Title: One by One Author: Ruth Ware Reviewed by: Michaelene M
If you could snoop in real-time to what music a celebrity was listening to…would you? How about your next-door neighbor? Your friend? Would you let them know it was you listening in, or would you snoop in anonymity? Allow us to introduce you to Snoop, a music-streaming app where you can do just that!
But the company may be in trouble. During their skiing work retreat in the French Alps, the co-founders and employees of Snoop must decide whether to take a buyout or wait until a new update rolls out, one that could take Snoop to a whole new (and extra creepy) level.
It’s just another day on the snow-covered mountain…until one of the company’s co-founders disappears in what looks like a skiing mishap. It quickly snowballs into business as NOT usual when an avalanche forces them all together and the employees begin to disappear. One by one.
Readers looking for murder mystery on the slopes Clue-style will find Ruth Ware creates a masterfully suspenseful thriller, perfect for winter reading. Between the chilly setting, the creepy app, and the dynamics of the Snoop employees, readers will be on the edge of their seats until the very end.
One by One is available as a hardback in our physical collection. It is also available as an ebook and an audiobook on the Oklahoma Virtual Library. Call us at 580-234-6313 to place a hold.
Title: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story Author: Kevin Noble Maillard Illustrated by: Juana Martinez-Neal
Fry Bread is a children’s picture book filled with warmth that centers on food, family, and culture of a Native American family. Each member works together to create fry bread, a traditional recipe that’s been passed down but the ingredients vary between Native communities.
This beautifully drawn picture book centers on each element of making fry bread and in the passing down of tradition to another generation. The story uses all the readers’ senses as it captures a moment of family connection and celebration. Each illustration throughout is intentional and depicts a different aspect of Native American culture. An additional Author’s Note at the end provides further background and education on Native ancestry, and it’s a brilliant addition to an already vibrant story.
The inclusion of the fry bread recipe at the end offers readers an opportunity to try their hand at this traditional recipe. Fry Bread is a heartfelt and joyous book that invites readers of all ages to continue to learn and celebrate the history and culture of Native Americans.
Fry Bread won the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. It is also a 2020 American Indian Youth Picture Book Honor Winner. Find Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story in the library’s physical collection. Call us at 580-234-6313 to place a hold and pick up through Curbside Delivery.
The Dumbell Nebula is a fascinating nebula shaped like a dumbell. Nebulae come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This is one of the easiest to see aside from Orion and the Ring Nebula.
The year 2020 has been a wild ride. From COVID-19 to elections and natural disasters, it’s safe to say most everyone is looking forward to what 2021 has in store (hopefully not more of the same…) On this month’s Cosmic Mariner, we’re traveling into the world of the magical photon, AKA light, as we gaze upon the many cosmic wonders you can see from your backyard in Enid, America. That’s right! Every photograph you’ll view in this article was captured from my driveway or in the surrounding plains. Want to know what’s even cooler? Almost every one of these objects is visible with a pair of plain old binoculars! So, without further ado, let’s marvel at the curiosities our universe has to offer.
Vibrant colors radiate from the Orion Nebula on a crisp evening in Enid, Oklahoma. This photograph is a grouping of 17 images stacked together to capture the most detail possible.
1. We’ll begin by viewing one of the most recognizable and easy to find objects in the night sky. The wondrous and ever-so colorful Orion Nebula. Visible to the unaided eye, albeit under darker skies, this enormous conglomerate of gases is one of the most dazzling objects to look at. This stellar nursery has provided astronomers with valuable insight into the evolution of stars and stellar objects while simultaneously captivating emerging astro-enthusiasts around the globe. If you look closely, you can see the Trapezium cluster of stars located at the center of Orion. These luminous stars help illuminate the enormous cloud of gas that surrounds them. This incredible structure is visible in winter months when the constellation of Orion is high in the sky. To view it, simply look at the middle of Orion’s sword. You can’t miss it.
