School Zone lights start blinking, kids in their backpacks walking down the roads, busses shepherding smiling children to their classes, all part of the first days of school. I loved school – it was the only place that I got consistency in my life. The bells rang at the same time. I knew I’d have a hot meal to eat. Friends to see. Sports to play. Things to learn.
None of this could be done without the amazing women and men who “suit up” every day and face the challenges of unruly kids, underfunded classrooms, and overbearing regulations. The classroom has changed drastically since I was a kid. Technology now plays a big part in education, and Enid schools are ahead of the curve of most districts. But with all the amenities that the kids do have, we are still struggling as a state to educate our kids. And it’s not because we don’t have people that care, we do, but those wonderful people in the classrooms are being asked to do too much, with too little.
Regardless of whether you have a child currently in school, I hope that you will appreciate the job these people do for our community. If you want to show your support, visit donorschoose.org and you can search schools by zip code. Most school districts (including Enid and Chisholm) also have an educational foundation you can donate to that helps classrooms. If you are not able to financially help, just tell a teacher how much you appreciate them. And last, but not least, tell your elected officials how much education means to you, and hold their feet to the fire for increasing education funding!
In the meantime, slow down in school zones, watch for kids and pray for A’s!
The Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative will host its third annual Tai Chi A-Thon event on September 24, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at locations across the state. OHAI’s Northwest Center of Healthy Aging will be hosting their Tai Chi A-Thon this year from the First Presbyterian Church at 502 W. Maine Avenue in Enid.
Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Generally safe for all ages and fitness levels, Tai Chi can help older adults reduce their risk of falling, while also increasing balance and flexibility. Health benefits include reduced blood pressure, better sleep, and improved muscular strength and enhanced mental well-being. It does not matter how strong, flexible or active a person is, Tai Chi is designed for all ages and levels of health.
OHAI is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of older Oklahomans and their caregivers through community classes, workshops and professional trainings. Proceeds of the Tai Chi-A-Thon will help OHAI continue to reach all 77 counties across Oklahoma with health education classes and resources.
The Tai Chi-A-Thon is open to participants 18 years and older. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in each city. Registration is free and a Tai Chi A-Thon t-shirt will be available to purchase prior the event. T-shirts will not be sold on the day of the event.
To register and find the event location near you, go to www.ohai.org. On-site registration will be available at the event.
For more information, please contact the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative at ohai@ouhsc.edu or by phone at (855) 227-5928.
OHAI is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and is supported by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
Hydration is very important for nutrition and exercise. The more water you drink the more toxins you flush out. Some of the benefits of drinking water are increased energy, relieves fatigue, increases focus, promotes weight loss, and flushes out toxins. Water can also help to improve your skin complexion and regulate body temperature. Better digestion and healthier skin and joints are also benefits.
Water makes up about 60% of the human body. Without water, you will become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when you lose more bodily fluids than you take in. This can happen in different ways such as diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. When you become dehydrated it can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, increased body temperature, and constipation. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that is dark in color.
So how much water should you drink per day? There are many different opinions on just how much you should be drinking. Health experts commonly recommend eight, eight-ounce glasses, which equals two liters or half a gallon every day. However, your body might need more water than someone else. How much you need also depends on where you live, your diet, temperature or season, how active you are, your health, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you don’t drink plenty of water now, you should start drinking more water to lose weight, stay focused, promote healthier skin and hair, as well as increase your overall health.
No-Bake Energy Balls:
1 cup old fashioned oats
⅔ cup shredded coconut
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup ground flax seed
½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅓ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup sliced almonds
Mix, form into balls, then refrigerate.
*Mention this article and get a training session for free*
Article and Photos By Diane Ford – Garfield County Master Gardener
Magic! That’s what I think so many times when I walk through our garden. Then when I look back at photos from the garden that I have taken over the years, the ones that speak to me the most are the ones I almost missed. Missed because I did not understand the cycle of nature, the balance she provides between what we get to eat and what insects get to eat, and the importance of observation.
