters, after their sons married. David, the oldest of the two, united with Jolleen; while their youngest, John, started another branch on the family tree with Traci. The family would continue to grow, as grandchildren sprouted in the forms of Brier, Caitlin, Brennyn, and Wyeth.

Jim recalls some of his favorite memories of being a grandparent, when he was story-telling, going to get ice cream, or taking his Grands on fishing trips or picnics. When asked what he felt upon finding out he was going to be a “Grand Papa” for the first time—a name his grandchildren would eventually call him lovingly—he states, “It was an awesome feeling. An unbelievable feeling of joy.” Jim reiterates that he and Gayle “had the most wonderful parents and grandparents ever.” He fawns over the memories of simply getting to spend time with them, while Gayle shares a funny story about chasing her grandmother’s chickens when they got outside their fence. She also tells tales of tea parties and cooking lessons, where Sunday dinners and Holidays would become the perfect showcase for those new skills acquired in the kitchen.

Both Jim and Gayle emphasize the importance of having Christ in their lives, and the role God has played within their union. They have an irresistible charm, and no conversation with Jim and Gayle can ever be long enough. They are always available for a chat about life, and they’ve passed this trait onto their grandchildren with whom Gayle has regular conference calls, or what her granddaughters refer to as “Girl Talks” and “Girl Lunches.” Some of Gayle’s favorite conversations have been when her grandchildren share stories from their childhood, where they join in so much laughter they “almost got sick.”

I asked them both if they would be willing to share bits of information regarding their grand-parenting style. For Gayle, she insists on having open and honest communication, having special talks and having special time with her grandkids. She emphasized the principles that are important to her, “Being kind always, and being respectable. To think before you speak, by sharing and showing love to one another.” Jim also found himself wanting to instill similar ideals, such as, “honesty and being truthful, and having love and concern for other people”, and overall, “Loving Jesus.”

Family Sanchez

Lonnie and Jodie Sanchez are another example of the power of love conquering all. A pair of young lovers, who met in the town of Woodward in the 80s, discovered Jodie was pregnant shortly after the beginning of their romantic love affair. The reality of becoming young parents before they were fully prepared to start a family, they decided to marry and begin this new journey with high hopes and empty pockets. Shortly after finding out about Anthony (their oldest son), they received news of a second child on its way a few years later. The arrival of their second son, Adam, marked the birth of the last Sanchez boy. Chelsea would bless their family as the first daughter; and, Chandler (their second daughter, and youngest child) made a surprise entrance, making them parents for the fourth and final time in the early 90s.

With family in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri, the Sanchezs moved to and from each state at different intervals to be near family when they were needed. They always found ways to support themselves, even if that meant only providing the bare essentials materially, with hefty doses of love and emotional support making up the difference. Their children have grown up, and they are all in their twenties and thirties now. Being that Lonnie and Jodie were very young parents, the cycle came around to being young grandparents, as well. Fourteen years ago, they were introduced to their first grandbaby, Emily. Emily would be a surprise to the whole family for a big reason; but, not because they were becoming “young grandparents.” Upon her arrival into the world, Lonnie would lose one of his parents within the same week. The Sanchez clan found a silver lining during those grayest of days. Despite losing a parent, Lonnie would have the opportunity to meet his granddaughter for the first time, weeks sooner than originally expected. This less-than-ideal initiation into grandparenting came with a fee that was heavy on their souls, watching your children say goodbye to one of their grandparents in the same timeframe you become one. Their spirits continued to remain high through the upsetting circumstances. They found a deeper connection to the members of their family; and, together, they rejoiced in the shared love helping them overcome life’s obstacles.

Eventually welcoming three more grandchildren in the years that followed, Jodie recalled an important lesson she learned after having four children in succession at a very young age. Watching her four kids grow up together and being so close in age (with the last three kids attending high school formals/proms, in descending grades, during Adam’s senior year), Jodie saw the interactions grow with the years, and her children have maintained close relationships, despite so much distance in the three states they all live. “We get all of our grandkids together once every year at our house. Getting them together is a crazy worn-out mess, but it’s always fun! We want them all to know each other, and who they are as people, and you can only do that by getting them all together,” she says. Jodie wanted to give her grandchildren the same opportunity to cultivate lasting relationships, similar to her children, and she’s continued that tradition every year. With the oldest, Emily, now being fourteen, Mason is 12, Keith is 9, and Korbyn just turned 7 in July during his T-Rex-themed birthday bash at Oakwood Bowl & Tate’s Fun Zone.