Jupiter and the 4 Galilean moons (2 of which are shown here), first discovered by Galileo, shine like stars in the darkness of night. The word “planet” actually means “wandering star.”
2. Next up is Jupiter! While this gigantic Jovian planet is undeniably tricky to photograph up close in “stellar” detail, it’s the perfect planet to look at with a pair of binoculars or small telescopes. While the Great Red Spot can be tricky to see at times, mainly because Jupiter is almost 535 million miles away, the planet itself, including its colorful bands, is spectacular. In addition, simple binoculars reveal the ever-changing Galilean moons of Jupiter! From left to right on the image above, you can see Callisto, Ganymede, Europa, and Io. That blue-tinted moon, Europa, is one of our most favored places for life in our solar system! Unfortunately, you can’t see Jupiter’s 75 other moons…
Mizar (Left) and Alcor (Right) shine in the crisp air of an Oklahoam evening. A third star appears just above Mizar.
3. Next up is the second star in the handle of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major)! Mizar, as it’s called, is a rather ordinary star. You sometimes use it when you say to your friends/family “Hey, there’s the Big Dipper.” However, Mizar is unique and has a fascinating tie to ancient human history. If you look closely at the image above, you’ll notice a second bright star near Mizar; Alcor. In ancient cultures around the world, these stars were used to determine the resolving power of a person’s eyesight. If one could see both stars, they were likely to survive longer as they would become archers. Those who couldn’t see the stars were delegated to the front lines. But, if you look even closer…Mizar has another star right next to it. That’s because this star system is a sextuple system. That being said, through a high powered telescope, similar to mine, only three can be seen.
The luminous stars of globular cluster M13 shine their brilliant blues and yellows during a warm summer evening in Enid, Oklahoma. This cluster has stars that vary in color. This is why this formation is so enticing.
4.) Last, but not least, is M13, my Dad’s favorite Messier object and, perhaps, one of the neatest star formations in the night sky. This massive conglomerate of stars is known as a globular cluster. M13 is the most well known of the objects due to their brightness and easy location to find. Simply look at the constellation of Hercules in the summer months. M13 is located ⅓ of the way from the left star of the top two stars. Or, to simplify, use a star map on your computer/phone. This beautiful formation is home to hundreds of thousands of stars and covers roughly 145 light-years from side to side. That means, going back to the first episode of the Cosmic Mariner, if you traveled from one side to the other at the speed of light, it would take you 145 years! So cool! As is the case with the other objects listed, you can see M13 with a simple pair of binoculars.
The Sombrero Galaxy, a distant galaxy from our Milky Way, is perhaps the neatest galaxy visible in the summer sky. It does, in fact, look like a sombrero.
Now that you’ve got a few things to look at, get outside and rediscover our innate fascination with the cosmos above! In the meantime, enjoy these photos and photographs of other, more difficult to find, objects that occupy the wondrous void above.
Column by Susie Skaggs, Garfield County Master Gardener
Planting a container/pot garden has no limits. It doesn’t matter if you have a large garden, small yard, or a windowsill, there is a plant container/pot for every space. I had fun creating special “garden rooms” with my garden pots this past spring and summer. The Covid-19 shutdown allowed me time to watch gardening programs that encouraged planting in pots. In many instances, one can control what you plant, color schemes you want, plantings by plants, plantings by seeds, be it flowers or vegetables, trees, really the possibilities are endless. Planting in pots is a teaching tool about nature and gardening for children. They can use their imagination, improve their skills in math, art, and reading. Containers and pots can be used by anyone with a disability or other medical issues. One can keep any height and in a small area that is easy attainable.