Our grandchildren had just moved here from Atlanta toward the beginning of summer. I had planted fennel in the hopes of luring swallowtail butterflies to our yard. Monarchs and black swallowtails are two of the more intricately patterned and beautiful butterflies in our area. In fact, the black swallowtail is our state butterfly. I was explaining to my granddaughter that the swallowtail butterfly caterpillars would come to eat the fennel, grow, turn into chrysalises, and emerge as butterflies as the summer progressed. But, upon further inspection of the fennel plant, I noticed tiny black insects crawling all over the fennel. My first instinct was to shake the plant to protect it for the caterpillars. Wrong! I believe it was my granddaughter who suggested that those little critters might be the caterpillars (or their larvae) we were trying to attract.
Indeed, they were. Over the next several days we watched with fascination as the larvae grew and changed to orange/red and then green with black stripes. At this point, they looked more like caterpillars. They grew rapidly, devouring the fennel plant almost to the ground all within a few weeks. At one point, we counted 87 caterpillars! Then one day their numbers started to dwindle. Hiding under leaves, on branches, even on the side of our house, the caterpillars had changed into their chrysalis stage.
The day finally arrived when some of the butterflies emerged from their encasement. One way to attract a butterfly to you as they emerge is to put dabs of watermelon juice on your skin. They will be looking for a sweet food source. I have pictures of the swallowtails lighting on my grandchildren’s arms. It was truly magical for all of us.
I now know that swallowtails do not migrate like monarchs. They overwinter here in their chrysalis form, emerging in early April. They lay their eggs on the underside of leaves (200-430 eggs). The eggs take 10-13 days to hatch. They will feed on dill, fennel, and parsley for 3-4 weeks as caterpillars before forming a chrysalis. They will emerge as a butterfly 10-20 days later. They go through this cycle twice; once in early spring and again in late summer.
In closing, I’d like to suggest that you plant these herbs in your garden with the idea that they may be eaten by something other than yourself. I plant a lot in different areas of the yard. Then observe. These little miracles happen when you’re not looking. My hope for you is that you get to share in this magic someday with family members, young or old.
At Enid Regional Development Alliance, we are continually sharing the benefits companies can experience when they locate in our community. In 2019, Enid was named the #1 Best City to Live in, in Oklahoma, by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Why was Enid ranked number one? Enid brings a variety of benefits for companies and individuals that make Enid their home. Employers enjoy a lower-cost of doing business, a skilled and stable workforce, and a supportive community. Families and individuals benefit from short commute times, excellent education options, and a family oriented community.
Here are a few responses from individuals who answered the question, “Why Enid”, supporting our belief that Enid is a great place to be.
“I chose to stay in Enid because it made sense to raise a family here. Quality of life is one of the most important aspects of a community for me, and Enid checks that box. Having an adequate quality of life in the community helps retain businesses and community members. You no longer have to leaveEnid to find a place to shop, dine, or be entertained. With two breweries, a large variety of shops and restaurants, quality community events, and much more, there’s never “nothing to do” in Enid!” – Natalie Beurlot, Main Street Enid Director
“My ‘Why Enid’ is because I feel like it is a great community for families and people in general. There are so many opportunities to grow and get involved. I lived in Tulsa for 4 years and decided to return to Enid because it is truly“home.” – Whitney McClure, The Modern Thread Owner
“As a family, we chose Enid Public Schools (EPS) for the community and opportunities it provides our children. We have children in elementary, middle, and high school and at each level, there are opportunities provided for students to succeed in the learning environment best suited for them. They are also given opportunities to explore areas outside of the traditional classroom. EPS is a community of students, teachers and families that provide the foundation we want our children to be built on to better the world around them.” – Torry Turnbow, Parent of three EPS students and member of EPS School Board
“PT was founded in Enid in 1951 by my grandfather, RC Parrish. At that time RC was living in Ponca City and commuting to Enid to get the business up and running. The decision to build up PT in Enid over the years is because of the people in this community. The employees at that time were mostly farmers or were people who grew up on farms. We believe the work ethic of people in Enid is still reliable today and is aligned with our core values and culture.” – Matt Parrish CEO, President of PT.
Enid is a great place for people to live, work and raise a family. We hope that other families looking for a place where they can grow a business, grow a family and enjoy traditional American values will feel welcome here. If the past year showed us anything, it’s that communities our size provided a better quality of life than the dense urban areas and are recovering stronger post-pandemic. The future is looking brighter than ever. Do you have a “Why Enid”? Share it with us by visiting www.growenid.com.
