Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness Author: Brenda Reeves Sturgis Illustrator: Jo-Shin Lee Reviewed by: Michaelene M
Still a Family is a picture book that centers on a family experiencing homelessness. It’s told from the perspective of a young girl, and it offers an intimate and empathetic look at the difficulties of growing up homeless. From the nights of too much noise and too little sleep, to the times where her father must go to a separate shelter from her and her mother. However, the story also shows the togetherness and comfort she experiences with her family.
The illustrations are sketched from the view of the young girl as well, each drawing focusing on the people around her. The colorful and sincere portrayal of her environment captures the mood in such a genuine, heartfelt way.
Sturgis handles the subject with care and fills the story with resilience, closeness, and love in knowing that they will always be a family. This is a wonderful picture book to introduce to a young child who may be going through a similar situation or know someone who is.
Further reading resources are listed at the back.
Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness is available in hardback at the library and as a digital ebook on the Oklahoma Virtual Library. Call us at 580-234-6313 to reserve the in-library copy.
Having access to medical services is vital to any community’s quality of life. Enid is the medical hub of Northwest Oklahoma, whose reach also extends into southern Kansas. Enid is fortunate to be the home of two top rated hospitals, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and Integris Bass Baptist, as well as numerous specialty services.
Having access to healthcare in Enid benefits the local economy in multiple ways. St. Mary’s and Integris are two of the top employers in Enid, with a staff of over 1,400 employees between the two institutions. As the regional medical hub, patients and their families come to Enid from miles around for doctors appointments. While they are here, they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our retailers which provides much needed sales tax revenue. A strong healthcare presence is also essential in the recruitment of new industries. When companies are considering new locations, they want to ensure that there is easy access to medical services for their employees.
Enid Regional Development Alliance will continue to collaborate with our healthcare partners to strengthen their ability to provide services for our region. Workforce development initiatives are a key component to the success of our healthcare sector and therefore we continue our focus on the recruitment and training of future healthcare professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the growth of health jobs will outpace the growth in other fields with a projected increase of 15% from 2019 to 2029. A key aspect of recruitment is to grow our own by showing opportunities in Enid with current high school students and retaining graduates of Autry Technology Center, Northern Oklahoma College and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
The healthcare industry is a vital partner in economic development and in making Enid a great place to live, work, and grow. Thank you to our healthcare employees for your dedication to serving our region and providing benefits that go beyond keeping our citizens healthy.
Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative is a non-profit organization under the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. OHAI’s purpose is to offer various types of free programs for caregivers, care receivers, active older adults and health care professionals. Walk With Ease was developed by the Arthritis Foundation and a class for those who are just beginning their journey to fitness. Walk With Ease is a free virtual program that will increase health benefits in the comfort of your own home.
Before starting any exercise program, it is important to consider basic questions about your health and health status. It is especially important to assess your risk if you already have particular health conditions. Walk With Ease is a virtual walking program that is a walking guide for better health, improved fitness and less pain. This class offers practical advice on how to walk safely, overcome challenges and strategies in order to encourage you to keep walking. Walk With Ease helps increase balance, strength, and walking pace. Walk With Ease participants have noticed various health benefits such as improvement in mood, boosts energy, reduces stress, and builds stronger bones.
Walk With Ease is a terrific first class to register for in order to learn more about exercising and how to implement it into your daily life. Walk With Ease has four components:
1) walking 2) health information 3) exercises and 4) motivational tips and tools.
Whether you try this class on your own or in a group, this program model is set up as a six-week program for walking. Walking isn’t the only component of this class. In order to help you feel safe and successful, Walk With Ease offers health information, exercises and motivational tips and tools. Each participant will receive a handbook before class starts to help guide you throughout the class.
Walk With Ease has provided many health benefits for those who have participated in this program. This class provides various ways to implement what you have learned into your everyday life. OHAI’s free virtual programming is created to help and encourage everyone. If you are interested in joining this class or to learn more information, please reach out to us via email to Education Director, Devon Murray (devon-murray@oushc.edu) or Education Specialist, Lindsay Mitchell (lindsay-m-mitchell@ouhsc.edu).