What I found fun was learning I can use any kind of pot I want. I used clay, ceramic, plastic, cracked pots, fancy decorated ones, tall pots, short and round ones, a washtub my Dad used for planting and I used for my red, white, and blue petunias. My watering cans that were rusty on the bottom were used for kitchen herbs along with my first metal coffee pot used on the stove back in my teens. I did puncture holes in the bottom for drainage. I encourage you to check out various yard sales, auctions, junk shops, and even trash piles on the side of the road. Create your own plan and enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try what you like and if it isn’t working, dig up, repot, take and keep notes on what works and what doesn’t, and try again. This is one of the lessons I learned during Garfield County Master Gardeners class.
There are plants that can be planted in containers for spring, summer, fall, and winter. What you plant depends on what can withstand our Oklahoma heat, strong winds, and sudden fluxes in temperature. I kept my container garden very simple. Leading up to my pool area are concrete stairs. I wanted it to be fun, colorful, tropical, to make it inviting. It is an area easy to water. So no dragging a water hose around in the heat. I do encourage you to take a picture of your plantings. I did not. This is what I planted using plants that could take the heat most of the day and as the sun settled in the west the plants and flowers had some reprieve from the sun: Elephant ears, lemongrass, citronella, hot pink Ice plant, Ipomea Margarita Sweet Potato vine, Color Blaze Torchlight, and Rediculous, coleus, herbs of Rosemary, Chives, and for color and scent, more red, white, and purple petunias, blue Mexican heather, various colors of Vincas and various succulents. For this year, my plan worked and it kept me plenty busy. For fall and winter, I planted pansies. Bulbs of any type can be planted.
Here are some additional tips for container gardening:
• Use potting mix with moisture. • If you are going to cover drainage holes, use broken crock shards, gravel, or old window screen. There is debate about covering drainage holes. Ultimate goal: you want good drainage. • To conserve on potting mix, fill large pots with plastic bottles, plastic packing material, then potting mix. • Unpot plants by turning upside down and tap out of the plastic container and gently loosen roots with your fingers or if roots are larger, take a knife to make shallow vertical slices through the root ball in two or three places. • Depending on the size of the plant, plant large plants 1-3” below the rim of the pot. • Water well when you are finished planting. You may have to add more potting mix and water again. • Fertilize from time to time. Pots do require more watering and the nutrients are depleted. • One last fun tip. If planting seeds for flowers, for example, and they are all pink, you might forget what you planted. Paint the rim of your pot the color of the flower.
What is shared in this article is a small part of container gardening. I still have so much to learn. Visit and research websites that offer information on container gardening. One of the best resource websites is the Oklahoma State University Extension. (osufacts.okstate.edu). You will find fact sheets on just about anything you want to plant and grow. You can also call Garfield County Enid Extension for guidance!
My wish is to encourage you to make your own plan, find your own special garden room retreat, and enjoy your time with nature and what it has to offer in any season!
the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.
Reaching a state of wellness is a combination of several factors, as shown by the “Wellness Wheel” above. Nutrition, Physical Activity, Renewal, Resiliency, Relationships, Sense of Purpose, and Self Talk all play a role in the overall wellness of an individual. Realizing what segment is not working, or finding out what is working helps us find balance. When we examine what is going well in life, we attract more of it.
A sunny fall day attracts outdoor exercisers to the Enid Recreational Trails.
According to Rebecca Kroeker, of ATS Counseling Agency, “Self-talk is a critical factor in obtaining wellness and adding to our happiness. Happiness is found in the truth. Reality can be harsh, but it also can be a blessing.”
Rebecca Kroeker, MHR, LPC – ATS Counseling
She adds that our “self-talk” is crucial to lasting changes. “We don’t have to obey our thoughts,” she explains, “We are free to accept them, reject them, challenge them, reframe them or ask our brain to find another thought! So, when we face obstacles or life just doesn’t behave, we can choose to focus on the negatives or see the silver linings.”
Kroeker describes the idea of an actual “happiness equation” developed by Mo Gawdat, a former Google [X] executive. In 2001, he realized that despite his incredible success, he was desperately unhappy. A lifelong learner, he attacked the problem as an engineer would: examining all the provable facts and scrupulously applying logic. Eventually, his countless hours of research and science proved successful, and he discovered the equation for permanent happiness.