Planning ahead is crucial to a successful DIY move. Here you will find successful tips on how to reduce the stress associated with the DIY move and make a smooth transition to your dream home.
Get out your calculator
To save on a move, you need to calculate all of the costs upfront. People often think a do-it-yourself move is cheaper, but they forget all that’s involved from truck rental and extra packing or loading help, to traveling costs like gas, tolls, hotels, and meals. Add to that boxes, tape, and other packing supplies and it can really add up. Some money can be saved by using recycled boxes and employing friends to help, but you may have to triple-tape those boxes to make them sturdy enough or cover medical bills if one of your friends injures himself by hauling your mega TV down the steps. Make a complete budget listing every potential move expense. Better Homes and Gardens encourages budgeting for some extra expenses, like hiring a last-minute professional to help you load the truck safely, or for a big takeout meal for all of your helpers
Get out your day planner
You may be a free spirit who likes to “go with the flow,” but moving requires extensive planning, from checking with the IRS on whether your expenses are deductible, and ordering a truck or moving supplies, to turning off utilities to getting your mail and magazines re-routed. It’s not a job for the disorganized or faint of heart! Plan your move at least four months in advance and map out what needs to be done every week, whether it’s planning a yard sale so you have less to pack or getting your dog’s medical records so Fluffy is ready for the trip. The true secret to a successful DIY move is making sure you give yourself enough time.
Take inventory, and pack slowly
Do a walkthrough of your house and make an inventory of what’s going to your new home and what can be sold or given away. Based on your inventory list, estimate packing supplies and order them several weeks in advance. As soon as you can, start packing those things that you rarely use, like seasonal items. Put as much as possible into boxes, which provides extra protection for your items, and place electronics back into their original packaging, if possible. Mark each box as you go by room and contents, and don’t overload each box. Since you’ll be the one moving them, you’ll want them to be relatively light. Soft items–sofa cushions, pillows, stuffed animal collections–can be packed in plastic bags and used as bumpers between hard items, such as dressers and tables. Leave clothing in dresser drawers and wrap the chests (and all furnishings) with protective bubble wrap or blankets that are tightly taped.
Load smart–and safely
To spare your back and prevent accidents, make sure your truck has a ramp, and that you have a dolly to roll big items between home and truck. Cover the floor of the truck with cardboard or plastic to keep your items as clean as possible. Before you begin loading, it’s helpful to draw a scale interior of your truck and estimate how your belongings will best fit. Create an actual loading order, so that heavier items like appliances and couches go in the back, lighter items are in the middle, and other heavy items can be added at the end to help hold everything in place. The more you can pad, the better. And the tighter you can make the load, the less items will shift and become damaged. Loading a truck is like a puzzle; it may take you several tries to get it right, so give yourself a day or two to do the job right. Always remember to use your legs to lift heavier items, ask for help, and have a spotter for really big items!
I recently booked a guided Striper fishing trip on Lake Texoma for my family for my father-in-law’s 70th birthday. We booked a VRBO close to Marina Del Ray and set off on our excursion. My family dynamic is this: My 15-year-old is a carbon copy of me. He can fish all day and even if we catch very few simply be satisfied he’s outside and fishing. My 13-year-old loves fishing IF you are catching LOTS of fish. If not, you’d better hope he brought his iPhone or Ipad or you’ll have to listen to his complaints most of the day. My wife enjoys fishing on occasion, but like my youngest boy, you’d better be catching some fish.
As the name suggests, Lake Texoma is on the Oklahoma/Texas border. As such, a Lake Texoma fishing permit is required. Since the lake spans over both states, a resident fishing license from your home state will not suffice. The 93,000-acre lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, so I’ve found it best (if you aren’t a local) to hire a coast guard licensed guide to help navigate the enormous body of water to locate the fish.
A guide will typically get up at 3:00 a.m. or so to use a throw net to catch your bait (typically “shad” which is like a large minnow). The guide and his deckhand will (hopefully) locate the fish, have your rods/reels ready, and will bait the hook for you. They’ll also take the fish off the hook, fillet the fish, and package them for you to take home.