No surprise to anyone, but family and friends tend to gather in the kitchen regardless of the other available areas in the home. Trends are centering around cozy and comfortable kitchens. Here are a few easy and helpful tips to “cozy up” your kitchen.
Accent on Vintage – Shiny and bright are out. To keep things warm and cozy, cabinets are painted muted colors and glazed for an aged look. Countertops are also less shiny. Granite or stone countertops feature a honed finish, a process that eliminates the sheen on the surface. Fabrics with a vintage appearance soften the space and contribute to the homey feel of the room. Mixed patterns are key but should stay in the same color family for a pulled-together look.
Done-in-a-Day Decorating Ideas – Try these no handyman required ideas to up the cute factor in your cooking space:
Pull in cottage-style fabric. A Roman shade or tablecloth is all it takes. Pick up one in a floral, check, or toile pattern.
Display plates on a shelf above a window or doorway, or hang three in a vertical row, from smallest to largest at the top.
Nothing says cottage charm like a pitcher of fresh-cut flowers. Keep the arrangement full, with blooms right at the rim.
Mix wood tones. A combination of white distressed, stained, and butcher block will help your kitchen look as if it were put together after many trips to a flea market. Paint or stain wooden chairs or bar stools.
Comfort With Color – Buttery-beige walls are a nice complement. Because the color palette is kept soft and neutral, nothing really stands out and everything blends in harmony. Brighter hues can be added through window treatments and furniture.
Attention to Details – You can’t just hit one store and buy cottage style. Your room should look as if it evolved over time, achieved after years of shopping at flea markets and antique shops. An arrangement of small plates, baskets, or pretty trays adds that special touch. It’s all about having a collected look-nothing matchy-matchy.
In just a few short steps, kitchens are easily transformed into the cozy heart of the home.
Few people bring more cheer to a room than Ty Tompkins. He picks up good vibes and buzzes around sharing them with others. Meanwhile, his wife Kelly, flies at a steady rate, noticing the unnoticeable, and turning diamonds in the rough into bold, sparkly attractions.
What makes the Tompkins crew so magnetic? I suppose it’s that anyone can find the dirt in a person or situation, but it takes a special eye to find the gold. Ty and Kelly do just that.
Whether you know them personally, you’ve probably seen beautiful artwork, an entertaining video, or a giant snow creation covered in their fingerprints – and promoted by the entire city. I’d also go out on a limb and say you’ve heard of their awesome business, Hive Appeal, which offers mural painting and creative placemaking.
“We named our business Hive Appeal because bees represent community,” Kelly said. “They work together to create something sweet. We love working together to make places more appealing.”
Community. People. Two words at the center of the pair’s motives, who stated they paint bold, colorful murals to bring beauty and joy to Enid’s citizens.
“We always say that people want to do business with PEOPLE,” Kelly said. “Showing the human side of the business creates a connection.”
Over the years, this community building has included everything from event planning to facade renovations for downtown buildings. All inspired by a love for Enid, Oklahoma.
“We love Enid’s envious amount of arts opportunities for a community this size,” the beloved Hive Appeal owners said. “And while the city is large enough to provide a customer base, it’s small enough for anyone to make a difference.”
These busy bees aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Their 2021 plans include creating outdoor augmented reality experiences and indoor mural projects that create more enjoyable office spaces.
“Our goal for 2021 is to make whatever difference we can, hopefully in colorful ways, and to cause as many smiles as possible.”
These smile-makers are two of my favorite people. As such, they’ve taught me some valuable lessons over the years that can be applied not only to life, but to marketing as well.
First, don’t be afraid to be weird. It’s what makes you (or your brand) wonderful.
Second, pouring back into your community fills you up just as much as it does your neighbors.
Third, never apologize for being over-the-top excited about an awesome, unique idea. The world needs more of it!