(Mo Gawdat images used with permission.)
Thirteen years later, Gawdat’s algorithm would be put to the ultimate test. After the sudden death of his adult son, he and his family turned to his equation- and it saved them from despair. In dealing with the horrible loss, he found his mission: he would share his equation with the world and help as many people as possible become happier. He authored a book called Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy, that Kroeker highly recommends.
Kroeker explains his equation as, “Happiness is equal to or greater than the difference between events of life and your expectations.” Gawdat chose to somehow make sense of his personal tragedy and move forward to help others. When Kroeker asked permission for his book to be featured in this article, Gawdat’s response was, “Thank you for spreading happiness.”
Kroeker also compares the idea of unreasonable expectations to that of a “Bridezilla” who has so many high expectations of her wedding day that one little problem seems to ruin it all. Using Gawdat’s equation, it’s easy to see why the controlling bride would not be as happy as one with simpler expectations.
Happiness and subsequent wellness are daily work. Negative self-talk is one of the biggest adversaries of true wellness, both mentally and physically. When we dwell on negative thoughts, stress chemicals are released that damage our bodies and brain. According to research, to remedy this situation, we need five positive thoughts for every negative one. Experts suggest memorizing on 5-7 positive thoughts so we are prepared to counteract any negative ones. One way to do this is to assign one positive thought to each of the five fingers on our hand, and then recite them when the need arises.
Focusing on gratitude is another helpful tool. It’s a personal choice of how we “ground” ourselves and practice mindfulness. “Just 20 minutes a day of slow, methodical breathing and exploration of statements of gratitude, scripture, or other uplifting thoughts can create feelings of gratefulness and connection. Kroeker tells of one patient who practices a ritual that has been passed down in their family to set a positive tone for the day ahead. A wrapped package is placed at the foot of their bed daily to remind them that “Every Day, Life is a Gift.”
Jonathan Bushman, DO – Reliant Health and Wellness, PLLC
As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Jonathan Bushman of Reliant Health and Wellness, PLLC, views the patient as a whole person…physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many patients can become overwhelmed by the amount of change that needs to occur, to the point they may never start on their journey to wellness. “A fixed mindset equals no change” he explains. “They must believe they are capable and have the means to make the change.”
A Health Coaching Program is now offered by his office to address managing weight issues, diabetes prevention, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, depression, and medication management.
“Change occurs when the pain of remaining the same is worse than the pain of change,” says Bushman.
Lupus, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis…not the description you would expect a personal trainer to give of herself. Kat Kannberg is living proof that people with chronic health issues still need to strive for daily exercise to feel their best. “Movement is key,” says Kannberg.
Kat Kannberg, Personal Trainer at Finer Physiques with Kara Bergdall, Competition client.
Kannberg has been a fitness trainer at Finer Physiques since 2011 and has a robust clientele to show for it. Many female clients cite wanting to regain the body they knew before their children were born, another is tired of wearing “mom” swimsuits and is focused on building muscle for an upcoming family beach vacation. A select few even train to compete in serious physique and fitness contests.
Ashley Voss works on the leg press.
Tina Lavicky uses free weights to define her upper body.
Kara Bergdall, Competition client, shows her muscle definition.
One standout client is Carolyn Poplin, 71, who immediately volunteers the opinion that “Kat is the best trainer around!” Poplin trains three times a week for 30-minute sessions upon the advice of her doctor, to strengthen her joints and core and improve her breathing capability. She is reducing the size of her food portions, adding in more fruit and vegetables, and avoiding heavy meals in the evenings. Along with an increase in water intake, she is also reducing the amount of red meat she eats to help with her gout issues. She reports a steady, slow loss of about 15 pounds at this time.
Carolyn Poplin strength trains for her health.