Now back to our trip. We booked an afternoon trip, so we got on the water shortly after noon. There is a 10 Striper per person limit (with some size limits included), so the 5 of us could catch 50 fish. We went out to what appeared to be the middle of the lake, dropped our lines and it was on. Our baits would no more than hit the water and there would be a striper tugging on the line. The fishing was unreal, with several “doubles” and even a “triple” or two with more than one of us with a fish on the line at the same time. We ended up catching 58 (the other 8 were released) in just over an hour. I’m aware of several Enid folks and have many friends that have fished Texoma within the past couple of months with similar success. Needless to say, no iPhones or Ipads were needed on this trip. The fishing continues to be phenomenal so if interested you’d better get on the horn and book a guide ASAP.
How to cook: Soak the filets in water with salt for 30 minutes when you get home. Package the striper in ziplock bags in water and freeze. When you are ready to cook, thaw the fish and put the fillets in a bowl of 7-up (covered) for 10 minutes. The acidic acid in the soda firms the otherwise mushy filets back up. Remove the red stripe from the middle of the fillet entirely, cube, and dip in milk, then dip in Panko or your favorite fish seasoning and fry. Delectable!
August 1-21 10 am-5 pm John Hammer Art Exhibit Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.) Exhibit features selected works from three of Oklahoma artist Hammer’s themed series. Museum open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm.
August 4 6 pm Settlers’ Tye Dye & Brew Settlers Brewing Co., (202 E. Randolph) Tickets $25, pre-registration required
7 pm Karaoke (No Cover) with DJ Twiinception Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
August 5 7:30 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
8 pm Concert: Foreigner Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand) Tickets start at $49.50
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 6-7 10:45 am-6 pm Friday; 9:30 am-7 pm Saturday FLY Film Festival Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence) Complete lineup at FLYFilmFestival.art
7:30 pm “And” Turpin room at Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence) Contains some adult language and themes
August 6 6 pm-9 pm First Friday Downtown Enid Live music, great shopping, delicious food
7:30 pm Live Music: Stacey Sanders Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
August 7-8 10 am-6 pm Saturday; 10 am-4 pm Sunday 4th annual Enid Comic Con Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand) Family-friendly Con, costume contests, tickets are $10 each day, no two-day passes
August 7 11 am-3 pm History Alive! Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.) Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
5:00 pm “Beer, Brats & Beethoven” Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway) Enjoy the humorous side of Beethoven.
7:30 pm Auto Racing: Sooner Sprints Enid Speedway (302 E. Oxford)
9 pm 90’s Night House Party with DJ Twiinception Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 11 7 pm Karaoke (No Cover) with DJ Twiinception Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
August 12 7:30 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 13 7:30 Live Music: Taylor Fussle Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm Live Music: Adam Miller Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
August 14 6 am-8 am Fast & the Furriest 5K & 1-mile Run Crosslin Park (1520 W. Oxford)
7:30 am-4 pm Cycling for Scouts Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
10 am-4 pm Bernhardt at the Manz Writing Workshop Champlin Mansion, 612 S. Tyler Featuring author William Bernhardt, advance registration required through Enid Writers Club
2 pm-5 pm Doggie Dip Champlin Pool (400 W. Cherokee)
6 pm Dinner in the Field Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence) Must Pre-Purchase Tickets at www.enidbrewing.com
7 pm Live Music: Village Sounds by Chloe Beth Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
9 pm Comedy and Cuisine Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple) $20 tickets if pre-purchased at Boondocks or on their facebook page. $25 at the door.
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 18 7 pm Harlem Globetrotters Stride Bank Center (302 S Grand) Tickets range from $24 to $81
7 pm Karaoke (No Cover) with DJ Twiinception Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
August 19 7:30 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 20 7:30 pm Live Music: Chloe Beth Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
7:30 pm Dueling Pianos Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
August 21 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 $8
11 am-12 am Weekends/Music on Maine Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence) Maine St. will be blocked off between Independence & Washington for a full day and evening of live music and vendors
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
6:30 pm Fundraiser: Enid Charity Ball Oakwood Country Club (1601 N. Oakwood) Annual Fundraiser for the Enid Community Clinic. Purchase tickets at www.enidcharityball.com
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 25 7 pm Karaoke (No Cover) with DJ Twiinception Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
August 26 7:30 pm Trivia! Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 28 7 pm Darci Lynne Stride Bank Center (302 S/ Grand) Singer/Ventriloquist Darci Lynne from Edmond is the youngest contestant to win America’s Got Talent. Tickets start at $29.75
9 pm Karaoke (No Cover) The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
August 31 11:30 am Enid Young Professionals 10<40 Banquet Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand) Check www.eyp.com for more details
Kenneth Wade, affectionately known as “Reverend Wade” has been a long-time Enid fixture and beloved minister for many years. Reverend Wade and his family, Carole, Greg, and Doug, moved to Enid following a vicarage and a call to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Enid in 1971. Barely into his ministry at St. Paul’s, he watched the Enid Community band together following a significant flood in 1973. He saw the community respond to each other with care and compassion. Thus beginning his devotion to the community that became home for his family.