The summer and fall of 2021 presented a challenging time among the brood. Jodie was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the same time her grandson would become a live-in model of “Generation Alpha.” (Or, “Mini Millennials”, another reference for births between 2011-2025, according to an article published by NC State University.) Generous and kind-hearted Jodie dug her heels into the mud of the situation, creating a do-able plan to help her family. Nothing would stop Jodie and Lonnie from once again being the superhero parents they’d always been…only this time, they would be parenting their grandchild through these uncertain times. Korbyn was in need; and, they would soon realize, they were in need of Korbyn, too. He took up residence with “Gigi and Poppi” in Enid, while his Gigi embarked on surgery and treatment. She refers to her experience as having “Cancer-Lite”; because surgery was successful, and she was fortunate to not have many additional side effects from the treatments. Knowing many others have experienced a much more antagonizing cancer story, she remains insightful about her chance to live a healthier and happier life. With Korbyn, they have found joy in the smallest of things—things they weren’t financially capable of doing for their own children when they were young. Feeling a slight bit of remorse and guilt for the circumstances they offered their children growing up, as opposed to Korbyn, they see this opportunity to offer all of those experiences now that they can afford it. Jodie says, “You do the best you can. You raise your kids the best way you know how, and hope you did a good job. We know so much more now, and have more now, so we feel lucky to see him experiencing all of this, too”

Lonnie has been in the Education field in Oklahoma and Missouri for over 14 years. Within this duration of time, Mr. Sanchez helped Enid Public Schools as a substitute teacher, before earning his bachelor’s degree and taking a classroom full-time. He’s been a science teacher for EPS, serving at both Enid High School and Longfellow Middle School. Earning degrees for himself, while guiding students to their own, he applied extra time to focus on students with special needs and high-risk youth. Jodie owns and operates S&S Estate Sales, with her talent for writing being a second source of income and self-fulfillment. Although they have busy days organizing sales and teaching students, they’ve continued to find new ways to bring joy to Korbyn, as he adjusted to a new school and a new routine. She refers to Lonnie as the activity director for Korbyn, and relays how he is usually in charge of planning the boy-centric outings. She also reiterates how Lonnie’s training and expertise has aided their success in the emotional transitions little Korbyn has faced over the last year. “I’m the flighty artist, and Lonnie is so logical and calm…I operate from the emotional side, and he brings me back to earth. We are a team, and that’s how we’ve made it work.”

Transitioning back to her expectations as a parent, while attempting to balance the discipline and life lessons with her personal philosophy as a fun grandparent, Jodie commented, “I used to be the youngest one in the group, and now I’m the old lady…in this particular season of our journey, it still works; we make it work. God brought this whole group of new people to do things with; and, it takes a lot of people to raise people.” Old wives may have a tale about requiring a village to successfully raise a child; and, today, in the year 2022, the Sanchez’s found a village in Enid to affix among their story’s adaptation of a grandparent raising a grandchild.

Celebrating the Generations

Nobody has grandparents like you. You are—singularly—the only person on this earth who has felt the way your grandparents have made you feel as a grandchild. Seemingly all-knowing to a child’s mind, yet captivatingly enigmatic, the relationship between grandchild and grandparent is as unique as cheek-pinching fingertips. Even among siblings and cousins who share the same grandparents, you would be hard-pressed to find two relatives that have experienced the same two characters, out of the same two people, who’ve became known to them as ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandpa’. We find ways to differentiate the individualized love we have for these souls, commonly giving distinctive nicknames to celebrate their affections for us. Originally anointed your Gigi and Poppi, or G.G. and Grand Papa, one day you grow to find they have real names, too; not just the synonymous name-games you’ve played for so long.

Life is experienced in so many different ways, with those trains of nostalgia reaching the final station only after numerous stops have been made along the intersecting tracks. Grandparents often see the joy in every moment, far beyond the possibilities we were able to comprehend as children. Time can be cruel in a menagerie of ways, being: too fast, too slow, too monotonous, too chaotic…but, the inevitable lesson time will teach us all, is it continues to roll on. Regardless of what you call them, or the form your relationship has taken over the years, we should all find ourselves celebrating this Grandparents Day with joy, love, and gratitude. Tell them stories of your childhood; ask them about theirs. Discover all of the reasons that brought them together, that led to them bringing you here. On Sept.11th, pull out all of the stops—jump on the nostalgia train, and ride it all the way into the warm embrace of remembering why family matters.

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