Poplin comments that there are no limitations on age at Finer Physiques, and she feels very comfortable working out there.
Every person seeking Kannberg’s expertise is required to complete a health profile questionnaire, including exercise and nutrition habits. Kannberg is an advocate of clean eating, which means avoiding high sugar, fried or over-processed foods. Instead, she recommends fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, lean meats, and fresh herbs and spices for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Striving to eat cleanly at least 80% of the time is a good way to keep nutritional goals realistic!
Many Enid citizens are actively pursuing a state of wellness. The temporary ice rink installed downtown for a “Holidays on Ice” event, attracted many seeking outdoor fun and exercise.
Libby and Heidi Long ice skate for fun.
The Enid Recreational Trails is a permanent fixture that many local people frequent in their quest for wellness. It’s a great place for walking, running, biking, fresh air, and fellowship.
Jeffrey Falcomata works out for his needs.
One late fall day, the most inspirational person encountered on the trails is Jeffrey Falcomata. He is witnessed faithfully completing his strength training routine by utilizing the stretching area near the trailhead parking lot on South Cleveland Road. He explains that he uses the sturdy bars to anchor his resistance bands as he works to restore strength to his chest muscles. He is unable to do push-ups or lift heavy weights for his workout, as he is still recovering from having a 3 cm tumor removed from his brain and spine in 2019.
Although the surgery was successful, it caused a loss of hearing in his left ear and sight problems in his left eye. These obstacles do not deter him from completing his exercises as planned. Due to the changes in his health, he was forced to retire at age 60, but he does not speak negatively about anything, he chooses to see the silver linings.
Without question, Jeffrey Falcomata has achieved a state of personal wellness…his unique state, and he’s truly inspirational!
For most seniors playing high school football, it will be your last time under the Friday night lights. Your last time strapping on the helmet. The last time you join your teammates in competition on the football field. For CJ Adams this may not be the case.
CJ is a two-sport athlete at EHS. He plays football and basketball. He started playing for EHS as a sophomore after moving to Enid from Texas.
After having an outstanding Senior year CJ was tabbed Co-Defensive Lineman of the year and 1st Team All District in arguably one of the toughest football divisions (6A-1) in Oklahoma. It seems that CJ may have an opportunity to continue his athletic and academic careers at the next level.
CJ Adams and Anna Hempfling
As the Summer before his Senior year approached CJ as well as other athletes wondered how COVID 19 would affect their season.
“I was scared at first that we were not going to be able to play” CJ said when asked what his thoughts were leading up to the season. “We (EHS Football Team) really wanted the opportunity to show that the hard work we put in would pay off.”
In June, as the summer strength and conditioning program took off, CJ and his teammates began to work. “Our numbers this summer are outstanding. Our student-athletes are showing up and putting in the work. Even with the modifications put in place due to COVID 19, Enid has had one of the most attended summer conditioning camps in years. Enid High School athletes are here and excited.” Coach Tipps, EHS Athletic Director said.
CJ Adams and Carl Adams (Father)
This hard work paid off for CJ and the Plainsmen. Enid Football won more games and was more competitive in their losses than they have been in many years.
When asked what he thought helped bring a change of culture to the program was the constant push from the coaches and the fact that the Seniors had the mindset of “it’s time to go, it’s time to take this seriously”.
“CJ didn’t miss a day, from summer workouts or throughout the season. CJ led by example. He simply worked harder than others.” Said Enid High Head Coach Rashaun Woods.
It is safe to say that CJ has worked himself into having an opportunity to play at the next level. He has received multiple offers from colleges and is excited to see where his future leads him.
Enid Athletics Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Brought to You by Slater Mechanical
Well, I think we can all say that 2020 has not been the year we had expected. As we look forward toward 2021 you may be considering making a New Year’s resolution. At the beginning of 2020, an estimated 164 million Americans said they were planning to make a plan to improve themselves moving into the New Year. And if you were one of those people who decided to make a resolution and be successful, well you are not alone. A recent finder survey revealed that 72.4 million Americans, or about 44.2% of all Americans, think that following through on their New Year’s resolution is well within reach.