Fourth, surround yourself with plenty of different types of people. Everyone will benefit.
Ty, a self-proclaimed turquoise blue personality, and Kelly, a rusty orange, said these colors reflect their personalities, “because they are opposites, but are better together.” Aww.
Lastly, always call Ty and Kelly if you’re having a bad day.
As the chill of winter has settled in, the month of February offers a welcome day of romance and color as many celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with the gift of roses for loved ones. Traditionally, red roses, symbolizing love and romance, are the choice for this particular day; however, other colors may be appropriate for expressing any number of emotions. Pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy. Enthusiasm and passion are the emotions signified by orange roses. Yellow roses express friendship, and white roses symbolize innocence and purity. Hearts thrill to the delivery of roses of all colors as florists work overtime to fill orders on one of their biggest business days of the year.
The rose’s command of the spotlight isn’t limited to St. Valentine’s Day, as roses of many varieties, adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, are generally popular all over the world. Valued for their color and long blooming season, roses bring beauty into our landscapes and homes from late spring to fall. Although most rose bushes are not high maintenance, there are still important steps one can take to maximize the health and vigor of the plants.
As with many perennials, roses often need to be pruned in early spring. Most Oklahoma roses should not be pruned before March 15, because pruning can stimulate early growth that can be killed by a late freeze (Oklahoma State University Fact Sheet HLA-6403.) With that date fast approaching, now is the time to be sure we have the proper equipment and to review the basics of rose bush pruning.
Before undertaking the task of pruning, be sure to have heavy, thorn-resistant gloves, preferably with high cuffs to protect your wrists as well as your hands. Two types of hand pruners are needed. For cutting off dead canes, anvil pruners, with a pinching cut, are best. For live canes, crossover sheers, with a scissors cutting motion, are recommended. For larger canes, long-handled loppers are needed, and for very large dead limbs, a bow saw works best. Before starting your pruning chores, dip cutting tools in a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Be sure to repeat this disinfecting step when moving from one bush to another.
Tools for pruning include 1) heavy-duty gloves, 2)long-handled loppers, 3)anvil hand pruners, 4)bypass hand pruners, 5)tree saw, and 6)bleach.
If one is a novice to rose pruning, he or she might start by determining if the bush size or shape needs to be changed and cut canes back accordingly. By mid-March, buds will have appeared on rose bushes from which leaves and stems will grow. The bud’s position determines the shape of the plant. With the goal of an open-centered plant, make cuts just above outward-facing buds, angling the cut downward away from the bud.
Cut away inward-growing canes, especially those that cross over other canes
The next step is identifying and removing dead canes (often dark or blackened). In general, canes growing toward the center of the bush are the ones to be removed, especially those that cross over one another. To ensure plant vigor and more blooms, cut off thin or spindly canes, smaller in diameter than a pencil. Never leave stubs when removing branches or canes.
Remove dead or diseased canes
These pruning steps are fundamental and apply to all types of roses; however, according to David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist, more specialized pruning methods vary according to the type of rose plant. For example, while floribundas, grandifloras, polyanthas, and hybrid tea roses should be pruned before blooming, climbing roses should be pruned following the first flowering in the spring. Old fashioned or antique roses require much less pruning than modern roses but should still have dead or diseased canes removed and long, thin canes cut back to maintain the desired size. Learning about the kinds of roses we have in our home landscapes will help us maximize the beauty of the roses and keep the thrill in our hearts year after year—St. Valentine’s Day and Beyond!
More information on all aspects of growing and maintaining roses is available in Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet HLA-6403 Roses in Oklahoma.
Although less appears to be going on during this season of pandemic, and the existence of countless unknowns continue to rise to the surface, there is one season that still seems to capture the attentiveness of many – Chisholm Longhorn Basketball.