Reverend Wade has a strong commitment to both church and community. This was apparent in his support of St Paul’s Lutheran school. The school was started in 1926 and closed down for a brief time during the depression and reopened in 1934. Seeing a need for early childhood education in the Enid community, the preschool program was started, the school enrollment grew, and St Paul’s Lutheran school earned its accreditation. The school thrived under his leadership and continues to serve the Enid Community to this day.
During his time pastoring at St. Pauls, he has been, and remains, a vital part of many family services. Rev Wade said, “I have averaged one baptism, one wedding, and one funeral per month for fifty years.” Throughout his ministry in Enid, his commitment has remained one of service to people as well as the pulpit. His warm demeanor has endeared many to him. His kindness is contagious. He does not know a stranger and sees everyone he encounters as a friend.
Reverend Wade has been a fixture in the Cherokee Strip Parades as the “circuit-riding preacher.” Each year he conducts Chapel for St. Paul Lutheran School on horseback.
He is also responsible for a route to display (and takedown) United States Flags throughout our community every holiday weekend
In addition to his too numerous to mention church outreach committees he serves on the Board of Directors and past president Enid Pastoral Care, a past president of the Enid Ministerial Alliance, he Co-ordinated a community-wide Thanksgiving Service was a Citizens Committee Member for the first BRAC closing round and is a member of the Enid Civitans.
Retired in 2003, he remains a member at St. Paul’s. He has returned to his roots of being raised on a farm. He now farms what he calls, “Some really good pieces of ground” here within the city limits, as well as maintaining a small cow/calf herd.
He is currently serving a vacancy at St. John’s in Covington. Since his retirement, he remains active in Enid Civitans.
Reverend Wade remains grateful saying, “The blessings that I have received from the Enid Community are far and away better than anything that I could have imagined for myself and my family!” He is truly a “Local Legend!”
Christopher Hutchinson, DO, a physician at St. Mary’s Family Medicine North, discusses the importance of vaccinations for children.
Q. What are the most important vaccinations for children and why?
A. The schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics is a well-founded list of vaccinations. It gives time intervals to maximize the benefit and early protection to children from deadly and life-altering diseases.
Q. If a child is not current on vaccines, what should parents know/do?
A. You should talk to your physician about a “catch-up” schedule. The CDC gives guidance on which immunizations are safe to be administered at the same time, a priority level, and timeline.
Q. Do vaccines cause autism?
A. No. The authors of the original article that made the claim were found to have fraudulently written the paper and misrepresented facts and data. There is no link between vaccines and autism. This has been thoroughly reviewed by the scientific community. It has been proven in multiple different studies that there is no link between vaccinations and autism.
Q. Isn’t natural immunity better than getting a vaccination?
A. The illnesses that we vaccinate against can be serious or life-threatening. The complications also can cause long-term, disabling side effects including but not limited to death, infertility, blindness, deafness, neurologic problems and a long list of other issues. It is much safer to be immunized than risking these potential problems. I encourage you to talk to your doctor about the importance of routine pediatric vaccinations.
Q. Haven’t a lot of the diseases we vaccinate for been eradicated?
A. Some diseases like smallpox have been eradicated through vaccinations. However, we are seeing reemergence of some vaccine preventable diseases due to “anti-vax” campaigns. One illustration would be the increasing number of measles cases. We went from one to two cases or less a year, to multiple outbreaks due at least in part to parents refusing vaccinations.
Routine childhood vaccines are so good at preventing the disease that we take them for granted. People have a false sense of security if they think their child doesn’t need protection. If everyone takes on this attitude, herd immunity decreases and the risk of exposure increases. If parents continue to refuse vaccines due to misinformation, there will be further resurgence of these childhood illnesses and lifelong complications that we have successfully prevented.