So with most of 2020 in our rearview mirror, we can begin to think of the ways we want to improve ourselves. Maybe you want to quit smoking or save more money. Maybe you want to eat healthier or move a little more. No matter what your resolution may be, psychologists say you need to have a plan, not just a resolution.
John Norcross, a psychology professor at Scranton University and author of “Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing your Goals and Resolutions”, says that if you want that resolution to become a lifelong habit then you have to have an actionable plan to get there. Here are some tips that Dr. Norcross provides:
Be realistic and plan ahead – Most successful resolvers plan their goals ahead of the January 1st deadline.
Have a reward system – You must replace a bad habit with a good habit.
Eliminate triggers from your environment – Certain everyday behaviors could be triggering your bad habit. Review your daily routine and make changes where they may be needed.
Get social support – Build a support network that can help get you through the rough times and cheer you on in the good times.
If you are like the approximately 65% of Americans who resolve to exercise more in 2021, OHAI wants to remind you that we can help! OHAI provides movement classes like Tai Chi, Staying Active and Independent for Life, and Walk with Ease. All of these programs meet you where you are physically and allows you to build a support system of others while you are achieving your goals.
The Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, or OHAI, provides free, virtual classes that are open to anyone at any fitness level. These classes are currently being held on the Zoom platform and also on Facebook Live so you can exercise in the comfort and safety of your own home.
OHAI’s 2021 class schedule is being finalized now, so please feel free to email devon-murray@ouhsc.edu, tina-ruding@ouhsc.edu or christopher-m-anderson@ouhsc.edu and we can provide you with the classes that will work best in your busy schedule. You can also check out our website at www.ohai.org or like our Facebook Page at Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative to find a current Facebook Live class schedule.
Let’s all try to make 2021 a happier, healthier year not only for ourselves but for everyone around us.
Few New Years have been welcomed as heartily as this one. If you’re like me, you’re probably eager (and hopeful?) for the new beginnings a new year brings.
Along with my fresh start as a newlywed, I recently quit my job to take my digital marketing business full time. Now I’m starting this monthly column, where I get to share my love of writing with you regularly. (For all of the above, I’ll say Yay God – Thanks for 2020!)
So, raise your glass with me to new beginnings! And tune in here each month for hot takes on how to grow your business (even during a pandemic), fun features of friendly faces from around town, and hopefully the occasional full-bellied laugh.
Now that we’re acquainted, I want to share something important. Your business cannot afford to ignore the digital era we’ve been ushered into. I know… As the need for various online delivery and communication rises, the annoyance level that comes with the words remote and virtual seems to rise at an equal rate. It can be intimidating, but you must take action to adapt. Read on to learn some of the best practices I’m using to help each of my clients grow their business.
WHY DOES MY BUSINESS NEED TO BE ONLINE?
Before I dive too deeply into digital marketing news and theories… I want to acknowledge that this digital world is absurd to many of you. You’ve always done business one way, and the last year pushed you so far out of your comfort zone, that considering anything else that includes the word online makes you want to drive straight to Callahan’s. Bear with me. Learning and implementing online strategies will transform your business. And after 2020, you’re probably ready for some transformation. Going online is worth the effort, especially with so many working online, remotely, virtually.
Recently in a meeting, someone asked me, “Ok, so I start posting about my new orange pants on social media. Do people actually care?” Yes – yes, they do. Maybe not specifically about your pants, but many are isolated and craving connection more than ever. If a conversation about those orange pants leads to a connection with you, which in turn leads to you becoming the first person they think of when in need of an electrician, a Realtor, a new shirt…or a-whatever-you-offer, wasn’t it worth the post?
SHOULD I JUST START POSTING ANYWHERE?