The CHS Longhorn Basketball coaches and a few of their senior team members have agreed to be interviewed on their 2020-2021 season as it is one unlike any other; it taking place amid a global pandemic. Omitting, although not dismissing, the fact that this period of introduction to the COVID-19 virus has taken a toll on their season, both the players and coaches are aware of the reality of the arms of this pandemic being able to reach and affect not only their season, but the health of their players, family members, and community as well. The severity of this pandemic has led to rapid changes in education and extracurriculars across the globe. The CHS Longhorns, staff, and parents can vouch for this transition; however, certain unique aspects have derived from this era of uncertainty regardless, making the CHS Longhorn basketball season of 2020-2021 one to remember.
CHS girls’ basketball coach, Tana Turney-Gragg, relayed her coaching approach that especially applies to this year’s circumstances. “We knew going into this season that we would face adversity like no team has before. We try to approach every practice and game like it’s our last. We have already been directly affected by the pandemic with our varsity team being quarantined and having to miss our last four games before Christmas. I think the reality of that situation will make us all appreciate every moment we step on that court together from here on out. You definitely can’t take any opportunity, big or small, for granted this season,” Gragg said. Although this year’s conditions are certainly not ideal for athletes and coaches, they equally are not for others; nonetheless, there is value in this season of life and basketball. As Coach Gragg noted, an attitude of gratitude has been adopted by her athletes, in perhaps the most unpredictable basketball season and year of 2020-2021.
CHS boys’ basketball coach, Corey Miller, responded to the amount of adversity existent this year but moreover gave insight to the elements that are providing the team with an optimistic attitude during this season: “Many factors are keeping us hopeful during this very unusual season. Every school we’ve visited this year, and while at home, has set different protocols to keep everyone safe. From masks, sanitizing, and attendance, we have felt safe that we can continue to play the next game scheduled. My boys saw how last year the season had such an abrupt ending, and with our goal always being making it to the Big House, we don’t want that to happen this year. Every one of our athletes has done a great job of doing their best to social distance and follow those protocols that are in place, so we can play our schedule as intended.” Coach Miller also noted that, for him, this season is not only considerably different due to the virus but also due to personal, family matters: “This season has been especially significant for me, as I lost my dad in the off-season. He was always in the stands and always the guy to send me a text after the game to tell me what we should work on in practice the next day. The boys know that and have made sure that I’ve felt him this year. The first game at Alva they even kept the chair right beside me open just for him.”
Courtney Petersen, a senior for CHS Lady Longhorns, has been a varsity basketball member for the last four years. Her contributions to the team can numerically be represented by her nightly statistics on the court; however, a more distinct way to note Petersen’s dedication is through her relentless persistence. When asked about a particular team value that the CHS Lady Longhorn’s have embraced this season, Petersen noted, “Every year our team has a theme or motto to symbolize a goal or idea we want to strive for. The seniors were able to choose this year’s theme.” Petersen went on to indicate the acronym that was especially attributed to this season and their current circumstances regarding the pandemic. “LAST. L: learn A: and adapt S: successfully as a T: team,” Petersen said. She went on to describe its significance to her and her team members: “We created this because of the unfortunate circumstances we are encountering. We realize that things are going to be different this season, which will require us to adapt to the changes as a team.”
Heston Daniels, another senior on the CHS Longhorns boys’ basketball team, had additional inspiration that led to him characterizing what appeared as an inevitably challenging year as one of just the opposite as the CHS’s community spirit and support never ceases to motivate him and his teammates to play: “The best part about being a Longhorn during basketball season has to be the support from the community – whether it’s basketball, football, or any other sport, the community always shows up in any way they can.” The uniqueness of the CHS community endorsing athletes with their presence and spirit, even in the middle of what seems like global disorder and divide, is what gives the CHS athletes the ability to continue to strive for hope.
While this season of pandemic has certainly not been easy for those involved in the 2020-2021 Chisholm Longhorn basketball season, this period has allotted and developed a cognizance of admiration for the game of basketball that was conceived from this time of ambiguity like no other.
Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, the 71st Operation Support Squadorn commander and T-6 Instructor Pilot, was awarded the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award Feb. 3 in a virtual ceremony. Ruffin is the second recipient of the award following Ret. Brig. Gen. McGee for whom the award is named. It was presented by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Alyssa Letts)
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, the 71st Operations Support Squadron commander, was awarded the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award Feb 3 in a virtual ceremony.
Ruffin is the second recipient of the award following original Tuskegee Airmen, Ret. Brig. Gen. McGee for whom the award is named. It was presented to Ruffin by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a part of the Hoover Trophy Program.
“General McGee has been a champion of freedom and flying throughout his entire life, and I am humbled to be recognized as reflecting his virtues of determination, leadership and service,” said Ruffin, Jan.31.
The McGee Award celebrates the commitment that Ruffin has made to inspire young aviators around the nation to keep the Tuskegee Airmen legacy alive.
Col. Ruffin and Gen. McGee
“It is presented to an individual who, like General McGee, persevered to overcome challenges en route to learning to fly while inspiring others along the way,” said Elizabeth O’Connell, a representative from AOPA, via email Jan. 27.
“The Tuskegee Airmen produced approximately 1,000 African-American pilots and today, there are less than 300 African-American pilots on active duty in the Air Force,” said Ruffin.
He hopes to reduce that gap by giving underrepresented youth access to the cockpit through a non-profit organization he created in 2012 called the Legacy Flight Academy. It is operated primarily out of Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, the original training location for the Tuskegee Airmen.
The non-profit’s mission is to uphold and sustain the legacy of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, all while following the slogan: “The Sky’s the Limit … until it’s your point of view.”
The non-profit works in tandem with partner organizations to help minorities and underrepresented youth succeed, particularly in military career opportunities.
“The concept of fighting for more than just yourself and overcoming more than just the immediate challenges in front of you has become something that has strengthened me as I’ve progressed throughout my career,” said Ruffin. “We are America’s Air Force and it is vitally important that we reflect the nation we protect and represent our fellow Airmen who serve,” said Ruffin.
It’s February and Winter sports are back in full swing; Enid High School has three winter sports programs available for students to compete in. We offer boy and girls wrestling, boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls swimming. This month our Plainsmen/Pacer “Pride of the Plains” student focus is on EHS Junior Swim team member Kade Couchman.
Kade Couchman, a Junior on the EHS Swim Team, came to Enid High School this past fall. Kade started competitive swimming in the fall of 2018. Before that, he hadn’t even had experience with any of the strokes. After talking with Kade he says “many of his challenges stem from my lack of experience with the technical elements of the strokes.” Over the next two years, Kade would like to help the relay teams for EHS swim to set new records. He wants to encourage the team to push themselves to continue to reach individual state qualifying times as well. Head Swim Coach Lyndsay Watts says “Kade’s example has helped drive our team toward excellence this year and we are so blessed to have him!”
Being a student-athlete comes with a different set of standards and expectations. Eligibility for athletes is checked weekly and the amount of time the athlete spends on their craft only adds to their workload. “Being an athlete on the Enid High Swim Team has taught me the importance of time management, hard work, and dedication, in the classroom as well as the pool” says Kade Couchman. If Kade could offer advice to other athletes, he would like to tell them to put trust in their coaches and complete the tasks given by their coaches to the best of their ability. Set goals with them and make working toward them a priority.
Kade has never participated in High School athletics until this year. Cooperation and communication are two of the lifelong skills that athletes learn from participating in high school sports. Kade is working on these two skills as a new team member along with becoming an excellent example and team player. His motivation is to live up to the standard that has been set by his older teammates. His plan for the future includes qualifying for State, Nationals, and then to attend a college on a swimming scholarship. “The positive impact that he has made on this team in just a few short months is mind-blowing. Kade holds himself and his teammates to a high standard in regards to attitude and work ethic” said Coach Watts.
As Kade and his teammates continue to strive for excellence, we are excited to see what the future holds for Kade and the EHS Swim team.
Enid Athletics Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Brought to You by Slater Mechanical