Before you race over to Facebook and start posting, it’s important to put some thought into a strategy. In the digital world, likes and views aren’t enough. You want new customers.
You’ve got to one, know who these customers are, and two, know where they are. Just as every age group and demographic isn’t flocking to the same physical location, everyone is drawn to a different online platform.
Think of platforms as virtual buildings, and their features as rooms within those buildings. Every person physically gathered at an event is drawn to a different room with different refreshments, decor, and conversation.
As you shift your view of consumers in the online world to mirror them in the brick and mortar world, it’s important to be informed. Posting on every platform is not a guarantee of success.
WHAT PLATFORMS ARE RIGHT FOR MY BUSINESS?
I thought you’d never ask.
Facebook – The Dinner Party
Attending dinner with friends and only talking about business will soon land you on the far end of the table alone. Be sure to throw some casual or personal thoughts out there, too. Make sure to ask about their lives, comment on their lives, and let them respond.
Instagram – Brunch
This is a comfortable, casual, trendy environment. A place for cozy, stylish outfits. Conversations about your career are veiled in a more personal cloak, and you’re probably having a couple of mimosas.
LinkedIn – The Networking Luncheon
Have you ever left a luncheon and said, “Dang! I passed out too many business cards!”? This is a room with McAlister’s sandwiches and iced tea. You can’t over-connect. No super personal information is shared; it’s all about business trends and tips.
YouTube – Educational Work Conference
You hop through different channels with different educational videos, like a conference with different breakout sessions. What you post here should be educational, and set you up as a subject matter expert.
Snapchat and TikTok – Happy Hour
Things are rowdy here. There is dancing, and attire ranges from sweats to skinny jeans and stilettos. The conversation is 92 percent personal, eight percent business. To find success here, you have to commit to becoming a regular.
Twitter – The Coffee Shop
You pull up to Da Vinci’s for a quick catch up with friends. The conversation might be work or personal, but it’s fast and caffeinated. Some acquaintances will chime in as they pass your table. To make connections here, you need to show up daily.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Remember those two big questions I asked earlier. Who are your customers? Where do they hang out?
Think about the platforms where your customers are already hanging. Think about what type of content they consume. Then focus your energy on creating content they’ll enjoy on those platforms.
Oh, and of course, if you ever need help, I’m just a phone call or email away. (580) 231-1554 / wordygirlcreative@gmail.com.
As January approaches in Northwest Oklahoma, basketball season becomes the central focus of high school sports. Such is the case at Chisholm High School, as they prepare to host the 52nd Annual Wheat Capital Basketball Tournament on January 7, 8, 9. The Wheat Capital has long been known for its exciting atmosphere created by the competitiveness of some of the best teams from around the area. Alva, Blackwell, Chisholm, Garber, Kingfisher, Perry, OKC Knights, Tecumseh, and Woodward fill out the brackets for the 2021 edition of the Wheat Capital Tournament.
The Wheat Capital Tournament is an event that the Chisholm Community takes great pride in hosting each year. In 1969, the tournament began and was hosted at the Chisholm Elementary School gymnasium. It has also been hosted at Phillips University until the current Paul J. Outhier fieldhouse was constructed in the early ’80s. The history of the tournament is one part of the tradition that fuels the atmosphere and energy among the teams participating. Long-standing teams such as Alva, Chisholm, and Kingfisher ensure that the semifinals and finals are well attended every year. The Alva girls are 6 time Wheat Capital Champions. The Kingfisher Boys have been crowned champions 11 times in 51 years. The Chisholm boys and girls have combined for 11 championships.
This year’s edition of the Wheat Capital will be extremely competitive. In the girl’s bracket Kingfisher, Alva, Perry, and Garber are ranked in the top 10 in their respective classes. Chisholm and Woodward both return enough experience to knock off any of the teams in the field. On the boy’s side of the tournament, Kingfisher is loaded for another run at the championship as the top-ranked team in 4A. The rest of the field is well balanced with Perry coming off a berth in the state tournament last year, and Woodward and Chisholm teams both returning a lot of experience on their respective teams.
The Chisholm Lady Longhorns have a senior-laden team. They start four seniors; Regi Pasby, Courtney Petersen, Brinidey Willson, and Gracie Holder. Add in starter Alice Watkins, and valuable bench player Grace Winter, and the Lady Longhorns will have a solid, experienced team that should find themselves gelling together as they approach the Wheat Capital tournament. The Chisholm Longhorns boys team is very similar to their girl counterparts. They are driven by senior starters; Luke Balenti, Parker Warnock, Heston Daniels, Cody Wichert, and Hunter Combs. Key contributors off the bench include senior Bryson Young, sophomore Huston Lane, and junior Tristan Crosswhite.
As with most indoor events, the Wheat Capital Tournament will have some restrictions on attendance this year. Each team will be allotted 40 tickets per team and 40 extra tickets will be open to the public per set of games. Indoor events at Chisholm High School will require spectators to wear a mask and are asked to make sure that spectators do not enter the gym with any symptoms or recent exposures to Covid-19.
Chisholm High School takes great pride in hosting the Wheat Capital Tournament and embracing its history. It allows Chisholm High School to showcase its students, athletes, staff, and community. It takes a lot of great people to pull off such a huge event. Chisholm High School would like to thank the Chisholm Community and everyone in the Enid area that has had even the slightest hand in making the 52nd Annual Wheat Capital Tournament what it is today.
While job growth is seen as the primary function of an economic development office, it is not possible to recruit employers without a strong pipeline of skilled employees to fill available jobs. This puts economic developers in the role of supporting an environment and education system that produces and attracts a talented young workforce. One of the many ways that Enid supports our talented young workers is through the Enid Young Professionals organization.
Enid Young Professionals (EYP) is an organization whose mission is to attract and retain young people in Enid and to foster the next generation of leaders in the community. EYP offers opportunities for professional development, community service, civic engagement, and networking through their regularly scheduled events. EYP also recognizes outstanding young professionals in the community through their annual 10 Under 40 Awards. Since forming in 2010, many who have been involved with EYP have gone on to be top leaders in their workplace, to serve on non-profit boards, and to make lasting impacts in the community.
9th Annual 10 Under 40 Winners: Shelby Cottrill, Autry Technology Center, Stela Jantzen, Park Avenue Thrift, Hannah Hankey, BKD, Virginia Miller, Groendyke Transport, Jenna Rosine, Edward Jones, Chris Trojan, Attorney at Law, Lydia Kelley, Loaves & Fishes, Alex Evers, Family Martial Arts, Jake Krumwiede, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Tiffany Misak, NWOSU-Enid.
As a small metropolitan community, Enid is just the right size to give people a diverse set of activities, while being small enough to provide everyone an opportunity to make a difference. Over the past few years, Enid has made great strides in becoming a desirable location for young professionals through good-paying jobs, affordability, and quality of life initiatives. If we are to continue to grow Enid by recruiting high paying jobs, it is vital to provide a quality of life that attracts young talent and keeps them in our community.
9th Annual 10 Under 40 Winners: Shelby Cottrill, Autry Technology Center, Stela Jantzen, Park Avenue Thrift, Hannah Hankey, BKD, Virginia Miller, Groendyke Transport, Jenna Rosine, Edward Jones, Chris Trojan, Attorney at Law, Lydia Kelley, Loaves & Fishes, Alex Evers, Family Martial Arts, Jake Krumwiede, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Tiffany Misak, NWOSU-Enid.
If you or someone you know wants to get involved with the Enid Young Professionals or would like to be a mentor to young professionals, visit their website at www.enidyp.com or follow them on Facebook “Enid Young Professionals” or Instagram “@enidyoungprofessionals.”
